NNA - The European Union Ambassador to Lebanon, Angelina Eichhorst, held on Monday evening a reception in honor of Lebanese journalists, in the presence of Information Minister Walid Daouk, diplomats, and the Director of the National News Agency, Laure Sleiman Saab.



The Ambassador praised in her speech, the wide margin of freedom of expression in Lebanon.



"Lebanon, as we always say, is a unique example of diversity and pluralism. Indeed, Lebanon enjoys the presence of the largest journalistic body in the region, as well as more than 150 correspondents and 75 foreign media figures," she explained.



"Unfortunately, the freedom of press in Lebanon and elsewhere poses a difficult issue to resolve," she said, noting that the Middle East is one of the most dangerous regions in the world.



"According to SKeyes foundation, one journalist is killed every five days in Syria," she recalled, calling for the release of all journalists held hostages worldwide.



"The European Union will continue to support the significant contribution of the press. We will work together with you, and the general public, to witness the results of our partnership with Lebanon," she concluded.



Information Minister Walid Daouk, for his part, said that in Lebanon, "we always aspire to ensure objective and accurate information, which reflects the reality of the facts."



"We want freedom of expression to prevail in neighboring countries, so that we can adopt the same language and respect the opinions of others," said the Minister.



"Freedom of expression characterizes Lebanon and we know that's what we want," he added, expressing hope to see Lebanese journalists "gathered under one federation, which oversees the profession."


===================R.H.