Gaza - Ma‘an - The new minister of information in the Palestinian coalition government, Dr Mustafa Barghouthi, on Sunday promised to solve the problems of journalists and to stick to unity rather than partisanship in his performance. He added that he ‘will hold a meeting in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank with journalists to listen to their demands and concerns.‘
In a joint press conference in Gaza City with the former minister of information, Dr Yousif Rizqa, Barghouthi affirmed that he was ‘formally inaugurated as minister of information‘ and that he intends to ‘spread the spirit of cooperation and equality in the ministry.‘ He explained that his performance within governmental organisations will not differ from his performance in non-governmental organisations.
With regards to censorship of the mass media, the new minister confirmed that his ministry ‘will not censor anybody.‘ He also promised to avoid partiality of appointment in his ministry, based on favouritism.
In a different regard, Barghouthi accused Israel of stealing $800 million US, which represents 70% of the Palestinian Authority‘s annual income. He was referring to the Palestinian detained tax revenues in Israel, which he promised on behalf of the new government to exert pressure on Israel to return.
Barghouthi also reported that the question of bringing back the Palestinian TV station and the WAFA News Agency under the authority of the information ministry is being considered. During the era of the Hamas-led government, these two institutions were under the authority of the Palestinian presidency.
The new information minister also affirmed that all parties are endeavouring to release the abducted British reporter from the BBC, Alan Johnston.