Representatives of the publishing industry must be involved "at every level of the media reform process," while governments old and new should "respect the role of a free press in the democratic advancement of their societies," said a resolution issued by the Board of WAN-IFRA, meeting Friday in Dublin, Ireland.

Through its long-standing engagement in Tunisia, and following recent press freedom missions to Egypt and Yemen, WAN-IFRA has witnessed the demand for sweeping change that has led to unprecedented reforms in parts of the region.

The role of the media in safeguarding the right to freedom of expression underlines the importance of a free press in emerging democratic societies.

In countries where the struggle for reform continues, the independent press has proven a vital tool in linking those who defy oppression with a worldwide audience.

With the fall of regimes in Tunis and Cairo and the spread of pro-democracy movements throughout the region, the media has faced great risks and suffered tragic consequences. WAN-IFRA therefore reaffirms its commitment to strengthening and supporting the independent press in this crucial period of transition in what is a unique chapter in history.

WAN-IFRA, based in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany, with subsidiaries
in Singapore, India, Spain, France and Sweden, is the global organisation of
the world¹s newspapers and news publishers. It represents more than 18,000
publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3,000 companies in more than 120
countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality
journalism and editorial integrity and the development of prosperous
businesses.

Inquiries to: Larry Kilman, Director of Communications and Public Affairs,
WAN-IFRA, 7 rue Geoffroy St Hilaire, 75005 Paris France. Tel: +33 1 47 42 85
00. Fax: +33 1 47 42 49 48. Mobile: +33 6 10 28 97 36. E-mail:
larry.kilman@wan-ifra.org