DOHA: Qatar needs a new press and publications law to keep pace with the demands of the changing times, the State Cabinet said yesterday. The Cabinet also stressed the importance of opening up channels of communication between journalists and government officials to make sure news is reported correctly.

During its weekly meeting presided over by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister

H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani, the Cabinet said drafting a new law for printing and publishing was important.

“The legislation is important to keep pace with the requirements of the current and future stage,” said the Cabinet, stressing the need to encourage Qatari citizens to work in the local media and raise awareness about media’s role in the larger interest of society.

After the Cabinet’s weekly meet, the Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, H E Sheikh Nasser bin Mohamed bin Abdul Aziz Al Thani, gave details of the deliberations to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

Present at the meet, which earlier discussed the recommendations of the Advisory Council about “Responsible Media Freedom’, were Sheikh Hamad bin Thamer Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Media Corporation and Sheikh Jabor bin Yousef bin Jassim Al Thani, its Chief Executive.

The Cabinet at the outset expressed disappointment over the demand by the Palestinian Authority that the Human Rights Committee postpone voting on reviewing Richard Goldstone’s report on crimes committee in Gaza war during December 2008 and January 2009.

The postponement request came at a time when Arab and Muslim countries have urged the international community to take firm stands to guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people who have suffered much due to the aggression of the Israeli forces.

It is surprising that the postponement was urged by the Palestinian Authority at a time the international community was willing to take its responsibility, an official said.

The decision represents a real setback for the principles of international justice and will lead the Israeli occupation forces to commit more crimes against humanity.

The Cabinet rejected the view that the postponement request will have any positive impact on the peace process, and urged the Palestinian Authority to shoulder its responsibility towards the Palestinian cause and protect people’s rights.