Ramallah-19/6/2014: The Spanish general Consul in Jerusalem, Mr. Joan Stiman, visited today morning the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA) headquarters in Ramallah. MADA’s chairman, Dr.Gazi Hanania , Mr.Hussain Shabanneh ,a  member of the broad , the general director, Mr.Mousa  Rimawi and MADA's team welcomed him to discuss mutual cooperation.

 

Mr.Rimawi presented an overview on the activities and programs of MADA in the field of media freedoms and development. he talked about the  last  Israeli attacks on Palestinian media and how it affected the reality of media freedoms in Palestine,  as well as collective punishment Israel  occupation Imposes on Palestinian citizens in the last few days , besides tense internal  Palestinian political situation which also affected media freedom.

 

Mr.Stiman expressed his pleasure to meet   MADA team, saying that he is completely interested in the reality of media freedoms in Palestine since freedom of opinion and expression is a major pillar for democratic communities universally. Mr.Stiman thanked MADA for hosting him and appreciated MADA’s work, stressing:" The existence of organizations such as MADA is very important to improve freedom of expression   status in Palestine."

 

Mr.Hanania stressed during the meeting on the necessity of enacting access to information law in Palestine and talked about MADA'S experience in this field.

 Mr.Shabaneh stressed on the importance of freedom of expression to the Palestinian society and appreciated the Spanish support for Palestinian people.

 

Both sides discussed mutual cooperation to develop Palestinian Media and freedom of  expression, and agreed to continue the communications in the near future in this framework.