In a meeting with selected journalists on Thursday, September 2, 2010, VP Mahdi stressed that the free and independent media also requires a political space where an opposition is strong, effective, immune, and can exercise the authority of constructive criticism of the government.

The Vice President of the Republic explained that the existence of active political opposition is an indication of the healthiness of the political system and the safety of the democratic process and the acceptance of the principle of peaceful transfer of power.

VP Mahdi stressed that journalists must alert public opinion in Iraq to important issues affecting their daily lives.

Media professionals reviewed media reality in the country and stressed on the need for legal legislations that regulate the press actions and protect journalists and codify media freedom with all responsibility and commitment to professional standards