VP: Government Open ...
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The senior official added that at that time, the government needed a medium to both publicize its achievements and benefit from the opinions of critics and the public.
“It aimed to create an independent newspaper to raise the tolerance threshold in the country,” Aref explained.
He emphasized that the “basic principle” for any media outlet was to “remain independent and serve the people.”
The VP highlighted what he called “serious cultural and social challenges” facing Iranian society, saying that media criticisms could help address them.
“Such criticisms should always be coupled with practical solutions to tackle the issues,” he pointed out.
Aref also referenced Pezeshkian’s commitment to his electoral campaign slogan of “National Unity,” saying the motto paved the way for the media criticize the government’s strategies.
“The government has no intention of hitting back at criticisms levelled against it. On the contrary, it welcomes media criticisms as part of its mission to promote unity,” he said.
Pezeshkian, who took office in late July, has made national unity the cornerstone of his government.
Aref urged the Iran newspaper to act as a “reliable advisor to the government” and instill hope among the public, especially in the face of anti-Iran propaganda.
“Through constructive criticisms and advice, media outlets can help the government respond to the people’s demands,” he added.
Speaking at the event, Minister Salehi underscored that Iran had “never been a mouthpiece for the government” but rather “a questioning media and a two-way road between the state and the people.” He also praised the newspaper for its efforts to preserve Iranian identity and safeguard national interests.
Meanwhile, Jaberi Ansari noted that the Iran newspaper was determined to “bridge the gap between the government and the public.”