HH the Father Emir Attends Aljazeera 18th Anniversary Celebration

Doha, November 01 (QNA) - HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser on Saturday attended the celebration of the 18th anniversary of Al-Jazeera Media Network, which was held at the St. Regis Doha hotel. At the outset of the function, HE the Chairman of Aljazeera Network Sheikh Hamad bin Thamir Al-Thani, delivered a speech, in which he expressed pleasure at the attendance of HH the Father Emir and HH Sheikh Moza bint Nasser. HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani is the one who was behind the establishment of Aljazeera, His Highness was as well the biggest supporter for Aljazeera and its professional career, till it became the biggest Arab media experience and among the world biggest media organizations, he said. Huge pressure brought to bear on Aljazeera to abandon professionalism and keep silent on many events, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Thamir Al-Thani said, adding that thanks to the support of HH the Father Emir, Aljazeera was able to continue its message advocating the right to liberty and truth. The presence of HH the Father Emir in this day is the greatest support for Aljazeera and its employees, he said. Aljazeera Chairman lauded the continuous support of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for Aljazeera facing enormous challenges in order to advocate just and freedom. "When Aljazeera was launched on November 1, 1996, the Arab world, to which we belong, was different. Aljazeera followed the issues of its nation, since it was a single monolingual channel until it become a global network that addresses the various nations and peoples," he added. He went on saying that through its 18 years, Aljazeera did not alter its editorial policy, which is based on the balance, objectivity and faith in the rights to knowledge freedom of expression. This is the solid ground on which we have been standing, and from which we were able to move forward in spite of the obstacles and anti-freedom attitudes that fear the spread of knowledge among people. Some bet that we will deviate from this approach, but the developments that accompanied the Arab Spring in the past three years have proven this losing bet, he added. During these events Aljazeera was present in the field and under the bombardment being an eye for Arab citizens and a faithful companion for the revolting nations, he said. When the Israeli occupation attacked Gaza Strip three times, Aljazeera was present to broadcast live the Gazans steadfastness and sacrifices. It did the same when Israel Attacked Lebanon. (QNA)