The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on all members of the Tunisian Journalists' Syndicate (SNJT) to remain united and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the disputes over the future direction of the union.

The call was made following an IFJ mission to Tunisia that attended the union's general assembly on Friday 26th June, the third since the SNJT was launched in January 2008. The general assembly was organised in the wake of three resignations from the SNJT executive board and the circulation of a petition calling for the re-election of the leadership at an extraordinary congress. A fourth resignation was formally received on the day of the general assembly.

"Tunisian journalists must remain united and settle their differences through dialogue and democratic debate," said Younes M'Jahed, IFJ Vice-President. "With both sides accusing each other of politically motivated actions, it is essential to organise a frank and open debate over maintaining the independence of the union from all forms of external interference, whether from the state, political parties, financial power or other pressure groups."

While the views of all parties were forcefully expressed in often tense exchanges during the general assembly, the IFJ welcomed the meeting's concluding statement that endorsed a call for unity and reconciliation and the maintenance of the syndicate's independence.

The IFJ Executive Committee sent the mission to observe the general assembly, to send a message of solidarity and to offer mediation to the two different groups in order to find a way out of the crisis. In particular, the IFJ stated that:

The Syndicate must be allowed to make statements and issue reports on the rights of journalists without coercion or intimidation;

Members must remain united and open to resolving their disputes and divisions;

The SNJT must respect the rules of its constitution and the basic norms of union democracy in its search for a solution to the crisis;

The IFJ remains neutral in the internal disputes of the SNJT but will do all it can to strengthen and maintain the unity and independence of Tunisian journalists.

The IFJ has offered to mediate between the conflicting parties.

 
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The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 123 countries worldwide