The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on all Palestinian journalists to unite around their union ahead of the planned congress.

"We welcome the enthusiasm and commitment of the Palestinian journalists to reform their syndicate (PJS)," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "This congress is many years overdue and we are happy it is finally happening."

The IFJ says, however, that there are concerns within the Palestinian journalists' community because of undue political interference in the preparation of the PJS congress. The Federation is calling for the postponement of the congress scheduled to be held on 5^th February for a short period to allow journalists to put in place a structure acceptable to all which will guarantee an open and inclusive process leading to a unifying congress. 

"We are deeply worried that the current process is unclear for many journalists," added White, "The IFJ is ready to do what it can to insure that Palestinian journalists have full confidence in this preparation and we are committed to do all we can to ensure the success of this process."

The IFJ says that its leadership is ready to organize an urgent mission to Palestine in order to help creating an agreement on holding the PJS Congress.

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The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 125 countries worldwide