The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said that ‘the Iraqi journalists had shown fresh commitment to building democracy and unity within media' following recent elections within the Iraqi Union of Journalists. In a letter of congratulations to the newly-elected union president Moaid Al Lami and his colleagues, the IFJ noted that the final results of voting had been verified and approved by the judicial committee monitoring the election.

“This is an important moment for journalists in Iraq," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary, “The union has a new leadership which must now give priority to building a united, strong and energetic movement of journalists that can work for the security and independence of media professionals throughout the country."

The IFJ pledged to continue its support for Iraqi journalists and to work with the IUJ and the Iraq Media Safety Group to protect their social and professional rights and to ensure safe working conditions. The IFJ plans to meet with the new leadership in Iraq to develop the cooperation in support of Iraqi journalists.

The IFJ saluted the more than one thousand journalists who participated in the IUJ congress and expressed thanks also to the judicial committee which supervised the election. “People who were disappointed by the results of this election should work within the union to use democratic means to have their voice heard,” said White, expressing concern at suggestions over reports that some participants at the recent union congress were challenging the result. "The priority for Iraq media professionals is to build democracy and unity within journalism. This is not the time for division and we will work closely with the newly-elected leaders of the IUJ to support all Iraqi journalists who yearn for peace, security and media freedom."

For more information contact the IFJ at +32 2 235 2207

The IFJ represents over 600,000 journalists in 120 countries worldwide.