KABUL - Reporters Without Borders on Monday urged the Afghan government to delay peace negotiations with the Taliban unless the group ends their attacks against journalists in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, members from the organization and other media supporting bodies in Kabul said journalists face many problems in Afghanistan and government should fulfill its commitments to support media workers in the country.
"We urge the Afghan government to launch a campaign in order to set a pre-condition for the Taliban's participation in the peace process. Kabul should not start peace negotiations with the Taliban until the group stops targeting journalists and accepts them as civilians," said Reza Moeeni, media officer for the organization for Afghanistan and Iran.
Meanwhile, a message sent by the Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish was read at the session. He said government has established a number of provincial offices in a bid to address journalists' complaints.
At the same event, President Ashraf Ghani's deputy spokesman Shahussain Murtazawi assured the people that Afghanistan's achievements in media and freedom of speech will not be compromised for peace.
"Freedom of speech, media and the values of Afghanistan are the things that will not be compromised. Maintenance of the values is a redline for Afghan government in the peace talks with the Taliban," he added.
Media supporting organizations meanwhile called on security agencies to add a section on the treatment of journalists into their training programs.
Talking on this issue, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said: "Our coordination offices have been established in all provincial police headquarters. We assure you that ensuring the safety of journalists is our top priority."
A number of journalists are also concerned about what they called their safety. They also stated that they faced challenges in carrying out their jobs.
"Journalists in Afghanistan are living under relatively bad conditions, because government makes promises but does not pay attention to fulfill them. Our colleague was killed during the day in front of a police check post in Zabul [province] but not one has assessed (the case) so far," said Mustafa Shahriyar, a journalist.
Another journalist, Shukrullah Adil, said: "I think violence against journalists will reduce if government assesses the cases properly. Access to information is another problem after insecurity for journalists in Afghanistan." (Tolonews)