Egypt's State Information Service (SIS) called on international media outlets and their accredited correspondents in Cairo to abide by internationally recognised professional standards in their coverage of Egyptian affairs and news.

 

In a statement issued on Saturday, the state body said it has carefully monitored what was broadcast and published by global media outlets through their accredited correspondents in Cairo in the past 24 hours and in light of this it reminds, once again, all media outlets and correspondents that it is essential that they should strictly abide by professional codes of conduct of the media and the press.

 

The SIS called on correspondents to only publish or broadcast what that they observe themselves, or from known and credible sources that must be confirmed by two other credible sources that have also observed the same incidents with their own eyes, in accordance with media codes of conduct.

 

"In the case of publishing analysis or conclusions or interpretations or expectations, neutrality between all parties should be taken into account and space should be provided for all viewpoints to be presented in an equal manner and that includes the viewpoint of the State or who represents it," the SIS statement said.

 

"Social media outlets should not be considered as sources of news or reporting, as these sources have an uncontrollable and chaotic nature with the presence of many fake accounts and fabrications; furthermore, in developed nations such sources are not allowed to be used unless under strict regulations and after undergoing many stages of verification," it added.

 

The SIS reaffirmed all media outlets and correspondents should continue with the policy of using expressions and vocabulary that reflect the actual truth of the situation in Egypt. SIS reiterated that terms used should not override the truth, and that terms created by some to promoted for their own aims and goals should not be used.

 

"Any situation should be put in its actual context and should not be exaggerated, taking into account that Egypt is a large nation inhabited by 100 million citizens. Situations should also be placed in their regional and global contexts, as many world capitals witness daily incidents without anyone jumping to conclusions or exaggerations that are usually not even remotely close to the truth," the statement said.

 

"SIS reaffirms its commitment to cooperating with all correspondents and international media outlets, and stresses once more its eagerness to facilitate all the conditions for the aforementioned in order to reach the truth on all subjects, as long as professionalism and credibility are observed and respected," the SIS statement concluded.