We are proud to have a well-trained and capable team of journalists – Farid Mukhametshin

An official meeting took place at Kazan’s House of People’s Friendship to mark the Day of Russian Press on Tuesday. Tatarstan State Council Chairman Farid Mukhametshin, State Council deputy chairman Rimma Ratnikova, Agency for the Press and Mass Communications chief Irek Minnakhmetov, and others, were attendees.

Over the course of the meeting, the journalists with a minute’s silence paid tribute to their counterparts killed in Paris.

In his welcoming remarks, Farid Mukhametshin thanked the gathered journalists for the work done in 2014.

“Since the times of Peter I the tradition to respect people shaping public opinions who, along with authorities, create an atmosphere of friendship and understanding yet critically analyse situations in various spheres of our life, thus assisting the authorities in reducing tensions, has existed,” parliament speaker stated. “In general, we assess the state of Tatarstan’s media market well, and we are proud of having a well-trained and capable team of journalists and media managers.”

Amid the difficulties the country had faced, journalists had to be thorough and balanced in doing their job, to “not heat up the situation”. “These are life’s realities that our country has had to face before,” he noted.

“If journalists give their shoulder to the government of our republic, if they advise, criticise and propose, I think it will be invaluable help in a difficult time,” Farid Mukhametshin added.

According to Rimma Ratnikova, journalists have quite a few trade holidays, each being a reason to raise the world’s awareness of the occupation, recalling that journalism is hard and responsible work.

“Freedom of speech is an inseparable part of our today’s democratic reality. But still, freedom of speech is not a journalist’s limitless right to say whatever they please and create havoc. It is a great responsibility that includes two components: the right to communicate to society truthful information and not be silent but, on the other hand, responsibility for the produced effect. The Tatarstan journalistic community has always adhered to these highly moral and ethical principles,” she claimed.

Irek Minnakhmetov thanked the media for their high proficiency, responsibility and devotion.

“My greetings to you on your trade holiday, the Day of Russian Press! The day has long been perceived by Russians as media’s trade holiday,” he concluded.