Manager of Media Development of Al-Jazeera Montaser Marai visited the office of International Eurasian Press Fund (IEPF) and met with the President of IEPF Umud Mirzayev. During the visit, he gave an exclusive interview to Eurasia Diary:

So many conflicts exist in the Arab world. Here include Tunisia, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and others. Can you evaluate the role of the media in these conflicts?

Mass Media does not act as a party in these conflicts. Mass revolutions do not result in wars. It has nothing to do with such things. However, the media is responsible for not involving them. The region is experiencing a terrible period, and innocents suffer from this. Journalists are also responsible for this. They should not help the conflicts and should not participate in them. They must reflect the real situation, for example, to show the hunger that dominates Yemen. Regarding Tunisia or Iraq, we must say that there is a political revival. We wish democracy to prevail in the future, democracy in all countries. This is true social security.

What is the attitude of the Arab world to foreign countries such as Turkey, Iran, the European Union, the United States and Russia?

We have relations with these states as an Arab society, they are around us. In particular, we have a cultural commitment to Iran and Turkey. Our society is one, a Muslim society, though it is diverse. All these societies should focus on economic development and prosperity so that the relations between peoples improve. We must live in a mutual understanding with each other. Already, it is inevitable that we live together. As you know, there are Shiites in the Arab world, at the same time Sunnis, Arab, Kurdish, and Muslim live here too, and non-Muslims! Of course, our future is one. We must live in mutual consent with each other, otherwise, we will have conflicts, and our economic situation will deteriorate. We should look into the future.

How would you describe the situation of media freedom in the Middle East?

It is still weak and it continues like this way. The younger generation and social networks in this area are already making some attempts. So, the situation is going well. But I must say that it should be better. The journalist still cannot fully express his opinion. If he had an independent press, he could have done that. Most media outlets are related to business or government. Journalists should overcome this obstacle. I do not say that they should hit their country and spoil them. The voice of the people should reach the government. I want the government to be under democratic control and educated people. The role of a journalist cannot be negative. But over time, the social situation is improving, the new press is formed. Journalists have been able to do more, and are able to convey information to the audience more often.

How does the refugee crisis affect the Arab world?

Naturally, the refugee crisis has political and economic aspects. Economically, Arab countries were seriously affected. However, Arab society demonstrated solidarity with Arab nations. For example, we can show you Jordan as an example. There, Syrian refugees were welcomed with care. There is also the close relationship between local residents and families, especially in the northern regions of the country. Also, the Jordanian society, in general, demonstrated moral responsibility for the Syrian people. These people left their homes and became refugees in order to escape the war and death. Of course, they should be welcomed.

- How does the embargo imposed on Qatar affect its socio-economic situation?

Thank God, I know Qatar has not suffered much from this embargo. Perhaps he had some difficulties in the early days. With God's help, Qatar has overcome the embargo crisis. I say this as a person living in Qatar. Thank God that the criminals have eliminated the consequences of this crisis with wisdom and calmness. For example, less than two years after the embargo, domestic industries, and local production have emerged. Previously, such a thing was impossible. Now, local production is trusted more. It also aims to get rid of imports from some states, especially Saudi and American. I think we have solved this issue. The embargo is an issue left behind for Qatar.

Interviewed by Hashim Mammadov

Eurasia Diary