Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 16;

President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Christopher Warren, who arrived today on a four-day visit, is seeking an audience with King Gyanendra regarding the latest development affecting freedom of the Press.

“Journalists stand obliged to face the situation. The best way to face it is to assert your professional obligations,” Warren told senior journalists at an interaction soon after his arrival.

Warren, who heads a global organisation of journalists numbering over 5,000, also reassured local journalists that he would be taking up the issue with the King if he is granted an audience.

However, the request for the audience has not been approved yet. He also said that as a global organisation of journalists, IFJ would try to prevail on donor agencies to cut off military aid to Nepal if democracy and freedom of the Press are not restored.

He is expected to meet various officials during his visit.