20 April 2011 - Journalists can make the government in Afghanistan better, according to the theme of a two-day regional conference in Kunduz which kicked off today with more than 140 representatives of government and media.

“The role of media is significant and vital in establishing a democratic system,” said Abdullah Rasoli, a coordinator with the international non-governmental organization Mediothek. The group organized the conference with support from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

"It is a need for both the government and the media to recognize the weaknesses and challenges, and to highlight the solutions and opportunities, as well,” Rasoli added.

Representing the governance side, Kunduz Governor Mohammad Anwar Jegdlak told the journalists that his office is open to constructive criticism.

“We are exercising democracy in our country. Criticism brings change to a system,” he said.

The UN Mission supports initiatives that promote good governance and the rule of law as part of its mandate approved by the UN Security Council.

By UNAMA Kunduz