Saudi writers urge more freedom
Saudi intellectuals called for more freedom of expression to able to convey their views and present their works. They also said they wanted to see a conducive atmosphere to encourage publication and production of their works.
Saudi intellectuals called for more freedom of expression to able to convey their views and present their works. They also said they wanted to see a conducive atmosphere to encourage publication and production of their works.
In a series of recommendations adopted at the end of a three-day conference, the first ever in the Kingdom, Saudi writers, artists and intellectuals expressed full support for measures adopted by the government to root out all forms of terrorism and stressed the need for encouraging and promoting the culture of tolerance and dialogue to consolidate national unity and cohesion among the citizens of the country.
The secretary-general of the conference consultative body, Mohammad Rida Nasrullah, read out the recommendations.
The final session held on Monday evening which was attended by Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Governor of Asir Region and Chairman of the Arab Thought Foundation, Dr. Gazi Al Qusaibi, Minister of Labour and Dr. Fouad Abdul Salam Al Farsi, Minister of Culture and Information.
Security forces were called in to calm the situation following a heated discussion that was about to turn into a fistfight during a debate on music and singing.
The dispute started when a delegate asked to take the floor but the chairman of the session ended the debate before the delegate was able to speak.
The delegate objected over what he called a "deliberate move to single him out by the organising committee" and a heated exchange of words followed before the situation was calmed.
The recommendations, described by many participants as enough to meet general expectations and ambitions, stressed the importance of active involvement of women in cultural activities in the Kingdom and abroad.
The delegates urged the authorities to encourage and support writers and publishers in publishing and distributing their works.
They also called for the establishment of a fund to look after the intellectuals.
Call to reform rules governing cultural bodies
- The first conference of intellectuals, writers and artists stressed the importance of active involvement of women in cultural activities.
- It called for reinstating the state prize for science, arts and culture and urged the Ministry of Culture and Information to produce suitable programmes for children to be aired on the state media and also to establish cultural and arts centres for children.
- It also called for restructuring the cultural bodies, including literary clubs and cultural societies, to improve their performance and for allocation of enough funds for cultural activities in the country's budget.
- The delegates also urged the speedy licencing of the Saudi Writers and Intellectuals Association to enable it proceed forward with its mission.
- The delegates recommended a long-term plan for the establishment of integrated and fully equipped cultural centres, with lecture halls, theatres, libraries and exhibition centres. They also demanded that the rules governing the activities of cultural institutions be reformed.
