Addis Ababa, November 25, 2011 (Addis Ababa) - Speaker of the House of Federation (HoF) Kassa Tekleberhan said the media and artists have the responsibility to protect constitutional rights of citizens.

Speaking at the opening of a symposium organized for professional associations, media practitioners and artists Kassa here stressed the need for the media and artists to reflect in their works issues related to protection of constitutional rights of citizens.

The Speaker said this will help to further strengthen economic growth and also to ensure democracy in the country.

Kassa said it also enables to bring about sustainable growth of the media and the art sectors and expressed commitment of the HoF to work in collaboration with media professionals and artists to achieve the same goal.

The Speaker said the media practitioners and artists should give prime attention in their works toward ensuring the benefits of the public.

They are expected to discharge their responsibilities in protecting the rights of citizens, cultures and beliefs, among others, he said, adding, they have also the responsibility to instill a spirit of development and democracy among generations.

Different relevant research papers will be presented at the two-day symposium.

ENA