Hargeisa (SD) – The Newly elected Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives, Abdirisaq Khalif Ahmed, last night met with journalists working in Hargeisa and other regions of the country.

The meeting was arranged by Barkhad Jama Batun, a Member of the House of Representatives and was attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Abdirizak Khalif, Second Deputy Speaker Ali Hamud, other MP’s and more than ten journalists.

The meeting focused on how journalists can work together with the new House of Representatives and resolving a complaint by some journalists that they were not allowed to cover the day he took office.

Several journalists who spoke at the meeting, focused on the need that the newly elected House of Representatives should pass the long awaited new Media law, as to have a comprehensive Code of Conduct for Media and Journalists.

The journalists also called on the members of the House of Representatives and their leadership to stand for the protection of the media and freedom of expression, in the face of increased prosecution against the media.

Speaking at the meeting, members of the House of Representatives said they would work for a Press Law that guarantees the rights of journalists and the public, adding that they would not allow the illegal detention of a journalist.

Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives Abdirizak Khalif, said the House is ready to work closely with the media, which he described as a major pillar of nationhood.

Mr. Khalif also Journalists at the meeting that he is committed to passing the long awaited Somaliland Media Law.