Egypt launches English blog to tackle ‘inaccurate foreign media reports’August 27, 2015 - 11:45 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt has launched a new English blog to “enhance its communication with the world” and to address “inaccurate” reports about the country in foreign media, according to the Guardian. Launched this week under the name Egypt MFA Blog: Egypt Connects, the blog aims to create an “informal platform” for those interested in the country’s foreign policy, according to Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. He said it would allow officials, diplomats, scholars, academics, writers and thinkers to exchange opinions. Another of its functions will be to correct alleged misconceptions about the situation in Egypt to the international community, Shoukry said. “It provides a tool to supplement formal channels of information and to circumvent the labyrinthine editorial policies of the mainstream international media. The aim is to provide a more objective narrative of events in Egypt for those who seek more than just the partial truth,” Shoukry wrote in welcome note on the blog. Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abou Zeid took a harsher tone in a statement in Arabic, saying the website comes amid “smear media campaigns adopted by some foreign media outlets regarding political, economic and security issues in Egypt.” The ministry could be referring to recent CNN coverage of the abduction of a Croatian hostage by the Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, Province of Sinai. In a recent statement, the ministry slammed CNN’s coverage. “The report spoke of the spread of chaos and terrorism and the absence of the state’s power in Egypt in a way that is extremely sarcastic, and which is far removed from objectivity, professionalism and honesty,” the ministry said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |