Luanda, 06/26 - The national director for Social Communication, José Luís de Matos, on Thursday in Luanda called on the media professionals to exercise their journalistic activity respecting the principles of objectivity, impartiality, strictness and social responsibility.

Speaking at the opening session of the 4th Broad Consultative Council of the Angola Press Agency (ANGOP), José Luís de Matos said that only this way can Angolan journalists be in position to contribute, in a positive way, to the improvement of the living standard of the people and to the reconstruction and national reconciliation process, as well as to the pacification of minds.

“Angola lives an historical moment, the legislative elections will undoubtedly be a great event in 2008 and will be a challenge for media professionals”, he stressed.

The official reminded that this meeting represents an important moment to outline actions with the aim of improving the performance of ANGOP professionals.

He manifested his satisfaction with ANGOP`s adaptation to the new forms of communication and its restructuring strategy, the creation of a portal, expansion and technological modernisation, the development of new products, as well as the commitment to staff training and controlling the quality of its service.

José Luís Matos also exhorted journalists to unite efforts towards building a media service that is more and more modern, objective, impartial and plural.

“Let us put together our energies so that we can have a social communication more and more turned to serving citizens”, he concluded.

The ANGOP Consultative Council, which is being attended by the company`s board of directors, its journalists and technicians from all over the country, is happening under the motto “Innovating for a better service”.

The gathering is being chaired by ANGOP`s Director-General, Manuel da Conceição.

Alongside the meeting there will be a training to be attended by the company’s officials.

Agência Angola Press “ANGOP” was created in July 1975 in Luanda and its first informative despatch was issued on October 30, 1975, celebrated as the company`s anniversary date.