Kathmandu: The visiting President of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Mr. Christopher Warren talking to a delegation of the Federation of the Nepalese Journalists, September 28, has said that the FNJ has a tremendous role in guiding the overall functioning of the Nepal’s media sector.

“The FNJ is the leader of the Nepali media”, is what Christopher said of the FNJ.

He also made it clear that the central office of the IFJ understands this reality and that the IFJ would do every thing possible to enhance the functioning of the FNJ secretariat.

Mr. Warren who is here in connection with a regional media seminar assured the FNJ delegation that the IFJ would take up the case of the Nepal’s working journalists’ plight through appropriate international channels.

The FNJ delegation led by Mahendra Bist, apprised the IFJ president of the issues confronting the FNJ in its smooth functioning over the years.

Mr. Warren commenting on his meeting with the Prime Minister said that he found the Nepali chief of the executive less interested in media affairs for unknown reasons.

“The Prime Minister was not in full concentration when I met him at his official residence and was asking me less important questions”, lamented the IFJ president.

The IFJ team included Ms. Jacqueline Park, director, Asia-Pacific regional Office, Sydney, Australia and Ms. Laxmi Murthy, IFJ New Delhi bureau.

Later in the afternoon, the IFJ President and his team visited the central office of the FNJ and addressed a press conference organized by the FNJ.

Responding to queries of the media men, President Warren expressed his grave concern over the plight of the Nepali journalists who, according to him, had become the victims of both: the rebels and the state security forces.