Jerusalem, 17 June 2006: The Media Monitoring Unit of The Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH) has issued its 5th report since its establishment in June 2004, which tackles Palestinian media coverage of the illness of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, and his abrupt departure from political life.

The report, entitled “The Palestinian Media Coverage of Sharon's Illness and his Departure from Political Life” aims to provide both Palestinian and Israeli researchers with the relevant information in order to assess the trends and practices of mainstream Palestinian media, and provides a comprehensive documentation of coverage that enables observers to draw comparisons between the Israeli media’s coverage of the passing away of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and the Palestinian media’s coverage of Sharon’s demise.

MIFTAH reaffirms that the aim of its latest Media Monitoring report is to contribute to the development of Palestinian media towards more professionalism, integrity, and accuracy. It also notes that such initiatives will enable better understanding between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, which is hoped to provide one step towards the end of Israel’s illegal occupation and a just and durable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The report could be viewed at MIFTAH’s website www.miftah.org at the following link:

http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=10572&CategoryId=31

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For further information, please contact:
Media Monitoring Unit, MIFTAH
Tel: +972-2-298 9490
E-mail: monitoring@miftah.org
Website: www.miftah.org