LOC11:46
08:46 GMT
Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
PARIS, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- Irina Bokova, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has strongly condemned the killing of journalist Leyla Yildizh in Iraq.
"I deplore the killing of Leyla Yildizh," the UNESCO chief was quoted as saying in a statement issued by her agency.
"It is essential that all parties involved in the conflict in the region respect the civilian status of journalists and their right to carry out their professional duties in safe conditions," she stressed.
"It is also important that media organizations ensure that the personnel they employ in conflict zones benefit from optimal training and support promoted by professional organizations ... and this is a goal that UNESCO is supporting," the head of the UN agency mandated to defend press freedom said.
Leyla Yildizh, also known as Deniz Firat, was a photographer and television journalist for the Firat News Agency.
According to UNESCO, Yildizh died in an attack on August 8 while reporting from the Maxmur refugee camp north of Mosul.
The UN agency maintains a web page dedicated to condemning the killing of journalists, in line with Resolution 29, adopted by its Member States in 1997. (end)
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