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UNMIN Chief Ian Martin’ Truthfulness
BY KTM Metro Reporter in Kathmandu
The Nepalese state-owned newspaper “The Rising Nepal” of March 13, 2008 reported that clarifying some aspects related to the UNMIN helicopter accident, UNMIN Chief Ian Martin denied the Nepalese media reports that the UNMIN officials misbehaved with the Nepalese media persons when they were taking the pictures of the UNMIN-hired helicopter crash in Bethan, Ramechhap last week. He claimed that some of the stories that have appeared in the Nepalese media over the last week have been erroneous. He said the UNMIN team did ask to see footage that had been filmed to confirm that it did not include film of the bodies. But, there was no manhandling, and indeed no UNMIN staff handled the cameras of photographers or cameramen, he added. However, freedom of expression should be exercised by the press in accordance with professional ethics, which should govern the decision about what to photograph and film, and what not to, he said.
Mr. Ian Martin’s sayings contain two main things: first he made it clear that the Nepalese reporters are liars and second they are unethical reporters. So, Mr. Martin did not believe in the UNMIN staffs manhandling the Nepalese reporters; however, he believes in the unethical behavior of the Nepalese reporters. Does Mr. Martin really know what is ethical and unethical behavior of the reporters? Will such a high-level UN official like Mr. Martin not put the reputation of other UN officials for their sincerity and integrity at risk?
