To disseminate accurate information about Qatar and to counter fake news and disinformation being spread against the State by the blockading countries, the Government Communication Office of the State of Qatar has launched its official Twitter account and a dedicated website.
The Government Communication Office Director, Saif bin Ahmed Al Thani tweeted on Monday night (September 18) about the official launch of Twitter account of the Office. “(It is) our pleasure to launch official account of the Government Communication Office (GCO) of the State of Qatar on twitter,” he tweeted. Immediately after his tweet, thousands of people started following @GCOQatar and the number of followers is continuously on the rise.
The Government Communication Office of the State of Qatar has also launched a website “Lifttheblockade.com” to show the world real picture of the blockade and nullify misleading propaganda being run against Qatar with the help of allegations, fake news and distorted facts by the blockading countries. On the official twitter account (@GCOQatar), a number of posts were published to inform the people about the mission, vision and objectives of the Office.
“The GCO communicates the priorities of the government of Qatar, works with ministries and other key organizations to tell Qatar’s story (to the world) and support government entities in responding to journalists’ enquiries in a timely manner. The GCO is a valuable partner for the local, regional and international media, interest groups, the general public and others seeking to learn more about Qatar,” said a tweet.
The official twitter account also threw light on the objectives of the GCO. To be the principal source of news and information related to the government of Qatar is the prime objective of the GCO. Other objectives of the Office include presenting an accurate image of Qatar to the world through clarifying facts and showcasing the contributions of Qatar in various fields. Also showcasing the government’s vision, policies and programmes; providing communications support to the government of Qatar and other entities and engage with local and international media outlets and respond to media enquiries, are among the objectives of the GCO. The Government Communication Office has also launched a website – Lifttheblockade.com – to disseminate accurate information regarding siege of Qatar and remove misconceptions being created by the blockading countries.
The website gives overview on the blockade, explains Qatar’s position before the global audience on the siege, shares human rights violations being committed by siege countries with the public. The website also provides a window to the general public to read authentic news stories about the crisis.
“The current dispute between Qatar and its neighbors is about Qatar’s foreign policy, our sovereignty, and our independence. It has nothing to do with terrorism or terror financing. Qatar’s principles of openness and tolerance have put our policies and positions in conflict with those of our neighbors,” Lifttheblockade.com says in its “Overview” section.
“The smear campaign against Qatar in the media and the hacking of Qatar’s official news website were planned well in advance and were intended to set the stage for the blockade and the “non-negotiable” demands from blockading countries,” the GCO’s website further said. On media freedom, the website of the Government Communication Office says: “Qatar supports media freedom and the right to free speech. Unfortunately, the blockading countries do not share our vision for freedom of expression in the region.”
It rejects demand of blockading countries to shut down Al Jazeera saying Qatar rejects the demand to close down Al Jazeera, a media platform that stands out as an independent source of information in a region dominated by state-controlled media.
“Qatar believes that independent journalism contributes to public awareness and increased citizen engagement. Qatar further believes that independent journalism helps keep authorities accountable and promotes good governance. Our country is proud of the Al Jazeera network, and of Qatar’s role in pioneering independent journalism in the Middle East.”
