TEHRAN Members of the Association of Iranian Lawyers Defending the Human Rights on Monday inspected the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) Headquarters. Head of the association, Nabiollah Ahmadloo, said if a society wants to take a lead in the Islamic world its information dissemination system should be accurate and powerful. Lauding efforts of IRNA officials and reporters, Ahmadloo said information dissemination is the most effective way to reinforce the people's rights.

Head of the association of the lawyers said the prophet of Islam, Hazrat Mohammad (S) was the best messenger of human rights and Iran should try to improve its image regarding the human rights issue, thus foiling negative propaganda. The association of lawyers defending the human rights is a Non-Governmental Organization which started activity in 1997 with its members being mainly lawyers and attorneys.

IRNA Managing Director Fereydoun Verdinejad briefed the lawyers on the status of the mass media and emphasized the need to give comprehensive support to reporters and journalists. Upgrading people's legal awareness about their social rights will provide the ground for a civic society, he said stressing that building a civic society is impossible without paying due attention to the individual and social rights of people, Verdinejad said.

Verdinejad said, "On the threshold of the 21st century, we need to offer a new definition for the human rights." The IRNA Chief said the Iran cultural institute affiliated to IRNA is ready to help realize the objectives of the association of the Iranian lawyers defending the human rights. (IRNA)