New Delhi, Nov 11: Saarc Information Ministers today agreed to liberalise visa regime for enabling free movement of media personnel across member countries, set up a regional information centre in Nepal and train media persons in India. However, the issue of adopting model transnational guidelines on broadcasting suggested by India was again put on the backburner after all member countries except Bhutan failed to provide their comments and Pakistan and Bangladesh asked for more time to study the proposals.

Briefing newspersons after the day-long meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the guidelines will be again circulated among all member nations and they have agreed to come up with their suggestions within 45 days. "It has also been decided to set up a Saarc Information Centre, which Nepal has agreed to host, and for which all other member countries will provide technological inputs".

On the issue of setting up a Saarc media development fund, Prasad said Bangladesh was asked to put up a revised draft which will then be studied by all members. India's suggestion to hold a regular Saarc film festival was also noted at the meeting. The minister said India has offered to train 12 journalists from Saarc nations.

Asked about the blanket ban on Indian television channels in Pakistan, he said it did not figure in today' talk since this was a bilateral issue, adding India pointed out that there should be free flow of creativity across member nations.

He said India will host the next meeting of journalists, editors and other media personnel of member nations next year.

Bureau Report