(TAP) - The freedom of information is a major gain in the aftermath of the Revolution, newly elected Speaker of the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP) Brahim Bouderbala said, promising to endeavour to enhance this freedom and ensure that the media are useful.

"We do not want to propagate an offensive image that contributes to vilify the parliamentary and political life," he pointed out, stressing that the media bear a heavy responsibility in defending the higher interest of the homeland.

Justifying the incident that occurred earlier in the day when journalists were prevented from covering the session, Bouderbela explained that "the need for calm and quiet was paramount in an inaugural session where most MPs do not know each other."

However, he said, "we will try in the future to consolidate the relationship with the media, without any exception," adding that the legislative body has indeed started its work after the election of the speaker and its two deputies.

Bouderbala promised a parliament that would live up to the Tunisian people's aspirations, a parliament that would work to restore calm and combat the culture of despair that has spread like wildfire in the country.

As president of a newly elected parliament, Bouderbala undertook to streamline parliamentary activity to ensure that the assembly would be able to do its job.

He underlined the key role of the committee on rules of procedure in setting the agenda for the next legislative term.