Istanbul: Delegates from more than 50 news agencies worldwide wrapped up a two-day summit in Istanbul, saying there is an "increasing need" for news agencies to deliver accurate, impartial information and ensure the safety of journalists in covering conflicts such as the US-led war on Iraq.

With the World News Agencies Summit sponsored by Turkey's Anadolu Ajansi coming after the bulk of fighting in Iraq, the 113 delegates from 58 news agencies in Asia, the Middle East and Europe dealt with issues touching on war coverage and peace, Kyodo reported.

"Free, impartial and independent journalism is the first step toward peace and democracy," their final statement adopted on April 16 read, and called for various efforts to ensure protection of journalists, their work and atmosphere in information gathering.

The statement also said news agencies "should respect national, regional and global public opinion's right to access information in times of peace and during violent conflicts where people need objective and accurate news."

The delegates also "expressed their strong concern regarding the death and injury of journalists in the Iraq war as well as other conflicts," according to the statement.

News agencies represented from Asia included PTI, Kyodo and Xinhua News Agency, while AFP was among those representing Europe. They belonged to bigger associations such as the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies, the European Alliance of News Agencies, the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies, the Association of Balkan News Agencies and the Association of National News Agencies of CIS.

PTI