TEHRAN -- Interior Ministry in a statement here Wednesday on the occasion of the `Journalists Day' expressed hope reporters would continue their important enlightening duty.

Congratulating the `Journalists Day' and praising the indefatigable and honest work of the reporters, the ministry paid tribute to Mahmoud Saremi who attained martyrdom along with eight Iranian diplomats on August 7,1998 in Afghanistan.

The day of his martyrdom has since been observed as 'Journalists Day'in Iran,IRNA reported.

Saremi was martyred in Mazar-i-Sharif, northern Afghanistan, when the Taliban took over the city and attacked the building housing the Iranian Consulate.

The statement expressed hope the reporters would continue their important duty of informing people while observing journalistic laws and regulations, and utilizing the principles of free thinking.