TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei urged here Thursday all officials to trust press as he stressed that press have no intention of overthrowing the government, IRNA reported.

Masjed-Jamei made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 10th Press Festival on the occasion of `Journalists Day'.

Distrust of press will bring mutual distrust and will promote violence, he said, adding there are exceptions in all groups but one should not take these exceptions into consideration and generalize them to all.

“Although weakness of political power had always had connection with expansion of freedom and promotion of press during previous eras, this time the press have been expanded in the existence of a strong political power,” Masjed-Jamei said. He pointed to this year's press festival titled as "The Press and National Unity" and said, "Friendly ties between the press and cultural people and those in power would lead to safeguarding the national unity."

Masjed-Jamei said national unity and detente are the top priorities of media, adding there is also need for participation of all thoughts.