THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party has apologised to the membership of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) for the conduct of its supporters during its most recent press conference.

In a statement on Friday, the GPA expressed concerns over the continued intimidation of media workers who attend press conferences held by APNU at Congress Place, Sophia. Last Friday, reporters’ questions were drowned out by loud heckles of supporters of APNU who sat through the press conference.

“We can only assume that this behaviour is a feature endorsed by the party and its leaders since it happened during today’s event with PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence and senior APNU members and the party’s last press conference held by PNC Leader, President David Granger,” the association stated.

The GPA reminded political parties that media workers have the right to conduct their duties without fear of intimidation, warning that it would not hesitate to call on its members and media houses to boycott press events if this unacceptable behaviour continues.

One day after the statement was issued by GPA, the APNU on Saturday said it took note of the concerns raised by press body and apologies for the discomfort caused during the recent press conference.

“As a political partnership and coalition partner of the government, the APNU does not condone nor endorse any conduct that serves to intimidate and hinder duties of media workers. In fact, the APNU values media workers’ role in building our democracy,” the APNU said.

It has pledged to ensure a more welcoming environment at future press conferences and engagements with media workers.