25 of competence whatever their legal status. The same law defines its composition, organization and functioning. Generally, the Council guarantees the respect for the pluralist expression of all the media and communication fields of thought. The Council has the power to make decisions regarding respect for and promotion of the freedom of the media. It also plays an advisory role for Government in communication issues. In the area of decision making, the Council is mandated to: - Guarantee the independence of the public and private media, in particular in matters of information; - Guarantee the free access to sources of information, - Guarantee the equitable free access by Political Parties, Trade Unions, Associations and citizens to both public and private sources of information and communication: - Guarantee the rational and equitable use of the public and private media by the Public Institutions each according to its Constitutional mandate; - Ascertain the smooth running of the media and ensure respect for the commitments contained in their terms of reference. The Council authorizes, with the strict respect for the principle of equal treatment of the operators, and under the conditions set out by law, the establishment and use of the radio broadcasting or television and cinematographic installations, newspapers and both public and private webmail. The Council examines the dossiers of requests for professional press cards and accreditation of Journalists. The conditions for the allocation and withdrawal of this card are established by the law on the status of professional journalists and communication technicians. On advisory issues, the Council gives advice on: - The quality and content of the audiovisual and media programmes - The promotion, through the media, of national culture and the protection of fundamental social values. - Training in media and communication issues. The Council safeguards the respect for the media law and for the professional code of ethics and deontology through its recommendations and in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for Communications by the: