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Arabs condemn USA over satellite 'terrorism'
Chris Forrester ©RapidTVNews | 08-02-2010
A month ago (on Jan 3) we reported on a US Congressional report that sought to see satellite operators Arabsat and Nilesat banned as ‘terrorist organisations’ (under House Law 2278). The Congressional report blamed Arabsat and Nilesat for carrying channels which were properly licensed or authorised by their home states. Rapid TV News said at the time the US report was crazy.
Indeed, the Congressional Report has already been condemned by most Arab media and governments. Yesterday in Beirut, the Arabsat 5th Broadcasters Forum saw some heavyweight news and political figures express their opinion of the US comments.
Prime Minister Hariri’s representative to the assembly, His Excellency Tarek Mitri, Lebanon’s Minister of Information, bluntly told delegates that Lebanon was no stranger to having to cope with many different voices and opinions. “Arabsat is not responsible for the conduct of its clients and contract holders. Lebanon is very attached to freedom of expression. Our position is clear, and our national laws are designed to protect us against external threats or the use of sanctions. Such threats do nothing to help a normal dialogue between different nations. We ask that [the Arab world’s] peculiarities be respected.”
Ghazi al Aridi, Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transportation, told delegates that satellites exist for enlightenment as well as entertainment. “The recent US report wants to prohibit our creativity, our voices. The US Congress scheme violates our independence. We want to be free to express ourselves. Our voices deserve to be heard.”
Ambassador Mohamed Al-Khamlichi, deputy Secretary General at the Le ague of Arab States, was highly critical of the US report. “This is a direct interference in the affairs of the Arab world. Our firm recommendation is to deal with this problem and see the threat to our independence removed.”
Hamdi Kandil, an extremely well-known face on Arab television, opened his speech by saying “Greetings brother terrorists!” which gained much laughter, but his comments wrapped a tough and uncompromising message, saying he was against terrorism of any sort, but also firmly in favour of free speech. “If this US policy [happens] then we admit we are against the US infrastructure. This Congressional action threatens the very freedoms that the US always supported itself.”
© Rapid TV News 2010
