Date : 28/01/2004
KUN0113 4 GEN 0204 KUWAIT /KUNA-TST4
MDA-IRAQ-IGC-ARABIYA
IGC allows Al-Arabiya TV station to reopen Baghdad office
BAGHDAD, Jan 28 (KUNA) -- Arabic television station Al Arabiya said on
Wednesday Iraqi authorities had allowed it to reopen its Baghdad office after
a two-month ban on charges of inciting violence.
The Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) official spokesman Hamid Al-Kafaei
confirmed to KUNA that the ban on the channel was lifted and the Dubai-based
satellite channel is now covering events in Baghdad and interviewing officials.
For his part, IGC Informational Committee Secretary Ibrahim Al-Zubaidi
denied the channel had submitted any commitments to reopen its office there.
He added, the committee is trying to devise specific frames for media work
that could help Iraqi people and avoid inciting violence.
Iraqi police shut down the office last November and the Governing Council
accused Al Arabiya of violating the law by airing an audio tape purportedly
from ousted president Saddam Hussein, who was captured by U.S. forces in
December.
Al Arabiya, which has broadcast several audio tapes said to have been
recorded by Saddam and calling for U.S.-led occupation forces to be driven out
of Iraq, denied the charges. (end)
mhg.mo
KUNA 282236 Jan 04NNNN