Palestine shut down television and radio stations
Palestine, Local, 2/21/1998

Because of concern that public demonstrations in support of Iraq would not reflect the actual position of the Palestinian government with regard to Iraq, the Palestinian government over a period of several days, shut down nine television and radio stations which do not have permits from the Ministry of Interior.

The government's public policy has been in support of the UN resolutions, and for the call on Iraq to abide by them.

The Palestinian public mood is different however, with many attributing this to Palestinian frustrations over lack of progress in their own affairs and negotiations with Israel. Most Palestinians view the treatment of Iraq by the US unjustified when compared to the US position on Israeli violations of UN resolutions and agreements that they signed and reneged on.

TV stations used to need permits to broadcast only from the Ministry of Information, but all Palestinian stations were given on Thursday a period of one week to obtain a permit from the Ministry of Interior.

The television and radio stations stated that this aimed at suppressing any free expression in support of Iraq, support which contradicts the government's policy of restraint towards the U.S., which is trying restart the deadlocked peace process.

The Palestinian Information Ministry gave the orders to close down nine television and radio stations until further notice.

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