Samaha calls on authorities to restore New Television license

Former Information Minister Michel Samaha on August 31 criticized the government's implementation of the audio-visual media law, saying the closure of New Television (NTV) "targeted the biggest segment of the population.''

Following a visit by a delegation from the station, Samaha said successive governments under Prime Minister Rafik Hariri had violated both the spirit and letter of the law.

Samaha called on-the-authorities to restore NTV's "legitimate" right to broadcast, following unsuccussful attempts by the station to receive broadcast licenses in 1996 and earlier this year.

The former Matn MP and information minister under Hariri said that the country should remain "distinguished in its media and universities and the quality of its human resources, before being distinguished in the quality of the concrete in its cities."