Media Monopoly Banning Iran’s Satellite Channels Means Restricting Free Flow Of Information : Envoy

New York, April 24, IRNA – Deputy Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations Gholamhossein Dehqani condemned the media monopoly and restrictions exercised by certain countries banning Iran’s TV networks and satellite channels. Addressing the 35th meeting of the UN information committee, he said such an act was violation of international laws and against the free flow of information. He noted that over 20 Iranian TV channels and satellite radio stations are banned in clear violation of freedom of expression, human rights and free flow of information. Dehqani called on the countries exercising such restrictions against Iran to respect the basic principles of democracy and freedom by reconsidering their policies. He also demanded the UN Information Center to show proper reaction to these restrictions. Underlining the importance Iran attaches to the body, he said it should provide timely, impartial and transparent information to the public. Pointing out that many developing countries are suffering from media monopoly, he also noted that certain countries are misusing this fact to tarnish the truth and launch propaganda campaigns. He further stressed the importance of enhancing the issue of dialogue among civilizations in the United Nations and said Iran backed the notion of a multilingual world in which dissemination of information would not be restricted only to the UN official languages. He said Iran welcomes using other languages like Farsi in the UN which are deeply rooted in ancient civilizations and are a point of convergence for regional countries. Stressing the sustained violation of human rights in the occupied Palestine, the Iranian diplomat underscored the role of the UN Information Center in raising world awareness towards the Palestinian issue and the negative outcomes of occupation of Palestine./end