Alalam
Advance Search
Web Site
Tuesday 09 February 2010 05:22 GMT

Print | Share | Send to friend |
Iraqi officials slam Arab satellites over Al-Alam
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:58:20 GMT
Nearly one month after the Nilesat and Arabsat satellite operators took Al-Alam off air, still the wave of regional and international condemnation for the move continues.

The move has prompted angers across the world of Islam. Several Palestinian, Lebanese and Iraqis distinguished figures, political activists and some satellite networks have so far condemned the provocative act.

Many political analysts say the Saudi-based Arabsat and Cairo-based Nilesat's decision was merely a political move against the Arabic-language network. Iranian officials have also denounced the decision as an "illegal" act which could be "sued."

In the latest censure of the move, a number of Iraqi provincial officials have condemned the two Arab satellite providers' decision.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Alam television, Sokneh Falak, a member of Basra provincial council, slammed the satellites decision. "We condemn Arabsat and Nilesat over dropping Al-Alam, a network stating right and reality," she said.

Jafar Mohammad Baqer, another member of the council, also criticized the decision and said: "Al-Alam network reflects realities, and today, it is the oppressed nations who defend reality."

Meanwhile, Ali Kan'an, the deputy head of supreme Iraqi Islamic council, also censured the satellite operators over their move and told Al-Alam: "the decision to take Al-Alam off air by some Arab satellite providers was a political move with many reasons behind."

He added that there was too much pressure on the two satellite companies from Saudi government and some Persian Gulf states to drop Al-Alam.

Arabsat and Nilesat were among several satellites on which Al-Alam television broadcast its programs.

Al-Alam resumed broadcasting on a new satellite called Atlantic Bird 4: frequency 11355 MHz, vertical polarization, after it was dropped by the two Arab companies.

Atlantic Bird 4 (formerly Hot Bird 4) provides high-power Ku-band coverage of regions, including Central and Eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.
Viewers Comment
Loading ...
Name
Email
Title
Comment  
© 2004-2010 Alalam. All rights reserved.