A private Lebanese channel whose satellite link was cut for four days to prevent it from airing a program deemed harmful to the Saudi Kingdom resumed broadcasts on Saturday.
The ban on New Television (NTV), whose satellite link was cut on order of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, was supposed to remain in force until January 9, however the station said the decision had been reversed upon Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's return to the country from a private visit.
"The head of state (Emile Lahoud) has returned to the country and the law has once again been applied. Telecommunications Minister Jean-Louis Kordahi has gone back on his error which is to his credit," it said, cited by AFP.
"The Prime Minister can no longer take decisions alone or violate the laws, " it added.
The government, on its part, provided no official explanation for why it allowed satellite broadcasts to resume, but this is likely to be clarified at the next meeting of Lebanon's cabinet, due to take place on January 9.
"The end of this battle has not yet been decided. The struggle between good and evil is permanent, but we can at least say we have won a slice in the struggle for notably media freedoms," NTV added. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
