The UN stressed the importance of media freedom after Israel's decision to terminate the activities of the Qatari TV channel "Al Jazeera"; on the territory of the country, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
"We are strongly opposed to any decision to limit freedom of the press,", UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York yesterday. "A free press provides an invaluable service in ensuring that the public is informed and engaged," he noted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that his cabinet has unanimously voted to close the operations of the television broadcaster "Al Jazeera" in Israel. The move came after Israeli lawmakers approved a new media law (popularly known as the "Al Jazeera Law") that gives the government the power to ban foreign television stations if it deems them to be a threat to state security.
"Al Jazeera" condemned the Israeli decision and vowed to use "all possible means" to protect the rights and employees.