Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, during his meetings and contacts with the government of China, he will raise the matter of the recent halting of transmission of the only uncensored news in Mandarin to reach mainland China via a television channel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13672/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of reports that Eutelsat, a satellite operator headquartered in Paris, had decided not to renew the broadcasting contract of New Tang Dynasty television, which broadcasts to Europe and China. I understand, however, that legal negotiations are currently ongoing between the two parties on the matter and that the New Tang Dynasty television continues to broadcast while these negotiations continue. The Government fully supports the right to freedom of expression and to an open media. However, given, inter alia, that this is a decision taken by a private company, I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me to make any comment on the matter.