The Epoch Times reports from Geneva:
The 59th annual session of the UN Commission on Human Rights will convene on March 17 2003. Media from many countries dispatched reporters to Geneva to observe how the session, which is chaired by Libya for the first time, is held. However, the press permit application for North America's New Tang Dynasty TV Station to cover the conference met with difficulties. It seems that freedom of the press to cover the UN Commission on Human Rights was under challenge, under pressure from the Chinese government. However, in the end [...] justice was met and NTD TV's application was approved.
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New Tang Dynasty TV held a press conference in the International Hotel near United Nations Square on March 15 2003 about the obstruction of their press application. The spokeswoman of New Tang Dynasty TV said, "New Tang Dynasty TV is an independent media outlet broadcasting to Chinese speaking communities across North America through satellite, cable and Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The news reports on events occurring worldwide, including some sensitive issues about China, such as democracy movements, Tibet, and Falun Gong. Besides news, New Tang Dynasty TV has programs for children and programs introducing Chinese culture and Western culture.
The New Tang Dynasty TV's initial application for press permission was declined by UN News Department in Geneva. The reason given was that the New Tang Dynasty TV is a non-profit organization. The spokeswoman said, "This reason cannot be accepted, as AP and VOA are also non-profit organizations. Both of them have obtained permission. Based on our investigation, some UN officials disclosed that the Chinese Government had exerted pressure and is not happy with the New Tang Dynasty TV's reports on Falun Gong."
At the press conference, New Tang Dynasty TV reporter Meichen said, "I have permission from UN Headquarters and can cover any event occurring in the headquarters. But I cannot cover the conference of the UN Commission on Human Rights. It is outrageous that the UN itself cannot guarantee freedom of news reporting." She said, "We have already submitted our response to the US State Department and US Special Ambassador to the UN and hope that the UN will issue permission to us."
Two hours after the press conference, New Tang Dynasty TV obtained a response from UN Headquarters, and the UN finally approved New Tang Dynasty TV's application. Many stories behind this incident have not yet been exposed and will be further investigated.
Chinese version available at http://www.yuanmingeurope.net/articles/200303/18343.htmla/a>
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