Text of report by Somali independent Shabelle Media Network website on 7 June
The USA has commented on the Somali government decree ordering the closure of three Mogadishu-based independent radio stations. The US government said it will follow up this matter.
US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger said his government is too concerned over the government’s measure of closing Shabelle Media Network, Radio HornAfrik and Holy Koran Radio also known as IQK.
“The independent media is important for Somalia and the international community and Somali people should be allowed to obtain news from independent media” said Michael Ranneberger while speaking to one of the Mogadishu-based radio stations soon after the issuance of the government decree from the Prime Minister’s office ordering the shutting down of these three radio stations, Shabelle, HornAfrik and IQK.
(Source: Shabelle Media Network website, Mogadishu, in Somali 7 Jun 07 via BBC Monitoring/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)