Irans Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Araqchi says the move by the giant satellite company Intelsat to take Iranian channels off the air is completely illegal and against international law.The fundamental policy of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO), which oversees Intelsat's global services,is to provide all its member countries with access to satellite services without any discrimination, Araqchi told ISNA on Monday.
It is absolutely against the fundamental principles of this international organization [ITSO] to mete out discriminatory treatment to a member state under pressure from another government. We are following up on the issue through the organization itself, the Iranian official pointed out.
He added that consultations are underway to that effect, noting that a meeting is scheduled to be held to discuss the matter.
We will even refer to arbitration bodies if necessary to avert this illegal move, Araqchi stated.
He said the move runs counter to the principles of free access to information and freedom of media and the press recognized by the self-declared advocates of human rights.
On June 19, Intelsat told Iran's national broadcasting corporation, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), that it will no longer provide services to Iranian channels, including Press TV, as of July 1 because of US sanctions.
On Sunday, ITSO called on the United States and Intelsat to suspend their decision on taking Iranian channels off the air.
ITSO has called on both Intelsat and the US government to consider the option of talks in view of the June 14 presidential election in Iran.
The organization has proposed a meeting on July 3 at the organization's headquarters in Washington or in Geneva.
US officials as well as the Washington-based ITSO have announced their readiness to hold discussions with Iran over ways to reverse the decision.
ITSO is an inter-governmental organization charged with ensuring that Intelsat provides services on a global and non-discriminatory basis. It has 149 members, including Iran. In addition to being a member, Iran was previously a shareholder of the organization.
By Press TV
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