Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIYADH507
2007-03-13 16:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT
how-toVZCZCXRO4016 OO RUEHBC RUEHDBU RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK RUEHLH RUEHPW RUEHROV DE RUEHRH #0507 0721600 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 131600Z MAR 07 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4654 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 8447 RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000507
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR SWALKER/BSHUKAN, NEA/PPD
FOR AFERNANDEZ, AND NEA/RA FOR CLAWSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/12/2017
TAGS: PREL KPAO PTER ETTC ASEC IZ SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT
TRANSMISSION OF AL-ZAWRAA TELEVISION
REF: A. RIYADH 468
B. SECSTATE 14149
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000507
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR SWALKER/BSHUKAN, NEA/PPD
FOR AFERNANDEZ, AND NEA/RA FOR CLAWSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/12/2017
TAGS: PREL KPAO PTER ETTC ASEC IZ SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT
TRANSMISSION OF AL-ZAWRAA TELEVISION
REF: A. RIYADH 468
B. SECSTATE 14149
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (C) Saudi MFA Director of Information Osama Ahmed Nugly
told PolOff on March 10 that while the Saudis are concerned
about the possible transmission via Arabsat of Al-Zawraa
television, the SAG cannot unilaterally take steps to block
the transmission of any licensed provider's broadcasts.
Nugly stressed that the SAG finds content such as that
broadcast on Al-Zawraa objectionable, stating that the MFA is
working with the Ministry of Information and Culture to
determine if and how Al-Zawraa is being transmitted via
Arabsat and what steps can legally be taken to stop it. He
speculated that Al-Zawraa is being broadcast by licensed
providers, noting Al-Manar specifically, whose signals are
then picked up and transmitted by Arabsat. However, Nugly
emphasized that he was merely guessing and did not have
enough information or technical expertise to make a
definitive determination.
2. (C) Nugly acknowledged that such broadcasts are abhorrent,
but suggested that Al-Zawraa viewership is negligible. He
said that the SAG is much more concerned about the overall
content of such channels as Al-Manar and Al-Jazeera, which he
pointed out reach a far greater audience with their negative
messages than Al-Zawraa. Nugly continued that the SAG is
struggling with how best to deal with these concerns. He
said the Saudis recognize the risks inherent in allowing the
transmission of broadcasts that carry intolerant and violent
messages, but are unsure how to address these challenges
within the legal framework. Noting the gradual -- but
notable -- increase in media freedoms within the Kingdom,
Nugly claimed that it would be very difficult to constrain
the press now.
3. (C) Arabsat is headquartered in the Diplomatic Quarter
and Saudi Arabia is the largest shareholder. (NOTE: Saudi
Arabia's paid capital comprises 36.66 percent. Kuwait is the
second largest shareholder with 14.59 percent paid capital.
END NOTE.) Despite this status, Nugly claimed that the SAG
has no special leverage over the board of directors, which he
said is comprised of the ministers of information of the Arab
states holding shares. (NOTE: According to Arabsat's
website, the board of directors consists of five members from
the main shareholders (unspecified),two "highly-ranked,
recommended" members other than the five main shareholders,
and two other members in good standing. END NOTE.) Nugly
emphasized repeatedly that despite concerns over the approach
and content of such stations as Al-Manar and Al-Zawraa, there
are contractual limitations to what the board of directors
can demand. He noted that Arabsat is a "business venture,"
therefore cannot be "compelled" by the SAG to do anything.
(NOTE: Arabsat defines itself as an "inter-governmental
organization. END NOTE.) Nugly insisted that Arabsat
transmission of Al-Zawraa/Al-Manar would have to be addressed
in both legal and political contexts, stating that it is key
for the USG to continue to pressure the other Arab
shareholders in Arabsat on this issue.
4. (C) COMMENT: Despite our repeated approaches to the MFA
on Al-Zawraa and Al-Manar (reftels),as well as Nugly's
assurances that the SAG continues to research the issue, it
was clear that Nugly had neither the background information
nor the authority to speak decisively about the SAG's
position on this issue. He clearly sees this as a problem
that must be resolved through legal mechanisms first and
political pressure second; however, Nugly's other concern was
where to "draw the line." He pointed out that the King has
very aggressively pursued those who perpetuate and support
extremist thinking. Nonetheless, he questioned the point at
which distasteful becomes unacceptable. It is clear that
there is some reluctance on the part of the SAG to address
this issue proactively. We will continue to press the Saudis
on this issue, but multi-lateral engagement will probably be
required for success. END COMMENT.
OBERWETTER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR SWALKER/BSHUKAN, NEA/PPD
FOR AFERNANDEZ, AND NEA/RA FOR CLAWSON
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/12/2017
TAGS: PREL KPAO PTER ETTC ASEC IZ SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT
TRANSMISSION OF AL-ZAWRAA TELEVISION
REF: A. RIYADH 468
B. SECSTATE 14149
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (C) Saudi MFA Director of Information Osama Ahmed Nugly
told PolOff on March 10 that while the Saudis are concerned
about the possible transmission via Arabsat of Al-Zawraa
television, the SAG cannot unilaterally take steps to block
the transmission of any licensed provider's broadcasts.
Nugly stressed that the SAG finds content such as that
broadcast on Al-Zawraa objectionable, stating that the MFA is
working with the Ministry of Information and Culture to
determine if and how Al-Zawraa is being transmitted via
Arabsat and what steps can legally be taken to stop it. He
speculated that Al-Zawraa is being broadcast by licensed
providers, noting Al-Manar specifically, whose signals are
then picked up and transmitted by Arabsat. However, Nugly
emphasized that he was merely guessing and did not have
enough information or technical expertise to make a
definitive determination.
2. (C) Nugly acknowledged that such broadcasts are abhorrent,
but suggested that Al-Zawraa viewership is negligible. He
said that the SAG is much more concerned about the overall
content of such channels as Al-Manar and Al-Jazeera, which he
pointed out reach a far greater audience with their negative
messages than Al-Zawraa. Nugly continued that the SAG is
struggling with how best to deal with these concerns. He
said the Saudis recognize the risks inherent in allowing the
transmission of broadcasts that carry intolerant and violent
messages, but are unsure how to address these challenges
within the legal framework. Noting the gradual -- but
notable -- increase in media freedoms within the Kingdom,
Nugly claimed that it would be very difficult to constrain
the press now.
3. (C) Arabsat is headquartered in the Diplomatic Quarter
and Saudi Arabia is the largest shareholder. (NOTE: Saudi
Arabia's paid capital comprises 36.66 percent. Kuwait is the
second largest shareholder with 14.59 percent paid capital.
END NOTE.) Despite this status, Nugly claimed that the SAG
has no special leverage over the board of directors, which he
said is comprised of the ministers of information of the Arab
states holding shares. (NOTE: According to Arabsat's
website, the board of directors consists of five members from
the main shareholders (unspecified),two "highly-ranked,
recommended" members other than the five main shareholders,
and two other members in good standing. END NOTE.) Nugly
emphasized repeatedly that despite concerns over the approach
and content of such stations as Al-Manar and Al-Zawraa, there
are contractual limitations to what the board of directors
can demand. He noted that Arabsat is a "business venture,"
therefore cannot be "compelled" by the SAG to do anything.
(NOTE: Arabsat defines itself as an "inter-governmental
organization. END NOTE.) Nugly insisted that Arabsat
transmission of Al-Zawraa/Al-Manar would have to be addressed
in both legal and political contexts, stating that it is key
for the USG to continue to pressure the other Arab
shareholders in Arabsat on this issue.
4. (C) COMMENT: Despite our repeated approaches to the MFA
on Al-Zawraa and Al-Manar (reftels),as well as Nugly's
assurances that the SAG continues to research the issue, it
was clear that Nugly had neither the background information
nor the authority to speak decisively about the SAG's
position on this issue. He clearly sees this as a problem
that must be resolved through legal mechanisms first and
political pressure second; however, Nugly's other concern was
where to "draw the line." He pointed out that the King has
very aggressively pursued those who perpetuate and support
extremist thinking. Nonetheless, he questioned the point at
which distasteful becomes unacceptable. It is clear that
there is some reluctance on the part of the SAG to address
this issue proactively. We will continue to press the Saudis
on this issue, but multi-lateral engagement will probably be
required for success. END COMMENT.
OBERWETTER