Somalia: Puntland Govt lifts ban on Nat’l broadcaster operations

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GAROWE, Somalia, May 19, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Despite fickle relations, Puntland government in northern Somalia has lifted ban on all activities of Mogadishu-based Nat’l broadcaster on Tuesday, Garowe Online reports.

In a letter bearing the signature of Deputy Minister of Interior Abdullahi Hashi Warsame, Puntland said it has suspended Somali National TV operations for false reporting earlier today

The northeastern state blamed state-run TV station for featuring stories that might malign the unwavering support Puntland government and its people continue to extend to Somalis fleeing from Yemen conflict.

A few hours after the brief closure order, Warsame told VOA Somali Service that the decision has been revoked following apologies from the Management of SNTV.

“Reporter admitted to covering event in error,” he said.

“SNTV [Somali National TV] unfoundedly reported on the sound efforts Puntland government and its people are undertaking to brace up for Yemen refugee influx,” read the statement released online in the morning.

Puntland previously suspended the activities of Somali National TV, branding it propaganda ‘mouthpiece’.

Relations between Mogadishu-based Federal Government and Puntland have been precarious, with the latter withdrawing support in mid-2014.

More than 5000 people including Somalis, Ethiopians, and Djiboutian have arrived ashore, largely in the Gulf of Aden port city of Bossaso. 

GAROWE ONLINE 

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