Sweden, July 17:Sewden, current holder of the European Union’s rotating presidency, expressed concern Friday over the recent closure of the West Bank office of al-Jazeera.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Wednesday ordered the temporary closure of the Qatar-based Arabic news channel’s local office, and said it was to take legal action.
The move came after al-Jazeera reported on allegations that Palestinian Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas conspired with former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to assassinate late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
“Freedom of thought, conscience and expression and independent media are cornerstones of democracy and central principles of EU policy,” a statement issued by the Swedish government said.
The Palestinian Authority was also urged to “reconsider its decision.”
—Agencies