Sudan suspends BBC Arabic on FM radio

Khartoum, 09 Aug-(ANA)-Sudan has halted BBC Arabic broadcasts on FM radio stations in four northern cities, including the capital Khartoum.

It said the move was not related to the content of broadcasts, but to breaches of the accord governing BBC activities.

These included bringing satellite equipment in through diplomatic channels and working in Southern Sudan without central government approval.

The BBC says it hopes ongoing discussions with the authorities in Khartoum will get it back on air.

The BBC has a weekly audience of four million in Sudan.

The other cities affected by the suspension are Port Sudan, Wad Medani and El Obeid.

Sudan's Information Minister Kamal Obaid said the disputes went back two years and a framework deal with the British government was now needed. (ANA)

FA/ANA/09 August 2010----------