Jan 16, 2005

Two Canadian reporters who were to accompany Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin on his trip to Asia have had their visas revoked at the last minute by the Chinese embassy in Ottawa. The Canadian government is seeking a reason from senior Chinese officials but say they have yet to receive a satisfactory response.

Both reporters, who work for New Tang Dynasty TV (NTDTV) in Toronto, had already had the visas approved and were intending to pick them up at the Prime Minister's Office when they learned of the retraction. NTDTV is a global not-for-profit network with four reporting locations in Canada and over 50 worldwide. Joe Wang, president of the Canadian arm of NTDTV, said the Prime Minister's Office stated this was the first time that Canadian citizens accompanying the Prime Minister on a trip to China have had their visas revoked.

Wang said, "The issue is about freedom of the press, NTDTV is one of few Chinese overseas media that have not bowed to pressure by the Communist Chinese Regime and we believe that the Chinese people have the right to the truth on subjects that are relevant to their lives."

Wang also stated that the two journalists, Danielle Zhu and David Ren, are both Canadian citizens of Chinese descent. He said that the Chinese government opposes NTDTV's coverage of relevant issues of concern to the Chinese community such as human rights issues including the persecution of Falun Gong, Article 23, and in-depth reporting on SARS. "Our news coverage is what distinguishes us from other Chinese media and it is our strength. We are providing to our viewers exactly what they want," stated Wang.

Prime Minister Paul Martin spoke out on Friday. "This is a very serious issue. In this country, we believe fully in freedom of the press," Mr. Martin, was quoted in a Toronto Globe and Mail report, shortly before departing on his Asia trip.

"We continue to ask the government that the visas be accepted and these journalists be allowed to accompany us on the visit," he said.

Tanya Churmuch of the press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders says the retraction of the visas is "truly an unacceptable situation."

Reporters Without Borders issued an alert in May 2004 denouncing the Chinese government's continued threats and harassment directed at NTDTV in an effort to shut it down. New Skies Satellite recently ended its contract with the station following prolonged financial and political pressure from Beijing. NTDTV has now resumed broadcasting, but the harassment continues NTDTV representatives say. The network produces a variety of general-interest programs in Chinese reaching over 200 million viewers through satellite, cable, and the Internet.

Between 35 and 40 journalists will accompany the Prime Minister on this trip, which includes visits to India, Japan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China. The stop in China is scheduled for the last two days of the trip.

"The Prime Minister sees that this is a serious issue and he wants the Chinese government to give an explanation for denying the visas," said Wang. He still hopes the journalists can join the Prime Minister's entourage and is confident the Prime Minister's intervention can help to have the visas re-issued.

Source http://english.epochtimes.com/news/5-1-16/25726.html