{President Jakaya Kikwete Tuesday spoke about the ban on The East African newspaper, the first time the Tanzanian Head of State has commented on the issue.}<\/p>\n
Speaking to journalists after meeting the visiting German President Joachim Gauck at State House in Dar es Salaam, President Kikwete defended his administration against accusations of muzzling the press and cracking down on opposition leaders.<\/p>\n
CONCERNED<\/p>\n
President Kikwete said that the paper is not registered in the country and the government has stopped circulation until all proper procedures to operate are met. <\/p>\n
The paper was banned last month after officials said it was not registered yet it has been circulating in the country for 20 years. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe owners of the paper have acknowledged that they contravened our laws and they have already applied for registration,\u201d he said, after a journalist asked him about the closure. <\/p>\n
The President added that there is \u201ca high degree of press freedom\u201d in Tanzania as shown by the numerous newspapers, radios and TV stations. A United Nations spokesman Tuesday said that officials of the world agency are \u201cclosely monitoring\u201d the Tanzanian government\u2019s ban on circulation of the newspaper.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this case, as in many others, our principled position on freedom of expression as a fundamental human right stands,\u201d UN spokesman Farhan Haq wrote in an e-mail message.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are hopeful that a solution will be found soon,\u201d Mr Haq added.
\nHe was responding to a query from journalists. <\/p>\n
A State Department official said on Sunday that \u201ca free and open press is essential to the development of democracy and a free and vibrant society.\u201d <\/p>\n
The US also urged the Tanzanian government \u201cto make every effort to improve freedom of the press in Tanzania.\u201d<\/p>\n
President Kikwete Tuesday also commented over the arrest of Civic United Front national chairman Ibrahim Lipumba during a demonstration. He reiterated that anyone going against the law will be dealt with accordingly.<\/p>\n
President Kikwete said what befell Prof Lipumba \u201cwas simply a matter of complying with the country\u2019s laws.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are rules governing demonstrations in this country. For instance, you need police permission first. You cannot just wake up and demonstrate,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you follow the law, nothing will happen to you, but if you do not, you will be booked.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last Tuesday, police violently dispersed CUF supporters who had gathered in the city to commemorate the killing of 21 people in post-election protests in Zanzibar in 2001. <\/p>\n
Prof Lipumba and 30 other supporters were arrested and have been charged in court. <\/p>\n
But President Kikwete said the arrest does not mean that opposition parties are not tolerated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey (opposition) hold more rallies than the ruling party,\u201d said the President.<\/p>\n
Source: Daily Nation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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