Iranian TV praises Jewish MP’s stance condemning “Zionist regime’s” behaviour
Fars News Agency web site
17 Apr 05
TEHRAN
IRIB [Iranian state radio and TV] in response to the deputy of the
Jewish community in the Majlis [Morris Mo’tamed] has announced: In the
beginning of his statements, while referring to the inappropriate
behaviour of the Zionist regime, he condemns such a behaviour by
Iranian Jews. He and our Jewish fellow countrymen should therefore be
praised for believing in the fight against Zionism and defending
Iran’s stance in this respect.
The letter continues: The policies of the national media [IRIB], as Mr
Mo’tamed is aware, is based on the constitution, as well as the
supreme leader’s guidelines and the approved legal frameworks.
Concerning religious minorities, it should be reminded that the main
policy of the national media is to observe minorities’ rights and
respecting their beliefs. The programme made on the life of Martyr
Araglian, which was praised by the Armenian community in Iran, is an
example in this regard.
The letter then explains: The objective behind preparation and
broadcast of televised programmes, which are based on research and
documents, are to enlighten people on different phenomena and
problems; So that the audience can have a sound evaluation of
issues. In such televised programmes, there is no intention to insult
any social group or individual. Therefore, positive and negative
figures may be portrayed next to each other. Undoubtedly, the final
objective is to express the realities and not to highlight certain
individuals.
In the film entitled “Conspiracy and great escape” the positive and
negative Jewish characters were both involved. If we have a realistic
assessment, we will see that positive characters were highlighted
further. Undoubtedly, such an outlook by IRIB to deal with realities
will be true for all religions with positive and negative
personalities.
In continuation, the letter indicates that some active IRIB artists
and programme-makers are religious minorities themselves. [Passage
omitted: on artists creativity]
As a conclusion, the letter refers to the meeting of the Jewish
religious figures with the head of IRIB which was held in an
atmosphere of friendship and respect at the presence of the Jewish
Majlis deputy, which led to a satisfactory result. It reminded: In the
year of national solidarity [this Iranian calendar year starting from
21 March] we are attempting to align the national media policies with
desires of all our fellow countrymen including religious
minorities. We therefore hope to benefit from their advice in this
respect.