The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) "resolutely opposes" to disruption against the normal order of international communication and supports all measures taken by the Chinese government and relevant department so as to protect the security of satellite communication, Robert Jones, director of the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, conveyed to Chinese Information Industry Minister Wu Jichuan in Marrakech on September 28.

Minister Wu Jichuan, who is attending the ITU 16th Plenary Session, pointed out during the meeting with Jones that television signals illegally broadcast by Falun Gong cult stationed in Taiwan has repeatedly attacked the Sino Satellite (SINOSAT) that covers the whole territory of China. The hijacking has severely interfered the normal broadcasting of China's TV programs transmitted by SINOSAT and has thus jeopardized the just rights of the mass audience in the countryside and remote areas.

Mr. Jones also noted that the attack of and interference in the normal satellite communication through illegal signals violates "the International Telecommunication Union Convention" as well as "Rules of Radio Communication", which "is by no means allowed."

As a special organization under the United Nations, the ITU grew out of the International Telegraph Union and now has 189 member states. Its aim is to push forward cooperation in telecommunication between members, maintain the normal international telecommunication order and promote peaceful contacts between world peoples, international cooperation, economic development as well as social progress.

(People's Daily October 2, 2002)