You have commented 339 times on Rantburg.

Your Name
Your e-mail (optional)
Website (optional)
My Original Nic        Pic-a-Nic        Sorry. Comments have been closed on this article.
Bold Italic Underline Strike Bullet Blockquote Small Big Link Squish Foto Photo
Europe
EU considers 'jamming Iranian Press TV'
2010-03-22
The European Union will put pressure on Iran to stop jamming satellite broadcasts from the BBC and other international channels. Iran has been blocking news channels broadcast into the country from a French satellite following widespread anti-government protests there.

But it is not yet clear exactly what action the EU will take. Iranian channels broadcast into Europe could be blocked or the EU could impose sanctions on European trading in Iran.

"The EU calls on the Iranian authorities to stop the jamming of satellite broadcasting and internet censorship and to put an end to this electronic interference immediately," a statement from the EU foreign ministers said.

In February three major international broadcasters strongly condemned Iran for its "deliberate electronic interference" in their broadcasts.

The BBC, Deutsche Welle and Voice of America said the jamming began as Iran marked the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.

There is a possibility the EU will impose trade sanctions to stop the mobile network company Nokia Siemens from trading in Iran. It is reported that they sold the Iranian government technology to monitor mobile phone calls and block social networking services.

But some reports say Nokia Siemens, the joint arm of the mobile technology companies, has already said it will not sell any more equipment to Tehran.

Another option being put forward is to block Iranian broadcasts coming into Europe. This would block Iranian channels, including the English language Press TV, from being transmitted in Europe.

"The EU is determined to pursue these issues and to act with a view to put an end to this unacceptable situation," a draft EU statement quoted by news agency Reuters says.

The moves would be separate from any sanctions being considered by the US and their allies over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Posted by:tipper

#7  But, but, but Ed you are mistaken. There were no WMD labs, none! "W" was wrong I tell you, wrong! All of this equipment and the massive, (hundreds of hectores) remote scientific research sites, decontaminatin sites, thousands of caged primates, open-air crematoriums, etc. were for the legitimate study of the dreaded tomato blight. Dr. Taha told us that specifically! Why can you not believe?
Posted by: Besoeker   2010-03-22 11:33  

#6  But B, that's unfair. It's goes so much further beyond mere lab equipment.

One example:
The European Union has engaged with Iran for more than a decade, doubling bilateral trade. Iran's hardliners have used their access to bolster Tehran's weapons of mass destruction programs. The Islamic Republic has incorporated components purchased from Swiss, German, Italian and Spanish firms into its biological weapons program. In March 2000, the Islamic Republic contracted with the German company Salzgitter Anlagenbau to build a 1,450 kilogram-per-hour phosgene generator. When weaponized, phosgene causes fatal lung damage.

Iran's nuclear program has also benefited. Michael Eisenstadt, senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, wrote in his 1998 study, "Iranian Military Power: Capabilities and Intentions," that, in addition to overt Russian assistance, Iranian government front companies purchased centrifuges and calutrons from Switzerland and Germany.
Posted by: ed   2010-03-22 11:15  

#5  Don't forget the laboratory equipment Ed. We saw tones of it in Iraq in the 1990's. All from our German and Swiss colleagues.
Posted by: Besoeker   2010-03-22 11:03  

#4  The Iranians may not be able to tap any addition cell phone calls, but the Germans will always be helpful in providing tunnel boring machines, WMD production materials and refineries. After all, the Germans have a well deserved reputation to uphold.
Posted by: ed   2010-03-22 10:51  

#3  a side note on Siemens...
I have had several friends work for them over the years... one was a 2 generation (german extraction) who spoke flawless German and was brilliant...
All of them said the Glass Ceiling in Siemens was very low for non-German Citizens and they suggested never working for that firm as they detested Americans.
Posted by: 3dc   2010-03-22 10:47  

#2  Boycott Siemens, and to a lesser extent Nokia.
Seimens continues to trade with Iran on several levels. They are even proud of it. They must be taught a lesson.
Siemens has their finger in many different electronic and data related businesses, so look carefully before you buy.
Posted by: Mike Hunt   2010-03-22 09:55  

#1  But it is not yet clear exactly what action the EU will take.
Yes it is: the same one they're taking now, that is, none.
Posted by: Spot   2010-03-22 08:00  

00:00