Mogadishu, November 28, 2007 - Somali Parliament meeting due to be held in Baidoa on Tuesday was called off without specific date and for no apparent reason for the postponement.

The parliament was to debate and endorse an agenda of a new Media after the announcement of new Prime Minister, Nur Adde.

The new Media law coincides with closure of several radio stations in Mogadishu including most known ones as Radio Simba, Radio Shabelle and Radio Banadir.

Mayor of Mogadishu Mohamed Omer Haber, “ Mohamed Dhere“, with representatives of Mogadishu Radio stations met for the second day on Wednesday discuss about reopening banned radio stations.

Banadir regional authority would like to ban broadcasting of interviews with Shabab, armed opposition forces fighting against the TFG backed by Ethiopian troops.

In addition radio stations can not report on counter insurgency operations and fighting in Mogadishu unless given approval by government by officials.

Insidesomalia.org is not aware of other conditions put on broadcasters.

If broadcasters agree to government conditions, they are expected to be broadcasting by Wednesday, 5th December.

Number of small independent broadcasters appeared after the 1991 when the military regime of Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted. Prior to 1991, government controlled all press.

Source: insidesomalia.org