Damascus, Jan 14 (SANA) Ministry of Information said that it has followed the circumstances surrounding the televised interview made by Shams TV with President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, and the channel’s decision to withdraw from broadcasting it based on its own political considerations.
Director General Elie Nakouzi explained that the interview was characterized by broad freedom of expression, with the President openly responding to all questions without restrictions.
The Ministry stressed in a statement on Wednesday that President al‑Sharaa deliberately chose a Kurdish channel, despite the availability of numerous local and international outlets, to present his views and address current developments. This choice, it said, reflects the importance of the Kurds’ status, role, and rights, and demonstrates that the relationship with them goes beyond organizational frameworks.
While acknowledging some of the points raised by the channel in justifying its decision, the Ministry emphasized that non‑editorial pressures or objections are not sufficient grounds to cancel an interview conducted within a professional journalistic framework, with mutual consent, and in line with the public’s right to access diverse opinions and perspectives.
Concluding its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its responsibility to safeguard the public’s right to knowledge and uphold professional and legal principles governing media work. It reserved the full right to broadcast the interview through its official platforms within the legal framework, considering it a completed media product with no professional or editorial justification for withholding.
