ISLAMABAD, Nov 17: The UAE government admitted on Saturday that it had stopped the broadcast of Geo and ARY television networks from Dubai in line with the “broad principles of the country’s foreign policy”, but refused to say as to what forced it to do so.

A UAE embassy handout carrying short policy statements of its government and the Dubai Media City, however, said discussions with the managements of the two television networks were underway to resolve the matter.

The UAE government statement said: “The United Arab Emirates has always played a positive and constructive role in international affairs, and neutrality has been a key principle of its foreign policy. As such the UAE has always been an advocate of international law and an active contributor to peace and stability in the region. In light of the current sensitive state of affairs in Pakistan, the UAE can only assume its responsibility and maintain its neutrality.”

The Dubai Media City statement says: “As an entity within the UAE, Dubai Media City would also observe the broad principles of the country’s foreign policy and prevent the broadcast of news and material that would undermine those principles. Geo TV and ARY Digital are respected business partners in Dubai Media City for several years. Our relationship with them has been strong and friendly.

‘‘We are in discussion with them with regard to the broadcast of their news components and we are confident we will resolve this matter in the best way possible to protect their interests and those of the UAE.”