Iraqi leaders ban Arab TV network

BAGHDAD, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Iraq's U.S.-appointed interim leadership reportedly banned an Arabic television station Monday, accusing it of inciting violence against the coalition.

Dubai-based Al-Arabiya told the BBC its Baghdad bureau was closed after the head of the Iraqi Governing Council accused it of inciting murder by playing recordings purportedly from Saddam Hussein that call for killings.

Jalal Talabani, the head of the council, said Al-Arabiya would be banned for a "certain period of time" but did not specify. He also told the BBC the council will sue the TV network through the Iraqi courts on a law, introduced in September, that bans the media from inciting violence.