Iran says its English channel dropped by satellite

Tehran, Feb 9 (AP) Iran's English-language channel Press TV says that it has been dropped by the satellite that had broadcast its signal to North America. The television report today said that the Galaxy 19 satellite serving audiences in the United States and Canada has removed both the state-owned news channel as well as a movie channel, iFilm. It said the move was part of sanctions imposed on Iran as part of broader efforts to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Iran denies that it is developing weapons, saying its nuclear activities are aimed at peaceful purposes. The Luxembourg-based company Intelsat, whose website says that Galaxy 19 is part of its satellite fleet, could not immediately be reached for comment. (AP) NKP ASY 02091900 NNNN