RUSSIA - Nov. 25 - Putin Vetoes Measures To Restrict News Of Terrorism.

Pres. Putin vetoes legislation that would have sharply reduced the ability of news organisations to report on counter-terrorism operations and rebel activities. (The legislation, amendments to the media laws suggested by the State Duma, would have prohibited the media from reporting any information seen as hindering anti-terrorist operations, including description of tactics. It also would have banned the broadcast or publication of rebel statements and any propaganda perceived as justifying extremist activity). During a meeting with senior media leaders, Putin says he has asked leaders of both houses of Parliament to form a conciliation commission to work on new legislation governing terrorism coverage. He says: "It's important to find a balance between restrictions and providing full information to society". But Putin reiterated his displeasure with the Oct. 23-26 hostage coverage. He says: "Television pictures from one channel a few minutes before the storming, when the movement of special forces was shown, could have led to an enormous tragedy". He accuses some media of acting irresponsibly to "boost their ratings" and make more money during the theatre siege. He says: "The main weapon of terrorists is not grenades and bullets, but blackmail, and the best means of such blackmail is to turn a terrorist act into a public show". (Chechen rebels seized the theatre on Oct. 23, and special forces stormed the building three days later, killing 41 militants. At least 128 hostages also died from the effects of a narcotic gas used to knock out the rebels. During the theatre siege, authorities complained to Echo of Moscow radio after it aired a live interview with a hostage-taker and posted the text of that interview on its Web site. Officials also briefly shut down a Moscow television station during the crisis, accusing it of broadcasting information of possible escape routes for the hostage-takers).