Related story: Emergency response law "will ensure accurate
info"
BEIJING, July 4 -- The
proposed new law on dealing with emergencies is not designed to prevent the
truth being revealed, but to allow the timely release of accurate information,
said a senior official yesterday.
Under the law media outlets could face fines of up to
100,000 yuan (US$12,500) if they "report the development and handling of
emergencies without authorization."
But Wang Yongqing, vice-minister of the State
Council's Legislative Affairs Office, yesterday said that under the new law, it
was local governments that will shoulder responsibility for increasing
transparency in the reporting of emerging disasters.
Wang said governments should take responsibility
because they have access to the most information about response plans.
"The key lies in imposing a heavier obligation on the
government and urging it to release accurate and timely information, and provide
a satisfactory service for news media covering emergencies," he said.
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