Sudanese government confirms it closed al-Jazeera office
Sudan-Regional, Politics, 12/20/2003

The Sudanese government yesterday announced it closed the office of the Qatari satellite TV station of al-Jazeera and arrested the director of its office for investigation.

In a statement issued by the Sudanese news agency, the government said that this measure was taken "to protect national security and interests, and stability in the country." The statement added that al-Jazeera "was preparing to broadcast via its correspondent in Khartoum several programs and articles that are full of lies, biased reports, and photos chosen to serve its owns interests."

The government's statement said that "al-Jazeera office will continue to be closed until al-Jazeera TV will appoint a responsible person who achieves the mission assigned to him professionally and honestly." The closure of al-Jazeera office came one day after the Sudanese police break in before al-Jazeera broadcasted an interview with an official of the southern rebels.

The al-Jazeera chief editor, Ibrahim Hilal, confirmed news of closing the station on Thursday, and the detention its director Islam Saleh. Hilal said "the main reason for objecting to the al-Jazeera coverage is not clear for us." Hilal rejected the accusations made by the Sudanese authorities. He said " I do not know how we are described of being biased, we cover events as they are."

Previous Stories:
  Sudanese authorities close al-Jazeera office in Khartoum   (12/19/2003)
  al-Ayam: Bashir underlines significance of recent Arab summit resolutions   (12/8/2003)
  Garang invites the Arab League to attend peace talks   (11/11/2003)

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