KUWAIT CITY, Dec 23: Minister of Information Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali announces that the office of Al-Jazeera satellite TV channel would be reopened in Kuwait, following approval of the station’s request in that concern, reports Al-Rai daily.
Sheikh Al-Ali said the decision to re-open Kuwait’s office of the Qatari owned TV station stems from the authority’s responsiveness to the importance of media in the Gulf region.
He said Kuwait is in an election year and there is need to allow for a transparent, credible and neutral coverage.
He urged the media must be responsible in its practices, even as he promised freedom on its behalf.
He noted that the ministry would extend an open invitation to all Arab and Gulf press to cover the election in February.
Meanwhile, the minister was quoted by Al-Jareeda daily as pledging that official TV and radio stations in the country would provide a fair level playing field for all candidates to sell their programs to electorate, and also create awareness to help electorate make good choices in the election.
Director of Al-Jazeera Kuwait Saad Al-Saeedi has said the official administrative processes for reopening the office should be concluded by next week, lauding positive reaction of the Information Ministry to this end. It is worth mentioning that the license of the station had been revoked following Al-Harbash seminar crisis.