7 August 2004 -- Iraq's interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told a news conference that the Baghdad offices of Al-Jazeera -- a Qatar-based Arabic-language satellite news channel -- have been ordered closed for one month.
He said a government commission monitoring Al-Jazeera concluded that it was inciting hatred and violence.
Allawi also announced an amnesty today for Iraqi insurgents who committed minor crimes such as weapons possession.
However, the 30-day amnesty will not apply to insurgents who have engaged in serious offenses, such as murder.
Allawi also said emergency laws are not needed to stabilize the country and that a national conference set for 15 August to choose a council to oversee the interim government will go ahead on schedule, followed by elections in January.
(agencies)
Allawi also announced an amnesty today for Iraqi insurgents who committed minor crimes such as weapons possession.
However, the 30-day amnesty will not apply to insurgents who have engaged in serious offenses, such as murder.
Allawi also said emergency laws are not needed to stabilize the country and that a national conference set for 15 August to choose a council to oversee the interim government will go ahead on schedule, followed by elections in January.
(agencies)