Kuwait, Nov. 3 (Reuters): Kuwait closed down the local office of Arabic satellite television channel al-Jazeera today for alleged lack of objectivity in its coverage of the Gulf Arab state, a senior government official said.

“The reason is lack of professionalism and neutrality when dealing with Kuwaiti issues,” the official said. “The ministry of information has informed al-Jazeera of the decision, which is due to their lack of objectivity and I would like to stress Kuwait’s belief in democracy and freedom,” he added.

Jazeera’s office in Kuwait confirmed it was notified of the Kuwaiti decision today.

The Qatar-based Jazeera is one of the most popular in the Arab world. It gained notoriety during the US-led campaign in Afghanistan by broadcasting videotaped messages from Osama bin Laden and other al Qaida officials, Washington’s main suspects in last year’s September 11 attacks on the US.