Mubarak begins implementing democratic reform by shutting down Al Jazeera

updated below

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, you consider Hosni Mubarak a family friend. Perhaps you could tell him he's doing it wrong! You also said you looked forward to seeing more of him in the United States. Invite the dictator over for an extended stay. Convince him he would have a blast hanging out with Mr.Clinton.

Network's licenses cancelled and accreditation of staff in Cairo withdrawn by order of information minister.

The Egyptian authorities are revoking the Al Jazeera Network's licence to broadcast from the country, and will be shutting down its bureau office in Cairo, state television has said.

"The information minister [Anas al-Fikki] ordered ... suspension of operations of Al Jazeera, cancelling of its licences and withdrawing accreditation to all its staff as of today," a statement on the official Mena news agency said on Sunday.

In a statement, Al Jazeera said it strongly denounces and condemns the closure of its bureau in Cairo by the Egyptian government. The network received notification from the Egyptian authorities on Sunday morning.

"Al Jazeera has received widespread global acclaim for their coverage on the ground across the length and breadth of Egypt," the statement said.

An Al Jazeera spokesman said that the company would continue its strong coverage regardless.

Looks like Mubarak is happy to ride this out, hoping the people of Egypt tire themselves out and settle for a new version of the old guard.
May they remain resolute.

update ~ recent developments

per Al Jazeera

- Reports that Mubarak has given the Army permission to open fire on protesters

- Military leader tells protesters the Army refuses to do so

- Prisoners released - allegedly to intimidate protesters

- Fighter jets make low altitude passes over crowds

- S.o.S Hillary Clinton calls for an "orderly transition" to democracy, whatever that means

- Member of ruling party appears on Al Jazeera and claims a majority of Egyptians want Mubarak to retain power.
Asked how he knows this, he responds he lives in Egypt.

- Looters discovered to be plain clothes police officers.

update 2

Al Jazeera undeterred

Due to the repressive Egyptian government's attempt at silencing the citizenry, Al Jazeera is offering other means for those who wish to pass along any information, or simply stay abreast of real time news in Egypt.

To further enhance its coverage of the unfolding events in Egypt, Al Jazeera has made available to bloggers, activists, and citizen journalists the following ways to send their images and stories to Al Jazeera:

• Arabic content can be submitted to: sharek.aljazeera.net
• English content can be submitted to: yourmedia.aljazeera.net
• On phone to +974-4489-6190 or +974-4489-6192

Our Arabic sister channels are now broadcasting on the following new frequencies:

1) New frequency for AJA & AJM on Nilesat 7W:
10949 vertical (new)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

2) New frequency for AJA & AJM on Arabsat 26E:
11585 vertical (new)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

3) Arabic and Mubasher on Hotbird:
12111 MHz Vertical (Old)
SR: 27.500 Msps
FEC: 3/4

4) Arabic and Mubasher on Arabsat Badr4 (Old):
12034 MHz Horizontal
SR: 27.500
FEC: 3/4

5) Arabic and Mubasher on Arabsat Badr4 (Old):
11996 MHz Horizontal
SR: 27.500
FEC: 3/4