Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)





From the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

Monday, 14 June 2004

-        Political Developments and Comments

Constitutional Monarchy Movement Criticizes ``Brahimi Secrecy, Dishonest Policy'' 2
Al-Mutamar: Some Issues Remain Vague In The United Nations Resolution    2
Members Of Kurdistan Parliament Announce Their Support To SCR 1546       2
Al-Mutamar Next Days to asses Credibility of UNSC Resolution    3
Al-Adala discusses Positive ,Negative Aspects of SCR 1546       3
Tariq Al-Sha'b: 1546 Resolution Carries Great Potential For Iraq's Future        3
Al-Dustur Criticizes ``Non Elected'' President Al-Yawir for Promising Kurds Federation     3
Prime Minister Allawi Plans to Establish National Intelligence Service   3
Allawi Meets With Number of Shi'i House's Leaders        3
Iraqi Gov. Spokesman Welcomes Al-Sadr's Statement Supporting New Government      4
Al-Mahdi Army Releases Captured Policemen        4

-        Security And Military Developments

Iraqi Private Companies to Carry Out De-Mining Operations        4
Hundreds Of US Tanks Have Been Deployed Near Al-Fallujah         4

-        Economic and Society

Al-Mashriq: Iraq Will Face a Financial Crisis in the Next Stage  5
Homeless Children May Be Exploited By Criminal, Terrorist Groups         5
Coalition Forces Release Hundreds of Iraqi Prisoners from Abu-Ghurayb    5

-        Updates from Iraqi Kurdish Press

CPA Delegation Visit Barzani, Assure Kurds Over Interim Constitution     6
Talabani Receives CF Senior Delegation   6
Vice-president Schawais: Kurds Will Not Accept Religious Iraq    6
Iran Continues Terrorists Recruitments   6
KRG Construct Bridge Worth $1.5 Million  6


I.       Political Developments and Comments:

Constitutional Monarchy Movement Criticizes ``Brahimi Secrecy, Dishonest Policy''

(Al-Manar, Baghdad, Comprehensive & political, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page a report citing Al-Sharif Ali Bin-al-Husayn, leader of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, criticizing UN envoy Brahimi for "his secrecy, opaque and dishonest policy" in dealing with the Iraqi political forces and people. Al-Husayn added: "in the current difficult situation, we must support the present political equation despite our numerous reservations in order to maintain the unity and stability in the country."

Al-Mutamar: Some Issues Remain Vague In the United Nations Resolution

(Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, daily by the Iraqi National Congress, 12 June 04) - Questions UN resolution highlighting what it said were a number of issues that remained vague in the United Nations resolution on the future of Iraq, as posed by an unidentified "expert in Iraqi affairs". Among the issues it questioned were plans to exclude political parties from the transitional national assembly that is to form a transitional government; the "major or sensitive operations" that multinational forces are to consult the Iraqi Government over before acting; and the Iraqi Government's authority in such operations. "What would the stand of the Iraqi government be if some Iraqi politician is arrested?" it asked. "We are in dire need of a specific, announced definition of these military operations, otherwise these forces will roam about and do what they wish on the grounds of considering these operations small or insensitive with no need for consultation with the Iraqi government!"
The article also questioned why the interests of the Kurds had not been ensured, and whether the government would maintain the temporary State Administration Law, despite opposition to such a move from Shi'i leader Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. "We are in need of a clear and frank stand on all the issues that concern our Arab, Kurdish and Turkomen Iraqi people in all their various ethnic groups, sects and hues," it said. The article also called for clarification on the status of US consultants in Iraqi ministries, and asked why the US was establishing "its biggest embassy in the world in Baghdad and packing it with an enormous number of employees". The article ended, saying, answers to all these questions were needed "because we are for absolute Iraqi sovereignty, rather than US custodianship under whatever umbrella... We are fully aware that the government is facing huge and complex responsibilities, but just the same things must be called by their real names and sovereignty must not remain mere words in the air."

Members of Kurdistan Parliament Announce Their Support To SCR 1546

(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI, 13 June 04) - Publishes a front-page report on a statement made by Kurdish officials on United Nation Security Council resolution 1546 saying that many members of the Kurdistan Parliament announced their support to this resolution.


Al-Mutamar Next Days to asses Credibility of UNSC Resolution

(Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, daily by the Iraqi National Congress, 13 June 04) - Publishes an article discussing the Kurdish leaders' reactions to the UNSC Resolution 1546. The article says: "the fears of Kurds, whether in Kurdistan region of Iraq or in the neighbouring countries, may have national justification; however, they are always moved by foreign intervention for political and economic reasons." The article adds that the recent UNSC resolution is "only the beginning of the road" and the next days will "assess the credibility of this resolution."

Al-Adala discusses Positive ,Negative Aspects of SCR 1546

(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI, 13 June 04) - Runs an editorial analyzing UNSC resolution 1546. The editorial praises the resolution for granting Iraqis the right to oversee the revenues of their natural resources; however, it criticizes it for allowing the multinational forces to move and act freely in Iraq.

Tariq Al-Sha'b: 1546 Resolution Carries Great Potential for Iraq's Future

(Tariq al-Sha'b, Baghdad, political and cultural weekly, by the Iraqi Communist Party, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page an editorial discussing the UNSC Resolution 1546 on Iraq. The editorial says: "The resolution carries a great potential for the future of Iraq and supports the political process and the formation of the interim government; however, some of its clauses lack transparency and clarification.

Al-Dustur Criticizes ``Non Elected'' President Al-Yawir for Promising Kurds Federation

(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, by Movement for the Hashimite Constitutional Royal Union, 13 June 04) - Publishes an editorial criticizing Iraqi President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir for promising the Kurds to form a federal Kurdish state. The editorial says that Al-Yawir has no right to speak on behalf of the Iraqi people because he is not an elected president.

Prime Minister Allawi Plans to Establish National Intelligence Service

(Al-Furat, comprehensive & political daily, by Al-Furat Establishment for Press, 13 June 04) - Runs a front-page report citing Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi as saying that he plans to establish a national intelligence service to fight the violence in Iraq. Allawi adds that several ministers want to reenact the capital punishment to fight the crime. Allawi announced that he intends to reform five divisions of the former Iraqi army.

Allawi Meets With Number of Shi'i House's Leaders

(Al-Manar, Baghdad, Comprehensive & political, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page a report stating that Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi met with a number of the Shi'i House's leaders to discuss the mechanism of implementing the cease-fire truce in Al-Najaf and Karbala in the wake of the recent clashes between Al-Mahdi Army and the US forces and Iraqi police in the holy cities. The report cites Ibrahim Bahr al-Ulum, former oil minister and a leader in the Shi'i House as saying that Allawi affirmed that he will spare no effort to push the government offices in the cities to work with all parties involved in order to prevent any further clashes and to bring back normal life to the holy cities.

Iraqi Gov. Spokesman Welcomes Al-Sadr's Statement Supporting New Government

(Al-Nahdhah, Baghdad, by Independent Democrats Movement, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page a report citing Iraqi Government spokesman Korkis Hurmiz welcoming Al-Sadr's support for the new interim government. Hurmiz, in response to Al-Sadr's aide Jabir al-Khafaji's statement made during last Friday's prayer sermon in Al-Kufah Mosque, said that his government led by Allawi was against the occupation, nevertheless, in order to end the occupation, there must be negotiations and coordination between the Iraqi government and the coalition and multinational forces that are requested by the government itself.

Al-Mahdi Army Releases Captured Policemen

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - Publishes a report on the latest security developments in the holy city of Al-Najaf. The report cites Al-Najaf Governor Adnan al-Zarfi saying, in a press conference held in Al-Najaf that Al-Mahdi Army has released the policemen it captured during the clashes of Thursday, 10 June. Al-Zarfi said that the coalition forces expressed their readiness to sign an agreement with Muqtada al-Sadr and to enter into a direct dialogue with him regarding the future of Al-Mahdi Army.


II.      Security And Military Developments:

Iraqi Private Companies to Carry Out De-Mining Operations

(Al-Nahdhah, Baghdad, by Independent Democrats Movement, 13 June 04) - An official source in the National Foundation for Mines says that his office has licensed a number of Iraqi private companies to carry out de-mining and bomb defusing operations in Iraq.

Hundreds of US Tanks Have Been Deployed Near Al-Fallujah

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page a report stating that hundreds of US tanks and armored vehicles have been deployed near the eastern and western gates of al-Fallujah during the last two days while US planes intensified flying over the city causing a number of families to leave the city for fear of escalation.

Coalition Forces Release Hundreds of Iraqi Prisoners from Abu-Ghurayb

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page a report citing a coalition forces' source informing Al-Mashriq that hundreds of Iraqi prisoners will be released from Abu-Ghurayb Prison.



III.     Economic And Society:

Al-Mashriq: Iraq Will Face a Financial Crisis in the Next Stage

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - Publishes on its front page an editorial saying that economic indications point out that Iraq will face a financial crisis in the next stage, adding that Iraqis are tired of living on "leftovers" for so many years and that they can not tolerate any more such hardships.

Homeless Children May Be Exploited By Criminal, Terrorist Groups

(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, by Movement for the Hashimite Constitutional Royal Union, 13 June 04) - Publishes a report on the homeless children in Iraq amid deteriorating security and economic situation. The report warns that unless effective solutions are found, those children will be exploited by criminal and terrorist groups.


IV.      Iraqi Dailies in Brief:

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - A police source says that Iraqi police managed to arrest a gang comprised of seven members while trying to steal goods loaded on trucks on their way to Baghdad near Al-Fallujah.

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 13 June 04) - Official source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying that the ministry's undersecretary Bassam Kubah was killed by unidentified gunmen in Baghdad, 12 June.

(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, by Movement for the Hashimite Constitutional Royal Union, 13 June 04) - Police sources say that the Iraqi police arrested the biggest gang specialized in smuggling Iraqi historical artifacts and relics.

 (London-based Azzaman is issued daily by Saad al-Bazaz, 13 June 04) -
-        Runs a report stating that the Oil Ministry intends to resume operating Al-Faw oil reservoir to increase oil exports starting by, first, building new tankers.
-        Publishes a report on unsuccessful assassination attempt against the deputy minister of health. The report adds that a Lebanese citizen and two Iraqis were found beheaded near Al-Fallujah city.



Updates from Iraqi Kurdish Press
From UNAMI - Erbil

CPA Delegation Visit Barzani, Assure Kurds Over Interim Constitution

(Khabat, Erbil 14 June 2004) - Kurdistan Democratic Part (KDP) leader Massoud Barzani received yesterday a CPA senior delegation visiting Kurdistan and its political leaders to assure them that the UK and US continued to support Kurdistan people and their aspirations. After the visit, the delegation told reporters the Coalition assured the Kurds they (US and UK) would strongly support the Iraqi interim constitution that was not mentioned in the latest Security Council resolution 1546. The resolution did not mention it because it is a domestic issue pertaining to the Iraqis only, they added.

Talabani Receives CF Senior Delegation

(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 14 June 2004) - The Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK) leader Jalal Talabani received yesterday a senior delegation of the Coalition Forces (CF) in the presence of senior Kurdish military and political officials. The discussions focused on the promoting the strategic relations between the CF and Kurdistan peshmargas forces. The delegation is visiting Kurdistan peshmargas barracks to inspect the level of their trainings and assess their needs.
Vice-president Schawais: Kurds Will Not Accept Religious Iraq

(Khabat, Erbil 14 June 2004) - The Kurdistan Parliament Speaker and Iraqi Vice-President Rosch Shawais asserted the Kurds were willing to participate in the establishment of a new democratic and federal Iraq but they would not allow making Iraq a religious state even if backed by the majority of the Iraqis.

Iran Continues Terrorists Recruitments

(Jamawar, Erbil 14 June 2004) - Iranian senior officials and MPs attended a recruitment ceremony for terrorists who expressed willingness to launch suicide attacks against the Coalition Forces in Iraq. About 3,000 terrorists have registered themselves since 4 June and about 1,000 of them reportedly have already entered Iraq.

KRG Construct Bridge Worth $1.5 Million
(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 14 June 2004) - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is constructing the 7km long road and a 300m bridge that would link Qalachwalan, Shinkayati and Mawat areas north of Sulaymaniyah. A Turkish company will implement the KRG-funded project.
In Brief:
-        Khabat, Jamawar, Kurdistani Nwe: Kurdish Clergy Killed in Kirkuk.
-        Khabat, Jamawar, Kurdistani Nwe: Lakhdar Brahimi is resigning from his UN post, Annan seeks alternative.

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NB: This is not an official document. The information contained therein was compiled by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Information Office . If you have any questions/suggestions, please contact us at (+ 962 550 -4629/4630/4631 or Cell. + 962 77619725. Taveau@un.org <mailto:Taveau@un.org>