Monday, 31 May 2004
UN Envoy Brahimi And Iyad Allawi Meet To Discuss Upcoming Interim Government
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes on its front page a report citing a US source as saying that UN envoy Brahimi had met Iyad Allawi on 29 May to discuss the formation of the upcoming interim government.
Negotiations Continue To Select the Next President
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Sources close to the Governing Council say that negotiations are continuing to select the next president and ministers for the interim government headed by IGC member Iyad Allawi. The sources added that IGC members Adnan Pachachi and Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir were the candidates for the presidential post.
Al-Dustur : ``It Was Better For Brahimi to Spare Himself the Trouble of Travel and Meetings and the Time''
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes on its front page an editorial commenting on the selection of Iyad Allawi as the next Iraqi prime minister and criticizing UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi's role in the formation of the new interim government. The editorial says: "It was better for Brahimi to spare himself and the Iraqis the trouble of travel and meetings and the time", because, after all, the matter appeared to be in the hands of the council.
AL-Nahdah: ``The UN's Role Was Only `Decorative'''
(Al-Nahdah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes on its front page an editorial discussing the role of Iraqi political forces that are not represented in the IGC in the current political process. The article says that the Iraqi people were hoping to see the beginning of the implementation of democracy in Iraq through the formation of the interim government, but it turned out that almost the same old process is continuing, as the IGC alone was imposing its decisions on others while the UN's role was only "decorative".
Hezbollah in Iraq ``Calls On the `Majority' To Be Aware Of Brahimi's `Conspiracies'''
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Carries an article by an official from the Political Bureau of Hezbollah, Issa Ja'far, criticizing UN envoy Brahimi. Ja'far calls on the "majority" to be aware of Brahimi's "conspiracies". Ja'far adds that Brahimi plans to guarantee benefits for the Americans and the Sunni and is ignoring the rights of the Shi'i. Ja'far wonders why Brahimi wants to marginalize the Shi'is in Iraq.
IGC Member Mahmud Uthman: US Pressure on Brahimi Will Make Mission Very Difficult
(Al-Furat, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes a report on a statement by IGC member Mahmud Uthman on UN envoy Brahimi's mission in Iraq. Uthman says that US pressure on Brahimi will make his mission very difficult. He adds that there will be no complete sovereignty if US forces insist on preventing any legal action against US soldiers. He says that whenever Brahimi presents a list, the Americans present another list that contradicts his. Uthman asserts that a national conference is the best way to choose the next government.
Al-Sa'ah: ``One Cannot But Wonder What Is It Exactly That The Americans Want From Iraq?''
(Al-Sa'ah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
(From editorial): "Every day that passes brings along new facts that belie promises made the day before. The upcoming caretaker government may be yet another of these false promises, not very different from its meek predecessor, the Interim Governing Council, which had clearly washed its hands of Iraqis long before they washed their hands of it. One cannot but wonder what is it exactly that the Americans want from Iraq?"
Commentary by Baghdad: ``All Should Close Ranks and Move Forward In Unison''
(Baghdad, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
(From commentary by Dr. Muhannad al-Barrak): "Now that we do not have much time left before taking over ``from the CPA'', it is imperative that all democratic-minded, non-violent political forces in Iraq, both within and outside the Governing Council, should close ranks and move forward in unison, in agreement with the forces that have been engaged in armed resistance as a means of expressing their rejection of the occupation, provided that they give up violent resistance, especially since the occupation is practically nearing its scheduled end."
Al-Bayinah: "Why Are Shi'ites Getting Killed?
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
[From editorial]: "Why are Shi'ites getting killed? Who is shooting them dead? The answer is clear, and the killers are known to everyone: Wahhabis, Qa'idaites and residual Saddamists. But why are we warned there are red lines beyond which we are not to go if we choose to retaliate? These are the same lines drawn up by British colonialists who installed puppet rulers in the capitals of neighboring Arab countries. We have finally come to the crucial point where we have to make a fateful choice: either to announce total surrender and collective extinction, or take up arms and fight against the forces of darkness until our rights are acknowledged. And unless we opt for the second choice, then we might as well say good-bye to the Shi'ites of Iraq."
AL-Mashriq: Iraqis Pay The Least Attention To News Of Formation Of Their Own Government
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes on its front page an editorial saying that Arab and foreign media had reported that, of all nations, Iraqis were paying the least attention to news about the formation of their own government. The editorial says: "The fundamentals of the state have been demolished, as there is no sovereignty, no borders, no government, no agreed upon flag and no clear constitution."
IGC Acting Member: Eleven Ministers Keep Posts And 15 New Ministers To Be Appointed
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Governing Council acting member Ala al-Hashimi says: "Eleven ministers will keep their posts and 15 new ministers will be appointed," adding that the Shi'i support IGC President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir as the new president of Iraq. The report cites IGC acting member Jawad al-Bullani as saying: "A new mechanism should be adopted for the formation of the new government to include political parties and forces from outside the IGC."
Iraqi Foundation Conference: "Ugly Occupation" Is Carrying Out Plans Contrary To Iraqi Interests
(Al-Sa'ah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
publishes a front-page report on a statement by Al-Shaykh Jawad al-Khalisi during a meeting between UN envoy Brahimi and a delegation of the Iraqi Foundation Conference in Baghdad. Al-Khalisi explains to Brahimi the "tragic" situation that the Iraqis are facing everyday. Al-Khalisi adds that the "ugly occupation" is carrying out plans contrary to Iraqi interests. Al-Khalisi refers to the Abu-Ghurayb abuses and the killing of Iraqi scientists.
Editorial: "Where Is Our Sovereignty?"
(Al-Furat, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Carries a front-page editorial by its chief editor, Shakir al-Juburi, under the headline: "Where is our sovereignty?" Al-Juburi says that what is happening now creates fear of the unknown. Al-Juburi adds that the "occupation" countries want to issue a new resolution to determine the next steps after the power transfer. Al-Juburi says that Iraqis will wait for their new government and will reject any incomplete sovereignty. Al-Juburi says that the UN Security Council will not be able to accelerate the solution in Iraq, asserting that the hard test for the next government will to give Iraqis complete sovereignty.
Iraqi National Congress Will Not Take Part In The New Government
(Al-Mu'tamar, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes on its front page a report on reactions to the nomination of IGC member Iyad Allawi as prime minister of the upcoming interim government. The report details the current political process and the formation of the new government. The report cites "well-informed sources" as saying that the USA is exerting "massive" pressure on IGC President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir to appoint IGC member Adnan Pachachi as president. The report cites a source close to the Iraqi National Congress as saying his party will not take part in the new government and expressing his full support for the selection of Allawi as prime minister. The report cites IGC member Mahmud Uthman as saying: "Al-Yawir is more likely to become the next president of Iraq."
Editorial: ``Arab World Not Daring Enough To Recognize The Realities On The Ground''
(Al-Mada, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes a commentary by Dr Shakir al-Nabulsi says, ``The [real plight of the] Arab world [is that it] is too cowardly to do any genuine self-searching; not daring enough, like post-World War II Japan and Germany, to recognize the realities on the ground; nor honest enough to admit its glaring defects illustrated in its general weakness, poverty, ignorance and meager scientific and practical capabilities. Hence, it will never make any progress as long as it considers itself advanced enough, will never learn as long as it regards itself as knowledgeable enough and will never attain power as long as it views itself as powerful enough."
Al-Mahdi Army Militia Infiltrated By Terrorists and Ba'thists
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes a report citing Shaykh Qasim al-Hashimi, spokesman for the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, as saying: "The leadership of the Al-Mahdi Army militia is infiltrated by terrorists and Ba'thists, and we have a list of their names." Al-Hashimi added: "This group planned to assassinate Al-Sayyid Sadr al-Din al-Qubanchi, and it was the same group that killed Al-Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim and Al-Sayyid Abd-al-Majid al-Khu'i."
Ba'th Party: ``UN Security Council Resolutions Will Be Illegal and All Forces in Iraq Will Be Regarded As Occupiers''
(Al-Ittijah al-Akhar, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
publishes a front-page report on a statement by the Iraqi Ba'th Party threatening to increase its attacks. The statement threatens members of the interim government and the IGC. The statement also threatens foreign forces for being part of the "occupation". The statement says that UN Security Council resolutions will be illegal and all forces in Iraq will be regarded as "occupiers".
The Situation after Transfer Of Power
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes a front-page report on the situation after the transfer of power. The report says that Al-Bayyinah has received "very important and dangerous" information concerning developments after the transfer. The report adds that there will be a new front made up of Wahhabis, Al-Qa'idah and followers of the former regime in Fallujah. The report says that this front will work as a government in the Sunni triangle first and then begin assassinations against Shi'i leaders. The report adds that this front will negotiate with the US forces after destabilizing the situation in Iraq.
Al-Kubaysi ``The Morning Will Come Only When The "Ugly Soldiers" Leave''
(Al-Sa'ah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes an editorial by its chief editor, Ahmad al-Kubaysi, on the situation in Iraq. Al-Kubaysi says that the Iraqi night is very long and the morning will come only when the "ugly soldiers" leave. Al-Kubaysi adds that those "immoral" soldiers are violating all laws and that their crimes touch all Iraqis. Al-Kubaysi says that even their pride did not save them from their acts, because their planes had attacked a wedding party, just as the "Zionists" did in Rafah and the "occupation" forces in Afghanistan, killing 40 women and children and turning this wedding into a funeral. Al-Kubaysi says that something must happen to end this "darkness".
Iraqi Paper: ``Will The Return Of The Fallujah Republic Represent A Return For Saddam?"
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Carries an article by Usamah al-Ukayli under the headline: "Will the return of the Fallujah republic represent a return for Saddam?" Al-Ukayli says the Americans have established links with Ba'thists inside the prisons to give them a role in the new Iraq. Al-Ukayli also says those who had lost power in Iraq had given "terrorists" shelter to help them regain power.
Al-Mu'tamar: President Bush Wants To Hold Elections In Iraq Prior To The US Elections
(Al-Mu'tamar, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes an article saying that President Bush wants to hold elections in Iraq prior to the US elections in order to improve his deteriorating popularity. The article says that unless all requirements for free and democratic elections in Iraq are assured, it will be another mistake added to the many previous US mistakes in dealing with the Iraqi issue.
Iraq's Role Has Been Marginalized By Many Arab and Neighboring Countries
(Al-Nahdah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Publishes an article that Iraq's role has been marginalized by many Arab and neighboring countries because of the country's occupation, despite the fact that the IGC represented a large sector of the Iraqi people. Upon the power transition, Iraq must resume its full role in the region. The article calls on Arab and neighboring countries to fully support the new interim government in its effort to extricate Iraq from its plight.
Planning Minister Discusses Ways to Step up Economic Aid from Donors
(Al-Nahdah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) -
Carries an article by Planning Minister Mahdi al-Hafiz discussing ways to step up economic aid from donors in the light of the previous week's conference in Doha. The article says that in order to ensure the provision of the necessary guarantees for the success of the reconstruction of Iraq and to encourage donors to fulfill their obligations, Iraq must improve the performance of all its state institutions.
Iraqi Dailies in Brief:
(Al-Furat, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Carries a report stating that current IGC President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir is the "luckiest" nominee for president. The report says that Pachachi may refuse to be president because he is too old.
(Al-Qasim al-Mushtarak, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report on international reactions to the UN draft resolution submitted by the US and Britain on Iraq.
(Tariq al-Sha'b, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report detailing the political process in Iraq and reactions to the US-UK draft resolution on Iraq, calling on the "representatives of the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government to move actively to direct the resolution towards the Iraqi people's interests".
(Al-Qasim al-Mushtarak, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Sources close to the chief editor of Al-Sabah al-Jadid newspaper say that the editor, Isma'il Zayir, had escaped an assassination attempt on 29 May. The sources added that his driver and bodyguard were killed in the incident.
(Azzaman, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report providing the names of likely new ministers in the new cabinet. The report says that the IGC, the UN and the CPA have agreed to nominate several ministers for the new cabinet.
(Al-Adalah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Runs a report stating that the National Assembly will be formed next July. The report says that IGC members will be in this assembly as well as representatives of other parties.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report stating that Hasan al-Rashid, the official in charge of the Badr Organization in Basra, has been appointed deputy governor for the province.
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - carries on page 2 an article by Na'im Hasan attacking the "occupation" forces for raiding and arresting the general secretary of Hezbollah in Iraq. Hasan says the raid was carried out by "immoral methods that disregarded all concepts of human rights".
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - A police source in Kirkuk says that Kurdish police Colonel Sabir Muhammad Sabir and three other members of his family had been killed in Kirkuk on 29 May. The report says Sabir was the fourth Kurdish official to be assassinated in the city within a month.
(Al-Furat, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report citing Muqtada al-Sadr as saying that he will disband his Al-Mahdi Army only when US forces withdraw from the holy cities. Al-Sadr adds that he will resist the "occupation" to the last drop of his blood. Al-Sadr asserts that his Al-Mahdi army will confront "the new crusades".
(Tariq al-Sha'b, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report saying that the USA has apologized to the victims of Abu Ghurayb Prison, but asking who will apologize to Saddam's victims. The report says: "Let Saddam's trial be the trial of the 21st century, not out of revenge but to uncover what had happened in Iraq since 8 February 1963."
(Al-Dustur, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Two goldsmiths were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen the previous week. A number of goldsmiths and members of their families have been taken hostage recently.
(Al-Manar, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report discussing women's organizations in Iraq. The report says that the USA has allocated 27m dollars to enhance the role of women in Iraqi social and political life.
(Al-Nahdah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Carries an article entitled "A quarrel or a dialogue" criticizing Al-Jazeera TV and its programme "Opposite Direction" for distorting facts and adopting a "clowning" rather than a rational way of running the programme.
(Al-Bayyinah, Baghdad, 30 May 04) - Publishes a report under the headline: "The Americans are disarming the Iraqis". The report says that the US forces are allocating large funds to disarm the Iraqis by buying their weapons.
Updates from Iraqi Kurdish Press
From UNAMI - Erbil
GC Prefers Al-Yawar For Presidency, Bremer Favors Pachachi
(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 31 May) - The Governing Council (GC) is expected to uncover today the name of he first post-Saddam president. Reporters say yesterday's lengthy talks did not result in any progress as the majority of GC members insisted on the appointment of its current chairman Ghazi Al-Yawar while the US civil administrator of Iraq wanted them to appoint former chairman Adnan Al-Pachachi. The news sources predict the UN Special envoy may announce the name of the president and the two vice-presidents, as well as the prime minister within 48 hours. The PM will also announce the names of his 26 ministers.
Kurds Unhappy With Vie-President Post
(www.peyamner.com <http://www.peyamner.com> 31 May) - A PUK Senior member complained of distancing the Kyurds from President and PM positions. Adel Murad, PUK politburo member told Los Angels Times the Kurds would not accept the post of a vice-president as the UN Special Advisor Lakhdar Brahimi suggests.
Iraqi Ministry To Construct More Dams in Kurdistan
(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 31 May) - The Iraqi minister of water resources announced in a televised interview his ministries had plans for the construction of a number of water reservoirs in various places of Kurdistan, including Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk, in addition to resuming the construction of Bekhma strategic dam (about 100 km North of Erbil). The official added his ministry started flushing many rivers and water channels in the governorates of Kirkuk, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk.
2,500 Houses for Kurdistan Teachers
(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 31 May) - The Union of Kurdistan Teachers has signed an agreement with a Spanish company for the construction of 2,500 housing units for teachers throughout Kurdistan cities and districts. The houses will be constructed on land plots given to the teachers by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
24 Kurdistani, Iraqi Parties Set up Reconciliation Council In Kirkuk
(Kurdistani Nwe, Sulaymaniyah 31 May) - The Iraqi Islamic Party hosted in Kirkuk a meeting of 24 Kurdistani and Iraqi political parties for the set up of a national reconciliation council and promoting peaceful co-existence of all the ethnicities in Kirkuk.
Missiles Miss PUK Office, Injure 1 Person
(www.peyamner.com <http://www.peyamner.com> 31 May) - A number of Katusha [Russian make] missiles laden on a hand carriage parked in an open area opposite to the PUK office in Erbil were exploded this morning at 10:45 local time. A PUK spokesperson at the site announced two missiles were exploded but missed their target. The shrapnel injured one person at the top of the building. The police is defusing another three unexploded missiles at the same site.
*****
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>
