Wednesday, 30 June 2004
I.
Political Developments and Comments on Sovereignty Handover:
Handover in Compliance with UNSC Resolution 1546
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing Iraqi sources as saying that the sovereignty document that Ambassador Bremer gave to Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi includes a sentence saying that the handover was done "in compliance with UNSC Resolution 1546, the sovereignty is handed over to the Iraqi interim government." The report says that Allawi gave the document over to Iraqi President Al-Yawir who kept it with him.
Al-Mada: ``Cold Celebration on Hot Day!''
(Al-Mada, Baghdad, a daily issued by Al-Mada institution for Media, Culture, and Arts, 29 June 04) -
Runs an editorial under the headline: "Cold Celebration on Hot Day!" The editorial says that there was a cold celebration attended by limited individuals to mark the power transfer. The editorial adds that the ceremonies did not outline the Iraqi sufferings for 30 years. The editorial says that there was no shooting and even the terrorists who promised to make this day hell could not do anything. The editorial adds that the Iraqis will support the government which should adopt a policy of transparency with the people.
Despite Their Differences Iraqis Believe in New Era
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an article commenting on the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis, saying that "despite their differences, all Iraqis believe that it marks a new stage in their history" towards a new national and political process that may or may not serve the Iraqis' march towards their goal. The article says that "we must take into consideration new horizons that will eliminate for good the traces of occupation from both our minds and on the ground."
Ahta After Sovereignty?
(Al-Furat, comprehensive & political daily, by Al-Furat Establishment for Press, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an editorial by Chief Editor Shakir al-Juburi under the headline: "What After the Sovereignty?" Al-Juburi says that the "occupation" left a heavy legacy for the new Iraqi government. Al-Juburi adds that the new government should focus on internal issues.
30 June in Iraq's History
(Al-Bayan, Baghdad, thrice weekly by the Islamic Dawa Party, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an editorial saying that Iraq's history had two major events on 30 June. The first was in 1920 when Iraqis ended the British dreams to "swallow" Iraq even though they could not have fought the British control of Iraq. The second, Iraqis forced the Americans to give up the occupation despite the fact they could not end US control of Iraq.
Former President, 12 Former Iraqi Officials Under Iraqi Government Control
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report stating that the new Iraqi government will take control of 12 former Iraqi officials, including former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. The report says that this process is in accord with an agreement between the Iraqi government and the US forces to hand over all the wanted persons to the Iraqi government.
Kimmitt: ``Saddam and 55-Name List Legally but Not Physically Handed Over To Iraqis''
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing US Forces spokesman General Kimmitt telling Al-Mashriq: "The former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and the other prisoners included in the 55-name list will be legally but not physically handed over to the Iraqis." Kimmitt added that the prosecution procedure of Saddam and his aides will be decided by the Iraqi Criminal Court headed by Sami Chalabi.
Government May Impose Curfew and Siege around Disturbance Districts
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing Spokesman for the Iraqi Government General George Sadah telling Al-Mashriq that the Iraqi Government may impose curfew and siege around the districts that witness security disturbances after the power handover that took place on 28 June. Sadah denied the reports circulated earlier about the arrest of Al-Zarqawi reaffirming his government's determination to arrest him sooner or later. The Iraqi President and Government performed the official oath ceremony, during which prime Minster Allawi warned terrorist forces that they will be brought before justice.
Arab Terrorists Based In Al-Fallujah
(Al-Shira, independent, political and general weekly, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an article discussing the sources of terrorism in Iraq. The article says that the Arab terrorists are based in Al-Fallujah supported by a large number of the citizens there and by certain sectarian groups. The article comments on the statement made by a terrorist named Abu-Anas al-Shami published on a website saying that Al-Zarqawi heads the military council in the city and giving details on the terrorist activities. The article says that Al-Shami's statement indicates that most of the terrorist crimes committed in Iraq have been carried out by non-Iraqis.
Saudi Citizen Captured by Al-Zarqawi Intends to Sue Al-Jazeera
(Al-Bayan, Baghdad, thrice weekly by the Islamic Dawa Party, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an article accusing Al-Arabiya and Al-Jazeera satellite channels of supporting terrorism in Iraq. The article says that a Saudi citizen captured by Al-Zarqawi group is suing Al-Jazeera because, while in detention, he heard a terrorist calling Al-Jazeera reporter asking him to come without giving him any directions. Few minutes later the reporter arrived to the scene.
Al-Zarqawi in the Mind of Each Terrorist Attacking Iraqis
(Al-Shira, independent, political and general weekly, 29 June 04) -
Publishes an editorial saying that Iraq has restored its sovereignty despite the terrorists and al-Zarqawi. The editorial adds that whether Al-Zarqawi exists or is merely an illusion, there is Al-Zarqawi in the mind of each terrorist attacking Iraqis in the north, centre or the south.
Al-Sadr's Aide Hopes Power Handover Real Not Meant to Help US Administration in Elections
(Al-Bayan, Baghdad, thrice weekly by the Islamic Dawa Party, 29 June 04) -
Muqtada Al-Sadr's aide Abbas al-Rubay'i says that "the transfer of sovereignty to Iraqis will not be completed until the political symbols, such as the Presidential Republican Palace, are handed over to Iraqis and the US advisers leave the Iraqi ministries." Al-Rubay'i hopes that "the power handover operation is a real, but not a formal operation aiming at helping the US administration in the upcoming US elections."
On 28 June, Oil, Electricity Ministries on Full Alert Anticipating Sabotage Acts
(Al-Shira, independent, political and general weekly, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report stating that Iraqi ministries did not celebrate the power handover on 28 June. The report says that Oil and Electricity Ministries were on full alert anticipating sabotage operations against their installations. The report adds that the information offices at all ministries, except for the Oil and Electricity Ministries, said that the decision to hold the ceremony of the power handover yesterday instead of 30 June came as a surprise to them. The report says that even after announcing the celebration, the atmosphere at all ministries was rather normal as most employees did not show any real interest about the news.
II.
Humanitarian issues and public services:
WHO, Iraqi Health Ministry Implement Health Care Programme for New Born Babies
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing an official source at the Health Ministry as saying that in cooperation with WHO his ministry plans to implement a health care programme for the new born babies in Iraq.
Baghdad Mayor Lifts All Concrete Slabs from Baghdad Streets
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing Baghdad mayor Dr Ala al-Tamimi as saying that his office will lift all concrete slabs from Baghdad streets and carry out a massive campaign to clean the city beginning Saturday, 3 July. Al-Tamimi added that those violating public premises will be fined and brought before courts of law.
III.
Security And Military Developments:
US Forces to Compensate the People in Al-Fallujah Who Incurred Losses
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report stating that Al-Fallujah has been experiencing quiet times these days. The report quotes Ahmad Hardan, member of the delegation of Al-Fallujah citizens which has recently negotiated a settlement with the US forces, as saying that it has been agreed with the US forces to compensate the people who incurred losses and damages to their properties during the recent US raids and clashes that took place in the city.
Unidentified Gunmen Attacked Liquor Shop Killing its Owner in Baghdad
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report citing eyewitnesses as saying that unidentified gunmen attacked and destroyed a liquor shop killing its owner in Baghdad on 28 June morning.
Arab National Terrorists Arrested In Baghdad
(Al-Furat, comprehensive & political daily, by Al-Furat Establishment for Press, 29 June 04) -
Publishes a report on arresting 15 Arab national terrorists in Baghdad. The report says that the Iraqi security forces raided a house in the Al-Baladiyat district in Baghdad and arrested 15 terrorists. The report adds that the police have found books signed by Ansar Al-Wahhabiyah al-Jihadiyah [the Supporters of the Jihadi Wahhabiyah]. The report says that the terrorists included eight Syrians, four Saudis, and three Jordanians.
IV.
Iraqi Dailies in Brief:
(Addaawa, Baghdad, by the Islamic Dawa Party, 29 June 04) -
Karbala Governor's undersecretary Thamir al-Qizwini says that the coalition forces have allocated $250,000 to compensate the citizens of Karbala who incurred damages during the military operations in the city.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 29 June 04) - Publishes a statement by a security official saying that an ex-IGC representative of a political party exerted pressure on the Iraqi police in Al-Nasiriyah Governorate to release a detained Iranian national.
(Al- Hadath, independent, political and general weekly, 29 June 04) - Carries a report stating that Former Iraqi General Mahir Abd-al-Rashid who was released recently by the US forces has refused an advisory post in the new Iraqi Army.
(Al- Hadath, independent, political and general weekly, 29 June 04) - Security official Salam Tarrad says that Iraqi security forces have arrested a person in Babil suspected of being Abu-Mus'ab al-Zarqawi. The individual is being interrogated on his identity.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) - Publishes a report citing eyewitnesses as saying that four unidentified gunmen injured Ala al-Din Sadiq, assistant Iraqi Railway director general, who managed to escape in Baghdad on 28 June.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 29 June 04) - Publishes a report on a statement by a military source on establishing a quick reaction forces that is made up of former Iraqi Special Forces. The source says that this force includes 20,000 members who will start training in new uniforms.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 29 June 04) - Publishes a report citing a judge in Al-Amarah as saying that in response to the demands of the families of the 22 victims from Al-Mahdi Army, who were killed and their bodies mutilated by the British troops in Al-Amarah, his court decided to open an investigation of the case.
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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>
