Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Tuesday, 10 August 2004

I- Political and Comments

 (Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, weekly by the Iraqi National Congress, 09 Aug 2004) Al-Mu'tamar publishes on its front page a 300-word report discussing the latest political developments in the confrontation between Al-Mahdi Army and the Iraqi security and multinational forces in Al-Najaf and Baghdad. The report says that Prime Minister Allawi, accompanied by Defence Minister Hazim al-Sha'lan, Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib, and National Security Adviser Muwaffaq al-Rubay'i visited Al-Najaf on 8 August, and held meetings with Al-Najaf Governor Adnan al-Zarfi, police chief and other security officials, and tribal chiefs in the city. Allawi told reporters that the government is determined to eliminate the "outlawed" rejecting the possibility of any negotiations with them. UN Secretary General Kufi Annan, in a statement issued by the UN, called for a cease-fire and a peaceful solution for the crisis.
(Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, weekly by the Iraqi National Congress, 09 Aug 2004) Al-Mu'tamar publishes on its front page a 70-word report stating that the UN Secretary General Kufi Annan sent letter to Iraqi President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawir and Prime Minister Allawi demanding an immediate stop to the clashes in Al-Najaf. The report cites UN envoy Jamal Bin-Umar as saying that Annan's letter came in response to the letter demanding prompt UN intervention to stop the clashes in Al-Najaf and other Iraqi cities, which the delegation of the Iraqi National Forces conveyed during their meeting on 7 August.
(Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, weekly by the Iraqi National Congress, 09 Aug 2004) Al-Mu'tamar publishes on its front page a 70-word report on the possible postponement of the expanded Iraqi National Conference scheduled for 15 August. The report cites UN envoy Jamal Bin-Umar as saying that the current violence threatens the conference, which aims to show Iraqis that their problems cannot be resolved without dialogue. The report adds that the threat of the Shi'i Political House, which comprises more than 30 parties, organizations, and religious figures, to withdraw from the conference unless Al-Sadr crisis is peacefully solved, constitutes another obstacle facing the conference. However, spokesman for the conference Abd-al-Rahim al-Ruhaymi affirmed that the conference will be held as scheduled and UN media and legal experts will arrive in the country within two days to ensure the success of the conference.

(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Adalah publishes on its front page a 130-word "exclusive" report citing Al-Sistani aide Hamid al-Khafaf, who accompanied Al-Sistani to London, affirming that clinical examination revealed that Sistani's health problem was not serious.
(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Adalah publishes on its front page a 30-word report stating that the Iraqi government authorized the Iraqi courts to issue death sentences against criminals convicted of murder, kidnapping, drug dealing, and crimes against national security.

(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Adalah publishes on its front page a 150-word article saying that the historical relations and ties between the Iranian and Iraqi people are stronger than the wound created by the former regime. The article says it is normal that some Iranians, who do not represent their nation, may conduct harmful acts against Iraq. However, adds the article, political relations should not be based on such acts.

(Al-Adala, Baghdad, twice-weekly by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq SCIRI 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Adalah publishes on its front page a 150-word article criticizing a local newspaper for publishing an identity card of an Iranian national arrested in Iraq alleging that he was a member of the Iranian intelligence agency. The report says the correct translation of the identity says that the bearer participated in the Iraqi-Iranian war for 16 months in the eighties of the last century. The report urges the newspaper to be accurate in its reporting because "this may be interpreted as aiming at escalating the tension and enmity with Iran."

(Al-Manar al-Yawm, Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic, 09 Aug, 04)- Al-Manar al-Yawm publishes on its front page a 250-word report stating that a tribal union comprising several tribes in the south announced its support for the Independent Iraqi National Constituent Assembly scheduled to be held outside Iraq. A tribal delegation met with Abd-al-Amir al-Rikabi, official in charge of the Secretariat of the Assembly, in Lebanon. Al-Rikabi noted that remarkable progress in the preparation for the conference is being achieved. The report says that the participation of the Association of Muslim Scholars and the Iraqi Constituent Conference is expected soon.

(Al-Manar al-Yawm, Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic, 09 Aug, 04)- Al-Manar al-Yawm publishes on page 2 a 150-word report on the statement issued by Mujahidin-e-Khalq Organization criticizing the Iranian regime and accusing it of attempting to undermine the organization's position in Iraq. The statement came in response to the statement of a police source in Karbala to a news agency that one of the Iranians arrested in the city said that he entered the country with the help of the organization.

(Al-Manar al-Yawm, Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic, 09 Aug, 04)- Al-Manar al-Yawm devotes all of page 3 to an interview with al-Sharif Ali Bin-al-Husayn, leader of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, discussing his views on the political process in Iraq focusing on the expanded National Conference and the elections in the country. Bin-al-Husayn criticized a number of Iraqi political parties because "they do not believe in democracy while others were formed by the CIA.".
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq publishes on its front page a 70-word report stating that technical groups on 8 August, begam numbering houses, buildings and establishments in preparation for the population census scheduled for late this year.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq publishes on page 3 a 200-word report on the survey conducted by al-Mashriq Centre for Public Opinion Surveys on the security situation and the feasibility of the deployment of Arab and Islamic forces in Iraq. The survey shows that 40 per cent of the polled individuals believed that the security situation during the first month of the new government term in power has worsened, 27 per cent thought it has improved, and 33 per cent said was as it used to be. Regarding the parties behind the explosions, 68 per cent said that they are foreigners and 32 per cent thought that they are Iraqis. Asked about the multinational forces role in maintaining security, 68 per cent answered that they have no role, while 32 per cent said they play a role, however, 83 per cent believed that Iraq's neighbouring countries have a role in the terrorist attacks while 17 per cent did not see that they play this role. Asked about the possible deployment of Arab and Islamic forces in Iraq, 66 per cent said that there is no need for them while 34 per cent said they are necessary to maintain security.
(Al-Jaridah, Baghdad, General, Political daily, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Jaridah carries on its front page a 300-word editorial by the political editor saying that the current large-scale confrontation between the multinational forces and Al-Sadr's followers reflects the political and security tension that the political process is witnessing due to the exclusion of the influential political forces and the manipulation of policies. The editorial says that the language of power will never solve the problems of Iraq; instead, the government should adopt the dialogue language and widen the participation in the political process to include all of the effective forces in the country. It is too early to speak about imposing security in the country as long as the occupation forces control the security file, concludes the editorial.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman publishes a 400-word front-page report on the United Nations' request to help solve Al-Najaf crisis. The report says that the UN expresses its willingness to intervene to stop the armed clashes in several Iraqi cities. The UN says in a statement that it is ready to extend its role in Iraq to include this issue. On the other hand, the report cites Prime Minister Iyad Allawi during his visit with several security officials to Al-Najaf Governorate. Allawi says they visited Al-Najaf to see the people and discuss the situation with Al-Najaf Governor, who performed bravely during the crisis. Allawi adds: "There are many illegal gunmen who must leave the holy city immediately."

(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman publishes a 200-word front-page report on a statement by a senior Iraqi official saying that the Iraqi Government decided to reinstate capital punishment. The official adds that this punishment will include all those who committed crimes against the Iraqis. The official adds that the government adopted this punishment to stop the criminals and to reimpose law and order.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman carries on page 3 a 200-word report on a statement by Al-Sayyid Mahdi al-Awadi calling for identifying the role of the Shi'i House and determining its religious authority. Al-Awadi also calls for forming an Islamic council for all the Iraqi sects to solve the crisis. Al-Awadi calls on the US forces to stop the military operations and to retreat from the holy cities.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman carries on its page 3 a 100-word front-page report on a demonstration in Karbala calling for stopping the fighting in Al-Najaf governorate. The demonstration calls on the government to intervene and solve the crisis.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman carries on page 4 a 200-word front-page report on a statement by Al-Sistani's office in Al-Najaf governorate saying that Al-Sistani has entered a hospital in London for medical tests. The statement adds it will provide the Iraqis with further developments.
(London-based Azzaman, Political and independent daily, issued by Saad al-Bazaz, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Zaman publishes a 200-word front-page report on a statement by the Shi'i House saying it will boycott the National Conference if the government fails to solve the current crisis peacefully. The statement adds: "The occupation forces created a new crisis by escalating the military operations against Al-Sadr followers, which will lead to a collapse in all living sectors in Al-Najaf governorate."

(Al-Nahdhah, Baghdad, by Independent Democrats Movement, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Nahdah carries a 300-word front-page report on a statement by Prime Minister Allawi during his visit to Al-Najaf saying that Iran is the only country of the Iraqi neighbours that did not send an invitation to visit. Allawi adds: "We knew that there would be an invitation for us to visit Iran. If there will be such an invitation, we will respond to it."
(Al-Furat, comprehensive & political daily, by Al-Furat Establishment for Press, 09 Aug July, 2004)- Al-Furat carries a 90-word front-page report on a statement by Salamah al-Khafaji, member of the ex-Iraqi Governing Council and member of the Shi'i House, saying that the "occupation" forces have crossed the red lines in Al-Najaf governorate and violated the truce. Al-Khafaji adds: "The occupation forces crossed the red lines by the help of Al-Najaf Governor and violated the truce." Al-Khafaji says that Al-Sadr called for starting negotiations and he announced a truce from his side.

II- Economic and public services

 (Al-Mutamar, Baghdad, weekly by the Iraqi National Congress, 09 Aug 2004) Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 2 a 1,250-word report on the rehabilitation of Abu Nuwas Street in Baghdad. The report says that a large number of private sector tourism establishments have been suffering from the closure of Abu-Nuwas Street in Baghdad by the US forces for security reasons. The amount of $1 million was allocated for the first stage of the rehabilitation of the street by the US forces and Baghdad Municipality, said a US engineer. The report adds that the rehabilitation of the street will be completed by 1 November.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq publishes on page 2 a 400-word report by Salim Daghir in Mosul describing the suffering of the Turkish truck drivers working in Iraq. The report says that despite the announcement of several Turkish transportation companies to stop their activities in Iraq, a large number of Turkish drivers take the risk because of the high pay. The report says that a Turkish driver wrote on his truck in Arabic: "Petroleum for the Iraqi people, God is great." The report adds that truck drivers subcontract Iraqi trucks to transport merchandise to their final destination in Iraq.

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq carries on page 4 a 130-word report citing an official source at The Iraqi Ports Company as saying that his company will take over Umm-Qasr port from the multinational forces in September.

(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq carries on page 4 a 130-word report citing Chief of Baghdad Council Muhammad Baqir al-Suhayl as saying that a number of US officers have re-allocated houses belonging to former regime leaders.
(Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, by Al-Mashriq Institution for Media and Cultural Investments, 09 Aug 2004) - Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 120-word report citing an official source at the Oil Ministry as saying that the deteriorating security situation and the delay of the tankers transporting fuel from Iraq's neighbouring countries are the reason for the fuel shortages.

(Al-Nahdhah, Baghdad, by Independent Democrats Movement, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Nahdah carries a 100-word front-page report on a statement by the Jordanian customs authority saying they recovered 18 Iraqi historical statues smuggled through Jordan.

(Al-Nahdhah, Baghdad, by Independent Democrats Movement, 09Aug , 2004)- Al-Nahdah carries on page 4 a 200-word front-page report on a statement by an official of the Oil Ministry saying that the current fuel crisis is because of the bad security situation and the delay in sending fuel trucks from the neighbouring countries. The official adds that the Oil Ministry plans to develop four refineries in Iraq.

(Al-Furat, comprehensive & political daily, by Al-Furat Establishment for Press, 09 Aug, 2004)- Al-Furat publishes a 70-word front-page report on a statement by Iraqi Police saying they have no orders to arrest Al-Sadr despite the current fighting in several areas in Iraq. The police assert that Al-Sadr is in Al-Najaf governorate, setting aside any truce with his militia.

III- Selected Headlines from Iraqi Press

(Al-Iraqiya TV, Baghdad, in Arabic, 09 Aug 04)
·         Iraq Prime Minister Iyad Allawi meets members of high council of election of National conference
·         Curfew on Al-Sadr City comes into effect
·         .Two members of Al-Mahdi Army killed and two others injured in offensive by US troops Al-Najaf
·         Allawi calls on Iraqis to co-operate with anti-corruption body
·         Food prices spiral in Al-Najaf due to ongoing fighting between Al-Mahdi Army and multinational forces
·         Four injured in rocket attack in Baghdad
·         Six killed in car bomb blast targeting deputy governor of province of Diyala
·         Al-Mahdi Army controls main roads in Basra
·         Hooded gunmen set fire to offices of Allawi political party, Iraqi National Accord Movement, in province of Al-Nasiriyah
·         Representatives of parties and political groups discuss situation in country and call for national unity
·         Iraqi judge orders arrest of Ahmad al-Chalabi and his cousin Salim al-Chalabi in connection with money forging
·         President of de-ba'thification body denies accusations against Al-Chalabi
·         Loyalists of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr arrested in Al-Najaf
·         Iranian TV confirms abduction of Iranian diplomat while on his way Kerbala