Monday, 23 August 2004
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
I-DEFENCE/SECURITY
Al-Jazeera reports "night bombardment" in Al-Najaf: Al-Najaf has been exposed to a night of bombardment following intermittent clashes, Al-Jazeera TV reported at 2054 gmt on 22 August. (Al-Jazeera TV 2054 gmt 22 Aug 04)
US planes strike Al-Najaf shrine wall: US warplanes have bombed the periphery of the Imam Ali shrine, hitting one of its walls, Al-Jazeera TV quoted an aide to Muqtada al-Sadr Ahmad al-Shaybani as saying on 22 August. (Al-Jazeera TV 1926 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Two militants killed after attacking Interior Ministry: Iraqi police killed two members of a militant group while they were firing mortar shells on the premises of the Interior Ministry, Al-Diyar TV reported on 22 August. A source at the ministry said officials arrested the rest of the group and seized their weapons which comprised mortars, shells and machine guns. (Al-Diyar TV 1130 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Interior Minister reportedly escapes assassination attempt: Iraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib reportedly escaped an attempt on his life in Baghdad on 22 August, "a source" told the Kuwait News Agency KUNA. The source said the minister was in good health and did not sustain any injuries from the attempt, which he said took place in the Zaytuna Street near Baghdad's Green Area. Residents of the street told KUNA that an accident took place in the area and that the streets leading to it were blocked. Iraqi interior ministry denied the occurrence of any assassination attempts, Kuna said. (Kuna news agency web site 1900 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Iraqi forces arrest 11 in Mosul area: Security forces have arrested 11 people in Mosul, Al-Diyar TV reported on 22 August. They also arrested three suspects while carrying out siege and search operations in Tall Afar west of Mosul, the TV said. It added that five others were arrested following military operations in Al-Hayy al-Arabi in Mosul. (Al-Diyar TV, 1130 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Turkish truck drivers attacked, robbed in Mosul: Three Turkish drivers were attacked on 21 August near Mosul, Turkish TRT TV reported on 22nd. The drivers were stopped by shots fired from a taxi and robbed 3 km from Mosul as they were driving from Arbil to Mosul, the TV said. The drivers said they escaped and that the complaints they filed with the Iraqi police were ignored. (TRT 2 television 1600 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Kurdistan Satellite TV office in Kirkuk attacked: Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) TV on 22 August said its offices in Kirkuk had been attacked on 21 August by Ba'thists. The TV said: "The terrorists and remnants of the Ba'th Party attacked the Kurdistan Satellite TV office in Kirkuk with a Katyusha rocket at 2200 [local time] on Saturday . The attack resulted in no casualties but caused some damages to the building." (Kurdistan Satellite TV 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Two killed in police attack on booby trapped cars in Kurdistan: Two people were killed after security forces seized two booby-trapped cars in Qesraw area in Arbil governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) satellite TV reported on 22 August. The Kurdistan regional government Interior Ministry said police gave chase to the passengers and killed and killed two of them. One other fighter was captured in the confrontation. The police said they found 50 kilograms TNT, a Katyusha base and two Kalashnikovs. (Kurdistan Satellite TV 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04)
US planes strike Al-Najaf shrine wall: US warplanes have bombed the periphery of the Imam Ali shrine, hitting one of its walls, Al-Jazeera TV quoted an aide to Muqtada al-Sadr Ahmad al-Shaybani as saying on 22 August. (Al-Jazeera TV 1926 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Two militants killed after attacking Interior Ministry: Iraqi police killed two members of a militant group while they were firing mortar shells on the premises of the Interior Ministry, Al-Diyar TV reported on 22 August. A source at the ministry said officials arrested the rest of the group and seized their weapons which comprised mortars, shells and machine guns. (Al-Diyar TV 1130 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Interior Minister reportedly escapes assassination attempt: Iraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib reportedly escaped an attempt on his life in Baghdad on 22 August, "a source" told the Kuwait News Agency KUNA. The source said the minister was in good health and did not sustain any injuries from the attempt, which he said took place in the Zaytuna Street near Baghdad's Green Area. Residents of the street told KUNA that an accident took place in the area and that the streets leading to it were blocked. Iraqi interior ministry denied the occurrence of any assassination attempts, Kuna said. (Kuna news agency web site 1900 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Iraqi forces arrest 11 in Mosul area: Security forces have arrested 11 people in Mosul, Al-Diyar TV reported on 22 August. They also arrested three suspects while carrying out siege and search operations in Tall Afar west of Mosul, the TV said. It added that five others were arrested following military operations in Al-Hayy al-Arabi in Mosul. (Al-Diyar TV, 1130 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Turkish truck drivers attacked, robbed in Mosul: Three Turkish drivers were attacked on 21 August near Mosul, Turkish TRT TV reported on 22nd. The drivers were stopped by shots fired from a taxi and robbed 3 km from Mosul as they were driving from Arbil to Mosul, the TV said. The drivers said they escaped and that the complaints they filed with the Iraqi police were ignored. (TRT 2 television 1600 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Kurdistan Satellite TV office in Kirkuk attacked: Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) TV on 22 August said its offices in Kirkuk had been attacked on 21 August by Ba'thists. The TV said: "The terrorists and remnants of the Ba'th Party attacked the Kurdistan Satellite TV office in Kirkuk with a Katyusha rocket at 2200 [local time] on Saturday . The attack resulted in no casualties but caused some damages to the building." (Kurdistan Satellite TV 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Two killed in police attack on booby trapped cars in Kurdistan: Two people were killed after security forces seized two booby-trapped cars in Qesraw area in Arbil governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) satellite TV reported on 22 August. The Kurdistan regional government Interior Ministry said police gave chase to the passengers and killed and killed two of them. One other fighter was captured in the confrontation. The police said they found 50 kilograms TNT, a Katyusha base and two Kalashnikovs. (Kurdistan Satellite TV 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04)
II-PRESS HIGHLIGHTS ON SECURITY ISSUES
Al-Dustur newspaper published a statement issued by the Al-Jihad al-Islami movement on 21 August, urging al-Sadr to continue his resistance and to attack the oil sector because "oil revenues go to the occupations, its troops and agents." The statement added: "The occupation forces and the US Mandated government, Iyad Allawi's Government, continue their war in Al-Najaf targeting people and the Shi'i holy shrines, especially Imam Ali holy shrine, in order to eliminate the resistance in Iraq and to appear as possessing the power." (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
According to a report in Al-Bayyinah newspaper US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has advised Prime Minister Allawi to adopt a military solution to Al-Najaf crisis, and has demanded that the Iraqi government stage sudden attacks on Ba'qubah, Samarra, and Al-Fallujah. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a statement by Interior Minister Falah Hasan al-Naqib concerning the recent situation in Al-Najaf governorate. In the statement Al-Naqib revealed that there are 600 Al-Sadr militia gunmen still inside Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif in Al-Najaf. Al-Naqib said the Iraqi police supported by the National Guard are at the gates of Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif. He added that they received orders to withdraw out of respect for the holy shrine and to avoid more bloodshed. Al-Naqib said the Iraqi security forces arrested 200 gunmen and criticizes Al-Mahdi Army for turning the holy shrine into a weapons arsenal. He said police could not find Muqtada al-Sadr inside Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif, believing that he is still in Al-Najaf. The report cited Al-Sadr aide as saying that Al-Sadr's militia will not evacuate their positions inside Al-Najaf. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried on its page 4 a 100-word report on a statement by Al-Sharif Ali Bin al-Husayn, leader of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, condemning the bloody events in Al-Najaf. Bin al-Husayn called on the government to avoid making decisions that will affect democratic concepts. Bin al-Husayn called for accelerating the "occupation" withdrawal from the holy city and adopting dialogue in dealing with any further crisis. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur published a 200-word report citing police sources as saying that four Iraqi people were killed and four others were wounded when a tanker loaded with gasoline exploded in Al-Nasiriyah Governorate on 20 August. The sources added that the investigation showed that the incident was an accidental. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur carried a report citing an official source at the Interior Ministry as saying that three rockets hit the Inland Transport Company headquarters and three others hit Al-Durah Police Station in Baghdad causing damage to the nearby buildings, but no casualties were reported in the attacks except for a citizen who was wounded. The report did not mention the date of the attacks. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur cited Al-Diwaniyah Police Chief General Abd-Wahab al-Salihi as saying that his forces seized a number of rockets on a farm, which were being prepared to be launched on the US base and the National Guard headquarters in the governorate. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur carried a 60-word report citing an official source at the Interior Ministry as saying that Iraqi police arrested a number of terrorists while they were trying to launch a mortar attack on one of its offices in Baghdad and seized their weapons. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur cited a police source as saying that the Al-Diwaniyah prison was attacked on 21 August, leaving a number of people injured. (Al-Dastur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing Al-Sadr aide in Baghdad Isa'd al-Basri as saying that Al-Mahdi Army militia had no role in the sabotage operation against the South Oil Company. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a report on an attack against the Police Academy. The report says that the police Academy was hit by six mortar grenades on 21 August. The report said that there were no casualties during this attack. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a 250-word front-page report on a statement by the Iraqi trade minister condemning Al-Mahdi Army's targeting of food trucks. The minister said that Al-Mahdi army commandeered several trucks carrying ration card items in Al-Amarah Governorate. The minister called for handing over these trucks, which are the property of the Iraqi people. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a statement by an official of the Babylon governorate saying that many tribal delegations came to the governorate building to express their support for the police and other security forces. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman newspaper said unknown gunmen had kidnapped the director of Al-Musayyab power station. The report added that four gunmen shot the tires of the official vehicle in which he was travelling and took him, by force, to an unknown destination. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published on its page 5 a 250-word report stating that Al-Mahdi army commandeered 70 trucks loaded with the ration card food items. The report said that the trucks are now being held in Al-Amarah governorate. The report said that unknown gunmen set fire to a pipeline that feeds Al-Amarah refinery. It added that the fire-fighting crews and the civil defence are trying to extinguish the blaze. (Al-Zaman Aug 04)
Al-Furat published a 200-word front-page report on clashes between Al-Mahdi army and the "occupation" forces. The report said there were violent clashes between Al-Mahdi Army and "occupation" forces in Al-Kufah city. The report added that two Iraqis were killed and 12 injured during these clashes. The report cited an eyewitness as saying that the US forces tried to break into a mosque there but Al-Mahdi army challenged them and forced them to retreat. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
According to a report in Al-Bayyinah newspaper US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has advised Prime Minister Allawi to adopt a military solution to Al-Najaf crisis, and has demanded that the Iraqi government stage sudden attacks on Ba'qubah, Samarra, and Al-Fallujah. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a statement by Interior Minister Falah Hasan al-Naqib concerning the recent situation in Al-Najaf governorate. In the statement Al-Naqib revealed that there are 600 Al-Sadr militia gunmen still inside Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif in Al-Najaf. Al-Naqib said the Iraqi police supported by the National Guard are at the gates of Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif. He added that they received orders to withdraw out of respect for the holy shrine and to avoid more bloodshed. Al-Naqib said the Iraqi security forces arrested 200 gunmen and criticizes Al-Mahdi Army for turning the holy shrine into a weapons arsenal. He said police could not find Muqtada al-Sadr inside Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif, believing that he is still in Al-Najaf. The report cited Al-Sadr aide as saying that Al-Sadr's militia will not evacuate their positions inside Al-Najaf. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried on its page 4 a 100-word report on a statement by Al-Sharif Ali Bin al-Husayn, leader of the Constitutional Monarchy Movement, condemning the bloody events in Al-Najaf. Bin al-Husayn called on the government to avoid making decisions that will affect democratic concepts. Bin al-Husayn called for accelerating the "occupation" withdrawal from the holy city and adopting dialogue in dealing with any further crisis. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur published a 200-word report citing police sources as saying that four Iraqi people were killed and four others were wounded when a tanker loaded with gasoline exploded in Al-Nasiriyah Governorate on 20 August. The sources added that the investigation showed that the incident was an accidental. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur carried a report citing an official source at the Interior Ministry as saying that three rockets hit the Inland Transport Company headquarters and three others hit Al-Durah Police Station in Baghdad causing damage to the nearby buildings, but no casualties were reported in the attacks except for a citizen who was wounded. The report did not mention the date of the attacks. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur cited Al-Diwaniyah Police Chief General Abd-Wahab al-Salihi as saying that his forces seized a number of rockets on a farm, which were being prepared to be launched on the US base and the National Guard headquarters in the governorate. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur carried a 60-word report citing an official source at the Interior Ministry as saying that Iraqi police arrested a number of terrorists while they were trying to launch a mortar attack on one of its offices in Baghdad and seized their weapons. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur cited a police source as saying that the Al-Diwaniyah prison was attacked on 21 August, leaving a number of people injured. (Al-Dastur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing Al-Sadr aide in Baghdad Isa'd al-Basri as saying that Al-Mahdi Army militia had no role in the sabotage operation against the South Oil Company. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a report on an attack against the Police Academy. The report says that the police Academy was hit by six mortar grenades on 21 August. The report said that there were no casualties during this attack. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a 250-word front-page report on a statement by the Iraqi trade minister condemning Al-Mahdi Army's targeting of food trucks. The minister said that Al-Mahdi army commandeered several trucks carrying ration card items in Al-Amarah Governorate. The minister called for handing over these trucks, which are the property of the Iraqi people. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a statement by an official of the Babylon governorate saying that many tribal delegations came to the governorate building to express their support for the police and other security forces. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman newspaper said unknown gunmen had kidnapped the director of Al-Musayyab power station. The report added that four gunmen shot the tires of the official vehicle in which he was travelling and took him, by force, to an unknown destination. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published on its page 5 a 250-word report stating that Al-Mahdi army commandeered 70 trucks loaded with the ration card food items. The report said that the trucks are now being held in Al-Amarah governorate. The report said that unknown gunmen set fire to a pipeline that feeds Al-Amarah refinery. It added that the fire-fighting crews and the civil defence are trying to extinguish the blaze. (Al-Zaman Aug 04)
Al-Furat published a 200-word front-page report on clashes between Al-Mahdi army and the "occupation" forces. The report said there were violent clashes between Al-Mahdi Army and "occupation" forces in Al-Kufah city. The report added that two Iraqis were killed and 12 injured during these clashes. The report cited an eyewitness as saying that the US forces tried to break into a mosque there but Al-Mahdi army challenged them and forced them to retreat. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
III-HOSTAGES/MISSING JOURNALISTS
TV announces release of US journalist Micah Garen: Al-Jazeera TV reported on 22 August that Muqtadar al-Sadr's aide Aws al-Khafaji had confirmed the release of US journalist Micah Garen who was abducted in Al-Nasiriyah. (Al-Jazeera TV 1800 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says US hostage's release "message of peace": An aide to radical Iraqi Shi'i cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Aws Al-Khafaji, said on 22 August that the cleric's organisation had helped secure the release of a US journalist kidnapped in Iraq in order to send a "message of peace" to the United States. Earlier, an Iraqi official was quoted as saying that Micah Garen, who was seized on 14 August, was in the custody of government officials after his release. (Al-Jazeera TV 1812 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Released US journalist says abductors considered him "suspicious": American journalist Micah Garen told Al-Jazeera TV shortly after his release, that he was abducted while taking photographs at a marketplace. In an interview with the TV, Garen said: "I was taking some photos with a small camera I had with me. People misjudged what I was doing". He said he believes they were not happy with him taking photos. "I cannot tell who they are. They saw me taking some photos with the camera I had with me. I think they considered me to be a suspicious person and, therefore, there was a misunderstanding as I told you," he said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1812 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Islamic web site shows pictures of 12 kidnapped Nepalese: An Internet website belonging to a group calling itself Ansar al-Sunnah has posted pictures of 12 people it claims to Nepalese nationals kidnapped in Iraq, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 22 August. The site said the group was showing the pictures of the kidnapped Nepalese as a lesson to anyone tempted to fight Muslims and "to support the Crusader occupation forces in Iraq". The Nepalese foreign minister told Al-Jazeera in an earlier newscast that his government is still trying to confirm information about the kidnapping of Nepalese workers in Iraq. (Al-Jazeera TV, 1715 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says US hostage's release "message of peace": An aide to radical Iraqi Shi'i cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Aws Al-Khafaji, said on 22 August that the cleric's organisation had helped secure the release of a US journalist kidnapped in Iraq in order to send a "message of peace" to the United States. Earlier, an Iraqi official was quoted as saying that Micah Garen, who was seized on 14 August, was in the custody of government officials after his release. (Al-Jazeera TV 1812 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Released US journalist says abductors considered him "suspicious": American journalist Micah Garen told Al-Jazeera TV shortly after his release, that he was abducted while taking photographs at a marketplace. In an interview with the TV, Garen said: "I was taking some photos with a small camera I had with me. People misjudged what I was doing". He said he believes they were not happy with him taking photos. "I cannot tell who they are. They saw me taking some photos with the camera I had with me. I think they considered me to be a suspicious person and, therefore, there was a misunderstanding as I told you," he said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1812 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Islamic web site shows pictures of 12 kidnapped Nepalese: An Internet website belonging to a group calling itself Ansar al-Sunnah has posted pictures of 12 people it claims to Nepalese nationals kidnapped in Iraq, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 22 August. The site said the group was showing the pictures of the kidnapped Nepalese as a lesson to anyone tempted to fight Muslims and "to support the Crusader occupation forces in Iraq". The Nepalese foreign minister told Al-Jazeera in an earlier newscast that his government is still trying to confirm information about the kidnapping of Nepalese workers in Iraq. (Al-Jazeera TV, 1715 gmt 22 Aug 04)
IV-POLITICS
Al-Mu'tamar newspaper published on its front page a news agency report discussing the latest developments in Al-Najaf. The report cited a political source in the Shi'i House, who requested anonymity, as saying that the political and religious forces' efforts with both parties to peacefully solve the crisis intensified during the past days. The source added that Ayatollah al-Sistani has appointed the Iraqi nuclear scientist Husayn al-Shahristani to represent him in the efforts to bring peace to the holy city. Al-Shahristani informed Prime Minister Allawi of Al-Sistani's desire to stop the bloodshed in Al-Najaf, to maintain the holiness of Imam Ali holy shrine, and not to forcefully break into the Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif, Al-Najaf sanctuary enclosing the Imam Ali mausoleum. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar also published on its front page a 150-word report citing "Arab sources" as saying that Syria has played a major role in persuading Tehran to invite Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi to Iran. The sources added that although Syria is trying to maintain its alliance with Iran, it tries to distinguish its stand with regard to Iraq. The sources added that in addition to alleged Iranian interference in Iraq's internal affairs, Iran's determination to open the Iraq-Iran war file and the subsequent compensation claims of billions of dollars will increase tension between the two countries. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Manar al-Yawm published front page report stating that 36 Iraqi detainees have been released from Abu-Ghurayb and other US-run prisons in Iraq recently. (Al-Manar al-Yawm 22 Aug 04)
A 500-word report in Al-Adalah cited comments made by Al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Haydari, imam of the Al-Khullani Mosque and SCIRI's official in charge of the Cultural and Information Bureau, in his last Friday sermon at the Al-Khullani Mosque in Baghdad. Al-Haydari is said to have expressed his regret for the continuation of the bloodshed in Al-Najaf, urging the Iraqi Government and Al-Sadr to seriously adhere to a peaceful solution to the crisis in order to safe the lives of innocent people and the holy shrines in the city. (Al-Adalah 22 August 04).
Al-Adalah newspaper published an article criticizing those who "unwisely take shelter in holy shrines" where "an enemy or an infiltrator may easily violate their holiness,". It hit out at those who attempt to create obstacles to the political process, and said they are in fact helping to create another form of dictatorship in the country. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04).
An editorial in Al-Mashriq newspaper said that the National Conference and the mechanism used for electing the interim National Assembly received a great deal of criticism. The editorial doubts that the assembly will be able to supervise the government performance because the 50 parties represented in the assembly are pro-government, while the other 80 parties and movements excluded are "not part of the team." (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur published on its front page a 200-word editorial saying that the statement made on 20 August, by Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib that the Iraqi police seized the Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif arresting hundreds of Al-Sadr followers and the immediate denial by the US forces indicates a major discrepancy in the Iraqi field of command. This must be wisely treated, the editorial said. According to the editorial, it shows that not only are Muqtada al-Sadr's supporters not willing to defuse the crisis in Al-Najaf, but elements in the Iraqi security forces command are misleading the central government as well. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur said two senior Iraqi Ba'th Party leaders are seeking asylum in Britain claiming fear of being liquidated by their comrades in the wake of the division that occurred recently among the party's leaders. The report said that the 500m dollars smuggled out of Iraq has caused disputes among the former leaders who fled to Syria after the Saddam regime fell. It added that many of them had been killed for the money. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
An editorial in Al-Bayyinah's front page wondered who is pushing Allawi's government to conflict with the national and religious parties, and why certain security organs are working in isolation of Allawi's government. The editorial said that Saddam's followers, who infiltrated these organs, are responsible for what happened to the Hezbollah Party in Iraq, adding: "No matter what you do, we will not raise our weapons against our government." (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah devoted all of page 2 to a report citing Hasan al-Sari, secretary-general of the Hezbollah Party in Iraq, explaining and criticizing the Iraqi security and the US forces' misconduct during the raid on Hezbollah's headquarters in Baghdad on 16 August. Al-Sari said that the former regime followers who infiltrated the newly formed Iraqi Intelligence Agency are trying to create a gap between the state and the people in order to maintain instability in the country. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
A report in Al-Bayyinah carried a 1,000-word report by the media editor criticizing the arrest of Hasan al-Sari, secretary-general of Hezbollah Party in Iraq, and other party leaders. The report also rejects claims that the Iranian culture minister had secretly visited Iraq and stayed in the party's headquarters four months ago, which the Iraqi Intelligence Agency alleged during the interrogation. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah carried a report citing SCIRI's official Ammar al-Hakim describing the arrest of Hasan al-Sari, secretary general of Hezbollah Party in Iraq, and other party leaders as a disaster and emphasizing the importance of eliminating the former regime followers whose hands are stained with the people's blood. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a statement by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi which said the focus on security is not only on Al-Najaf Governorate, but all Iraqi areas. Allawi added that Al-Sadr accepted the government's conditions to end the crisis in Al-Najaf. He said many gunmen belonging to Al-Mahdi army are destabilizing the situation in many areas in Iraq and said there must be an end to this violence. Allawi called on Al-Sadr to disband his militia and join the political process. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat published a statement by an Iraqi soccer player attacking US President Bush for using the Iraqi team's success in Athens in his election campaign. The player said that the US President should find another way to improve his image and his foreign policy. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat ran a report on a statement by Abd-al-Bari Fa'iq Laftah, head of Basra Council. During a news conference. Laftah said: "We do not think of separating from Iraq and we are seriously studying the issue of federalism." (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar also published on its front page a 150-word report citing "Arab sources" as saying that Syria has played a major role in persuading Tehran to invite Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi to Iran. The sources added that although Syria is trying to maintain its alliance with Iran, it tries to distinguish its stand with regard to Iraq. The sources added that in addition to alleged Iranian interference in Iraq's internal affairs, Iran's determination to open the Iraq-Iran war file and the subsequent compensation claims of billions of dollars will increase tension between the two countries. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Manar al-Yawm published front page report stating that 36 Iraqi detainees have been released from Abu-Ghurayb and other US-run prisons in Iraq recently. (Al-Manar al-Yawm 22 Aug 04)
A 500-word report in Al-Adalah cited comments made by Al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Haydari, imam of the Al-Khullani Mosque and SCIRI's official in charge of the Cultural and Information Bureau, in his last Friday sermon at the Al-Khullani Mosque in Baghdad. Al-Haydari is said to have expressed his regret for the continuation of the bloodshed in Al-Najaf, urging the Iraqi Government and Al-Sadr to seriously adhere to a peaceful solution to the crisis in order to safe the lives of innocent people and the holy shrines in the city. (Al-Adalah 22 August 04).
Al-Adalah newspaper published an article criticizing those who "unwisely take shelter in holy shrines" where "an enemy or an infiltrator may easily violate their holiness,". It hit out at those who attempt to create obstacles to the political process, and said they are in fact helping to create another form of dictatorship in the country. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04).
An editorial in Al-Mashriq newspaper said that the National Conference and the mechanism used for electing the interim National Assembly received a great deal of criticism. The editorial doubts that the assembly will be able to supervise the government performance because the 50 parties represented in the assembly are pro-government, while the other 80 parties and movements excluded are "not part of the team." (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur published on its front page a 200-word editorial saying that the statement made on 20 August, by Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib that the Iraqi police seized the Al-Sahn al-Haydari al-Sharif arresting hundreds of Al-Sadr followers and the immediate denial by the US forces indicates a major discrepancy in the Iraqi field of command. This must be wisely treated, the editorial said. According to the editorial, it shows that not only are Muqtada al-Sadr's supporters not willing to defuse the crisis in Al-Najaf, but elements in the Iraqi security forces command are misleading the central government as well. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur said two senior Iraqi Ba'th Party leaders are seeking asylum in Britain claiming fear of being liquidated by their comrades in the wake of the division that occurred recently among the party's leaders. The report said that the 500m dollars smuggled out of Iraq has caused disputes among the former leaders who fled to Syria after the Saddam regime fell. It added that many of them had been killed for the money. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
An editorial in Al-Bayyinah's front page wondered who is pushing Allawi's government to conflict with the national and religious parties, and why certain security organs are working in isolation of Allawi's government. The editorial said that Saddam's followers, who infiltrated these organs, are responsible for what happened to the Hezbollah Party in Iraq, adding: "No matter what you do, we will not raise our weapons against our government." (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah devoted all of page 2 to a report citing Hasan al-Sari, secretary-general of the Hezbollah Party in Iraq, explaining and criticizing the Iraqi security and the US forces' misconduct during the raid on Hezbollah's headquarters in Baghdad on 16 August. Al-Sari said that the former regime followers who infiltrated the newly formed Iraqi Intelligence Agency are trying to create a gap between the state and the people in order to maintain instability in the country. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
A report in Al-Bayyinah carried a 1,000-word report by the media editor criticizing the arrest of Hasan al-Sari, secretary-general of Hezbollah Party in Iraq, and other party leaders. The report also rejects claims that the Iranian culture minister had secretly visited Iraq and stayed in the party's headquarters four months ago, which the Iraqi Intelligence Agency alleged during the interrogation. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah carried a report citing SCIRI's official Ammar al-Hakim describing the arrest of Hasan al-Sari, secretary general of Hezbollah Party in Iraq, and other party leaders as a disaster and emphasizing the importance of eliminating the former regime followers whose hands are stained with the people's blood. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman published a statement by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi which said the focus on security is not only on Al-Najaf Governorate, but all Iraqi areas. Allawi added that Al-Sadr accepted the government's conditions to end the crisis in Al-Najaf. He said many gunmen belonging to Al-Mahdi army are destabilizing the situation in many areas in Iraq and said there must be an end to this violence. Allawi called on Al-Sadr to disband his militia and join the political process. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat published a statement by an Iraqi soccer player attacking US President Bush for using the Iraqi team's success in Athens in his election campaign. The player said that the US President should find another way to improve his image and his foreign policy. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat ran a report on a statement by Abd-al-Bari Fa'iq Laftah, head of Basra Council. During a news conference. Laftah said: "We do not think of separating from Iraq and we are seriously studying the issue of federalism." (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
IV-REGIONAL
Iraqi Foreign Ministry welcomes neighbouring countries' meeting: The Iraqi Foreign Ministry on 22 August welcomed the convening of a meeting of the neighbouring countries to discuss border control, Baghdad's Al-Diyar TV reported. Thamir al-A'zami, official spokesman for the ministry, said Iraq welcomes the meeting of the neighbouring countries. He, however, declined to comment on Iran's call for holding a meeting for the neighbouring countries to discuss the current incidents in Al-Najaf. (Al-Diyar TV, 1530 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Jordan says Iran seeking to advance date of Iraq meeting: Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan al-Mu'ashir said that Iran has asked Jordan to advance the date of the meetings of Iraq's neighbours, Jordanian newspaper Al-Ra'y reported on 22 August. The next meeting of the countries that are Iraq's neighbours was supposed to be held at foreign ministers' level in Amman in October, the paper noted. (Al-Ra'y web site 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur newspaper cited an unidentified Iraqi sources as saying that Iraq did not agree on Turkey's proposal to barter Iraqi oil against Turkish goods that the Turkish government made during Iraqi President Al-Yawar's recent visit to Turkey. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah published a front page report urging Iran to close the Iraqi POW file in the wake of the recent kidnapping of the Iranian diplomat in Karbala by a group calling itself the Islamic Army, demanding the release of 500 POW's who are still held by Iran. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah published on its front page a 70-word report citing unidentified sources as saying that former Iraqi Vice-President Izzat al-Duri is staying now at Albu-Kamal District in Syria near the Iraqi borders to coordinate the terrorist attacks in Iraq.
Al-Bayyinah newspaper said Iraqis travelling to Jordan are subjected to tight searches at the borders in order to protect the former regime family living in Jordan. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Jordan says Iran seeking to advance date of Iraq meeting: Jordanian Foreign Minister Marwan al-Mu'ashir said that Iran has asked Jordan to advance the date of the meetings of Iraq's neighbours, Jordanian newspaper Al-Ra'y reported on 22 August. The next meeting of the countries that are Iraq's neighbours was supposed to be held at foreign ministers' level in Amman in October, the paper noted. (Al-Ra'y web site 22 Aug 04)
Al-Dustur newspaper cited an unidentified Iraqi sources as saying that Iraq did not agree on Turkey's proposal to barter Iraqi oil against Turkish goods that the Turkish government made during Iraqi President Al-Yawar's recent visit to Turkey. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah published a front page report urging Iran to close the Iraqi POW file in the wake of the recent kidnapping of the Iranian diplomat in Karbala by a group calling itself the Islamic Army, demanding the release of 500 POW's who are still held by Iran. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Bayyinah published on its front page a 70-word report citing unidentified sources as saying that former Iraqi Vice-President Izzat al-Duri is staying now at Albu-Kamal District in Syria near the Iraqi borders to coordinate the terrorist attacks in Iraq.
Al-Bayyinah newspaper said Iraqis travelling to Jordan are subjected to tight searches at the borders in order to protect the former regime family living in Jordan. (Al-Bayyinah 22 Aug 04)
V-CRIME
In a front page report, Al-Dustur cited a police source as saying that Colonel Sa'd Samir al-Dulaymi was killed by unidentified gunmen in front of his house in Al-Ramadi Governorate on Saturday morning, 21 August. (Al-Dustur 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a report stating that the criminal court in Karbala city sentenced three Iranian drug dealers to 5-years in prison. The report said the Iranians were arrested at a hotel in Karbala where the police recovered a huge amount of hashish and other drugs. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a report stating that the criminal court in Karbala city sentenced three Iranian drug dealers to 5-years in prison. The report said the Iranians were arrested at a hotel in Karbala where the police recovered a huge amount of hashish and other drugs. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04)
VI-RECONSTRUCTION/FINANCE
Trade ministry halts commodity deals with Asian suppliers: The Iraqi Ministry of Trade has decided to terminate supply contracts signed by the former regime with some Asian companies, because they have failed to meet health requirements, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 22 August. Under those contracts, the companies were required to export ration card commodities to Iraq. A statement from the ministry said that the Public Foodstuffs Trading Company was emptying its stores to create space for new commodities that meet supply requirements. The new commodities will be distributed to citizens as part of next October's rations, the source added. (Al-Sharqiyah, 1200 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Iraq oil official denies oil exports back at normal level: An official at the South Oil Company has denied reports that oil exports returned to their normal rate of 85,000 barrels per hour on 21 August, Al-Arabiya reported on 22nd. The official said oil exports were still running at half their normal output as the closure of the main oil pipeline continued as a result of security threats. (Al-Arabiya TV 1633 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar published a report citing an official source at the Water Resources Ministry as saying his ministry managed to clean 107 million metres of rivers and canals of the Nile flower and other weeds. This is part of the national campaign to clean and improve the irrigation systems in the country, which began on 15 May 2004. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar cited an official source at Al-Nasiriyah power generating plant as saying that the work in the plant, which depends on gas fuel and produces 40 megawatts, is in its final stages. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar published a report citing an official at Al-Najaf Electricity Office as saying that his office managed to fix most of the damage to the electricity network caused by recent clashes in the city. The source added that electricity has been restored in most of the city. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Adalah cited an official source at the Public Work and Municipalities Ministry as saying that his ministry has provided 25,000 job opportunities in Baghdad and the governorates. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Adalah published a report citing an official source at the Agriculture Ministry as saying that his ministry would provide 12 per cent interest rate loans of up to 10 million Iraqi dinars to farmers to enable them to buy fertilizers, seeds, and other production requirements. The source added that the program aims at encouraging them to increase their production and to develop the agricultural sector in the country. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing an official source at the Central Bank as saying that his bank has received three requests from foreign and Arab banks to open branches in Iraq. The source added that the Central Bank stipulates that 80 per cent of the foreign banks' employees should be Iraqis. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report stating that the electricity supply in Iraq has witnessed an improvement recently. An official source at the electricity network protection force was quoted as saying that the prevention of sabotage acts against the network had led to this improvement. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq cited an official source at the Planning Ministry denying earlier news reports that his ministry has suspended the preparation work for the general census scheduled for November. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing an official source at the Water Resource Ministry as saying that the delay in the construction of the Al-Masab al-Am pumping station in Al-Nasiriyah has caused sharp increase in the soil salinity rates in the agricultural areas in the centre and south of Iraq. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a statement by an official of the Southern Oil Company saying that Iraqi oil exports are still half their normal average. The official added that the employees and the company's activities continue to be threatened by Al-Mahdi army. The official said: "A group of gunmen threatened to open fire on anyone working for the company." The report also cited an Al-Mahdi Army official denying Al-Mahdi army's responsibility for the threats against the oil employees and institutions. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04))
Al-Furat said in a report that Iraq rejected bargaining its oil for Turkish goods. The report said that Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar reiterated Iraq's rejection of this process during his visit to Turkey. The report said the Iraqi authority also refused to allow Turkish citizens and businessmen to enter Iraq without a visa. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat carried a statement by the Trade Minister saying that the ministry continued to send food to Al-Najaf Governorate regardless of the fighting there. The minister added that the ministry will continue this process until securing the situation there. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Nahdhah said employees of the oil establishment in Dhi Qar governorate staged a strike to protest against the military actions in Al-Najaf. The report said the employees shut down the oil line following pressure by a religious movement there. (Al-Nahdhah 22 Aug 04)
Iraq oil official denies oil exports back at normal level: An official at the South Oil Company has denied reports that oil exports returned to their normal rate of 85,000 barrels per hour on 21 August, Al-Arabiya reported on 22nd. The official said oil exports were still running at half their normal output as the closure of the main oil pipeline continued as a result of security threats. (Al-Arabiya TV 1633 gmt 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar published a report citing an official source at the Water Resources Ministry as saying his ministry managed to clean 107 million metres of rivers and canals of the Nile flower and other weeds. This is part of the national campaign to clean and improve the irrigation systems in the country, which began on 15 May 2004. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar cited an official source at Al-Nasiriyah power generating plant as saying that the work in the plant, which depends on gas fuel and produces 40 megawatts, is in its final stages. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mu'tamar published a report citing an official at Al-Najaf Electricity Office as saying that his office managed to fix most of the damage to the electricity network caused by recent clashes in the city. The source added that electricity has been restored in most of the city. (Al-Mu'tamar 22 Aug 04)
Al-Adalah cited an official source at the Public Work and Municipalities Ministry as saying that his ministry has provided 25,000 job opportunities in Baghdad and the governorates. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Adalah published a report citing an official source at the Agriculture Ministry as saying that his ministry would provide 12 per cent interest rate loans of up to 10 million Iraqi dinars to farmers to enable them to buy fertilizers, seeds, and other production requirements. The source added that the program aims at encouraging them to increase their production and to develop the agricultural sector in the country. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing an official source at the Central Bank as saying that his bank has received three requests from foreign and Arab banks to open branches in Iraq. The source added that the Central Bank stipulates that 80 per cent of the foreign banks' employees should be Iraqis. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report stating that the electricity supply in Iraq has witnessed an improvement recently. An official source at the electricity network protection force was quoted as saying that the prevention of sabotage acts against the network had led to this improvement. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq cited an official source at the Planning Ministry denying earlier news reports that his ministry has suspended the preparation work for the general census scheduled for November. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Mashriq published a report citing an official source at the Water Resource Ministry as saying that the delay in the construction of the Al-Masab al-Am pumping station in Al-Nasiriyah has caused sharp increase in the soil salinity rates in the agricultural areas in the centre and south of Iraq. (Al-Mashriq 22 Aug 04)
Al-Zaman carried a statement by an official of the Southern Oil Company saying that Iraqi oil exports are still half their normal average. The official added that the employees and the company's activities continue to be threatened by Al-Mahdi army. The official said: "A group of gunmen threatened to open fire on anyone working for the company." The report also cited an Al-Mahdi Army official denying Al-Mahdi army's responsibility for the threats against the oil employees and institutions. (Al-Zaman 22 Aug 04))
Al-Furat said in a report that Iraq rejected bargaining its oil for Turkish goods. The report said that Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar reiterated Iraq's rejection of this process during his visit to Turkey. The report said the Iraqi authority also refused to allow Turkish citizens and businessmen to enter Iraq without a visa. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Furat carried a statement by the Trade Minister saying that the ministry continued to send food to Al-Najaf Governorate regardless of the fighting there. The minister added that the ministry will continue this process until securing the situation there. (Al-Furat 22 Aug 04)
Al-Nahdhah said employees of the oil establishment in Dhi Qar governorate staged a strike to protest against the military actions in Al-Najaf. The report said the employees shut down the oil line following pressure by a religious movement there. (Al-Nahdhah 22 Aug 04)
VII-HUMAN RIGHTS/REFUGEES
Al-Adalah published a report citing an official source at the Human Rights Ministry as saying that his ministry has allocated 25m dollars to compensate people who incurred damage under the former regime rule. (Al-Adalah 22 Aug 04)
Al-Manar al-Yawm published a report on the statement issued by the Iraqi Special Criminal Court responsible for trying the former regime leaders. The report urged Iraqis people to submit their complaints and testimonies against any crime committed by the former regime leaders to be included in their trial. (Al-Manar al-Yawm Aug 22 04)
Al-Dustur carried a report on the meeting attended by Kirkuk Governor Abd-al-Rahman Mustafa, the multinational forces commander, members of the Governorate council, and representatives of the political parties to discuss the problem of the Arabs, Kurds, and Turkomans expatriated people in the governorate. The report said that it was agreed to form a committee to resolve their problem.
Al-Furat carried a statement by the Immigration Minister saying that 40,000 Iraqi Christian left Iraq after the targeting of the churches and because of the bad security situation. (Al-Furat Aug 22 04)
Al-Manar al-Yawm published a report on the statement issued by the Iraqi Special Criminal Court responsible for trying the former regime leaders. The report urged Iraqis people to submit their complaints and testimonies against any crime committed by the former regime leaders to be included in their trial. (Al-Manar al-Yawm Aug 22 04)
Al-Dustur carried a report on the meeting attended by Kirkuk Governor Abd-al-Rahman Mustafa, the multinational forces commander, members of the Governorate council, and representatives of the political parties to discuss the problem of the Arabs, Kurds, and Turkomans expatriated people in the governorate. The report said that it was agreed to form a committee to resolve their problem.
Al-Furat carried a statement by the Immigration Minister saying that 40,000 Iraqi Christian left Iraq after the targeting of the churches and because of the bad security situation. (Al-Furat Aug 22 04)
VIII-IRAQI MEDIA-Programme summaries and Headlines
Al-Sharqiyah TV news 1200 gmt 22 Aug 04:
Iraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib says the Iraqi police forces and the National Guard are getting ready to end the crisis in Al-Najaf; Al-Naqib tells the Baghdad-based Al-Zaman newspaper that the Iraqi defence minister supervises operations in the field to put an end to the situation. Al-Naqib affirms that there is no trace of Muqtada Al-Sadr in the Imam Ali Holy Shrine ... Grand Ayatollah Al-Sayyid Ali al-Sistani sets conditions for receiving the keys of the Al-Sahn al-Sharif in the Al-Najaf Governorate. Ahmad al-Shaybani, spokesman for Muqtada Al-Sadr, says these conditions include evacuating the shrine of all Al-Sadr followers who are staging a sit-in in the shrine, locking the inside and outside doors of the shrine, and putting the keys in a sealed envelope ... Unidentified persons kidnap the son of the religious authority Al-Sayyid Muhammad Sa'id al-Hakim, taking him from Al-Najaf to an unidentified place ... Four gunmen kidnap Isma'il Sami, manager of Al-Musayyib Power Station, after chasing his car and puncturing its wheels ... The Iraqi Nation Party holds its first constituent conference in Baghdad; Salih Sa'id, secretary general of the party, says the party belongs to all the Iraqi people; Iraqi minister of planning hails establishing this party ... Iraq and Jordan agree to prepare a draft agreement in the field of environment ... Iraqi Ministry of Trade decides to terminate food supply contracts signed by the former regime with some Asian companies because the supplies do not meet health standards .... The Iraqi minister of trade accuses elements of the Al-Mahdi Army in Al-Amarah of holding a number of trucks used for transporting supplies included in ration cards, and of seizing their loads ... US forces release 300 Iraqi prison inmates, including 10 from the Abu-Ghurayb Prison, west of Baghdad. Releasing prisoners will continue in the coming months, a US Army commander says ... An explosive charge goes off on the side of the Al-Nidal Street in the centre of Baghdad; One person is slightly wounded in the explosion ... Baghdad University decides to construct 2,000 apartments for university professors in the various complexes of the university in Al-Jadiriyah, Bab al-Mu'azzam, and Abu Ghurayb ... There are some concerns among officials of the Diyala governorate about the possible discovery of mass infections with radioactive pollution after some barrels used for the waste of the Al-Tuwaythah nuclear site were used by citizens in the Abi Saydah District for drinking and storage purposes ... The Baghdad University obligates all students of its faculties to wear uniforms during the coming scholastic year. Students who do not observe this ruling will not be allowed to enter the university campus
Iraq's Al-Diyar TV news 1530 gmt 22 Aug 04:
US forces and military aircraft attack positions of Al-Mahdi Army fighters outside Imam Ali's shrine in Al-Najaf US sources said ... Al-Diyar correspondent said that deputy governor of Diyala survived an assassination attempt this morning ... A US tank opens fire by mistake on a vehicle belonging to the Iraqi National Guard; The driver was seriously wounded in the incident ... The Iraqi Foreign Ministry welcomes the convening of a meeting of Iraq's neighbouring countries to discuss protecting Iraqi borders ... An official security source says security source and multinational troops arrested 11 persons in Mosul ... Al-Mansur State Contracting Company, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Housing and Construction, begins Kirkuk housing project for building 100 residential buildings ... The Transport Ministry allocates 17m dollars to upgrade the central railways station in Baghdad ... The director of the Iraqi State Railways Company said that the ministry has started implementing new projects to build new railroads ... The director general of the Iraqi State Company for Irrigation and Reclamation Projects says that the company has completed a water project in Baghdad, Wasit, Al-Hillah, Karbala, Al-Diwaniyah, Al-Nasiriyah, and Basra ... Al-Hayat Relief and Development Organization proposes setting up a modern village for displaced families in Diyala governorate
Kurdistan Satellite TV news 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04:
Two booby-trapped cars seized in Qesrok, in Arbil Governorate ... Clashes continue between multi-national forces and Al-Sadr's militia in Al-Kufah, Al-Najaf ... A mourning ceremony held in Arbil for the late Kurdish singer Fu'ad Ahmad ... Karim Shingali from the KDP-led Kurdistan regional government discusses security situation with US commander Gen Hamm ... Kurdistan Satellite TV office attacked on 21 August in Kirkuk, no casualties ... Director of Kurdistan Development Corporation, KDC, transport and communication minister of the KDP-led regional government discuss programmes of the corporation
Al-Bayyinah [Baghdad, political weekly newspaper published by the Hezbollah Movement in Iraq]:
Details of kidnapping of secretary-general of the Hezbollah Movement by the new Saddamite intelligence service [revealed] Allawi: Take me in and let Al-Sari go free Ammar al-Hakim: Al-Sari's detention a disaster, security systems must be purged of Saddamites Izzat al-Duri coordinating terror operations from Abu-Kamal base on Syrian territory Greece, Austria provide safe havens for Saddamites Rumsfeld advises Allawi to take decisive military action to crush rebel fighters, former Republican Guard strongholds within a month.
Al-Dustur [Baghdad, independent political daily newspapIraqi Interior Minister Falah al-Naqib says the Iraqi police forces and the National Guard are getting ready to end the crisis in Al-Najaf; Al-Naqib tells the Baghdad-based Al-Zaman newspaper that the Iraqi defence minister supervises operations in the field to put an end to the situation. Al-Naqib affirms that there is no trace of Muqtada Al-Sadr in the Imam Ali Holy Shrine ... Grand Ayatollah Al-Sayyid Ali al-Sistani sets conditions for receiving the keys of the Al-Sahn al-Sharif in the Al-Najaf Governorate. Ahmad al-Shaybani, spokesman for Muqtada Al-Sadr, says these conditions include evacuating the shrine of all Al-Sadr followers who are staging a sit-in in the shrine, locking the inside and outside doors of the shrine, and putting the keys in a sealed envelope ... Unidentified persons kidnap the son of the religious authority Al-Sayyid Muhammad Sa'id al-Hakim, taking him from Al-Najaf to an unidentified place ... Four gunmen kidnap Isma'il Sami, manager of Al-Musayyib Power Station, after chasing his car and puncturing its wheels ... The Iraqi Nation Party holds its first constituent conference in Baghdad; Salih Sa'id, secretary general of the party, says the party belongs to all the Iraqi people; Iraqi minister of planning hails establishing this party ... Iraq and Jordan agree to prepare a draft agreement in the field of environment ... Iraqi Ministry of Trade decides to terminate food supply contracts signed by the former regime with some Asian companies because the supplies do not meet health standards .... The Iraqi minister of trade accuses elements of the Al-Mahdi Army in Al-Amarah of holding a number of trucks used for transporting supplies included in ration cards, and of seizing their loads ... US forces release 300 Iraqi prison inmates, including 10 from the Abu-Ghurayb Prison, west of Baghdad. Releasing prisoners will continue in the coming months, a US Army commander says ... An explosive charge goes off on the side of the Al-Nidal Street in the centre of Baghdad; One person is slightly wounded in the explosion ... Baghdad University decides to construct 2,000 apartments for university professors in the various complexes of the university in Al-Jadiriyah, Bab al-Mu'azzam, and Abu Ghurayb ... There are some concerns among officials of the Diyala governorate about the possible discovery of mass infections with radioactive pollution after some barrels used for the waste of the Al-Tuwaythah nuclear site were used by citizens in the Abi Saydah District for drinking and storage purposes ... The Baghdad University obligates all students of its faculties to wear uniforms during the coming scholastic year. Students who do not observe this ruling will not be allowed to enter the university campus
Iraq's Al-Diyar TV news 1530 gmt 22 Aug 04:
US forces and military aircraft attack positions of Al-Mahdi Army fighters outside Imam Ali's shrine in Al-Najaf US sources said ... Al-Diyar correspondent said that deputy governor of Diyala survived an assassination attempt this morning ... A US tank opens fire by mistake on a vehicle belonging to the Iraqi National Guard; The driver was seriously wounded in the incident ... The Iraqi Foreign Ministry welcomes the convening of a meeting of Iraq's neighbouring countries to discuss protecting Iraqi borders ... An official security source says security source and multinational troops arrested 11 persons in Mosul ... Al-Mansur State Contracting Company, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Housing and Construction, begins Kirkuk housing project for building 100 residential buildings ... The Transport Ministry allocates 17m dollars to upgrade the central railways station in Baghdad ... The director of the Iraqi State Railways Company said that the ministry has started implementing new projects to build new railroads ... The director general of the Iraqi State Company for Irrigation and Reclamation Projects says that the company has completed a water project in Baghdad, Wasit, Al-Hillah, Karbala, Al-Diwaniyah, Al-Nasiriyah, and Basra ... Al-Hayat Relief and Development Organization proposes setting up a modern village for displaced families in Diyala governorate
Kurdistan Satellite TV news 1630 gmt 22 Aug 04:
Two booby-trapped cars seized in Qesrok, in Arbil Governorate ... Clashes continue between multi-national forces and Al-Sadr's militia in Al-Kufah, Al-Najaf ... A mourning ceremony held in Arbil for the late Kurdish singer Fu'ad Ahmad ... Karim Shingali from the KDP-led Kurdistan regional government discusses security situation with US commander Gen Hamm ... Kurdistan Satellite TV office attacked on 21 August in Kirkuk, no casualties ... Director of Kurdistan Development Corporation, KDC, transport and communication minister of the KDP-led regional government discuss programmes of the corporation
Al-Bayyinah [Baghdad, political weekly newspaper published by the Hezbollah Movement in Iraq]:
Details of kidnapping of secretary-general of the Hezbollah Movement by the new Saddamite intelligence service [revealed] Allawi: Take me in and let Al-Sari go free Ammar al-Hakim: Al-Sari's detention a disaster, security systems must be purged of Saddamites Izzat al-Duri coordinating terror operations from Abu-Kamal base on Syrian territory Greece, Austria provide safe havens for Saddamites Rumsfeld advises Allawi to take decisive military action to crush rebel fighters, former Republican Guard strongholds within a month.
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