Saturday, 28 August 2004
I- AL-NAJAF
Iraqi TV reports end of Al-Najaf crisis, reconstruction efforts: Thousands of Iraqis on 27 August staged peaceful marches to Imam Ali Mosque in Al-Najaf, after an agreement was reached to end three weeks of bloodshed caused by the confrontations between the supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr and the US forces and Iraqi police, Iraqi TV reported. Muqtada al-Sadr issued instructions to his followers to lay down their weapons, leave Imam Ali's holy shrine and join peaceful marches after Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani reached an agreement to end the violence in Al-Najaf. Rescue workers began to evacuate a large number of people to hospitals and to remove bodies from under the rubble of buildings, the TV added. (Al-Diyar TV 1530 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Sadr supporter says bodies in Najaf court militant fighters: The director of a Najaf religious court presided over by al-Sadr, Hisham Abu-Rish, said on 27 August that decomposing bodies found there by the Iraqi police were those of militants killed in recent fighting, Al-Arabiya TV reported. The Iraqi police say that the bodies belong to police and civilians who were killed on the orders of al-Sadr's court. "These are martyrs. They were martyred in this holy battle. We managed to move these bodies to the religious court only after our mujahidin managed to reach them and move them from the battlefield to this place. The battle was fierce and we could not bury them due to the lack of water and electricity. We could not wash them. The undertaker will come now to wash and bury their chaste bodies," he said. (Al-Arabiya TV 1410 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says decayed corpses of Iraqis caused by US gas bombs: Yusuf al-Nasiri, head of al-Sadr's public relations office, told Al-Jazeera on 27 August that the US forces had used gas bombs against Al-Mahdi fighters in Najaf. He said: "We do not have any details regarding this matter, but we did announce three days ago that US forces used gas bombs, which would cause swelling of the faces of fighters, whose bodies would decay and whose skin would be torn apart. Red Crescent ambulances coming from Baghdad were attacked and all their passengers were killed. We believe that they did not want those bodies to be seen by the world since internationally prohibited gas bombs were used against them. I want to add that we would have liked to catch a glimpse of the human rights minister in Iraq, which is the only country which has a human rights minister. We did not hear of any tours or visits by this minister, nor did he make any statements in defence of our people in this serious crisis, which has ended, God willing. I did not witness any actions by the justice minister who is responsible for holding the interim Iraqi state accountable." (Al-Jazeera TV 1306 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Iraqi citizen says US forces used "banned weapons" in Najaf: An unidentified Iraqi citizen in Najaf on 27 August said "banned weapons" had been used by the US army there, Al-Jazeera TV reported. "A group of martyrs are present now at the religious court. They were martyred. You can see the internationally banned weapons used by the United States," the man said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1304 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says converting Mahdi militia to political body up to Sistani: A spokesman for the Al-Mahdi Army, Abu-Dhar al-Kinani, in an interview with Al-Jazeera on 27 August commented on the future of the army: "On the agreement between Al-Sadr and Al-Sistani, I would like to say that the initiative has been made public and announced to the media, press and the world. However, the important issue highlighted by the media and people is whether Al-Mahdi Army will be turned into a political organization or not. In this regard, I say that this is a matter for the authority [Al-Sistani] to determine. We are at the disposal of the religious authority in holy Al-Najaf," he said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1607 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sistani demands investigation into Iraq shootings: "Al-Sistani demands investigation into opening of fire on citizens two days ago [25 August]," Al-Arabiya TV reported at 1641 gmt on 27 August in an urgent screen caption. (Al-Arabiya TV 1641 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Lebanese TV on 27 August broadcast a statement by the al-Sistani's office on the shooting: The statement said: "Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani thanks the delegations of the faithful, who responded to his call and took the trouble of travelling [to Al-Najaf], valuing the effort they exerted to save Al-Najaf. His eminence also expresses his deep sadness and sorrow because a group of people came under fire, which caused the death and injury of a number of innocent people. Al-Sayyid al-Sistani asks the competent agencies to conduct the necessary investigations to identify the parties that failed to carry out their duty and hold them accountable." (Al-Manar Television 1730 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Death sentence issued against Al-Sadr - Iranian agency: A correspondent for the Iranian news agency Fars in Iraq quoted unnamed Iraqi sources in Najaf as saying that a death sentence had been issued against Muqtada al-Sadr. According to the correspondent, the sources say that based on a request made by the Americans, an Iraqi judge issued Al-Sadr's death sentence in his absence in a court in Al-Najaf. (Fars News Agency web site 1306 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Jazeera predicts revenge attacks by al-Sadr's militia: Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August that calm had returned to Najaf but voiced fears that Al-Mahdi Army loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr could stage revenge attacks after their authority agreed to establish peace in the city. The TV said the army members "melted into the crowds that flocked to the Imam Ali Mausoleum after responding to their leader's call to vacate Al-Najaf and Al-Kufah in implementation of his agreement with Al-Sistani but the future of the army remained questionable". (Al-Jazeera TV 1304 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Sadr supporter says bodies in Najaf court militant fighters: The director of a Najaf religious court presided over by al-Sadr, Hisham Abu-Rish, said on 27 August that decomposing bodies found there by the Iraqi police were those of militants killed in recent fighting, Al-Arabiya TV reported. The Iraqi police say that the bodies belong to police and civilians who were killed on the orders of al-Sadr's court. "These are martyrs. They were martyred in this holy battle. We managed to move these bodies to the religious court only after our mujahidin managed to reach them and move them from the battlefield to this place. The battle was fierce and we could not bury them due to the lack of water and electricity. We could not wash them. The undertaker will come now to wash and bury their chaste bodies," he said. (Al-Arabiya TV 1410 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says decayed corpses of Iraqis caused by US gas bombs: Yusuf al-Nasiri, head of al-Sadr's public relations office, told Al-Jazeera on 27 August that the US forces had used gas bombs against Al-Mahdi fighters in Najaf. He said: "We do not have any details regarding this matter, but we did announce three days ago that US forces used gas bombs, which would cause swelling of the faces of fighters, whose bodies would decay and whose skin would be torn apart. Red Crescent ambulances coming from Baghdad were attacked and all their passengers were killed. We believe that they did not want those bodies to be seen by the world since internationally prohibited gas bombs were used against them. I want to add that we would have liked to catch a glimpse of the human rights minister in Iraq, which is the only country which has a human rights minister. We did not hear of any tours or visits by this minister, nor did he make any statements in defence of our people in this serious crisis, which has ended, God willing. I did not witness any actions by the justice minister who is responsible for holding the interim Iraqi state accountable." (Al-Jazeera TV 1306 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Iraqi citizen says US forces used "banned weapons" in Najaf: An unidentified Iraqi citizen in Najaf on 27 August said "banned weapons" had been used by the US army there, Al-Jazeera TV reported. "A group of martyrs are present now at the religious court. They were martyred. You can see the internationally banned weapons used by the United States," the man said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1304 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sadr aide says converting Mahdi militia to political body up to Sistani: A spokesman for the Al-Mahdi Army, Abu-Dhar al-Kinani, in an interview with Al-Jazeera on 27 August commented on the future of the army: "On the agreement between Al-Sadr and Al-Sistani, I would like to say that the initiative has been made public and announced to the media, press and the world. However, the important issue highlighted by the media and people is whether Al-Mahdi Army will be turned into a political organization or not. In this regard, I say that this is a matter for the authority [Al-Sistani] to determine. We are at the disposal of the religious authority in holy Al-Najaf," he said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1607 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Sistani demands investigation into Iraq shootings: "Al-Sistani demands investigation into opening of fire on citizens two days ago [25 August]," Al-Arabiya TV reported at 1641 gmt on 27 August in an urgent screen caption. (Al-Arabiya TV 1641 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Lebanese TV on 27 August broadcast a statement by the al-Sistani's office on the shooting: The statement said: "Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani thanks the delegations of the faithful, who responded to his call and took the trouble of travelling [to Al-Najaf], valuing the effort they exerted to save Al-Najaf. His eminence also expresses his deep sadness and sorrow because a group of people came under fire, which caused the death and injury of a number of innocent people. Al-Sayyid al-Sistani asks the competent agencies to conduct the necessary investigations to identify the parties that failed to carry out their duty and hold them accountable." (Al-Manar Television 1730 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Death sentence issued against Al-Sadr - Iranian agency: A correspondent for the Iranian news agency Fars in Iraq quoted unnamed Iraqi sources in Najaf as saying that a death sentence had been issued against Muqtada al-Sadr. According to the correspondent, the sources say that based on a request made by the Americans, an Iraqi judge issued Al-Sadr's death sentence in his absence in a court in Al-Najaf. (Fars News Agency web site 1306 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Al-Jazeera predicts revenge attacks by al-Sadr's militia: Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August that calm had returned to Najaf but voiced fears that Al-Mahdi Army loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr could stage revenge attacks after their authority agreed to establish peace in the city. The TV said the army members "melted into the crowds that flocked to the Imam Ali Mausoleum after responding to their leader's call to vacate Al-Najaf and Al-Kufah in implementation of his agreement with Al-Sistani but the future of the army remained questionable". (Al-Jazeera TV 1304 gmt 27 Aug 04)
II- DEFENCE & SECURITY
Twelve Iraqis wounded in Mosul blast: Twelve Iraqis were injured when a booby-trapped car exploded in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on 27 August, Iraqi TV reported. The TV said the explosion occurred as a US patrol was passing through the Al-Yarmuk square in western Mosul around 1030 (0630 gmt). Eyewitnesses reported on casualties among US soldiers, but they could not specify their number. (Al-Diyar TV 1535 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Group claims credit for killing US soldier in Fallujah: US forces said one soldier was killed and another sustained serious injuries in a bomb explosion near Al-Fallujah on 27 August, Al-Jazeera TV reported. A group calling itself the Muhammad Army Brigades has claimed responsibility in a recording received by the EPTN agency. A US unit closed the area, the TV said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1313 gmt 27 Aug 04)
US base in Baghdad attacked: A US military base in the Al-Rashad area, east of Al-Sadr City in Baghdad, came under a mortar attack on 27 August, Al Jazeera TV reported. Columns of smoke were seen billowing from the US base, the TV said. (Al-Jazeera TV 2027 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Two oil pipelines attacked in southern Iraq: Two oil pipelines connecting a major oilfield with export trucks in southern Iraq were attacked on 27 August, Al-Jazeera TV reported, quoting an Iraqi oil official. The TV said that firemen were fighting fire on eight oil pipelines that were targeted by insurgents. (Al-Jazeera TV 1320 gmt 27 Aug 04)
US troops arrest police chief in western Iraq: US forces have arrested the police chief in Hit City, in western Iraq, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August. Several policemen in Hit staged a demonstration in the city's street to protest the arrest of Salam Hamid Abdallah and call for his release, the TV added. (Al-Jazeera TV 1605 gmt 27 Aug 04)
HOSTAGES Bodies of two Turkish hostages reportedly found in northern Iraq: The bodies of two Turkish hostages who were shot dead have been found north of Bayji, southwest of Kirkuk, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August. (Al-Jazeera TV 1930 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Groups warns Turkey against sending military equipment, aid to Iraq: A group calling itself the "Al-Ta'ifah al-Mansurah" on 27 August posted a statement on an Islamist website, Minbar Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al-Jama'ah at www.islamic-minbar.com/, warning Turkey "against sending military equipment and aid across the border to the 'invading forces' in Iraq". The full text of the statement follows: In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful The Islamic Tawhid Group [Jama'at al-Tawhid al-Islamiyah] Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade, The Media Department in Europe. God said: "And prepare for them what you can from your strength to scare the enemy of God, and your enemy and others, whom you do not know, but God knows. God tells the truth." A message from The Islamic Tawhid Group to the Turkish Government From: The Islamic Tawhid Group and its military arm Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade To: The Turkish Government and Turkish People, Concerning the aid sent by the Turkish Government. We send this threat to the Turkish Government and people in regard to the assistance extended by the Turkish Government to the invading forces in Iraq. We demand from the Muslim Turkish Government and People, in a peaceful way, not to send military equipment and aid to the invading forces via the border crossings with Iraq. We send this threat to the Turkish Government and people. We do not wish to spill blood but if you do not respond to our demands we will have to use our special means to deter and stop the aid through Turkish border crossings into Iraq. We therefore advise the Turkish Government and people to stop transporting military equipment and aid to the invading forces, because you will be paying a dear price. "We will not be lenient with anyone who deals with the invading forces and the alliance of the US, Britain, and others. They will pay a high price." And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take! The Islamic Tawhid Group, Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade, Media Section in Europe, Friday 12 Rajab, 1425 Hijra [corresponding to 27 August, 2004]. (Jihadist Website www.islamic-minbar.com/)
Group claims credit for killing US soldier in Fallujah: US forces said one soldier was killed and another sustained serious injuries in a bomb explosion near Al-Fallujah on 27 August, Al-Jazeera TV reported. A group calling itself the Muhammad Army Brigades has claimed responsibility in a recording received by the EPTN agency. A US unit closed the area, the TV said. (Al-Jazeera TV 1313 gmt 27 Aug 04)
US base in Baghdad attacked: A US military base in the Al-Rashad area, east of Al-Sadr City in Baghdad, came under a mortar attack on 27 August, Al Jazeera TV reported. Columns of smoke were seen billowing from the US base, the TV said. (Al-Jazeera TV 2027 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Two oil pipelines attacked in southern Iraq: Two oil pipelines connecting a major oilfield with export trucks in southern Iraq were attacked on 27 August, Al-Jazeera TV reported, quoting an Iraqi oil official. The TV said that firemen were fighting fire on eight oil pipelines that were targeted by insurgents. (Al-Jazeera TV 1320 gmt 27 Aug 04)
US troops arrest police chief in western Iraq: US forces have arrested the police chief in Hit City, in western Iraq, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August. Several policemen in Hit staged a demonstration in the city's street to protest the arrest of Salam Hamid Abdallah and call for his release, the TV added. (Al-Jazeera TV 1605 gmt 27 Aug 04)
HOSTAGES Bodies of two Turkish hostages reportedly found in northern Iraq: The bodies of two Turkish hostages who were shot dead have been found north of Bayji, southwest of Kirkuk, Al-Jazeera TV reported on 27 August. (Al-Jazeera TV 1930 gmt 27 Aug 04)
Groups warns Turkey against sending military equipment, aid to Iraq: A group calling itself the "Al-Ta'ifah al-Mansurah" on 27 August posted a statement on an Islamist website, Minbar Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al-Jama'ah at www.islamic-minbar.com/, warning Turkey "against sending military equipment and aid across the border to the 'invading forces' in Iraq". The full text of the statement follows: In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful The Islamic Tawhid Group [Jama'at al-Tawhid al-Islamiyah] Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade, The Media Department in Europe. God said: "And prepare for them what you can from your strength to scare the enemy of God, and your enemy and others, whom you do not know, but God knows. God tells the truth." A message from The Islamic Tawhid Group to the Turkish Government From: The Islamic Tawhid Group and its military arm Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade To: The Turkish Government and Turkish People, Concerning the aid sent by the Turkish Government. We send this threat to the Turkish Government and people in regard to the assistance extended by the Turkish Government to the invading forces in Iraq. We demand from the Muslim Turkish Government and People, in a peaceful way, not to send military equipment and aid to the invading forces via the border crossings with Iraq. We send this threat to the Turkish Government and people. We do not wish to spill blood but if you do not respond to our demands we will have to use our special means to deter and stop the aid through Turkish border crossings into Iraq. We therefore advise the Turkish Government and people to stop transporting military equipment and aid to the invading forces, because you will be paying a dear price. "We will not be lenient with anyone who deals with the invading forces and the alliance of the US, Britain, and others. They will pay a high price." And soon will the unjust assailants know what vicissitudes their affairs will take! The Islamic Tawhid Group, Martyr Umar al-Mukhtar Brigade, Media Section in Europe, Friday 12 Rajab, 1425 Hijra [corresponding to 27 August, 2004]. (Jihadist Website www.islamic-minbar.com/)
III- POLITICS
Iraq sermons praise Al-Sistani's role in Al-Najaf: Preachers at several Baghdad mosques on 27 August praised Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani for his role in ending the stand-off in Najaf, SCIRI-backed Iraqi radio Voice of the Mujahidin reported on 27 August. The imam at Al-Sahn al-Kazimi al-Sharif mosque, Shaykh Al-Darraji, prayed to God "to grant victory to Muqtada al-Sadr". "The imam also blessed the initiative of Al-Sayyid al-Sistani to end the crisis in Al-Najaf and wished Al-Sistani good health after his return from his trip," the radio reported. The worshippers at Buratha Mosque, Jalal-al-Din al-Saghir "blessed the safe return of Al-Sistani to Iraq and shouted slogans in support of him, wishing him a long life and good health. They further demanded an end to all aspects of violence and terrorism all over Iraq, and not only in Al-Najaf," the radio continued. The imam of the Umm al-Qura Sunni mosque in Al-Ghazaliyah, Ahmad al-Samarra'i, "blessed the great step of Al-Sayyid al-Sistani... [and] called on Muslims in Iraq to stand united in the face of the US occupation". "The worshippers at Al-Muhsin Mosque and Al-Rahman Mosque in Al-Sadr City shouted slogans in support of the religious authority Ayatollah Al-Sayyid Ali al-Sistani," the radio added. (Voice of the Mujahidin 1330 gmt 27 Aug 04)
IV- RECONSTRUCTION
Iraqi minister holds talks in Syria on electricity cooperation: Syrian Minster of Electricity Muhammad Munib Sa'im al-Dahr and his Iraqi counterpart Ayham al-Samarra'i on 27 August discussed ways of developing bilateral cooperation in the electricity sector, Syrian news agency SANA reported. The two sides discussed the issue of Arab power linkage with Turkey and building a number of power plants. They also discussed the implementation of a project that links Dayr al-Zawr, eastern Syria and the Iraqi region of Al-Qa'im as soon as possible. (SANA news agency web site 27 Aug 04)
V- IRAQI MEDIA
SCIRI-backed Voice of Mujahidin radio news summary 0530 gmt 27 Aug 04: The Iraqi government approves an agreement between Iraqi Shi'i leaders Ali al-Sistani and Muqtada al-Sadr to put an end to fighting in the city of al-Najaf ... More than 80 Iraqis were killed in several incidents in Iraq yesterday ... Polish sources say that military officials from countries taking part in the multinational forces in Iraq will hold a meeting in Warsaw to discuss the presence of their forces in Iraq ... British newspapers say that British lawmakers are planning to revive a parliamentary measure to remove Prime Minister Tony Blair from his office for taking part in the Iraq war ... News agencies say that the abducted Italian journalist in Iraq has been killed ... An explosion took place in Baghdad last night; a car bomb wounded three people near Mosul yesterday ... An armed group in Iraq holding seven people working for a Kuwaiti company in Iraq has announced that it will release the hostages if the company stops its operations in Iraq ... A NATO official says 57 NATO officers have begun training Iraqi forces ... The Iraqi Shi'i waqf department urges all parties to cooperate to resume supervising Imam Ali Mausoleum in Al-Najaf ... Iranian sources say that the Iraqi deputy prime minister is due to visit Tehran tomorrow to pave the way for the Iraqi prime minister's planned visit to Iran ... The Iraqi prime minister urges countries, which have pledged to contribute to his country's reconstruction, to pay the money they had promised ... Three Arab and foreign banks to open in Iraq ... The Oil ministry says the ministry imports 21 million litres of fuel for gas stations in the country ... The Coca Cola company is holding contacts with Iraqi investors to start investment in Iraq ... Political commentary: The Iraqi resistance has forced the United States to transfer power to the Iraqis ahead of the general elections. But this has not solved any of the problems facing the "occupation." The US project in Iraq has failed. The security situation in Iraq, according to Americans, is worse than before. Nevertheless, the US media machine says that matters will be under control. Meanwhile, the Iraqi people are unable to protect themselves, and Iraqi police and government centres are protecting themselves behind cement walls and barbed wire. If an elected government brings about stability in the country, foreigners should leave our land.
Al-Diyar TV news summary 1530 gmt 27 Aug 04: Thousands of Iraqis march peacefully towards the Imam Ali Mosque following Muqtada al-Sadr's call on his fighters to lay down arms and vacate the Al-Sahn Al-Haydari in accordance with Al-Sistani's peace initiative. Prime Minister Allawi orders a 24-hour halt of military operations in Al-Najaf. The Iraqi government announces the formation of a committee for rebuilding Al-Najaf (video of marches and fighters in Al-Najaf) ... A booby-trapped car targets a US military patrol ... The Iraqi Border and Customs Authority confiscates antiquities, cars rigged for smuggling, hashish, and livestock, and closes illegal docks and ports on the Arabian Gulf used for smuggling oil ... Police arrest gang members and retrieve government-owned stolen trucks en route to Iraqi-Syrian borders .... Correspondent reports from Baghdad University on a symposium on future economic and political activity in Iraq. Dr Ali al-Rawi speaks about economic policy in Iraq and management of the national economy. He says that Iraq should give importance to setting priorities according to economic conditions in the country, starting with the infrastructure ... Iraqi Ministry of Housing completes construction of bridges in the Al-Muthanah Governorate. Other government projects reported ... The Iraqi Communist Party holds a conference on restoring the Iraqi society's civil traits and removing its military character. Correspondent reports on the conference. Participants are interviewed on the topic.
Al-Iraqiyah TV news summary 1600 gmt 27 Aug 04: Thousands gather in Najaf holy shrine following peace deal with Shi'i cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Video report covers people in shrine, public reaction, police around the city ... Shi'i cleric Ayatollah Al-Sistani given keys of Imam Ali shrine as quiet returns to Al-Najaf. Video report shows people going into mosque, highlights peace deal, Al-Sadr spokesman says Al-Mahdi Army committed to Al-Sistani's orders ... Friday preachers hail peace initiative of Shi'i cleric Al-Sistani, call for release of hostages abducted in Iraq. Video report ... Report on Friday preacher of Umm al-Qura hailing Al-Najaf peace deal ... Iraqis in Al-Najaf greet peace deal. Video report highlights reactions ... Baghdadis relieved by peace deal in Al-Najaf. Video report covers reactions ... Ten injured in car bomb in Mosul ... Police deputy chief in Basra says security forces deployed all over the city to maintain law and order. Video report shows checkpoints in Basra, police official comments ... Passport department in Wasit works overtime to meet public demand for travel documents ... Housing project launched in Al-Anbar. Video report ... Basra traffic department holds training courses for policemen. Video report. US President George Bush admits to have misjudged post-war conditions in Iraq ... Iraq Minister of State Qassim Dawud describes peace deal in Najaf as victory. Video report covers his comments. Business bulletin. Southern oil pipelines come under fresh attack. Coca Cola in negotiations to set up factories in Iraq. International market report.
Al-Zaman headlines 28-29 Aug 04: US forces withdraw; the police controls the town; compensation for victims discussed; Al-Rawdah inventoried. Al-Mahdi Army vacates the shrine, transfers its heavy weapons to hideouts in Al-Najaf ... Cease-fire in Darfur collapses and disputes renewed in Abuja ... Mauritania accuses Libya, Burkina Faso of plotting a coup attempt against [President] Taya ... Eritrean hijackers of Libyan plane surrender in Khartoum ... Algerian pilot applies for nationality and work permit in Israel ... Rafsanjani softens his language towards Washington and calls for cooperation with it ... Arab sources: Foreign investments will be the first victim if Al-Hariri resigns. Paris urges respect for the Lebanese constitution in the elections ... First evidence of a terrorist act in the crash of the two Russian aircraft [found].
Al-Diyar TV news summary 1530 gmt 27 Aug 04: Thousands of Iraqis march peacefully towards the Imam Ali Mosque following Muqtada al-Sadr's call on his fighters to lay down arms and vacate the Al-Sahn Al-Haydari in accordance with Al-Sistani's peace initiative. Prime Minister Allawi orders a 24-hour halt of military operations in Al-Najaf. The Iraqi government announces the formation of a committee for rebuilding Al-Najaf (video of marches and fighters in Al-Najaf) ... A booby-trapped car targets a US military patrol ... The Iraqi Border and Customs Authority confiscates antiquities, cars rigged for smuggling, hashish, and livestock, and closes illegal docks and ports on the Arabian Gulf used for smuggling oil ... Police arrest gang members and retrieve government-owned stolen trucks en route to Iraqi-Syrian borders .... Correspondent reports from Baghdad University on a symposium on future economic and political activity in Iraq. Dr Ali al-Rawi speaks about economic policy in Iraq and management of the national economy. He says that Iraq should give importance to setting priorities according to economic conditions in the country, starting with the infrastructure ... Iraqi Ministry of Housing completes construction of bridges in the Al-Muthanah Governorate. Other government projects reported ... The Iraqi Communist Party holds a conference on restoring the Iraqi society's civil traits and removing its military character. Correspondent reports on the conference. Participants are interviewed on the topic.
Al-Iraqiyah TV news summary 1600 gmt 27 Aug 04: Thousands gather in Najaf holy shrine following peace deal with Shi'i cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Video report covers people in shrine, public reaction, police around the city ... Shi'i cleric Ayatollah Al-Sistani given keys of Imam Ali shrine as quiet returns to Al-Najaf. Video report shows people going into mosque, highlights peace deal, Al-Sadr spokesman says Al-Mahdi Army committed to Al-Sistani's orders ... Friday preachers hail peace initiative of Shi'i cleric Al-Sistani, call for release of hostages abducted in Iraq. Video report ... Report on Friday preacher of Umm al-Qura hailing Al-Najaf peace deal ... Iraqis in Al-Najaf greet peace deal. Video report highlights reactions ... Baghdadis relieved by peace deal in Al-Najaf. Video report covers reactions ... Ten injured in car bomb in Mosul ... Police deputy chief in Basra says security forces deployed all over the city to maintain law and order. Video report shows checkpoints in Basra, police official comments ... Passport department in Wasit works overtime to meet public demand for travel documents ... Housing project launched in Al-Anbar. Video report ... Basra traffic department holds training courses for policemen. Video report. US President George Bush admits to have misjudged post-war conditions in Iraq ... Iraq Minister of State Qassim Dawud describes peace deal in Najaf as victory. Video report covers his comments. Business bulletin. Southern oil pipelines come under fresh attack. Coca Cola in negotiations to set up factories in Iraq. International market report.
Al-Zaman headlines 28-29 Aug 04: US forces withdraw; the police controls the town; compensation for victims discussed; Al-Rawdah inventoried. Al-Mahdi Army vacates the shrine, transfers its heavy weapons to hideouts in Al-Najaf ... Cease-fire in Darfur collapses and disputes renewed in Abuja ... Mauritania accuses Libya, Burkina Faso of plotting a coup attempt against [President] Taya ... Eritrean hijackers of Libyan plane surrender in Khartoum ... Algerian pilot applies for nationality and work permit in Israel ... Rafsanjani softens his language towards Washington and calls for cooperation with it ... Arab sources: Foreign investments will be the first victim if Al-Hariri resigns. Paris urges respect for the Lebanese constitution in the elections ... First evidence of a terrorist act in the crash of the two Russian aircraft [found].
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