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HEADLINES
  
IRAQI NEWS
·         Casualties reported in Samarra clash
·         US forces arrest Samarra police commander
·         Iraqi police chief replaced by Saddam army officer
·         Defence minister says elections may fail
·         Electoral commission official denies mass resignations
·         Sunni body "softens" election stance after US meeting
·         Iraqi Gazette to be published in Kurdish
·         Gas, oil pipelines sabotaged, torched near Iraq's Kirkuk
·         Basra light crude export to decrease from February
·         TV says Iraq uncovers Iranian spy ring
·         Al-Fallujah families to receive one-off payout from 12 Jan
·         Violent clashes near Syrian border
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 12 JANUARY 2005
·         Holding election on time is a natural right of the Iraqi people- Al-Bayan
·         "Iraqis are now closer to finding a way out of the ordeal''- Al-Dustur
·         "Holding election on time scheduled ; a victory over the forces of sabotage''- Al-Mu'tamar
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 11 JAN. 05
·         "We did not Import Democracy; Please, Do not Tell us About Bread!"- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
·         ``The Federal Solution for the Kurdish Issue in Iraq''- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
·         Corruption &"fake developmental programmes." - Al-Dustur
·         "The Civil Society''- Al-Mashriq
·         "Cain and Abel, or Culture and Media,"- Al-Mashriq
·         "Enthusiasm" of Iraqis for the upcoming elections- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
·         ``A poll on the opinion of Iraqis in Baghdad and other governorates on the upcoming elections'' - Al-Mashriq
·         "Iraqi Elections, To Be Delayed or To Be on Time," - Al-Mashriq
·         ``A need for afundamental solutions for the security file''- Al-Bayan
·         ``The role of political forces in the upcoming elections''- Al-Ufuq
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 10 JAN. 05
·         Programme summary of Al Sharqiyah TV news 11 Jan 05
·         Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 11 Jan 05
KURDISH NEWS 11 JAN. 05
·         Terror suspects held in Kirkuk
·         Kurdish election web site launched

IRAQI NEWS
Casualties reported in Samarra clash

An Iraqi police officer and several other people were killed when a military patrol clashed with gunmen who were waiting in an ambush on 11 January in Samarra, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Police Lt-Col Mahmud Muhammad explained that the patrols had been ambushed by gunmen in the area of Al-Shuhada, east of the city. The armed confrontations lasted approximately half an hour, and a member of the military patrol was killed, he said. He did not give details of casualties among the gunmen or civilians. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

US forces arrest Samarra police commander

US forces arrested the commander of the unit in charge of protecting Samarra Hospital, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 11 January, quoting police sources. Police Lt-Col Mahmud Muhammad said Major Sa'dun Ahmad Matrud was arrested the day before. He gave no explanation for the arrest. . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

Iraqi police chief replaced by Saddam army officer

The Diyala Governorate Police director Brig-Gen Iyad Husayn Al-Karkhi "has been dismissed by US troops", Al-Diyar TV reported on 11 January. "This is in view of the poor security situation in the governorate, in addition to the fleeing of nine prisoners from a police station," the TV said. Col Adil Mulan, an officer in the former Iraqi Army, has been appointed as Diyala Governorate Police director, it added. (Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad, 11 Jan 05)

Defence minister says elections may fail

Defence Minister Hazim al-Sha'lan has said the Iraqi elections scheduled for 30 January may fail as at least two more months are needed to properly prepare for them, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 11 January. Speaking in an interview with the TV, Al-Sha'lan suggested that the next two weeks prior to the election should be spent holding "a speedy dialogue" to secure the Sunni vote. "I do not know whether the state or the government has failed in this regard. I believe: not at all. The government has not failed in this regard," Al-Sha'lan said. "We need more time to prepare things in an appropriate and good manner," he said. "There should have been greater efforts exerted before the elections - by at least two months - so that everyone can have the opportunity." . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

Electoral commission official denies mass resignations

Electoral Commission spokesman Farid Ayar has said that reports about mass resignation within the commission are exaggerated rumours, Al-Diyar TV reported on 11 January. Ayar however said there may be one or two resignations for personal reasons, but this does not mean that 600 employees have resigned in one go, as one TV report said. (Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad, 11 Jan 05)

Sunni body "softens" election stance after US meeting

The Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS) has agreed to accept an elected Shi'i government if it supports the call for a scheduled withdrawal of the American forces from Iraq, Iraqi Al-Diyar TV reported on 11 January. Press sources cited Shaykh Abd-al-Salam al-Kubaysi, number two in the AMS as saying that a meeting with the Shi'i religious authority is now needed to counter sectarianism and consolidate national unity, the TV said. Al-Kubaysi said the meeting that AMS leaders held with 11 diplomats from the US embassy in Baghdad had left a positive impression. He said the two sides had agreed to meet again in the next few days. He said American presence in Iraq for one or two years might be acceptable provided that this period is specified officially and publicly. (Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad, 11 Jan 05)

 Iraqi Gazette to be published in Kurdish

The Iraqi Gazette is to be published in Kurdish, Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) newspaper Al-Ittihad reported on 11 January. The paper quoted a source at the office of Deputy Prime Minister Barham Ahmad Salih as saying that this was an initial step towards recognizing the Kurdish language in official state affairs. The source explained that a new law relating to applying the Kurdish language in official matters will soon be passed. (Al-Ittihad, Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) newspaper 11 Jan 05)

Gas, oil pipelines sabotaged, torched near Iraq's Kirkuk

Two gas and oil pipelines were sabotaged and torched near Kirkuk in northern Iraq when they came under two separate attacks, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 11 January. An official in charge of protecting Iraqi oil installations said gunmen fired Katyusha rockets at dawn at the gas pipeline connecting an oil field west of the production station in the area of Al-Fathah, thus setting it on fire. He added that fire also broke out in a back-up crude oil pipeline in western Kirkuk after it had been attacked. . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

Basra light crude export to decrease from February

Iraq is to decrease its exports of the Basra light crude by 10 per cent - the equivalent to 160,000 barrels a day - starting 1 February until the end of June, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 11th citing Reuters news agency. The TV said the an Iraqi oil official said the decision was made on technical grounds. . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

TV says Iraq uncovers Iranian spy ring

Iraqi intelligence officers have captured an espionage ring reporting to the Iranian intelligence in Iraq, Iraqi Al-Diyar TV reported on 11 January, quoting an official Iraqi intelligence source. According to the TV, members confessed that the ring seeks to implement pre-planned operations against Iraq and the Iranian opposition organization of Mojahedin-e Khalq. Hasan Jum'ah confessed that he was entrusted to conduct intelligence and espionage tasks inside Iraq by Iranian intelligence officers and to gather information for them. This came against the backdrop of confessions made by an Iraqi citizen, Nash'at al-Hasani, who allegedly admitted to carrying out intelligence and espionage activities. Hasan Jum'ah also admitted receiving support and guidance from two Iranian intelligence officers who work at the Iranian embassy in Iraq. The two are known as Tukaylan and Hamdi, Al-Diyar TV said. (Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad, 11 Jan 05)

Al-Fallujah families to receive one-off payout from 12 Jan

Families from Al-Fallujah will receive urgent financial aid amounting to 150,000 dinars from 12 Jan, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. A government statement said the financial aid will be paid once, based on the family's ration card and the identification card, or any document identifies the holder as a resident of Al-Fallujah. . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05)

Violent clashes near Syrian border
US forces have engaged in violent clashes with gunmen in Al-Qa'im, near the Syrian border, in Al-Anbar governorate in western Iraq, Baghdad Al-SharqiyahTV reported on 11 January. The TV's correspondent in the town said the clashes broke out after gunmen attacked a US patrol near a base in the area. The correspondent cited eyewitnesses as saying a number of US military vehicles were damaged. . (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 11 JAN 05) BBC Monitoring headlines, quotes from
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 12 January 2005
Holding election on time is a natural right of the Iraqi people- Al-Bayan
Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 12 Jan: [From commentary by Husayn Muhammad al-Raziqi]

"People are facing a serious challenge, but they still have to exercise their voting right, challenging those relentlessly trying to undermine security and stability in Iraq. Holding election on time is a natural right of the Iraqi people. Rather, it is a religious duty on which security, sovereignty and dignity depend."

"Iraqis are now closer to finding a way out of the ordeal''- Al-Dustur

Al-Dustur [Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic] 12 Jan: [From editorial by Basim al-Shaykh] "Iraqis are now closer to finding a way out of the ordeal. They have no alternative other than leaping towards their future on 30 January. They will only need to seek God's help and rise up as one man with their hands united to place the voting card deciding their destiny in the ballot box holding their aspirations for tomorrow. The only way for Iraqis to pass this difficult test is to hold on to election as the best option to surmount the ordeal and possess the true national will. Delaying election, however, will be a step backward, which is not needed right now."

"Holding election on time scheduled ; a victory over the forces of sabotage''- Al-Mu'tamar

Al-Mu'tamar [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Congress] 12 Jan: [From opinion by Salman al-Shimmari] "Holding parliamentary election on its scheduled date will be Iraqis' heaviest blow and greatest victory over the forces of sabotage, violence and chaos. Election postponement in Afghanistan had, indeed, led to broader popular participation and ensured wide acceptance of results. Its delay in Iraq, however, can only worsen the situation, aggravate the security and political problems and eventually cause mistrust among Iraqis in the promises made by their interim government and national forces. Moreover, it will turn the state administration law into mere ink on paper, leaving Iraq running in a vicious circle of insecurity, unemployment, incomplete legitimacy and exclusion and in a dark tunnel of hated occupation and civil war."

IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 11 JAN. 05
"We did not Import Democracy; Please, Do not Tell us About Bread!"- Al-Sabah al-Jadid

Al-Sabah al-Jadid, Iraqi daily, 11 Jan 05: published an article by Sadiq Bakhan, :The writer criticized those "groomed gentlemen who appear on satellite TV channels, praising 'dead ideologies' and attacking the 'new democracy that Iraqis have imported from the west'." The author also attacked these "gentlemen" for their belief that federation will "weaken and fragment Iraq."

``The Federal Solution for the Kurdish Issue in Iraq''- Al-Sabah al-Jadid

Al-Sabah al-Jadid carried an article by Dr Shizad Najjar, entitled "The Federal Solution for the Kurdish Issue in Iraq: an Essential Approach To Building New Iraqi State." The writer commented on the neglect of the Kurds in Iraq by the previous governments, and suggests that the federal system is the "best and most suitable solution" for the stability and social and economic prosperity of Iraq.

``Corruption & [fake developmental programmes]" - Al-Dustur

Al-Dustur carried an editorial by Chief Editor Basim al-Shaykh, in which the writer criticized those "corrupt officials" working in the name of the Iraqi press and media channels, who "steal huge sums of money" by arranging "fake developmental programmes." Al-Shaykh calls on "all honest and loyal" Iraqi journalists to unite and establish an "impartial professional press organization, with new honest regulations."

"The Civil Society''- Al-Mashriq

Al-Mashriq published an article by Abd-al-Jabbar al-Samarra'i, entitled "The Civil Society: Features, Attributes." The author discusses the historical roots of the term "civil society," commenting on the "essential features" that should characterize civil society organizations to make them "active and successful." The writer said these civil society organizations are "very important" for establishing democracy, hoping that Iraq will enjoy the benefits of "true and active organizations."

"Cain and Abel, or Culture and Media,"- Al-Mashriq

Al-Mashriq carried an article by Shamil Abd-al-Qadir, entitled "Cain and Abel, or Culture and Media," in which the writer criticized the "unjust order" that dissolved the Iraqi Ministry of Information, while keeping "its other former partner, the Culture ministry." The author said that the staff of the dissolved ministry used to receive their salaries during the "CPA period," but now these salaries have been "trimmed off." The writer called on the Iraqi Government to "deal justly" with the "bread-owners of more than 3,000 Iraqi families."

"Enthusiasm" of Iraqis for the upcoming elections- Al-Sabah al-Jadid

Al-Sabah al-Jadid newspaper carried an article in which the writer comments on the "enthusiasm" of Iraqis to conduct the upcoming elections. The writer says that conducting the elections on schedule will result in electing a "legitimate government, and ending the interim period." He adds that any delay will give the "terrorists" the opportunity for more activities.

``

A poll on the opinion of Iraqis in Baghdad and other governorates on the upcoming elections'' - Al-Mashriq

Al-Mashriq newspaper published a report on a poll conducted by Al-Mashriq Centre for Strategic Studies surveying the opinion of Iraqis in Baghdad and other governorates, excluding Kurdistan, on the upcoming elections. The poll shows that the majority of the people surveyed believe that the elections date is suitable, saying that they are "willing" to participate in the elections. The poll also shows that a "great number" of people think that the results of the elections will be "falsified."

"Iraqi Elections, To Be Delayed or To Be on Time," - Al-Mashriq

Al-Mashriq published an article by Dr Hadi Hasan Ulaywi, entitled "Iraqi Elections, To Be Delayed or To Be on Time," in which the writer discusses the two "clashing opinions" regarding conducting the elections as scheduled. Ulaywi says that all Iraqi political and religious groups have to "exchange views" to prepare all means that guarantee the participation of all Iraqis, and the "success" of the elections.

``A need for afundamental solutions for the security file''- Al-Bayan

Al-Bayan published an editorial saying that so far, more than 20,000 Iraqis have been killed in Iraq, most of them civilians, under the banner of resisting the occupation. Most of the so-called resistance operations target Shi'is as was the case in Mosul recently in which 14 workers from Al-Nasiriyah were killed on the grounds that they intended to work for foreign companies contracting with the foreign forces in Iraq. The editorial says that the main goal of the terrorist groups coming across the borders is to create a sectarian war in the country. The editorial warns that without fundamental solutions for the security file, people's participation in the upcoming election will be highly influenced

``The role of political forces in the upcoming elections''- Al-Ufuq

Al-Ufuq published an unattributed article discussing the role of political forces in the upcoming elections. The article says that the elections scheduled for later this month will help to end the interim stage that was imposed by the recent war, and to legitimize the ruling party in Iraq. In addition, the transitional National Assembly that will be elected is responsible for drafting a permanent constitution for Iraq. The article criticizes the national political forces because they are becoming polarized on ethnic or sectarian bases while under the current critical security circumstances. The article says they should unite their efforts and agree on a national democratic programme that ensures the rights of all components of the Iraqi society.

IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 10 Jan. 05
Programme summary of Al Sharqiyah TV news 11 Jan 05
¨         Interim Iraqi prime minister says a security plan was adopted to guarantee the security of the elections and to protect polling stations in Iraq
¨         Two gas and oil pipelines were sabotaged and torched near Kirkuk in northern Iraq when they came under two separate attacks
¨         Iraqi government has confirmed once again that elections will go ahead as planned on 30 January
¨         Car bomb explosion reported this morning in Tikrit in northern Iraq. At least six policemen were killed, eight were wounded, seven others went missing following the incident
¨         Iraqi, US and Turkish civilian officials held talks in Ankara today on the security situation in Iraq, activities of the Turkish Kurdistan Workers' Party
¨         Violent clashes reported between US forces and armed men in the city of Al Qa'im in Al Anbar in western Iraq; Two explosive devices went off on the road between Al Haditha and Al Qa'im, a US military vehicle was destroyed in the incident, US soldiers on board were killed
¨         The US Administration has pledged to share documents and communications with the investigative commission led by former US Federal Reserve chief Paul Volcker, which is probing the Iraq oil-for-food programme
¨         An explosive device targeting a US patrol went off in Al Yusufiyah district in southern Baghdad, killing three Iraqi civilians, three others were wounded in the incident; Another explosive device went off in the same area, killing six civilians, wounding seven others who were on board a bus
¨         US military witnesses confirmed at a court in Texas that Charles Graner, a US reservist, tortured and mistreated Iraqi inmates at Abu Ghurayb prison
¨         Iraqi defence minister says in an interview with Al Sharqiyah TV that he has drawn up a complete security plan to guarantee the security of the elections; The plan will impose a two-day curfew to strengthen security in the country before holding the elections
¨         Al Najaf police says Iraqi soldiers and policemen have intercepted infiltrators from the Iraqi-Saudi border who were trying to smuggle arms and explosives into the country
¨         Clashes reported this morning between an Iraqi police patrol and armed men in Samarra. Several people were killed in the incident
¨         French foreign minister has refused to confirm the kidnap of a woman French journalist and her Iraqi translator in Iraq
¨         Families from Al Fallujah who fled the city following the US invasion will receive on 10th the first part of an urgent financial aid package worth 150,000 dinars
¨         Outgoing Ukrainian president has ordered the pullout of troops from Iraq
Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 11 Jan 05
¨         Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announces plans to increase number of policemen during polls
¨         Live interview with Allawi. He confirms plan to step up security measures during polls
¨         Iraqis relieved by arrest of "terrorist" and criminal groups
¨         Flurry of election campaigning by candidates
¨         Security measures during polls and trial of former regime leadership focus of discussions of interim National Assembly
¨         Six policemen killed in suicide bombing in Tikrit; three killed south of Baghdad
¨         Seven injured in twin terror attacks in Basra
¨         UN probe reveals large-scale sleaze in oil-for-food programme
¨         Pipelines near Kirkuk damaged in separate terror attacks

Kurdish News 11 Jan. 05
Terror suspects held in Kirkuk
An informed source with the multinational forces in Kirkuk told the Kurdistani Nuwe Newspaper that a number of terrorist ringleaders were arrested recently in Kirkuk, the paper reported on 11 January. The source said some of the terrorists had plans in place to disrupt security in Kirkuk and carry out terrorist acts during the elections. He said most of the detainees were former members of the deposed Ba'th regime who were involved in a number of sabotage acts against the multinational forces, the police force and the people of Kirkuk. (Kurdistani Nuwe, Al-Sulaymaniyah, in Sorani Kurdish 11 Jan 05)
Kurdish election web site launched
A new web site in Kurdish, www.helbijardin.com, has been launched to inform the people of Kurdistan and the Iraqi people, about the elections, Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) newspaper Kurdistani Nuwe reported on 11 January. The web site will feature the election campaign of the Democratic National List [for Kurdistan National Assembly elections] and the Kurdistan Coalition List [for Iraqi general elections], the paper said. It will also carry all manifestos and documents related to the election campaign. (Kurdistani Nuwe 11 Jan 05)