Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

 
  
IRAQI NEWS
·         Iraqi MP Al-Khafaji survives "assassination attempt"
·         Iraqi deputy premier: "It will be difficult" to hold elections on time
·         Ninawa Governorate council member killed in Mosul
·         US, Iraqi forces launch raids on mosques:
·         Al-Sistani confirms support for election frontrunner
·         Allawi expects "broad participation" in elections
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 15 JAN. 05
·         ``Allawi, has succeeded in projecting a public image''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
·         ``Some political entities take advantage of religious symbols''- Al-Dustur
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 17 JAN. 05
·         Al-Nahdhah [Baghdad, political daily newspaper]Headlines :
·         Al-Mada [Baghdad, political daily newspaper published by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]Headlines:
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 16 JAN. 05
·         Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 16 Jan 05
·         Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 16 Jan 05
KURDISH MEDIA SUMMARIES, 16 JAN 05:
·         Programme summary of Kurdistan Satellite TV news 16 Jan 05:
·         Programme summary of KurdSat TV news 16 Jan 05:

IRAQI NEWS

Iraqi MP Al-Khafaji survives "assassination attempt"

The Iraqi Interior Ministry has said that Sallamah al-Khafaji, a National Assembly member, escaped an assassination attempt in the Al-Hurriyah neighbourhood in northwestern Baghdad today. The ministry added that the circumstances surrounding the attack have not been clarified yet. In May 2004, Al-Khafaji survived an attack on her convoy in Baghdad, in which her son and one of her bodyguards were killed. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Jan 05)

Iraqi deputy premier: "It will be difficult" to hold elections on time

Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih has admitted that it will be difficult to hold the elections as scheduled on 30 January. He stressed that the security challenge will continue to exist in the forthcoming period. At the same time, he stressed that the Iraqi government is determined to strongly confront all the hotbeds of violence. He said that there are many plans in the field of reconstruction, however, the problem lies in implementing them in the light of the security situation. He added that there is also the problem of bureaucracy coupled with slackened, inflated and dependent government bodies that do not adopt the principle of initiatives or competitions. [Video shows Salih speaking] (Al-Diyar TV, 16 January 05)

Ninawa Governorate council member killed in Mosul


Shaykh Yunus Salih al-Hayyali, member of the Ninawa Governorate Council and a tribal leader of Al-Hayyalin, one of the most famous tribes living in the governorate and its environs, was assassinated in Mosul today
The Al-Sharqiyah correspondent reported that unidentified persons opened fire on Al-Hayyali in the Al-Bab al-Jadid area, wounding him seriously. He died after he was evacuated to the Al-Jumhuri Hospital. It is worth noting that two members of the governorate council were killed last month in an atmosphere marked by insecurity in the governorate.

Meanwhile, the Mosul police commander issued a last warning to those affiliated with the police service, asking them to report to duty. Two months ago, the policemen in question quit their jobs and failed to report to duty at police stations.( Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Jan 05)

 US, Iraqi forces launch raids on mosques:

 US and Iraqi forces have launched joint raids over two days in several areas of Al-Dawrah, south of Baghdad, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 16 January. The operations in search of weapons and suspected terrorists included raids on the Al-Tawhid and Al-Radwan mosques. Eyewitnesses said stun grenades were used during the night-time raid on the Al-Tawhid mosque and a nearby house. Al-Radwan mosque was raided on the suspicion that worshippers were being incited to practice terrorism. The TV's correspondent said no weapons were found in the raids. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 0900 gmt 16 Jan 05)

Al-Sistani confirms support for election frontrunner

: Iraq's top Shi'i cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, has reiterated his support for the Unified Iraqi Alliance list which is widely expected to dominate the January 30 general elections, one of his aides said Sunday (16 Jan). "Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani stresses the need to hold the elections at the scheduled date and confirms his support for list 169," said Shaykh Najih al-Ubudi. He was referring to the Unified Iraqi Alliance, a grouping of major Shi'i parties which was formed with Sistani's blessing and is headed by Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim, the leader of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. "A war has been launched against this list, on the grounds that it includes all the currents and strata of Iraqi society," al-Ubudi said during a meeting of Sistani's representatives in Diwaniya, south of Baghdad. Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's Iraqi National Accord party cried foul last week over the alleged use of religion in advertising by the front-running Shi'i coalition. One pamphlet circulating in southern Shi'i cities speaks of voting for the UIA as the will of the "Marjaya," a term used for Sistani and his coterie of elite clerics. The Iraqi Electoral Commission said it would look into the complaint. Sistani's aide also spoke of the cleric's insistence on holding the landmark elections as scheduled, despite boycott calls by Sunni Arab movements and ever-worsening violence across the country. (AFP news agency, 16 Jan 05)

Reporting the same story, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV quoted al-Ubudi as saying the United Iraqi Alliance list enjoys the support of Al-Sistani because of its Islamic nature and because it includes persons who can lead the country to a better situation. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Jan 05)
Allawi expects "broad participation" in elections

: Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said he expected "broad participation" in the elections scheduled for 30 January. In an interview with Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV on 15 January, he said: "I expect broad participation. I urge those who are still hesitant to participate because this is a crucial issue related to the future, stability, and development of the country." Concerning reported plans for an operation in Mosul, Allawi said he was due to visit the city before the election, adding: "All we are doing is reinforcing the presence of internal security and military forces to maintain security in the city, in cooperation with the honourable people of Mosul and the governorate's administration." Allawi confirmed the reports of an increase in violence in Iraq in recent weeks, saying: "There is escalation now in Iraq for many important reasons dealing with security failures and dissolution of military and security institutions in the country." But asked about suicide attacks, Allawi said there was "a drop in the number of operations carried out during the past 10 days. I do not recall statistics or figures now." (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Jan 05)

IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 15 JAN. 05
``Allawi, has succeeded in projecting a public image''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, [From commentary by Abd-al-Rahman al-Rashid]: "Those who have followed up the latest series of interviews given by Dr Ayad Allawi, probably the hottest candidate for the next Iraqi premiership, cannot have failed to notice that he has succeeded in projecting a public image that is the exact opposite of the stern, awe-inspiring stereotype of a president they were accustomed to seeing for nearly forty years. Beaming at them was an ordinary man- warm, casual and too cordial to use an improper word even when talking about the deadliest of his archenemies in the deposed Iraqi leadership It would be absolutely irrational to agree with those who argue that what Iraqis actually need is another bunch of cruel rulers who would take pride in being prepared to kill half the population of Iraq to save the other half- rulers in the habit of firing one shot in the air only to fire the next into some rival's head. To parrot the advocates of the old dictum 'might before right' is to uphold an absurdity worthy of none but the weak who are incapable of coping with Iraq's problems."

``Some political entities take advantage of religious symbols''- Al-Dustur

Al-Dustur [From editorial by Basim al-Shaikh]: "The independent election high commission has issued a stern warning recently, drawing attention to the dire consequences of political entities claiming to have religious figureheads' backing for their respective electoral lists. This has come as a timely check to rein in a growing tendency by some political entities to take advantage of religious symbols as a means of boosting their electoral campaigns in breach of the rules set by the commission. Not surprisingly, these illegal practices, which can only result in deepening divisive sectarian sentiments, have caused quite a stir among other entities, who have a feeling that they are being cheated out of their rightful share of the electorate's votes."

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 17 JAN. 05

Al-Nahdhah [Baghdad, political daily newspaper]Headlines :
¨         Minister of defence: Iraqi woman trained in Syria under Iranian supervision tried to assassinate me (Agencies- Quoted)
¨         Kurdish returnees to Kirkuk allowed to vote (Agencies- Quoted)
¨         British Museum: considerable damage done to ruins of ancient Babylon at the hands of Coalition Forces (KUNA- Quoted)
¨         Elections discussed in Bush-Yawar telephone conversation (AFP- Quoted)
¨         Top cleric at Al-Azhar says fighting in Iraq no Jihad (KUNA- Quoted).
Al-Mada [Baghdad, political daily newspaper published by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]Headlines:
¨         Fifteen national guardsmen kidnapped in Hiit (Agencies- Quoted)
¨         Latest opinion poll conducted in Baghdad by Al-Mada Centre for Field Studies reveals 66% will certainly vote, 52.40% favouring democratic parties, 59.33 ignorant of electoral mechanism Nineveh branch electoral commission's assets frozen, its head ordered to be apprehended, commission's task being boosted by military reinforcements Annan nominates deputy to his special envoy in Iraq
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 16 Jan. 05


Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 16 Jan 05
¨         Iraqi police aborts booby-trapped car blast in Karbala; time bomb blows up this morning in Kirkuk, no casualties reported. (under min)
¨         Booby-trapped car blast targeting US column in Hadithah damages two armoured vehicles, leaves several dead, injured. Video report shows scene of blast eyewitness speaking (under min)
¨         Violent clashes erupt between US forces and gunmen in Al-Haglaniyah town in Al-Anbar. Video shows scene of clashes, residents speaking at scene (1 min)
¨         US forces carry out raid campaigns in Mosul, arrest 11 people; US support helicopter crash lands in Mosul, no casualties reported. Video shows map of Iraq (1.5 min)
¨         US forces have sealed off Al-Anbar university campus for two days, several students detained. Video shows map of Iraq (1 min)
¨         Saudi Arabia pledges to control its border with Iraq to prevent Saudi infiltrators from entering Iraq to take part in insurgency. (1 min)
¨         Allawi visits Baghdad University, says government gives considerable attention to education. Video report shows visit, Allawi speaking (1.25 min)
¨         National centre for missing and disappeared persons in Iraq to start work in three areas.
¨         Despite electoral commission's ban on using religious figures in election campaigns, Al-Sistani backs United Iraqi Alliance, says aide. (1 min)
¨         Iraqi policeman killed, four injured in gunmen attack on police station in Kirkuk.
¨         Iraqi foreign minister says date of Iraqi elections has reached point of no return, hopes for high participation in elections. Video shows still of minister (under min)
¨         US soldier convicted for "abuse" of Iraqi prisoners calls for trying his commanders upon whose orders he acted. Video report (1.5 min)
¨         US, Iraqi forces carry out joint raid campaigns in various parts of Al-Durah south of Baghdad. (under min)
¨         Report on joint US, Iraqi forces raid campaigns in Al-Durah (3 min)
¨         Senior US official pledges to support security measures in Iraq to secure election process. Video shows still of official (1 min)
¨         US forces open fire at civilian car in Samarra wounding its five passengers. Video shows map of Iraq (1 min)
¨         President Bush considers his re-election indication of US people's approval of his policy in Iraq. Video show still of Bush (1.5 min)
¨         Group called mujahidin in Kuwait claims responsibility for yesterday's clash with Kuwaiti security forces. (1.25)




Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 16 Jan 05

¨         Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi announces allocations for Baghdad University to raise education level. Video report covers his comments during visit to university saying 100m dollars to fund scholarships and support of students. (one minute 8 sec)
¨         Live interview with Allawi. He speaks about his visit to Baghdad University, plans drawn up by Minister of Education to raise quality of education. He says he has signed decree for 100m for funding scholarships for Iraqi students in foreign universities. He says Iraqis left the country in the past for security reasons; he will do his best to entice those Iraqis to return home and serve the country. He says Iraq is in transition and reconstruction will hopefully help the country move forward and create jobs through a revived private sector and foreign investment. Students will hopefully play a role in this, he says. (6 min 12 sec)
¨         Grand Shaykh of Al-Azhar Dr Muhammad Sayyid Tantawi condemns killing of Iraq government officials and people working for multinational force and foreign firms.
¨         Election race flares as public expresses commitment to voting. Video report highlights role of tribes in success of polls, tribal chief saying Sunni Muslims want to be part of election process and will cast vote, members of public calling on all Iraqis to vote, man urging political groups boycotting polls to take part. (2 min 2 sec)
¨         Iraqis look forward to polls as political and social groups play role in explaining mechanisms of election. Video report covers comments by Shaykh Fawhan al-Hawdan from Al-Anbar tribes calling on all Iraqis to vote, National Security Adviser Muwaffaq al-Rubay'i saying Iraqis should refer to constitution drawn up by people without regional or foreign intervention, comments by Iraqis hoping for fair election.
¨         Forum on polls held by institute of foreign services at Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Video report covers forum held to inform public about polls, ministry official speaking about vote by Iraqi expatriates and clear instructions given to polling stations.
¨         Locals in border town of Salman hope they can take part in polls despite nomadic lifestyle. Video report highlights nomads hoping to vote, Bedouins saying they want to vote despite their nomadic lifestyle. (2 min 12)
¨         Team from Basra university explains mechanisms of polls in Al-Ahwar region. Video report shows member of team explaining polls, locals reading poll leaflets.
¨         Iraqis want more information on candidates and polls. Video report on election campaign in Basra, Iraqi saying he wants to know more about candidates and clearer election banners, shows different banners. (2 min 28 sec)
¨         Election campaigns in Kirkuk. Video report shows banners of various political parties and groups, man saying election is great experience, another saying Iraqis have suffered for so long and now democracy should end this suffering. (one minute 42)
¨         Press house in Basra holds forum on activating role of press in polls. Video report covers focus discussing importance of polls and role of press. (1 minute 33 sec)
¨         Life returns to normal in Gurma following end of unrest in Al-Fallujah. Video report shows children returning to schools in town near Al-Fallujah. (I min 32 sec)
¨         Ministry of Environment forum on pollution hazards across Iraq. Video report
¨         Media association established in Dialah. (23 sec)
¨         Media college students at Baghdad University call for more training opportunities. Video report (3 min 3 sec)
¨         Military court sentences US soldier to 10 years in prison on charges of Iraq prisoner abuse. Video report (2 min 9 sec)
¨         President of Palestinian Authority, Mahmud Abbas, says he seeks cease-fire to end spiralling violence. Video report (2 min 4 sec)
¨         Egypt President Husni Mubarak says peace between Israel and Syria harder under Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Video report (29 sec)
¨         Court summon of Iranian human right campaigner Shirin Ebadi triggers reaction in Washington as Iranian President criticises US. Video report (1 min 44 sec)
¨         Business bulletin. Study assesses untapped oil reserves in Iraq major oilfields. Report on modern techniques of farming introduced in Muthana. Egyptian pound gains further strength against dollar. US urges United Arab Emirates and Oman to improve workers rights. Agreement on direct flights between Taiwan and China.

KURDISH MEDIA SUMMARIES, 16 Jan 05:
Programme summary of Kurdistan Satellite TV news 16 Jan 05:
¨         Kurdistan parties including Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan agree to take part in Kirkuk Governorate Council elections after positive talks in Baghdad. Report over video showing Kurdistan parliament in session
¨         Barzani support the agreement on Kirkuk and says Kurds will never compromise on Kirkuk. Report over video showing Barzani addressing the Kurdistan parliament session
¨         Report over video on security measures for policing the elections
¨         US says Kirkuk question is internal Iraqi matter.
¨         Report over video on recent insurgency attack in Iraq
¨         Kurdistan election coalition committee discuss preparations. Report over video showing the meeting in progress
¨         People in Makhmur stage a demonstration too demand annexation of the town to Kurdistan region. Report over video showing demonstration.
Programme summary of KurdSat TV news 16 Jan 05:
¨         Kurdish parties including Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan agree to take part in Kirkuk Governorate Council elections after positive talks with officials in Baghdad. Report over video showing the Kurdistan National Assembly in session
¨         People in the town of Makhmur stage a demonstration on 15 January to demand the annexation of the town to Kurdistan region. Report over video showing the demonstration in progress.
¨         Report over video on Patriotic Union of Kurdistan activities in the city of Duhok and other areas in Badinan region
¨         A meeting between the Municipal Councils of Al-Hillah, Al-Najaf, Karbala, Al-Diwaniyah and Al-Samawah call for setting up Al-Furat al-Awsat [central Euphrates] federal region.
¨         Low-key local news; international news.