Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

    
IRAQI NEWS
·         Gunmen kill four police, kidnap 13 in Al-Latifiyah
·         Two Basra election candidates said killed
·         Kidnappers threaten to kill eight Chinese workers within 48 hours
·         Iraqi National Movement announces election boycott
·         Iraqis free to choose from 111 election lists - election spokesman
·         Iraqi justice minister backs prisoners right to vote
·         Shi'i leader survives attack on convoy in Basra
·         Allawi denies knowledge of Al-Zarqawi arrest
·         US military vehicles attacked in Samarra
·         US forces arrest tribal leader
·         Three wounded in attack on party building north of Baghdad
·         Justice Ministry authorizes capital punishment
·         Al-Sistani's office replies to question on wives' participation in elections
·         Minister accuses US forces of mistreating Iraqi officials
IRAQI PRESS ON ELECTIONS, 18 JAN 2005
·         Former Minister asked the IECI to exclude the Iraqi Unified Coalition List from the upcoming election- Al-Bayan
·         Iraqi forces should unite to defeat the criminals trying to block democratic process - Al-Bayan
·         As election day approaches, the Iraqis are divided into four distinctive groups- Al-Ufuq
·         "Why We Should Vote for the Iraqi Unified Coalition List."- Al-Da'wah
·         "Baghdad: Love Flags and Rose Necklaces,"- Al-Mashriq
·         "Participation in the Upcoming Elections Is a National Right and Duty."- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 18 JAN 05
·         Al-Zaman, [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper]:
·         Al-Sharq Al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper, Saudi owned]:
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 18 JAN. 05
·         Programme summary of Al-Diyar TV 18 Jan 05
·         Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 18 Jan 05
·         Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 18 January 05
UPDATES FROM THE IRAQI KURDISH PRESS, 18 JAN 05
·         Barzani will Be First Voter After Kirkku Solution Realised:
·         Arab Settlers, ITF May Withdraw from Kirkuk Election:
·         Al-Sadr Followers Deposit Empty Tickets in Ballot Boxes:
·         Allawi Demands Annan to Send More UN Election Observors:
·         Kirkuk Council Held Last Meeting Before Elections:
·         Punishment for Tarjeel Attack Informant:
·         Shiite Kurds Withdraw From Al-Sistani List:
·         Iraqi Ol Minisry Polongs Economic Profile of Kurdistan Arabization:

IRAQI NEWS

Gunmen kill four police, kidnap 13 in Al-Latifiyah

Four Iraqi policemen were killed and 13 others kidnapped in Al-Latifiyah, west of Baghdad on 18 January, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Maj-Gen Ghalib al-Jaza'iri, Al-Najaf police chief, said that gunmen attacked a minibus carrying a number of policemen at 2000 local time (1700 gmt) on 17 January. They killed four policemen and kidnapped 13 others and led them to an unknown destination. He added that a search operation is currently underway for the abductees without yielding tangible results. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Two Basra election candidates said killed

Unidentified gunmen killed an official of the National Accord Movement led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi in Basra, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 18 January. Eyewitnesses said that Riyad Radi Habib, the candidate of the National Accord Movement's list who is running in Basra governorate council elections, was killed after gunmen fired at him in a marketplace in Basra while he was accompanied by two of his sons. According to the report, another Iraqi National Accord Movement candidate of the General Union of Iraqi Youth's list was found dead on17 January in Basra after being killed by unidentified attackers. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Kidnappers threaten to kill eight Chinese workers within 48 hours
Qatari Al-Jazeera TV at 1201 on 18 January aired a video of eight Chinese hostages who had been kidnapped in Iraq.

Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV later reported that the men were working at one of the Chinese companies assisting in building US installations in Iraq. The group of gunmen, who called themselves Al-Nu'man Brigades affiliated with The Islamic Resistance Movement, threatened to kill the eight hostages within 48 hours if Beijing fails to "give an explanation for" or "clarify" their role in Iraq. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

The Chinese Embassy in Baghdad later confirmed that eight Chinese nationals went missing last week while travelling to Jordan, and matched the identities of those kidnapped. Chinese Xinhua news agency reported embassy diplomats as saying they were making all efforts to rescue the eight hostages. (Xinhua)

Iraqi National Movement announces election boycott

The Iraqi National Movement has announced that it will boycott the upcoming general elections in Iraq, slated for 30 January. In a statement published on 18 January and quoted by Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV, the movement maintained that the elections would be neither free nor honest given the state of insecurity and lack of services, and the fact that a number of Iraqi governorates which constitute a considerable social weight will be deprived of participating, not to mention external interference and the continuation of occupation. In the statement, the movement set two conditions for withdrawing its boycott. First, the elections must be postponed for an agreed-upon period of time until the requirements are met. Second, a new mechanism for the elections must be drawn up in a way that guarantees fair representation of all Iraqi areas without exception and in a democratic spirit marked by transparency and honesty. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Iraqis free to choose from 111 election lists - election spokesman

Farid Ayar, official spokesman for the Independent Electoral Commission, on Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV on 15 January answered questions from the public concerning the upcoming elections.
Regarding security, Ayar said that the Iraqi police and National Guard would cooperate with the multinational forces currently deployed in Iraqi territory in order to establish large security cordons around polling booths at least 100 m. away.
Regarding electoral lists, and the Sunni boycott of the elections, Ayar said that there were at present 111 lists on the voting card. Rather than classifying them as Sunni or Shi'i lists, he said that "What we have are purely Iraqi lists".
Regarding non-participation, Ayar said that Iraqis were previously forced to go to the election centres and told to elect a certain person. "The Iraqi person was ordered who to vote for and the results were always 100 per cent. This era is over. The Iraqis can now vote or not; they are completely free in this process. However, we ask the Iraqis to practice their voting right and hope they will do so because this right of building the homeland is everyone's right and responsibility."

Regarding the procedure following the elections, Ayar said the following: "The National Assembly will meet, and the first time will be an opening session, a session for thanking and other ceremonial matters. After that, they will begin their working sessions and elect the president. The first step is to elect a new president of the republic. The second step is to elect two vice presidents. After that, they will form a government and appoint a prime minister. The prime minister will then select the cabinet members and submit his choices to the Assembly. The Assembly will meet once again. The cabinet may get the vote of confidence or not. The ministers may not be approved. When the cabinet gets the vote of confidence, it starts its work as an executive side. As for the new Assembly, it is a legislative assembly; it will draft the constitution. After that, committees will be formed to prepare a draft for the new constitution of this country." (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Iraqi justice minister backs prisoners right to vote

Justice Minister Dr Malik Duhan al-Hasan said in an interview with Iraqi Al-Diyar TV that the presence of thousands of Iraqi detainees in the jails of the occupation for long periods without trial is a violation of the law. He also said in the 17 January interview that the detainees have the right to vote in the upcoming election. Al-Hasan said that "as long as they are detainees they are considered innocent until proven guilty. Consequently, they have the right to vote." (Al-Diyar Satellite Channel In Arabic, Baghdad, 17 Jan 05)

Shi'i leader survives attack on convoy in Basra

A convoy escorting Ammar Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim, a leader of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI)], came under gunfire in the Al-Tuwaysah area in the Basra governorate, Dar al-Salam radio reported on 18 January. No casualties were reported. (Dar Al-Salam Radio, Iraqi Islamic Party-affiliated, 18 Jan 05)

Allawi denies knowledge of Al-Zarqawi arrest

Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said on 18 January that he has no knowledge of the apparent arrest of Jordanian militant Abu Mu'sab al-Zarqawi, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Responding to a reporter's question he said: "I would have been informed had such a development taken place. God willing, and thanks to the efforts of the sincere Iraqis, the police and the Iraqi army, and the alertness of our Iraqi people, we will arrest Al-Zarqawi and all the terrorists in the Iraq. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

US military vehicles attacked in Samarra

Gunmen have attacked US military vehicles near the Education Directorate building, which is used by the US forces as their base in Samarra City north of Baghdad, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 18 January. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

US forces arrest tribal leader

US forces have arrested Shaykh Isa al-Badri, the tribal leader of Al Bu-Saba Tribe while he was at Samarra Public Hospital on 18 January, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. The TV said the US forces imposed a security belt on the hospital and arrested three of its employees without giving any explanation. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Three wounded in attack on party building north of Baghdad

Three people were wounded in an attack on 18 January on the premises of the Iraqi Homeland Party, led by Mish'an al-Juburi in Al-Shirqat City, north of Baghdad, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Al-Juburi is also a member of the interim Iraqi National Assembly. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Justice Ministry authorizes capital punishment
The Iraqi Justice Ministry has authorized criminal courts to implement the death sentence against the perpetrators of major crimes according to the Criminal Law articles, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 18 January. A source at the ministry said that the death sentence has become effective and death sentence verdicts will be issued against criminals who are proven guilty(Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 18 Jan 05)

Al-Sistani's office replies to question on wives' participation in elections

The website of the office of Ayatollah Ali al-Husayni al-Sistani posted on 18 January an answer to a question posed by "a group of believers" regarding the participation of wives in the elections. The answer said: "If a wife believes that she should participate in the elections according to the opinion of her religious authorities, her husband can not prevent her from doing so and he is not allowed to force her to choose a given list." (Ayatollah Al-Sistani's Office 18 Jan 05)

Minister accuses US forces of mistreating Iraqi officials

Adnan al-Janabi, who resigned recently from his position as a Minister of State, accused US forces of mistreating Iraqi cabinet ministers as well as the National Assembly members, London-based newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on 18 January. Al-Janabi who tendered his resignation last week after being arrested by US forces noted that US troops also arrested National Assembly Deputy Speaker Nasir al-Ani for a week. He said the occupation forces deal with the Iraqi people harshly. He added that he is waiting for the results of the elections to demand the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq. Al-Janabi explained that he was arrested at a checkpoint at the Green Zone even though he had an ID card from the Council of Ministers and another ID card issued by the US Embassy. "The soldier ignored the card. It seems he did not like it," he said. He added that other cabinet ministers had been subjected to the same treatment. (Al-Sharq al-Awsat 18 Jan 05)

IRAQI PRESS ON ELECTIONS, 18 JAN 2005
Former Minister asked the IECI to exclude the Iraqi Unified Coalition List from the upcoming election- Al-Bayan

Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 18 Jan: published an article strongly criticizing the demand former State Minister Adnan al-Janabi submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq to exclude the Iraqi Unified Coalition List from the upcoming election because, according to him, it violated the commission's regulations by using religious symbols in its media campaign. The article says that it is natural for Ayatollah Al-Sistani to bless the list because it includes prominent national and Islamic figures; in their hands the future of Iraq is safe.

Iraqi forces should unite to defeat the criminals trying to block democratic process - Al-Bayan

Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 18 Jan: published an article by Fadil al-Ghazzi urging all Iraqi national forces to unite to defeat the criminals trying to block the democratic process in Iraq by taking part in the upcoming elections. The article says that the importance of the elections can be obviously seen by the ongoing conspiracies in the neighbouring countries attempting to undermine the election process in Iraq.

As election day approaches, the Iraqis are divided into four distinctive groups- Al-Ufuq

Al-Ufuq, Baghdad , Daily in Arabic, 18 Jan 05: published an unattributed article saying that as election day approaches, the Iraqis are divided into four distinctive groups; the first includes those insisting on holding the upcoming elections on schedule, the second comprises those who do not oppose elections but have reservations regarding the current security situation and threats, the third not only opposes elections but rejects all political processes, and the fourth includes the neglected millions of Iraqis who are not aware of what is happening.

"Why We Should Vote for the Iraqi Unified Coalition List."- Al-Da'wah

Al-Da'wah [Baghdad, weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Central Bureau of the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party]18 Jan 05: published an editorial entitled "Why We Should Vote for the Iraqi Unified Coalition List." The editorial says that the large number of faithful Muslims on the list ensures leading Iraq to safety, faith, prosperity, and development. The article adds that voting for the Iraqi Unified Coalition List No 169, which comprises all the components of the Iraqi society, means voting for national unity and the list's political platform that places the Iraqi people, their rights and dignity, and their present and future as priorities.

"Baghdad: Love Flags and Rose Necklaces,"- Al-Mashriq

Al-Mashriq [Baghdad, by Al- Mashriq Institution for media and cultural investments] Editorial) 18 Jan 05: carried an article by Rashid Fathi Allawi entitled "Baghdad: Love Flags and Rose Necklaces," in which the writer comments on a letter sent to him by a Tunisian colleague saying that the upcoming Iraqi elections are the "key to the bright future, in which Baghdad will create peace and love for the world."

"Participation in the Upcoming Elections Is a National Right and Duty."- Al-Sabah al-Jadid

Al-Sabah al-Jadid, Baghdad, Daily, In Arabic, 18 Jan 05: carried an article by Sa'd Salman Mahdi entitled "Participation in the Upcoming Elections Is a National Right and Duty." The writer comments on the "necessity" of participating in the upcoming elections to "have a hand in building Iraq and establishing security."

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 18 JAN 05
Al-Zaman, [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper]:

Elections in Mosul difficult but feasible, says US General Government unveils plot to blow up polling stations New law regulating the service of university teaching staff to be endorsed by Cabinet today University students to get grant of 50-100 US dollars a head (Minister of Culture Mufid) Al-Jaza'iri says former Information (Ministry) employees to be reinstated on certain conditions Member of Ninawa local council assassinated Mixed reports of sabotage or technical failure disrupting Al-Karkh water project Three Audit Board staff members assassinated Twenty-two National Guardsmen, including two officers, killed in Al-Kut Forty cameras installed around site of ancient Babylon to deter looters (AFP quoted).

Al-Sharq Al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper, Saudi owned]:
Allawi calls for UN observers to monitor Iraqi elections (Agencies quoted) Al-Sistani representative's son has his head blown up by gunmen as 30 troops, policemen fall in clashes, attacks (Agencies quoted) Revealed by investigations to be in charge of running about a third of former regime's assets, Izz al-Din al-Majid is said by Iraqi Government to have been involved in terror operations, with 35b US dollars at his disposal (Agencies quoted) Interior Ministry decides to bring private security firms under its control (AFP quoted) Adnan al-Janabi says all ministers mistreated by occupation forces Basra's educated elite see elections essential to initiating new era in Iraqi history.

IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 18 JAN. 05

Programme summary of Al-Diyar TV 18 Jan 05
§         Car bomb explodes outside office of Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, no reports on casualties...
§         car-bomb explosion targeted police headquarters in Bayji yesterday. At least 10 citizens killed. Another eight Iraqi soldiers killed in attack near Ba'qubah...
§         assistant interior minister said that Iraq decided to place private security agents in country, numbering 50,000, under government control. He said security companies now need licenses to work in Iraq...
§         Al-Sistani's office denies Turkish newspaper report that he is dead...
§         Video interviews with ordinary citizens in Al-Musayyab in Babil governorate, who express their views on election...
§         church leader kidnapped in Mosul, according to Vatican spokesman... Danish newspaper says Danish forces in Iraq will leave within 12 to 18 months...
§         Netherlands agrees to send 25 military experts to Iraq as part of NATO force...
§         Al-Sadr organizes peaceful protests outside ministries of oil and electricity against poor services and shortages...
§         French foreign minister says French government has no definitive information about missing French journalist in Iraq...
§         Egyptian government postpones accepting credentials of appointed Iraqi ambassador until after Iraqi election...
§         Video report on poor services offered by clinics in poor areas as result of shortages of medicines and medical supplies...
§         Oil officials say "saboteurs" bombed part of oil pipeline in northern Iraq yesterday...
§         President Bush says he does not rule out military action against Iran...
§         Report on new sewage network in Al-Musayyab.
Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 18 Jan 05
§         Prime Minister Allawi announces programme for establishing security and development in fields of education, health and services ...
§         Iraq will close its borders and restrict movement on the roads during the holding of elections ...
§         Three killed including bomber, others injured in suicide attack on office of Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq in Baghdad ...
§         Capital punishment reinstated for serious crimes ...
§         Syrian Catholic bishop released by hostage-takers ...
§         Booby-trapped car explodes in Mosul ...
§         Eight Chinese hostages shown on video ...
§         Ministry of Transport announces new air routes to international capitals, beginning with London and Paris ...
§         Four policemen killed, 13 others taken hostage in Al-Latifiyah, south of Baghdad ...
§         Iraqi Council of Ministers says imports to be subject to closer supervision ...
§         Minister of culture comments on reported damage to antiquities in Babil by US forces ...
§         Two US soldiers killed in Al-Anbar in separate incidents ...
§         One of the candidates of National Accord Movement killed. Another member of National Accord Movement found dead yon 17th in Basra ...
§         Policeman killed in Ba'qubah in mortar attack, others injured ...
§         Iraqi Homeland Party HQ attacked in town to the north of Baghdad ...
§         Gunmen attack US convoy in Samarra ...
§         US make arrests in Samarra hospital ...
§         Iraqis amongst pilgrims on hajj in Saudi Arabia
Programme summary of Al-Iraqiyah TV news 18 January 05
§         Five killed, 10 injured in suicide car bomb targeting Baghdad offices of Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq ...
§         Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi unveils his election slate, Iraq List ...
§         Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari calls on all Iraqis to close their ranks and take part in polls ...
§         Minister of Interior Falah al-Naqib announces new security measures in the run up to polls ...
§         Interim National Assembly holds last session, discusses decisions and policies adopted ...
§         Spokesman for Independent Electoral Commission Farid Ayar denies restrictions imposed on journalists covering polls ...
§         Overseas Iraqis start election registration ...
§         Women groups hold forum to examine proposals to strengthen women role ...
§         Kidnapped Mosul archbishop released ...
§         Six terror suspects arrested in Karbala ...
§         Romania to send more soldiers to Iraq to help during polls ...
§         Ministry of Education employs new teachers and reinstates teachers sacked for political reasons by former regime ...
§         Anbar social services department pays social benefits to disadvantaged groups

UPDATES FROM THE IRAQI KURDISH PRESS, 18 JAN 05


Barzani will Be First Voter After Kirkku Solution Realised:
Khabat daily: The KDP keader Massoud Barzani vsiited the headquarters of Kurdistan Satellite TV station to mark its 7^th establishment anniversary. Commentng on the latest poitical developments on Kirkuk provincial election bollttleneck, Barzani expressed his happpiness for the concluded agreement saying that he had decided to be the first person approaching the ballots and cast his votre.
Arab Settlers, ITF May Withdraw from Kirkuk Election:
 www.peyamner.com A soucre from the Arabic Gathering in Kirkuk (AGK, a political group advocating for Arab settlers) refered to its ongoing delebirations with the Iraqi Turcoman Front (ITF) to jointly withdraw from Kirkuk provinicial elections in protest to a recent decision by the Inedependent Electoral Commission in Iraq (IECI) that allows 100,000 Kurdish IDPs to cast their votes for Kirkuk ekections. An ITF source confirmed the same position [intention for withdrawal].
Al-Sadr Followers Deposit Empty Tickets in Ballot Boxes:
 www.peyamner.com Reumors in Baghdad advise that Muqtada Al-Sadr has instructed his followers to deposit empty voting tickets in the ballot boxes. To clarify the Al-sadr's allegeed position, Al-Hurra-Iraq TV station interviewed a jounrlaist close to Al-sadr who confirmed that Muqtada himself would not cast his vote.
Allawi Demands Annan to Send More UN Election Observors:
www.peyamner.com In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Monday, the Iraqi interim PM Ayad Allawi requested the UN to in more eletion observors to further activate Iraqi democratization. A statement attributed to the PM included the same demand from Annan adding that the UN should continuoulsy participat in the Iraqi poltical process.
Kirkuk Council Held Last Meeting Before Elections:
www.peyamner.com The Municiapl Counil of Kirkuk Governorate (KGMC) held Monday its 83^rd regular weekly meeting. Chairman Tahsen Muhammed Ali siad it was the last meeting befre the January 30 country-wide elections. The dicussions focused on the elections and Kirkuk domestic affairs. After the meeting, Chairman Ali, a Tucoman, and three other KGMC members reprsenting Kirkuk's other ethnciities held a press conference, during which the Kurdsih reprsentative commented on the high committee that the Iraqi government had established under chaimanship of Iraqi Commnict Party leader Hameed Majeed Musa for imlpementationof Article 58 of the Transitional Admininstrative Law (TAL) within this year. KGMC Kurdish member Muhammed Kamal added that the Committee composition included two Iraqi federal ministers and another two KRG ministers, in addition to Kirkuk Governor as members. of the commttee.
Punishment for Tarjeel Attack Informant:
Jamawar weekly: The Kirkuk Governorate Security Board held a meeting lst week to study the consequeenses of the US attack on Tarjeel village southeast Kirkuk. The US forces accompanied by Iraqi National Guards had attacked the village in serach of illegal weapons upon misinformation and killed a Kurdish villager during during the operation. It was decided during the meeting that the misinformatn should be punished and the US forces refrain from carrying out any operations in the Kurdish areas without prior coordination with the KDP and PUK.
Shiite Kurds Withdraw From Al-Sistani List:
Jamawar weekly: a soucre close to the FAeili (shiite) Kurds who had joined the candidacy list that was prepared and submitted to the IECI for the Iraqi elections announced that they have deicided to set back and form their independent andidacy list.
Iraqi Ol Minisry Polongs Economic Profile of Kurdistan Arabization:
Jamawar weekly: An informed source told the weekly that the Iraqi oil ministry is considering to transform an oil refinery from Banmel location near Khanaqeen to an Arab populated area beyond Hamreen Mountain [the natural border between Kurdistan and the Arabic part of of Iraq]. This is another way of the Iraqi regimes' Arabization policy in an economic profile.
Nassima Barzani, a 68-year-old Kurdish woman in Sydney was the first woman to register for the Out-of-Country voting program. www.peyamner.com <http://www.peyamner.com>