Thursday, 27 January 2005
IRAQI NEWS, 26 JAN 05
· Sunni scholar arrested in Al-Qa'im
· Defence minister says no money to equip army
· Communist Party confirms participation in polls
· Sabotage, looting causing increased power outages
· US Forces arrest AMS member in Al-Qa'im
· Allawi replaces some election officials for "lack of neutrality"
· Curfew imposed on Karbala Governorate 'until further notice'
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES 26 JAN 05
· Al-Dustur [Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic]
· Ishraqat al-Sadr [Baghdad, weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Sadrist Movement]
· Al-Mada [Baghdad, daily, independent newspaper published by Al-Mada Media, Culture and Arts Corporation]
· Al-Nahdah [Baghdad, daily political newspaper]
· Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned]
· Al-Zaman [daily, independent, Baghdad edition of London-based Al-Zaman]
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 26 JAN 04
· ``The countdown has begun for a great, historic day''
· "Let Mr Allawi remember that the months he has spent in power, have been the worst, months for Iraqis''
· ``Al-Zarqawi declared war on all Iraqis''- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
· ``Success of the elections process depend on the Iraqi people''- Al-Bayan
· ``The importance of the Iraqi elections to the US strategy in Middle East''- Al-Ufuq
· "Iraq's Unity and the Elections,"- Al-Mu'tamar
IRAQI PROGRAMME MEDIA SUMMARIES, 26 JAN 05
· Al-Iraqiyah TV
· Al-Diyar TV
· Al-Iraqiyah TV
UPDATES FROM THE IRAQI KURDISH PRESS, 26 JAN 05
IRAQI NEWS, 26 Jan 05
Sunni scholar arrested in Al-Qa'im
US forces arrested Shaykh Sulayman Muslih, a member of the Sunni Association of Muslim Scholars [AMS] on 26 January, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 26 January. The TV said US forces besieged Shaykh Muslih's house before arresting him in Al-Qa'im town on the border with Syria. It added that US forces also conducted raids in Al-Mu'allimin and Al-Iskan al-Jadidah neighbourhoods and arrested "several" suspects. ((Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 26 Jan 05)
Al-Sha'lan denied that his ministry had anything to hide. "The Defence Ministry is an open book; it has nothing to hide. Secrecy covers only the intelligence unit," he said. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic , 26 Jan 05)
The leader of the Iraqi Communist Party has said that his party will take part in the 30 January elections even though he believes the polls will be rigged, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 22 January. In an interview with the TV, Hamid Majid Musa, secretary of the Central Committee of the Iraqi Communist Party [ICP] and head of the People's Union List, described his party as "the party of the poor and the bloc of toilers and intellectuals". He said: "We have nothing except what our people offer, but we have a strong determination and we are confident that a large sector of the people will vote for us". He explained that his party will participate in the elections through the People's Union List which includes "social, democratic, leftist, and independent personalities". ((Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic , 26 Jan 05)
US forces arrested Shaykh Sulayman Muslih, member of the Association of Muslim Scholars [AMS] in Iraq, in the area of Al-Qa'im, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 26 January. It said US forces besieged Shaykh Muslih's house before arresting him at noon for interrogation. The TV's correspondent pointed out that US forces conducted raid campaigns in Al-Mu'allimin and Al-Iskan al-Jadidah neighbourhoods and arrested several suspects. ((Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic , 26 Jan 05)
Allawi replaces some election officials for "lack of neutrality"
Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said during a meeting with the Salah-al-Din Governor, chieftains, and officials, with the governors of Diyala and Kirkuk and Al-Sulaymaniyah in attendance, that he has asked the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq [IECI] to replace the representatives of the commission in a number of governorates for reasons of lack of neutrality, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 26 January. (Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 26 Jan 05)
Curfew imposed on Karbala Governorate 'until further notice'
A curfew was imposed on 26 January on the Karbala Governorate until further notice, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported the same day. Hotel guests and persons who are not city residents were asked to leave as of today and until the end of the general elections on Sunday, the TV said. Major General Abbas Fadil al-Hasani, Karbala Police Chief, said that a series of measures have been taken within the framework of a tight security plan that aims to protect the city and the citizens during the elections. He added that police patrols in the city had begun to evacuate all hotels and asked individuals who are not residents of the Karbala Governorate to leave the city in order to close it and prevent anyone from staying in it until the end of elections. Karbala Police Command explained that the curfew will be imposed from 1800 to 0400 [1500-0100 GMT], adding that the curfew will be in place until further notice. ((Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic, 26 Jan 05)
)
Mysterious causes prevented Al-Sha'lan's plane from landing in Baghdad airport (news agencies quoted) ·
US official, Iraqi judge: Iraqi forces violate human rights (news agencies quoted) ·
[Saddam Husayn's daughter] Raghad leaves for Doha to meet father United Republican Gathering, ·
Bush Administration requests additional allocations for Iraq, Afghanistan (news agencies quoted) ·
Death threat to Saddam Husayn's lawyer (news agencies quoted) ·
Jordan welcomes Al-Sha'lan's statements on [Ahmad] al-Chalabi's arrest.
Muqtada al-Sadr greets Islamic world on Id al-Adha ·
Allawi buys votes
UN envoy meets head of Iraqi Council for Peace and Solidarity to discuss post-election stage Security forces arrest wanted suspects, including leader of Talha ring Sunni leaders to take part in writing the constitution despite their opposition to election Election results to be declared 10 days after poll (AFP quoted) ·
Al-Zarqawi claims responsibility for attacks on 10 polling stations; gunmen blow up school in Al-Hawijah [Kirkuk] (news agencies quoted) ·
Policemen martyred in separate attacks ·
Basra border with Iran fully secured (KUNA quoted) ·
Gunmen assassinate secretary of judicial board in Baghdad
Independent Democratic Assembly leader meets UN Iraq envoy; Al-Pachachi calls for adopting national reconciliation strategy after election IOM expects quarter of expats to register for vote US to send robot soldiers to Iraq (AP quoted) ·
Woman centre established in marshes
Islamic Party willing to take part in drafting the constitution, may join new government despite boycotting election (AFP quoted) ·
Bush calls Allawi; PM says security to be handed over to Iraq ·
Islamic Army threatens call to arms against election; Al-Zarqawi group attacks 10 voting centres ·
Iraqi Israelis demand vote in election (AFP quoted)
Al-Zaman [daily, independent, Baghdad edition of London-based Al-Zaman]
Closure of areas around polling stations begins; some families evacuate homes ·
Mosul tribes call on residents for effective participation in elections ·
Details of security measures during election: Three-day official holiday declared; Curfew to be imposed from 2000 to 0600
Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 26 Jan: [From editorial] "The countdown has begun for a great, historic day in the life of our people. On this day, the people will master their own destiny and future when they will select their representatives to the constitutional assembly that will draft the permanent constitution and choose an elected government expressing their will and working to achieve their hopes and aspirations. The responsibility for making this election a success does not rest only with the government or the electoral commission that will supervise and ensure a fair vote. Rather, it depends, above all, on our people through their broad participation, with all their sects, ethnic groups, political forces and social categories. We believe the high turnout will be the most telling response to the terrorists and killers who seek to confiscate Iraqi people's will. With it, they will tell those terrorist they are much more stronger than their criminal means ."
Al-Bayyinah [Baghdad, weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Hezbollah Movement in Iraq] 26 Jan: [From editorial by Sattar Jabbar] "Let Mr Allawi remember that the months he has spent in power, together with candidates on his list who hold senior posts, have been the worst, bloodiest, darkest and most criminal months for Iraqis. He has failed to provide security for Iraqi citizens who record at least 150,000 Iraqi deaths under his interim government in bombings, kidnappings or killings by rogue gangs that wreak havoc with the country and people's security. We dare Allawi and other members of his list to travel at night to Basra peacefully without his 1000-guard convoy. We dare him to walk in Baghdad streets and suburbs after midnight. We challenge him to raise any eyebrow if the Americans say 'no', or to say 'no' to something the Americans want."
Al-Sabah al-Jadid, political Dayily, in Arabic, 26 Jan 05:
Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 26 Jan 05:
``The importance of the Iraqi elections to the US strategy in Middle East''- Al-Ufuq
Al-Ufuq, political Dayily, in Arabic, 26 Jan 05:
"Iraq's Unity and the Elections,"- Al-Mu'tamar
Al-Mu'tamar [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Congress] 26 Jan 05:
IRAQI PROGRAMME MEDIA SUMMARIES, 26 JAN 05
Defence minister says no money to equip army
Iraqi Defence Minister Hazim al-Sha'lan has said his ministry has large-scale plans for the re-equipping of the army but no money to bring this about. Speaking in an interview with Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV broadcast on 25 January, al-Sha'lan said the coalition forces has made a "grave and painful mistake" in disbanding the Iraqi army that served under Saddam Husayn. "This decision was very difficult and unbearable for the people and for the Army. It implied humiliation and belittlement of the Iraqi Army. Frankly speaking, we could not tolerate this," he said. Al-Sha'lan said that when he took over as defence minister he had found only one brigade in existence, while the Defence Ministry building was just a skeleton. "Now the Defence Ministry staff is large and its capabilities are great. It has immense planning resources. We now have nine divisions. Some of them are not fully complete but there is a difference between two brigades and nine divisions. Thus, almost all of Iraq will be covered," he said.
"The Iraqi Army has a good reputation and our decision to cancel the name of the National Guard and restore the name of the Iraqi Army has elated us and made our people at home and abroad very happy," he added, noting that following a recent deicsion every solider would be paid 509,000 dinars. "We have a big plan to equip the Iraqi Army in terms of armour, helicopters, air force, and naval forces. We have plans... We just want money. They stopped the payments and then told us to protect our country. How can I protect my country? With a Kalashnikov? We are greatly displeased," he said.
Communist Party confirms participation in polls
Sabotage, looting causing increased power outages
Al-Diwaniyah's Electricity Department has experienced sabotage on its equipment, leading to an increase in power outage, Al-Mada newspaper reported on 24 January. The paper said cables had been stolen in many areas like the area delimited by Nafr and Al-Islah Village. Parts of the towers on Al Sudayr-Hamzah Road and Afak Road had also been looted leading to the collapse of the towers. The director of the electricity department there Mr Ghani Abid Watban said "the acts of sabotage on pipelines and the theft of electricity transmission towers has led to the increase in the number of hours of power outages in all provinces. (Al-Mada, Baghdad, in 24 Jan 05)
US Forces arrest AMS member in Al-Qa'im
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES 26 JAN 05
Al-Dustur [Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic]
·
·
Head of Muslim Scholars Association receives death threats (news agencies quoted)
Ishraqat al-Sadr [Baghdad, weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Sadrist Movement]
·
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Why has the Sadrist Movement been put on the occupation's altar?
·
Muqtada al-Sadr responds to Iraqis' question about the way to drive out the occupation forces
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Al-Sha'lan: From loitering in London streets to Defence Ministry
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Terror and occupation: Two sides of the same coin.
Al-Mada [Baghdad, daily, independent newspaper published by Al-Mada Media, Culture and Arts Corporation]
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Citizens from Al-Ramadi, Al-Fallujah: We want to participate in ballot but we fear for our lives
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Weapon caches found, suspects arrested in combined operations
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Number of Iraqi voters abroad rising Syrian president: Situation in Iraq poses threat to Syria
·
Six oil wells developed; 10 new wells drilled
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Health Ministry prepares 190 emergency hospitals for election day; 170,000 policemen to cast their ballots, then protect voters In Basra, new regiment of National Guards, police formed, equipped with tanks, armoured vehicles
Al-Nahdah [Baghdad, daily political newspaper]
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Five Americans killed near Khan Bani Sa'a; Judge shot dead in Baghdad (news agencies quoted)
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Representatives of political parties appointed in Babil
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One billion dinars earmarked to implement service projects in Babil.
Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned]
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Number of Iraqis [abroad] registered to vote rises to 255,000 (AFP quoted)
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Senior US army officer: 120,000 US soldiers to remain in Iraq until end of next year
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Jordan resends request to Interpol to arrest Al-Chalabi
·
·
Islamic Party does not rule out role in incoming government
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Senior official of land transport company assassinated in Baghdad; kidnappers free hostage for 38m-dinar ransom
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Airline to be opened between Iraq, Azerbaijan
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Thirteen Iraqis die while performing pilgrimage
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Electricity Ministry: Sabotage attacks caused system collapse
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Iraqis complain of National Guard, police violations
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Oil product imports from Turkey, Kuwait rising
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 26 JAN 04
``The countdown has begun for a great, historic day''
"Let Mr Allawi remember that the months he has spent in power, have been the worst, months for Iraqis''
``Al-Zarqawi declared war on all Iraqis''- Al-Sabah al-Jadid
``Success of the elections process depend on the Iraqi people''- Al-Bayan
Al-Iraqiyah TV
·
Interim Prime Iyad Allawi visits Salahuddin to inspect polls preparations, meets tribal chiefs. Video report (27 sec)
·
Minister of Interior Falah al-Naqib says more terrorists arrested in Mosul. Video report highlights his statement at Baghdad presser; he says security plan to be carried out in all provinces; announces 10 car bombs seized in Mosul; curfew imposed from 28 January to 1 February; no cars to be allowed in certain areas during polls, only security force to be allowed to carry guns. (3 min 33 sec)
·
Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih says all measures to be taken to enable all Iraqis to vote. Video report covers his comments, he says it is first democratic polls and every Iraqi should be able to vote. (min)
·
Minister of Health Ala-al-Din Abd-al-Sahib al-Alwan announces emergency plan for polls, hospital beds, medical supplies increased. Video report (25 sec)
·
Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari says polls to be held on time, urges all Iraqis to vote. Video report covers his visit to Al-Naziriyah, his comments during visit to hospital and city council, he says Iraq is rich country that was impoverished by former regime. (2 min
·
Al-Ja'fari denies that Shi'i marja Grand Ayatollah Ali Husayni al-Sistani backs any election slate. Video report covers his interview given to Al-Iraqiyah, he says Shi'a marja aware of political situation, it may be closer to a certain election slate. (min 5 sec)
·
Election campaigns kept up in the run up to election; Iraqis hope political groups make good on their election promises. Video report covers comments by Iraqis, woman saying presence of so many parties and candidates reflect healthy political life. Report shows banners on walls, man saying too many slogans, distrustful of politicians and their slogans, another saying Iraqis one nation despite ethnic diversity. (3 min)
·
Police in Muthana mount mock training in co-operation with multinational force in the run up to election. Video report covers training mounted by police, emergency services, fire brigades, anti-riot force. (3 min 24 sec)
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Police in Samawa announce security plan to defend polling stations. Video report covers statement by police chief, shows preparations for polls. (2 min 14 sec)
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Women in Mosul determined to vote, say this guarantees their rights. Video report covers views expressed by women, one says polls give women chance to exercise their rights, another hopes polls to give Iraq better future. (2 min 29 sec)
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Recorded interview with writer, Abd-al-Halim al-Ruhaimi. He predicts high turnout despite security situation, says polls turning point in history of Iraq. (7 min 27 sec)
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American helicopter crashes in Iraq, 31 US marines killed; four soldiers killed in attack in Duluiyah. (37 sec)
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Policeman killed, four hurt in attacks in Ba'qubah; car bomb blast in Tikrit; four soldiers killed in car bomb. Video report covers attacks. (2 min 26 sec)
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First group of Iraqi pilgrims returns home. Video report covers arrival in Arbil. (1 min 36
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Commission probing oil-for-food programme questions UN chief.
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United Arab Emirates Red Crescent hands out food and medical supplies in Iraq. Video report
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US force hands out food aid in Aceh. Video report (min 31 sec)
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Business bulletin. Ministry of Oil takes more measures to solve fuel shortage. International market report (8 min 38 sec)
Al-Diyar TV
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Prime Minister Allawi receives phone call from President Bush; They discuss the election; In a press conference, Allawi pledges to hand over security to the Iraqi forces if he wins the vote
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The electoral commission publishes the names of the candidates in the election; The Islamic Party says it might agree to join the next government despite its boycott of the polls
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Correspondent in Karbala asks a number of citizens what they think of the elections and what they expect from the next government
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The electoral commission issues special passes to press teams willing to cover the elections
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The Iraqi government begins partial closure of the Al-Qasimiyah border point on the border with Jordan; Iraq's borders will be fully closed from 29th to 31st
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Report notes that Iraq is heading towards the elections amid violence and poor public services
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Iraqi National Guards in Karbala find Katyusha rockets prepared for use against the polling centres in the city
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Security has been tightened in Kirkuk ahead of the elections
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A number of citizens in Baghdad are asked what they think of the elections
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Ten polling centres in Salah al-Din come under attacks claimed from Al-Zarqawi's group
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US official says the Pentagon seeks to maintain the current level of troops in Iraq for at least two more years
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The US Army says one US soldier was killed in a Baghdad blast on 24th
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A video distributed in Iraq on 25th showed an American hostage apparently held by armed men
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A UN spokesman says the inquiry commission on the oil-for-food programme questioned Kofi Annan for the third time on 25th
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The Syrian president says the situation in Iraq poses a threat to Syria
Al-Iraqiyah TV
·
Interim Prime Iyad Allawi visits Salahuddin to inspect polls preparations, meets tribal chiefs
·
Minister of Interior Falah al-Naqib says more terrorists arrested in Mosul. Video report highlights his statement at Baghdad presser; he says security plan to be carried out in all provinces; announces 10 car bombs seized in Mosul; curfew imposed from 28 January to 1 February; no cars to be allowed in certain areas during polls, only security force to be allowed to carry guns
·
Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih says all measures to be taken to enable all Iraqis to vote. Video report covers his comments, he says it is first democratic polls and every Iraqi should be able to vote
·
Minister of Health Ala-al-Din Abd-al-Sahib al-Alwan announces emergency plan for polls, hospital beds, medical supplies increased
·
Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari says polls to be held on time, urges all Iraqis to vote. Video report covers his visit to Al-Nassiriyah, his comments during visit to hospital and city council, he says Iraq is rich country that was impoverished by former regime
·
Al-Ja'fari denies that Shi'i marja Grand Ayatollah Ali Husayni al-Sistani backs any election slate. Video report covers his interview given to Al-Iraqiyah, he says Shi'a marja aware of political situation, it may be closer to a certain election slate
·
Election campaigns kept up in the run up to election; Iraqis hope political groups make good on their election promises. Video report covers comments by Iraqis, woman saying presence of so many parties and candidates reflect healthy political life. Report shows banners on walls, man saying too many slogans, distrustful of politicians and their slogans, another saying Iraqis one nation despite ethnic diversity
·
Police in Muthana mount mock training in co-operation with multinational force in the run up to election. Video report covers training mounted by police, emergency services, fire brigades, anti-riot force
·
Police in Samawa announce security plan to defend polling stations. Video report covers statement by police chief, shows preparations for polls
·
Women in Mosul determined to vote, say this guarantees their rights. Video report covers views expressed by women, one says polls give women chance to exercise their rights, another hopes polls to give Iraq better future
·
Recorded interview with writer, Abd-al-Halim al-Ruhaimi. He predicts high turnout despite security situation, says polls turning point in history of Iraq
·
American helicopter crashes in Iraq, 31 US marines killed; four soldiers killed in attack in Duluiyah ... Policeman killed, four hurt in attacks in Ba'qubah; car bomb blast in Tikrit; four soldiers killed in car bomb. Video report covers attacks
·
First group of Iraqi pilgrims returns home. Video report covers arrival in Arbil
·
Commission probing oil-for-food programme questions UN chief
·
United Arab Emirates Red Crescent hands out food and medical supplies in Iraq
·
Business bulletin. Ministry of Oil takes more measures to solve fuel shortage.
Updates from the Iraqi Kurdish Press, 26 Jan 05
PUK Official Draws 3 Kurdish Redlines to Iraqi Arabs: www.peyamner.com In a statement to AFP, PUK Politburo member Nawshirwan Mustafa said that there were 3 Kurdish redlines that the Iraqi government and national assembly should not bypass otherwise the Kurds would disband from Iraq. ``If the Arabs reject federation, the Kurds would stop being Iraqis. Also, if the Arabs think of establishing a religious state, we the Kurds would pull back, Mustafa explained adding that re-attachment of the [Kurdish] liberated areas to Kurdistan Region was the third redline. The PUK official denied Kurdish intention for declaring independence. However, Mustafa expressed worries that if the other nations of Iraq, particularly the Shiites who would most probably gain election majority, try to reconsider the Kurdish achievements embedded in the TAL, then the Kurds would have no other choice rather than vetoing the new constitution when it would be put on [country-wide] public referendum.
KDP Rep Sure of Kurdish Victory in Kirkuk Election: www.peyamner.com In a reportage on Kurds and Kirkuk elections, the Financial Times quotes the KDP representative in Kirkuk that the Kurds would not have participated in Kirkuk elections if the right of the IDPs to cast votes for Kirkuk were not recognized. On the approximate number of voters in Kirkuk governorate, the KDP official further told the US paper that they were about 197,000 Kurds, 135,000 Arabs, 63 Turcomans and 3,300 Chaldo-Assyrians before the latest developments that allowed about 100,000 Kurdish Kirkuki IDPs to cast their votes in Kirkuk, thus the Kurdish triumph in the election is for granted.
Barzani Urges Sunni Arabs for Election: www.peyamner.com In meeting with a large number of tribal chieftains and dignitaries representing Sunni and Shiite Arabs from all over Iraq, the KDP leader urged the Sunnis to refrain from boycotting the elections saying rebuilding a Iraq would succeed only if all Iraqi participated in it. The meeting started Wednesday morning and expected to continue until Thursday. It is the second meeting of its type in one month between the KDP leadership and the Arabs.
Turkish Interference in Kirkuk not Accepted, Elections Results Credible Despite Voting Percentage, FM Zebari Says: www.peyamner.com Iraqi Foreign Affairs Minister Hoshyar Zebari said in press conference today in Erbil that Iraq's neighboring countries, including Turkey, had no right to interfere in Kirkuk affairs. Zebari, who clarified that he participated in the press event as a candidate of Kurdistan Alliance candidacy list for Iraqi national assembly election, further commented on the Turkish FM's letter to UN SG Kofi Annan over Kirkuk adding that Kirkuk was an internal issue. ``We the Iraqis decide how to resolve this issue,'' Zebari asserted. ``The solution is embedded in Article 58 of the TAL that stipulates return of IDPs and sending back Arab settlers to their places of origin,'' the minister explained in response to a question by the website. Zebari commended Kurdistan people's enthusiasm for voting and said he expected active participation unless the weather restrained them. On the percentage of Iraqi eligible voters willing to cast their votes and its impacts on the credibility of the elections results, Zebari said the outcomes would be resulted even if only 6 million Iraqi voters participated in the elections. ``In Palestine, only %44 of eleigible voters participated and no one questioned the results of the elections,'' Zebari argued.
Arab Politician Asserts Participation in Kirkuk Election: www.peyamner.com Ghassan Al-Assi, the Arab politician who heads the Arabic Gathering and the Kirkuk Tribal Council asserted in a pres conference Tuesday the participation of his group in Kirkuk elections despite the withdrawal of the Arabic Front candidacy list. Al-Assi said that the Arabic Front did not represent all the Arabs in Kirkuk. Al-Assi's Arabic Gathering runs in a separate list for Kirkuk provincial election outside the Fraternity List that represents all the Kurdish political parties, as well as Turcoman, genuine Arabs and Chaldo-Assyrians. While the Arabic Gathering is supported by many Sunni Arabs, who are genuine Arabs been living in Kirkuk since decades, the Arabic Front is supported by the Shiite Arab settlers whom Saddam brought [from southern and central Iraq].
Weak Participation of Turcoman Front in Kirkuk Election: www.peyamner.com Turcoman Eli Party leader Riyadh Sari Kahya gave a statement to Radio Sawa criticizing the Independent electoral Commission in Iraqi (IECI) for allowing Kirkuki Kurdish IDPs to cast votes and said that the decision was behind of the withdrawal of ``our Arab brothers'' from the elections. Kahya, who is a senior Executive of the Iraqi Turcoman Front (ITF) said that the ITF would not withdraw from Kirkuk elections, but its participation would not be ``so active''.
Turkish FM Address Annan on Kirkuk: www.peyamner.com The Turkish Objectif newspaper quoted unnamed Turkish senior officials that Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Gul had addressed a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to express the Turkish worries over Kirkuk elections. Gul reportedly requested Annan to ``seriously monitor Iraq elections and prevent humiliation of any party.'' Annan is yet to respond to the Minister's letter, according to reports.
%97 of Kurdistan Voters Will Participate in Elections According to UNDP, Iraqi Ministry: Kurdistani Nwe PUK daily: A poll conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Iraqi Ministry of Planning and an Norway institute shows that %97 of Kurdistan people will participate in the elections. Iraqi Planning Ministry Mehdi Al-Hafiz said that a sample of 3,000 persons from all over Iraq participated in the poll, according to which enthusiasm for participation in the elections was %97 among eligible voters in Kurdistan followed by the southern governorates reaching %96 while in the central and western governorates the ratio was %33.
Permanent Constitution Should Bypass TAL Shortcomings, Barzani says: Khabat KDP daily: In a meeting with a number jurists and lawyers from Erbil City, the KDP leader Massoud Barzani reiterated Tuesday the important role that they can play in enlightening Kurdistan people an during them for active participation in the elections to constitutionally guarantee their legal rights. He further added that elections for the Iraqi national assembly would be extremely important because it would draw up a permanent constitution for Iraq that should bypass all the shortcomings that the transitional Administrative Law (TAL) included as far as the Kurds are concerned.
Use Your Pens to Defend Your People Cause, KDP Leader Tells Writers: Khabat KDP daily: Massoud Barzani received in his Office a number of Erbil writers and artists and urged them for active participation in the elections and defending the cause of Kurdistan people. ``Wars are not fought only with weapons. You can use your thoughts and pens to defend the cause of your people,'' The KDP leader told them Tuesday.
Erbil Governor Vows to Safeguard Voters, Voting Centers: Khabat KDP daily: The domestic security forces have taken special measures in preparation for the up coming elections in the governorate. Movement of vehicles downtown Erbil and between the cities will be restricted to those holding special badges and all the and all the 368 voting centers in and around the city, as well as the voters' movements to between those centers and their residences would be secured without need for deployment of additional forces, the paper quotes Governor Nawzad Hadi.
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