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IRAQI NEWS, 31 JAN 05
·         Ballot boxes transferred to IECI HQ for recount
·         IECI official expects results in "a week's time"
·         IECI official details counting
·         Allawi's list, Shi'i-dominated list said leading
·         Allawi says election 'victory' against terrorism
·         Sistani thanks Iraqi people for voting
·         More than 200 suspected insurgents arrested - interior minister
·         Voters in northern province said unhappy over poll failures
·         Interior minister praises forces for election security
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 31 JAN 05
·         Programme summary of Iraq's Al-Iraqiyah TV news 31 Jan 05
·         Programme summary of Iraq's Al-Diyar TV news 31 Jan 05
IRAQI KURDISH NEWS, 31 JAN 05
·         Mosul deputy governor survives assassination attempt
·         Kurds from Ninawa towns protest against exclusion from voting
·         Kurdish official says over 150,000 unable to vote in northern province

IRAQI NEWS, 31 Jan 05
Ballot boxes transferred to IECI HQ for recount

The Iraqi National Guard forces have begun withdrawal from most polling stations in Baghdad, after the counting of yesterday's election votes has been finalized, Al-Sharqiyah TV's correspondent reported on 31 January. He said the ballot boxes were currently being transferred amid tight security measures to the headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq, where votes will be recounted to verify the initial results, before the data is entered into computers, and final results are announced. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

IECI official expects results in "a week's time"

Independent Electoral Commission official Farid Ayar has said the final results for yesterday's elections "should not be expected before one week from now", Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 31 January. (Al-Sharqiyah TV Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

IECI official details counting

Adil al-Lami, chief electoral officer at the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq [IECI], in an interview with Al-Sharqiyah TV on 31 January explained the counting procedures. "The vote counting operation has begun at the polling centres as of yesterday after the polling centres and stations closed their doors. Al-Lami said: "Vote counting of the polling papers was carried by hand. The ballot papers were then placed in secure bags, and these bags were taken to the national office at the IECI headquarters for a second vote counting by a specialized team using the computers that are in the national office ...The boxes throughout Iraq will be sent to the national office. The other intact elections material that can be used for a second time will also be sent to the national office with the boxes containing the ballot papers. Actually, we have started the dispatch of these intact elections material to the various places allocated for them so that they can be used a second time in the future". He added that the results would be made public in stages. "At the end of vote counting every day, an IECI statement will be issued explaining the level of the results for all the governorates, the turnout rate, and the votes that the political entities got". He said only minor election violations had been reported. "We did not officially receive any reports about violations, so far. If there were any, they will be submitted through the proper channels. We received telephone calls about some violations and the IECI will reply to them after studying them. Any contestation or complaint should be substantiated by evidence and documents. Generally speaking, the violations that have been recorded were minor ones and the IECI will wait today or tomorrow to receive the other contestations or objections if there any through the official channels. He said that during the voters' registration, the IECI was unable to reach "many areas in many governorates" due to security concerns, particularly in the Mosul, Salah-al-Din, and Al-Anbar districts. However he noted an unexpectedly high turnout in the Ninawa and Al-Anbar governorates. He said that some residents of Al-Fallujah also cast their votes, but did not give more details. He said there were around 199 international observers and around 45,000 representatives of political who were deployed throughout the Iraqi governorates. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

Allawi's list, Shi'i-dominated list said leading

The initial results of vote counting indicate that the Iraq List led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is leading in Baghdad and Kirkuk, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 31 January. Al-Sharqiyah TV's correspondent said that the votes counted so far in Baghdad, especially in the western part of the capital, showed that the results were clearly in favour of the Iraq List - List 285 - which is headed by Allawi. In Al-Najaf, initial results showed that that the Shi'i-dominated United Iraqi Alliance - List 169 - was in the lead. Meanwhile, there seems to be a strong competition between Lists 285 and 169, and the results of the vote counting between the two lists are very close. The correspondent added that the voters' ballots in Mosul have so far been mainly distributed between the Iraqi List and Iraqiyun List, which is led by Iraqi President Ghazi Ajil al-Yawar, and between the Arab Democratic List and the Kurdistan Coalition. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

Allawi says election 'victory' against terrorism

Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said that his country's first democratic election in decades has shown the terrorists that they could not win. Speaking on 31 January at a news conference in Baghdad, which was broadcast live on Al-Sharqiyah TV, Allawi said: "The terrorists were defeated in Iraq yesterday. Some manifestations of violence will remain. But, the terrorists are well aware that they are losers." Allawi said Iraq was entering a new phase in its history: it was time for Iraqis to put the divisions of the past behind them and work together. He said he expected the members of the newly-elected National Assembly to be name "within a week or two", after which "a new and comprehensive government will be formed." He said he would begin a national dialogue to guarantee that all Iraqis are represented in the new government. He paid tribute to the bravery of election workers involved in organising the voting. "Iraq is a great country of pride and dignity .. We have proved to them (the world) how strong we are. As we worked together yesterday to end the dictatorship, let us proceed towards a bright future together - Sunnis and Shi'is, Muslims and Christians, Arab, Kurds, and Turkomans. May God preserve Iraq and its people," Allawi concluded. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

Sistani thanks Iraqi people for voting

The supreme religious authority Al-Sayyid Ali al-Sistani has thanked Iraqi people for voting, Al-Iraqiyah TV reported on 31 January. Al-Sayyid Ahmad al-Safi, representative of al-Sistani, said this was a day of rejoicing for all Iraqis who wanted to build a new Iraq. (Al-Iraqiyah Television in Arabic 31 Jan 2005)

More than 200 suspected insurgents arrested - interior minister

Interior Minister Falah Naqib has said that more than thirty civilians and six members of the Iraqi security forces were killed in Sunday's election, along with a US Marine, AFP reported on 31 January. He said more than 200 suspected were detained across and 91 attacks with bombs and mortars were recorded on polling stations, police stations and government facilities. The minister also alleged that insurgents had used a disabled child to conduct a suicide attack, saying this was an indication of what he called the horrific actions insurgents were carrying out. (BBCWS 31 Jan 05)Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi told a news conference in Baghdad that security forces had thwarted seven suspected suicide attacks on 30 January, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. He said all the attackers were foreign nationals. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 31 Jan 05)

Voters in northern province said unhappy over poll failures

Talks started in Mosul on 31 January on the possibility of repeating the election in several districts of Ninawa Governorate after the absence of ballot boxes prevented the vote from going ahead in these areas, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. The TV said the areas affected included parts of Tall Afar Province - Al-Hamdaniyah, Bartalah, Ba'shiqah, Karm Lays, and Al-Ayyadah and its villages. It said there had been a "mass demonstration" in Tall Afar against the failure to hold elections in the area. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 31 Jan 05 )

Interior minister praises forces for election security

Iraqi Interior Minister Falih al-Naqib on 31 January said those who doubted the Iraqi security forces' ability to protect their people had been proven wrong. Speaking at a news conference broadcast live on Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV, Al-Naqib gave details of the security incidents that took place around the country on election day, saying that 17 people were arrested and four "terrorists" killed in Baghdad alone, but he emphasized that the security results achieved that day had been the result of months of preparation. Confronted by an Iraqi journalist claiming to pass on the "complaints" of members of the Iraqi police, the minister said he understood the limitations within which the security forces were working but said there were plans in place to upgrade equipment and improve salary levels. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 31 Jan 05 )

IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 31 JAN 05
Programme summary of Iraq's Al-Iraqiyah TV news 31 Jan 05
·        

Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi says voting has defeated terrorism. Video report covers his comments, saying terrorists have been defeated by Sunday polls, praises efforts by Independent Electoral Commission. Allawi says elected national assembly to be announced within two weeks, followed by formation of cabinet. Video report covers his comments saying he will continue in office until new cabinet is formed, calls for national dialogue.

·        

Minister of Interior Falah al-Naqib says voting victory for security forces, announces arrest of dozens of terrorists, says over 39 terrorist acts have been foiled. Video report covers his comments thanking security forces for "heroic" work before and during polls.
·         Al-Naqib says over 39 terrorist acts targeting polling stations have been foiled. Video report covers his comments saying disabled child was used as suicide bomber. (2 min 38 sec)
·         Minister of Defence Hazim al-Sha'lan praises army role in maintaining security during polls. Video report covers his comments thanking army for role it played to defend voters.
·         Shi'I marja Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani thanks Iraqis for casting their ballots--his aide. (27 sec)
·         Count of vote cast by Iraqis living in Syria starts in Damascus. Video report covers comments by Iraqi election official explaining vote count. (2 min)
·         Independent Electoral Commission says turnout between 60 and 70 percent; International Organization for Migration says 94 percent of registered voters abroad have cast their ballots. Video report covers vote count, comments by election official. (2 min 32 sec)
·         Leader of Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim calls for strengthening national unity. Video report covers his comments; he says election historic event, Iraqis should respect popular will expressed by voting. He says he has visited neighbouring countries, such as Syria and Iran, which have stood behind Iraqi people; says those countries are willing to support Iraq government to solve security problem, he gives examples of elderly and disabled Iraqis who cast their ballots in spite of difficulties. (7 min 27
·         Life returns to normal following emergency security measures during polls. Video report highlights comments by Iraqis hoping stability and security will prevail. (2 min 22 sec)
·         Life returns to normal in Arbil. Video report (2 min 25 sec)
·         Vote count in Al-Samawa. Live interview with correspondent from Samawa. He says vote count has started. (2 min 31 sec)
·         Iraqis overjoyed with first election in more than 50 years. Video report highlights public reactions, people saying election is historic event and end to suffering. (2 min)
·         Report on security situation in Basra after polls. Report highlights tight security. (min 34 sec)
·         Report highlights reaction of Iraqis after polls. (min 35 sec)
·         Report on vote count in Basra. (min 32 sec)
·         Live interview from Al-Nassiriyah with police general, Ali Abd-al-Razzik al-Qadi. He says there were hardly any violations during polls, life returns to normal in the city. (2 min 37 sec)
·         Vote count starts; result to be announced within 10 days. Video report looks at post-election political life, national assembly to be formed and members of cabinet to be named, explains procedures.
·         Southern Iraq cities celebrate day of polls. Video report highlights public mood. (min 47 sec)
·         Iraqis hope polls will bring stability and security. Video report (3 min)
·         Report on jubilation in province of Al-Suleymaniyah following polls. (2 min)
·         Security plan has succeeded thanks to coordination between security forces. Video report highlights comments by members of security forces.
·         International election experts say election was up to international standard. Video report (43 sec)
·         Polls greeted by world and Arab leaders. Video report highlights reactions by UN chief, US President, British Prime Minister, King of Jordan, Egyptian President. (2 min 17 sec)
·         Report highlights reactions by other world leaders. (min 7 sec)
·         Overseas Iraqis have voted, hope they will return home. Video report

Programme summary of Iraq's Al-Diyar TV news 31 Jan 05
·        

Shi'i leader Ali al-Sistani thanks Iraqis for participating in the election to build a new Iraq...

·        

Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi says the election was a great victory against terror...
·         Recording of a news conference by the Iraqi interior minister on the security situation during the vote...
·         Ballot counting begins in Iraq; Voter turnout is expected to exceed 60 per cent; Local and international observers praise the sense of defiance that the Iraqis showed against threats and attacks...
·         Jawad al-Maliki, former speaker of the interim National Assembly, says the elections were ideal; He says the high turnout was not a surprise...
·         Many countries praise the elections in Iraq and congratulate the Iraqis on free polls; Tony Blair says the Iraqi election was a blow to international terrorism; A French spokesman says the high turnout was good news and a success for the international community...
·         Video report shows life in Baghdad streets the day after the election; A number of citizens are asked about their feelings...
·         A demonstration was staged in Ba'shiqa near Mosul to protest against the fact that ballot boxes did not arrive and people were thus unable to vote...
·         President Bush congratulates the Iraqis on the election and terms it a resounding victory...
·         Correspondent in Basra says Iraqi and multinational forces arrested three armed men with a mortar launcher; Clashes took place between Iraqi police and armed men today, but no-one was hurt...
·         Video report shows some people voting in polling centres in Diyala Governorate yesterday...
·         British military sources say at least 15 British soldiers are feared dead in the crash of a British military transport plane north of Baghdad yesterday...
·         The Iraqi education minister says the ministry approved the opening of a number of private schools in Iraq...
·         A legal data bank will be established to facilitate judicial work in Iraq

Iraqi Kurdish News, 31 Jan 05
Mosul deputy governor survives assassination attempt

The deputy governor of Mosul, Khasraw Goran, survived a terrorist attempt on his life, Kurdistan Satellite TV reported on 31 January. The TV said terrorists planted an explosive devise on the road targeting his convoy, which led to the death of one of his bodyguards and the wounding of another. In a statement to Kurdistan Satellite TV, Goran stressed that the elections process went well, particularly in Mosul's Kurdish districts. However, there were problems in Bashiq, Bahzan and Baratallah Administrative Subdistrict where more than 300,000 people live and which did not get ballot boxes and ballot papers, while there was a shortage of ballot papers in Sinjar and Sunun relative to the number of voters. (Kurd Sat TV, 31 Jan 05)

Kurds from Ninawa towns protest against exclusion from voting

Citizens in Bashiq, Qaraqush, Bartallah and some areas in Shekhan [all in Ninawa Governorate] were not able to vote because ballot boxes were not delivered to these areas, Kurdistan Satellite TV reported on 31 January. The residents of Bashiq staged a demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with their exclusion from voting and to demand that their areas be included within the boundaries of the Kurdistan region. Similarly, the residents of Shekhan area also staged a demonstration, the TV said. (Kurd Sat TV, 31 Jan 05)

Kurdish official says over 150,000 unable to vote in northern province
An official of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Mosul, Sa'di Ahmad Pira, on 31 January accused the electoral commission of failing to provide voting facilities in some areas in Ninawa Governorate, depriving some 150,000-160,000 people of their right to vote. In a statement to KurdSat TV, Pira said ballot boxes were not delivered to four districts, and that an insufficient number was sent to one. (KurdSat TV, Al-Sulaymaniyah 1400 gmt 31 Jan)