Tuesday, 8 February 2005
IRAQI NEWS, 7 FEB 05
· Gunmen blow up oil pipeline in Kirkuk - Iraqi TV
· Iraqi police arrest 4 Afghans, 2 Pakistanis near Iranian border
· US forces bomb, besiege Al-Ramadi, Iraqi TV says
· Twenty-two Iraqi soldiers, policemen said killed south of Baghdad
· Iraqi election body announces preliminary results in Kurdish areas
· Iraqi Sunni group receives letter from prisoners complaining of abuse
· Gunmen blow up oil pipeline in Kirkuk
· Iraqi Oil Ministry considering issuing petrol coupons
· Iraqi electricity minister promises improvement in supplies
IRAQI PRESS 7 FEBRUARY 2005
· IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 7 Feb 2005
· IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 7 Feb 2005
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 7 FEB 05
· Al-Sharqiyah TV news summary 7 Jan 05
· Al-Iraqiyah TV news summary 7 Jan 05
KURDISH NEWS, 7 FEB 05
· Almost 99 per cent Kurds vote for independence
· Kurdish PUK, KDP set up committee to unite administrations
· KurdSat TV news summary 7 Feb 05
· Updates from the Iraqi Kurdish Press
IRAQI NEWS, 7 Feb 05
Gunmen blow up oil pipeline in Kirkuk - Iraqi TV
The Iraqi civil defence force in Kirkuk has announced that unknown gunmen today blew up a main oil pipeline connecting Kirkuk oil field with Bayji refinery, west of Kirkuk. A brigadier-general in the civil defence force in the city said that the fire engines of the Northern Oil Company and Bayji Refinery were continuing their efforts to extinguish the fire resulting from the attack on the pipeline, which supplies the refinery with crude oil to produce oil derivatives. The pipeline was targeted in the same area three weeks ago. Al-Sharqiyah TV on 7 February
Iraqi police arrest 4 Afghans, 2 Pakistanis near Iranian border
Iraqi police in Khanaqin area, northeast of Baghdad, have arrested six people believed to be Afghan and Pakistani nationals on suspicion of planning attacks in Iraq , Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 7 February. The six are thought to have infiltrated into Iraq across the Iranian borders. The documents and communication equipment found in their possession show that they were planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Ba'qubah. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
US forces bomb, besiege Al-Ramadi, Iraqi TV says
US helicopters today bombed Al-Ramadi city, the biggest city in Al-Anbar Governorate in western Iraq, following armed clashes between a US army patrol and gunmen, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Medical sources at Al-Ramadi General Hospital said that four civilians, including two children, were wounded, it added. Eyewitnesses said that US troops, backed by tanks, cordoned off the city and prevented citizens from entering or leaving. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
Twenty-two Iraqi soldiers, policemen said killed south of Baghdad
Twenty two Iraqi soldiers and policemen were killed in an armed attack on a police centre in Al-Mahawil area, north of Babil Governorate, south of Baghdad, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Iraqi police today said that 18 gunmen were killed in the clashes, which took place late on 6 Feb. Police forces in Babil Governorate managed to storm a school in Al-Bu-Mustafa village, north of Al-Hillah, and arrested four gunmen, it added. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
Iraqi election body announces preliminary results in Kurdish areas
Officials from the Independent Higher Commission for Elections in Iraq, IHCEI, announced on 7 February more results of the ongoing vote count from the 30 January Iraqi elections. Speaking in a Baghdad news conference broadcast live on Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV, Safwat Rashid and Izz-al-Din Muhammad began by announcing the results of an investigation into voting procedures in Ninawa Governorate. Following this, Safwat Rashid gave the results from the governorates of Iraqi Kurdistan: "Regarding the initial partial results for the Kurdistan National Assembly in Dohuk Governorate, we will read only three initial figures due to the length of the list. The Kurdistan National Democratic list obtained 362,712 votes, followed by the Islamic Group list with 1,983, and the Kurdish Independents List with 1,990. Initial partial results for the Kurdistan National Assembly in Al-Sulaymaniyah Governorate: The Kurdistan National Democratic List obtained 623,419 votes, followed the Islamic Group with 59, 609 votes, and the Toilers' Party with 7,371 votes. Initial partial results for the Governorate Council of Salah-al-Din Governorate: The United Democratic Coalition received 21,115 votes, followed by the Reconciliation and Warning received 15,879 votes, and the Iraqi Turkoman Front with 14,228... Initial partial results for Al-Sulaymaniyah Governorate: The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan received 477,217 votes. The Kurdistan Democratic Party received 90,262 votes, while the Kurdistan Islamic Union received 73,901 votes. Initial partial results for Dohuk Governorate: The Kurdistan Democratic Party received 290,134 votes while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan received 33, 863 votes and the Islamic Union received 33,578 votes. Initial partial results for the National Assembly in Dohuk Governorate: It is a long list, as it concerns the National Assembly. So it is not possible to read it. We also have the initial partial results for the National Assembly of Al-Sulaymaniyah Governorate. These figures will be distributed to you..." (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
Iraqi Sunni group receives letter from prisoners complaining of abuse
More than 5,000 Iraqi prisoners have complained of "coercive practices and unethical abuse" by military officials and personnel assigned to Camp Bucca in Basra, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. A letter sent to the Association of Muslim Scholars in Iraq (AMS) on behalf of the camp's 5,200 prisoners revealed that a number of prisoners had died while under torture or as a result of it, adding that prison guards often shout profanities and terms which are derogatory to Iraqis and also batter the prisoners, the channel reported. At a news conference, AMS member Abd-al-Salam al-Kubaysi said that the AMS was holding on to the letter which had been written on a piece of cloth and signed by the prisoners. He said: "We are willing to identify the Iraqi victims who died in Camp Bucca." Al-Kubaysi noted that the prisoners spoke of "immoral practices" against them, where some were forced to commit fornication, while others had human waste tossed at them, the channel said. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
Gunmen blow up oil pipeline in Kirkuk
The Iraqi civil defence force in Kirkuk announced that unknown gunmen on 7 February blew up a "main oil pipeline" connecting the Kirkuk oil field with Bayji refinery, west of Kirkuk, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. A brigadier-general in the civil defence force in the city said that the fire engines of the Northern Oil Company and Bayji Refinery were continuing their efforts to extinguish the fire resulting from the attack on the pipeline, which supplies the refinery with crude oil to produce oil derivatives. The pipeline was reortedly targeted in the same area three weeks ago. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic Feb 05)
Iraqi Oil Ministry considering issuing petrol coupons
An "official source" at the Iraqi Oil Ministry said that the ministry is studying the possibility of issuing coupons for the supply of petrol to citizens in Baghdad and other governorates, Iraqi Al-Ufuq Cultural Foundation newspaper Al-Ufuq reported. The source added that the idea of coupons was aimed at preventing "black market dealers - who are responsible for the long queues in front of petrol stations as they fill their cars more than three times a day" - from obtaining and selling the petrol well above the official price, it said. (Al-Ufuq, Baghdad, in Arabic 7 Feb 05)
Iraqi electricity minister promises improvement in supplies
Iraqi Electricity Minister Dr Ayham al-Samarra'i said that, "thanks to the provision of generators, the purchase of several power plants, and other measures", Iraq's electricity grid is to undergo a significant improvement this summer (2005), reducing the outage to six hours per day, Iraqi National Congress (INC) weekly newspaper Al-Mu'tamar reported. Al-Samarra'i added that the national grid would receive an extra 3,700 MW, which would help solve "many problems". (Al-Mu'tamar, Baghdad, in Arabic 6 Feb 05)
IRAQI PRESS 7 FEBRUARY 2005
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 7 Feb 2005
Al-Zaman [daily, independent, Baghdad edition of London-based Al-Zaman] 7 Feb:
·
Annan representative prepares for comprehensive Iraqi dialogue
Al-Mu'tamar [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Congress] 7 Feb
·
Allawi in UAE after Jordan
·
Iraqi Defence Ministry makes no comment, Pentagon confirms: Forty per cent of police, guards absent
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Interior minister: Former officer involved in military attacks captured
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Barzani: We will be allies with whoever backs federalism in National Assembly
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US embassy: No information about Rice's visit to Baghdad
·
Tikrit police interrogates group of Al-Zarqawi followers
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Karbala governor: Security plan to protect Karbala in Muharram
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Security forces in Mosul continue searches, raids, arrest
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Al-Hillah police: Confrontations with gunmen; four hiding in school arrested.
·
United Iraqi Alliance list in the lead [Senior INC member]
[Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic (provisionally published Monday/Wednesday/Thursday)] 7 Feb: Muslim scholars association demands troop withdrawal timetable to take part in constitution (AFP quoted) Democratic Assyrian Movement asks electoral commission to do justice to voters (Reuters quoted) Independent Iraqi centre for monitoring elections issues first report on election Italian journalist captors demand withdrawal of Italian troops (AFP quoted) Health Ministry launches major blood donation campaign Municipal projects implemented in Al-Samawah Screw worm incidence reported in Basra.
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 7 Feb 2005
Baghdad
Khabat daily issued by KDP in Erbil:
·
Mudar Shawkat urges United Alliance list to allocate senior posts for Muslim scholars association, Iraqi Islamic Party
·
Iraqi security forces takes charge of security in Mosul
·
Zebari calls on neighbouring states to cooperate with Iraq
·
Car bomb defused in Baghdad; scores of gunmen arrested in Mosul, Samarra
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Al-Fallujah police reduce troop number; purge force from collaborators with insurgents
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Irrigation project implemented in Dhi-Qar, Salah-al-Din.
Al-Adalah[Baghdad, twice-weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI)] 7 Feb:
·
United Iraqi Alliance wins largest number of votes
·
US ambassador meets finance minister, stresses need to study requirements of forthcoming stage for Iraqis Preliminary results of local council elections in nine governorates declared (Kuna quoted)
·
Iraqi government demands freezing assets of former regime officials (news agencies quoted)
·
[Chief of staff] Babakr Zebari: Defence Ministry not to allow senior Ba'th Party members to join in Iraqi Islamic Party secretary-general: Writing the constitution is a shared responsibility (news agencies quoted)
·
Finance minister receives [UN envoy to Iraq] Ashraf Qazi
·
Twenty-two suspects arrested in Mosul (Reuters quoted) More prisoners released from Abu-Ghurayb jail (Reuters quoted)
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Tariq Aziz's lawyer proposes investigation with his client be held on neutral ground
·
Electoral commission acknowledges receiving petitions from Turkman front, Assyrians (news agencies quoted)
·
Iranian ambassador in Baghdad: Iraqi election has effect on stability of region, Middle East Italy seeks Kuwait's help to secure release of kidnapped journalist (news agencies quoted) [Condoleezza] Rice: Washington wants Iraq to remain whole (news agencies quoted) Australia urges coalition forces to stay in Iraq (news agencies quoted)
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Iraqi government denounces terrorist acts that left 12 civilians dead in Al-Zab [north] Iraqi security forces abort kidnap operation Four Egyptian engineers kidnapped in Iraq (news agencies quoted)
·
Multinational forces capture nine terrorists
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Farmers demonstrate in Al-Najaf to demand their rights
·
Mosul police chief secures release of 84 detainees
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Higher Education Ministry to sign cultural agreements with UAE.
Baghdad[Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Accord Movement] 7 Feb:
·
Election results to be announced in two days (AFP quoted)
·
US soldier killed in Baghdad (AFP quoted)
·
Danish government to decide its troop presence after elections (AFP quoted)
·
Six-month jail sentence to US soldiers involved in Abu-Ghurayb scandal (AFP quoted)
·
Four engineers working with "Iraquna" mobile phone company abducted
·
Car bomb, four explosive devices defused in Baghdad
·
Two killed, others wounded in Baghdad blasts
·
Iraq demands trials for those involved in misappropriating oil-for-food funds; Jordan denies any link to deal; Annan to punish those responsible (news agencies quoted).
Al-Bayan
[Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 7 Feb: United Iraqi Alliance's victory almost certain; efforts focus on vote count for local council elections Emergency meeting at Oil Ministry on fuel crisis Ten million dollars reward on Izzat al-Duri's head (Kuna quoted) New measures to preserve security; Twenty-five million dollars to establish border checkpoints Three hundred prisoners freed from Abu-Ghurayb International calls to drain terror resources (news agencies quoted) [Hoshyar] Zebari: Iraqi election was defeat for terrorism.
Al-Dustur
[Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic] 7 Feb: Final results of vote-count in Iraqi elections to be announced today High rewards for capture of Izzat al-Duri, [Saddam's half brother] Sab'awi, [former regime aide] Al-Haddush Barzani prevents Chaldean-Assyrian voters in Ninawa plain from taking part in poll Hundreds of thousands of voters did not cast their ballots Shi'i religious authority wants Islam to become only source of legislation Al-Shahristani, Abd-al-Mahdi, Talabani vie for premiership US ambassador to Iraq: Timetable for withdrawal from Iraq governed by Resolution 1546 Al-Pachachi holds meetings with several parties for role in drafting constitution [Planning minister]: National sovereignty can only be achieved by departure of occupation troops Terrorist captured in Bayji; tribal leader killed in Al-Anbar USA drops main charge against defendant, jails another for six months over Abu-Ghurayb scandal Second Iraqi group claims it kidnapped Italian journalist Iraqi Islamic Party condemns reports on involvement in terror operations.
Al-Hadath
[Baghdad, weekly independent newspaper in Arabic] 7 Feb: Allawi suggests election day be considered a national day Defence Ministry calls up former Iraqi army officers Leaders of Iraqi parties negotiate participation in national dialogue with political parties boycotting election Turkey backs Kurdish demand for higher post in Iraq Internet web site: Iraqi groups kills 29 policemen in ambush Muqtada al-Sadr sets timetable for withdrawal as condition for taking part in dialogue Demonstrations in Al-Najaf to demand re-run of local council election Kurdish optimism over final results of elections Iraqi-Jordanian free-trade zone established Pentagon prepared to pull out 15,000 soldiers next month; Complete withdrawal depends on forming adequate Iraqi forces Germany keen to help with building Iraqi institutions (Reuters quoted) Iraqi army intimidated by insurgents Barzani emphasizes Kurdish independence is a natural right; Al-Sadr warns of sectarian war.
Al-Jaridah
Al-Mada
[Baghdad, daily, independent newspaper published by Al-Mada Media, Culture and Arts Corporation] 7 Feb: Election results spur intensive contacts between political forces Iraq participates in anti-terror conference (AFP quoted) Three quarters of Al-Fallujah policemen demobilized; five Iraqis killed including tribal chief Leader of armed group captured Muslim scholars association denounces Italian journalist's kidnapping (Reuters quoted) Government calls on world community to freeze assets of former regime officials (Kuna quoted) Negroponte discusses permanent constitution with those who boycotted the election (Elaph quoted ) Police disarm car bomb in Al-Za'faraniyah In Mosul, 408 arrested in 30 days Mosul Christians, ethnic groups call on electoral commission to re-open polling stations in their areas.
Al-Manarah
[Basra, daily independent newspaper in Arabic published by the Voice of the South Press, Printing and Publishing Corporation] 7 Feb: Defence Ministry calls on republican guards, special task forces to return to service Barzani: Any Turkish intervention in Kirkuk will be a disaster Two US soldiers killed in attacks in Mosul, Babil Investigation report: UN officials ignored oil-for-food rules United Alliance list wins over 2m votes in 10 provinces US army detains French Islamists in Iraq Chief of staff: Iraq needs six months to build armed forces Rumsfeld defends performance of Iraqi forces Secure climate in Al-Samawah during and after poll.
Al-Nahdah
[Baghdad, daily political newspaper] 7 Feb: Government offers 10m-dollar reward for capture of Izzat al-Duri (Kuna quoted) Final out-of-country election results announced Rice reassures Turks over Iraq unity (AFP quoted) Three Iraqis killed in Samarra, Balad (AFP quoted) Security forces free hostage, arrest captors in Mosul Car bomb explode in Karbala (Kuna quoted) Police patrols intensified in Mosul; committees formed to collect weapons.
Al-Sharq al-Awsat
[Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned] 7 Feb: Shi'i religious authority warns: Religion not to be isolated from state; Islam as only source of legislation non-negotiable Source: [Saddam's half brother] Barzan al-Tikriti first to appear before special tribunal next month Iraqi government announces capture of man funding attacks Kirkuk Turkmen, Arabs deny recognition of Kurds' victory in election Fundamentalist group threatens to kill Italian journalist in 48 hours Demonstrations in Baghdad, London, Detroit in protest against depriving 200,000 Iraqi of participation in election Terrorist from Arbil wanted to go to heaven but preferred not to commit suicide Al-Fallujah schools re-opened (AFP quoted) Eighty per cent of Kurds support Kurdistan secession from Iraq (AFP quoted) US ambassador to Iraq: We coordinate US troop withdrawal from cities Rice: Kirkuk future to be decided by Iraqis.
[Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Accord Movement] 7 Feb: [From commentary by Ahmad al-Bayati] "Iraqis have said their final word to all terror groups: "No" to fear, subjugation and humiliation, and "Yes" to a new Iraq where law and order reign We can make our own future with full confidence and determination to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles standing in the way It is the real step towards salvation from power misuse, corruption and exploitation This democratic experience is a clear evidence to all hostile forces that Iraqis are united in one trench against whoever tries to break their ranks and dismember their national unity."
Al-Bayan
[Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party] 7 Feb: [From editorial] "With their voting papers, our people have placed their full trust in the members of the new parliament and burdened them with two major responsibilities; the first is to draft a permanent constitution and the second to elect a transitional government that can meet the serious challenges facing the country After this long patience, our people do not want a failed government or a prime minister incapable of steering Iraq's ship to the shore of safety Therefore, our incoming parliament should choose a powerful government and competent leaders to run the country."
Al-Sharq al-Awsat
[Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned] 7 Feb: [From opinion by Ahmad al-Rab'i] "Iraq needs one president, one prime minister and one parliament. This political rivalry between Iraqi groups to hold higher posts is not in Iraq's interest Fighting for the post of prime minister in particular implies no political skill. For any group, a prime minister in a state suffering such immense problems amounts to political suicide Iraqis have defied terrorism and proved their firm determination in the elections. They have done so only to see their country out of the dark tunnel it has been living in for tens of years Iraqi politicians will commit a big folly if they fail to get the people's message, behave selfishly, or forget that there is no longer an immortal leader or a party with an eternal message, and that who will be elected by people today will be rejected tomorrow if their aspirations are not fulfilled."
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 7 Feb 05
Al-Sharqiyah TV news summary 7 Jan 05
§
US helicopters bomb Al-Ramadi following a clash between US forces and armed men
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Suicide car bomb explodes outside police station in Ba'qubah, killing 15, injuring 16 others ... Suicide car bomb explodes outside hospital in Mosul, killing at least 11 police officers ...
§
Iraqi police arrest six Afghani and Pakistani citizens north east of Baghdad attempting to commit terrorist acts in Ba'qubah ...
§
More than 5,000 Iraqi detainees in prison south of Iraq complain about maltreatment by US guards in a letter smuggled out of prison ...
§
One Iraqi civilian killed, four injured by mortar bomb attack on Samarra ...
§
Twenty two Iraqi police officers and soldiers killed in attack on police station in Babil Province ...
§
US ambassador in Iraq says no time schedule arranged for US forces to leave Iraq ...
§
US forces announce one soldier killed, two injured in attack north of Baghdad ...
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Oil for food programme irregularities investigator says results will soon be known regarding possible involvement of Annan and his son in the scandal ...
§
Video report on the role of women in Iraq following the elections ...
§
Group which kidnapped Italian journalist announce they will decide her fate after completing interrogating her ...
§
Egyptian company says it has had no contact regarding its kidnapped staff in Baghdad
§
US medical officer reveals more US violations against prisoners in Iraq. Stills of Iraqi prisoner abuse ...
§
Ukrainians Defence Ministry announce officer died in Baghdad due to heart attack.
Al-Iraqiyah TV news summary 7 Jan 05
§
Iraq Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari says polls mark new political birth, there will be dialogue with groups who boycotted election. Video report covers his comments saying new government should reflect Iraq diversity. (min 5 sec)
§
Independent Electoral Commission announces preliminary result in northern provinces. Video report covers press conference held by commission officials, preliminary result in some northern provinces. (2 min 56 sec)
§
Iraqis hope new government to restore stability and security. Video report covers comments by Iraqis, man wanting security and justice, another saying Iraq to become model for Arabs. (2 min 24 sec)
§
Report highlights Iraqis expectations following polls. Report covers comments, man saying national unity very important. (min 33 sec)
§
Report from Muthana on Iraqis expectations; man saying justice very important, woman wanting security and end to food and fuel shortages, man saying economic security key task of new government. (2 min 31 sec)
§
Academics and students say polls expression of popular will. Video report highlights result of survey showing university professors and students saying polls mark turning point, democracy is way to prosperity. (2 min 17 sec)
§
Studio interview with Suha al-Azawi, member of the interim National Assembly. She comments on how new constitution will be drawn. (4 min)
§
Car bomb blast in Ba'qubah kills 15; 11 policemen killed in blast in Mosul; multinational soldier killed in Baghdad. (43 sec)
§
Terror suspects arrested in Ninawa. Video report highlights comments by police chief in province. (43 sec)
§
New army recruits graduate in Kirkuk. Video report (2 min 52 sec)
§
Inquiry into food-for-oil programme says it wants to question former Iraq Prime Minister Tariq
§
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praises new security measures taken by Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah meeting. Video report (min 48 sec)
§
Kuwait adopts new anti-terror strategy. (42 sec)
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Somalis hail new government formed in exile. Video report (2 min 27)
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Turkey premier meets Indonesian president in Jakarta. Video report (min 53 sec)
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Thai premier wins election. Video report (min 26 sec)
§
Business bulletin. Iraq currency market report. International market report. (11 min)
KURDISH NEWS, 7 Feb 05
Almost 99 per cent Kurds vote for independence
According to Kurdistani Nuwe, a Kurdish newspaper affiliated to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), almost 99 per cent of those who took part in an unofficial poll organized by the Kurdistan Referendum Movement voted for independence. Some 1,998,061 people took part in the poll. (Kurdistani Nuwe, Al-Sulaymaniyah, in Sorani Kurdish 7 Feb 05)
Kurdish PUK, KDP set up committee to unite administrations
A special PUK-KDP committee for the reunification of the two Kurdistan regional governments has been set up following a decision of the recent meeting of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan [PUK] and the Kurdistan Democratic Party [KDP] political bureaus in Salah-al-Din, Kurdish TV reported on 7 February. Imad Ahmad, deputy head of PUK-led regional government, told the TV that, with the exception of the interior, Peshmerga, justice and finance ministries, all other ministries would be merged. (KurdSat TV, Al-Sulaymaniyah, in Sorani Kurdish 7 Feb 05)
KurdSat TV news summary 7 Feb 05
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Report over video on attacks in Mosul and Ba'qubah ...
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Turkey to support the appointment of a Kurd as Iraqi head of state, Lebanese Al-Safir quoted. Report over still picture of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader ...
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A special committee set up by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party to merge their administrations ...
§
The US secretary of state meets Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Report over video showing the US and Palestinian officials addressing a news conference.
Updates from the Iraqi Kurdish Press
¾
KDP leader Massoud Barzani received in Erbil the head of the Kurdish Institute in Paris. The discussions focused on the political current situation and the elections in Kurdistan and Iraq.
¾
The 3-day festival commemorating the establishment of Kurdistan Republic in Mahabad city in Iran in 1946 ended yesterday in Erbil with the Kurdish national anthem. KRG PM Nechirvan Barzani opened the festival Friday and raised the Kurdistan flag that President Qazi Muhammed had handed over to late Mustafa Barzani (KDP founder and Nechrivan's grandfather) after the fall of the republic.
¾
A delegation of Kurdish Women Union in Sweden is visiting Kurdistan in preparation for opening training courses for women on human rights, democracy and education in Erbil and Sulaymanya with KRG support.
¾
The Korean troops in Erbil provided security-related resources to the local security sources Sunday. KRG Interior Minister attended the provision ceremony.
¾
Khanaqeen police arrested Saturday 4 Afghani and 2 Pakistanis terrorists who had infiltrated into Iraq from Iran with lots of communication devices and documents that prove their affiliations to terrorist groups.
Kurdistani Nwe daily issued by PUK in Sulaymanya:
¾
UN Top envoy in Iraq praised the Iraqi elections and described the process as ``unexpected success.'' SRSG Ashraf Qazi told Reuters Sunday that there were indicators that all Iraqi political parties would participate in drawing up the constitution even those who refused to participate in the elections. Qazi further said that the constitution writing process should be inclusive and hoped for a vital UN role in the process.
¾
Turkey supports [PUK leader] Talabani's candidacy for the most senior position in Iraq because it will vanish Turkey's fears from Iraqi disintegration, Lebanese Al-Safeer newspaper wrote.
¾
PUK politburo member Imad Ahmed announced the establishment of a KDP-PUK joint committee to prepare for the unification of both KRG administrations in Sulaymanya and Erbil. Ahmed further added that all the ministries would be merged except Finance, Justice, interior and Peshmarga Affairs for a temporary period, during which those ministries would be run by either KDP or PUK, with Region Ministers (without portfolio) from the opposite party until the unification is done at a later stage. The PUK official further announced that the number of ministries in the new KRG cabinet would be increased to match those in Baghdad.
¾
About 2 million Kurds voted for independence. 1,998,061 persons participated in the unofficial referendum that Kurdistan Referendum Movement (KRM) carried out in Erbil, Sulaymanya, Dahuk, Kirkuk, Mosul, Khanaqeen and its surroundings simultaneously with the January 30 elections. Of the above figure, KRM High Committee member Kiner Abulla told the daily, 1,973,412 persons (98.76%) voted for Kurdistan independence, 19,850 persons (0.99%) voted for staying as part of Iraq and the remaining 4,799 tickets (0.24%) were regarded legally null.
¾
The Kurds know their responsibilities about Kirkuk, US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice said in Ankara Sunday She further said that Kirkuk was an Iraqi domestic issue and the Iraqis were aware of their responsibilities.
Jamawar, private political weekly issued in Erbil:
¾
Turkey supports the [Iraqi] Kurds for presidency or PM posts so that they refrain from declaring independence.
¾
The Kurdish candidacy list in Mosul is ahead of all other lists.
¾
The ex-Baathists in Kirkuk voted in favor of the Iraqi Turcoman front against the Kurdish-sponsored fraternity list.
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