Monday, 21 February 2005
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IRAQI NEWS, 20 FEB 05
· Seven Iraqis killed, two kidnapped in separate incidents
· Sunni Muslim clerics condemn attacks on Shi'i worshippers
· Two civilians reported killed, eight injured in Al-Sa'd gunfire
· US incendiary bomb sets Mosul medical centre ablaze
· National Assembly to hold first meeting by early March
· Samarra official reported kidnapped
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 20 FEB 05
· Al-Dustur [Baghdad, independent general political daily]
· Al-Zaman [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily]
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 20 FEB 05
· ``Government should restore Iraq wealth abroad ``-Al-Mashriq
· The "liberal tendency"- Al-Adalah
· ``Efforts of the UN experts in rendering Iraqi elections'' - Al-Dustur
· "Post-elections period,"- Tariq al-Sha'b
· ``Elections have not solved political problem''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
· ``Politicians in new colours ``-Al-Zaman
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 20 FEB 05
· Al-Sharqiyah 20 Feb 05
· Al-Diyar TV news 20 Feb 05
· Al-Iraqiyah TV news 20 Feb 05
UPDATES FROM THE KURDISH PRESS, 20 FEB 05
· Kurdistani Nwe daily issued by PUK in Sulaymanya
· Aso, issued by Xendan Publishing House in Kirkuk 3 times in a week
· www.peyamner.com
· Amro, private cultural, political weekly issued in Sulaymanya by Amro Foundation
IRAQI NEWS, 20 Feb 05
Seven Iraqis killed, two kidnapped in separate incidents
Seven Iraqis were killed and two others were kidnapped in separate incidents on 19th and 20th February, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported, citing Iraqi police sources. Two people were killed in Kirkuk on the 20th when weapons and shells left by the army blew up in Al-Ulama neighbourhood, eastern Kirkuk. In another development, a car blew up on a road in Al-Hawijah area, killing its driver. A police officer in Bayji said that two policemen in charge of protecting a power generating company in Bayji were killed on the night of the 19th after the Bayji thermal plant was attacked by unknown people. Police also confirmed finding the bodies of two members of the Iraqi Interior Ministry's Rapid Deployment Force in Al-Milh area, northwestern Samarra. Meanwhile, police confirmed that unknown armed men kidnapped an Iraqi contractor in the Al-Dur residential complex, northern Samarra, while he was driving his car the morning of the 20th. Unknown armed men also kidnapped Nayif Salih Hamad, director of the Sammara Municipality, after ambushing him while he was returning from work to his house in Al-Shuhada neighbourhood, east of Samarra. (Al-Sharqiyah Television in Arabic 20 Feb 05)
Sunni Muslim clerics condemn attacks on Shi'i worshippers
Iraq's main Sunni religious organisation, the Association of Muslim Scholars (AMS), on Sunday (20 Feb) condemned the attacks on Shi'i worshippers during the holy festival of Ashura that left dozens dead. Speaking to Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV, AMS spokesman Muthanna Harith al-Dari said that the attacks were aimed at splitting the ranks of the Iraqi people. During a news coference held to highlight its condemnation of the attacks, the AMS "stressed that the shedding of the blood of any Iraqi citizen during this delicate stage will contribute to achieving the occupation's goals; namely, igniting sectarian sedition among the components of the Iraqi people to facilitate or guarantee their stay in Iraq," according to the TV. (Al-Sharqiyah Television in Arabic 20 Feb 05)
Citing other sources, the correspondent said that the current Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi was rallying his efforts to lead a strong opposition in the National Assembly, noting that a decision had been unanimously made by all members of the Iraqi list, headed by Allawi, to assume government posts in order to fill completely the seat of the opposition.
Two civilians reported killed, eight injured in Al-Sa'd gunfire
Al-Mashriq [Baghdad, by Al- Mashriq Institution for media and cultural investments]
The "liberal tendency"- Al-Adalah
Al-Adalah carries on page 4 a 1,800-word article by Sa'd Mhiw, discussing the "liberal tendency" in Islam, saying that there are "great changes in the Arab and Islamic societies towards making liberal and democratic thought the prevailing intellectual and cultural climate in the Islamic Middle East." The writer adds that the West has always "not been able to believe that there is something called liberal Islam, and if this continues it will cause a disaster, destroying all the liberal roses that are blooming in the Islamic East."
``Efforts of the UN experts in rendering Iraqi elections'' - Al-Dustur
Al-Dustur [Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic]
"Post-elections period,"- Tariq al-Sha'b
Tariq al-Sha'b [Baghdad, daily inde pendent newspaper in Arabic]
``Elections have not solved political problem''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned] [commentary by Ahmad Mahir]
``Politicians in new colours ``-Al-Zaman
Al-Zaman [daily, independent, Baghdad edition of London-based Al-Zaman] [commentary by Fatih Abd-al-Salam] :Among our politicians are some who have tanned their banners in new colours and begun to wave them in the face of others who have chosen to keep the original colour of theirs, apparently meaning to instil fear in the latter's heart by suggesting that they now wield greater clout, having entered into strong alliances. Such open ploys are really pathetic, for any such claim of wide public support can hardly stand the test of time and none of the new colours on a false banner can weather the first drizzle that is bound to come at the first confrontation with the Iraqi public.
Kurdistani Nwe daily issued by PUK in Sulaymanya
The United Nations sends an international investigation team to Lebanon to probe the assignation of ex-Prime Minister Al-Hariri.
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The united cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government will be announced soon after the Kurdistan National Assembly (Parliament) convenes and nominates Nechirvan Barzani officially, the PUK leader Jalal Talabani said in a joint press conference with Barzani. On the Kurdish possible alliance in the Iraqi National Assembly, Talabani said the issues were not clear yet, but the Kurdish policy was clear. ``Our criteria for alliance with others is based on four demands; recognition of federalism and Kurdistan Peshmarga as a liberator force, democracy in Iraq, our fair share from Iraq's revenues and inclusion of Kirkuk within Kurdistan region,'' Talabani explained.
Aso, issued by Xendan Publishing House in Kirkuk 3 times in a week
The Arabs in Sterat village in Makhmour district area (60 km south to Erbil) killed 10 of the Arab terrorists who hide themselves in the areas against the will of the people. To maintain their social relations with their Kurdish neighbors, the Arab residences have previously contacted the leaders of the terrorist groups and requested them to leave the area but they refused.
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Muhammed Hakeem, a leading figure of the Kurdistan Islamic Group (KIG) expressed his party's support to the Kurdish quest for Iraqi presidency or premiership, as well as willingness to join the Kurdish alliance in the Iraqi new Parliament. On his group's possible alliance with Kurdistan Islamic Union (Yakgirtu) in Kurdistan Parliament, Hakeem said all the options were available.
www.peyamner.com <http://www.peyamner.com>
Heading a senior [KDP] delegation, the KRG-Erbil PM Nechirvan Barzani visited Sulaymanya on Saturday for reconciliation with the family of late Hussein Agha Surchi them. Leaders of Kurdistan Socialist Party and Toilers' Party, as well as representatives of PUK and Yakgirtu also attended the reconciliation ceremony, during which the attendants recalled the sad circumstances that led to the demise of Hussein Agha Surchi during the Kurdish infighting [in 1996]. They also reiterated the ``historical ties between the KDP and the Surchi tribe. Another outcome of the reconciliation meeting was compensation of the bereaved family and allowing them to return to their place of origin in Kalakeen Village (about 100 km north of Erbil). After the settlement ceremony ended, Barzani and his delegation visited Talabani in his Qalachwalan HQ for discussions on the establishment of a united Kurdistan government. Following their meeting, both officials spoke to the media on the outcomes of their discussions and the political developments. Talabani said they discussed enhancement of their strategic bilateral relations and the forthcoming nomination of the united cabinet to be headed by Nechirvan Barzani, as well as unifying the Kurdish stand towards Baghdad and the Middle East. Barzani told the reporters that the two parties have established a joint committee to deal with the results of the [January] elections that were released in Baghdad officially.
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A taxicab planted with TNT explosives blew up in Haweja town west of Kirkuk, a police commander in Kirkuk said. ``We have information that the car was on its way to Kirkuk for a terrorist operation but it exploded mistakenly at noon time today [Sunday] and killed both the driver and the passenger, in addition to sustaining material damages,'' the commander detailed. Also in Kirkuk, the police launched investigation into the assassination of a Kurdish clergy Saturday. An Arab settler named ``Ahmed'' was arrested for his possible involvement in the murder of Mulla Muhammed Rostam Kakil, the head of Kirkuk Branch of Kurdistan Muslim Clergy Union.
Amro, private cultural, political weekly issued in Sulaymanya by Amro Foundation
Informed'' sources advise that the incumbent Iraqi PM Ayad Allawi has given up hope for premiership, as the Shiites strongly demand the post; therefore, he is likely to become a deputy to Talabani, who is the Kurdish nominee for presidency. The sources add that Talabani remains the most likely candidate for presidency as the Shiites insist on premiership. The Sunni [Arab] did not achieve much in the elections but they me be given the position of Parliament speaker.
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Before the elections start, Nahro Sheikh Muhammed Kasnazani, a Kurd running for the Iraqi elections under the Iraqi National Unity Gathering list withdrew his candidacy as Amro weekly published the documents that proved he was an agent of Saddam's intelligence service. The documents that were release before the elections showed that Nahro, his father and other members of his immediate family were spying for the former regime against the Kurdistani political parties.
Iraqi correspondent reports "intensive meetings" on allocation of top posts
Iraqi political sources have stressed that an agreement will be reached on nominating a new president and two deputies [vice-presidents]; a new prime minister, and president of the interim National Assembly in the coming two days.
The Al-Sharqiyah correspondent in Baghdad said that intensive meetings were held in Baghdad since Sunday morning [20 February] after concluding the Ashura ceremonies, noting that the United Iraqi Alliance, backed by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, was trying to nominate one candidate out of the two fighting over the post of prime minister. The two are: Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari and Ahmad al-Chalabi, head of the Iraqi National Congress Party. Our correspondent added that if either of the two men assumes the post of prime minister, it will be in return for giving the other important posts in the four main ministries; namely, the Foreign, Interior, Defence, and Finance Ministries. This is in addition to the special interest in the Oil Ministry, the post of army chief of staff and departments headed by personnel at the rank of minister, including, intelligence chief and public security chief.
The same sources noted that the struggle over the president's post was still undecided. [The struggle is between] the Kurdish candidate, Jalal Talabani, secretary-general of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan; and current President Ghazi al-Yawar, whom the United Nations, through its representatives in Baghdad, is trying to convince to accept the post of National Assembly head. However, Al-Yawar has, thus far, refused to deal with this individually, stressing that he represents a political block in and outside the assembly, which should play main roles in running the country, rejecting ceremonial participation by this bloc to justify the control of the United Iraqi Alliance on the political, security and military process in Iraq.
The correspondent has learnt that the bloc being talked about sets a group of conditions for participating in the political process, including releasing the detainees, setting up a balanced committee for drafting the constitution and ensuring justice in distributing political posts in the country. The Iraqi Kurdish leader Mas'ud al-Barzani is expected to visit Baghdad to try to bridge the gap between political adversaries and end the state of control and exclusion that causes concern and frustration among political and popular circles. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 20 Feb 05)
Al-Sharqiyah TV on 20 February reported that a US Humvee, part of a US patrol, was destroyed in a blast that took place as it passed through Al-Sa'd village northwest of Al-Qa'im. The station said the Humvee's occupants were killed or wounded but provided no further details. It also cited a medical source saying that two civilians in a car were killed in a subsequent exchange of gunfire between other members of the US patrol and unidentified gunmen. The source also said eight others were wounded in the gunfight, three seriously. (Al-Sharqiyah TV 20 Feb 05)
US incendiary bomb sets Mosul medical centre ablaze
A huge fire broke out at Mosul's main medical centre on 20 February, after an incendiary bomb US forces fired fell by mistake on the centre, instead of on the targeted area nearby, where shooting occurred, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. The station cited local officials saying that the amount of damage to the centre was likely to exceed 30m dollars in value. They also said the centre was the biggest in northern Iraq, and provided for the needs of the Ninawa Governorate and nearby areas. Al-Sharqiyah added that 11 fire brigades were trying to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading. It said no casualties had been reported. (Al-Sharqiyah 20 Feb 05)
National Assembly to hold first meeting by early March
The new Iraqi National Assembly will hold its first meeting once consultations between the winning election lists over who becomes president and vice-presidents are concluded, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 20 February, citing Fu'ad Ma'sum, an official of the now-concluded interim national assembly. (Al-Sharqiyah TV 1300 gmt 20 Feb 05)
AFP, citing another member of Iraq's interim parliament, Younadem Yusuf Kana, said the new national assembly was likely to hold its first meeting by early March. Kana, who is also head of the Assyrian Democratic Movement, added that the two main Kurdish parties, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Kurdistan Democratic Party, were seeking to take the largely ceremonial post of president. (AFP 20 Feb 05)
Samarra official reported kidnapped
Unknown armed men kidnapped Samarra Municipality's director, Nayif Salih Hamad, while he was working at the municipality on 20 February, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. The station cited a relative of Hamad saying that undentified armed men entered the municipality building, took Hamad out and put him into a car, the make of which was not identified. (Al-Sharqiyah 20 Feb 05)
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 20 Feb 05
Al-Dustur [Baghdad, independent general political daily]
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Bush does not rule out military option in Iran ...
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Political entities officially endorsed, national assembly seats divided among election winners ...
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Senior government employees to get 20,000 Iraqi dinars monthly bonus, junior ones 10,000 Iraqi dinars ...
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Several oil pipelines sabotaged ...
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Weekend holiday officially decreed to include Saturdays as well as Fridays ...
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Adil Abd-al-Mahdi withdraws from race, leaving Al-Ja'fari, Al-Chalabi vying for PM's post ...
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Iraqis commemorate the day of Ashura tainted with the blood of Husayn's devotees ...
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Iraqi Army sees highest recruitment figures ...
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US ambassador to Baghdad meets Annan at UN, assumes new post as US National Intelligence Chief ...
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Two Al-Zarqawi aides, Saddam operatives apprehended
Al-Zaman [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily]
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Unprecedented processions of mourners in Al-Sadr City for the first time in decades as Karbala embraces 2M visitors marking the Day of Ashura ...
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Oil-Protection Force defuse bomb planted under oil pipeline ...
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Head of Kirkuk Board of Religious Scholars assassinated ...
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Sudanese suicide bomber shot dead by National Guardsmen before blowing himself up ...
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Blasts targeting Shi'i religious processions leave 78 dead, wounded ...
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Eight, including child, killed as projectile lands in Shu'lah district ...
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Car bomb detonated at National Guard headquarters in Ba'qubah ...
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Arab foreign ministers meet in Algiers in preparation for Arab summit ...
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Farizli accuses Chirac of running battle against Lebanese government ...
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Ministry of Health closes down fake nursing clinics spreading typhoid and liver diseases
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 20 Feb 05
``Government should restore Iraq wealth abroad ``-Al-Mashriq
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 20 Feb 05
Al-Sharqiyah 20 Feb 05
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Iraqi national assembly to hold first meeting after consultations between winning lists in recent elections ..
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Kurdish leaders aspire to occupy prominent positions in the new government ...
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Over 200 Iraqi figures call for inclusion of all Iraqi communities in writing the constitution and the political process, reject sectarian quotas ...
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Fire breaks out in main medicine centre in Mosul ...
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Armed men kidnap mayor of Samarra ...
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Higher Education and Education Ministry say tuition in schools to continue on Thursdays ...
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Iraqi foreign minister receives credentials of Swedish ambassador in Baghdad ...
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US soldier killed in Al-Anbar ...
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Explosive device blows up in US patrol in Al-Sa'd village near Syrian border ...
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US forces closed today main roads to Al-Anbar University ...
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Five thousand volunteers in the new Iraqi army ...
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Four Iraqis killed, contractor kidnapped north of Baghdad ..
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Two Iraqi policemen killed in Bayji ...
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Al-Mahawil police arrest artefacts smuggling gang ...
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Sunni religious endowment authority condemns attacks on religious sites ...
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Iraqi Muslim scholars association denounces recent attacks on Shi'i and Christian holy places
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Two Iraqis killed in former Iraqi army's weapons depot in Kirkuk ..
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Car exploded today west of Kirkuk ...
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Indonesian government sends crisis specialist to Jordan to secure release of two Indonesian journalists kidnapped in Iraq ...
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Eight EU countries to train between 700-800 Iraqis in police work, prison guards and judges ...
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Pension department to start payment of pensions every two months instead of every three months
Al-Diyar TV news 20 Feb 05
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The Iraqi cabinet sets up a committee to investigate the killing of three members of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq. Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim denounces yesterday's bombings in Al-Kazimiyah...
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Iraq decides to join the Rome Agreement on the establishment of the International Criminal Court...
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A lawyer defending some leaders in the former regime says an American official told him that the trial of the former regime leaders will take place in July...
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A police source said unidentified persons assassinated the chairman of the ulema council in Kurdistan...
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Video report: At least 30 people were killed and 100 others wounded in attacks in Baghdad yesterday. Ashura ceremonies in Karbala yesterday passed safely...
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Video report: Al-Sistani's representative in Karbala says Al-Sistani does not support any person in the next government...
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Announcer-read report: Iraqi police say they arrested a number of suspects including an aide to Al-Zarqawi in Ba'qubah and Mosul...
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Announcer-read report: A car-bomb explosion in Al-Musayyab damages two US vehicles and kills and wounds a number of American soldiers, according to eyewitnesses...
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Video report: Karbala police chief announces the arrest of a number of armed men who were planning attacks during Ashura...
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A Defence Ministry official says that large numbers of Iraqis are volunteering for the new Iraqi army...
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Video report: Twenty-two people were killed in a car-bomb explosion in Al-Iskandariyah south of Baghdad...
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Announcer-read report: Informed sources say the cabinet will establish a committee against administrative corruption in public departments...
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The oil minister meets the Italian ambassador and says the Iraqi oil sector is in a pressing need for international expertise in the oil and gas industry...
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The Finance Ministry approves salary raises...
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Video report says promoting the ailing national economy will be one of the important tasks of the next government...
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The Education Ministry sets final deadline for applications by employees who were dismissed for political reasons to return to service...
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Video report on an accident involving an electricity worker while doing repair work.
Al-Iraqiyah TV news 20 Feb 05
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Muslim Ulema Council condemns terror attacks hitting Shiite mosques. Video report covers comments of council spokesman...
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Iraqis pleased with poll result, want those who boycotted it to take part in political process. Video report covers comments by Iraqis, man saying poll result satisfying, woman saying election has been fair and democratic...
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Groups that boycotted election say they will take part in political process, call for national dialogue. Video report covers meeting of groups that boycotted polls, highlights participants saying they will take part in writing constitution, member of Sunni Waqf saying organization to take part in political process...
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Iraq List in contact with parties that did not participate in polls...
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Terror group arrested in Mosul. Video report shows members of group... Mosul National Guard chief pledges to continue fight on terrorism. Video report covers his speech, he speaks about terror attacks in Mosul...
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Iraqis in Mosul praise security forces, National Guard for fight against terrorism. Video report...
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Security force storms terror hideouts in Baghdad, kills key terrorist...
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Iraq army arrests 52 people crossing border from Iran into Iraq. Video report covers arrests of Iranians and Afghans, army officer making statement, elderly, children among detainees, Afghan man saying he wanted to visit Shiite holy sites in Iraq...
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Studio interview with political analyst, Tha'ir al-Fayli. He says political consultations still going on to form transitional government...
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Police arrest terrorists linked to Abu-Musa'b al-Zarqawi in Ba'quba. Video report...
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Civilian injured by roadside bomb near Basra; police seize weapons in Basra. Video report covers attack, weapons seized...
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Basra criminal department supplied with modern equipment. Video report...
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Iraq Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari meets Swedish foreign minister in Baghdad. Video report covers her comments, saying Sweden wanting to co-operate with Iraqis in reconstruction...
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Mosul marks Ashura festival. Video report highlights people hoping terrorism will be defeated...
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Business bulletin. Ministry of Oil raises gasoline prices. Food rationing will not be abolished--Ministry of Trade. Iraq share market report.
Updates from the Kurdish Press, 20 Feb 05
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In a press conference held in Erbil Saturday morning, the Kurdistani High Committee for Iraqi and Kurdistan Elections evaluated the voting process in Kurdistan and commented on the official outcomes. The PUK Rep. at the Committee Adnan Mufti said that the 75 seats of the Kurdish people would play a great role on reflecting the Kurdish rights in the Iraqi constitution. The KDP rep. Fadhil Mirani commented on Talabani's alleged statement on Kurdish readiness to withdraw claims for Iraq sovereign posts if Kirkuk inclusion to Kurdistan region officially recognized saying that the KDP supported Talabani and his statement reflected the Kurdish leadership's stand that Kirkuk was an issue beyond compromise.
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The Governor of Kirkuk Abdulrahman Mustafa vowed to halt appointment of non-Kirkukis in civil servant positions. His statement comes in the aftermath of a directive by the Iraqi Oil Ministry in Baghdad that appointed 356 employees, all of whom Arabs, in Kirkuk's state-owned oil company, as well as appointment of 160 Turcoman teachers, while the applications of thousands of Kurds were rejected unjustifiably. Ahmed Askari, [a member of the Kurdish Bloc at Kirkuk Governorate's incumbent municipal council] regrets that chauvinist ex-Baathists were still holding key positions at various Iraqi ministries and taking advantage in the prevailing chaos to prolong the infamous Arabization policy agsinst Kurdistan and its people.
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Only the Iraqi's have the right to claim ownership of Kirkuk, the Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson announced in his weekly press briefing in Ankara.
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Jordan Does not allow the Kurds in. A news source from Baghdad told Aso that the Jordanian intelligence service at Ruwaishid border point have returned a number of Iraqi Kurds under the pretext of holding fake passports. The returned Kurdish travelers have visited European countries with their passports in the past.
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The Kurds and Sunni [Arabs] will not accept considering Islam the only source for constitution drafting, Reuter's correspondence Seb Walker quotes Talabani as saying. Asked if a Kurd would be able to become Iraq's prime minister for the fist time ever, 72-year-aged Talabani answers ``Definitely YES.'' The Shiites insist to take presidency position, but at the same time they will can not stop supporting the Kurdish claims for the post, Talabani explains. The main problem is the Shiite demand for recognition of Islam as the only source of constitution and law making in the new Iraq. Grand Ayatolla Sistani also supports this deed. To control the Parliament, the Shiites need support for the secular Kurds who occupy one forth of the seats. Talabani rejects the idea saying, ``this means establishing an Islamic state, which other Iraqi components, namely the Kurds and the [Arab] Sunnis will not accept.'' According to Walker, the other bottleneck is the oil-rich Kirkuk city, which has Kurdistani characteristics from all geographic, historic and social aspects. The Shiites do not recognize this claim and believe that the Shiite Arabs living there since decades have the right to stay there, although they were settled their under the Arabization policy.
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Food rationing will continue in 2005 throughout the country, the Director of Food Department in Erbil said commenting on the rumors that claimed the rationing system would be substituted with a [monthly] financial package of $13 per person.
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