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IRAQI NEWS, 26 FEB 05
·         Ten killed in various incidents
·         Two killed in Baghdad blast - reports
·         US soldier fires on civilian car, killing three - TV
·         Two insurgents arrested in north - TV
·         Finance minister urges end to debts crippling reconstruction
·         Planning minister sets out national development strategy projects
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 26 FEB 05
·         Al-Mada [by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]:
·         Al-Zaman [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily]
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 26 FEB 05
·         Iraqi press quotes 26 Feb 05
·         Iraqi press commentaries, 26 Feb 05
IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA PROG. SUMMARIES, 26 FEB 05
·         Al-Sharqiyah TV news 26 Feb 05
·         Iraqi Al-Diyar TV news 1230 gmt 26 Feb 05
·         Iraqi Al-Iraqiyah TV news 1700 gmt 26 Feb 05
KURDISH NEWS, 26 FEB 05
·         PUK paper says Turkish visit shows regional support for Talabani

IRAQI NEWS, 26 Feb 05
Ten killed in various incidents

Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV said earlier that one person was killed and seven others injured in clashes between US forces and gunmen in the centre of the town of Al-Ramadi to the west of Baghdad on 26 February. The TV quoted witnesses as saying that the clashes broke out in the Al-Andalus district when gunmen attacked a US patrol parked near a checkpoint in Al-Mustawda Street. The US forces immediately sealed off the Al-Jazirah and Al-Warrar bridges. A medical source was quoted as saying that the Al-Ramadi hospital had received a completely scorched body and seven wounded people, including a number of women and children. (Al- Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 26 Feb 05)

Two killed in Baghdad blast - reports

At least two people were killed on Saturday (26 February) when a bomb exploded near the Baghdad headquarters of Iraq's leading Sunni Muslim religious organization, AFP news agency quoted witnesses and hospital sources saying. Witnesses said the two people were killed when a bomb went off as their car passed near the Umm al-Qura mosque, headquarters of the Committee of Muslim Scholars, which groups Iraq's senior Sunni clerics. Two people wounded in the blast were admitted to the nearby Kazimiyah hospital, medical sources said. (AFP, 26 Feb 05)
Earlier, news copy filed from the BBC's Baghdad bureau quoted Iraqi police as saying a suicide car bomber killed two civilians and wounded one in west Baghdad's Al-Adl area, shortly after a US military convoy had passed by. (BBC 26 Feb 05)
Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported at 0900 gmt that a suicide bomber driving a booby-trapped car "ripped through a number of US tanks travelling on a road in Baghdad" killing two civilians and wounding three others in the Al-Adl neighbourhood in western Baghdad. (Source: Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 26 Feb 05)

US soldier fires on civilian car, killing three - TV

Three civilians were killed and two others wounded when US forces opened fire on a car they were travelling in at Khal al-Nus (between Karbala and Al-Najaf) on Saturday (26 February), Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. It quoted an Iraqi police source as saying a US soldier opened fire on a civilian car trying to pass a US military column in the Khal al-Nus area, 160 km south of Baghdad, killing three people and wounding two others, all from the same family. The three killed were the father, the mother and the grandmother, while the wounded were two of their children. (Source: Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 26 Feb 05)

Two insurgents arrested in north - TV

Iraqi police arrested two people suspected of murdering security guards in the city of Al-Shirqat in northern Iraq's Salah al-Din Governorate, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on Saturday (26 February). Al-Sharqiyah said Salman Abd Shubayb, suspected of killing 12 members of the security forces in charge of protecting the oil installations last month, and Sami Jasim Muhammad, were arrested after a tip-off from citizens about their hiding place. The two suspects are accused of many acts of killing and kidnapping in Al-Shirqat and its environs, and of being highly active in areas located on the left bank of the River Tigris which flows through Al-Shirqat, the TV said. (Source: Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 26 Feb 05)

Finance minister urges end to debts crippling reconstruction

Iraqi Finance Minister Adil Abd-al-Mahdi has said creditor nations must cancel Iraq's debts, because the Treasury's available revenues are insufficient for the requirements of reconstruction and development. According to Iraqi newspaper Al-Mashriq on 24 February, Abd-al-Mahdi said these requirements were huge, considering the size of Iraq's foreign debts, collapsed infrastructure and generally deteriorating economic situation. He said that unless the international community extends suitable support to help Iraq to overcome its inherited problems, local revenues will not be enough to fulfil the requirements of reconstructing the country in the near future. Abd-al-Mahdi added that this situation necessitates that the creditors, especially the industrialized countries and Gulf states, write off all Iraqi debts, noting that the Iraqi economy cannot endure both the settlement of these debts and the reconstruction process at the same time. Meanwhile, donor countries have vowed to allocate 30bn dollars to finance Iraq's reconstruction projects, but according to the latest surveys, so far they have paid only 3bn, the paper reported. The Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation affirmed the implementation of Iraqi reconstruction projects depends on how quickly the donor countries fulfil their obligations towards Iraq. It said the ministry is relying greatly on the forthcoming meeting of the donor countries in Amman scheduled for early next month to boost the implementation of projects, and end the delays. (Source: Al-Mashriq, Baghdad, in Arabic 24 Feb 05)

Planning minister sets out national development strategy projects

Iraqi Planning and Development Cooperation Minister Mahdi al-Hafiz set out a series of national development strategy projects for 2005-2007 to Iraqi Al-Ufuq Cultural Foundation newspaper Al-Ufuq on 22 February. The report said Al-Hafiz, who is also chairman of the Iraqi Strategic Review Board for the Reconstruction of Iraq, held an extensive board meeting to explore the latest developments in the dossier on international donations and the two international trust funds, as well as the outcome of the negotiations between the Iraqi delegation and representatives from the World Bank concerning the bank's $500 million loan to Iraq held in Amman. Also on the agenda were the National Development Strategy projects for the next three years (2005-2007). Al-Hafiz said the cost of the National Development Strategy projects for the next three years was $15 billion. The board had approved a series of development projects that will be financed by international donations, he said. The first was a project by the Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works aimed at building institutional capabilities, costing $3 million. Next is a $9-million project to support primary school pupils and the poor. The third project has to do with promoting civil society organizations in the south of Iraq at a cost of $900,000. The fourth project is Hayran Dam in Arbil, which will cost $200,000 and will be carried out by the Water Resources Ministry, to reinvigorate the irrigation of the Kurdistan territory and will extend agricultural land by 50 per cent. An emergency environmental management project by the Environment Ministry will be implemented over the next two years will cost $25 million as will an emergency project to support the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education costing $80 million, which involves the procurement of laboratory equipment, textbooks and computers to improve the capabilities in education. (Source: Al-Ufuq, Baghdad, in Arabic 22 Feb 05)

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 26 Feb 05

Al-Mada [by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]:

Al-Mada [Baghdad, political daily newspaper published by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]:26 Feb 05: Mosul governor escapes assassination attempt Al-Mada unveils Mosul secret deal: Syrian intelligence to turn in its network of militants in Mosul in return for US pledge to refrain from military strike against Syria Five Al-Zarqawi aides, including his personal driver, captured by security forces in Annah A week of consultations, alignments: United Iraqi Alliance forming contact committee, Kurdish Coalition setting up operation room and the Iraqi List hoping for secular parliamentary bloc Sayyid Al-Sistani tells Al-Ja'fari all Iraqi brethren must be considered within a framework of partnership and cooperation Mosque preachers demand Thursday replace Saturday (26 February) as weekend holiday (AFP- Quoted) Commander of commando unit tells Al-Mada gunmen have started to turn themselves in 104 suspected militants detained, large arms caches seized in Al-Ramadi (agencies- Quoted)

Al-Zaman [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily]

Al-Zaman [Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper]26 Feb 05: Three slates join Alliance as Allawi attracts independents to his bloc Negotiations getting tougher as National Assembly opening session draws near Ministry of Trade mulls replacing food ration coupon with cash payment PM's office: Network of armed militants seized in Baghdad, Damascus denying involvement (Reuters- Quoted) Ministry of Defence: Special brigades formed to track down criminal suspects Al-Asad wants direct dialogue with US, UN team in Beirut to investigate Al-Hariri assassination (Reuters- Quoted) Ramadi clerics urge public to maintain security, stability (AFP- Quoted) Al-Naqib: 45,000 fictitious policemen officially registered in the provinces

IRAQI PRESS QUOTES & COMMENTS, 26 Feb 05

Iraqi press quotes 26 Feb 05

Al-Sharq al-Awsat [From commentary by Sa'd Bin Tuflah]: "It is of paramount importance that the new Iraqi constitution be based on secular rather than theological principles. An Iraqi theocracy is bound to be either Sunni, which will be rejected by the Shi'is which will be rejected by the Sunnis- to say nothing of the objections it will raise among members of Iraq's other sects and creeds. What makes matters worse is that the notion of a peaceful transfer of power is completely alien to our political tradition. Until the fall of the Islamic Caliphate, power had always been seized by the sword for centuries, and has always been taken by military force ever since, each time with a clique of military adventurers taking over only to rule the country by ruthless repression through hardened intelligence apparatuses. Unless Iraqis opt for a secular constitution, they have no hope of seeing the faintest glimpse of light at the end of their dark tunnel."
Al-Mu'tamar [From commentary by Salih Nur]: "How can there by any reconciliation between the slaughtered and the slaughterer, the tormented and the tormentor? How can we call for reconciliation with the hardened killers loyal to Saddam's murderous regime when they continue to victimize us without showing the slightest sign of repentance or remorse. No reconciliation should be conceivable unless these people are ready to apologize publicly for the crimes they have committed and honestly disavow, on the air and through the same terror-propagating Arab media channels that have so vehemently supported their ignoble cause, all their guilt-laden past. This, I am sure, is something none of them will have neither the courage nor the honesty to do."
Al-Dustur [From editorial by Basim al-Shaykh]: "Given that political bargaining is not uncommon in mature political practice, the fact that the fervent back-room dealing Iraqi politicians are currently involved in has come to be seen in an unfavourable light may be attributed to their relative political or administrative inexperience. What is objectionable in the current squabble for seats on the next cabinet, however, is that each of the players involved seems to be acting out of a firm conviction that he has a right to a fair share of the spoils now being divided and that others have no choice but to let him have it."

Iraqi press commentaries, 26 Feb 05

Al-Ufuq : publishes on page 7 a 1,000-word article by Dr Muhammad Qirat discussing the situation of Arab media in the globalization era. The article says that in order for the Arab media to keep pace with current international developments, it should be freed from state control, and civil society organizations in the Arab world should be activated.
Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 6 a 1,400-word article by Dr Shakir al-Nabulsi saying that on 30 January, the Iraqis taught the Arabs their first lesson in real democracy. The article discusses the impact of the Iraqi elections on other Arab countries. The writer says that the Iraqi elections proved that the Iraqis who are "under two kinds of occupation--the liberating and the destructive--" were able to implement democracy, thus, the Arab regimes no longer have any excuse for delaying the implementation of democracy in their countries. (26 Feb)
Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 6 a 1,000-word article Dr Abd-al-Rahman Jamil saying that it is time to focus on the requirements of the next stage instead of exchanging congratulations among the winners in the elections. The article says that the post election period is the most important and dangerous stage in the political process, adding that Iraqis should guarantee that the political process would not be diverted from its path. (26 Feb)
Al-Mashriq runs on page 4 a 500-word article by Fadil Abd-al-Husayn al-Hacham, saying that Iraqis are "fed up" with the "false slogans of revolutionary and progressive ideologies which only led to poverty and loss." The writer says that Iraqis are "yearning for loyal and self-denying leaders who realize their miserable reality, and work to give them a decent life." (26 Feb)
Al-Mashriq runs on page 6 a 1,000-word article by Fatimah al-Sayigh, analyzing the current political trends in the Arab countries, pinpointing "three internal ideologies, characterized by stiffness and conservativeness, and three ideologies imposed from the outside, which are trying to break the internal ones." (26 Feb)
Al-Adalah runs on page 1 a 400-word editorial criticizing those who are dreaming of a strong leader to reform and construct Iraq. The editorial says that this is a legacy from the former regime's ideology, which is unfit for the new Iraq, adding that Iraq will be "built" by various sides, such as the National Assembly, the elected government, the governorates' councils, the civil society institutions, the political entities, and the law. (26 Feb)
Al-Ittijah al-Akhar publishes on page 9 a 1,800-word article by Sa'd Salah Khalis, commenting on the ambiguous discourse of the religious parties, especially the Shiite. The writer says that these parties' stance toward establishing an Islamic state is "vaguely expressed," and believes that they are working, through their militia, to impose a "radical Islamic law and government in Iraq." (26 Feb)
Al-Ittijah al-Akhar carries on page 10 a 2,000-word article by Rashid al-Khaywun, criticizing President Ghazi al-Yawir for "limiting himself to one group of Iraqis, especially his own tribe, Shammar, embodying this in the traditional dress he wears." The writer calls on the future president to work for the whole of Iraq. (26 Feb)
Al-Bayan publishes on page 3 a 750-word article by Amir Salih al-Fatlawi saying that away from the platforms of the political entities, the transitional National Assembly is responsible for forming the transitional government and drafting the constitution. The article urges the assembly to look objectively at the involvement of forces that boycotted the elections in drafting the constitution, since these forces were not legitimately elected by the people. This is to maintain the legitimacy that the Iraqi people vested on the assembly in the elections. (26 Feb)
Al-Sabah al-Jadid runs on page 6 a 1,500-word article by Fa'iz Shimran, commenting on the "influence" of the Iraqi elections on regional countries. The author says that the "success" of the Iraqi elections will encourage the "birth of democratic governments in the region, and the United States will no longer need to use military action to force a change in the axis of evil countries." (26 Feb)
Al-Ufuq publishes a front page 270-word editorial saying that the implementation of democracy in Iraq needs a long time. In order to establish a democratic state, we must maintain our unity away from international, regional, and local pressures. The editorial urges the superpowers to allow Iraqis to build their own national model of democracy rather than imposing the standard colonial model. The editorial also calls on neighboring countries to leave the Iraqi forces alone to solve their problems. (26 Feb)

IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA PROG. SUMMARIES, 26 Feb 05

Al-Sharqiyah TV news 26 Feb 05
·         Suicide bomber blows his car near US forces convoy in Baghdad. Report over video shows two dead men in car.
·         Two car bombs go off in Al-Musayyib.
·         Iraqi president receives invitation to attend Arab summit in Algiers.
·         US marine killed in Al-Anbar.
·         US army humvees carry out raid in Hadithah, west of Baghdad.
·         Gunmen, US forces clash in Al-Ramadi.
·         US forces carry out raid in Al-Saqlawiyah, near Al-Fallujah, arrest member of Association of Muslim Scholars.
·         Special unit set up by Iraqi Ministry of Defence to pursue gunmen.
·         US General Richard Myers says its is impossible to eliminate insurgency in Iraq in one or two years.
·         Oil pipeline set ablaze in Kirkuk.
·         US forces shoot at civilian car south of Baghdad, kill three and wound two others of same family.
·         Iraqi police find body of Iraqi female journalist in Mosul.
·         Report over video shows employees of glass factory which was shut down by US forces holding protest, demanding their jobs back.
·         Iraqi interior minister says Al-Zarqawi to be arrested soon.
·         Halliburton to win more contracts from US government in Iraq.
·         Egyptian president asks for constitution to be amended. Report over video.
·         Lebanese Hezbollah denies any involvement in yesterday's suicide bomb in Tel Aviv.
·         Yemeni court confirms death sentence in terrorism case.
·         US, South Korea, Japan discuss North Korean nuclear issue.

Iraqi Al-Diyar TV news 1230 gmt 26 Feb 05
·         Video report: Al-Ja'fari visits Al-Sistani and tells reporters afterward that the religious leader urged cooperation within the parliament to serve Iraq. For his part, Prime Minister Allawi tells Radio Sawa that he does not expect the political Islamic trend to be able to manage Iraq's affairs if it assumes power.
·         In a press statement, Ahmad al-Safi, Al-Sistani's representative in Karbala, denies any split in the Unified Iraqi Coalition. He notes contacts with the Sunnis to get them join the political process.
·         Announcer-read report: Religious leaders in Al-Ramadi issue religious ruling saying Muslims cannot be killed unjustly. They referred specifically to Iraqi police and security forces. They urge formation of a police unit from the sons of the governorate.
·         Announcer-read report: A recent report by the Iraqi Defense Ministry says the ministry signed contracts with Arab and Western countries to buy weapons to arm the Iraqi army.
·         The Iraqi Oil Ministry says it will designate 17,000 soldiers to protect oil pipelines and trucks.
·         Algeria invites Iraq to attend the Arab summit.
·         Video report: A car bomb explodes in Al-Musayyab district today causing material damage. An armed group fires five mortar shells in the same area. One house was damaged.
·         Video report: Clashes take place between American soldiers and armed men in Mosul. American warplanes take part in the fight. A security source says a large number of armed men were killed or wounded. Two policemen were killed in an attack in Mosul. Three American soldiers were killed in a blast yesterday. A number of people were arrested and weapons seized in raids by American and Iraqi forces.
·         Video report: School curricula in Iraq generally lack cultural courses on freedom and democracy.
·         Announcer-read report: Richard Myers says it is not likely the insurgency in Iraq will be crushed in one or even two years.
·         Announcer-read report: A British court sentences three soldiers to imprisonment and expulsion from the Army for abusing Iraqi prisoners. The Army commander apologizes to the victims and the Iraqi people. The Independent newspaper embarrassed the prosecution when it found victims that the British prosecution failed to find after a 20-month investigation.
·         Announcer-read report: The Iraqi ambassador to Russia rules out the presence of Chechens among the armed men in Iraq.
·         Announcer-read report: Three armed men open fire on a car carrying people working for Al-Hurrah Television south of Baghdad. One person was killed and another was wounded.
·         14. The Iraqi cabinet decides to transfer the juvenile delinquency department from the Justice Ministry to the Social Affairs Ministry.
·         Video report on the relaxation of the fuel crisis.
·         The Iraqi government allocates $4 million to building new schools in southern Iraq.
·         Video report on the "bad" situation of the Iraqi marshlands.
Iraqi Al-Iraqiyah TV news 1700 gmt 26 Feb 05
·         President Ghazi al-Yawar receives invitation to attend Arab summit in Algiers. Video report covers meeting in Baghdad between Al-Yawar and Algeria parliament speaker heading first Arab delegation to visit Baghdad since collapse of regime.
·         Dr. Fuad Ma'sum, speaker of interim National Assembly says no set time for start of work of elected National Assembly. Video report covers his comments, saying time to be set after agreement on transitional government.
·         Two Iraqis killed in suicide bombing in Baghdad. Video report shows aftermath, eyewitness account, arrest of 220 gunmen in Al-Anbar, multinational force soldier killed in security operation, violence in other parts.
·         At least 35 terror suspects captured in Mosul.
·         Minister of State for National Security Affairs Qasim Dawud says noose tightened around Abu-Mus'ab al-Zarqawi following meeting with Shi'a marja Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf. Video report covers his comments after meeting.
·         Iraqis want harshest punishment for terrorists. Video report includes comments by Iraqis, man saying terrorists are not mujahiddin, women praying for government and security force, shows terror suspects arrested.
·         Report highlights feeling of shock over crimes admitted by terrorists. Report covers comments, man saying he is shocked that Egyptians and Sudanese living in Iraq committed terror acts against Iraqis.
·         Fallujans satisfied with stability in city. Video report shows scenes of destruction, ruins; report says people have will to survive, markets, streets buzzing with life.
·         Recorded interview with Hamid al-Kifa'ie, politician. He says security situation to improve after Iraqis gradually take charge of security.
·         Police foil abduction attempt, arrest kidnappers in Baghdad. Video report covers operation, hooded policeman explaining operation, kidnappers giving evidence.
·         Basra hosts conference on national unity attended by political, religious dignitaries. Video report highlights conference also attended by representatives from British troops, comments by participants from across political spectrum, comments by British commander saying troops are here to defend innocent people.
·         More primary schools opened in Ziqar. Video report.
·         Research centre set up by Basra agronomy college. Video report.
·         Two Palestinians detained in Tulkarm following Tel Aviv bombing; Islamic jihad claims responsibility for attack. Video report.
·         European parliament calls on Syria to withdraw from Lebanon, condemns killing of ex Lebanese premier. Video report.
·         Yemeni court sentences to death man convicted of blowing up US destroyer Cole. Video report.
·         Egyptian President Husni Mubarak orders constitutional reform. Video report.
·         Pope John Paul II condition stable. Video report.
·         Togo parliament speaker appointed acting president until election. Video report.
·         Business bulletin. Report on reconstruction projects in Babel. Growing demand for building material.


KURDISH NEWS, 26 Feb 05
PUK paper says Turkish visit shows regional support for Talabani
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan newspaper Al-Sulaymaniyah on 25 February described a visit by a Turkish delegation to PUK leader Jalal Talabani at Dukan on 24 February as a recognition of Talabani's achievements both within Iraq and Kurdistan and on regional and international levels. The paper said the visit was "another affirmation of the regional acceptance of Mam [honorific] Jalal's candidacy for a top post in Iraq". (Kurdistani Nuwe 25 Feb 05)