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IRAQI NEWS, 2 MARCH 05
·         Two policemen killed in Mosul
·         Talabani backs Al-Ja'fari's nomination as PM
·         Nine said killed, 28 wounded in Baghdad blast
·         Second explosion near bridge to south Baghdad
·         Three Britons said wounded in blast in south
·         Al-Najaf security forces in clashes with Iraq police
·         Doctors say stun-gunned by Iraqi soldiers in Al-Hillah
·         Mortar attack near Samarra US base wounds woman
·         United Iraqi Alliance said to woo Kurdish alliance
·         Iraqi municipal council resigns over US intransigence claims
·         Hezbollah leader says new constitution should comply with Islam
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES & QUOTES, 2 MARCH 05
·         IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 2 MARCH 05
·         IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 2 MARCH 05
IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA PROG. SUMMARIES, 2 MARCH 05
·         Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad
·         Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic
·         Al-Iraqiah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic,
UPDATES FROM THE KURDISH PRESS, 2 MARCH 05
·         Khabat daily issued in Erbil by the KDP
·         Kurdistani Nwe daily issued in Sulaymanya by PUK
·         Kurdistan Observor.com
·         www.peyamner.com
·         Aso, issue in Kirkuk 3 times a week by Xendan Publishing House.
·         Chawder, political, social and intellectual weekly issued in Sulaymanya
KURD NEWS, 2 MARCH 05
·         Islamic party leader says Kurdistan stability essential
·         Mass grave of Kurds found near Kirkuk
·         Turkoman party protests against Kirkuk committee
·         Kurdish leader, Iraqi PM nominee seek broad government
·         Kurdish official, British envoy discuss education ties

IRAQI NEWS, 2 March 05
Two policemen killed in Mosul

Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV on 2 March reported that unknown gunmen have killed two policemen in two separate incidents in Mosul. It quoted a police source as saying that policeman Walid Qasim was killed when gunmen on a motorbike opened fire at him from Kalashnikovs in the Al-Shifa district, central Mosul, earlier in the day. He added that the other policeman, Safwan Ayid, was killed in the morning as he was leaving home in Wadi Hajar area in the southern part of the city. Mosul's coroner Dr Ahmad Abdallah confirmed that the two policemen had been shot dead. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 2 Mar 05)

Talabani backs Al-Ja'fari's nomination as PM

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Jalal Talabani said on 2 March that he supported the nomination of Vice-President and Islamic Da'wah Party leader Ibrahim al-Ja'fari for the post of Iraqi prime minister, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. Talabani was speaking at a press conference with Al-Ja'fari after the two men held talks in Al-Sulaymaniyah city. Talabani also said that the two had agreed to form a joint coordination committee. Al-Ja'fari said he backed the nomination of Talabani for the post of president and stressed "the need for everybody to implement all the articles of the State Administration Law".
AFP on 2nd said the two men professed optimism about forming Iraq's next government after their closed-door talks. "We fought together against the dictator, and the Kurdish people are very optimistic on future ties with the United Iraqi Alliance which has a clear position on a federal, democratic, united and independent Iraq," Talabani was quoted as saying. Al-Ja'fari has "a realistic position in relation to Kurdish demands," Talabani added. Al-Ja'fari described his discussions with Talabani as "very good" and reiterated that both sides believed in the need for a government of national unity, including Iraq's Sunni minority. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad, in Arabic 2 Mar 05) (AFP)

Nine said killed, 28 wounded in Baghdad blast

An initial toll said that nine people were killed in the first of two explosions in Baghdad early on 3 March, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. One of the survivors said that a white Toyota Corolla exploded at 0600 local time (0300 gmt) near a line of recruits for the Iraqi army at the Al-Muthanna base in central Baghdad. Adnan Abd-al-Rahman, spokesman for the Iraqi Interior Ministry, said that nine people were killed and 28 wounded in the attack. (Al-Sharqiyah 0900 gmt 2 Mar 05)
AFP news agency later reported that the same base was hit a few hours later in a mortar attack that killed one soldier and wounded nine others, hospital officials said. (AFP)

Second explosion near bridge to south Baghdad

One hour after an explosion at the Al-Muthanna army base, a second bomb exploded in Baghdad near a bridge which connects the centre of Baghdad with Al-Dawrah district and other areas in southern Baghdad across the River Tigris. According to Interior Ministry spokesman Adnan Abd-al-Rahman, the site had previously witnessed many explosions, although he gave no details on the death toll of the blast. (Al-Sharqiyah 2 Mar 05)

Three Britons said wounded in blast in south

A bomb planted on a road in Basra went off while a convoy of British civilian cars was passing by, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 2 March. Eyewitnesses said that the explosion wounded three Britons and one Iraqi as their convoy was passing near Al-Tayaran square in Manawi Basha area in the city centre. (Al-Sharqiyah 2 Mar 05)

Al-Najaf security forces in clashes with Iraq police

The forces of Al-Najaf Security Chief Abd-al-A'l al-Kufi took control of most of the police stations in Al-Najaf on 28 February, Iraqi newspaper Al-Ufuq reported. According to the newspaper, the security forces confiscated the police weapons and vehicles. In the face of the raids Al-Najaf Police Chief General Ghalib al-Jaza'iri increased security measures around the police headquarters and around his house. Two days ago, clashes between the police and security forces erupted to control the city. This came in the wake of the election results for the Al-Najaf local council in which the Al-Wafa to Al-Najaf electoral list led by Al-Najaf Governor Adnan al-Zarfi obtained a small number of votes while the electoral list of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) surpassed other lists by obtaining 18 seats. The negotiations between Al-Zarfi and SCIRI's command members regarding the nomination of the next governor failed and resulted in the current tension, added the report. (Al-Ufuq 1 Mar 05)

Doctors say stun-gunned by Iraqi soldiers in Al-Hillah

Doctors at Al-Yarmuk Hospital in Baghdad were hit by Iraqi army members during the evacuation of the victims of the suicide bombing that targeted a recruitment centre in Baghdad early on 2 March, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 2 March. A doctor at the hospital was reported as saying that soldiers beat up and stun-gunned many doctors. Al-Sharqiyah journalists were not allowed to take pictures of the wounded, and said in the report that the soldiers threatened to open fire on them and confiscate their cameras and equipment. (Al-Sharqiyah 1015 gmt 2 Mar 05)

Mortar attack near Samarra US base wounds woman

Three mortars landed on a house in Al-Sikak neighbourhood near the US military base in central Samarra early on 2 March, reported Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV. An Al-Sharqiyah correspondent reported that the incident had seriously wounded a woman, who was taken to hospital. The mortars - possibly aimed at a nearby US military base - also inflicted huge damage on nearby houses. (Al-Sharqiyah 2 Mar 05)

United Iraqi Alliance said to woo Kurdish alliance

A source quoted London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat on 1 March said that by forming an alliance with the Kurdish coalition, the United Iraqi Alliance aspired to secure more than a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly. This move would give the two lists the right to form the transitional government and allocate presidential posts and sovereign ministries. The source added that Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani still considered himself a candidate for the post of prime minister or president. According to the report, this would mean that Al-Ja'fari would be competing against Allawi as well as Talabani, especially if agreement is reached to retain interim Sunni President Ghazi al-Yawar in his post as president. (Al-Sharq al-Awsat 1 Mar 05)

Iraqi municipal council resigns over US intransigence claims
The Chairman of Samarra Municipal Council and all its members have submitted their resignation to protest the refusal of the US forces in the city to respond to their demands, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 2 March.
The council's chairman, Husayn al-Hindayra, said that the collective resignation was submitted to Salah-al-Din governor after the council members and some tribal chieftains met the US military commander in Samarra, who did not respond to their demands. Al-Hundayra explained that the most important demands of the 20-member council include setting a date for the withdrawal of the US forces from Samarra, releasing the detainees, ceasing to pursue fugitives whose hands are not stained with the blood of Iraqis, dedicating funds for the reconstruction of the city and compensating those who incurred losses due to the military operations. (Al-Sharqiyah 2 Mar 05)
Hezbollah leader says new constitution should comply with Islam
In a statement in Iraqi Hezbollah Movement in Iraq newspaper Al-Bayyinah on 26 February, Al-Sayyid Isa al-Sayyid Ja'far, official in charge of the Political bureau of the Hezbollah Movement, said that his group demanded that the Iraqi constitution "recognize our Islamic identity and its articles comply with Islam." He added that we welcome any other source that helps to "place justice in its righteous position and ensures a sound constitutional life in our country." (Al-Bayyinah 26 Feb 05)

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES & QUOTES, 2 March 05
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 2 MARCH 05
Al-Adalah [Baghdad, twice-weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI)]: Worldwide condemnation of attack on innocent people in Al-Hillah SCIRI leader: Al-Hillah crime unmasks ugly face of our people's enemies Kurds reject Al-Yawir's statement on Iraqi president's post (news agencies quoted) [Ibrahim] al-Ja'fari in Kurdistan to discuss future of political process (news agencies quoted) [Ahmad] al-Chalabi calls for Iraqi National Assembly session on 6 March (news agencies quoted) Iraqi forces arrest 23 in Mosul Leader of Haifa Street terrorist groups captured in Baghdad Marines seek help of special Iraqi force to track down terrorists (Reuters quoted) Georgian 550-strong force arrive in Iraq (news agencies quoted) Investigation finds Australian forces not guilty of charges of shooting Iraqis Ninawa police director's son kidnapped UN secretary-general, EU foreign policy chief strongly denounce terrorist attack in Al-Hillah (AFP quoted) US official: Stable Iraq is in Syria's interest (AFP quoted) Iraqi official: Iraqi police includes over 55,000 trained elements (news agencies quoted) Personal gun licences cancelled in Ninawa pending new documents Migration minister: Ministry to issue new law on involvement of international humanitarian organizations Families of Al-Hillah bombing victims demonstrate to demand punishment to derelict security members Al-Najaf local council chief, two deputies to be elected early next week

Baghdad [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Accord Movement]: Iyad Allawi: National Democratic Bloc did not emerge from vacuum; insistence to hold election on schedule was determination to keep promises; sectarianism is not an Iraqi commodity but rather others' trade to wreak havoc with Iraq Oil minister: 13.4bn dollars earned in oil revenues since fall of Saddam Husayn's regime (AFP quoted) . [Saddam's half brother] Sab'awi's captured in special circumstances (AFP quoted) Separate attacks kill many Iraqis (AFP quoted) International meeting in Manama to discuss restoration of Iraqi marshlands (AFP quoted) Georgia send troop reinforcements to Iraq (AFP quoted) Four police patrols come under fire in Baghdad Spare parts shop owner killed in Al-Durah Eight robberies, looting carried out by gangs in Baghdad suburbs Iraqi-German cooperation to rehabilitate health institutions Environment ministry to sign agreement with international organization to develop marshes next Monday Ukraine rebuilds Wasit schools Technical Education Commission to organize reconstruction exhibition in Jordan Attempt to smuggle antiquities aborted in Babil

Al-Bayan [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Islamic Al-Da'wah Party]: Ibrahim al-Ja'fari discusses with Kurdish Alliance leaders next stage Al-Ja'fari's office condemns terrorist attack in Al-Hillah Interior Ministry opens new departments for drug control, money laundering ... Economic commission looking for alternative to ration card system Labour Ministry provides 20,000 job opportunities outside Iraq Former regime officials to appear before Iraqi special tribunal Health Ministry sues 74 companies for failure to honour commitments Industry Ministry allocates 50m dollars to support reconstruction Environment Ministry works to reduce pollution in marshland waters Electricity Ministry to implement five projects in summer

Al-Dustur [Baghdad, daily independent newspaper in Arabic]: Defence Ministry signs memo of understanding with multinational forces to receive security tasks Cabinet honours families of Al-Hillah martyrs, wounded Al-Ja'fari visits Kurdistan to discuss Iraq future (news agencies quoted) [Saddam's half brother] Barzan al-Tikriti, [former Vice-President] Taha Yasin, other former officials face death sentence French FM: France examining videotape, making every possible effort to free hostage (news agencies quoted) Annan, Japan condemn Al-Hillah terrorist attack [Oil Minister] Al-Ghadban assesses his ministry's achievements while in office Environment minister: Environment protection project to be included in constitution [National Security Minister] Qasim Dawud declines to reveal circumstance of Sab'awi's arrest Al-Chalabi, Allawi trade accusations through their parties' newspapers Saddam's lawyer says his client is in solitary confinement, isolated from the world Security operations in Al-Anbar continuing Twenty-three suspects rounded up in Mosul

Ishraqat al-Sadr [Baghdad, weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Sadrist Movement]: Sayyid Al-Sistani: Treat Sunni not only as brothers in religion, but as you treat yourselves Description of new government in Iraq Demand to consider Thursday an official holiday instead of Saturday; students stage sits-in at Al-Mustansiriyah University Sympathy with Jews on their Sabbath Full statement of Ayatollah Kadim al-Husayni al-Ha'iri on the results of National Assembly elections in Iraq Can Al-Ja'fari get rid of the Americans' cocoon? Serious report discloses Israeli contacts with former regime remnants; King Abdallah orders his intelligence to work in Iraq

Al-Mada [Baghdad, daily, independent newspaper published by Al-Mada Media, Culture and Arts Corporation]: National day of mourning observed today for Al-Hillah martyrs Our people in Al-Hillah accuse government of negligence, demand resignation of governor Emergency aid to families of martyrs, wounded [Defence minister] Al-Sha'lan confirms Syria's cooperation in Sab'awi's capture; news of Al-Zarqawi's capture to be heard soon Large-scale pursuit of Ba'thists, military men collaborating with Syria; wanted men seek refuge in large numbers in Gulf states Leading members of Tawhid and Jihad Group captured, including leader of armed groups in Baghdad Dialogue without agreements during Al-Ja'fari's visit to Kurdistan; United Iraq Alliance wants two thirds; Kurds set conditions (AFP quoted) Fifty-four suspects arrested in Al-Ramadi; weapons caches found In US State Department's annual report on human rights: Iraqis respect human rights despite cases of torture, rape, illegal detention Traffic police on first-ever peaceful strike Terrorist confesses to making remote-controlled bombs to kill people; mosque imam relieved member of congregation of prayer duties to continue bomb making Heavy clashes in Al-Sina'ah area in Mosul; 20 suspects apprehended; Ninawa TV station attacked with mortar bombs

Al-Manarah [Basra, daily independent newspaper in Arabic published by the Voice of the South Press, Printing and Publishing Corporation] 2-5 March: Violence continuing in Iraq; Car bomb explosion in Al-Hillah; 114 killed, 129 wounded in bloody suicide attack (AFP quoted) National Assembly to convene on Saturday 5 March with no sign of political agreement yet Allawi criticizes US post-war decision to disband Iraqi army (Reuters quoted) Search operations, raids carried out in villages north of Basra US soldier shot dead south of Baghdad (Reuters quoted) Fifty UK soldiers suspected of involvement in murders in Iraq Public works minister: 82m dollars earmarked to implement services projects in Al-Fallujah Iraqi scientists receive training in UK in identifying mass graves (Reuters quoted) Four thousand artefacts looted from Iraqi Museum recovered Oil minister: Two 2m-dollar contracts signed to study oil reserves Traffic policeman shoots his commander in Wasit Iraqi-Syrian border closed Three Iraqis working with Danish company abducted in Basra Ninety infiltrators arrested in Al-Amarah [south] Storming campaigns, arrests carried out; troops landed in Mosul Italian forces investigate with Iraqi police killing of soldier Against the backdrop of Al-Iraqiyah TV interrogations, intensive search campaigns launched, separate attacks reported on Arab residents

Al-Mu'tamar [Baghdad, daily newspaper in Arabic published by the Iraqi National Congress]: Al-Chalabi calls on National Assembly to convene, begin tasks Annan suggests UN role in drafting the constitution Leader of Haifa Street "terrorists" captured Three months after attack and return of most residents, Al-Fallujah afraid of epidemics, diseases Powerful explosion inside the green zone Private financial company to issue credit cards in Basra Iraqi Central Bank governor: In 2008, Iraq to be free of debts Database for reconstruction projects in Iraq

Al-Nahdah [Baghdad, daily political newspaper]: Families of Al-Hillah attack victims demand punishment of killers, protest against security negligence Al-Ja'fari begins talks with Kurds in Salah-al-Din resort Nine Iraqis killed in separate attacks (AFP quoted) Forty stolen Iraqi buses found with two Jordanian companies Human Rights Watch concerned over US project to plant mines in Iraq (AFP quoted) Iraqi doctors brave difficulties US awards Iraqi doctor for his researches on Gulf War Syndrome Chinese ambassador expresses his country's readiness to contribute to Iraq reconstruction Defence Ministry invites all officers, military ranks to join new army without conditions
Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based daily Al-Sharq al-Awsat, Saudi-owned]: Al-Zarqawi group claims responsibility for Al-Hillah attack Government pays compensation to families of dead, wounded; today, national day of mourning in Iraq for attack victims Barzani, Al-Ja'fari discuss government formation, stress need for Sunni Arab representation (AFP quoted) Iraqi intelligence chief: No information received on time of Sab'awi's entry into Iraq before his arrest; Al-Sha'lan: Damascus began cooperation with Baghdad, helped with capture of Saddam's brother (AFP quoted) Saddam's Jordanian lawyer: Ousted president is in good health but isolated from the world (AFP quoted) Al-Najaf police in trouble: New commander appointed; old commander continues his tasks (AFP quoted) Iraqi army kills eight "terrorists", arrest 12 others including member of Al-Zarqawi group Nine Iraqis killed in separate attacks Industry minister: 70 per cent of basic services restored in Al-Fallujah; compensation to be paid to residents soon

Al-Zaman [daily, independent, Baghdad edition of London-based Al-Zaman]: Barzani confers with Al-Ja'fari on government makeup; press war between National Accord Movement, Iraqi National Congress; PUK: Presidency for Kurds Delay in holding National Assembly session arouses political concerns [Saddam's eldest son] Uday's executioner caught in Al-Nasiriyah; weapons cache discovered in Al-Rifa'i [south] Families of Al-Hillah bombing victims demonstrate amid worldwide condemnation; Sunni endowment, Islamic Party: Those involved in killing Iraqis should be exposed Three blasts in Mosul airport; storming campaigns launched in Al-Muthanna Georgian troops to ensure coalition safety in Baghdad Electricity Ministry accuses Oil Ministry of obstructing power generation Multinational forces: 54 suspects arrested in Al-Anbar .. Police patrol blows up car bomb with its armed passengers in Mosul Demonstrations in Baghdad, Al-Mustnisriyah universities Flights to London, Istanbul resumed after 14-year halt
IRAQI PRESS QUOTES, 2 MARCH 05

Al-Adalah [Baghdad, twice-weekly newspaper in Arabic published by the Supreme Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), Editorial]: "What happened in the heroic city of Al-Hillah was a disgraceful crime Today, Iraqis understand well that these criminal acts that target civilians in markets, health centres and other public places are only expressive signs of despair within the souls of those seeking to hamper the progress of new Iraq However, repetition of such outrageous acts should not be allowed by standing all shoulder-to-shoulder, as a people, a government, organizations and parties, as Sunnis and Shi'is, as Turkomen, Arabs and Kurds, from all sects and nationalities, to tighten the noose around the Sadamists and Zarqawists and strike them as one man This heinous crime, on the reverse side, is a call for all Iraqis to rally round each other to steer their new Iraq to the safe shore."

Al-Mada [Baghdad, daily, independent newspaper published by Al-Mada Media, Culture and Arts Corporation; commentary]: "The new government is not expected to win the battle against terrorists unless it bridges the [security] gap and adopts a more mature and realistic approach placing responsibility for building the homeland and meeting the challenges and dangers on the shoulders of all, as citizens, civil society organizations and a government. The absence of any party can disturb the balance in the confrontation, especially that terrorists cannot commit their crimes unless they feel this absence on Iraqi street. Meantime, officials should take advantage of Iraqi citizen's defiance of terrorists on 30 January and take the initiative trusting him more and give him more confidence This is the solution that should be translated on the ground with a plan including concrete political, economic and social measures, coupled with a security plan to clear the state departments from the followers of the former regime and criminals collaborating with terrorists."


IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA PROG. SUMMARIES, 2 March 05

Al-Diyar Satellite Channel in Arabic, Baghdad

At least six citizens were killed and 10 others wounded in a car-bomb explosion outside an Iraqi Army base west of Baghdad... Ilaf website says Ibrahim al-Ja'fari did not promise Kurdish leader Barzani in their meeting yesterday that he would accept the Kurdish demands... Report over video reviews the missions of the next government, as seen by Iraqi citizens. The government will have to address the security and economic problems... Prime Minister Allawi declares 2 March 2005 as a day of national mourning following the bomb attack in Al-Hillah. He also orders allowances to the families of the victims... Sixteen Iraqis were killed and a number of others were wounded in attacks in various parts of Iraq yesterday and the night before, according to Iraqi police... The Iraqi human rights minister says there are 532 Arab and other foreign prisoners in Iraqi prisons accused of involvement in terrorist acts... In a press conference, the commander of Al-Najaf forces announces the arrest of nine Arabs who infiltrated across the border with Saudi Arabia... The investigating judge in the tribunal that will try former Iraqi President Saddam Husayn and his regime officials was assassinated yesterday... A candidate for Al-Najaf Governorate Council says most parties nominate As'ad Sultan as Al-Najaf governor... Iraqi police find three bodies north of Baghdad... The Iraqi cabinet cancels the order on Iraq joining the Roma system of the international criminal court... A source says that the Baghdad mayor will ask the World Bank to offer financial support for the drinking water network in Baghdad... Video report on the electricity industry in Iraq... Babil governor says 200m US dollars have been allocated to replace the sewage network in Al-Hillah... Interview with the director of the Social Security Department on the distribution of pension allowances through post offices... The minister of state for women affairs stresses the need to activate the role of women in Iraq's constitutional life... Wasit water department is implementing a number of projects in the governorate... Iraq celebrates Teachers Day...

Al-Sharqiyah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic

Thirteen Iraqis killed in two suicide attacks and mortar shelling in Baghdad... Three Iraqi soldiers killed, six wounded when military position in Al-Muthanna airport came under mortar attack... Medical staff of Al-Yarmuk Hospital in Baghdad go on general strike after being harassed, beaten up by some Iraqi army members... US denies its soldiers used poison gas in Al-Fallujah... Investigating Judge involved in trials of former Iraqi regime's figures and his son killed by unidentified gunmen... Allawi says involving religious authority in politics negatively affects authority, religion... US congressman expects costs of military operations in Iraq to constitute additional burden to US budget... Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani supports Al-Ja'fari's candidacy for prime minister post... Roadside bomb blast in Basra leaves three British soldiers wounded... Chairman, members of municipal council in Samarra resign in protest against not meeting their demands by US forces... Iraqi Ministry of Finance endorses decree relating to salary calculation, entitlements... Police officers in Tikrit go on strike in protest against US arrest of senior police officer, other officers in city... Two policemen killed by gunmen in Mosul... Iraqi Islamic Party condemns Al-Hillah "massacre", calls for finding those behind it... Sunni Waqf Office "strongly condemns acts of killing, assassinations, explosions"...

Al-Iraqiah Satellite Channel, Baghdad, in Arabic,

Vice-President Ibrahim al-Ja'fari, United Iraqi Alliance PM candidate, says talks with Kurdish coalition comprehensive, he understands Kurdish wishes to have key cabinet post. Video report covers his comments, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Jalal Talabani says he is optimistic, points to strategic ties with coalition... Interim Cabinet to set up committee to refer terror suspects to justice. Video report covers cabinet meeting, Minister of Defence announces mourning for al-Hillah victims, says talks to form coalition government involve political forces that did not take part in polls... Car bomb kills, hurts Iraqi forces in Baghdad. Video report covers attack, Saddam tribunal judge and his sons killed... Karbala police detonate car bomb... Minister of Education condemns Hilla terror act... Diwan al-Waqf al-Sunni says moves to be taken for participation in political process. Video report covers presser attended by diwan members, condemnation of terrorism, diwan chief saying Sunnis to take part in political process... Recorded interview with Hamid al-Kifaiye, politician. He speaks about escalation of violence in Iraq, says Hilla terror act reflects defeat, despair of terrorists... Iraqis concerned over delay in convening of National Assembly. Video report highlights comments by public urging winning parties to speed up talks to form transitional government.. Forum on constitution held in Najaf... Baghdad governor says centre for development of Baghdad to be set up... UN probe into oil-for-food programme questions former Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz... Al-Sulaymaniyah university expanding... Business bulletin: Germany calls on Gulf countries to write off Iraq debts. Report on booming business at Basra ports. Government decision to scrap food rationing coupons received with mixed reactions... Iraq artists mark anniversary of theatre artist Hani Hani...

UPDATES FROM THE KURDISH PRESS, 2 March 05
Khabat daily issued in Erbil by the KDP
¾        

KRG-Erbil PM Nechirvan Barzani received in his Erbil office a British delegation headed by the UK Consular in Kirkuk. The discussions focused on cultural exchange between UK and Kurdistan Region.

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Masses of Kurdistan people visited the shrine of KDP founder late Mustafa Barzani in commemoration of the 26^th anniversary of his death.
¾         ``The Kurdish demands are not conditions for alliance. They are aspirations and rights of the Kurdish people,'' Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said to newswires commenting on Barzani-Ja'afari talks in Salahuddin.

Kurdistani Nwe daily issued in Sulaymanya by PUK                 
¾        

(summarized editorial) Ja'afari`s visit to Sulaymanya and meeting with Talabani is not only for distribution of new Iraq's sovereign posts in abstract. For the Kurds, as Talabani put it, occupation of posts is a means to fulfillment of a number of pre-requisites without which rebuilding a new Iraq would seem like mere empty talks. Without admitting Iraq's diversities and deploying them in power sharing endeavors, it will be impossible for the union that is being commercially propagated for to survive, therefore; settling the issue of sovereign post occupation this time means settling a number of major bottlenecks and setting back Iraq's instability factors once forever.

¾        

Syria cooperated with Iraq in capturing Saddam's half brother Saba'awi, Iraqi defense Minster Hazim Sha'alan told Al-Arabiya TV.
¾         PUK politburo executive chief received a US military delegation. The discussions focused on Kirkuk situation and the implementation of TAL Article 58.

Kurdistan Observor.com
¾        

In their negotiations with the Kurdish leadership, the Shiites indicated that: (1) the Kirkuk issue is to be decided based an Iraqi referendum, ensuring that Kirkuk stays part of Arab Iraq; (2) Taking the presidency from the Sunnis is sensitive and that terrorists could distort this to their advantage and thus inflame the sensitivities of neighboring countries, and (3) that there is no room for private armies in Iraq.

www.peyamner.com <http://www.peyamner.com>
¾         The Kurds and Shiites are close to forming a [parliamentary] alliance. Heading a delegation of the Shiite alliance, Ibrahim Ja'afari arrived Salahuddin for meeting with Barzani on possible Kurdish-Shiite [parliamentary] alliance. After few ours of discussions, Barzani and Ja'afari held a joint press conference positively evaluating their meeting and saying that their views were close to each other on most of the agenda topics. Although no questions were raised on a bilateral Kurdish-Shiite alliance, Ja'afari's over night stay in Salahuddin and his expected visit to Talabani's HQ indicate the Shiite desire to reach a decisive agreement with the Kurds on the issue. Coming fist in the elections with 148 seats, the Shiites could not form the government cabinet alone. To ensure the two-third minimum requirement vote, they need support from the Kurdish list that has 77 seats. Barzani said the dialogue would continue until reaching a final agreement. Ja'afari said that the Kurdish two main conditions for alliance with other entities (future of Kirkuk and Kurdistan Peshmarga) were not discussed at their meetings. Answering a question by the website on this regard, the Shiite visitor reiterated commitment to settle Kirkuk issue according to Article 58 of the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL). On Peshmarga issue, Ja'afari did not say the next cabinet would officially recognize Peshmarga as a national force defending Kurdistan and Iraq. He only said that they would try to incorporate the Peshmarga within the Interior and Defense ministries in the institutionalized Iraq. He further said all the Kurdish demands were eligible. ``We come here for brotherly discussions with our long-time allies, not to bargain with them,'' he added. Both Barzani and Ja'afari said they would do their best to ensure an active participation of the Sunni Arabs in the government and parliament but neither of them (Barzani or Ja'afari specify which post will be given to them. Asked if the Kurds supported Ja'afari, Barzani did not give a YES or NO answer. ``He is nominated by the Shiite list and were respect this nomination,'' he elaborated. Commenting on Barzani-Ja'afari talks, a KDP source referred to many common points between them on the future of the Kurds, implementation of TAL and incorporating it into the permanent constitution. The source also added that the Shiites did not object Kurdish presidency over Iraq.

¾        

After concluding his meetings with KDP leader in Salahuddin town, The Shiite nominee for Iraqi premiership Ibrahim Ja'afari will head to Sulaymanya for meeting with the PUK leader Jalal Talabani. A KDP source advised that Talabani would visit Barzani Thursday for a bilateral meeting to finalize possibility of alliance with the Shiites.
¾         A number of gunmen launched an RPG at the main fuel storage in Erbil last night at 21:09 local time. An eyewitness said that the attackers left the site in a speedy BMW car. The police and security elements quickly arrived at the site that is located in the city's circular 60th Street (about 1 KM from the Parliament House and Council of Ministers building). The attack did not leave any life or property damages and the police refrained from commenting on the assault and the ongoing investigations.

Aso, issue in Kirkuk 3 times a week by Xendan Publishing House.
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The Kurds are not afraid of the Shiite majority.

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The Independent Electoral Commission for Iraq (IECI) did not consider the complaints raised by the Iraqi Turcoman Front (ITF) regarding Kirkuk elections.
¾         For the second time in a short period, the US forces raided the ITF HQ in Mosul last week and confiscated all the weapons and mobile communication devices from the guards. After staying three hours there, the US troops left the HQ taking with them lots of documents.
¾         The Iraqi Presidency Council unanimously ratified a directive issued by Council of Ministers stipulating the establishment of a special committee for the implementation of TAL Article 58. The paper republishes snapshots of the two documents.
¾         Kongra Gal (former PKK) issued a statement denying its involvement in the assassination of Kamal Shaheen, who broke away from Kongra Gal earlier. The statement denounces the murder saying the party settles all its disputes with others peacefully with dialogue and the enemies of Kurdistan people liberation movement accused Congra Gal of the assassination to disrepute the party.

Chawder, political, social and intellectual weekly issued in Sulaymanya
¾        

Russia is afraid of Iraq disintegration saying it may disturb stability in Iran, Syria and Turkey and the world is not ready for redrawing the Middle East map at this time.

KURD NEWS, 2 March 05
Islamic party leader says Kurdistan stability essential

Leader of the Iraqi Islamic Party [IIP] Dr Muhsin Abd-al-Hamid said that the situation in Iraq necessitates dialogue between his party and the Kurdish leadership, Iraqi Kurdistan Islamic Union weekly newspaper Yekgirtu quoted him on 1 March as saying. He added: "We have amicable relations with the Kurds. The [Iraqi] Islamic Party aims at developing this relations ... We believe that stability in Kurdistan brings stability to the whole Iraq." (Yekgirtu, Arbil, in Sorani Kurdish 1 Mar 05)

Mass grave of Kurds found near Kirkuk

A mass grave containing the remains of 20 Kurds was found in the Shuwan area near Kirkuk on 1 March, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) newspaper Kurdistani Nuwe reported on 2nd. The paper quoted a source as saying "there are indications that they were buried alive in the 1980s by the former Ba'thist regime". (Kurdistani Nuwe, Al-Sulaymaniyah, in Sorani Kurdish 2 Mar 05)

Turkoman party protests against Kirkuk committee

The Turkomaneli party has sent a message to the Iraqi prime minister and minister of justice protesting against reports about the formation of a special commission to normalize the situation in Kirkuk, the newspaper Turkomaneli said on 2 March. "We have learned from local newspapers about your decision to set up a special commission for normalizing the situation in the Kirkuk Governorate," the letter said. The formation of such a body, it continued, was not within the jurisdiction of the interim Iraqi government. "Normalization in Kirkuk is within the authority of the transitional government, whose term of office will begin after the formation of the elected government, and not within the authority of the interim government." It also said any such commission must include two representatives from the Turkoman, Arabs and the Chaldo-Assyrians, in addition to the Kurds. "The imposition of any unilateral draft by any group for political gain will be rejected and refused by the Iraqi people. Our proud Turkoman people have suffered enough injustice, tyranny and domination," the letter concluded. (Turkomaneli, Arbil, in Arabic 2 Mar 05)

Kurdish leader, Iraqi PM nominee seek broad government

The leader of the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mas'ud Barzani, said he and the United Iraqi Alliance nominee for the premiership, Ibrahim al-Ja'fari, in a meeting agreed on the need to include Sunni Arabs in any future government. Speaking on Kurdish satellite TV on 2 March, Barzani said: "We stressed that the next government must be one of national unity, and no side should be excluded. We specifically agreed that our brother Sunni Arabs must be given a role in the political process and in the government." (Kurdistan Satellite TV 2 Mar 05)

Kurdish official, British envoy discuss education ties

The head of the Kurdistan regional government, Nechirvan Barzani, received the British consul-general in Kirkuk, Dr Noel Guckian, and the director of the British Council in Iraq, Adrian Chadwick to discuss the role of the British Council in the region. According to a report on Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) satellite TV on 2 March, the meeting considered the need to establish strong relations between the universities in the Kurdistan region and British universities; the allocation of grants at British universities for the study of various scientific fields in order to develop resources; support endeavours in education and higher education; and teaching in English, not just as a language but in the various fields of management, economics and finance. (Kurdistan Satellite TV 2 Mar 05)