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IRAQI NEWS, 16 MARCH 05
·         National Assembly opens inaugural session
·         Kurdish leader says Sunnis must be brought into government
·         President urges all groups to join political process
·         Outgoing PM urges national unity, no to bigotry
·         SCIRI leader urges Jordan to stop "mobilizing terrorists"
·         Shi'is, Kurds reach "preliminary agreement" - web site
·         Iraqi Sunni spokesman rejects political process, defends "resistance"
·         Police, gunmen clash in northern Baghdad district - report
·         Four US soldiers, police officer killed in western Iraq
·         Police officer killed in Al-Baghdadi
·         TV reports blast at paper's offices
·         US forces raid Samarra official's home
·         US forces arrest Al-Ramadi banker
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 16 MARCH 2005
·         Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 16 March 2005
IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 16 MARCH 2005
·         Al-Mada [Baghdad, political daily newspaper published by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]
·         Al-Zaman Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper]
IRAQI PRESS COMMENTS & QUOTES 16 MARCH 2005
·         A commentary on ``Arabite terrorist'' - Al-Adalah
·         ``Arabs should be expelled from Iraq''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
·         ``Parliamentarians duty to salvage Iraq nothing less'' Al-Dustur
KURDISH NEWS, 16 MARCH þ2005
·         Kurdistan Satellite TV news 16 Mar 05
·         KurdSat TV news 16 Mar 05

IRAQI NEWS, 16 March 05
National Assembly opens inaugural session
Iraq's National Assembly opened its inaugural session on 16 March with readings from the Koran. The session, broadcast live by Al-Iraqiyah TV, was chaired by the most senior member of the parliament, Dari al-Fayyad, who called for prayers for the souls of the martyrs. (Al-Iraqiyah TV, Baghdad 16 Mar)
Kurdish leader says Sunnis must be brought into government
Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), used his speech to the first session of the elected Iraqi National Assembly on 16 March to call for national unity and reconciliation. Talabani stressed the need to rebuild the Iraqi state on a democratic and federal basis and an Iraq "free from sectarian and ethnic persecution". Noting the absence of the Sunnis from the National Assembly, Talabani called for them to be involved in the writing of the constitution and to be given government posts. He said Iraq was going through a difficult stage because of "terrorism", blaming Saddam loyalists and the Al-Zarqawi-led group for the violence. He noted that there was "an unjust media campaign" in some Arab countries that described "murderers" as men of the resistance, and called for "a comprehensive plan to eliminate terrorism". (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
President urges all groups to join political process
Addressing the first session of the new assembly, Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar said there should be no winners or losers in Iraq, and urged all groups to take part in the political process. "Let the interim government be a national salvation government. The makeup of the cabinet must be balanced, thus giving the chance to trustworthy and qualified people who are accepted in their societies," Al-Yawar said. He added that the parliament's first task was to draft a permanent constitution that "ensure equality for all in a democratic, pluralistic, and federal Iraq that enjoys full sovereignty". The president also said the successful elections had given Iraqis the right to be called "brave and civilized". (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
Outgoing PM urges national unity, no to bigotry
In his speech, outgoing Prime Minister Iyad Allawi spoke of the need to engage the people in the political process and democratic institutions within a programme of national unity and fighting bigotry. Allawi called for a constitution that will "serve as a guidebook for Iraq's march and a beacon for the region and the world in terms of right, ethics, justice and amity, coupled with strong will and determination to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity for Iraq, the region, and the entire world." He also urged the new government to move from a state-controlled economy to a market one, encouraging investments and supporting the private sector. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
SCIRI leader urges Jordan to stop "mobilizing terrorists"
In his address to the inaugural session of the National Assembly, the leader of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim, condemned the reported celebrations of the Al-Hillah bomber's family in Jordan, urging Amman "to stop inciting, mobilizing and conscripting terrorist to Iraq". Al-Hakim also called for the formation of a government of national unity able to serve the Iraqi people and provide compensation to the families of "martyrs" and the deprived. He thanked praised the Iraqi people's "courage and determination" in hold the elections, despite the "shells of death, terrorism and latent malevolence". He also spoke of Iraqis' opportunity to draft a constitution that would "guarantee the rights of all, respect human rights, and respect the Islamic identity of the Iraqi people", and stressed the need to achieve "security and stability for all Iraqis, thereby achieving the full independence of Iraq and ending the role of the multinational forces in Iraq". (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
Shi'is, Kurds reach "preliminary agreement" - web site
The United Iraqi Alliance and the Kurdish list have reached an initial agreement on principles for a Shi'i-Kurdish coalition, the Iraq For All News Network web site on 16 March. The web site said the two sides had agreed on the need for a broad-based government of national unity, incorporating all sections of the Iraqi people; to maintain Iraq's independence and organize the country's relationship with the multinational forces in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1546; to give priority to the reconstruction of the security services; and to restore the independence of the judiciary and establish the rule of law. (Iraq For All News Network web site, 16 Mar)
Iraqi Sunni spokesman rejects political process, defends "resistance"
The Sunni Association of Muslim Scholars continues to reject the political process leading to the convening of the Iraqi National Assembly, the group's spokesman has said. In an recorded interview aired on Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV on 15 March, Muthanna al-Dari said his group had already presented its alternative to the current political process. He refused to say whether his association had any connection with the "resistance", but said there were a number of forces who were "close to the feelings of the resistance". Al-Dari said that the association had held talks with "several groups", and enjoyed good relations with the movement of radical Shi'i cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Commenting on the "confessions" of suspects broadcast by the Iraqi television station Al-Iraqiyah, Al-Dari questioned the authenticity of the statements. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 15 Mar)
Police, gunmen clash in northern Baghdad district - report
Clashes Al-A'zamiyah erupted early on 16 March in the northern Al-A'zamiyah area of Baghdad, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. The channel's correspondent said unknown gunmen using various types of machine guns clashed with police forces trying to prevent them from gathering on Umar Bin-Abd-al-Aziz Street, an approach road to a nearby military base. The correspondent said mortar and rocket shells were being used, but added that he could not determine the number of casualties because the area was completely closed off. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
Four US soldiers, police officer killed in western Iraq
Four US soldiers were killed when their vehicle was destroyed by a land mine late on 15 March near Al-Rutbah, on the road from to the Jordanian-Iraqi border, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
Police officer killed in Al-Baghdadi
Col Isma'il Suwayyid al-Ubaydi, a police officer at the Al-Baghdadi police station, near Al-Ramadi in the Al-Anbar Governorate, was shot dead by unknown attackers late on 15 March, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad 16 Mar)
TV reports blast at paper's offices
A strong explosion rocked the offices of the Baghdad Mirror, a weekly English-language newspaper published in Baghdad, Baghdad Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 16 March. No casualties or damage were reported. The offices are behind the National Theatre and next to a number of hotels housing foreigners working in Iraq. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Mar 05)
US forces raid Samarra official's home
US forces raided and searched the home of Shaykh Taha Husayn al-Hindirah, head of the Samarra City Council, on the night of 15 March, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 16 March. According to the TV's correspondent in Samarra, Al-Hindirah said the raid at his home in the Al-Mu'tasim district took place despite the agreement on stopping raids and limiting them to the Rapid Intervention Forces, affiliated with the Interior Ministry. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Mar 05)
US forces arrest Al-Ramadi banker
US forces have arrested Muhammad Jasim Hummad al-Jilawi, manager of Al-Rafidayn Bank's Al-Ramadi branch, in western Iraq, Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 16 March. Eyewitnesses said Al-Jilawi and his brother were arrested and taken away from their home in Al-Shurtah district to an unknown location for unknown reasons. (Al-Sharqiyah TV, Baghdad, in Arabic 16 Mar 05)
IRAQI MEDIA PROGRAMME SUMMARIES, 16 March 2005
Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 16 March 2005
·         Report on the inaugural session of the Iraqi National Assembly. Video shows UN envoy to Iraq, Al-Yawar, Allawi, SCIRI leader, Talabani speaking, members sworn in ---
·         Representatives of International Parliamentary Union, the House of Commons, political figures from various country attended the inaugural session of Iraqi National Assembly; contacts between various parliamentary groups start to expedite formation of the new Iraqi government ---
·         Four members of the Iraqi National Assembly, including Al-Yawar, say will withdraw from National Assembly if a Sunni member of the Iraqi United Alliance is selected for a sovereign post ---
·         Explosions heard in central Baghdad this morning ---
·         Kurdish leading figure, Hoshyar Zebari, says announcement of presidential council or president of the republic is part of a comprehensive deal to be discussed outside National Assembly. Video shows still of Zebari, inaugural session, Iraqi politicians speaking, archive video of vote casting, vox pops ---
·         John Negroponte to leave Iraq tomorrow after end of his mission as ambassador; new ambassador nominated. Video shows still picture of Negroponte ---
·         Violent blast rocks office of Baghdad Mirror weekly paper; casualties, damage caused have not been disclosed by police. Video shows scene of incident ---
·         Violent clashes erupt this morning between police, gunmen in Al-A'zamaiyah district in Baghdad. Video report shows scene of clashes, bodies ---
·         Ministry of Finance pensions off all state employees born in 1942 as of end of this month
·         Five Iraqi soldiers killed, 12 soldiers, two civilians wounded in suicide car bomb in Ba'quba northeast of Baghdad. Video shows scene of incident ---
·         Interim council of ministers decides to pay pensions to members of dissolved Transitional Governing Council ---
·         Four US soldiers killed in land-mine explosion in Al-Rutbah near Iraqi-Jordanian border; gunmen killed police officer in Al-Ramadi ---
·         US forces arrest director of Al-Rafidayn Bank, Al-Ramadi branch ---
·         US secretary of state says hopeful Italy will support efforts to enhance democracy in Iraq in future. Video report ---
·         Italian prime minister to discuss with Iraqi government, allies issue of withdrawing Italian forces in Iraq. Video report ---
·         Syrian intelligence conclude evacuation of most positions in Beirut, other parts of Lebanon. Video report.

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 16 March 2005
Al-Mada [Baghdad, political daily newspaper published by Al-Mada Corporation for Media, Culture and Art]
Iraq to witness today the inaugural meeting of its first elected parliament in half a century Talabani, Al-Yawar, Abd-al-Mahdi and Al-Hasani topping list of candidates for key positions Tense security, three car bombs on eve of National Assembly convention On backdrop of killer celebration in Salt, Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari summons Jordanian charge de affairs, hands him letter of protest Perpetrator of Al-Hakim assassination captured, terrorist was planning to booby-trap sacks containing cash donations destined for Al-Sistani's office In Daily Telegraph interview, Dr Allawi criticizes Iraqi election winners Two Iraqi soldiers, Turkish truck driver killed, six suspects apprehended (AFP- Quoted) Arrest of four terror operatives, including two affiliated to Saddam, his son, Qusay New mass grave uncovered in Kirkuk
Al-Zaman Baghdad edition of London-based independent daily newspaper]
Tight security measures in Green Zone periphery, government offices in vicinity given five-day break Constitutional Monarchy Movement: Expanded Sunni Arab conference to be held Saturday [19 March] Allawi meets with representatives of Al-Sadr Persuasion Religious, political forces promulgating demands to consolidate security in Mosul Iraqi official: Iran interfering in our oil affairs Amman launches investigation, reporter faces fabrication charge as Al-Banna family deny their son's involvement in Al-Hillah atrocity Eight wounded in two car bomb explosions in Bab al-Mu'adham and Al-Amil quarters Riyadh denies Saudi mediation concerning Lebanon as Mubarak concludes unannounced visit to Damascus (Reuters- Quoted)
IRAQI PRESS COMMENTS & QUOTES 16 March 2005
A commentary on ``Arabite terrorist'' - Al-Adalah

Al-Adalah [From commentary, by Abd al-Mun'im al-A'sam]
"It is not unusual for a noble horse to be stung by a lowly fly without losing any of its original worth as a result. The horse will always be noble and the fly will always remain lowly. It is strange how things, once regarded as no more than a bad joke, have become part of painful present-day reality. What has prompted me to make this point is the very strange and shockingly brazen confession by one of the Arabite terrorist infiltrators who has made his way across the border at a friend's suggestion that he should join the fight in Iraq as a way out of his pathological state of depression, which psychiatrists in his country had deemed incurable. His argument was that he had wanted to commit suicide, so coming to Iraq was his best chance. It simply meant that if he died, he would be delivered from his pathological depression; if he lived, he might be cured by the mere thrill of the experience. For him, it was as simple as that."
``Arabs should be expelled from Iraq''- Al-Sharq al-Awsat
Al-Sharq al-Awsat [From commentary by Ahmad al-Rub'i]
"The angry demonstration staged in Baghdad demanding Arabs be expelled from Iraq is a sure sign that the pain wrenching the demonstrators' hearts after years of hateful Arab stands has reached the point of explosion. What prompted Iraqis to take to the streets, touting the slogan 'Arabs Out', is the gruesome carnage caused a few days before by a suicide murderer who was celebrated in an Arab capital as a martyred hero and hailed by wicked media workers who have shamelessly revelled at this blood wedding."
``Parliamentarians duty to salvage Iraq nothing less'' Al-Dustur
Al-Dustur [From editorial by Basim al-Shaykh]

"Today, as the Iraqi parliamentarians enter the National Assembly hall, bringing along with them their own outlooks, concerns and aspirations, which may converge sometimes and diverge some other times, should never lose sight of their deeply-gored and heavily bleeding country laid out before them on the operating table, helplessly waiting for a surgeon's curing hand to bring it back to life. They should remember that they have been elected for this mission and that it is their duty to salvage Iraq. This is what is expected of them and anything less is unacceptable."
KURDISH NEWS, 16 March þ2005
Kurdistan Satellite TV news 16 Mar 05
·         The newly-elected Iraqi National Assembly holds its first meeting...
·         Kurds mark the 17th anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabjah...
·         Kurdish New Year holiday extended from three to eight days...
·         Report over video showing celebration and a tree-planting campaign in memory of veteran Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani...
·         The minister of culture in Kurdistan Democratic Party-led regional government meets representative from the Greek Foreign Ministry...
·         The KDP-led regional government develops project services in Halabjah...
·         Kirkuk Governorate council continues its meeting despite the protest by the Turkoman members...
·         A delegation of protesters against the opening of private Ainda University visits Kurdistan parliament...
·         The South Korean Olive military unit develops artesian well in Bahrka administrative sub-district
KurdSat TV news 16 Mar 05

·         The newly-elected Iraqi National Assembly holds its first meeting...
·         Addressing the inaugural session, the outgoing speaker of the interim National Assembly, Fu'ad Ma'sum, addresses the people of Halabjah in Kurdish...
·         People in Kurdistan marks the 17th anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabjah...
·         On the 17th anniversary of the chemical bombardment of Halabjah, the political bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) demands that Saddam Husayn, Ali Hasan al-Majid and other senior figures of the former regime be put on trial...
·         Despite the non-participation of members from the Arab and Turkoman lists, the council of Kirkuk Governorate continues its meeting and reiterates that the distribution of senior positions in the council is to be based on the principles of the Kurdistan Brotherhood List... In the presence of a representative from the multinational forces, the police academy in Kirkuk holds its passing out ceremony...
·         An explosion occurred in Baghdad this morning, Associated Press quoted