From the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

 

This document is provided as a service by UNAMI. The material is drawn from non-UN sources and does not reflect the opinions of the United Nations, nor can the UN vouch for its accuracy

 

Monday, June 06, 2005

HEADLINES, Click to follow link

IRAQI NEWS, 5 June 05

Multinational force numbers to fall in coming weeks - spokesman

Iraqi ministry says gunmen kill Egyptian contractor in western Baghdad

Iraqi police reportedly arrest 226 people in Baghdad, seize weapons

Gunmen reportedly attack US position in western Iraq, 100 people arrested

Iraqi "scorpion force" commander reportedly escapes assassination attempt

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 5 June 05

Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition]

Al-Dustur [Baghdad, independent daily newspaper]:

Al-Mada [Baghdad, independent daily newspaper]:

Al-Bayan [Islamic Al-Da'wah Party Newspaper]:

Al-Mu'tamar [Iraqi National Congress Newspaper]:

Al-Shahid [Baghdad, general twice-weekly newspaper]:

IRAQI PRESS QOUTES & EDITORIALS, 5 June 05

“The armed resistance in Iraq become a political deadlock”- Al-Sharq al-Awsat

“Relationship between media and government”- Al-Dustur

Iraqi press comments 5 June

IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA, 5 June 05

Iraqi TV programme discusses how people envisage the constitution

Iraqi TV airs more "confessions" by terror suspects

Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 5 June 05

Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Iraqiyah TV TV news 5 June 05

 

 

IRAQI NEWS, 5 June 05

Multinational force numbers to fall in coming weeks - spokesman

Iraqi government spokesman Layth Kubbah said on 5 June that the number of multinational troops in the country will decline in the coming weeks, and they will be replaced by Iraqi army personnel and police. Speaking on Al-Sharqiyah TV, he described the development as "another positive step associated with the success of the political process and the establishment of the security agencies". (Al-Sharqiyah, Baghdad , Arabic 5 Jun 05)

Iraqi ministry says gunmen kill Egyptian contractor in western Baghdad

The Iraqi Interior Ministry has announced that an Egyptian contractor was killed by an armed group in western Baghdad on 5 June, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported. A source in the ministry said that unidentified gunmen opened fire on the car of Egyptian contractor Ahmad Kamal and killed him in al-Amiriyah area in western Baghdad at 0730 [0430 gmt]. The source added that English documents that belong to the victim were found. For its part, a medical source at al-Yarmuk hospital, to which the body was transferred, confirmed that Ahmad Kamal is a contractor in the field of electricity. (Al-Sharqiyah 5 Jun 05)

Iraqi police reportedly arrest 226 people in Baghdad , seize weapons

The Iraqi police have arrested a number of people during raid-and-search campaigns in various areas in Baghdad , Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 5 June. The TV quoted a source in the Interior Ministry as saying on the same day that units from the Iraqi police and other joint units comprising police and army personnel carried out raids the previous night and on the day as part of Operation Lightening in the areas of al-Tarmiyah, Nahrawan, al-Latifiyah, al-Radwaniyah and al-Mahmudiyah that led to the arrest of 226 people. The source added that large amounts of light weapons and ammunition were confiscated and a number of civilian cars were seized. (Al-Sharqiyah 5 Jun 05)

Gunmen reportedly attack US position in western Iraq , 100 people arrested

Gunmen have attacked a US position near the city of al-Khalidiyah, western Iraq , Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 5 June. Eyewitnesses said that the assailants threw hand grenades on a US position under the al-Sidiqqiyah Bridge , adding that clashes broke out between the two sides and lasted for around two hours, during which the assailants inflicted a number of casualties on the US forces. They added that the US forces cordoned off the al-Khalidiyah city, closed off the al-Sidiqqiyah Bridge and carried out a large-scale search operation, during which more than 100 people were arrested. (Al-Sharqiyah 5 Jun 05)

Iraqi "scorpion force" commander reportedly escapes assassination attempt

The commander of a force calling itself the Scorpion Rapid Intervention Force has escaped an assassination attempt by an explosive charge that went off while his military column was travelling on a highway in the al-Latifiyah area, south of Baghdad, Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV reported on 5 June. A source at the Babil Governorate Police Department was quoted as saying that the explosion targeted Lt-Gen Salam Tarrad al-Ma'muri. He added that the explosion was followed by an attack by light and medium weapons on the column, to which the Scorpion force responded. He said that two members of the force were wounded and that three assailants were killed and six others were wounded in the exchange of fire, adding that the force seized two of the assailants' cars. (Al-Sharqiyah 5 Jun 05)

 

 

IRAQI PRESS HEADLINES, 5 June 05

Al-Sharq al-Awsat [ Baghdad edition]

• Eight Iraqi soldiers killed in two attacks in Tikrit, Balad, policeman killed on Samarra ' Bridge
• Number of gunmen killed, wounded, detained in joint Iraqi-US operation in 'Triangle of Death'
• Washington downplaying reports on Al-Zarqawi meeting in Syria Kurdish parliament opened, with Al-Ja'fari, Iraqi flag missing
• US military has Iraqi soldiers in Al-Rutbah sacked for refusing to join training course in Baghdad
• Charges made against French national turned in to Paris by Damascus in context of 'Iraqi network' investigation,
• Bubakr al-Hakim arrested last September while trying to infiltrate into Iraq
• Tehran : Reformists call for revision of Khamenei's powers, unconditional resumption of relations with Washington
• Ukrainian forces deny involvement in corruption case in Kut.

Al-Dustur [ Baghdad , independent daily newspaper]:

• Kurds would have only Abd al-Karim Qasim's flag put up next to Kurdish flag in Kurdistan
• Iraqi road map envisages substitution of multinational forces with Arab, Islamic ones Al-Zarqawi's right hand arm detained
• Kurdistan parliament endorses Barzani's nomination for regional presidency
• Interior minister meets Czech ambassador in Baghdad
• Lebanese embassy in Baghdad comes under shelling (Agencies quoted)
• New programme for Iraqi oil exports to take effect (Agencies quoted)
• Prospects for Iraqi-Italian industrial cooperation discussed Iraqi Manda'i Saba'eans' chieftain widely active in bid to consolidate sect's role in political process.

Al-Mada [ Baghdad , independent daily newspaper]:

• Mulla Mahdi, leader of most dangerous armed group in Mosul , captured by Lions' Forces
• 120 suspects, wanted terrorists apprehended in latest development in context of ongoing Operation Lightning
• Violence returns to Al-Fallujah as locals demonstrate in protest against mistreatment by joint forces
• Ten soldiers, policemen martyred along with two civilians, thirteen others wounded in separate attacks (Agencies quoted)
• Twenty-five police stations being rehabilitated in Wasit
• Political prisoners, alienated political forces hold conference to discuss setting up new political opposition bloc.

Al-Bayan [Islamic Al-Da'wah Party Newspaper]:

• Operation Lightning enters second week with success
• Oil production from southern fields increases to 2 million barrels per day
• Scholarships made available to Al-Mustansiriyah University students
• Construction and housing minister: We support all efforts to combat corruption
• India offers to train Iraqi oil staff Ministry of Transport studies possibility of opening foreign air routes (Agencies quoted)
• Final arrangements for international conference on Iraq discussed at US-European meeting (Agencies quoted)
• US forces reinforce presence in Mosul , launch new operation near Syrian border (Agencies quoted).

Al-Mu'tamar [Iraqi National Congress Newspaper]:

• 12000 Iraqis killed since 09 April, 2003
• Interior minister: Citizens in residential areas showing more cooperation with us
• Al-Sadr: Federalism inapplicable under occupation and it would be a mistake to blame terrorism on Sunnis
• Iranian file of anti-Saddam cases delivered to Criminal Court Kurdistan parliament names Al-Mufti as Speaker (KUNA quoted)
• Operation 'Lions of the Wilderness' launched by Iraqi army in Maysan
• Rumsfeld lashes out at Al-Jazeera, accuses it of sponsoring terrorism
• Twenty-two suspects arrested in Hayfah Street as Iraqi army continues operations in Baghdad
• Brain drain, flight of capital taking heavy toll on Iraqi economy.

Al-Shahid [ Baghdad , general twice-weekly newspaper]:

• Investigation judge says Saddam facing twelve charges that can send him to the gallows
• Seven former ministers being questioned in connection with corruption cases
• Khalq terrorist organization out of place in Iraq , dagger planted in Iraq 's side
• Allawi planning new political alliance, denies meeting with Iraqi Ba'thists in Syrian Hums city
• International arbitration to be sought to normalize situation in Kirkuk should Al-Ja'fari's government fail to reach a settlement
• Saddam's trial might drag on for five years
• Kurds open their parliament with a ban on raising present Iraqi flag
• Bush, Rumsfeld getting daily reports on progress of Saddam interrogation, with Saddam manoeuvring, letting out no secrets, talking only of himself, the fall of Baghdad and the prospect of returning to power.

 

IRAQI PRESS QOUTES & EDITORIALS, 5 June 05

 

“The armed resistance in Iraq become a political deadlock”- Al-Sharq al-Awsat

Al-Sharq al-Awsat [From commentary by Jabir Habib Jabir]: "Given that the use of force is not an end in itself, but rather a means to a political end, it is worth noting that the armed resistance option in Iraq has become a political deadlock at more than one level, even for those directly involved in it, to say nothing of the larger community forming the social environment where it is most active."

“Relationship between media and government”- Al-Dustur

Al-Dustur [From editorial]: "Defining the reciprocal relationship between the media and the executive branch of government, the last clause of the programme presented by the new government states the latter's intention to adopt a patriotic brand of media. I wish I were mistaken in construing this 'adoption' as symptomatic of some authoritarian intention to harness the media to promote a particular ideology- in other words, to set up an official government-controlled forum. Clearly, this is neither warranted by the Interim Administrative Law nor was originally mentioned in any of the political programmes on the basis of which the winning parties were elected to parliament. More importantly, it betrays a trend that runs counter to one of the most vital requirements of the transformation we are seeking to accomplish in Iraq : free and democratic media."

 

Iraqi press comments 5 June

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 8 a 2,000-word part one of an article by Jasim al-Mutayr discussing the progress achieved in the ongoing political process and the drafting of the constitution. The writer calls for "the separation of constitutional principles from legal bases."

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 8 a 1,200-word part one of an article by Zuhayr Kazim Abud explaining the difficulties that the Constitutional Committee will face while drafting the permanent constitution.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 9 a 2,400-word exclusive report on the seminar organized by the Iraqi-Swedish Institute for Support of Democracy and Development, in Sweden on 14 May. The seminar focused on analysing the results of the 30 January elections in Iraq .

Al-Bayan publishes on page 3 a 400-word column by Salim Rasul urging the government to resolve the problems facing people in southern governorates. The writer says that lack of drinking water, electricity outage, poor health services, and lack of seeds and other agricultural requirements are the most critical problems in southern Iraq .

Al-Bayan publishes on the back page a 300-word unattributed article commenting on the delay of the Kurdistan Parliament's opening session that was held on 4 June. The writer wonders when the marathon negotiations that have characterized the transitional period would come to an end in Iraq .

Al-Adalah carries on page 4 a 1,000-word article by Zuhayr Kazim Abbud discussing the principles that the new Iraqi constitution should adopt.

Al-Adalah runs on page 4 a 500-word article by Hamzah al-Shamkhi commenting on the Operation Lightning that is being carried out by the Iraqi security forces. The writer calls on the Iraqi Government to apply this operation throughout Iraq in order to "eliminate terrorism."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid runs on page 1 a 400-word editorial by Chief Editor Isma'il Zayir commenting on the European "project of unification," saying that although it has been "thwarted" it will "be more popular that" the American project, because of "social harmony" in Europe.

Al-Furat publishes on page 1 a 600-word article by Majid Fadil al-Zubun criticizing the Iraqi security forces for "violating human rights" during Operation Lightning. The writer says that the forces subjected "innocent" people to searches without any "legal authority," and caused "terror" among children and women.

Al-Zaman carries on page 8 a 400-word article by Mahmud al-Karkhi in which he says that there are several countries where people are conducting referendums on the constitution while some others are holding elections.

Al-Zaman carries on page 13 a 300-word article by Murtada Hadi al-Shuhtur calling on the United States to hand over the security related files to Iraq . The writer says that Iraq needs people experienced in security related issues to combat terrorism.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 6 a 700-word article by Ghalib Hasan al-Shabandar calling on the Interior Ministry to educate policemen about the "human body" in order that they appreciate its value and stop hurting people.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 6 a 500-word article by Muhammad Hasan al-Musawi praising Operation Lightning and calling on Iraqis to cooperate with security systems in order to put an end to terrorism.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 6 a 1,220-word article by Sabah al-Jaza'iri calling on the Iraqi government to write articles in the constitution that protect the Iraqi environment from pollution, because pollution is as dangerous as terrorism.

Al-Manarah runs on page 5 a 2,500-word article by Ahmad al-Sa'd and Nabil Mayjar in which they say that terrorism and "Zionism" are the same when considering the crimes committed in Iraq and in Palestine .

Al-Dustur publishes on page 7 a 1,500-word article commenting on the publishing of Saddam's photos which were taken inside his prison, and wondering which human rights principle the act reflects.

 

IRAQI BROADCAST MEDIA, 5 June 05

Iraqi TV programme discusses how people envisage the constitution

Al-Iraqiyah TV's Al-Minbar al-Iraqi (The Iraqi Podium) discussed on 5 June people's views and expectations of the constitution, which is being drafted. The guest on the programme is Fadil al-Shuwayly, the head of the association of journalists and intellectuals. The presenter Karim Hammadi said Iraq had been without a constitution for long periods of its modern history. Al-Shuwayly said Iraq had lived behind an iron wall for a long time; but now this wall has been removed and the process of writing the constitution has kicked off. Iraqis had suffered persecution and oppression by previous regimes in the absence of a constitution. Guarantees enshrined in the constitution would prevent a repeat of such a painful experience, he argued. What could prevent the political establishment from violating the constitution, asked Hammadi. Al-Shuwayly said equality of all Iraqis should be enshrined as a principle of the constitution. A viewer called in to say restoring security and providing basic services should take precedence over the writing of the constitution. He said: "We want water before the constitution." Al-Shuwayly said all Iraqis, whether Sunni or Shi'i, Kurds or Arabs, should work together to build the country. Providing people with basic services, such as clean water, before giving them a constitution was a basic human right, Al-Shuwayly opined. Terrorists wanted to see Iraq divided and weak, he said. Al-Shuwayly said the constitution should provide safeguards for basic rights of ordinary Iraqis. A viewer telephoned the programme to say Islam should be the main source of legislation and the constitution should not violate the shari'ah law. Those who were massacring Iraqis should be excluded from the process of writing the constitution. Al-Shuwayly said all legislation was drawn from Islam; this has always been the case even under the former regime. Hammadi pointed to an agreement among Iraqi political forces that Islam was the basic source of legislation. A viewer telephoned the programme to say Islam offered solutions to all problems. The viewer, a policeman from Fallujah, said he has not received his salary for the last four months. He hoped the government would show its mettle and tackle urgent problems. Al-Shuwayly said the so-called resistance that killed innocent Iraqis was a far cry from a patriotic resistance movement, such as that represented by shi'i leader Muqtada al-Sadr. He said all Iraqis should take part in the political process, including "honourable Ba'thists." Those, whose hands were stained with blood of Iraqis, should be excluded from the political process, he said. Hammadi asked the guest to explain the role of ordinary people in the writing of the constitution. Al-Shuwayly said the media had a key role to play: informing the public about all aspects of writing the constitution. A viewer telephoned the programme to say he wondered why Sunni Muslims were suspicious of the ongoing political process and mainly of shi'i Muslims but not Christians and other ethnic groups. Sunni Muslims' fears of marginalization were unjustified as the constitution would guarantee equal rights of all Iraqis. He called on Sunni Muslims to have an open mind and trust in the political process. The viewer said the multinational force should be allowed to stay in the country for a year or two years until Iraqis were capable of taking over all responsibilities. Al-Shuwayly said Iraqis should think as Iraqis rather than Sunnis or Shiite. All sects have co-existed peacefully for a long time, he opined. A viewer telephoned to air grievances of many people in the province of Dhi Qar saying he and others were turned down when they applied to join the army and the police and complained about rampant nepotism. Hammadi said recruitment in the army and the police did not require recommendation letters from political parties or figures. Al-Shuwayly said opening recruitment centres was a way of fighting corruption and nepotism. Another viewer telephoned in to say Islam should be the source of legislation but rights of minorities should be protected. (Al-Iraqiyah TV 5 Jun 05)

Iraqi TV airs more "confessions" by terror suspects

Iraqi TV Al-Iraqiyah shortly after 1700 gmt on 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31 May carried episodes of its programme "Terrorism in the Hands of Justice" featuring what it said were confessions by "terrorists" captured by the police forces in Al-Wasit governorate southeast of Baghdad. (Al-Iraqiyah Television 25-31 May 05)

Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Sharqiyah TV news 5 June 05

• Chief of Al-Aqrab "scorpion" rapid deployment force survived today assassination attempt by explosive device targeting his convoy in Al-Latifiyah, south of Baghdad . Two elements wounded, three attackers killed, six others wounded. Map of Iraq
• Explosive device went off yesterday evening targeting convoy of security elements on their way back to Al-Hillah. Ten people wounded
• Two Iraqi soldiers killed in a gun battle between Iraqi army elements and the Kurdish militia "Peshmerga" at a checkpoint on the main road between Arbil and Naynawa, north of Iraq . Two soldiers killed, a Peshmerga element wounded. Map of Iraq
• Iraqi government spokesman Layth Kubbah says coming weeks will witness decrease of multinational troops' presence in Iraq ; expresses regret for arresting members of the Iraqi national dialogue council. Video shows Kubbah speaking at news conference
• Three killed, seven wounded in US-Iraqi joint crackdown in Al-Iskandariyah town, south of Baghdad . Ninety-one persons arrested, including a Jordanian, three weapons cashes found. No video
• Iraqi soldier killed, three wounded today in booby-trapped motor bike blast targeting Iraqi army patrol north of Baghdad . Iraqi police source says three Iraqis, including a child, killed in gun battles with gunmen on public road between Al-Dawr and Mosul . No video
• Australia and USA express content at Iraqi steps on the path of political process. Video shows Australian defence minister speaking
• Lubayd Abbawi, Iraqi foreign minister undersecretary, expresses astonishment at some Arab countries' abstention from appointing ambassadors in Baghdad . No video
• Iraqi police arrested today 4 people suspected of carrying out military operations in south-western Baghdad . Map of Iraq
• A number of US soldiers killed and wounded in gunmen attack on US military base in Al-Khalidiyah, western Iraq . No video
• Iraqi army spokesman says six aides to the wanted Jordanian Abu-Mus'ab Al-Zarqawi arrested in crackdowns last Friday, 3 June, west of Mosul , north Iraq . Still of Al-Zarqawi
• US troops imposed yesterday siege around Aanah, west of Baghdad , arrest more than 50 people. Map of Iraq
• Politicians calling themselves "strugglers of the interior" held conference in Baghdad to complain from marginalizing them in the context of the political process. Report over video showing conference in progress
• Iraqi police arrest 226 people in crackdowns in the context of Operation Lightening in Baghdad and its vicinities. No video
• Iraqi Interior Ministry says Egyptian contractor killed this morning by armed group in Al-Amiriyah in western Baghdad . Map of Iraq
• US-Iraqi forces find underground fortifications, weapon cashes in Al-Qarmah in western Iraq . No video ...

Programme summary of Iraqi Al-Iraqiyah TV TV news 5 June 05

• Security operation in Baghdad successful with arrest of many terror suspects. Video report covers arrest of dozens of terror suspects, many of them Arab nationals, security officer praising help of locals in Latifiyah
• Insurgent lair found by multinational force backed by Iraqi troops; weapons cache found
• Prime Minister Dr Ibrahim al-Ja'fari meets Polish and British envoys in Iraq , head of Armenian Orthodox Christian community. Video report covers Al-Ja'fari meetings
• Cabinet spokesman says improving situation is cabinet priority. Video report covers presser by Laith Qubbah, comments on hand over by multinational force to Iraqi army and police
• Constitution committee holds more discussion on participation of all groups in writing of constitution. Video report
• Australian mufti has met Iraq hostage, his spokesman. Video report ... Tribal chiefs and police commander in Tela'far hold security conference. Video report covers conference, security in city focus of discussion, comments by tribal chief pleading for help against "terrorists"
• Media focus of conference held in Baghdad . Video report covers conference
• Conference marks international day of environment. Video report
• Minister of Higher Education unveils 100-day plan. Video report covers plan to modernize education
• Children art festival held in Najaf. Video report
• Business bulletin: Subsidies for basic services to be maintained - Qubba; Businesswomen discuss corruption; Farming conference held in Basra; Over $140m allocated by multinational force for reconstruction in Maysan

 ***

NB: This is not an official document. The information contained therein was compiled by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq , Information Office. If you have any questions/suggestions, please contact us at (+ 962 550 -4631/4632 or Cell. + 962 77 619 731 [email protected] or [email protected]