Iraqi Press Highlights 26 Nov 05
Iraqi newspapers dated 26 November highlight the following issues:
I. Upcoming Iraqi elections
Al-Bayan carries on the front page a 300-word report citing religious authority Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi announcing support for Unified Iraqi Coalition.
Al-Furat carries on page 2 a 500-word column by Muhammad al- Shahmani praising Dr Sami Abd-al-Mahdi al-Muzaffar, minister of higher education and scientific research, for his excellent performance and wondering why he is not contesting the upcoming elections.
Al-Furat publishes on page 6 a 550-word report citing citizens expressing their views on the upcoming elections and demanding rival Iraqi political forces to end their conflicts and disputes.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 240-word report citing Al- Sadr’s aide Salah al-Ubaydi rejecting the proportional power sharing system for the next government and confirming a pact of honour by Muqtada al-Sadr.
Al-Zaman carries on page 2 a 300-word report citing Immigration and Displaced Persons Minister Suhaylah Abid Ja’far announcing the formation of a committee to ensure the participation of Iraqis living abroad in the elections.
Al-Zaman runs on page 3 a 250-word report on Independent Electoral Commission’s meeting with Iraqi political forces in London to discuss the upcoming elections.
Al-Zaman carries on page 3 a 300-word report on the political agenda of Islamic Coalition list for the upcoming elections.
Al-Adalah carries on page 1 a 200-word report on a statement by Ayatollah Muhammad al-Ya’qubi calling on Iraqis to participate actively in the upcoming elections.
Al-Adalah runs on page 2 a 4,000-word text of the speech delivered by Adil Abd-al-Mahdi in Al-Nasiriyah Governorate on the political situation and Unified Iraqi Coalition’s preparations for the upcoming elections.
Al-Adalah publishes on page 3 a 1,500-word report on a meeting between Abd-al-Aziz al-Hakim and families of Islamic movement’s martyrs to discuss the role of Islamic groups in the political process and preparations for the upcoming elections.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid carries on page 8 a 600-word report on a statement issued by Democratic Fayli Kurdish Union calling on Fayli Kurds to participate in the upcoming elections.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid runs on page 8 a 700-word interview with National Assembly member Fayha Zayn-al-Abidin, Turkoman Women’s Union chairman and member of Iraqi Congress electoral list, on the role of women in the upcoming elections.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 2 a 300-word report that Iraqi Islamic Party in Al-Muqdadiyah conducted a symposium to clarify the political agenda of Iraq Al-Tawafuq Front.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 3 a 450-word report citing citizens from Al-Anbar saying that they will participate in the elections despite military operations in the governorate.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 3 a 700-word report citing in-charge of Iraqi Islamic Party in Al-Karkh commenting on the party’s electoral campaign in Central Euphrates governorates and Al-Muthanna.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 3 a 400-word unattributed article criticizing the elected government and calling on Iraqis to vote for Iraqi Al-Tawafuq Front.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 9 a 320-word article by Baha-al-Din Burhan al-Naqshabandi praising Iraqi Al-Tawafuq Front.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on the front page a 250-word report citing candidates from Iraqi National Congress saying that party leader Al- Chalabi will improve pensions and exert efforts to pay salaries to former Iraqi Army members.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 400-word report citing in-charge of Iraqi National Congress Bureau in Wasit Governorate saying that shaykhs of Wasit will vote for Ahmad al-Chalabi’s electoral list.
Al-Bayyinah carries on the front page a 100-word exclusive report citing sources close to Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani saying that Al- Sistani has called on Iraqis to vote for electoral lists that stick to religious constants.
Al-Bayyinah carries on the front page a 250-word editorial by chief editor criticizing Iyad Allawi for his electoral campaign that calls for forgiveness of Ba’thists.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 400-word article by Hasan Karim strongly criticizing some electoral lists which are trying to deceive Iraqis through their political agenda and by attacking the current government.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 3 a 400-word article by Abu Bihar strongly criticizing Iyad Allawi and his electoral list for deceiving Iraqis with their deceptive political agenda. The writer calls on Iraqis to vote for the electoral list that will really serve Iraqis.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 16 a 200-word article by Isa al- Sayyid Ja’far calling on Iraqis to vote for Unified Iraqi Coalition.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 16 a 750-word report on Unified Iraqi Coalition’s political agenda for the upcoming elections.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 120-word report citing two Shi’i authorities in Iraq calling on Iraqis to participate in the upcoming elections. The report quotes Ali Bashir Al-Najafi, son of Ayatollah Bashir al-Najafi saying “My father calls on Iraqis to actively participate and he still supports Unified Iraqi Alliance”.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page an 80-word report that National Commission for de-Ba’thification has requested Higher Electoral Commission to prevent 47 candidates from contesting the upcoming elections.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 160-word report citing a source at Iraq Free of Violence Network, a civic organization, revealing that over 900 members will monitor the upcoming elections.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 500-word report that Kurdistani alliance announced its electoral programme for the upcoming elections.
II. Political developments and comments
Al-Furat carries on the front page a 300-word report citing Sudanese diplomatic sources in Cairo announcing that Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il, former foreign minister and Sudanese president’s adviser, was nominated as Arab League secretary general’s envoy to Iraq.
Al-Furat publishes on the front page a 400-word report entitled “Japan Writes off Iraq’s Debts, Kuwait Demands Interest on Its Debts”.
Al-Furat runs on the front page a 130-word report citing Iyad Allawi revealing important contacts with several Iraqi parties to enhance national unity.
Al-Furat publishes on page 3 a 1,150-word report citing citizens assessing the performance of Al-Ja’fari’s government.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 500-word report citing an official source at Arab League confirming that Amr Musa has urged Arab countries to write off Iraq’s debts.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 200-word report on the demonstration staged by Mosul’s female students on 24 November to protest against Education Ministry’s recent decision to separate sexes at teachers’ institutes.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 300-word report citing Abd-al- Rida Shaya al-Hifazi, chairman of Iraqi Pensioners’ Humanitarian Association, criticizing National Assembly for attempting to postpone the endorsement of the new Pension Law.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 1,000-word interview with Interior Minister Baqir Sulagh al-Zubaydi on the recent security developments in Iraq. (FBIS plans to process this item)
Al-Zaman carries on page 4 a 340-word report citing Foreign Minister Zebari praising Japan for fulfilling its obligations towards Iraq.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 120-word report on the statement issued by Turkoman Islamic Union confirming that the National Assembly will endorse the appointment of Dr Anisah Awji as deputy prime minister during its next session.
Al-Zaman runs on page 5 a 1,200-word report on the political agenda of the new Jordanian government.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page a 200-word report citing Iyad al-Samarra’i, Iraqi Islamic Party’s secretary general’s assistant, calling for quick measures to implement Cairo Conference’s concluding statement.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page a 75-word report citing Kofi Annan calling on Iraqis to cooperate under the umbrella of Arab League.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page a 300-word editorial calling on Iraqi political leaders to reconcile and agree with each other in order to end their difference and achieve national unity.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page and on page 9 a 550-word article on the weekly political analysis of Iraqi events by Ali al-Khalidi.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 120-word report citing higher education and scientific research minister saying that his ministry will close the files of employees who were dismissed for political reasons because it has reinstated most of them.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 400-word report citing Hasan al- Sari, secretary general of Hezbollah Movement in Iraq, commenting on the Preparatory Meeting for Iraqi National Accord Conference in Cairo.
Al-Bayyinah devotes most of page 3 to a report on Layth Kubbah’s weekly press summary. The report cites Layth Kubbah and Mithal al- Alusi criticizing Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah newspaper for distorting facts.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 5 a 1,200-word interview with Syrian Media Minister Dr Mahdi Dakhlallah.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 500-word report citing Iraqi government calling on Syria to arrest gunmen who infiltrated into Syria following the latest military operation by US forces in Iraq’s borders.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 140-word report citing the head of Normalization Commission in Kirkuk announcing that the commission is facing financial difficulties.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 200-word report that Jordan has decided to exempt Iraq from paying for the six planes parked in Queen Alia airport since 1991.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 3 a 550-word report citing Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi saying that Iraq is still in a state of war and it is unlikely that a timetable for the withdrawal of multinational forces will be issued.
Al-Mada publishes in the front page a 150-word report citing Jalal Talabani saying that his visit to Iran was successful.
Al-Mada publishes in the front page a 200-word report citing the minister of finance announcing that oil exports will constitute 90 per cent of Iraq’s budget for 2006.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 400-word report on the meeting between Hoshyar Zebari and his Japanese counterpart.
III. Security and military developments
Al-Furat carries on the front page a 140-word report on the statement issued by Polish Defence Ministry confirming the death of an Iraqi girl in a blast in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate. The statement added that three Polish soldiers were injured in the blast.
Al-Furat publishes on the front page a 400-word report on the latest security developments in Iraq. The report cites an Iraqi military source accusing insurgents of trapping children’s toys.
Al-Furat publishes on page 7 a 1,100-word report citing citizens condemning terrorist attacks on restaurants and shops.
Al-Zaman carries on the front page a 1,000-word report citing high ranking security sources predicting that senior police officers will be arrested for collaboration with terrorist groups. Interior Minister Baqir Sulagh al-Zubaydi said that cars are being booby- trapped in Al-Dur and Al-Alam districts in Salah al-Din Governorate.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 240-word report citing a medical source in Samarra confirming that US forces killed a child and injured three of his family members on 24 November.
Al-Zaman runs on the front page a 220-word report on the statement issued by multinational forces yesterday, 25 November, announcing the completion of Operation Lion in Al-Ramadi.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 300-word report on the tense security situation in Wasit Governorate. The report cites an Iraqi Army officer, who requested anonymity, confirming the discovery of two booby-trapped cars in Al-Suwayrah district yesterday, 25 November. An Al-Sadr aide confirmed the arrest of four Al-Mahdi Army fighters in Al-Kut.
Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 300-word report on the latest security developments in Diyala and Kirkuk. Al-Hawijah Police Chief, General Ahmad al-Ubaydi confirmed the death of four Iraqi soldiers on 24 November. Deputy Diyala Governor Hafiz Abd-al-Aziz confirmed that Advisory Council member Dr Husayn al-Zubaydi escaped an assassination attempt near Ba’qubah on 24 November.
Al-Zaman carries on page 2 a 200-word report citing Wasit Police Chief General Husayn Abd-al-Hadi outlining security plans for the elections.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 100-word report on the statement issued by Iraqi Islamic Party condemning US forces for killing Shaykh Abdallah Muhammad al-Ani in Husaybah district on 22 November.
Al-Zaman carries on page 4 a 500-word report on the latest security developments in Iraq. The report cites a security source in Al-Nasiriyah confirming that a multinational forces’ base was attacked.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 100-word report on the kidnapping of Dr Ibrahim al-Basri, chairman of Iraq-German Friendship Association. The report cites an official source at Al-Basri’s office confirming that the kidnappers demanded ransom.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 170-word report citing eyewitnesses confirming the death of an Iraqi citizen during clashes between US forces and insurgents in Mosul yesterday, 25 November.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page a 150-word report citing sources at the police saying that National Guards forces killed a tribal shaykh and four of his sons in Al-Hurriyah in Baghdad.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on the front page a 100-word report citing a British organization saying that the war in Iraq might continue for decades.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 2 a 270-word report on a statement by Arab National Public Party denouncing arrests and military operations by US and Iraqi forces.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 2 a 120-word report on the demonstrations against human rights violations in Al- Jadiriyah Prison.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 2 a 75-word report that 11 bodies were found at a water treatment factory in Al- Rustumiyah.
Dar al-Salam on 24 November carries on page 2 a 100-word report citing eyewitnesses saying that commando forces arrested many Sunnis in Al-Amiriyah.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 50-word report that Dr Ahmad al- Chalabi attended a military show organized by Interior Ministry’s Order Protection Forces.
Al-Bayyinah carries on the front page a 100-word report that intelligence and police forces arrested two terrorists who sought protection at Iraqi Islamic Party headquarters in Basra.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 a 60-word report that the interior minister met El Salvadoria’s acting defence minister to enhance security cooperation.
Al-Bayyinah devotes all of page 8 to an interview with Interior Minister Baqir Jabur al-Zubaydi.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 250-word report citing the interior minister revealing a large military operation to uproot Iraqi gunmen.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 3 an 80-word report citing the Iraqi government announcing that unidentified parties are distributing booby-trapped toys to Iraqi children.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 3 a 750-word report that over 40 Iraqis were killed when two booby-trapped cars exploded, one in front of a hospital and another near a market in Baghdad.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 200-word report on the assassination of the deputy dean of the College of Education at Al- Mustansiriyah University.
Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 600-word report on the fierce clashes in Mosul and new information about the gunmen who blew up a house when attacked by joint Iraqi and US forces last week.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 160-word report that a booby- trapped car exploded in Al-Hilla.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 600-word report citing the governor of Ninawah accusing the former chief of police of releasing 95 suspects involved in violence in Ninawah.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 230-word report on the opening of a military hospital in Kiwan military base in Kirkuk.
IV. Health and human rights issues
Al-Bayan publishes on page 4 a 1,000-word report citing officials at Respiratory and Psychological Diseases Institute confirming that Iraq is free from avian flu.
Al-Furat carries on page 2 a 430-word report entitled “Occupation Forces’ First Mass Grave in Baghdad”.
Al-Furat carries on page 2 a 150-word report citing Health Minister Dr Abd-al-Muttalib Ali Muhammad Salih confirming that the salary of doctors and other medical staff will be increased next year.
Al-Furat publishes on page 6 a 1,500-word interview with Dr Isam Maki, director of Radiograph Institute at Medical City Hospital in Baghdad, on the institute’s services, activities, and rehabilitation.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 750-word report citing Health Minister Abd-al-Muttalib Ail Muhammad Salih saying that his ministry has prepared a plan to combat bird flu, during a scientific symposium on bird flu at the ministry. The report adds that Babil Health department has taken preventive measures against bird flu.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 300-word report that the Australian defence minister presented a mobile medical clinic to Al- Muthanna’s inhabitants.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 120-word report citing a media source at Environment Ministry saying that Baghdad Environment Directorate conducted tests on water samples from several schools in Baghdad.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 100-word report citing spokesman for Health Ministry saying that the ministry has decided to send 80 children suffering from physical deformities to Jordan, for treatment.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 100-word report citing the minister of deportees and immigrants saying that the ministry wishes to increase the amount of land allocated for housing units for deportees and immigrants.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 100-word report citing Ministry of Health confirming that Germany has agreed to furnish the biggest cancer hospital for children in Basra and provide it with state-of- the-art medical equipment.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 600-word report on the suffering of unemployed people and the endless promises by the government to find jobs for them.
Al-Mada publishes in the front page a 300-word report that armed clashes erupted in Al-Durah between peace-keeping forces and unidentified gunmen, when the latter attacked a police checkpoint.
Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 300-word report citing the head of Hope Women’s Organization saying that Iraqi women, like other women in the world, want an international convention to prevent violence against women.
Al-Dustur publishes on the front page a 500-word report on the vaccination campaigns by unidentified parties, against bird flu.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 340-word report that Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs distributed 30 mobile chairs to handicapped people.
V. Economic news and public services
Al-Bayan publishes on page 2 a 120-word report citing Dr Sami Abd- al-Mahdi al-Muzaffar, minister of higher education and scientific research, announcing that the ministry is studying the fragmentation of Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul universities, to facilitate administration.
Al-Bayan runs on page 2 a 100-word report citing an official source at Finance Ministry announcing that Al-Rafidayn Bank demanded the formation of a committee to finalize the issue of frozen Iraqi assets in Lebanese and Jordanian banks.
Al-Bayan publishes on page 2 a 100-word report citing an official source at Baghdad Mayoralty announcing that the cabinet has authorized the mayoralty and other state institutions to detain violators of public property.
Al-Bayan carries on page 2 a 150-word report citing an official source at Water Resources Ministry announcing that the ministry is taking measures to stop erosion at Shat al-Arab river-bank.
Al-Bayan runs on page 2 a 350-word report citing Industry Minister Usamah Abd-al-Aziz al-Najafi announcing the approval for the construction of 20 private cement factories at an estimated cost of 400bn Iraqi dinars.
Al-Bayan publishes on page 2 a 400-word report citing Labour and Social Affairs Minister Dr Idris Hadi Salih announcing that 20 per cent of Iraqi families are under the poverty line, according to a survey.
Al-Bayan runs on page 2 a 200-word report citing Deputy Electricity Minister Ra’d al-Haris blaming recent acts of sabotage on oil pipelines feeding Mosul, Al-Taji and Al-Durah Power Plants and power lines, for the escalation in the electricity crisis in Baghdad.
Al-Bayan publishes on page 2 a 170-word report citing Baghdad Advisory Council announcing official endorsement of Al-Sadr City’s name.
Al-Bayan devotes all of page 10 to a list containing the names of employees reinstated by Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry.
Al-Furat carries on page 2 a 120-word report citing an official source at Housing and Construction Ministry announcing the construction of a number of roads in Baghdad and other governorates.
Al-Furat publishes on page 2 a 150-word report citing an official source at Oil Ministry announcing that the ministry is planning to increase benzene production to 14m litres this month.
Al-Furat carries on page 3 a 600-word report citing Tourism and Artifacts minister outlining measures to develop tourism in Iraq.
Al-Furat publishes on page 10 a 250-word report citing former Oil Minister Thamir al-Ghadban announcing that the Iraqi oil sector requires 30bn dollars of foreign investment.
Al-Zaman runs on page 3 a 400-word report citing officials in Dhi Qar Governorates outlining their directorate’s activities and achievements.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 600-word report citing Finance Minister Ali Abd-al-Amir Allawi announcing Iraq’s 2006 budget, during a press conference in Baghdad on 24 November.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 100-word report on the statement issued by Trade Ministry yesterday, 25 November, confirming that Turkey has promised to resolve the problems caused by the delay in Turkish companies.
Al-Adalah carries on page 3 a 300-word report stating that the Construction and Housing Ministry inaugurated two projects to build 504 houses in Balab and Al-Dujayl districts in Salah-al-Din Governorate.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid runs on page 4 a 300-word report citing a source at Al-Najaf Government Council commenting on the council’s plans to develop designs for Al-Najaf and Al-Kufah and improve public services.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 200-word report on the efforts of Radiation Prevention Centre to survey the radiation polluted areas in Iraq.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid carries on page 11 a 1,600-word report surveying the comments of a number of Iraqi economists on the deterioration in Iraqi industry.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 100-word report citing a source at Finance Ministry saying that Customs General Department will rehabilitate and construct its buildings.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 100-word report citing Communication Minister Jwan Fu’ad Ma’sum saying that her ministry has completed connecting the local communication network with ArabSat for international communication.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 75-word report an official source at Culture Ministry saying that the ministry has established a media division belonging to Public Cultural Relations Department.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 2 a 100-word report that construction and housing minister inaugurated a project to construct a housing complex of 252 housing units in Balad District.
Al-Bayyinah carries on the front page a 100-word report citing an official source at Immigrants and Displaced Persons Department in Basra saying that the department is initiating an emergency mechanism to distribute land to immigrants and displaced persons in Basra.
Al-Bayyinah carries on the front page a 120-word report citing finance minister saying that his ministry will implement a plan in cooperation with Trade Ministry regarding food rationing.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 150-word report citing well- informed sources at National Assembly saying that the assembly will endorse the Pension Law in a few days.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 a 220-word report citing an official source at Trade Ministry saying that the ministry will start distributing compensations to citizens next month.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 a 75-word report citing a source at Oil Ministry saying that the ministry has decided to hire 702 graduates from oil institutes.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 a 250-word report that education minister met with teachers and students of Al-Sadr City to discuss the education sector.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 a 350-word article by Ghayath Abd- al-Hamid commenting on the suffering of pensioners and calling on the government and National Assembly to improve their living standards.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 4 an 80-word report citing an official source at Finance Ministry saying that the ministry has decided to dismiss employees who have been absent for more than 30 days.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 5 a 600-word report on public opinion about the fuel crisis and high prices of oil derivatives.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 14 a 120-word report citing an authorized source at State Company for Car Trading saying that the company has signed a contract to import Japanese cars.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 an 80-word report citing the minister of education announcing a project to change the educational process in educational institutions. The minister described the project as a “revolution”.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 5 a 130-word report that the Polish government wishes to sign many contracts with Iraq.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 5 an 80-word report that Iraq has increased prices of Basra crude oil.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 5 a 350-word report that Iraqi ports receive many wheat and rice shipments.
Al-Mashriq publishes on page 5 a 700-word report citing economic experts confirming that civic organizations play an important role in the economic process.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 400-word report citing the minister of electricity revealing that the cabinet has endorsed only a third of the financial allocations required to complete projects to increase power supply.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 150-word report that 81bn dinars were allocated to implement public service projects in Dhi Qar.
Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 340-word report on the rehabilitation of Adam Tree Park in Al-Qurna by Ministry of Water Resources.
Al-Mada publishes on page 3 a 2,000-word interview with the minister of finance who revealed the conditions of the agreement with International Monetary Fund.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 340-word report that Ministry of Industry has agreed to build 20 cement factories in Iraq.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 170-word report on the lectures by Baghdad University professors, using modern technology provided by Canada.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 300-word report citing Ministry of Telecommunications announcing a plan to expand telecommunications with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and Qatar.
Al-Dustur publishes on page 5 a 100 word report that Ministry of Agriculture has black-listed three Arab companies for not following the contract conditions.
VI. Press comments
Al-Bayan publishes on page 3 a 300-word column by Zaynab al- Khafaji commenting on the impact of Israeli Prime Minister Sharon’s recent decision to form a new party for the Palestinian cause.
Al-Bayan carries on page 5 a 1,200-word article by Amir Salih al- Fatlawi praising Al-Ja’fari’s firm stance at Cairo Conference and criticizing some Iraqi political forces for objecting to his speech.
Al-Bayan runs on page 5 a 600-word article by Dr Salih Sulayman Abd-al-Azim entitled “Arab Media-Between Authority and Conduct”.
Al-Bayan publishes on page 3 a 500-word column by Salim Rasul strongly criticizing an Iraqi politician who launched his electoral campaign from London.
Al-Bayan carries on page 5 a 1,000-word article by Dr Shakir al- Nabulsi strongly criticizing extremist Muslims and terrorists for trying to create anarchy in the Middle East.
Al-Bayan publishes on the back page a 400-word column by Adil al- Rubayy’i praising Japan for writing off 80 per cent of Iraq’s debts and urging Arab countries to do the same.
Al-Furat publishes on page 3 a 900-word column by Dr Abd-al- Husayn Hasan Kazim strongly criticizing Iraq’s current chaotic situation and lack of law and order.
Al-Furat carries on page 5 a 1,200-word article by Abdallah Ali al-Alyan entitled “Information Summit, Monopoly of Technology, and Marginalization of Cultures”.
Al-Furat runs on page 5 a 500-word article by Dr Naji Sadiq Sharab entitled “Political Sterility”, emphasizing the importance of political reforms.
Al-Furat publishes on the back page a 500-word column by Dawud al- Farhan on the smuggling of Iraqi historical artifacts to Israel.
Al-Zaman runs on page 2 a 900-word report on Central Statistics and Information Technology Centre’s recent report on unemployment in Iraq.
Al-Zaman carries on page 3 a 600-word column by Ali Diya al-Din condemning the sabotage of Al-Mansur’s statue in Baghdad.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 900-word column by Tariq al-Adili strongly criticizing senior officials for exaggerating personal security measures.
Al-Zaman runs on page 5 a 900-word column by Summak Burhan al- Din strongly criticizing US forces for their misconduct on Baghdad’s streets.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 6 a 400-word column by Imad Abud Abbas criticizing the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Al-Zaman carries on page 15 a 1,500-word article by lawyer Sabti al-Hiti entitled “The White Phosphorus Crime in Al-Fallujah and Criminal Responsibility”.
Al-Zaman publishes on page 15 a 1,200-word article by Abd-al- Jabbar al-Samarra’i calling for the reinstatement of former Iraqi Army.
Al-Zaman runs on page 15 a 1,700-word part two of an article by Dr Tha’ir Mahmud Rashid on the impact of World Trade Organization’s agreements on Iraq’s industries.
Al-Zaman publishes on the back page a 300-word column by Fatih Abd-al-Salam urging all Iraqi political forces to implement Cairo Conference’s decisions.
Al-Adalah carries on page 3 a 600-word article by Dr Ali Khulayf calling on all Iraqi political groups to denounce terrorism and participate in promoting the political process.
Al-Adalah runs on page 6 an 800-word article by Kifah al-Husayni discussing the stance of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Unified Iraqi Coalition.
Al-Adalah publishes on page 6 a 3,400-word article by Nizar Haydar analysing the electoral system adopted for the upcoming elections and public orientation towards the electoral lists.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid carries on page 1 a 500-word editorial by Chief Editor Isma’il Zayir commenting on the effort of the Interior Ministry to increase public cooperation in establishing security.
Al-Sabah al-Jadid runs on page 4 a 400-word article by Hasab- Allah Yahya commenting on the “poverty” of the electoral campaigns.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 8 a 600-word article by Muhammad Hamzah al-Mahdawi commenting on the Pension Law in light of the Social Insurance Law.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 15 a 1,200-word article by Yusuf Fadl commenting on the considerable number of problems that the next parliament will face.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 15 a 600-word article by Shawqi al- Isa commenting on terrorism and “resistance” targeting Iraqis and multinational forces in Iraq.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 15 a 600-word article by Dr Latif al- Wakil praising Independent Electoral Commission for allowing Iraqis abroad to take part in the upcoming elections and calling on them to participate.
Al-Mu’tamar carries on page 15 an 850-word article by Lamis Kazim commenting on the positive and negative points of the upcoming elections, especially with regard to the considerable number of electoral lists.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 300-word article by Ahmad al- Rab’i criticizing Jordanian national and Islamic parties for celebrating the terrorist act by a Jordanian in Iraq and staging a demonstration against terrorism in Jordan.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 320-word article by Shaykh Adil Al Dhahab al-Ghazzi criticizing tribal shaykhs for supporting any leader who is in power.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 200-word article by Riyad al- Fahad criticizing Cairo Conference’s conclusive statement for admitting that “resistance” exists in Iraq.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 2 a 700-word article by Wa’il Hasan criticizing Arab satellite channels for attacking the government and Badr Organization.
Al-Bayyinah carries on page 3 a 600-word article by Ahmad al- Ibadi criticizing those who think that events in Iraq are planned by international parties. The writer says that such thinking promotes terrorism.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the back page a 650-word article commenting on the “historical threat” by Mas’ud Barzani who said, “If a civil war erupts in Iraq, Kurdistan will separate from Iraq”.
Al-Mada publishes on page 6 a 700-word article on public health and human rights.
Al-Dustur publishes on the front page a 650-word editorial on the electoral campaigns, adding that some entities break the rules set by Higher Electoral Commission.
VII. Saddam Husayn’s trial
Al-Bayan carries on the front page a 240-word report citing judicial sources confirming that a team from Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court recorded the testimony of Wadah al-Shaykh, the main witness in the Al-Dujayl crime, a week before his death.
Al-Bayan publishes on page 2 a 300-word report on the demonstration organized by Iraqi Vocational Society Group on 22 November, calling for new elections and demanding the execution of Saddam Husayn and his aides.
Al-Zaman runs on the front page a 300-word report on the commencement of Saddam’s trial on 28 November.
Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 500-word report that the main witness in the Al-Dujayl case died yesterday at a hospital, where he was being treated for cancer.
Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 300-word report citing a US source close to Iraqi Supreme Criminal Court saying that Saddam’s trial will resume tomorrow, 27 November.
Sources: As listed