GBR/UNITED KINGDOM/EUROPE


Table of Contents for United Kingdom

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1) Northeast Indian Press 27-29 May 2010
Corrected version: formatting text: The following is a selection of
highlights from the Notheast Indian press on 27-29 May 2010, to include
reports, articles, editorials, and commentaries pertaining to a)
proliferation/uranium smuggling, b)
dissent/terrorism/insurgency/instability, c) migration/population
shifts/cross-border issues, and d) narcotics/drug trafficking
2) Northeast Indian Press 23-26 May 2010
Corrected version: formatting text: The following is a selection of
highlights from the Notheast Indian press on 23-26 May 2010, to include
reports, articles, editorials, and commentaries pertaining to a)
proliferation/uranium smuggling, b)
dissent/terrorism/insurgency/instability, c) migration/population
shifts/cross-border issues, and d) narcotics/drug trafficking
3) Iraqi Press 16 June 10The following lists selected items from the Iraqi
press on 16 June. To request additional processing, please call OSC at
(800) 205-8615, (202) 338-6735; or fax (703) 613-5735.
4) NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (2
of 6)
Updated version: adding extra headline in text; Yonhap headline: "NORTH
KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)"
5) NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (2
of 6)
Yonhap headline: "NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)"
6) Southern Cone Crime and Narcotics Issues 15-16 Jun 10
For assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov.
7) Argentina Political and Economic Issues 16 Jun 10
For assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov.
8) Interpol Cannot Grant RF Re quest For Berezovsky Extradition-Noble
9) News Roundup 15, 16 Jun
For assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov
10) Urdu Press Condemns Allegations of London School of Economics' Report
The following is a roundup of excerpts from editorials and articles on the
allegations leveled in a report published by the London School of
Economics that Pakistan's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence is in
contact with the Afghan Taliban,; its officials attended Taliban's
meeting, and that President Zardari also held meetings with the Taliban,
published in the 15 June editions of five Urdu dailies
11) Pakistan Article Says Massive Rehabilitation Programs Vital To Uproot
Terrorism
Article by Ashraf Jehangir Qazi: When shock-and-awe isn't terror
12) Article Discusses Outcome of Recently Held Pakistan-European Summit in
Brussels
Article by Sadaf Arshad: Green lobsters, democracy and EU-Pak relations
13) UK Arabic Press 16 Jun 10
14) Daily Says LSE Report To Shift Blame for Impending Afghan Fiasco on
Pakistan
Editorial: Finding a Scapegoat
15) Syrian Press 15 Jun 10
The following lists selected items from the Syrian press on 15 June. To
request additional processing, please call OSC at (800) 205-8615, (202)
338-6735; or fax (703) 613-5735.
16) Afghan President Karzai To Face 'Tough Questions' During Japan Trip
17) TV Program Discusses Harvard Researcher Report on Taliban-ISI Links
From the "Capital Talk" program. For a video of this program, contact
GSG_GVP_VideoOps@rccb.osis.gov or, if you do not have e-mail, the OSC
Customer Center at (800) 205-8615. Selected video is also available on
OpenSource.gov. Words within double slantlines are in English.
18) Pap er discusses US, UK policies on Afghanistan
19) Paper urges more transparent British policy on Afghanistan
20) US, UK support to strengthen Afghan president's position - article
21) South Africa 2010 Daily Digest 16 Jun
The following was produced by an associate of the Open Source Center and
may not adhere to OSC editorial standards or sourcing conventions
22) NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (6
of 6)
Yonhap headline: "NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)"
23) Greek Naval Labor Union's Blockade on Foreign Boats Turns Into
Diplomatic Issue
Report by Y. Skordhilis: "On the Verge of a Diplomatic Incident on the
Blockade of Boats in Korinthos"
24) Turkey's Davutoglu Discusses Iran, Israel With US, UK, German, French
Envoys
"FM DAVUTOGLU MEETS AMBASSADORS OF U.S., BRITA IN, GERMANY & FRANCE"
-- AA headline
25) German Commentary Says Obama Unwilling to Tackle US Oil Addiction
Commentary by Gregor Peter Schmitz in Washington: "Obama's Half-Hearted
Battle: President of Change Unwilling to Tackle US Oil Addiction"
26) Experts Do Not Rate Bishkek's Chances of Securing Extradition of
Maksim Bakiev
Report by Kabay Karabekov (in Bishkek) and Aleksandr Reutov: "Maksim
Bakiev Has Given Himself Up for Asylum. Son of the Former Kyrgyzstani
Leader Arrested in London"
27) King Urges Int'l Action To End Palestinian Suffering
"King Urges Int'l Action To End Palestinian Suffering" -- Jordan Times
Headline
28) Released UK Charity Worker Reaches N'Djamena
29) Chad confirms release of UK aid worker kidnapped on 6 June
30) Roundtable Views President Obama's Visit to Zone Affected by Oil Spill
Figures indicate program running time. For a video of this program,
contact GSG_GVP_VideoOps@rccb.osis.gov or, if you do not have e-mail, the
OSC Customer Center at (800) 205-8615. Selected video is also available on
OpenSource.gov.
31) World Cup 'Publicity Stunt' Sparks Diplomatic Row Between RSA,
Netherlands
32) Finnish Embassy In Moscow Opening Visa Centre
33) Somalia Daily Media Highlights 16 Jun 10
34) Iranian Minister Accuses UK of Terrorist Involvement in Iran
35) Israel can learn from UK's Bloody Sunday report - Spanish article
36) Human Resource Ministry Refutes Allegations of Misuse of UK Grants
Unattributed report: No Misuse of SSA Funds: HRD Ministry
37) Iraqi Kurdish Arabic Press 16 Jun 10
The following lists selected items from two Baghdad-based Kurdish
newspapers on 16 Jun. To request additional processing, please call OSC at
(800) 205-8615, (202) 338-6735, or fax (703) 613-5735.
38) Gulf Of Mexico Oil Leak Rate May Reach 9,500 T Per Day-experts
39) Spain repeats wish for Gibraltar to feature on UN decolonization list
40) Iran's People's Mujahedeen Says Bomb Plot Claim Shows Government's
'Desperation'
"Ex-Rebels Say Bomb Plot Claim Shows Iran's Desperation" -- AFP headline
41) Iran Summons UK Ambassador
42) Majles Rejects 'Unfair' UN Resolution, Urges Tough Line Against
Inspection
43) Iran Reduces Scientific Cooperation With UK
Report headlined "Deputy minister of science announced: Cooperation in
[the field of] science between Iran and Britain decreases"
44) UK MP Says Citizens 'Illegally Sub-Letting' Farms From Zimbabweans
Unattributed report: "UK MP Exposes Illegal Zi m Land Deals"
45) Analysts Say BP Able To Afford $20 Billion for Oil Spill Claims
"BP Can Cope With 20 Billion Oil Fund Commitment: Analysts" -- AFP
headline
46) Britain's Cameron Says BP Needs 'Certainty' on Liabilities for Oil
Spill
"BP Must Be Given 'Certainty' on Liabilities: British PM" -- AFP headline
47) UK Finance Minister Outlines Financial Regulation Shake-Up
"British Minister Outlines Financial Regulation Shake-Up" -- AFP headline
48) Russian arbitration court dismisses TNK-BP's refund claim
49) UK's Cameron To Resist Power Transfer at EU Debut
"British PM To Resist Power Transfer at EU Debut" -- AFP headline
50) Iran MPs urge government to 'seriously' pursue nuclear program
51) Iran reduces scientific cooperation with UK - minister
52) Russian TV advertising landscape takes shape

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1) Back to Top
Northeast Indian Press 27-29 May 2010
Corrected version: formatting text: The following is a selection of
highlights from the Notheast Indian press on 27-29 May 2010, to include
reports, articles, editorials, and commentaries pertaining to a)
proliferation/uranium smuggling, b)
dissent/terrorism/insurgency/instability, c) migration/population
shifts/cross-border issues, and d) narcotics/drug trafficking - India --
OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 11:05:10 GMT
(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English also
carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Empty Streets
Greet Manipur Minister's Goodwill Mission Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 28
May carries an approximately 390-word report entit led, "Empty Streets at
Noney Town Greet Erabot's Goodwill Mission", which states that the
goodwill mission tour of Commerce and Industries Minister Y Erabot to
Noney in Tamenglong district flopped badly with the Noney market area
remaining deserted during his presence on 27 May. It says that a jeep of
the ministerial team was also hijacked by miscreants. The report however
says that 300 vehicles, travelling from the Jiri side, crossed Nung-dolan
later in the evening and includes 40 oil tankers.(Editorial Note: Imphal
Free Press and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report on the
same day.) Poknapham Report: 370 Vehicles Begin to Move to Manipur Capital
Imphal Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 28 May carries an approximately
190-word report entitled, "370 Vehicles En Route to Imphal", which states
that of the several hundred vehicles stranded at Jiribam and other places
of Assam, around 370 vehicles, including passenger buses, started moving
toward s Imphal on 27 May.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also
carries the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: General Strike
Called in Manipur District Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 28 May carries an
approximately 85-word report entitled, "Tamenglong Bandh Called", which
states that a bandh (general strike) has been called in Tamenglong
district by the Zeliangrong Interim Body (ZIB), in protest against ADC
elections in the district, from the midnight of 29 May to the midnight of
2 June.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English
also carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: School
Transporters to Suspend Services Indefinitely in Manipur Imphal Poknapham
in Meitei on 28 May carries an approximately 315-word report entitled,
"School Transporters Not to Begin Service Yet", which states that
retracting its earlier decision to resume services from 27 May, the All
Manipur School Students Transporters Associ ation (AMSSTA), has informed
that it will stop services indefinitely, until appropriate arrangements
are made by the government for petrol and diesel. It says that the AMSSTA
said that it was compelled to do so owing to the failure of the government
to provide adequate fuel to all vehicles under the AMSSTA.(Editorial Note:
Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report
on the same day.) Poknapham Report: General Strike Called in Manipur
District a gainst Murder Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29 May carries an
approximately 135-word report entitled, "Thoubal Bandh ", which states
that the joint action committee (JAC) against the brutal killing of Sh
Brajalala has called a Thoubal district general strike on 29 May. It says
that Sagolsem Brajalala of Langathel in Thoubal district was found
brutally murdered while he had gone to procure poultry feed from
Churachandpur.(Editorial Note: S angai Express in English also carries the
same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Naga Peace Talks to Be
Held at Nagaland Capital Kohima on 31 May Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29
May carries an approximately 180-word report entitled, "Naga Peace Talks
at Kohima", which states that the NSCN (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN (IM)) and the
government of India will hold the next round of talks on 31 May in
Nagaland capital Kohima. It says that NSCN (IM) sources said that NSCN
(IM) General Secretary Th Muivah and s enior members of the group will
participate in the talks from the rebel group's side.(Editorial Note:
Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report
on the same day.) Poknapham Report : Counter Blockade Withdrawn on Manipur
Minister's Request Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29 May carries an
approximately 590-word report entitled, "Counter Blockade at Khongampat
Withdrawn on Erabot's Request", which states that the "goodwill mission"
initiated by Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Y Erabot
yielded positive results as women groups conducting counter blockade
measures along NH 39 have resolved to withdraw their agitation following
requests from the minister.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai
Express in English also carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham
Report: Students Demand Education Be Made Free Zone in Manipur Imphal
Poknapham in Meitei on 29 May carries an approximately 305-word report
entitled, "School Students Demand Education Be Made Free Zone", which
states that concerned over inability to attend schools due to the
prevailing situation in the state, students of various schools in Imphal
East district staged a sit-in protest on 28 May, demanding that education
be made a "free zone". It says that protests were staged by students of
Ananda Singh Higher Secondary School, Nongmeibung, Covenant English
School, New Checkon, Blazing Daffodils Academia, New Checkon, Baby Saikam
English Sc hool, New Checkon, and so on.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press
and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report on the same day.)
Poknapham Report: Paramilitary Force Denies It Refused Assistance to
Manipur Minister Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29 May carries an
approximately 270-word report entitled, "AR Denies It Refused Assistance
to Erabot", which states that the Assam Rifles has denied reports
published in the newspapers of 28 May that it refused assistance to
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Y Erabot during
his visit to Noney.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express
in English also carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report:
Student Body Calls General Strike in Manipur District Imphal Poknapham in
Meitei on 29 May carries an approximately 140-word report entitled,
"Senapati Bandh Called", which states that the Senapati District Students
Association (SDSA) while strongly condemning the brut al killing of two
innocent students in unprovoked firing by Manipur police commandos and
Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel on 6 May at Mao gate, and the
repeated acts of terrorizing innocent citizens in Senapati district in the
aftermath the incident, has decided to impose a 48-hour general strike in
Senapati district starting from midnight of 31 May until midnight of 2
June.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English also
carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Two Women Hurt
in Police Action in Manipur Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29 May carries
an approximately 245-word report entitled, "Two Hurt in Noney Tear Gas
Firing", which states that a crowd which gathered out of curiosity at a
scene of accident was fired upon by jittery security escorts. It says that
two women -- Ariang, 45, wife of Narionyang of Khumji village and Esther
Kamei, 20, daughter of Athei Kamei of the same village -- were badly
injured in the inc ident that occurred at Lukhomai Part 2 near Noney
Khumji village on 28 May.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai
Express in English also carry the same report on the same day.) Imphal
Free Press Report: Nagaland Legislators on Goodwill Mission to Manipu r
Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 27 May carries an approximately
235-word report entitled "Nagaland Legislators Say Mission is to End
Sufferings of People in Both States", which states that a six-member
delegation of Nagaland opposition parties, led by I Imkong, legislator and
president of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), met Manipur
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on 26 May. It says that the Nagaland team
included Medokul Angami, former legislator, NPCC General Secretary Tare
Zeliang, Tokheho Sema, NPCC member and legislator, Opposition Leader
Joshua Sema, and Yamkhitrang Lotha, former legislator and member of the
NPCC.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also carries the same
report on the same day.)(Imphal Imphal Free Press in English - Independent
daily.) Imphal Free Press Commentary: Nagaland Insurgent Leader's Real
Color Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 27 May carries an
approximately 860-word commentary entitled, "Here Comes the Killer", by
Tokiho Zhimomi which states that Th Muivah was born at Somdal village of
Tangkhul region in 1935 and was enrolled as a member of the Naga National
Council (NNC) in December 1964. The commentary says that he was entrusted
with the office of the general secretary of the NNC at Viswema village in
February 1965. It says that he began to betray the Naga nation and oppose
the NNC in 1976, and subsequently formed the "so-called" NSCN on 31
January 1980, without the knowledge of the Naga people. It further says
that in a manifesto, Isak Chi Swu and Th Muivah condemned A Z Phizo,
father of the Naga movement, 58 times and branded him a traitor and
betrayer. It says and the man who shed the blood of Nagas is Judas and the
main agent of Satan. The commentary concludes by saying that the real task
is to ask the people whether Muivah is an NNC worker, an NSCN worker, or a
terrorist. Imphal Free Press Editorial: Ending a Crusade in Manipur Imphal
Imphal Free Press in English on 27 May carries an approximately 720-word
editorial entitled, "Ending a Crusade", which states that quite
understandably, amidst the controversy over the ADC elections in the
hills, followed by the atrocious blockade of the National Highways by Naga
civil organizations, compounded further by the violent standoff at Mao
gate over the refusal by the Okram Ibobi government to allow NSCN (IM)
General Secretary Th Muivah, to enter the state, and now the counter
blockade by those at the receiving end of the earlier blockade, all ot her
vexing issues that not too long ago plagued the state, and indeed still
plague it, have been forgotten. It says that the moderating influence this
exercis e is predicted to have on those who are willing to experiment may
be the end of the emotional charge so necessary to keep the fire of hatred
burning hot enough to perpetuate the kind of crusade we referred to. It
says that from the moderate perspective, this condition too will suddenly
begin to appear priceless. Imphal Free Press Report: Manipur Minister's
Goodwill Mission Flayed Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 28 May
carries an approximately 120-word report entitled, "Erabot's Move Flayed",
which states that an organization called the Joint Political Party Forum,
Tamenglong district, has admitted that it stopped the goodwill mission of
Food Distribution Minister Y Erabot Singh at Noney on 27 May and said that
the mission miscalculated the sentiments of the people.(Editorial Note:
Sangai Express in English also carries the same report on the same day.)
Imphal Free Press Report: Security Forces Arrest Four Militants in Manipur
Imphal Imphal Free Press in Engl ish on 28 May carries an approximately
275-word report entitled, "Four Militants Held by Government Forces",
which states that four militants were arrested by security forces in
various c ounter insurgency operations on 27 may. It says that the four
have been identified as People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak
(PREPAK) cadres Angom Oken Singh alias Manson, 21, and Takhelambam Gobin
Meetei alias Atomba, 21, People's Liberation Army (PLA) cadre Khumanthem
Amujao alias Klhanganba alias Amar, 30, and People's United Liberation
Front (PULF) cadre Md Riyajuddin alias Ibochini, 30.(Editorial Note:
Sangai Express in English also carries the same report on the same day.)
Imphal Free Press Commentary: Manipur Situation Worrisome Imphal Imphal
Free Press in English on 28 May carries an approximately 1060-word
commentary entitled, "New Levels of Terrorism, Corruption in Manipur", by
Anil Bhat which states that Manipur's media has been bearing the brunt of
menaci ng threats of several terrorist groups and pressure from the state
government. It says while some reporters have been killed, quite often
editors are hounded and even abducted. The commentary says that reporting
on the deterioration of security and law and order in Manipur since 2004
has been quite hazardous. It says that in 2009 both Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram had expressed concern
on the situation in Manipur and Home Secretary G K Pillai had even visited
the state to prevail upon the state's home department to "do more
homework". It says that in January 2010, following Pillai's visit to
Burma, both countries have agreed to launch a "coordinated operation"
against separatist groups of the Northeast taking shelter there. The
commentary says that it remains to be seen now how sincere Burma is in its
implementation. Imphal Free Press Editorial: Cleaning Act Should Begin in
Manipur Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 28 May carries an
approximately 750-word editorial entitled, "Comma If Not Full Stop", which
states that the cleaning up act should begin now and that, at least for
the time being, the ADC election issue should be put to a pause. It says
that nobody should also be under the illusion that there can be a full
stop to the nagging issue just yet. It says that all disputes between
believers of democracy can be settled democratically in the beautiful
spirit of celebration of variety, respect of individuality, and
accommodation of dissenting voices. The editorial says that the government
should make the first goodwill gesture by postponing the second-phase
polls to the ADCs scheduled for 2 June. Imphal Free Press Report:
Transporters' Body Appeals against Targeting Trucks on Manipur Highway
Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 29 May carries an approximately
100-word report entitled, "Transporters Appeal against Victimization",
which states Ng Haridas Singh , general secretary of the Transporters and
Drivers Council, Manipur, has appealed to people living along NH 53 to
refrain from targeting trucks which carry essential commodities and to
abstain from violence in the larger interest of the people.(Editorial
Note: Sangai Express in English also carries the same report on the same
day.) Sangai Express Report: Manipur District Council Poll Candidate's
House Torched

Imphal Sangai Express in English on 28 May carries an approximately
80-word report entitled, "Candidate's House Torched", which states that
the residence of Congress party candidate S Mohring was set afire by some
unidentified miscreants in the Chandel district headquarters on 26
May.(Imphal Sangai Express in English -- Influential daily in India's
northeastern state of Manipur. Provides broad coverage of local issues and
believed to be widely read, both by civil society and insurgent groups.
Regarded as non-partisan and as a major opinion builder in M anipur state.
The group also publishes Manipuri language edition of the daily.) Sangai
Express Report: Union Home Ministry Asks Manipur to Import More Essential
Commodities Imphal Sangai Express in English on 28 May carries an
approximately 70-word report entitled, "HM Instructions", which states
that the union home ministry has instructed the Manipur government to take
up additional measures to import more essential goods along NH 39 in view
of the unsettling situation prevailing over the proposed visit of NSCN
(IM) General Secretary Th Muivah to Manipur. Sangai Express Report: Center
Advises Nagaland Insurgent Leader to Cancel Proposed Manipur Visit Imphal
Sangai Express in English on 28 May carries an approximately 610-word
report entitled, "Delhi Advises Muivah to Abort Proposed Trip", which
states that in perhaps the first visible step taken up by the centre to
defuse the crisis that has beset Manipur, the union home ministry has
reportedly advised T h Muivah to cancel his proposed trip to Somdal
village in Manipur and leave Viswema village. It says that this message
was conveyed to a group of prominent citizens from Manipur by Union Home
Secretary G K Pillai. Sangai Express Report: Manipur Chief Minister to
Discuss Situation with Civil Societies to Resolve Deadlock Imphal Sangai
Express in English on 28 May carries an approximately 285-word report
entitled, "O Ibobi Reaches Out to Civil Societies to Resolve Deadlock",
which states that Chief Minister O Ibobi has begun to discuss the
imbroglio in Mani pur with representatives of the church, civil society
organizations, and student bodies in an effort to bring about peace and
normalcy in the state and put an end to the ongoing total blockade along
the National Highways. It notes that the Manipur Pradesh Congress
Committee (MPCC) and the NPCC had earlier decided to hold joint
discussions with representatives of civil organizations to bring about
normalcy in Manip ur. Sangai Express Report: Village Protests against
Inclusion in Sadar Hills District of Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 28 May carries an approximately 420-word report entitled,
"Khurkhul Protests against Inclusion", which states that people of
Khurkhul took out a demonstration on 26 May in protest against the move to
include 38 Khurkhul within the jurisdiction of the proposed Sadar Hills
district. It says that the said land had been dedicated to the people of
Senjam Khunou and Senjam Chirang by the state durbar in 1925. Sangai
Express Report: Students Stage Sit-in Protest against Economic Blockade in
Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in English on 28 May carries an
approximately 170-word report entitled, "Students Stage Sit-in Protests",
which states that students of some schools under the aegis of the
Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) staged sit-in protest on 26 May, in
denunciation of the indefinite blockade clamped along NH 39 and 53. San
gai Express Report : Bomb Planted at Manipur Temple Imphal Sangai Express
in English on 28 May carries an approximately 110-word report entitled,
"Bomb Planted at Temple", which states that unidentified miscreants
planted a hand grenade at the temple complex of Lainingthou Pangalba at
Khundrakpa m Mayai Leikai of Imphal East district on 26 May. Sangai
Express Report: Laboratory Fails to Submit Forensic Report to Market
Firing Incident Probe Panel Imphal Sangai Express in English on 29 May
carries an approximately 75-word report entitled, "Laboratory Fails to
Submit Report", which states that the Central Forensic Science Laboratory
failed to submit its report in connection with the 23 July Khwairamband
Bazaar incident to the Agarwal Commission on 28 May. Sangai Express Report
: Grenade Attack on Retired Teacher's Residence in Manipur Imphal Sangai
Express in English on 29 May carries an approximately 90-word report
entitled, "Grenade Attack at Khurai& quot;, which states that unidentified
armed persons exploded a hand grenade at the Khurai Sajor Leikai Chaithabi
Leirak Machin residence of Ngangom Ibochou, 73, a retired school
headmaster, on 28 May. Sangai Express Report : Naga Rights Body Urges
Center to Assess Ground Situation in Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 29 May carries an approximately 320-word report entitled,
"Assess Reality, Says NPMHR", which states that recounting events that led
to the 6 May police firing in Mao gate and the prevailing situation in the
aftermath of the incident, the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights
(NPMHR) has asked the central government to assess ground realities.
Sangai Express Editorial : Disrespect towards Ethnic Neighbors Will Only
Deepen Divide Imphal Sangai Express in English on 29 May carries an
approximately 830-word editorial entitled, "Deepening Ethnic Divide ",
which asks if c an Meitei-bashing or leveling charges against the majority
commu nity in Manipur help in paving the way for the creation of a greater
Nagaland. It also asks if any exercise in Naga-bashing or trashing their
history or launching scathing and personal attacks on the character of
NSCN (IM) leader Th Muivah help in ensuring that the territorial integrity
of Manipur remains intact. It says that the Naga tribe is an inclusive
group and willing to embrace any small tribe into its fold unli ke the
Meiteis who swear by exclusivity. The editorial says that this has been
amply demonstrated by protests raised against the term Bishnupriya
Manipuri or Manipuri Bishnupriya. Mawphor Report: Center's Interlocutor,
Meghalaya Government Discuss Insurgent Group Demand Shillong Mawphor in
Khasi on 27 May carries an approximately 291-word report entitled,
"Government Starts Examining Garo Territorial Council Demand of ANVC",
which states that P C Haldar, the center's interlocutor with the Achik
National Volunteer Council (ANVC), met Chief Minister Mu kul Sangma to
discuss the group's demand for an autonomous district council. It quotes
Haldar as saying that the ANVC's demand was discussed but no conclusion
was arrived at. The report also quotes Chief Minister Mukul Sangma as
saying that the government of Meghalaya is still examining the demand and
will try to arrive at a decision as soon as possible. According to the
report, the central government had agreed to hear the ANVC's demand after
a meeting between Haldar, Meghalaya officials, and representatives of the
ANVC on 16 March 2010. It also says that the joint monitoring group (JMG)
had extended the ceasefire agreement with the group for another three
months, which is due to end on 31 June 2010.(Shillong Mawphor in Khasi -
Important daily with the aim of "reaching the rural masses" and claiming a
readership of "about 2 million".) Mawphor Report: First Operation of
Meghalaya Insurgent Group Foiled by Arrest of Top Leaders Shillong Mawphor
in Khasi on 28 May carries an approximately 490-word report entitled,
"HTNF Leaders in Police Dragnet a Day Before Chopping Off Government
Official's Finger", which states that the arrested leaders of the
Hynniewtrep Tiger National Front (HTN F), comprising Chairman Nari Kshiar,
C-in-C Kitbok Kyndiah, and Publicity Secretary Vincent Khair, have
confessed that they were apprehended by the police a day before they were
to execute their first operation, which was to punish a government
official by chopping off his fingers. It says that the official allegedly
attempted to rape his colleague. It quotes HTNF leaders as saying that the
group will not act on the lines of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation
Council (HNLC) by fixing locks on a rapist's ears, but will punish people
who molest or rape women or children by chopping off their hands or legs.
Vangalini Report: Petroleum Dealers Call off Strike in Mizoram Aizawl
Vanglaini in Mizo on 29 May carries an approximately 240-word re port
entitled, "Strike Ends, Grievances Don't", which states that the Mizoram
private petrol dealers have decided to call off their indefinite strike
from 29 May, even though the government has not spoken a word on meeting
their demands. It says that all private petrol pumps in the city remained
closed on 28 May in protest against the government's restriction on the
sale of oil.(Editorial Note: Newslink in English also carries the same
news on the same day.)(Aizawl Vanglaini in Mizo - One of the most
widely-circulated Mizoram dailies.) Nagaland Post Report: Assam-Based
Organizations Threaten Counter Blockade on Nagaland Dimapur Nagaland Post
in English on 27 May carries an approximately 360-word report entitled,
"Assam Bodies Threaten Blockade on Nld", which states that representatives
of 12 organizations in Assam, spearheaded by the All Assam Manipuri
Students Union (AAMSU), have issued a 100-hour deadline to Naga
organizations such as the United Naga Co uncil (UNC), Manipur and the Naga
Students Federation (NSF) to think and rethink the consequences of
continuing the ongoing road blockade on Manipur. It says that according to
a statement, the 12 organizations representing the Karbi, Tea Tribe,
Bengali, Nepali, Dimasa, Kuki, and Kachari communities resolved at a
meeting on 26 May to impose a counter blockade against Nagaland (Nld)
unless the ongoing blockade on NH 39 by the Naga organizations was not
lifted.(Dimapur The Nagaland Post in English -- The Most popular daily in
the state of Nagaland. Edited and published by Geoffrey Yaden. Maintains a
pro-Congress party stance, vocal on development issues. Circulation
estimated at 25,000.) Nagaland Post Report: Nagaland Insurgent Group
Terminates Cadres Involved in 9 May Assault Dimapur Nagaland Post in
English on 27 May carries an approximately 140-word report entitled, "9
May Assault Case Culprits Terminated", which states that the two accused
in the 9 May assault ca se on Naga Hoho and Forum for Naga Reconciliation
(FNR) members have been issued termination letters by the Government of
People's Republic of Nagaland /NSCN (GPRN/NSCN). It says that the rebel
grou p said that the duo -- Pitovi and Khehuto -- committed a heinous
crime against the Naga nation by the act and therefore could not be
trusted any longer. Nagaland Post Report: Nagaland Insurgent Group Flays
Naga Hoho for Inflammatory Remarks Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 27
May carries an approximately 500-word report entitled, "Naga Hoho Erred:
GPRN/NSCN", which states that coming down hard on the Naga Hoho for having
made an inflammatory remark against the group at Kohima on 22 May, the
GPRN/NSCN reminded the Hoho that that even if it represented only six out
of 17 Naga tribes, it has erred in its judgment by allowing itself to be
dictated. It says that the rebel group said that attempts to label the Mao
gate incident as a Naga-Manipuri clash is outrageous. It ad ds that the
GPRN/NSCN appealed to Nagas living in Burma, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh
not to be misled by publicity stunts played out at Mao gate. Nagaland Post
Report: Naga Student Body to Intensify Ro ad Blockade on Manipur Vehicles
Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 28 May carries an approximately
260-word report entitled, "NSF to Step up Road Blockade", which states
that brushing aside the threat of a counter blockade by certain
Karbi-based Meitei organizations, the NSF has decided to intensify the
ongoing general strike on all Manipur vehicles in Naga-inhabited areas. It
says that the strike was called after the Ibobi-led Manipur government
failed to apologize publicly for preventing the NSF from going to Oinam
village for the 7 May federal assembly. Nagaland Post Report: Tribe
Responds to Peace and Unity Call of Nagaland Insurgent Leader Dimapur
Nagaland Post in English on 28 May carries an approximately 240-word
report entitled, "Sumis Respond to Khole 's Call", which states that Sumi
civil societies and church leaders during a meeting with GPRN/NSCN C-in-C
Khole Konyak and leader N Kitovi Zhimomi on 16 May committed to work and
support the Naga unification process so that a lasting political solution
acceptable to all can be expedited. It says that Khole appreciated the
efforts of the Sumis to work for peace and unity. Nagaland Post Report:
Civil Society Organization Condemns Atrocities on Nagas by Manipur Dimapur
Nagaland Post in English on 28 May carries an approximately 220-word
report entitled, "UNC Condemns Atrocities on Nagas", which states that the
United Naga Council (UNC) has condemned the torrent of provocative and
communal actions and statements of Manipur ministers. It says that
highlighting the various incidents where Naga people have been victimized,
killed, and injured, the UNC alleged that the government of Manipur has
been pretending that nothing is amiss and that its only concern is to ope
n NH 53 and bring in supplies to Imphal valley, instead of addressing the
issue of injustice committed on a section of the society. Nagaland Post
Report: Mizoram Civil Societies, Political Parties Appeal for Normalcy in
Manipur, Nagaland Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 28 May carries an
approximately 200-word report entitled, "Mizo Bodies Appeal for Normalcy
in Nagaland-Manipur", which says that various civil societies and
political parties of Mizoram have expressed concern over the ongoing
misunderstanding between the two neighboring states of Manipur and
Nagaland. It says that according to a joint press statement, the ongoing
situation was assessed at a meeting of various civil societies and
political parties of Mizoram at the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) office on 27
May. Nagaland Post Report: Nagaland Insurgent Group Denies Reports of
'Forcible Conversion' in Arunachal Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 28
May carries an approximately 150-word report entitled, & quot;NSCN (IM)
Clarifies on 'Forcible Conversion'", which states that the NSCN (IM) has
denied reports in papers in Arunachal Pradesh that the group was allegedl
y involved in converting local people to Christianity. It says that
stating that the report was another smear campaign against the good name
of the NSCN (IM), it said that such unfounded allegations were a
deliberate attempt to create a negative image of the NSCN (IM) in the eyes
of the government of India. It says that forcible conversion was never a
principle of the Naga political struggle. Nagaland Post Report: Nepali
Civil Society Organization Says Community Not to Be Party to Blockade
Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 29 May carries an approximately
230-word report entitled, "NERSNA Urges Nepalis on Eco Blockade", which
states that against the backdrop of reports that the Nepali community in
Karbi Anglong district was a party to the threat of counter blockade on
Nagaland, spearheaded by the AAM SU and the Karbi Anglong District Council
(KADC), the North Eastern Region Service Nepali Association (NERSNA),
Kohima has asserted that the Nepali community will not be party to such
activities that will hampe r the age-old peaceful relationship it has with
all communities of the region. It says that the NERSNA, Kohima also
pointed out that the AAMSU has not identified any Nepali organization as
party to the decision on a counter blockade on Nagaland. Nagaland Post
Report: Nagaland Insurgent Group Blames Manipur Chief Minister for
Imbroglio Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 29 May carries an
approximately 240-word report entitled, "NSCN (IM) Blames Ibobi", which
states that the NSCN (IM) has accused Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh
of creating the present imbroglio, by opposing NSCN (IM) General Secretary
Th Muivah's visit to his native village, to safeguard his own interest. It
says that a statement issued by the NSCN (IM) pointed out that Meiteis who
were at the receiving end should realize that the hardships that they are
facing are all Ibobi's creation.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and
Sangai Express in English carry the same report on the same day.) Nagaland
Post Report: Truckers Body Demand Probe into Highway Extortion in
Meghalaya Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 29 May carries an
approximately 280-word report entitled, "Truckers Demand CBI Probe into
Highway Extortion", which states that alleging that armed men manning the
check gates along the highways in Meghalaya are extorting money from
coal-laden trucks, a truckers body has demanded that a CBI inquiry be
conducted into the menace. It says that the body alleged that politicians
are hand in glove with the armed elements. It says that truckers are
forced to pay money without being issued any receipt. Domestic / Political
Poknapham Report: First Phase of District Council Polls Held in Manipur,
Violence in Some Areas Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 27 Ma y carries an
approximately 935-word report entitled, "First Leg of Polling Ends Amidst
Violence; 44 Percent Turnout in Naga-dominated Areas, 80 Percent in
Others", which states that the first phase of elections to the autonomous
district councils (ADC) of Sadar Hills, Chandel, and Churachandpur
districts concluded amid reports of widespread poll violence on 26 May. It
says that re-polls have been recommended in six polling stations in
Churachandpur. It says that there was a high turnout of voters, averaging
80 percent in Sadar Hills and Churachandpur districts. The report also
mentions an incident in which polling material, including electronic
voting machines (EVM), were set ablaze by unidentified miscreants just
before polling began. It adds that boycott of ADC elections called by Naga
bodies also affected polling in many areas of Chandel district, with a
turnout of as less as 40 percent in constituencies dominated by
Nagas.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English
also carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Polling at
21 Booths Declared Void in Manipur Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 28 May
carries an approximately 180-word report entitled, "Re-poll Ordered in 21
Booths", which states that citing a number of reasons, including unlawful
and subversive activities, disturbances and so on, the state election
commission has declared polling in 21 polling booths of Sadar Hills,
Chandel, and Churachandpur for the first phase of the ADC elections, as
void.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also carries the same
report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Manipur Cabinet Discusses
Devolution of Powers to District Councils Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 29
May carries an approximately 235-word report entitled, "Committee to Look
into Devolution of Powers to ADCs", which states that a state cabinet
meeting convened on 28 May decided to take the consent of the governor to
call a full budget session starting from 7 July. It says that according to
a senior cabinet minister, the cabinet also elabo rately discussed issues
related to further decentralization of powers to the elected
representatives of the ADCs, once the ongoing two-phase elections are
over. It says that the cabinet decided that a committee would be formed to
look into the devolution of powers.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and
Sangai Express in English also carry the same report on the same day.)
Dainik Sambad Report: Malaria Epidemic Claims Ten Lives in Remote Tribal
Areas in Tripura Agartala Dainik Sambad in Bengali on 27 May carries an
approximately 170-word report entitled, "Malaria Grips Longtarai
Villages", which states that at least ten people, including children, have
died of malaria in different villages of Longtaria Hills in Dhalai
district. It says that numerous tribal men, women, and children are
suffering from the disease in the East Govindabari, West Govindab ari,
East Malidhar, Rajdhar, and Chawmanu areas of the district. The report
states that some 50 people have been admitted to the hospital and the
condition of some are critical. It further states that there is deep
resentment against the absence of initiative by the state health
department to contain the outbreak.(Agartala Dainik Sambad in Bengali -
Claims to be the largest circulated Bengali daily in northeast India; with
anti-left leanings.) Dainik Sambad Report: Senior Left-Wing Party Leader
in Tripura to Join Rival Political Party Agartala Dainik Sambad in Bengali
on 28 May carries an approximately 110-word report entitled, "Chandicharan
to Leave Party", which states that Chandicharan, a senior tribal leader,
has announced that he will part ways with the ruling Communist Party of
India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) in protest against nepotism and corruption in
the party. It says that Chandicharan Tripura was denied nomination in the
recently-held elections to the tribal autonomous district council for
raising a voice against certain practices within the party. The report
states that the leader disclosed that he will join the opposition Congress
party to take on the CPI (M). It further states that the leader
Chanddicharan Tripura was earlier elected to the tribal autonomous council
from East Muhuripur constituency in Sabroom of South Tripura district.
Ajker Fariad Report: Cyclone Destroys Houses, Displaces Many in Tripura
Agartala Ajker Fariad in Bengali on 28 May carries an approximately
140-word report entitled, "105 Houses Destroyed in Cyclone at Boxnagar",
which states that 105 houses were razed to the ground and several people
sustained injuries during a cyclone that hit Boxnagar and adjoining areas
of West Tripura district on 26 May. It says that the authorities have
earned the wrath of the affected people for not starting relief operations
even 24 hours after the cyclone.(Agartala Ajker Fariad in Bengali - Daily
with pro-Lef t leanings but critical of current Tripura leadership.)
Migration / Population Shifts / Cross Border Issues Dawnlit Post Report:
Academic Denies Alleged China Plans to Build Mega Dam over River
Brahmaputra Itanagar Dawnlit Post in English on 27 May carries an
approximately 350-word report entitled, "'No Plans to Build a Massive Dam
on Brahmaputra'", which states that a senior academic attached to a
state-run think-tank has said that China has no plans to build a mega dam
over river Brahmaputra in Tibet as it is well aware of the concerns of
India and Bangladesh. It says that Ma Jiali, attached to the state-run
Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said on 26 May that
such reports should not be believed. It says that he was reacting to a
news report that hydropower lobbyists in China have been pressing the
Chinese government to go ahead with the construction of the world's
biggest hydro-electric project in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra.
Dawnlit P ost Report: Possibility of Opening Border Trade with Bhutan,
China Discussed Itanagar Dawnlit Post in English on 27 May carries an
approximately 320-word report entitled, "Border Trade Feasibility with
Bhutan, China Discussed", which states that D D Ingty, chief commissioner
customs, central excise, and service tax, Northeast region, discussed the
possibility of opening border trade with Bhutan and China at various
feasible locations in Tawang district of Arunachal. It says that Ingty
said that efforts will have to be made from all sides for opening border
trade. Dainik Jugasankha Report: Bangladeshi National Apprehended in Baksa
District of Assam Guwahati Dainik Jugasankha in Bengali on 29 May carries
an approximately 220-word report entitled, "Bangladeshi Held at Tamulpur",
which states that the Tamulpur Anchalik Students' Union apprehended a
Bangladeshi national at Tamulpur in Baksa district. The report says that
the detained Bangladeshi national has b een identified as Aslam Hussain,
25, of Kumarkhandi village under Nadirpur police station in Khulna
district of Bangladesh. It says that the student body has handed over the
detained Bangladeshi national to the police at Tamulpur police station of
the district. The report adds that the police have registered a case
against him.(Editorial Note: Asomiya Pratidin in Assamese also carries the
same report on the same day.) Nagaland Post Report: Meghalaya Government
Refutes Reports of Harassment of Nepali-Speaking People Dimapur Nagaland
Post in English on 27 May carries an approximately 350-word report
entitled, "Meghalaya Refutes Report", which states that Meghalaya Chief
Minister Mukul Sangma has rejected media reports from Nepal that there
have been 17 deaths and displacement of 40000 Nepali-speaking people from
Meghalaya. It says that Sangma said that the reports were fabricated and
baseless. It says that Sangma also stated that nobody from Nepal has
approached the Meghalaya government for clarification and that these
rumors are being spread deliberately. Nagaland Post Report: Chinese Youth
Arrested in Arunachal Seeks Political Asylum Dimapur Nagaland Post in
English on 27 May carries an approximately 160-word report entitled,
"Arrested Chinese Seeks Political Asylum in India", which states that
Chinese youth Guan Liang who was arrested by the Arunachal police on
suspicion of being a spy, has sought political asylum from the Indian
government. It says that Liang who is locked at the Tezu police station in
Lohit district does not want to go back to China fearing prosecution on
charges of revealing the silent killings by the Chinese government and
several other cases of human rights violation. Nagaland Post Report:
Arrested Chinese National Sent to Judicial Remand in Arunachal Dimapur
Nagaland Post in English on 28 May carri es an approximately 200-word
report entitled, "Chinese National Held in AP Send to Judicial Remand&
quot;, which states that Guan Liang, the Chinese national arrested in
Arunachal Pradesh (AP) for entering the country without valid documents,
has been sent to judicial remand for seven days by a court in Lohit
district. It says that the court sent him to judicial remand on expiry of
nine days' police custody. It says that further interrogation will resume
in a day or two after a joint interrogation by army intelligence, state
police officers, and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officials. Dainik
Sambad Report: Senior British Diplomat Visits Tripura Agartala Dainik
Sambad in Bengali on 29 May carries an approximately 120-word report
entitled, "British Deputy High Commissioner Meets Chief Minister", which
states that British Deputy High Commissioner for Eastern India Sanjay
Wadwani called on Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in Agartala. It states that
the diplomat arrived on 26 May on a three-day visit to the state. The
report states that the deputy high commissioner ea rlier met Tribal
Welfare M inister Aghore Debbarma and Industries Minister Jitendra
Choudhury. It further states that Wadwani told newsmen that he would study
the socio-economic development of Tripura state. Narcotics / Drugs
Trafficking Dainik Agradoot Report: Three Drug Smugglers Apprehended in
Barpeta in Assam Guwahati Dainik Agradoot in Assamese on 29 May carries an
approximately 190-word report entitled, "Three Drug Smugglers Held in
Barpeta", which states that the CRPF apprehended three drug smugglers in
Barpeta town. The report says that the three detained drug smugglers have
been identified as Chamejuddin, Chand Miya, and Nurul Haque Malik. It says
that 950 grams of drugs were found on them.

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2) Back to Top
Northeast Indian Press 23-26 May 2010
Corrected version: formatting text: The following is a selection of
highlights from the Notheast Indian press on 23-26 May 2010, to include
reports, articles, editorials, and commentaries pertaining to a)
proliferation/uranium smuggling, b)
dissent/terrorism/insurgency/instability, c) migration/population
shifts/cross-border issues, and d) narcotics/drug trafficking - India --
OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 09:38:21 GMT
(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English also
carry the same report on the same day.) Poknapham Report: Government
Official Abducted in Manipur Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 25 May carries
an approximately 130-word report entitled, "Seri Official Abducted", which
states that an official of the sericulture project -- Sangaipat
Nameirakpam Nabakumar, 56, son of Mangi of Luwangsangbam Godown Maning --
was abducted by suspected militants for a ransom of INR 10 million (USD .2
million approx). It says that an SMS sent to a project staff member
claimed that the official was abducted because of the department's
negligence in complying with its demand.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press
and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report on the same day.)
Poknapham Report: Vehicle Owners Take out Rally against Non-Availability
of Petrol in Manipur Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 26 May carries an
approximately 250-word report entitled, "Vehicle Owners Take Out Rally",
which states that a rally was taken out by vehicle owners from the Andro
Parking K & T Station Service Oil Pump on 25 May morning. It says that
infuriated vehicle owners organized an impromptu strike and a rally to the
chief minister's bungalow when they failed to get their share of petrol.
It says that they had queued up for petrol since 24 May evening. The
report says that the rally was however short-lived as police commandos
stationed near the chief minister's bungalow stopped them from proceeding
any further than the Sanjenthong Veterinary Office.(Editorial Note: Imphal
Free Press and Sangai Express in English also carry the same report on the
same day.) Imphal Free Press Report: Manipur District Flays Seizure of
Newspapers by Counter Blockade Supporters Imphal Imphal Free Press in
English on 23 May carries an approximately 360-word report entitled, "Ukl
Readers Angry over Counter Blockade on Newspapers", which states that in
stepped-up demonstrations against the economic blockade on national
highways, supporters of a counter economic blockade on 22 May pulled down
and seized newspapers meant for Ukhrul (Ukl) district readers. It says
that all Ukhrul newspaper readers usually get their papers in Ukhrul
everyday by 9:30 am through passen ger bus services. The report says that
angered by the seizure of the newspapers, readers in Ukhrul chided the
lifters as "uncivilized".(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also
carries the same report on the same day.)(Imphal Imphal Free Press in
English - Independent daily.) Imphal Free Press Report: Manipur Government
to Distribute Fuel in Three Hill Districts Imphal Imphal Free Press in
English on 24 May carries an approximately 170-word report entitled,
"Three Hill Districts to Get Fuel from Government Stock", which states
that with the substantial increase in stock of petroleum prod ucts, the
state government has considered its distribution in the three hill
districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, and Tamenglong which have been severely hit
by the ongoing economic blockade called by Naga civil bodies and the
reciprocal counter blockade. Imphal Free Press Editorial: Relations
between Valley and Hills in Manipur Should Be Reassessed Imphal Imphal
Free Pre ss in English on 24 May carries an approximately 775-word
editorial entitled, "Reassessing Relations", which states that the divide
within Manipuri society is probably unbridgeable and any approach to
finding a lasting resolution to the problem will have to keep this in
mind. It says that the all-important question in the circumstances is;
where do we go from here? The editorial says that while the valley is at a
loss as to how to make this idea current again in the hills, the
overwhelming sense that on e gets from internet chats and blogs is that
this effort will only evokes ridicule if not raw hatred. It says that the
relationship needs to be rationalized and a pragmatic equation worked out.
Imphal Free Press Report: Ancient Rite Performed on Manipur Chief
Minister's Effigy during Rally Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 25
May carries an approximately 695-word report entitled, "Ancient Mao Rite
Performed to Destroy Ibobi`s Soul", which states that various Naga civil
bodies of Senapati district organized a mass rally against Chief Minister
O Ibobi on 24 May at Tadubi and Mao. It says that during the protest
rally, the Mao community performed Rodzii Kaphi, a traditional and ancient
religious practice to destroy an individual's soul, on the effigy of
Ibobi. It says that people residing at Senapati also organized a mass
torch rally against the Mao gate firing incident on 6 May in which two
youths were killed and telecast a documentary on the incident.(Editorial
Note: Sangai Express in English also carries the same report on the same
day.) Imphal Free Press Report: Tribal Bodies Criticizes Naga Elders'
Appeal for Peace Imphal Imphal Free Press in English on 25 May carries an
approximately 270-word report entitled, "TFO Blasts Naga Elders Appeal",
which states that the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations Against ADC Elections
2010 have in the strongest terms flayed the Naga Leaders` Forum's press
statement on 24 May, a ppealing for peace.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express
in English also carries the same report on the same day.) Imphal Free
Press Report: Miscreants Shoot Dead Oil Pump Serviceman in Manipur Imphal
Imphal Free Press in English on 25 May carries an approximately 235-word
report entitled, "Oil Pump Hand Shot Dead", which states that a serviceman
of a petrol pump, Sadokpam Druba, 25, son of Shyamkihore of Monsangei
Maning Leikai located between Hiyangthang and Langthbal Phura Makhong at
Mayai Lambi under Singjamei police station, was shot dead by armed
miscreants on 23 May.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also
carries the same report on the same day.) Imphal Free Press Report: Former
Army Chief Admits Flaws in Special Powers Act Imphal Imphal Free Press in
English on 25 May carries an approximately 325-word report entitled,
"Former Army Chief Admits AFSPA Flaws", which says former Army Chief V P
Malik has termed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act ( AFSPA) as a
"legal instrument" that provides cover to the Army while conducting
operations against insurgents. It says that Malik also admitted that there
have been aberrations in the Act. Imphal Free Press Report: Manipur Border
Town Situation Better but Not Normal Imphal Imphal Free Press in English
on 26 May carries an approximately 250-word report entitled, "Mao Gate
Situation Better bu t Not Normal Yet", which says the situation in Mao
gate has improved, but is yet to return to normal. It says that Lolia
Lucy, spokesperson of the Mao Women Society, said that people of Mao are
still insecure about returning due to the presence of the police
personnel. It further says that the police have stated that although peace
and order has been restored in the border town, the majority of the
population is yet to return to their homes in spite of repeated
requests.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in English
also carry the same report on the s ame day.) Imphal Free Press Report:
Security Forces Arrest Three Militants, One Sympathizer in Manipur Imphal
Imphal Free Press in English on 26 May carries an approximately 430-word
report entitled, "Three UGs Held in Different Incidents", which states
that at least three suspected underground (UG) militants were apprehended
by security forces during counter insurgency operations in di fferent
parts of the state since 24 May. It says that the arrested militants have
been identified as Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) (Nando) cadre Inaocha
Singh, 45, son of Pishak Singh of Ngangkha Lawai village, United National
Liberation Front (UNLF) cadre Tonchou Singh, 31, son of Tonjao Singh of
Ngangkhalawai, and People's Liberation Army (PLA) cadre Samadram Naocha
alias Nobin Singh, 28, son of S Jugolo Singh of Heirangoithong Maibam
Leikai. The report adds that a PLA sympathizer, Mayanglambam Indubala
Chanu, 27, daughter of M Shangaijao of Umathel Makha Leikai, was also
arres ted.(Editorial Note: Sangai Express in English also carries the same
report on the same day.) Imphal Free Press Report: Miscreants Try to Blow
up Bridge along Jiribam-Imphal Highway in Manipur Imphal Imphal Free Press
in English on 26 May carries an approximately 305-word report entitled,
"Attempt Made to Blow up NH 53 Bridge", which states that unidentified
elements tried to destroy the Kombaithong suspension bridge located near
Kaimai village along NH 53. It says that as a result of the attempt a
number of goods-laden trucks transporting essential items were left
stranded on both sides of the bridge. The report says that more than 300
goods en route to Imphal were left stranded on the Jiribam side at Kanmei
village, awaiting repair work on the bridge. It says that due to the
present economic blockade called by ANSAM and the impasse created by NSCN
(IM) leader Th Muivah's proposed visit to Manipur, vehicular movement
along NH 39 has been at a standstill for a mont h now. Sangai Express
Report: Manipur Tribal Student Body Flays Arrest of Its Office-bearer
Imphal Sangai Express in English on 23 May carries an approximately
55-word report entitled, "ZSUM Warns", which states that the ZSUM has
condemned the arrest of its public relations secretary Micah Kamei and his
friend Paul alias Meithuanlung Gangmei on 20 May. It says that the ZSUM
has warned that the government will be responsible for any untoward
incident if the duo is not released within 24 hours.(Imphal Sangai Express
in English -- Influential daily in India's northeastern state of Manipur.
Provides broad coverage of local issues and believed to be widely read,
both by civil society and insurgent groups. Regarded as non-partisan and
as a major opinion builder in Manipur state. The group also publishes
Manipuri language edition of the daily.) Sangai Express Report: Forum
Formed to Check Unfair Hike in Prices in Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 23 May carries an approximately 230-word report entitled,
"Bodies Form Forum to Check Unfair Price Hike", which states that in order
to keep a check on the frequent scarci ty of essential commodities on
account of economic blockades along the National Highways and the
consequent hike in the prices of essential commodities, 25 different
organizations have come together and formed a forum called the United
Women's Forum, Manipur. It says that the forum was formed during a joint
meeting of the organizations on 22 May. Sangai Express Report: Crisis in
Manipur Concerns Global Citizens Imphal Sangai Express in English on 23
May carries an approximately 400-word report entitled, "Crisis in State
Concerns Global Citizens", which states that cutting across communities, a
group of people across the globe who are concerned about the suffering of
the people of Manipur due to prolonged road blockade has appealed to the
governments of India and Manipur to resolve the crisis. It says that the
group has also appealed to civil bodies to bring about an amicable
solution to the issue. Sangai Express Report: Naga Body Calls for
Restraint in Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in English on 23 May carries an
approximately 165-word report entitled, "UNPC Calls for Restra int", which
states that while highlighting that fact that people of different ethnic
groups settled in Manipur have been living peacefully for ages, the United
Naga Peoples' Council (UNPC) has said that whether or not NSCN (IM)
General Secretary Th Muivah visits Manipur, the age-old relationship among
the peoples must be sustained. Sangai Express Report: Manipur Student Body
Eases Ban on Oxford Publications Imphal Sangai Express in English on 23
May carries an approximately 130-word report entitled, "MSF Eases Ban on
Book", which states that with the exception of the Oxford School Atlas,
32nd edition 2010, the Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) has lifted the
ban imposed on publi cations of the Oxford University Press (OUP), New
Delhi. Sangai Express Report: Tribal Student Body Urges Lifting of
Economic Blockade in Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in English on 23 May
carries an approximately 215-word report entitled, "AITSA Urges Lifting of
Blockade", which states that the All India Tribal Students' Association
(AITSA) has appealed to all Naga tribe leaders and students to lift the
indefinite blockade imposed along NH 39 and 53, by contending that
blocking the lifeline of a state just in order to fulfill one's demand is
too harsh.(Editorial Note: Nagaland Post in English carries the same
report on the same day.) Sangai Express Report: Food and Fuel Airlifted
and Brought to Manipur Capital Imphal Imphal Sangai Express in English on
23 May carries an approximately 420-word report entitled, "Fuel, Rice
Airlifted", which states that continuing with the initiative of airlifting
essential commodities, diesel and rice were brought to Impha l by cargo
planes on 22 May. Sangai Express Report : Student Body Demands Withdrawal
of Commandos from Manipur District Imphal Sangai Express in English on 24
May carries an approximately 95-word report entitled, "SDSA Urges", which
states that the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) has
demanded immediate withdrawal of police commandos and Indian Reserve
Battalion (IRB) personnel from Senapati district. Sangai Express Report :
Naga Body Warns against Disruption of Manipur District Council Polls
Imphal Sangai Express in English on 24 May carries an approximately
65-word report entitled, "MNRF Flays", which states that the Manipur Naga
Revolutionary Front (MNRF) has condemned the threat issued by the United
Naga Council (UNC) against ADC candidates. It says that the MNRF has urged
all concerned not to disturb the said elections, which is being held after
22 years. The report says that the group also warned that any untoward
incident during elect ions would not be taken lightly. Sangai Express
Report : Arrest Warrants Issued against Nine Employees Chosen for Poll
Duty Imphal Sangai Express in English on 24 May carries an approximately
45-word report entitled, "Arrest Warrants Issued", which states that with
the dispatch of the second batch of polling personnel on 23 May, the
Churachandpur district administration has issued fresh arrest warrants
against nine employees who have failed to report for duty. Sangai Express
Report : Miscreants Shoot Man in Leg in Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 24 May carries an approximately 40-word report entitled, "Man
Shot At", which states that 50-year-old Okram Ningthemjao was shot and
injured in the left leg by unidentified gunmen at Pangei Okram Leikai
under Heingang police station of Imphal East district on 22 May. Sangai
Express Report : Naga Body Reaffirms Five-Point Declaration Imphal Sangai
Express in English on 24 May carries an approximately 24 5-word report
entitled, "Hoho Reaffirms 8 May Declarations", which states that the Naga
Hoho, the apex body of all Naga bodies based in Nagaland, Burma, Manipur,
Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, has reaffirmed the five-point declaration
made on 8 May during in its presidential council meeting on 22
May.(Editorial Note: Nagaland Post in English carries the same report on
the same day.) Sangai Express Report : Civil Society Bodies Decry
Inclusion of Some Villages in Different Manipur Subdivision Imphal Sangai
Express in English on 24 May carries an approximately 365-word report
entitled, "Khurkhul Decries Inclusion in Sadar Hills", which states that
the Khurkhul Nupi Chaokhat Lup and the Senjam Khunou and the Senjam
Chirang Joint Development Organization have decried the inclusion of some
areas of Khurkhul under the Sadar Hills subdivision. It says that a
gazette notification issued by the principal secretary (hills) on 22
September 2009 identified some portio ns of Khurkhul 38 as villages of
Sadar Hills although these areas were originally under Imphal West
district. Sangai Express Report : Public Meetings Held against Nagaland
Insurgent Leader's Proposed Visit to Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 24 May carries an approximately 125-word report entitled,
"Public Meetings against Th Muivah's Proposed Visit Still On", which
states that continuing with the United Committee Manipur's (UCM) public
movement against the entry of NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng
Muivah into Manipur, public meetings were held at different places on 23
May. It says that the meetings endorsed the resolution not to allow Muivah
to visit to the state under any circumstance. It says that a protest rally
was also taken out against the visit by local club volunteers and women
groups of Hiyanglam, Wabagai, Keirak, and Lamjao. Sangai Express Editorial
: Manipur Minist er Proves to Be Man of the Moment Imphal Sangai Express
in English on 24 May carries an approximately 995-word editorial entitled,
"Man of the Moment", which states that it is not without reason that there
is something profound in the observation that when the going gets tough,
it is the tough who get going. It says that Consumers Affairs and Food and
Public Distribution Minister Minister Y Erabot seems determined to live up
to the saying and at the same time demonstrate to the people that given
the political will power, coupled with sincerity and hone sty, there is no
reason why Manipur should continue to be known as the "failed state",
thereby reducing the government to a joke. It says that it pays to think
out of the box and take recourse to unconventional methods, which Erabot
did by not bothering to approach the home department for permission for
his actions. Sangai Express Report : General Strike Called in Manipur
District Imphal Sangai Express in English on 25 May carries an
approximately 130-word report entitled, &q uot;48 Hours Bandh Called in
Cdl", which states that reaffirming the decision adopted by the UNC and
the Naga people to reject the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District
Council (Third Amendment) Act 2008 as well as the ADC elections 2010, the
Chandel Naga Civil Society Co-ordination Core Committee has decided to
impose 48 hours total bandh (general strike) in Chandel district with
effect from midnight of 24 May. Sangai Express Report : Civil Society
Organization Says Manipur Students Deprived of Right to Education Due to
Blockade Imphal Sangai Express in English on 25 May carries an
approximately 295-word report entitled, "'Blockade Deprives Students of
Right to Education'" which states thatc ontending that the students have
been deprived of their right to education because of the total economic
blockade along the National Highways, K Pradipkumar, state coordinator of
the Coalition on Children's Right to Protection (CCRP) has called for the
intervention of the government of India in ending the blockade and
ensuring continuing education for the students. Sangai Express Report :
Student Bodies Allege Atrocities on Seven Persons by Police in Manipur
Imphal Sangai Express in English on 26 May carries an approximately
250-word report entitled, "Atrocities Charge against Police", which states
that the ANSAM and the SDSA have alleged that state police personnel
deployed in Senapati district assaulted seven persons on 24 May. It says
that the seven persons, from Ningthoupham and Tumuyon Khullen villages,
have been identified as B K Titus, P Y Joseph, Y K Reagan, Y K Atho, B K
Achung, Y K Luckson, and Elizah. Sangai Express Report : Meet Resolves to
Welcome Naga Insurgent Leader to Manipur Imphal Sangai Express in English
on 26 May carries an approximately 190-word report entitled, "Meet
Resolves to Welcome Muivah", which states that public meeting held at the
community hall of the United Baptist Church (Liangmei) a t Tamenglong
district headquarters under the aegis of the Committee on Political
Affairs (COPA), Tamenglong has resolved to invite and welcome NSCN (IM)
General Secretary Th Muivah to Tamenglong district. Sangai Express Report
: Manipur-Bound Truck Set Ablaze in Nagaland Imphal Sangai Express in
English on 26 May carries an approximately 285-word report entitled
,"Truck Set Ablaze in Nagaland", which states that in yet another act of
arson targeting Manipur-bound vehicles in Nagaland, one truck carrying
cold drinks was set ablaze in front of Medjiphema police station. Sangai
Express Editorial : Manipur Government Deserves Kudos for Resisting
Pressure Imphal Sangai Express in English on 26 May carries an
approximately 845-word editorial entitled, "Metamorphosis of a Slogan",
which stat es that it is laudable that Chief Minister O Ibobi and his
council of ministers have stood their ground against mounting pressures
from the Naga community of Manipur and is all set to conduct the first
phase of elections to the district councils. It says that this does not
speak well of a group which has waged a bush war against the government of
India for years and is now furiously working to realize the dream of a
Greater Lim or complete the process of realizing Naga nationhood. Mawphor
Report: Meghalaya Insurgent Leader Was Arrogant Police Officer: Meghalaya
Police Chief Shillong Mawphor in Khasi on 24 May carries an approximately
483-word report entitled, "Champion is Arrogant and Will Not Surrender to
Police: DGP", which quotes Director General of Police (DGP) S B Kakoti as
saying that Champion R Sangma, former police officer and chairman of the
Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), is an arrogant police officer who
never submitted to his superiors. It quotes Kakoti as saying that his
department is preparing the necessary paper work to remove Champion from
his post as deputy superintendent of police, as it has now been proven tha
t he is leading the GNLA. The report quotes Kakoti as refuting Champion's
claim that he left the department because he was constantly harassed by
his superiors, stating that Champion always created problems by violating
service procedures and harassing his subordinates. It says that the police
department has evidence that Champion would shoot at his subordinates if
they did not comply with his orders. It also quotes Kakoti as saying that
the GNLA chairman and his followers are now on the run, especially after
the police recently arrested five of its members in a raid in the East
Garo Hills district.(Shillong Mawphor in Khasi - Important daily with the
aim of "reaching the rural masses" and claiming a readership of "about 2
million".) Mawphor Report: Meghalaya Tribal Insurgent Surrenders in West
Garo Hills District of Meghalaya Shillong Mawphor in Khasi on 26 May
carries an approximately 193-word report entitled, "ATF Insurgent
Surrenders", which states that an insurgent belonging to a new Garo
insurgent group, Achik Tiger Force (ATF), surrendered to the police in the
West Garo Hills district. It says that the rebel, identified as Borith
Sangma, hails from Takuranbri village in the West Garo Hills district. The
report quotes Superintendent of Police D Sangma as saying that the ATF is
involved in a number of robberies, mainly in the Dalu area of the
district. It says that the police are interrogating Borith as they suspect
the ATF arsenal to be in his hands. It also recalls that the police
recently arrested an ATF leader identified as Molok Marak, and six other
insurgents. Achik Songbad Report: Meghalaya Insurgent Leader Ready for
Talks with Center Tura Achik Songbad in Garo on 24-30 May carries an
approximately 579-word report entitled, "Champion Ready for Talks with
Central Government", which states that Police Officer-turned-Militant
Champion R Sangma has said that he is ready to surrender before the cen
ter but not the Meghalaya government. The report quotes Champion as saying
that he will never surrender before the Meghalaya government, but that he
is ready to surrender before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram. It says
that Sangma, a former deputy superintendent of police, had deserted the
Meghalaya police and floated the GNLA due to alleged harassment by his
seniors. It recalls that the militant group formed in 2007 suffered a
major setback recently when its founder and general secretary Novembirth
Marak was arrested from Siliguri railway station in West Bengal. According
to the report, Sangma alleged that he had submitted several
representations to the government and the Meghalaya police against the
harassment meted out by his seniors, but that they did not pay attention
to his grievances. It says that whe n asked about GNLA demands, Champion
said the group was only seeking a Garoland within the ambit of the Indian
constitution.(Tura Achik Songbad weekly in Garo, the onl y newspaper
published from the Garo Hills.) Nagaland Post Report: Naga Body Flays
Manipur Political Parties for Adverse Comments on Nagaland Government
Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 23 May carries an approximately
220-word report entitled, "NPF Slams Remark", which states that in a sharp
reaction to the remarks made by seven political parties of Manipur
accusing the Nagaland government of acting as a frontal group of the NSCN
(IM), the Naga People's Front (NPF) has decried it as outright ignorance.
It says that the NPF alleged that the Manipur government's response to the
Nagaland government's efforts to jointly solve the presen t impasse has
fallen on deaf ears.(Dimapur The Nagaland Post in English -- The Most
popular daily in the state of Nagaland. Edited and published by Geoffrey
Yaden. Maintains a pro-Congress party stance, vocal on development issues.
Circulation estimated at 25,000.) Nagaland Post Report: Naga Hoho Says
Nagas and Meiteis Cannot Coexist Anymore Dimapur Nagaland Post in English
on 23 May carries an approximately 720-word report entitled, "Nagas and
Meiteis Can't Live Together: Hoho", which states that the Naga Hoho has
said that Nagas and Meiteis cannot live together anymore and that the
Nagas want complete separation of the two communities and it does not
matter in which way. It says that the Hoho said that the Meiteis can no
longer suppress the Naga people. It says that stating that the Nagas will
not allow the suppressive acts of the Manipur government to continue, the
Naga Hoho said that the onus of solving the problem was with the
government of India. It says that the body also alleged that the Manipur
government defied the center in not allowing NSCN (IM) General Secretary
Th Muivah to visit Manipur. Nagaland Post Report: Nagaland Insurgent Group
Reiterates Next Round of Talks on Naga Soil Dimapur Nagaland Post in
English on 23 May carries an approximately 80-word report entitled, "NSCN
(IM)-GoI Talks", which states that the NSCN (IM) has reiterated that
further round of talks with the government of India (GoI) was likely to be
held in Kohima or other Naga areas. Nagaland Post Report: Mizoram
Government Orders Rationing of Fuel Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 23
May carries an approximately 130-word report entitled, "Mizoram Government
Orders Rationing of Fuel", which states that with fuel stocks running low
in the wake of the economic blockade in neighboring Manipur, the Mizoram
food, civil supplies, and consumer affairs department has ordered
rationing of diesel and petrol. It says that long lines of vehicles were
seen near pumps in Aizawl and elsewhere, since a large amount of fuel is
being taken to Manipur which has been hard hit by the economic blockade.
Nagaland Post Report: Northeast Seeks Time-bound Economic Package from
Center Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 24 May carries an approximately
240-word report entitled, "NE Seeks Time-bound Package from Center", which
states that industry ministers of northeastern states have sought a
time-bound package from the central government for the development of the
region. It says that the demand was jointly raised by ministers of the
northeastern states at a meeting with Commerce and Industries Minister
Anand Sharma in Guwahati. Nagaland Post Report: Naga, Karbi Student Bodies
Meet on Economic Blockade Issue Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 25 May
carries an approximately 260-word report entitled, "NSF, KSA Meet", which
states that the NSF and the Karbi Students Association (KSA) held a joint
meeting in Dimapur on 24 may, following a threat by the All Assam Manipur
Students Union, Karbi Anglong District Council (AAMSUKADC) to take up
counter economic blockades. It says that the KSA has decided to abstain
from the proposed rally organized by the AAMSUKADC on 26 May in protest
against the economic blockade on NH 39 supported by the NSF . Nagaland
Post Report: Naga Hoho Appeals to Militant Groups Not to Allow Armed
Cadres to Live in Civilian Areas Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 25
May carries an approximately 280-word report entitled, "Naga Hoho
Resolves", which states that the Naga Hoho has said that its presidential
council meeting held on 22 May at Kohima has resolved to appeal to all
political groups and nation al workers not to allow its armed cadres to
live in civilian areas in order to avoid an unwanted situation, in the
interest of peace and tranquility. Nagaland Post Report: New Body to
Resist Renaming Dimapur in Nagaland Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 26
May carries an approximately 240-word report entitled, "DDCF to Resist
Renaming Dmu", which states that the Dimapur District Citizens Forum
(DDCF), a newly-formed body, has resolved to oppose any move by the
government to rename Dimapur (Dmu) which has a historical background. It
says that the meeting observed that re naming Dimapur would invite
misunderstanding and create social disharmony among different communities.
Nagaland Post Report: Tribal Bodies Reaffirm Support to Idea of Naga
Sovereignty Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 26 May carries an
approximately 340-word report entitled, "NSCN (IM)-Public Meet in Mkg",
which states that Ao civil societies of Nagaland have affirmed to stand
firmly for Naga sovereignty and extend support to the current peace
process between the government of India and the NSCN (IM). It says that
the meet organized in Mokukchung (Mkg) by the NSCN (IM) was to highlight
the latest developments taking place around southern Nagaland in the
aftermath of the 6 May Mao gate incident in Manipur. Nagaland Post Report:
Non-Tribals Issued Quit Notice in Coal-Rich Areas of Meghalaya Dimapur
Nagaland Post in English on 26 May carries an approximately 320-word
report entitled, "Quit Notice to Non-Tribals in Meghalaya", which states
that security has been beefed up in the coal-rich areas of Meghalaya's
Jaintia hills district after some organizations issued a quit notice to
non-tribals in the area. It says that the authorities have asked the state
home department to deploy an additional platoon of security men in the Lad
Rymbai area of the district. Dainik Sambad Report: Tripura Paramilitary
Soldiers Undertake Painful Journey to West Bengal Agartala Dainik Sambad
in Bengali on 23 May carries an approximately 175-word report entitled,
"TSR Soldiers for Deployment in West Bengal", which states that officers
and soldiers of the 10 battalion of the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) are
undertaking a difficult journey towards the state of West Bengal. It says
that 820 officers, soldiers, and staff members of the battalion will be
deployed in restive areas of West Bengal ahead of municipal elections. The
report states that Tripura security officials have not even arranged
transit camps along the journey route for the TSR tr oops who are
travelling in 40 vehicles.(Agartala Dainik Sambad in Bengali - Claims to
be the largest circulated Bengali daily in northeast India; with anti-left
leanings.) Ajker Fariad Report: Bangladesh Ready to 'Push Back' Assam
Insurgent Leader Agartala Ajker Fariad in Bengali on 23 May carries an
approximately 130-word report entitled, "Dhaka to Return Chetia", which
states that the Bangladesh government has agreed to hand over ULFA General
Secretary Anup Chetia to India. It says that Bangladesh will soon stage a
"push back" on the border in order to help Indian security forces to
arrest him. The report states that confusion prevails over the detention
of ULFA C-in-C Paresh Baurah at a location near the Burma border. It
further states that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had requested Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to ensure the return of Indian militants when
they met recently at Bhutan capital Thimpu.(Agartala Ajker Fariad in
Bengali - Daily with pro-Left leanings but critical of current Tripura
leadership.) Ajker Fariad Report: Paramilitary Force Clashes with
Militants in Tripura Agartala Ajker Fariad in Bengali on 25 May carries an
approximately 140-word report entitled, "Extremists, Security Men Fight in
Hills", which states that the TSR soldiers clashed with suspec ted
extremists of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) at Satrai
village in Manikpur of Dhalai district. It says that no casualties have
been reported i n the incident that occurred near the border with
Bangladesh. The report states that soldiers of the 8th battalion of the
TSR were conducting a special operation when they were attacked by the
extremists. It further states that the rebels indulge in cross-border
movement and force villagers to pay subscription. Domestic / Political
Dawnlit Post Report: Student Union in Arunachal Denies Alleged Statement
by District Unit Itanagar Dawnlit Post in English on 24 May carries an app
roximately 260-word report entitled, "NSUI Flays Self-styled Airing of
Views", which states that Kafia Bagang, the president of the state unit of
the National Students Union of India (NSUI), has flayed the news item
published in some newspapers that a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
leader has found an admirer in the NSUI. It says that the statement
purported to be made by the Upper Siang unit of the NSUI has been denied
by Bagang as baseless and condemnable. It says that Bagang said that the
NSUI is a wing of the Congress party and hence there does not arise any
question of any of its district units supporting and appreciating the NCP.
Poknapham Report: First Phase of District Council Elections to Begin on 26
May in Manipur Imphal Poknapham in Meitei on 26 May carries an
approximately 660-word report entitled, "Nearly Four Lakh Voters Ready to
Elect ADC Councilors", which states that preparations have been made for
the smooth conduct of the first phase of elections to the autonomous
district councils (ADC), scheduled to be held on 26 May in the Sadar
Hills, Chandel, and Churachandpur districts of Manipur. It says that the
elections will be held despite strong opposition from various Naga bodies
that are demanding rectification of the Amendment of the ADC Act. It says
that about 850 polling personnel will be utilized to conduct and oversee
the elections.(Editorial Note: Imphal Free Press and Sangai Express in
English also carry the same report on the same day.) Achik Songbad Report:
French NGO Undertakes Rehabilitation Program to Conserve Garo Hills Ape
Tura Achik Songbad in Garo on 24-30 May carries an approximately 1836-word
report entitled, "French NGO's Effort to Conserve Garo Hills Ape", which
states that SVVA, an France-based NGO, has undertaken a rehabilitation
program for the Western Hoolock Gibbon, one among the 25 most endangered
primates in the world, that is found in the Garo Hills region of
Meghalaya, besides parts of Bangladesh and Burma. The report says that the
SVVA headed by Florian Magne, the field director and founder-president, is
being supported and sponsored by the United Kingdom (UK)-based John
Aspinal Foundation and Lepal Nature Foundation. It says that the SVVA has
chosen Garo Hills for the Huro (the Western Hoolock Gibbon is locally
known as Huro) program since it boasts of the largest and richest forest
cover. It says that the rehabilitation centre is situated in the foothills
of the Nokrek biosphere reserve at Silsotchigre, near Chinabat area of
West Garo Hills. According to the report, the team headed by Magne has
successfully rescued eight apes from captivity in the last three years. It
says that Huros are treated at the quarantine centre and undergo
rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Vanglaini Report:
Highway Robbers Strike Passenger Vehicle Aizawl Vanglaini in Mizo on 24
May carries an approximately 60-word report entitled, "Passe ngers
Looted," which states that passengers of a Guwahati-bound passenger
vehicle were looted by highway robbers, about 10 in number, at the
Sonabarighat area inside Cachar district of Assam on 22 May. It says that
more than IR 50,000 (USD 1069 approx) in cash was looted by the robbers
and an FIR was lodged at Silc har police station on the same day in this
regard.(Editorial Note: Newslink in English also carries the same report
on the same day. )(Aizawl Vanglaini in Mizo - One of the most
widely-circulated Mizoram dailies.) Newslink Report: Wife Alleges Foul
Play in Husband's Apparent Suicide Aizawl Newslink in English on 26 May
carries an approximately 160-word report entitled, "Woman Suspects Foul
Play in Hubby Death," which states that a woman has claimed that she
suspects foul play in the death of her husband who appeared to have hanged
himself. It says that Rualthankhuma, 35, was found hanging from the
ceiling of a bathroom in his rented house at North Khawlek where he worked
as a health worker on 24 May. It further states that to support the wife's
suspicion, some wounds were found on the head of the deceased.(Aizawl
Newslink in English -- One of the most widely-circulated Mizoram dailies.)
Migration / Population Shifts / Cross Border Issues Dawnlit Post
Editorial: China Remains Obsessed with Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Dawnlit
Post in English on 24 May carries an approximately 350-word editorial
entitled, "Shedding Off Obsession", which states that border dispute
apart, India and China have mutually agreed to promote bilateral ties. It
says that the huge Indian market for Chinese goods must have been a
consideration by China while agreeing to promote ties. It says that
boycott of Chinese goods by the people of Arunachal ventilated their
strong sentiments against Chinese claims on the state. The editorial says
that the Indian government has also come straight on the issue and made it
clear to China that it should refrain from making any claims on Arunachal.
It says that despite India making its stand clear, China has not left its
obsession with Arunachal Pradesh and continues to rake up the issue from
time to time, to the discomfort of the Arunachalis. Dawnlit Post Report:
Chinese National Arrested in Arunachal Claims To Be Dissident Itanagar
Dawnlit Post in English on 26 May carries an approximately 120-word report
entitled, "Arrested Chinese National Claims To Be Dissident", which states
that a Chinese national who was arrested for travelling without valid
documents in Arunachal Pradesh's Lohit district on 25 May has claimed that
he was a dissident and not a spy. It says that Guan Liang, arrested on 18
May at Digaru, told interrogators that he took refuge in India after being
hounded by the Chinese police since February for campaigning against human
rights violations in China. Dawnlit Post Report: 509 Border Outposts to
Come Up along International Borders Itanagar Dawnli t Post in English on
26 May carries an approximately 200-word report entitled, "509 New
Outposts to Be Constructed on International Border", which states that the
center has decided to construct 509 border outposts and complete the
unfinished barbed wire fencing long the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh
international borders. It says that E A Ahmed, secretary of the Border
Road Management, said that of the 509 border outposts, 126 will be along
the Indo-Pakistan and 383 along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Mawphor
Report: Conglomerate of Meghalaya Pressure Groups Demand Annulment of
Indo-Nepal Treaty Shillong Mawphor in Khasi on 23 May carries an
approximately 389-word report entitled, "UCC Demands Removal of Indo-Nepal
Treaty", which states that the United Coordination Committee (UCC), a
conglomeration of six organizations, has demanded the annulment of the
Indo-Nepal Treaty, 1950, which grants unlimited freedom to Nepal's
citizens to move and trade in Meg halaya. It says that the committee has
asked Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to pressurize the prime minister in this
regard and has issued a 30-day deadline to the state government to act on
its demand. It quotes UCC Chairman Louis Dohtdong as alluding to the
recent incident at Langpih where four Khasi villagers were gunned down by
Assam police as a result of comm unal tension between Khasi and Nepali
settlers and saying that it is a pity that the people in Langpih have
become sacrificial lambs in their own land. The report quotes him further
has saying that the Langpih incident has forced the committee to
pressurize the state government to address the issue. It says that the
committee has also demanded the removal of non-tribal rangbah shnongs
(village administrators), especially those from the Nepali community.
Nagaland Post Report: Nepal Expresses Concern over Attacks on Nepalis in
Northeast India Dimapur Nagaland Post in English on 26 May carries an
approximately 70-word re port entitled, "Nepal Concerned over Attacks on
Nepalis", which states that there is growing concern in Nepal over attacks
on Nepalis in Northeast India which have reportedly led to the death of 17
people and forced thousands to flee their homes. It says that the Nepal
foreign ministry has asked the Nepal embassy in New Delhi to inquire into
reports that more than a dozen Nepalis were beaten to death in a coal mine
in Meghalaya. Ajker Fariad Editorial: Political Leaders Who Abet
Terrorists Should Be Punished Agartala Ajker Fariad in Bengali on 26 May
carries an approximately 160-word editorial entitled, "They Are Also
Guilty", which states that people representing all sections of society are
happy over the conviction of international terrorist Mamun Mia, who
actually was a threat to India's national security. It says there are
hundreds of Mamun Mias who have made a dent in India with the support of
mischievous people who never treat the country as their o wn. The
editorial states that the abettors of criminals like Mamun Mia should have
also have been punished and that ironically the authorities have failed to
expose the role of these traitors. It further states that political
leaders always betray the people even as they undermine the justice
system. Dainik Sambad Report: Court Sentences Bangladeshi Terror Suspect
to Ten Years' Imprisonment Agartala Dainik Sambad in Bengali on 25 May
carries an approximately 185-word report entitled, "Ten Years Conviction
for Mamun", which states that a court has awarded 10 years' rigorous
imprisonment to Bangladeshi terror suspect Mamun Mia. It says that the
trial, which continued for about two-and-half years, found Mamun guilty in
various crimes, including under provisions of the Passport Act and the
Indian Penal Code. The report states that a fine has also been imposed on
him, failing which he will have to serve extra days in jail. It further
states that investigations into the various activities of Mamun Mia did
not touch upon his alleged nexus with Sahid Choudhury, senior Communist
Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) leader and former minister, who
reportedly helped him obtain different documents.(Editorial Note: Ajker
Fariad in Bengali carries the same report on the same day.) Narcotics /
Drugs Trafficking Dawnlit Post Report: Northeast Rebel Groups May Be
Involved in Drug Trade: Drugs Control Official Itanagar Dawnlit Post in
English on 23 May carries an approximately 320-word report entitled,
"Maoists, NE Rebels May Be Involved in Drug Trade", which states that
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General O P S Malik has said that
Maoists and various Northeast-based rebel groups may be using the illicit
drugs trade route to generate funds for their operations. It says that
Malik also said that there is a possibility that Northeast militants and
Maoists are taking a percentage from drugs production, which includes
cultivation of can nabis and poppy, to fund their violent movements.
Dainik Jugasankha Report: Marijuana Recovered from Train in Bongaigaon
District of Assam Guwahati Dainik Jugasankha in Bengali on 24 May carries
a n approximately 40-word report entitled, " Ganja Recovered from Train",
which states that the police recovered 40 kilograms of ganja (marijuana)
from a New Delhi-bound train at the New Bongaigaon railway station in
Bongaigaon district. The report says that the marijuana was kept in a
suitcase in an air-conditioned coach of the train. Imphal Free Press
Report: Manipur Tops in Opium Seizure among Northeastern States Imphal
Imphal Free Press in English on 24 May carries an approximately 365-word
report entitled, "Manipur Ttops Opium Seizure, Nagaland Ganja " which
states that Manipur tops the north eastern states in the seizure of opium
and Nagaland in ganja (marijuana). The report says that according to the
NCB, this is as per figures on state-wise seizures of var ious drugs in
the region -- mainly ganja, opium, and heroin - during the years 2007 to
March 2010. It says that during the period 335 narcotics-related cases
were registered and 523 people arrested in Assam, 274 cases registered and
384 arrested in Nagaland, 87 cases registered and 127 arrested in Manipur,
158 cases registered and 57 arrested in Meghalaya, 66 cases registered and
124 persons arrested in Arunachal Pradesh, and 32 cases registered and
eight arrested in Tripura.

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3) Back to Top
Iraqi Press 16 June 10
The following lists selected items from the Iraqi press on 16 June. To
request additional processing, pl ease call OSC at (800) 205-8615, (202)
338-6735; or fax (703) 613-5735. - Iraq -- OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 20:09:58 GMT
following issues: I. REACTIONS TO RESULTS OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on the front page a 600-word commentary by the
newspaper's political editor praising the Federal Court's recent ruling
regarding the Article No. 4 of Parliamentary Election Amendment Law No. 26
of 2009 pertaining to the distribution of the compensatory seats to the
winning electoral lists as unconstitutional.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on the front page a 340-word report entitled
"Federal Court Demands Parliament Review Yazidis' Quota at Parliament."
II. CONTACTS TO FORM NEW COALITIONS

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 1,000-word report by
Ammar al-Mifriji on the parliament's inaugural session that was presided
over by F u'ad Ma'sum on 14 June. The report focuses on the news
conference former Parliament Speaker Iyad al-Samarra'i held after the
session, during which he said that protocol problems and political
sensitivities prevented President Talabani from attending the session and
called for the formation of the next government on the national
partnership basis. The report cites citizens as expressing their
disappointment over the results of the inaugural session that was limited
to the constitutional oath of the new parliament members.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 2 a 500-word report citing
senior Al-Iraqiyah List Leaders Usamah al-Nujayfi and Abd-al-Karim
al-Samarra'i, during a news conference in Baghdad on 14 June, as saying
that the list insists on its constitutional right to form the next
government. The report cites Dr Husayn al-Shahristani, senior Iraqi
National Coalition leader, as saying that the Kurdistan Coalition has
already agreed to enter into alliance with his coalition to form the next
government.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 300-word editorial
by the newspaper's chief editor urging the rival winning forces to resolve
their disputes in order to quickly form the next government.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on the front page a 750-word editorial
outlining the tasks and unresolved problems awaiting the new parliament.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 360-word report citing
senior Al-Iraqiyah List Leader Muhammad Salman as saying that List Leader
Iyad Allawi's recent meeting with outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki
was not for protocol purposes. Salman says that the two parties'
negotiating teams have begun their negotiations on a new political system
in the country.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page and on page 2 a 1,200-word
report entitled "Feltman To Arrive in Baghdad Soon To Discuss Formation of
New Government; Political Crisis Ex pected To Continue Until September."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 2 a 360-word report citing
international sources as saying that the US Administration prefers that
the State of Law Coalition and Al-Iraqiyah List enter into coalition to
form the next government. The report says that outgoing Prime Minister
Nuri al-Maliki is waiting for List Leader Iyad Allawi to accept the next
president's post. The report says that the Kurdistan Coalition is not
happy about this scenario.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 2 a 600-word article by Dr Ali Ibrahim
praising Iraqi Communist Party Leader Hamid Majid Musa's recent call for
the formation of a national unity government on the basis of the election
results away from the sectarian proportional power system.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on the front page a 120-word report on Iraqi
National Congress Chairman Dr Ahmad Chalabi's meeting with Al-Iraqiyah
List Leader Iyad Allawi in Baghdad yesterday, 15 June, to disc uss the
latest political developments in the country and the formation of the next
government.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 3 a 120-word report citing Ali al-Musawi,
adviser of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, as saying that the meeting
between Al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani dealt with the issue of the
formation of the next government.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 3 a 200-word report on the statement the
office of Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim, chairman of the Iraqi Islamic Supreme
Council, issued saying that Al-Hakim, met with a senior British official
from the British Foreign Office and discussed with him the ongoing talks
between the political blocs to form the next government.

Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 400-word report saying that a
delegation from the Kurdish Parliament met with Ammar al-Hakim, chairman
of the Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council, and discussed the relations between
the Iraqi and Kurdish Parliament and the importance of forming the
government on time. The report adds that Kurdish Parliament Speaker Kamal
Kirkukli met with Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and discussed the
outstanding issues between the central and regional governments. The
Kurdish parliamentary delegation met also with Deputy Prime Minister Rafi
al-Isawi and discussed the latest developments in the political situation
in Iraq and the formation of the next government.

Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 120-word report saying that Ammar
al-Hakim, chairman of the Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council, met with
President Jalal Talabani and discussed the latest developments in the
political situation and the formation of the next government.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 400-word report citing Hamid Mu'allah,
member of the National Alliance, as saying that the alliance will nominate
more than one candidate for the post of the prime minister if its members
fail in choosing one candidate only. The report cites Muhammad al-Bayyati,
memb er of the alliance, as criticizing former Deputy Parliament Speaker
Khalid al-Atiyah for causing uproar by his remarks on an open
parliamentary session.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 5 a 200-word report citing Parliament Member
Abbas al-Bayyati as saying that the National Alliance will nominate its
candidate for the post of the prime minister in the next 10 days. III.
REACTIONS TO MERGER BETWEEN STATE OF LAW COALITION AND IRAQI NATIONAL
ALLIANCE

Al-Alam publishes on the front page and on page 2 a 1,600-word report on
the statement Ja'far al-Sadr, senior State of Law Coalition leader, issued
yesterday, 15 June, criticizing the new parliament for violating the
constitution at the inaugural session. The report cites senior Al-Sadr
Trend Leader Baha al-A'raji yesterday as affirming that the Iraqi National
Alliance has received letters from parliament members for the Iraqi
Al-Tawafuq Front and Iraq's Unity Bloc expressing desire to join the newly
formed merger of the I raqi National Alliance and State of Law Coalition.

Al-Sabah publishes on the front page a 300-word report citing sources
close to the Wise Men Committee of the National Coalition as saying that
the coalition will present the name of its candidate for the prime
minister's post at the beginning of July. The report also cites Aliyah
Nusayyif, member of the Al-Iraqiyah List, as saying that the list might
withdraw from the political process if it is not asked to form the next
government. IV.PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on the front page a 550-word report citing
Ammar Tu'mah, member of the National Coalition, as saying that the
constitution stipulates that the president of the country must be elected
within a month following the first session of the parliament, and denying
that the political blocs have made any progress in their negotiations on
the senior posts and program of the next government.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on the fr ont page a 220-word report citing
Umar al-Hayjal, member of the Iraqi Al-Tawafuq Front, as saying that the
front might not participate in the next government but it will remain part
of the political process in the country, and affirming that the front is
seeking to approximate the viewpoints between the political blocs in order
to contain the current political crisis that is negatively affecting the
security situation in the country.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 2 a 400-word report citing Ahmad
Anwar, member of the Kurdistan Coalition, as calling on the political
blocs to quickly reach a consensus over the senior posts in order to
quickly form the next government, and expecting the performance of the new
parliament to be better than the former one.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 2 a 100-word report citing Ibrahim
al-Ja'fari, chairman of the National Reform Trend, as expecting the next
government to be formed within two months. (OSC plans no furt her
processing)

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page a 200-word report citing
Abbas al-Bayyati, member of the National Coalition, as saying that the
coalition will soon nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister in
the next government, and affirming that the coalition and Kurdistan
Coalition will ally to form the next government.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page an 80-word report citing
Hasan al-Sunayd, member of the National Coalition, as saying that the Wise
Men Committee will hold a meeting in the next two days to choose the
candidate for the post of prime minister in the next government, and
expecting the Federal Court's ruling regarding the largest parliament bloc
to be in favor of the coalition. (OSC plans no further processing)

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page a 150-word report citing
Husayn al-Shahrastani, member of the National Coalition, as saying that
the coalition will ally with the Kurdish force s, and affirming that the
coalition is holding negotiations with the Al-Iraqiyah List in order to
form a national partnership government.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page a 120-word report citing
Khalid al-Atiyah, member of the National Coalition, as saying that the
coalition is the largest parliamentary bloc, and affirming that the
explanation of the Federal Court's interpretation of the largest
parliamentary bloc that will form the next government is clear.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 2 a 90-word report citing Salman
al-Jumayli, member of the Al-Iraqiyah List, as saying that the list and
State of Law Coalition have agreed to prepare the program of the next
government. (OSC plans no further processing)

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 2 an 80-word report citing Mahma
Khalil, member of the Kurdistan Coalition, as calling on the political
blocs that have won in the legislative elections to nominate qualified
persons for the mini sterial posts in the next government. (OSC plans no
further processing)

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 2 a 150-word report citing Abidah
al-Ta'i, member of the National Coalition, as expecting the serious
negotiations that will be held by the political blocs following the first
session of the parliament to achieve positive results.

Al-Adalah publishes on the front page a 120-word report citing Umar
al-Hayjil, member of the Iraqi Al-Tawafuq Front, as saying that the front
will settle the issue of its participation in the next government in the
next 48 hours.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 2 a 130-word report citing the chairman of the
Kirkuk Governorate Council as expressing hope that the fact that the new
parliament members have taken the constitutional oath will speed up the
formation of the next government.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 5 a 300-word report citing a source as saying
that the Federal Court has decided to nullify the rulings that g ive the
votes of the electoral lists that did not win a seat in the parliament to
the winning lists. V. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS AND COMMENTS

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 120-word report
citing senior security official, who requested anonymity, in Kurdistan as
saying that the Iranian forces have not withdrawn from the Iraqi
territories.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 250-word report on
the statement the US Army issued on 14 June, affirming that an Iraqi court
of law in Basra has convicted an Iraqi insurgent for attacking a US patrol
in Basra on 5 January this year.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 250-word report
entitled "Karbala Governorate Council Condemns US Airdrop in Al-Khanafsah
Village."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on the front page a 100-word report
entitled "High Ranking US Official To Visit Iraq To Discuss Issue of
Formation of New Government."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 700-word report by Ali
al-Nasir saying that Basra Governorate Council Chairman Abd-al-Jabbar Amin
attended the Political Council's meeting that was held at the Al-Fadilah
Party's headquarters in Basra, which devoted to discussing the issues of
the projects being implemented, electricity crises, and freedom of the
press in the governorate.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 360-word report on Vice
President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi's meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Iraq
Hassan Kazemi Qomi in Baghdad to discuss bilateral relations. The report
also focuses on Abd-al-Mahdi's separate meetings with Judicial Council
Chairman Midhat al-Mahmud, Iraqi National Coalition Member Fawwaz
al-Jarba, and senior Al-Iraqiyah List Leader Hasan al-Alawi to discuss the
latest developments in the country.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 200-word report entitled
"President Talabani Congratulates Iraq i Journalists on Iraqi Journalism
Day."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 2 a 250-word report entitled "Al-Hakim
Receives Official in Charge of Iraqi Affairs at British Foreign Ministry."

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on the front page a 600-word report entitled
"Iraqi Journalists Celebrate 141st Anniversary; Call on Iraqi Journalists
Association To Review, Improve Its Performance."

Al-Mashriq publishes on the front page a 500-word editorial by Dr Hamid
Abdallah on the problems of the large number of widows and orphans in the
country.

Al-Alam publishes on the front page and on page 3 a 1,200-word report
entitled "US Embassy in Baghdad Demands 24 Helicopters, 50 Armored
Vehicles for Protection After Withdrawal of US Forces From Iraq."

Al-Alam publishes on the front page and on page 3 a 1,500-word report
citing The New York Times Newspaper yesterday, 15 June, on the growing
public resentment at the ongoing poli tical process and political forces
and leaders for their failure to resolve the ongoing crises in the
country.

Baghdad on 15 June publishes on the front page a 400-word report on the
first parliamentary session that was held yesterday, 14 June.

Al-Adalah publishes on the front page a 570-word report saying that
President Jalal Talabani met with Vice President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi and
discussed with him ways of enhancing the alliance between the Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan and Iraqi Islamic Supreme Council. The report adds that
Talabani also met with Nuri al-Maliki, prime minister and secretary
general of the Islamic Da'wah Party, and discussed with him ways of
promoting the relations between the two parties and the issue of the
formation of the next government.

Al-Adalah publishes on the front page a 260-word report citing Kurdish
Prime Minister Barham Salih as saying that the Kurds will not support any
Iraqi government unless they obtain written guarantee s regarding a number
of main Kurdish issues.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 3 a 430-word report saying that Vice President
Adil Abd-al-Mahdi met w ith the Iranian ambassador to Iraq and discussed
with him ways of promoting bilateral relations. The report adds that
Abd-al-Mahdi also met with Kurdish Parliament Speaker Kamal Kirkuki and
discussed with him the latest political developments in Iraq and the
ongoing talks between the political blocs to form the next government.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 2 an 80-word report citing Kurdish sources as
saying that Kurdish President Mas'ud Barzani met with the French president
in Paris and discussed with him ways of promoting bilateral relations.
(OSC plans no further processing)

Al-Sabah publishes on page 2 a 260-word report saying that four Iraqi
ambassadors presented copies of their credentials to Algeria, Hungary,
Norway and Slovakia.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 3 a 550-word report citing a number of parlia
ment members as criticizing the events that took place during the first
parliamentary session and called for quickly forming the next government.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 2 a 500-word report saying that President Jalal
Talabani congratulated the Iraqi journalists on the Iraqi journalism 141st
anniversary. The report adds that Talabani met with Jeffrey Feltman, US
assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern Affairs, and discussed with
him the political situation in Iraq and the formation of the next
government. The report adds that Talabani met with a Kurdish parliamentary
delegation and discussed the political situation in the country.

Al-Mada publishes on page 4 a 120-word report citing Dhi Qar Advisory
Council Chairman Qusay al-Ibadi as saying that the advisory councils,
which are not part of a region, have started preparations to hold a
conference to discuss the Governorate Councils Draft Law and the security
situation in the different governorates.
< br>Al-Mada publishes on page 5 a 700-word report on the party elections
of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Al-Zaman publishes on the front page a 120-word report citing the Turkish
consul in the Ninawah Governorate as saying that Turkey has been impeding
the projects that aim to partition Iraq and organized training for the
Iraqi politicians and professional personnel on different issues and
topics. The report adds that US Forces Commander Raymond Odierno met with
Saudi King Abdallah and discussed with him the situation in the region. In
a separate context, the Iraqi Air Force has been working on protecting the
Kurdish border villages against the Iranian attacks.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 200-word report saying that Vice President
Adil Abd-al-Mahdi met with the Iranian ambassador to Iraq and discussed
with him the bilateral relations between the two countries and the
outstanding issues.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 120-word report saying that th e parliament
members of the Kurdistan Islamic Union held a meeting to discuss their
role in the new parliament. The report cites a source as saying that the
Turkomans held a meeting in the Qarah Banar Sub-district.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 120-word report saying that Kurdish
President Mas'ud Barzani has started a visit to France to meet with its
president and foreign minister.

Al-Zaman devotes half of page 16 to an interview with the Turkish consul
in the Ninawah Governorate.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on the front page a 200-word report
citing Hashim Lu'aybi, Basra Advisory Council media official, as saying
that the council will hold a meeting and announce the formation of the
Basra Region. VI. SECURITY AND MILITARY DEVELOPMENTS

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 600-word report entitled
"Demonstrations Staged in Basra, Arbil To Protest Iranian Bombardment of
Border Villages in Kurdistan; Iranian Army Builds Trenches I nside Iraqi
Territories."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 300-word report citing a
security source in the Al-Anbar Governorate yesterday, 15 June, as
affirming that the Iraqi security forces launched a large-scale search
campaign in the border villages along the Syrian borders to search for
Arab and Iraqi insurgents. The report cites a security source in the Wasit
Governorate as affirming that a joint US-Iraqi unit arrested three wanted
insurgents, including a senior Al-Qa'ida Organization leader, in an
airdrop in the Jayshiyyat Village in the governorate.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 3 a 1,100-word report entitled
"Checkpoint Attacked Near Baghdad-Amman Highway in Abu-Ghurayb District;
Armed Clashes in Basra Governorate; Raids, Search Campaigns in Border
Villages Along Syrian Borders Continued To Search for Wanted Arab, Iraqi
Insurgents."

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 3 a 700-word report entitled "Dozens of
Suspects Arrested During Raids, Search Campaigns in Diyala Governorate;
Owners of Money Exchange, Goldsmith Shops Express Concern Over Their
Safety."

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 5 a 700-word report on the ongoing gambling
on streets in Baghdad.

Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 200-word report entitled "Body of
Unidentified Woman Discovered in Bayji District."

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on the front page a 300-word report citing
Parliament Member Abd-al-Karim al-Samarr'i as expecting that a number of
politicians were involved in the recent terrorist operation that targeted
the Central Bank of Iraq, and calling for quickly announcing the results
of the investigation into this attack. The report also cites Adil Barwari,
member of the Kurdistan Coalition, as accusing the Al-Qa'ida Organization
and the followers of Saddam Husayn's regime of being involved in this
operation, and affirming that the security forces should be held
responsible for any security violations.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 5 a 100-word report citing an
official at the Central Bank of Iraq as saying that the attack that
targeted the bank was aimed at destabilizing the economic situation in the
country, and calling on the security forces to exert more efforts to
protect the banks in the country. (OSC plans no further processing)

Baghdad on 14 June publishes on page 4 a 210-word report citing Justice
Minister Dara Nur-al-Din as saying that there are 23,500 prisoners at the
ministry's prisons.

Al-Sabah publishes on the front page a 260-wor report citing Husayn Ali
Kamal, Interior Ministry's undersecretary for information and
investigation's affairs, as saying that the Information and Investigation
Agency has provided the executive agencies with the necessary information
on the terrorist groups' scheme to rob a number of banks by wearing
military uniforms.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 4 a 500-word report ci ting an official
security source in the Wasit Governorate as saying that the security
forces, in cooperation with the US forces, arrested three suspects,
including a prominent Al-Qa'ida leader in the governorate. The source
added that the security forces arrested a wanted person who was planning
to implement a suicide bombing near one of the health establishments in
the Al-Suwayrah City, north of the governorate.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 4 a 130-word report citing a source at the
Babil Police Directorate as saying that the security forces arrested 16
wanted persons north of the governorate.

Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 500-word report citing a number of
goldsmiths in the Diyala Governorate as expressing fear of being targeted
by the Al-Qa'ida Organization. The report adds that the security forces in
the governorate arrested 17 suspects during raids and searches in the
governorate. The report adds that the security forces in the Al-Anbar
Governorate started a campaign to search for wanted suspects in the
villages near the Syrian borders.

Al-Mada publishes on page 3 a 400-word report entitled "Terrorism: Is it
Living B eginning of End in Iraq?"

Al-Mada publishes on page 9 an 800-word report on the attempt to seize the
Central Bank of Iraq.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 2 a 400-word report saying that a report by the
US forces showed that the number of victims in the first half of this year
is smaller than that of last year for the same months. The report cites a
source in the US forces as saying that the forces are working on
withdrawing from their bases in Iraq without leaving any harmful materials
to the environment.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 300-word report saying that thousands of
pilgrims visited the Samarra District in the Salah-al-Din Governorate
while the security forces took strict measures to protect them.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 120-word report saying that armed men
killed three members of one family in the Al-Bu-Yusuf Sub-district in the
Ninawah Governorate. The report adds that the security forces arrested 18
suspects in the Al-I'lam District in Baghdad after the assassination of a
senior official in the district by an explosive device.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 300-word report saying that the Baghdad
Police Command has instructed the security personnel to intensify their
efforts near the goldsmith shops. The report adds that the security forces
arrested five suspects and defused two explosive devices in the Al-Fadl
District in Baghdad.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 3 a 120-word report saying that the security
forces in the Al-Fallujah District in the Al-Anbar Governorate held a
conference for the tribal chiefs and the mayors to discuss the security
issues in the district.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 4 a 200-word report saying that the Interior
Ministry has approved the hiring of 2,000 security personnel to supp ort
the police forces in the Babil Governorate.

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on the front page the text of a letter from
a leader in the Al-Qa'ida Organization to organization leaders Abu-Ayyub
al-Masri and Abu-Umar al-Baghdadi.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on page 2 a 300-word report citing a
senior Iraqi officer as saying that Abu-Ayyub al-Masri, former leader of
the Al-Qa'ida Organization, is the one who formed groups that assassinate
people with guns fitted with silencers. VII. HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS
ISSUES

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 400-word report citing an
official source at the Dahuk Municipality as affirming that the
municipality has launched a campaign to collect donations for the
construction of a new center for patients suffering from mental and
psychological disorders.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 500-word report citing Hazim
al-Sarraj, president of the Iraqi Red Crescent Association-Diyala Br anch,
as affirming the payment of compensations to 1,400 shop owners who
sustained damage due to the recent violence in the Al-Muqdadiyah District.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 400-word report citing Aqil
Muhammad Rida, president of the Iraqi Red Crescent Association-Dhi Qar
Branch, as saying that the association, in cooperation with the Health
Ministry and World Health Organization, implemented the poliomyelitis
spring monitoring campaign in the governorate.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 3 a 900-word report citing doctors and
women activists from the Diyala Governorate as outlining the social
implications of the lack of sexual assault awareness in the governorate.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 200-word report entitled "World
Tourism Organization Writes off 60 Percent of Iraqi Tourism Commission
Debts."

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 8 a 1,700-word report outlining the
activities of the Iraqi Red Cresce nt Association-Abu-Ghurayb Branch.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 5 a 500-word report on the problems of women
in the rural areas.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 5 a 300-word report entitled "Coach Training
Orphans, Urges Baghdad Governorate Council To Help."

Al-Alam publishes on page 8 a 1,600-word report entitled "Salah al-Din
Governorate Council: Squandering of Public Wealth, Absence of Solutions
Behind Environmental Pollution in Governorate; Oil Pipeline Leakage
Endangers Environment, May Lead to Disaster."

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 3 a 300-word report citing a senior
official at the Health Ministry as saying that the ministry has prepared
an emergency plan that will be implemented during the anniversary of the
martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Kazim in the Al-Kazimiyah City in Baghdad.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 6 a 300-word report citing an official source
at the Planning and Development Cooperation Ministry as saying that the
ministry's Poverty Alleviation Committee has not held any meeting as a
result of the delay in the formation of the next government.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 4 a 220-word report citing an official source
at the Health Ministry as saying that the ministry's health teams have
continued following up the health situation of the prisoners in the Iraqi
prisons.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 5 a 120-word report citing Ninawah Health
Director Dr Salah-al-Din Dhannun as saying that a German company has
started implementing a project to construct the German Hospital in the
Mosul City as part of the Health Ministry's 2010 plan.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 2 a 200-word report saying that the Babil
Health Directorate has formed a committee to deal with the spread of
cholera during the summer. The report adds that the Health Ministry has
instructed all its directorates to distribute toothbrushes and toothpaste
to the pupils in the schools as part of its h ealth prevention campaign.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes all of page 10 to a report
entitled "Children in Iraq: Physical Deformity, Uncertain Future."

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 300-word report saying that the
Health Ministry has drawn up an emergency plan for the pilgrimage in the
Al-Kazimiyah District in Baghdad. VIII. ECONOMIC NEWS AND PUBLIC SERVICES

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 500-word report citing Ihsan
Muhrij al-Tufan, chairman of the Babil Governorate Council's Services
Committee, as affirming that the committee has prepared a plan for the
removal of garbage from the residential areas.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 7 a 450-word report entitled
"US Ambassador to Iraq Christopher Hill Urges Iraqi Government To Support
Private Sector."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 7 a 360-word report entitled
"US Government Allocates $200 Million To Develo p Banking System in Iraq."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 7 a 200-word report entitled
"US Company Discusses Implementation of $30 Million Tourism Project on
Shatt al-Arab Waterway in Basra Governorate."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 9 a 1,500-word report by Shirku
Shahin entitled "Problems of Postgraduate Students in New Iraq."

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 9 a 600-word report by Ban
Fawzi al-Dulaymi urging the government to develop the river transportation
sector in Baghdad.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 150-word report saying
that Istabraq al-Shawk, deputy minister of housing and construction,
inaugurated the Al-Rustamiyah Bridge on the Diyala River in southern
Baghdad after its rehabilitation.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on the front page a 150-word report saying
that the Transport Ministry's Passengers and Delegations Transportation
State Company is planni ng to construct model bus stations in the Maysan
and Basra Governorates.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publi shes on page 2 a 760-word report by Zaynab
al-Hasani on the suffering of the Iraqi people due to the hot weather and
frequent electricity outages.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 1,000-word report citing an
official source at the Trade Ministry as affirming that the Grains Trading
State Company has extended the deadline for receiving the wheat and barley
crops from farmers in the Babil, Al-Diwaniyah, Wasit, Maysan, and Dhi Qar
Governorates.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 350-word report entitled "Wasit
Governor Meets With Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 340-word report citing Khalil
Hayyawi Murad, director of the Industry Ministry's Al-Mansur State
Company, as affirming the completion of the installation of the newly
imported solar energy cell factory.

Al-S abah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 900-word report citing Baghdad
Mayor Sabir al-Isawi as affirming the allocation of 1.2 billion Iraqi
dinars to improve the standard of services and provide drinking water in
the 9 Nisan Sector.

Tariq al-Sha'b devotes part of page 5 to public complaints.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 8 a 1,100-word interview with Abbas
Nasrallah Mahan, director of the Industry Ministry's Industrial
Development Directorate, on the directorate's duties, activities,
achievements, and future development plans.Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 5
a 400-word letter by female teachers from the Abu-Ghurayb District in
Baghdad urging the Education Ministry to transfer them to schools near
their homes due to the deteriorating security situation in the district.

Al-Mu'tamar devotes part of page 5 to public complaints.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 5 a 600-word article by Isra al-Rashid
outlining the sufferings of the Iraqi people due to the l ack of basic
services.

Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 300-word report entitled "Minister of
Higher Education and Scientific Research: Iraqi Cultural Attaches Delay
Endorsement, Verification of Student's Certificates."

Al-Mashriq publishes on page 4 a 300-word report entitled "Al-Rafidayn
Bank's Profits Stand at One Trillion Iraqi Dinars."

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 2 a 230-word report citing Ahmad
Asi, member of the Kirkuk Governorate Council, as saying that 53 Arab
villages in the governorate are suffering from neglect, and affirming that
no services projects have been implemented in these villages for the past
six years. The report also cites Ribwar al-Talabani, deputy chairman of
the council, as denying that the Arab villages have been neglected, and
affirming that services projects were implemented in these villages.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 5 a 600-word report citing a number
of farmers as calling on the government to support the agricultural sector
in the country.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 5 a 200-word report citing Ali
Ma'arij, director general of the Maysan Oil Company, as saying that the
Iraqi Drilling Company has started digging the Al-Nur Oil Well near the
Al-Amarah City, and affirming that the well is now producing 5,000 barrels
of oil per day.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 5 a 280-word report citing a
government economic adviser as saying that Kuwait has expressed
willingness to settle the unresolved issues between the two countries,
including the Iraqi reparations to Kuwait.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page a 100-word report citing a
senior official at the Education Ministry as saying that the ministry has
received 61 out of 253 projects that were implemented by the US side in 12
Iraqi governorates.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on the front page a 100-word report citing
Finance Minister Baqir Jabr al-Zubaydi as calling on Kuwait, Egypt and
Saudi Arabia to write off the Iraqi debts to these countries. (OSC plans
no further processing)

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on page 4 a 200-word report citing Baghdad
Mayor Dr Sabir al-Isawi as saying that his department will implement a
number of investment projects to construct 113,000 housing units in the
Baghdad Governorate.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 4 a 100-word report saying a group of
Chinese companies have organized a major trade fair in Al-Najaf
Governorate. (OSC plans no further processing)

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 4 a 120-word report saying that Dhi
Qar Governor Talib al-Hasan has inaugurated a drinking water project that
was implemented at a cost of $7 million.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 2 a 90-word report saying that Public Works
and Municipalities Minister Riyad Gharib inaugurated a sewage station
project in the Al-Hindiyah District in the Karbala Governorate. (OSC plans
no further processing)

Al-Adalah publishes on page 2 a 140-word report citing Baghdad Mayor Dr
Sabir al-Isawi as saying that the Baghdad Mayoralty has allocated 1.2
billion Iraqi dinars to improve the public services and provide drinking
water to a number of areas in the 9 April District.

Al-Adalah publishes on page 6 a 130-word report on the statement the
Baghdad Municipality's media office issued saying that the municipality
will implement two sewage projects in the capital at a cost of 98 billion
Iraqi dinars.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 2 a 330-word report citing Ali al-Allaq,
secretary general of the cabinet, as saying that Iraq has continued
holding talks with Turkey, Syria and Iran on the issue of Iraq's quota of
water from the Euphrates and the Tigris. He added that Iraq will use
economic pressures on the countries that attempt to seize the waters of
the two rivers in Iraq.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 5 a 200-word report citing Haydar Ali Fadil,
chairman of the Basra Investment Commission, as saying that the commission
held a meeting during which it discussed the projects that had been
presented by a number of US, Chinese and Iraqi companies in order to
rehabilitate the tourism, oil, agricultural and industrial sectors in the
governorate.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 5 a 200-word report citing Sabhan Mulla Jiyad,
chairman of the Energy Committee at the Salah-al-Din Governorate Council,
as saying that the governorate's quota of the petrol-dollar project (to
allocate $1 for every barrel of oil that is produced by the governorate)
stood at 10 billion Iraqi dinars.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 5 a 120-word report citing Mahdi Husayn
al-Zaydi, chairman of the Construction Committee at the Wasit Governorate
Council, following his meeting with a delegation representing a number of
Iranian companies, as saying that a number of Iranian companies have
expressed willingness to implement investment project s in the
governorate.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 5 a 120-word report citing the m edia spokesman
for the State Company for Iraqi Posts as saying that five commercial ships
carrying large quantities of goods arrived at the Khawr al-Zubayr Port in
the Basra Governorate.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 14 a 480-word report citing Husayn Mahdi,
director general of the State Company for Petrochemical Industries, as
saying that the company has continued rehabilitating the factories of the
company.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 14 a 260-word report citing Hashim Muhammad
Hatim, economic relations director at the Trade Ministry, as saying that
his department has launched a new program that is aimed at establishing
good economic relations with the world countries.

Al-Mada publishes on the front page a 250-word report citing a source in
the Baghdad Municipality as saying that the municipality, in collaboration
with the Baghdad Operations Command, is making the nece ssary preparations
to reopen a number of blocked streets in the capital.

Al-Mada publishes on page 4 a 70-word report citing Baghdad Mayor Sabir
al-Isawi as saying that the Baghdad Municipality has allocated one billion
Iraqi dinars to improve the services in the 9 April District.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 2 a 300-word report saying that a large number
of Kurdish officials and businessmen attended the conference that was held
in London on the investment opportunities in the Kurdistan Region. The
report adds that Basra Governor Shaltagh Abbud met with members of the
British House of Lords in London and discussed with them the role the
British companies can play in reconstructing the Basra Governorate.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes all of page 9 to a report that
comments on the poor services in Iraq and how the people are suffering
from several crises such as poor public services and poor electricity. The
report criticizes the government for f ailing to improve these bad
conditions, adding that it takes fees without providing the people with
good services. The report adds that the people are forced to pay large
amounts of money in order to buy electricity from the owners of private
generators.

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on the front page a 300-word report citing
Karbala Governor Amal-al-Din al-Hirr as saying that the number of palm
trees in the governorate has increased and reached 2.75 million trees.

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 400-word interview with Balqis
Musa, Chairperson of the Immigrants and Displaced Persons Committee in the
Karbala Advisory Council.

Al-Bayan on 15 June devotes all of page 13 to a report on the Samarra
District in the Salah-al-Din Governorate.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 200-word report saying that
the Al-Mansur State Company has succeeded in installing solar panels for a
number of government institutions. IX. PRESS COMMENTS

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 1,100-word report on the
ongoing Iranian bombardment of the border villages in Kurdistan.

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 2,500-word report entitled
"Members of State of Law Coalition, Iraqi National Alliance Reject
Al-Iraqiyah List's Objection to Formation of Iraqi National Coalition;
Reports on New Alliance Between Al-Maliki, Allawi."

Dar al-Salam on 15 June devotes all of page 6 to a report by Kawkab
al-Asadi on the 141st anniversary of the Iraqi journalism. The report
cites journalists as outlining their problems and demands.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 1,700-word article by Dr
Sayyar al-Jamil discussing the concept of the Iraqi identity.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 1,200-word article by
Rif'at Nafi al-Kinani warning the Iraqi political leaders and officials,
who were comfortably living in Europe and the neighboring countries while
t he Iraqi people were suffering from tyranny, poverty, sanctions, and di
seases under the former regime, that the poor Iraqis will revolt if their
problems are not resolved.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 760-word article by Kazim
al-Hajjaj criticizing the Ba'th Party and other Arab nationalist parties
for politicizing the concept of Pan-Arabism and nationalism.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 3 a 900-word article by Zahir
al-Zubaydi emphasizing the importance of implementing Article No. 8 of the
Iraqi Constitution pertaining to Iraq's international relations in order
to normalize Iraq's relationship with the international community and
other countries.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 5 a 1,500-word report by Ali
Ajil Manhal entitled "From Assassination of Sabaean Goldsmith Shop Owners
to Expulsion of Port Workers Union Leaders to Mosul; What Is Happening in
Basra?"

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 5 a 1,200-word article by Ayman
al-Hashimi entitled "Why Are Iraqi Christians Being Targeted?"

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 5 a 600-word article by
Muhammad Hamid Faris calling for the prosecution of officials responsible
for the implementation of unfeasible and poor-quality projects.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 5 a 700-word article by Bushra
al-Azzawi on the ongoing human rights violations against women in the
country.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 7 a 760-word article by Kazim
Musa emphasizing the importance of attracting foreign investments to
develop the oil sector in the country.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 9 a 1,000-word article by Dr
Khamis al-Badri discussing the future of the federal political system in
Iraq.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on page 9 a 900-word article by Qahtan
Adnan, chairman of the Democratic Youths Forum, emphasizing the importance
of focusing on the educational programs for children under the age of 10
in the country.

Sawt al-Ahali on 15 June publishes on the back page a 500-word article by
Yahya al-Saffah urging the security agencies to intensify their efforts to
combat the growing activities of the organized crime gangs in Baghdad and
other governorates.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 2 a 700-word article by Amir al-Hilu
entitled "Memories on Iraqi Journalism Day."

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 600-word part one of a five-part
article by Hasballah Yahya discussing ways to improve the standard of
education at the Iraqi universities.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 13 a 1,200-word article by Tamim
al-Iraqi praising Hasan al-Alawi, parliament member fro the Al-Iraqiyah
List and writer, for his achievements over the past five decades.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 13 a 1,200-word article by
Abd-al-Karim Qasim entitled "Letter to Al -Ahrar Parliamentary Bloc,"
saying that without the US forces and their sacrifices, the parliament
members for the Al-Sadr Trend and others would not be able to reach the
parliament, receive handsome salaries, and drive armored cars. The article
strongly criticizes the trend for objecting to US Ambassador to Iraq
Christopher Hill's attendance of the new parliament's inaugural session.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 13 a 600-word article by Mahmud
Khayyun urging the Iraqi political forces to resolve their disputes and
form the new government on a national partnership basis.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 13 a 7 00-word article by Sami Hasan
commenting on outgoing Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's recent meeting with
Al-Iraqiyah List Chairman Iyad Allawi and urging the Iraqi leaders to put
Iraq's national interests before their personal interests.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 3 a 900-word article by Ibrahim
al-Mashhadani discussing the sig nificance and implications of the Federal
Court's ruling pe rtaining to the amendment of Parliamentary Election Law
No. 16 of 2005.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 5 a 400-word article by Salih al-Amidi
criticizing the ongoing Iranian and Turkish bombardment of the border
villages in Kurdistan.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 5 a 500-word article by Kifah Muhammad
Mustafa criticizing the outgoing parliament for its poor performance and
failure to perform its duties.

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 6 a 1,700-word article by Mufid
al-Jaza'iri commemorating the sixth anniversary of the martyrdom of Iraqi
Writer Qasim Abd-al-Amir I'jam."

Tariq al-Sha'b publishes on page 7 a 2,600-word article by Adil Habbah
strongly criticizing the Arab Writers Union for freezing the membership of
the Iraqi Writers Union.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 8 a 1,000-word article by Ala al-A'raji
entitled "Is Citizenship Right or Gift?"

Al-Mu 'tamar publishes on page 8 a 600-word ar ticle by Balqis Hamid Hasan
criticizing the Al-Iraqiyah Satellite Television Channel for airing a song
promoting violence recently.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on page 8 a 760-word article by Ali al-Talaqani on
the freedom of the press in the country.

Al-Mu'tamar publishes on the back page a 500-word article by Fu'ad
al-Ubudi criticizing the Arab writers and artists who still support and
promote the former dictatorial regime in Iraq.

Al-Mashriq publishes on page 7 a 600-word article by Shamil Abd-al-Qadir
entitled "United States of America, Electricity Crisis."

Al-Alam publishes on page 5 a 600-word article by Ahmad Sa'dawi commenting
on the frequent armed bank robberies in the country.

Al-Alam publishes on page 8 a 600-word article by Maytham Lu'aybi saying
that the Iraqi media outlets and citizens are constantly criticizing the
government for the poor standard of services while remaining silent over
the ongoing violations.

Al-Alam publishes on page 11 a 1,700-word article by Dr Faris Kamal Nazmi
entitled "Communists, Al-Sadr Trend's Followers, Option of Historical
Bloc."

Al-Alam publishes on page 11 a 760-word article by Hasan Nazim entitled
"Do Intellectuals Produce or Merely Promote Ideas?"

Al-Alam publishes on page 11 a 700-word article by Nasir al-Hajjaj
wondering as to why Iraq is importing drinking water and fuel while it has
rivers and oil resources and why a large number of Iraqis are living below
the poverty line while their country is rich.

Al-Alam publishes on page 11 a 760-word article by Hawwas Mahmud
criticizing the Arab regimes for their failure to resolve the issue of
minorities in the Arab world.

Al-Muwatin on 15 June carries on the last page a 300-word article by Majid
Zaydan calling on the security agencies to reveal the details of the
circumstances surrounding the attack that targeted the C entral Bank of
Iraq.

Al-Da'wah on 15 June carries on page 7 a 500-word article by Umran
al-Ubaydi calling for quickly forming a national partnership government in
the country.

Al-Mada publishes on page 2 a 300-word article by Abdallah al-Sukuti who
comments on the Al-Qa'ida Organization's attempt to rob the Central Bank
of Iraq and how it is trying to fund itself by stealing the Iraqi people
to launch attacks on them.

Al-Mada publishes on page 3 a 300-word article by Amir al-Qaysi entitled
"New Deputies: We Want Deeds, not Words."

Al-Mada publishes on page 5 a 300-word article by Wadi Ghazwan who says
that the attempt to rob the Central Bank of Iraq casts doubt on the
ability of the security forces to protect the people.

Al-Zaman publishes on page 15 a 600-word article by Imad Allaw entitled
"Iranian Incursion, Flexing Muscles."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on the front page a 300-word
editorial tha t criticizes the politicians who attended the first session
of the new Parliament and did not stay for more than 20 minutes. The
writer says that the people expected them to start working and solving
their problems as soon as possible.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 2 a 200-word article
by Isam al-Bayyati who comments on the recent attack on the Central Bank
of Iraq, adding that the government failed in stopping such successive
attacks from happening. The writer criticizes the parliament members for
attending the first parliamentary session and how they were all smiles and
did not care about or feel sorry for the innocent people who were killed
in the attack that happened one day before the session.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 2 a 250-word article
entitled "Partnership with Industrialized Countries Supports Iraq's
Economy."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes half of page 3 to an article by
Jir jis Kuliza dah entitled "Prerequisites of Success of Next Iraqi
Government."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 4 a 300-word article
by Adnan al-Fadli who discusses the bad conditions facing Baghdad, saying
that it suffers from negligence and poor services. The writer calls on the
government to rebuild and rehabilitate the capital, adding that large
amounts of money have been allocated for that purpose since 2008 but there
has been no improvement in its bad conditions.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 6 a 450-word article
by Jamal al-Hindawi who comments on the recent meeting between Prime
Minister Nuri al-Maliki and former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and the
issues they discussed. The writer calls on them to be united and solve
their disputes in order to form a strong government which would provide
the people with their needs.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 6 a 500-word article
by Sa'd Gh alib Abd-al-Wahid entitled "Iraqi Foreign Policy, Crisis of
Forming New Government."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 6 a 700-word article
by Adil al-Yabis who criticizes the politicians for making a large number
of statements and promises to the people in order to mislead them, adding
that they lie and mislead people about their performances and
achievements. The writer says that most of the politicians are bad and
seek their personal interests at the expense of the people.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes half of page 8 to an article by
Hadi Hasan Ulaywi entitled "Crisis of Freedom of Press in Iraq:
Constitutional, National Responsibilities."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes all of page 12 to an article by
Baha-al-Din Nuri entitled "Collapse of Kurdish Armed Movement."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 17 a 550-word article
by Hasan al-Nawwab who says that the p eople are facing large numbers of
bad conditions while waiting for the politicians to solve their disputes
and form the a new government they expect to solve their problems.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 17 a 400-word article
by Khalid al-Qaraghuli who criticizes the Al-Arabiyah Satellite Television
Channel for broadcasting a program that portrayed the Al-Anbar citizens as
terrorists who killed the other Iraqis for sectarian reasons. The writer
calls for prosecuting this channel, adding that the Al-Anbar citizens are
patriotic and that they sacrificed a great deal for the sake of Iraq's
interests.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 17 a 400-word article
by Muhsin al-Tamimi who criticizes the performance of some of the
officials in the public and private sectors for not observing the law and
for allowing fraud and corruption to take place in their institutions.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June devotes half of page 1 8 to the final
part of an article by Abd-al-Sattar Birqdar entitled "Media, Terrorism."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 18 a 600-word article
by Zahir al-Zubaydi who criticizes some of the employees and officials for
not honestly performing their jobs and for cheating and get advantage of
the poor people. The writer criticizes some of the politicians for
focusing on their personal interests and neglecting their promises to the
people who voted for them.

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on page 18 a 900-word
"Mistakes in Obama's Foreign Policy."

Al-Bayyinah al-Jadidah on 15 June publishes on the final page a 200-word
article by Abd-al-Zahrah al-Bayyati who comments on the important role
journalism has played in the political process in Iraq. The writer says
that the Iraqi journalists face a large number of difficulties during
their daily work in order to reveal the truth to the people.

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on page 5 a 550-word article by Intisar
Abbas entitled "Prosperity of Electronic Trade."

Al-Bayan on 15 June publishes on the final page a 300-word article by
Abd-al-Hadi Muhawdar who criticizes the Electricity Ministry for its poor
performance, saying that it does not keep its promises to the people in
providing them with services. The writer comments on the difficult
conditions of the people and how they are suffering from heat during the
summer.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on the front page a 200-word editorial
that comments on the recent attack on the Central Bank of Iraq during
which a number of the innocent people were killed and injured. The writer
criticizes the politicians for not solving their disputes and focusing on
fighting and stopping those terrorists from attacking the people and
damaging government institutions.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on page 2 a 200-word article by Hamid
al-Mukhtar who says tha t the meeting between Prime Minister Nuri
al-Maliki and former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi was held in order to solve
their problems and form the new government. The writer calls on the
winning politicians to be united and work together in order to form a
strong government which will provide the Iraqis with their needs.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on page 11 a 300-word article by Hanan
Muhammad Fari entitled "Media, Society."

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on the final page a 300-word article by
Qasim al-Ajrash who criticizes the government for not supporting the local
industries and agriculture, adding that it strongly depends on the foreign
products, vegetables and fruits. The writer calls on the government to
draw up plans to support the Iraqi farmers and workers in order to improve
Iraq's economy by depending on the local products.

Al-Bayyinah on 15 June publishes on the final page a 250-word article by
Isa al-Sayyid Ja'far entitled & quot;Political Identity." X. CORRUPTION

Dar al-Salam on 15 June publishes on the front page a 400-word report
citing Integrity Commission Rahim al-Uqayli as accusing some ministers,
including the public works and municipalities minister, of refusing to
refer 54 corrupt officials to the judiciary. The report also focuses on
the statement the commission issued affirming the arrest of the president
of the Al-Najaf Military Court on bribery charges.

Al-Sabah al-Jadid publishes on page 4 a 330-word report entitled "Labor
and Social Affairs Ministry organizes Workshop on Anti-Corruption National
Strategy."

Al-Alam publishes on the front page and on page 2 a 2,600-word interview
with Interior Ministry's Inspector General Aqil al-Turayhi on the
widespread corruption at the General Traffic Police Directorate and the
inefficiency of the explosives detection devices that were imported from
Britain.

Al-Adalah publishes on the last page a 100-wo rd report citing an official
source at the Education Ministry as saying that the ministry has detected
more than 800 forged university certificates that were presented by other
Iraqi ministries.

Al-Sabah publishes on page 12 a 330-word article by Layth Fa'iz Muhsin
commenting on the spread of administrative corruption at the government
departments and calling on the government to exert more efforts to
eradicate it.

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4) Back to Top
NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (2 of
6)
Updated version: adding extra headline in text; Yonhap headline: "NORTH
KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)" - Yonhap
Thursday June 17, 2010 03:20:23 GMT
(Description of Source: Seoul Yonhap in English -- Semiofficial news
agency of the ROK; URL: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

5) Back to Top
NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (2 of
6)
Yonhap headline: "NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)" - Yonhap
Thursday June 17, 2010 03:03:15 GMT
(Yonhap) -- Making a World Cup comeback for the first time in 44 years,
North Korea has been swept with football fever and finds itself drawing
more and more international attention in South Africa, where the football
festival is under way.

North Korea qualified for the World Cup finals, drawn into Group G, the
so-called group of death, which includes five-time World Cup champion
Brazil and top-ranked contenders Ivory Coast and Portugal.Despite being
the first Asian team to advance to the first round of the World Cup
finals, the North Koreans have been largely invisible in the international
football arena.The last time the North made it to the World Cup finals was
in 1966, when it made a splash by reaching the quarterfinals at the
England World Cup. This year, the country ranks 105th among FIFA members,
the lowest among the 32 World Cup finalists.In its first bout with Brazil
on June 15, North Korea played above expectations, but lost 1-2. The North
Korean media complimented the players for their performance against the
South American country.Quickly following North Kor ea's defeat,
Pyongyang's official media reported on June 16 that its side put up a
"fierce" fight in its first World Cup match, complimenting the players for
their relentless performance.The North Koreans "created scoring chances
without losing faith despite trailing 0-2" until Ji Yun-nam delivered a
goal in the 88th minute, the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
said in a report from Pyongyang."The match was a fierce exchange of
offense and defense from the beginning," it said, adding Ji received a
header from striker Jong Tae-se and connected to score. North Korea is set
to play Portugal early next week.Later in the day, the North's official
Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station aired the recorded footage of the
match in full, according to monitors in Seoul.On June 15, a pro-North
Korean newspaper reported from Pyongyang that the country is in jubilation
with its people glued to television sets showing World Cup specials.North
Koreans were also excited about South Korea's win over Greece. Choson
Sinbo reported from the North Korean capital that North Koreans rejoiced
over South Korea's 2-0 World Cup victory over Greece."The match where
compatriots played has drawn great attention," Choson Sinbo, published in
Tokyo, said in a report datelined from Pyongyang. "The residents, without
an exception, cheered for the South Korean team."South Korea defeated
Greece on June 12 in its first group match of the South Africa World Cup.
North Korea aired footage of the South Korean match, but questions
lingered over whether the country secured legitimate broadcasting
rights.Choson Sinbo, run by the General Association of Korean Residents in
Japan, said North Koreans were "riveted" while watching World Cup
specials, which were aired for most of June 13. "Who would like to see a
nation with the same bloodline lose?" the paper quoted one North Korean as
saying. "What we detest i s not the South Korean people," but the
conservative Seoul government.On June 12, the North aired the opening
match between South Africa and Mexico. But the South Korean broadcaster
SBS said it has the exclusive World Cup broadcasting rights for the Korean
Peninsula. Previous talks between SBS and the North collapsed amid ongoing
political tension between the divided countries.But FIFA, world's football
governing body, said June 14 it has signed a deal with Asia's
broadcasters' union in an effort to air World Cup matches in North
Korea.Irrespective of political reason, North Korea is obviously warming
up to the hearts of international football fans who are drawn to the
mysterious underdog.Although the North Koreans have been largely invisible
in the international football arena, their most notable achievement
besides the England World Cup feat was finishing fourth in the AFC Asia n
Cup in 1980.Top contenders may enjoy rock star celebrity status, but
modest fan pages on the socialist country are also appearing on social
network sites such as Facebook and Twitter."I think a lot of people are
interested in the team ... as they are the dark horse and an unknown
element of the tournament," Simon Cockerell, a China-based Briton who
opened a fan page on Facebook, told Yonhap News Agency through
e-mail.Cockerell's page has gained some 300 members as of the end of May.
The 32-year-old is an employee of Koryo Tours in Beijing, which has been
running tour programs to North Korea since 1993.Said to travel to North
Korea regularly every two or three weeks, Cockerell described the page as
"a forum for discussion" on the North Korean team, but added it is not in
any way involved with the North Korean government or its politics.Yannick
De Buf, another fan of the North Koreans living in Oostende, Belgium, runs
a fan page on Facebook named "The North Korean Football Fan Club." He
described the North Korean squad as "one of the strongest teams" in the
Asian qualification series.North Korea finds itself drawing more and more
attention from the international press with its blunt demeanor at public
appearances.At a press conference held in Johannesburg on June 14, on the
eve of the opener with Brazil, North Korean coach Kim Jong-hun appeared
confident that his team was prepared but also created some awkward
moments, starting with his answer to a question on the team's
tactics."There is no such country named 'North Korea,'" he said at the
conference held at Ellis Park stadium. "I will take the next question."
The country's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea.He was also asked whether the country's leader, Kim Jong-il,
reportedly a big football fan, had any influence over the selection of
players and the lineup of matches. That was cut off by presiding FIFA
media officer for the North Koreans Gordon Watson, who asked the press not
to ask any questions with political connotations.Another question on
whether North Korean matches will be aired live at home was intercepted by
the team's media officer, apparently to avoid sensitive issues regarding
broadcasting rights. Kim, however, did provide a brief remark, saying that
he is "not involved" in the matter.The North Korean coach also described
his team's mission as playing for the nation's "great leader" several
times during the press conference at Ellis Park stadium.Watson apparently
taking note of the increasing curiosity towards the team, explained at the
end of the press conference that North Korea has "met all their media
obligations" and that the country has been "very cooperative with all
regulations."(Description of Source: Seoul Yonhap in English --
Semiofficial news agency of the ROK; URL: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

6) Back to Top
Southern Cone Crime and Narcotics Issues 15-16 Jun 10
For assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov. - Southern Cone -- OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 21:53:15 GMT
-- Daniel Santoro writes in Buenos Aires Clarin on 15 June that according
to court sources, Federal Judge Norberto Oyarbide indicted Walter Maffini,
Lidia Cinich, and Sergio Amarilla, who had ties with the Max Pharma
wholesale pharmaceutical supply company, in connection with the mafia of
medicines. Judge Oyarbide determined that Sebastian Forza, one of the
General Rodriguez triple murder victims, had shares in the Nuevos Canales,
In c. company in 2004. Oyarbide has concluded that both Maffini and Forza
were involved in irregularities in the purchase and sale of medicines.
(Buenos Aires Clarin.com in Spanish -- Online version of
highest-circulation, tabloid-format daily owned by the Clarin media group;
generally critical of government; URL: http://www.clarin.com ) CHILE City
of La Calera Said To Be Drug Distribution Center

-- Santiago El Mercurio on 15 June carries a report by Audenico Barria
stating that people living in the city of La Calera in the Valparaiso
Region claim that the city has increasingly become a distribution center
for drugs and a shelter for some drug traffickers. Furthermore, two gangs
clashed at Diego Lillo Square on 12 June, which resulted in the death of
two gang members and two people seriously wounded. So far in 2010, the law
enforcement authorities have arrested 53 drug traffickers in this city.
The main areas in La Calera where drug-trafficking activities are
conducted a re El Trigal, Entrepuentes, and Manuel Rodriguez
neighborhoods. In addition, Juana Salinas Roman, 49, president of the
neighborhood council, has been arrested a few weeks ago on
drug-trafficking charges. El Trigal residents contend that the drug
traffickers themselves appointed Salinas Roman to that post. Pedro Munoz,
head of the Antinarcotics Brigade of the Investigations Police, said that
La Calera is a strategic point for drug traffickers, because drugs coming
from the north and from Argentina converge there to be sold in central
Chile. Munoz pointed out that the law enforcement authorities have
arrested approximately 15 Bolivian mules so far this year. (Santiago El
Mercurio Online in Spanish -- Website of privately owned, top-circulation,
conservative daily, belonging to the Edwards family media group; URL:
http://www.elmercurio.cl ) Undercover OS-7 Unit Agents, Argentine Border
Guards Participate in Antidrug Operation in Argentina

-- Santiago El Mercurio on 15 J une carries a report by Tiago Costas
stating that undercover OS-7 Unit agents participated in a 45-day
operation along with Argentina's National Border Guard (GN) following a
Chilean truck in Argentina that had "imported" had imported 400,000 doses
of drugs to Chile on 28 May through the Ninth Region. The Argentine and
Chilean law enforcement authorities followed a truck driven by Angel
Galleguillos Zuniga, 65. According to figures released by the OS-7 Unit of
the Carabineros Police Force, a total 722 kg of marijuana were smuggled
into Chile through the Araucania Region since September, which equal to
the total amount of marijuana seized in 2009. In addition, law enforcement
authorities have seized 115% more marijuana in 2010 than in 2009
throughout Chile, which have exceeded 1.8 metric tons. The OS-7 Unit has
detected that drugs enter Chilean territory through the area of Lonquimay
in the Ninth Region and that the border crossings most used by drug
traffickers are Pino Hachado, Icalma, and Reigolil. OS-7 Unit Chief
Christina Fuenzalida said that the south has become the regular access of
drugs to Chile. Police Dismantle International Cocaine-Trafficking Ring

-- Andres Orrego writes in Santiago El Mercurio on 15 June that following
a six-month investigation the Investigations Police (PDI) arrested seven
individuals for their participation in an international
cocaine-trafficking ring that used mules to operate in South America,
Europe, and Oceania. Manuel Espinoza, chief of the Valparaiso PDI
Antinarcotics Brigade, explained that the cocaine was taken from Chile or
Argentina to Europe and Oceania. Espinoza added that the ring hired
Chilean nationals to send them abroad carrying cocaine in notebooks.
Espinoza explained that one of the detainees was arrested in Pudahuel,
another four of the arrests were made in Punta Arenas, and another one in
Vina del Mar. Santiago El Mercurio on 16 June carries a report by Alex
Delgado dateline d Vina del Mar stating that the operations center of this
ring was an apartment on Agua Santa Avenue in Vina del Mar. Colombian
nationals Humberto Motta Quintero and Cristian Motta Vargas, who are
father and son, had created cocaine-trafficking ring. The two Colombian
nationals have still not been arrested and it is believed that they are
already abroad. Katherine Mena and Colombian national Olga Aljure were in
charge of recruiting the mules and obtain passports for them. The
Prosecutor's Office has accused the Mottas of financing the operations by
sending money to and from Chile to middlemen. Some of the mules working
for this ring were arrested, like Emelin Becerra, who was arrested in Rome
with a notebook containing 1.1 kg of cocaine. Jennifer Merino Pena was
arrested in Auckland (Australia) on 15 June with 24,000 New Zealand
dollars in drug-trafficking money that were being transported from
Santiago via Buenos Aires. In addition Paola Alvarado Yanez was arrested
at the M erino Benitez Airport with a notebook containing 872 grams of
cocaine. Peruvian national Javier Barrera Varas had given Alvarado Yanez
the notebook. Courts Indict Couple Involved in Human-Trafficking
Activities

-- Santiago La Tercera reports on 16 June that two young Paraguayan
nationals of 20 and 22 years of age accused Hugo Figueroa Salazar, 46, and
Margarita Mora, 25, of being involved in human-trafficking activities in
the municipal district of Las Condes in Santiago. Figueroa Salazar and
Mora had contacted the Paraguayan women to work as housekeepers, but when
they arrived in Chile, they were forced into prostitution. The Paraguayan
nationals claimed that the detainees had threatened to harm their
relatives. (Santiago La Tercera Online in Spanish -- Website of
conservative daily. Belongs to the Copesa Group of Opus Dei member Alvaro
Saieh. Requiressubscription; URL: http://www.tercera.com ) Police Arrest
Member of Child-Prostitution Ring

-- Hugo Neira wri tes in Santiago La Tercera on 15 June that Alfonso
Mardones Martinez, 37, was remanded to preventive custody for 50 days
after he was accused of being a member of child-prostitution ring that
operated in Concepcion Province. The Sexual Crimes Brigade of the
Investigations Police arrested Mardones Martinez, who acted as a pimp
making contacts with minors housed at the El Capullo shelter of the
National Service for Minors (Sename) to force them into prostitution in
downtown Concepcion. Carabineros Personnel Seize 44 Kg of Marijuana in
Iquique

-- Santiago La Tercera reports on 15 June that an anonymous phone call
allowed the Carabineros Police Force to seize 44.200 kg of marijuana and
to arrest three people at the intersection of Francisco Vergara and Rosa
Amelia Streets in downtown Iquique. The detainees were manipulating two
sacks with marijuana and another sack with 17 black packets containing
processed marijuana that were in the trunk of a vehicle. The detainees
were identified as Eduardo Gonzalez Duenas, 22; Boris Caro Salinas, 19;
and as A.D.M.M., 16. Carabineros Personnel Dismantle Gang Producing
Handcrafted Arms

-- Santiago La Tercera on 15 June carries a report by Fredy Palomera
datelined Temuco stating that Carabineros personne l from Padre Las Casas
raided a car repair shop in the municipal district of Vilcun where
handcrafted arms like shotguns, crossbows, and special nails designed to
puncture tires were being produced. The owner of the shop, Ivan Rubilar
Villa, 26; Luis Merino Onate, 20; and Osvaldo Merino Vargas, 56, were
arrested following the operation, as well as other three individuals who
were members of criminal organizations that bought the arms. PARAGUAY
Former Itaipu Pension Fund Officials Released on Bail

-- Asuncion ABC Color on 14 June that Judge Julian Lopez set Victor Bogado
Nunez and Jose Szwako Demianuk free on a 300-million guarani ($63,150)
bail and banned them from leaving the country. Bogado Nunez is the former
head of the Itaipu Pension Fund and Szwako Demianuk was an adviser to the
Itaipu Pension Fund. Bogado Nunez, Szwako Demianuk, and another eight
officials from the Itaipu Retirement Fund are accused of breach of
fiduciary obligations after they conducted transactions on the
international foreign exchange market that caused 2.59 million euros in
losses to the Itaipu Pension Fund. (Asuncion ABC Color Digital in Spanish
-- Website of leading daily, highly critical of ANR-Colorado Party, owned
by entrepreneur Aldo Zuccolillo; URL: http://www.abc.com.py) Victor Bogado
Nunez (abc.com.py, 14 June)

Brazilian Police Seize 5,350 Kg of Paraguayan Marijuana in El Dorado

-- Asuncion ABC Color on 15 June carries a report by Candido Figueredo
datelined Pedro Juan Caballero stating that the Brazilian Federal Police
seized 5,350 kg of Paraguayan pressed marijuana hidden in a tanker truck
that was allegedly transporting vegetable oil in the Brazilian city of El
Dorado, which is located approximately 40 km away from Pedro Juan
Caballero (Amambay Department). The Brazilian Police intercepted a Scania
truck with license plates AHE 9356 registered in the municipal district of
Maringa (Brazil) and arrested its driver. The truck driver said that the
marijuana was from the Paraguayan locality of Ype Hu in Canindeyu
Department and he had to deliver it in Sao Paulo (Brazil). Brazilian
policeman extracts cocaine packet from tanker truck (abc.com.py, 14 June)

Former Central Bank President Released on Bail

-- Asuncion ABC Color reports on 15 June that former Central Bank
President Julio Gonzalez Ugarte, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison
for diverting $16 million from banks that were being liquidated in 2000,
was released on bail on 14 June. Julio Gonzalez Ugarte (abc.com.py, 15
June)

URUGUAY Interpol Uruguay Arrests Young Pedophile Wanted by British Police

-- Montevideo La Republica reports on 15 June tha t Interpol Uruguay
personnel arrested a 26-year-old man who chatted with minors living in
Great Britain over the Internet and showed them pornographic material. The
British Police seized the computers belonging to the minors and identified
the individual sending them pornographic material from Uruguay. The
detainee lived with his parents. Judge Graciela Gatti prosecuted and
imprisoned the detainee. (Montevideo La Republica in Spanish - Websit e of
unofficial mouthpiece of Uruguay's largest political coalition, the
leftist Broad Front; URL: http://www.larepublica.uy.com) Counternarcotics
Agents Seize 19 Kg of Marijuana in Maldonado Department

-- Montevideo El Pais on 16 June carries a report by M. Gallardo datelined
Maldonado stating that the Maldonado Antidrug Brigade arrested four
individuals for being in possession of 19.2 kg of marijuana bricks. The
counternarcotics agents arrested the three men and one woman in a house in
the locality of Zanja de la Coruja in the northern area of the city of
Maldonado. Two of the detainees have a criminal record. The
counternarcotics agents seized short and long arms. (Montevideo El Pais
Digital in Spanish -- Website of pro-National (Blanco) Party
top-circulation daily; URL: http://www.elpais.com.uy/) TRIBORDER AREA
Interpol Agents Arrest Alleged Hizballah Member in Ciudad del Este

-- Asuncion ABC Color on 15 June reports that Interpol agents arrested
alleged Hizballah member Moussa Ali Hamdan, 38, in Ciudad del Este on 15
June. (OSC filed this item as LAP20100616010003) Judge Sends Alleged
Hizballah Financier to Tacumbu Prison

-- Asuncion Ultima Hora on 16 June reports that Judge Hugo Sosa Pasmor
ordered that Moussa Ali Hamdan be sent to the Tacumbu Penitentiary.
Elizabeth Amarilla is the lawyer representing Ali Hamdan. Amarilla said
that Ali Hamdan arrived in Paraguay one month ago from the United States
to work in the electronic field and denied that the man finances a
terrorist orga nization. (Asuncion Ultima Hora.com in Spanish -- Website
of leading daily; Majority shareholder business and media entrepreneur
A.J.Vierci; URL: http://www.ultimahora.com/ ) Moussa Ali Hamdan
(abc.com.py, 16 June)

The following media were scanned and no file-worthy items were found:
official website of the Argentine National Border Guard and Montevideo El
Observador.

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

7) Back to Top
Argentina Political and Economic Issues 16 Jun 10
For assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov. - Argentina - OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 17:03:41 GMT
- Buenos Aires Clarin's Pablo Biffi reports in an interview from Bogota
that Maria Clemencia Rodriguez de Santos and Adriana Cordoba de Mockus
consider the social issue to be the country's big debt and agree, although
they are different in almost everything, that they would not vote for the
other's husband. (Buenos Aires Clarin.com in Spanish -- Online version of
highest-circulation, tabloid-format daily owned by the Clarin media group;
generally critical of government; URL:

http://www.clarin.com/ http://www.clarin.com ) Brazil Confirms Backing for
Argentina's Falkland Sovereignty Rights

- Buenos Aires Foreign Ministry website reports on 15 June that Itamaraty
has confirmed its backing for Argentina's "legitimate" Falkland
sovereignty rights. (Buenos Aires Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Trade, and Worship in Spanish -- Official website of the Argentine
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, a nd Worship; URL:

http://www.mrecic.gov.ar/ http://www.mrecic.gov.ar ) (OSC translated as
LAP20100616021001) Malvinas: Incident Occurred With Argentine Vessel

- Buenos Aires Clarin's Natasha Niebieskikwiat reports that Portsmouth The
News reported yesterday that while on patrol off the Falklands, HMS York
spotted Argentine Navy (ARA) Drummond "10 miles inside the oil zone in
dispute" and notified the Argentines by radio to "change your course."
Consulted by Clarin yesterday, Defense said that it would not comment,
while British sources only said that the incident occurred around end
January last. Kirchner Visits Ecuador

- Buenos Aires La Nacion reports that former President Nestor Kirchner, as
Union of South American Nations (Unasur) secretary general, held a meeting
with Rafael Correa in Guayquil yesterday and called afterward to create a
union "plural and democratic that would permit to synthesize the thinking
of the Latin-Ameri can countries. He also joked about the Argentine soccer
team and said that he hoped that it would get "a new title for Latin
America" in the World Cup. Pagina/12 adds that Kirchner's meeting with
Correa lasted "over two hours." He also met with Foreign Minister Ricardo
Patino. He was accompanied by Rafael Folonier and Juan Manuel Abal Medina,
his aides. (Buenos Aires lanacion.com in Spanish -- Website of
conservative, second highest-circulation daily; generally critical of
government; URL:

http://www.lanacion.com.ar/ http://www.lanacion.com.ar )

Estela de Carlotto, Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo head, is in South Africa

to promote her Nobel Peace Prize candidacy, and visited the national
soccer

team in Pretoria yesterday: "All of us have to be with them," said coach

Maradona (Pagina/12)

National President Distributes Homes in GBA First Belt

- Buenos Aires Clarin reports that Cristina Kirchner returned to Greater
Buenos Aires (GBA) yesterday to head a ceremony in Tres de Febrero to
distribute "735" homes. Participants included Buenos Aires Governor Daniel
Scioli and local Mayor Hugo Curto, a Buenos Aires Justicialist Party (PJ)
chieftain, former Duhaldite, allied to Cristina and Nestor Kirchner.

Cristina Kirchner, with Scioli and Curto (center), in Tres de Febrero

(Presidency 15 June)

President Says Pension Resources Doubled

- Buenos Aires Clarin reports that Clarin's report yesterday, based on a
report by City Pensioners Ombudsman Eugenio Semino, that the minimum
pension did not cover even 50% of the basic family basket, drew immediate
reaction from Casa Rosada and the person in charge of retorting to
Semino's report was President Cristina Kirchner herself: In her address at
the ceremony in Tres de Febrero to distribute "736" homes, she said that
"when (Nestor) Kirchner reached government in 2003, we Argenti nes were
assigning 5.4% of GDP to the pensioners. And today Argentina is assigning
its pensioners 10.6% of its GDP, but of a bigger GDP." She also sustained
that Argentina had "the most important vital and mobile minimum salary of
all Latin America, and we are also the most egalitari an country of all
Latin America, according to a report from the United Nations." Meanwhile,
Semino has defended the objectives of his report in radio statements.
Supreme Court Revokes Ruling Against Media Law; President Praises
Decision, Although Law Still Suspended

- Buenos Aires La Nacion's Adrian Ventura reports that the Supreme Court
has unanimously revoked one of the injunctions that paralyze application
of the media law, although its suspension will continue since there are
four other court rulings against it. The Court specifically clarified that
it was not ruling on the constitutionality or unconstitutionality of the
law, but that lawmakers cannot question a law fr om Congress, where they
lost the debate, or judges suspend it completely nationwide. The ruling
has come with a "celerity unusual in Justice" and amid "explicit claims
from the Executive Branch" for Justice to quickly reestablish the
application of the law. Court sources said that the Court maximized the
occasion to send a message to the national and City judges that "paralyze
politics with precautionary measures." Minutes after the ruling was
announced, Cristina Kirchner, in Tres de Febreo, interpreted it as backing
from the Court for the entire law. "It is not a triumph of the governments
or of a sector. It is a very important day for Argentine democracy," she
said. Meanwhile, Gustavo Lopez, Presidency undersecretary general, said
that "the law is in force, except some articles, which are suspended."
Nevertheless, Court sources and some constitutionalists said that the
other injunctions continued in place. La Nacion's Maria na Veron adds that
the government hopes to have the implementation of the law completed
within 60 days.

Front page: "Green light to Media Law -for greater plurality- the Supreme

Court revoked an injunction that was blocking the advance of the law"

(Cronica)

Opposition Lawmakers Question Ruling

- Buenos Aires Clarin 's Alejandro Alfie adds that while the ruling party
was celebrating the media-law ruling yesterday, opposition lawmakers had
different viewpoints and some of them were openly questioning it: Deputy
Enrique Thomas (Federal Peronism-Mendoza), who filed the request for the
injunction against the law, said that the ruling was "incorrect" and
questioned "the celerity with which the maximum tribunal has resolved an
issue of such complexity." Deputy Luis Juez (New Party-Cordoba) said that
"this Court is absolutely dependent on the political power." Defense Files
Criminal Charges

- Buenos Aires Clarin reports that the Defense Ministry has filed
corruption and influence-trafficking charges against retired and serving
Navy personnel, including three admirals and four captains; two German
businessmen, and two lawyers, in the two cases investigating, Federal
Judges Norberto Oyarbide and Ariel Lijo, allegedly irregular acquisition
of a propulsion plant for frigate Libertad and the bidding package for a
Multipurpose Ocean Patrol. Dictatorship Survivor Presents List of
Disappeared

- Buenos Aires Clarin 's Ruben Elsinger reports from Tucuman that during a
trial of dictatorship crimes against humanity here yesterday, in which
former General Luciano Benjamin Menendez is indicted and from which former
General Antonio Bussi was removed for health reasons, a survivor from a
Tucuman Police secret prison left everyone agape half way through his
almost seven-hour testimony: He presented the tribunal with a list, about
250 pages, made by the repressors, of 293 persons detained in said prison.
Many of the names are marked "DF," "Final Disposition," death. The
documents also contain the names of intelligence officers and agents in
the Police Confidential Information Service (SIC). First Time: Common
Grave Found on Army Land

- Buenos Aires Pagina/12 reports that for the first time ever, the
Argentine Team of Forensic Anthropology (EAAF) has found a common grave
with human remains on Army land in Laguna Paiva, 50 km from Santa Fe City.
The remains, which could belong to persons disappeared during the last
dictatorship, were "covered in lime" and displayed "bal listic evidence."
Although Sentenced, Quebracho Leader Continues Free

- Buenos Aires La Nacion's Hernan Cappiello reports that Federal Oral
Tribunal Three yesterday sentenced Fernando Esteche to three years
imprisonment for having destroyed and burned the House of Neuquen in
Federal Capital in April 2007. It also sentenced Esteche' s companion,
Raul "Boli" Lescano, and six others to three years imprisonment and
absolved six other activists. Neither Esteche nor Lescano showed any
emotion throughout. They were not imprisoned and will not be while the
sentence is not firm. It can be appealed, confirmed, or revoked. While the
court was in session, about 200 activists congregated on the street
outside, where they were surrounded by a strong Federal Police (PFA)
security operation, and dispersed, after sentences were handed down,
without causing incidents.

Quebracho activists outside the court yesterday (La Nacion)

Economic Finance Secretary Says Swap Successful in Japan

- Buenos Aires El Cronista's Esteban Rafele reports that Hernan Lorenzino
confirmed from Tokio yesterday that Japanese bondholders were entering the
swap massively and, La Nacion adds, that adhesion was 99%. Clarin's
Candelaria de La Sota adds that despite the high adherence in Japan, local
market sources bel ieve that the government could be obliged to extend
swap closure for some days due to technical inconveniences to subscribe to
the new bonds. Meanwhile, Lorenzino and Finance Undersecretary Adrian
Cosentino will be in Milan today. (Buenos Aires El Cronista.com in Spanish
-- Website of independent newspaper owned by Spain's Recoletos Group,
focusing on financial information; URL:

http://www.cronista.com/ http://www.cronista.com ) Government Importing
Electricity From Brazil, Uruguay

- Buenos Aires El Cronista's Pablo Fernandez Blanco reports that the
government has been importing electric energy from Brazil since last
Friday, and from Uruguay since the beginning of the month, to meet
increasing demand during the coldest days of the year. Peso Deposits
Increase

- Buenos Aires La Nacion reports that according to the Central Bank's
(BCRA) monthly monetary report, peso deposits posted a year-on-year
increase of 24.1% in May and of 3.8% on April, driven by the public sector
and resources from tax revenue. Industry Posts 11% Year-on-Year Rise in
May

- Buenos Aires La Nacion reports that according to Orlando Ferreres's
Center of Economic Studies, industrial growth decreased on previous months
in May, when it was 0.9% up in deseasonalized terms on April, but was up
11% on April. The average growth rate for the first four months was 1.9%
monthly. Despite Improvement, Majority Considers Economic Situation Bad

- Buenos Aires La Nacion's Jorge Oviedo reports that according to the
latest Catholic University (UCA)-TNS Gallup Poll, Argentines' economic
expectations improved for the third consecutive month in May and reached
their highest level since September 2008. Nevertheless, the majority, 53%,
believes that the present economic situation is bad. Internet Access
Continues Growing

- Buenos Aires La Nacion reports that according to a National Institute of
Statistics and Census (Indec) report published yesterday, resid ential
Internet access increased 18.1% in March on March 2009, 4.1 million users,
and 48.1% in companies. Border dispute over pulp mill 'Uruguayan President
Accepts Joint Monitoring Inside Botnia'

- Buenos Aires La Nacion reports, on its front page and in an article by
its Uruguayan correspondent Nelson Fernandez from Montevideo, headlined
"Uruguayan President Accepts Joint Monitoring Inside Botnia," that on the
eve today's Gualeguaychu Environmental Assembly, which will debate the
lifting of the blockade, Jose Mugica sent the environmentalists a
conciliatory message last night and "suggested" that he was prepared to
accept that the environmental controls on the plant be implemented jointly
and even inside UPM (former Botnia). The message appeared "surprisingly"
on the Uruguayan presidential website last night. While the brief text,
full of popular expressions, to which Mujica likes to recur, is not
specifically directed to the environmen talists, or mentions the bridge,
blockaded for over three years, or Botnia, or the conflict, Mujica aides
told La Nacion last night that its objective was to make clear that Mujica
accepted joint monitoring inside the plant. Kirchnerite Senator Favors
Raising Blockade

- Buenos Aires La Nacion adds that Gualeguaychu-born ruling-party national
Senator Pedro Guastavino, former Entre Rios deputy governor, said last
night that "we hope that the decision be made to raise the blockade
because that would facilitate Argentina's new relationship with Mujica's
administration."

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

8) Back to Top
Interpol Cannot Grant RF Request For Berezovsky Extra dition-Noble -
ITAR-TASS
Wednesday June 16, 2010 15:51:18 GMT
intervention)

NEW YORK, June 16 (Itar-Tass) - Interpol cannot grant Russia's request for
the extradition of internationally wanted Boris Berezovsky and Akhmed
Zakayev, Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble factually admitted on
Tuesday.He stated, in particular, in an interview to Itar-Tass that a
country where a criminal wanted by the international community lives, has
the right not to extradite this person. By this the country in a way makes
it clear that it does not care for the facts based on which the other side
requests the arrest, Noble noted.Interpol really has information about
residence of Berezovsky and Zakayev in the UK territory, he said, however,
according to laws in effect, a country - in this case the UK, has the full
right to deport a person that is subject to arrest in another state, to
put him to tr ial or provide an asylum to him.The names, photographs and
personal data of Boris Berezovsky and Ahmed Zakayev are given on the
Interpol's main website in the section of persons wanted by Russia.At the
beginning of this year, Deputy Head of the National Central Bureau (NCB)
of Interpol at the RF Interior Ministry Alexei Abramov noted that denying
extradition of Berezovsky and Zakayev to Russia the UK pursues the "double
standards" policy in which "countries for obviously far-fetched reasons do
not extradite persons subject to legal prosecution and in violation of the
European Convention on Extradition of 1957 provide them a political
asylum, citizenship or the refugee status.""And now, using the
authorities' patronage, these persons get the possibility to freely move
around the country, to travel abroad, they can change documents and
continue their criminal activities, including exerting pressure on the
witnesses and experts," Abramov said.Boris Abramovich Berezovsky (also
known as Platon Elenin; born January 23, 1946) is a Russian businessman,
mathematician, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, who was accused
of numerous crimes in Russia and sentenced to several years of
imprisonment in absentia. Despite the fact that arrest warrant has been
issued to Interpol by Russian and Brazilian authorities, Berezovsky is
currently a political refugee in Britain that has denied extradition
requests from Russia several times so far.He is best known for his role as
a Russian oligarch, media tycoon and infamous politician during the
presidency of Boris Yeltsin in the 1990s. He has been described by critics
as the epitome of Russian "robber capitalism," but he denies having ever
taken part in the violence and crime that tainted Russian business during
that era. Berezovsky was at the height of his power in the later Yeltsin
years, when he was deputy secretary of Russia's security council, a friend
of Boris Yeltsi n's daughter Tatyana Dyachenko, and a member of the
Yeltsin inner circle, or "family."Berezovsky made his fortune by capturing
state assets at knockdown prices during Russia's rush towards
privatisation in very questionable ways. He took ownership of the Sibneft
oil company and became the main shareholder in the country's main
television channel, ORT, which he turned into a propaganda vehicle for
Boris Yeltsin in the run-up to the 1996 presidential election. It is said
that, in contrast to Russian entrepreneurs such as Vladimir Gusinsky,
Berezovsky did not enrich any of the enterprises with which he became
involved or took over (e.g. Sibneft, ORT, the car dealership Avtovaz, Omsk
Oil Refinery, National Sports Fund, and aluminium smelters Bratsk,
Krasnoyarsk, and Novokuznetsk), but instead drained them of cash. Although
he helped Vladimir Putin enter the "family," and funded the party that
formed Putin's parliamentary base, Putin moved to regain control of the
ORT television station and to curb the political ambitions of Russia's
oligarchs, who were extremely unpopular with the Russian public. Following
the ascent of Putin to the Russian presidency, Berezovsky went into
opposition and fled the country after being accused of defrauding a
regional government of US$13 million. He was later granted political
asylum in the United Kingdom.Akhmed Khalidovich Zakayev (born April 26,
1959 in Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union) is the former Deputy Prime Minister and
the current Prime Minister of the unrecognised Chechen Republic of
Ichkeria (ChRI). He was also the Foreign Minister of the Ichkerian
government, appointed by Aslan Maskhadov shortly after his 1997 election,
and again in 2006 by Abdul Halim Sadulayev. During the First Chechen war
Zakayev took part in the battles for Grozny and other military operations,
as well as in high-level negotiations with the Russian side. In 2002
Russia accused him, by then in exile, of having been involved in a series
of crimes including involvement in acts of terrorism. In 2003 British
court rejected the extradition request due to lack of evidence and
declared the accusations to be politically motivated, also saying that
there was substantial risk of Zakayev being tortured if he was returned to
Moscow. President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov has invited Zakayev to return
to Chechnya, saying that he did not believe Zakayev committed serious
crimes during the war, and should be given a chance to be useful to his
home nation.(Description of Source: Moscow ITAR-TASS in English -- Main
government information agency)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

9) Back to Top
News Roundup 15, 16 Jun
F or assistance with multimedia elements, contact OSC at 1-800-205-8615 or
oscinfo@rccb.osis.gov - Iran - OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 08:47:56 GMT
The following is a roundup of reports appearing in the Iranian media
sources in English, and news and commentaries published in non-US media on
15 and 16 June 2010. This roundup is in the following sections: (Click on
the links to go to the desired section) POLITICS/DIPLOMACY NUCLEAR ISSUE
ECONOMY/ENERGY MILITARY/SECURITY TERRORISM/CRIME/NARCOTICS
DISSENT/OPPOSITION SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY

ENVIRONMENT CULTURE/MEDIA/SPORTS COMMENTARIES/ANALYSES/INTERVIEWS

POLITICS/DIPLOMACY IRNA: "President in southwestern city on provincial
tour"

(Wed, 16 Jun) Shahr-e Kord, Chahar Mahal-Bakhtiari -- President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad arrived in this provincial capital city Wednesday morning for
the third round of his tours to v arious Iranian provinces. He was
welcomed at the airport by local officials. The President is to address
provincial people at the city's stadium within an hour. President
Ahmadinejad is being accompanied by a number of his cabinet members
including the ministers of culture, cooperatives, energy, health, road,
justice and welfare. This is the 72nd visit of the Iranian President to
the country's provinces. The initiative started when Ahmadinejad took
office for his first term as Iran's President in 2005. During his stay in
the province, Ahmadinejad will meet with the families of war-time martyrs
as well as elites and managers. He is in the province to follow up the
implementation of the projects that were set up during the first and
second rounds of his provincial visits. (Back to top) Fars News Agency:
"Ahmadinejad stresses Iran, Turkey's role in world equations"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a meeting with
Turkish Parliament Speake r Mehmet Ali Sahin on Tuesday underlined the
importance of Tehran and Ankara's role in the world equations. "Today Iran
and Turkey enjoy an excellent and unique role in international equations
and the two countries will be two righteous and humane powers of the world
in future," Ahmadinejad said. Noting that Iran and Turkey share common
interests and are tasked with common missions, he said, "The two
countries' cooperation is expanding based on brotherhood and trust."
Ahmadinejad also underscored the necessity for increasing the two
parliaments' cooperation in different fields, and said both countries
should use all their capabilities to further promote relations and
cooperation. Sahin, for his part, said that the relations between Iran and
Turkey have reached an acceptable level, and praised the Iranian
government's role in boosting the level of ties between the two states.
(Back to top) Press TV: "US: Diplomacy an option on Iran"

(Wed , 16 Jun) Despite Washington's continued push for more sanctions
against Iran, US National Security Council spokesman Mike Hammer says
diplomacy is an option on the Islamic Republic. "As we have said all
along, diplomacy remains an option as we move forward with sanctions," AFP
quoted Hammer as saying on Tuesday. "As we have said all along, diplomacy
remains an option as we move forward with sanctions," he added. "But it is
Iran that needs to take concrete steps to meet its international
obligations if it does not want to be further isolated," Hammer stated.
The US official's remarks came on the same day as President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad said that the Tehran declaration on nuclear fuel swap is still
"alive." "The Tehran declaration is alive and will play its role in the
international relations," Ahmadinejad said in a meeting with the Turkish
Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin in Tehran on Tuesday. (Back to top)
IRNA: "S audi Arabia denies cooperating with Zionist regime"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Saudi embassy in Tehran issued a statement on Tuesday to
deny news published by an English daily on an agreement inked by Saudi
Arabia and the Zionist regime on giving an air corridor to Zionists jet
fighters for targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The statement a copy of
which was faxed to IRNA said that the Saudi officials are now
investigating the news aired by some British mass media to this end. The
fabricated news spread by some media calimed that Saudi Arabia had
authorized the Zionist regime to use its air space to target Iranian
nuclear sites. Saudi Arabia strongly denies the news and once again
underlines its stands that under no circumstances it will let anyone
violate its airspace against other countries. English daily Times had
declared that Saudi Arabia has authorized the Zionist regime to use its
airspace to target Iranian nuclear facilities. Press TV: "'Iran sanctions
used as diversion'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran's top envoy to Russia says the US pushed for sanctions
against Tehran to help Israel out of a potential crisis over the deadly
attack on Gaza-bound aid ships. Tehran's Ambassador to Moscow Mahmoud-Reza
Sajjadi told IRNA that the US was desperate for a "political maneuver" to
restore its international image as a global heavyweight. "The US passed
the anti-Iran sanctions resolution to rescue the Zionist regime...and
divert public opinion away from its political and internal problems,"
Sajjadi was quoted as saying on Tuesday. "Following the lethal attack on
the Freedom Flotilla that killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians,
the Zionist regime is facing international condemnation and has been
extremely isolated." The envoy went on to say that because of the Israeli
quagmire as well as Washington's defeats in various undertakings, "the US
needed to pass a resolution at this point to remind the world of its
power," he added. On May 31, Israeli navy commandoes stormed the Turkish
flagship of the Freedom Flotilla -- a convoy of nine ships seeking to
pierce the Israeli blockade of the impoverished Gaza Strip-- in
international waters. The assault triggered massive protest across the
world. Sajjadi also underlined what he described as Israel's defeat in
last month's review conference of the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT) in New York. The review conference ended with a collective call for
the full implementation of a former resolution aimed at establishing a
nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East. Tel Aviv, the widely
believed possessor of the region's sole nuclear arsenal, was also urged to
join the NTP. The move has angered Israeli and US officials who maintain a
policy of ambiguity concerning Israel's nuclear program. Washington
reached deals with veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council Russia
and China to convince Iran's longtime trad e and energy partners to joint
the campaign. Iranian officials have dismissed the sanctions saying the
broadened financial and military restriction will have no impact on the
country's economy. (Back to top) IRNA: "Russian academic deplores Moscow's
support for UN resolution on Iran"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Moscow - Head of Iran Contemporary Studies Center in Russia
Rajab Safarov in a TV debate, by referring to the importance of
Russia-Iran cooperation in different fields, said that Moscow's support
for UN resolution against Iran was 'an improper act'. Speaking in Russian
TV Channel " Baran", Safarov said that Iran and Russia have good political
relations and with cooperation in the field of energy, they can achieve a
higher position. "Iran considers Russia as an independent state, so
Moscow's support for UN sanctions against Iran has not been a proper act,"
he added. Head of Iran Contemporary Studies Center in Russia, by referring
to his resear ches on Iran for the past 18 years, said that Iranian public
opinion has never been so negative about Russia. Referring to Chinese ties
with West and the US, Safarov said that China support for anti-Iran
resolution is understandable, because this country has never been an
strategic ally of Iran. But Russia's situation is totally different and
Iran counts on ties with Russia, he continued. Answering a question
concerning Iran's reaction to Russia delays for delivering missile defense
system of " S-300", Safarov said that Tehran may dispense with buying the
system unilaterally. He added that the system is not an advanced missile
defense anymore according to the existing standards. Iran is able to build
advanced missile defense system by itself to provide security for its
vital centers and has the necessary advanced technology in this concern,
the Russian official continued. Safarov stressed that situation for
delivering S-300 system to Iran has become very political now and after
the latest collusion in New York for imposing sanctions against Iran,
probably the country will ask for its down payment. He also referred to
Iranian dissatisfaction with repeated delays of Russia in commissioning
Bushehr nuclear power plant and Iranian parliamentarian debates on the
issue. He concluded that Iran produces 5,000 megawatts more electricity
each year and it has the ability to produce necessary energy for itself.
Head of Middle Eastern Studies Institute in Russia Yevgeni Satanovski, who
attended the debate, too, said that Iran will never stop its nuclear
program and imposing sanctions will have no effect on the program. (Back
to top) Press TV: "'Western claims over Iran ties ridiculous'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili rejects Western
concern over the increasing ties between Tehran and Tbilisi, calling it
"ridiculous and exaggerated." In a recent interview with French daily
20minutes, Saakashvili sa id his country enjoys the positive trend of
cooperation with Iran in various fields of media, energy and economy.
According to the Georgian president, the two countries have come a long
way with regards to upgrading their ties, taking positive steps such as
the cancellation of visas, restoration of direct flights between Tbilisi
and Tehran and the forthcoming opening of the Iranian consulate in Batumi.
"Why not? The consulate will facilitate the movement of people. Regarding
visas, this is normal: We're almost neighbors," said Saakashvili. "We
invited Iranian journalists two weeks ago. I am very happy," added the
Georgian president, who made the comments during a two-day trip to Paris
for talks with French counterpart Nicholas Sarkozy. Elsewhere in the
interview, Saakashvili said Georgia is concerned with a French plan to
sell Russia four Mistral helicopter carriers but is nevertheless relieved
that France is continuing to press Russia into abiding by the peace accord
reached after the Russian invasion in 2008. "We are obviously concerned
about the sale of the Mistral. The Russians, who refuse to respect the
peace agreement, have never hidden their ambition: They said that if they
had the Mistral at the time of the war in 2008, they could complete the
invasion of Georgia in 40 minutes instead of 48 hours. Now we have no way
of protecting ourselves against the Mistral," he further explained. (Back
to top) Fars News Agency: "Iran, Georgia sign agreement on lifting visa
requirements"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran and Georgia signed an agreement on lifting visa
requirements for the two countries' nationals. Based on the agreements
held between Iran and Georgia, the visa regime for tourism and trade
between the two countries was lifted and the agreement will be put into
force from the next month, Secretary of Forum on "Investment Opportunities
in Georgia" Mir-Qassem Momeni told FNA on Tuesday. Momeni ad ded that the
agreement will provide new chances for increasing and deepening bilateral
ties between Iran and Georgia. Earlier in May, Tehran and Tbilisi in a
reciprocal move agreed on lifting visa requirements for the two countries'
nationals to show friendship and solidarity between the two Asian states.
Georgian Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze, in a press conference in
Tbilisi at the time, described the move as highly important. "By lifting
visa requirements, (the two countries') economic cooperation will further
develop," she said. Iran and Georgia have expanded their ties and
cooperation in economic, industrial and trade fields in recent years. In
his visit to Tbilisi in May, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin
Mehman-Parast had voiced Iran's willingness to continue expansion of ties
with Georgia at the highest levels, and stated that the two sides'
officials will soon sign a document on lifting visa requirements for
exchange of visits by the two countrie s' nationals. (Back to top) Mehr
News Agency: "Larijani says Iran seeks close ties with Islamic states"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The Libyan Ambassador to Tehran, Saad Mujber, met Majlis
Speaker Ali Larijani on Monday. The Libyan ambassador said Iran is an
influential and powerful country in the region and the Islamic world and
called for opening a new chapter in Tehran-Tripoli ties. Larijani also
said Iran seeks close ties with all Islamic states including Libya. "The
Islamic Republic's principled policy is establishing close ties with all
Islamic states," Larijani told the ambassador. The senior lawmaker also
pointed to Iran-Libya relations, saying Tehran sees no obstacles in the
way of expanding ties with Libya in all areas. (Back to top) NUCLEAR ISSUE
IRNA: "Majlis asks government to do enriched products on 20-percent base"

(Wed, 16 Jun) Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani asked the government to set 20
percent as the basic rate of its enrich ed products. He said Majlis wanted
the government to do so because the US and the European Union (EU) have
already failed to observe the rules set by the Non-Proliferation Treaty
and also to provide the fuel needed for Tehran research reactor. The
Speaker made the remark in the beginning of the parliament's Wednesday
morning open session. Larijani pointed to the issuance of a recent
resolution by the United Nations Security Council backed by the US, the EU
and the American Congress and said the Parliament wanted the government to
put the base of its enrichment productions on 20-percent level. He further
warned the US and certain adventurist countries that Iran will strongly
deal with them in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea if they ever thought
of inspecting Iranian ships. (Back to top) Press TV: "EU agrees on new
Iran sanctions"

(Tue, 15 Jun) European foreign ministers have agreed in Luxemburg to
recommend a package of additional sanctions against Iran over the
country's nuclear program. The move came Monday after EU foreign policy
chief Catherine Ashton invited Iran's top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili
to discuss the nuclear issue, reported the Associated Press. German
Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle was also quoted by the AP as saying the
new set of sanctions go beyond those recently adopted by the UN Security
Council. Westerwelle said the new sanctions would focus on areas of trade,
especially on so-called dual-use items which could be utilized as part of
the nuclear program. They would include further restrictions on trade
insurance and financial transactions, and would target Iran's transport
sector, particularly its shipping and air cargo operators. Some
investments in the oil industry would also be affected, Westerwelle said
without elaborating further. "We have to contribute our own European
measures in addition to the security council sanctions to press Iran back
to the negotiation table", added the top German diplomat. If EU heads of
government meeting Thursday endorse the measures adopted in Luxembourg,
these will be passed on to government experts to work out the specifics of
which companies and products would be targeted and how. (Back to top)
IRNA: "Response to EU in two days: Official"

(Wed, 16 Jun) The deputy secretary of Iran's SNSC said here on Wednesday
that a response to the letter sent by EU Foreign Affairs' Chief Catherine
Ashton will be given in the next two days. The formal letter received from
Ashton was about her request for talks with Secretary of Iran's Supreme
National Security Council (SNSC) Saeed Jalili, Ali Baqeri, the SNSC Deputy
Secretary for International Affairs and Foreign Policy, made the remarks
while talking to reporters at a seminar on nuclear energy held in Tehran.
Asked about when the international conference on acting against terrorism
will start in the country, Baqeri replied it would be held in the next few
months. (Back to top) IRNA: "Iran to continue peaceful nuclear program
based on international, IAEA rules"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast said on
Tuesday that Tehran, despite all pressures, will continue its peaceful
nuclear activities within the framework of the international and IAEA
rules and regulations. Talking to reporters during his weekly press
briefing, he said in spite of all illogical and unwise pressures exerted
by the West and the UN Security Council, the Islamic Republic of Iran will
emphasize on its inalienable right which is the pursuance of peaceful
nuclear energy. The Islamic Republic, for its progress and development in
different industrial, agricultural, medical and energy fields, has various
programs for making use of peaceful nuclear technology. Tehran will meet
its nuclear demands from any possible way, Mehman-Parast noted. He
reiterated that fuel swap and continuation of peaceful nuclear program are
two differ ent issues. On claims by certain foreign media regarding the
possible use of space of some regional states by the Zionist regime in
order to attack Iran, he said all countries that are aware of the
Zionists' criminal acts will not allow that regime to make use of their
territories. Referring to the Tehran-Riyadh relations, he said there are
great potentials in the two countries for further expansion of all-out
ties. The two countries will not permit the Zionist regime to damage the
existing bilateral relations, he added. (Back to top) Mehr News Agency:
"'All countries voting for sanctions acted against Iran's interests'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The Iranian Foreign Ministry has rejected reports claiming
that it differentiates between countries that voted in favor of the latest
sanctions resolution against Iran. MP Hossein Ebrahimi said on Monday that
the Foreign Ministry is of the opinion that Russia and China voted for the
sanctions resolution against Iran to preven t harsher action against
Tehran. "The Foreign Ministry believes that Russia and China actually
voted (for the sanctions) out of empathy, so Tehran-Moscow and
Tehran-Beijing relations will not change," Ebrahimi stated. Attributing
such false quotes to the Foreign Ministry is not correct, and these
remarks are not truthful at all, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin
Mehmanparast said during his weekly press briefing on Tuesday. "We regard
the votes of all the countries on the Security Council that voted against
Iran to be in opposition to the interests of the Iranian nation,"
Mehmanparast stated. And Iran will take their votes into consideration
when assessing its relations with those countries, he added. Mehmanparast
cited a number of reasons why the United States made such hasty efforts to
push for new sanctions against Iran. First of all, Iran believes the U.S.
wanted to make amends for the West's miscalculation when it predicted that
Iran, Turkey, and Br azil would not be able to reach an agreement on a
nuclear fuel swap, he noted. Secondly, the U.S. thought it could recoup
its losses after the 2010 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty
on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in May, when it illogically
supported Israel but the participants voiced concern over Israel's nuclear
activities, he said. Thirdly, Washington sought to distract attention from
the Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the
Mediterranean Sea on May 31, he added. "Sanctions will not stop Iran's
nuclear activities. Sanctions will make us more determined to become
self-sufficient," Mehmanparast stated. On the Tehran declaration, he said
Iran will seriously pursue the proposal put forward in the declaration.
(Back to top) Press TV: "'Politics delaying Bushehr plant launch'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran says the delay in the launch of the Bushehr nuclear
power plant, which Russia insists to be purel y technical, has proven to
be due to political pressure. "After Russia voted yes to new sanctions
against Iran at the UN Security Council, we reached the conclusion that
the Kremlin's delay in launching the Bushehr power plant is also
politically-motivated," Iran's envoy to the IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh,
told ISNA on Tuesday. "Of course there may exist some technical
complications, but it is hard to believe that these technical issues have
continued to postpone the completion of the plant over the past 15 years,"
he added. He was referring to the UNSC session on June 9, in which 12
member states voted in favor of a US-drafted resolution to impose tougher
sanctions against Iran. Soltanieh said the Bushehr nuclear plant in
southern Iran was originally scheduled to be completed "in no more than
five years." (Back to top) Press TV: "'US Iran policy unjustifiable'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Cuban Revolution Leader Fidel Castro has condemned t he
sanctions resolution against Iran promoted by the United States and
adopted by the UN Security Council. In a piece on the hostile approach
adopted by the US on Iran as well as Washington and Tel Aviv's policy of
confrontation, Castro highlighted the weakness of the policies adopted by
the US. Referring to the speech by US President Barack Obama in the wake
of the passage of the sanctions resolution by the Security Council, Castro
underscored the speech proves how 'weak, frail and unjustifiable' the
policy of 'the powerful empire' is. He also mentioned Tel Aviv's animosity
toward the Palestinian nation. "The hatred felt by the State of Israel
against the Palestinians is such that they would not hesitate to send the
one and a half million men, women and children of that country to the
crematorium where millions of Jews of all ages were exterminated by the
Nazi", wrote Castro in his piece. "It would seem that the Fuhrer's
swastika is today Israel's banner" ;, added the Cuban Revolution leader.
Castro also denounced the US for arming Israel with nuclear weapons and
turning it into a regional and even global threat. (Back to top)
ECONOMY/ENERGY Press TV: "Iran hands major gas deals to local firms"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran has signed contracts worth $21 billion with local firms
for the development of six phases of the country's giant South Pars gas
field. The deals to develop phases 13, 14, 19, 22, 23 and 24 of South Pars
were signed on Tuesday between the Iranian Oil Ministry and two local
consortia, namely Industrial Development and Renovation Organization
(IDRO) and Petropars. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was
present at the signing of the deals in the southern city of Asalouyeh,
described them as "the biggest contracts in the history of Iran's oil
industry." Royal Dutch Shell and Repsol had been originally awarded phases
13 and 14 but were left out of the project by Iran due to their repeat ed
delays. The total gas production from the fields, which are to become
operational within 35 months, would be 200 million cubic meters per day.
"This is a very great day for the Iranian oil industry. It is the start of
a new era," Ahmadinejad said in a speech after the deals were reached. He
further called for the better management of resources to speed up the
development of South Pars. IDRO is a holding company of state-owned
industrial groups and Petropars is a subsidiary of the National Iranian
Oil Company, which finances the projects. (Back to top) Gulf Daily News:
"Iran signs $21bn deal with firms"

(Wed, 16 Jun) Iran yesterday signed contracts worth $21 billion with two
local groups to develop six South Pars gas phases, state television's
website said, dropping an earlier reference to the elite Revolutionary
Guards as one of three winners. In a "corrected" report, the website said
the "contracts to develop the South Pars gas phases - 13, 14, 19, 22, 23
and 24 - were inked between the oil ministry and IDRO (Industrial
Development and Renovation Organisation) and Petropars." The earlier
report had said the contracts were signed with IDRO, Petropars and Khatam
Al Anbiya, the Guards' industrial conglomerate. Iran previously awarded
phases 13 and 14 to Anglo-Dutch Shell and Spain's Repsol YPF, but the two
energy majors held off a final decision on investments as new UN sanctions
loomed against Tehran over its nuclear drive. "This is a very great day
for the Iranian oil industry. It is the start of a new era," President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on state television after the deals were reached.
"I believe that we can build Iran three times faster by managing our
resources better. The (investment) volume of the contracts for the six
phases signed today is worth around $21bn," he said. Ahmadinejad said
funding for the proposed investments would be raised domestically and that
wor ld markets would be tapped if needed.Energy experts say that despite
the contracts, questions exist on whether Iranian companies are equipped
with the management and technical knowhow to handle such large-scale
projects. (Back to top) Mehr News Agency: "'Government not seeking
parliamentary approval in oil, gas deals'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) MP Emad Hosseini, the spokesman of the Majlis Energy
Committee, says the administration does not submit oil and gas contracts
to the Majlis for approval. "All international contracts and
capital-intensive projects require Majlis approval, and representatives
have seriously criticized the administration for not presenting the oil
and gas contracts to the Majlis," Hosseini told the Mehr News Agency on
Tuesday. "Unfortunately, only unimportant commercial agreements are
presented to the Majlis, but representatives are not informed in detail
about multi-billion-dollar oil and gas contracts" he complained. For exa
mple, MPs are not informed about the details of the recently signed gas
deal with Pakistan, he explained. It runs contrary to the Constitution
that the administration does not give the details of the major and
"fateful" contracts to MPs, he noted. Hosseini also said that the selling
of energy-related companies to semi-sate companies has created many
problems for the country's energy sector. Commenting on the repercussions
of the newly-adopted UN sanctions on the energy sector, he said these
sanctions will affect this sector but appropriate measures should be taken
to minimize the negative effects. (Back to top) Fars News Agency: "Iran to
boost daily production of sweet gas to 1 bcm"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The volume of Iran's sweet gas production will boost to 1bln
cubic meters per day after implementing development projects in the
country's South Pars gas field, Iranian Oil Minister Seyed Masoud
Mir-Kazzemi announced on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines
of a ceremony to sign construction contracts for the development of 6
phases of the South Pars gas field in Iran's southern port city of
Assalouyeh on Tuesday, Mir-Kazzemi said, "The total production of sweet
gas in South Pars will reach 700 million cubic meters once these refinery
phases come online, and the country's totals production of sweet gas will
amount to over 1 billion cubic meters." "This development is invaluable
and a great honor for the country," the Iranian oil minister said,
underlining Iran's significant role in energy equations in the world.
"Undoubtedly, implementation of (the construction projects of) these six
phases is a great and invaluable work in the history of the country's oil
industry," Mir-Kazzemi said, adding that the South Pars field has a
reserve of 29,000 billion cubic meters of exploitable gas or 16% of the
world's total gas reserves. The oil minister also pointed out that
implementation of the So uth Pars construction projects by Iranian
companies is a sign of their potentials and capabilities. Four Iranian
enterprises convened in a meeting in the southern region of Assalouyeh
earlier today to sign construction contracts for Iran's largest energy and
industrial project in the presence of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The
Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) and
three largest industrial firms of Iran, namely Petropars, Iranian Petro
Paidar and Petrosina companies, are due to execute the project for the
development of phases 13, 14, 19, 22, 23, and 24 of the South Pars Special
Energy Zone (SPSEZ). The documents were signed during a ceremony to be
attended by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The construction budget
of the project is estimated at USD21bln and it is to be completed in 35
months. Some 50,000 new jobs are to be created during the construction
operation of the project. According to economic experts, signing of the
contract s of those phases would lead to unprecedented development in the
Assalouyeh region. The contract for the development of the was signed
today in a ceremony also attended by the President Ahmadinejad. (Back to
top) Fars News Agency: "Iranian oil minister due in Turkmenistan tomorrow
for gas talks"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iranian Oil Minister Masoud Mir-Kazzemi is scheduled to pay
an official visit to Ashgabat on Wednesday in a bid to discuss energy
cooperation between the two neighboring states, an Iranian diplomat
announced on Tuesday. Speaking to FNA about the visit, Iran's Deputy
Ambassador to Turkmenistan Zolfaqar Amirshahi said, "A preparatory
delegation will arrive in Ashgabat today and the oil minister will arrive
tomorrow (Wednesday), heading a 5-member delegation." Amirshahi said that
the Iranian oil minister will meet Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedow and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers for Oil and
Gas. The Iranian dipl omat said that the minister's visit is aimed at the
expansion of energy cooperation and further interactions between the two
sides in technical fields. "Different aspects of energy cooperation,
specially in the gas field, projects for transfer and transit of natural
gas, Iran's participation in the development of Turkmenistan's gas fields,
specially the development of South Yolotan gas field and increase of gas
exports to Iran by Turkmenistan are on the agenda of talks between the two
sides," Amirshahi mentioned. In a ceremony attended by Iranian President
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in January 2010, Iran and Turkmenistan inaugurated the
second gas pipeline to transfer gas supplies from Turkmenistan to Iran.
The pipeline which passes through Dauletabad, Sarakhs and Khangiran
regions will facilitate the hike in Turkmenistan's gas exports to Iran up
to 20 bln cubic meters annually. Korpeje-Kurt Kui pipeline is the other
gas pipeline already used for transferring Turkmen gas to Iran.
Turkmenistan had agreed to boost the volume of its natural gas exports to
Iran to 14 billion cubic meters (bcm) from the current 8 bcm following the
start of operation of the new gas pipeline between the two countries.
Meantime, construction work began on May 31 on Turkmenistan's East-West
pipeline. The line is projected to run from the main gas fields in the
country's East, to the Turkmen Caspian shore in the West. When completed,
the East-West pipeline would deliver gas volumes for export to Europe,
along with volumes from the Turkmen offshore. Turkmenistan holds the
fourth place in the world on gas reserves after Russia, Iran and Qatar.
The largest reserves of South Yolotan-Osman oil field have been recently
reaffirmed. Its reserves are now predicted to stand at 16 trillion cubic
meters of gas, which is two trillion more compared to the original
figures. (Back to top) Press TV: "Pakistan firm on Iran gas deal"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Pakistan says a cross -border pipeline deal with Iran does
not fall within the new UN Security Council sanctions resolution on
Tehran. In a Monday address to reporters in Islamabad, Pakistani Foreign
Minister Shah Mahmoud Quershi asserted that the "Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline
Project is in the national interest of Pakistan and no pressure on this
count will be accepted," reported a Press TV correspondent. Qureshi made
the statement amid reports of US reservations over a multi-billion dollar
gas pipeline deal formally agreed between Pakistani and Iranian officials.
Under the 7.6-billion dollar deal, the Islamic Republic has agreed to
daily provide 50 million cubic feet of natural gas to Pakistan from
mid-2014. The pipeline will account for 20 percent of Pakistan's demands
once it connects Iran's giant South Pars gas field with Pakistan's
Baluchistan province. Iran has already constructed more tha (Back to top)
Fars News Agency: "Official: Sanctions not to affect Iran's banking
activities "

(Tue, 15 Jun) Managing-Director of Iran's Exports Development (Tose'e
Saderat) Bank Kourosh Parvizian reiterated on Tuesday that the new round
of sanctions imposed on the country by the UN Security Council will have
no negative impact on Iran's banking system. "The recent resolution of the
UN Security Council does not specifically include banking issues and will
not cause any severe problem for the country's banks," Parvizian said. He
made the remarks while visiting Iran's hall at Expo 2010 exhibition in
Shanghai, China. Parvizian said pressures against Iran were more intense
before the approval of the recent UNSC resolution than now, and stressed
that those countries which cooperated with Iran before the approval of the
new sanction have not shown much reaction to the UN measure and announced
that they will continue their cooperation with Tehran. The UN on Wednesday
imposed a fourth set of sanctions against Tehran in violation of the rules
enshrined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) entitling every member
state, including Iran, to the right of uranium enrichment. The UN measure
was adopted after Tehran dismissed West's demands for a suspension of its
uranium enrichment activities as politically tainted and illogical. Tehran
says that sanctions and pressures merely consolidate the Iranians'
national resolve to continue nuclear progress. Washington and its Western
allies accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of
a civilian nuclear program, while they have never presented any
corroborative evidence to substantiate their allegations. Iran denies the
charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes
only. Tehran stresses that the country has always pursued a civilian path
to provide power to the growing number of Iranian population, whose fossil
fuel would eventually run dry. (Back to top) Mehr News Agency:
"Administration resets car import tariff to 90%"

(T ue, 15 Jun) The 70 percent tariff rate for imported cars set by the
Majlis (Iranian parliament) during the endorsement stage of the annual
budget bill was changed back to 90 percent by the government. The Majlis
approved a bill in March to reduce car import duties by 20 percentage
points to 70 percent aiming to boost competition among domestic car
manufacturers and persuade them to improve quality of their products, the
Mehr News Agency reported. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad issued a decree
on Tuesday for the augmentation of industrial products in Iran, especially
automotive products. According to the administration's official website,
the ministry of industries and mines has three-month time to devise a plan
for automakers in a bid to improve the overall quality of the vehicles
they produce. The plan should include directions on how to decrease gas
consumption and meet required safety and pollution standards in both
vehicles and spare parts they produce. In addition, after-sale services
should be improved and made competitive on international markets. After
the plan is prepared it should be submitted to the Cabinet for final
approval. (Back to top) Press TV: "Iran oil well still on fire"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Flames still shoot high into the air following the outbreak
of fire in an oil field in southern Iran triggered by an oil and gas leak
during drilling operations. Operations to tackle the blaze which broke out
at one of the oil wells in Naft-Shahr field on May 29 have, so far, failed
to bring the fire under control, with flames reaching 70 meters (230 feet)
high in the air, Mehr news agency reported. The conflagration has claimed
four lives so far, added Mehr. Operations to extinguish the fire are still
going on , Mehr quoted a top official in charge as saying. (Back to top)
Fars News Agency: "Iran, Turkey to sign agreement on establishment of
joint border market"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran and Turkey plan to sign an agreement tomorrow to set up
a joint market at the two countries' shared borders. "A Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of Iran-Turkey border market
construction project will be signed tomorrow by Governor-General of
(Iran's northwestern province of) West Azarbaijan and governor-generals of
five Turkish provinces which share borders with Iran," West Azarbaijan's
Customs Supervisor Parviz Taqavi told FNA. Taqavi also pointed to the
projects underway for the construction of a joint industrial border town
in Iran's northwestern border city of Makou, and said that the market will
be set up in an area stretched from the two countries borders to a spot 45
km from the town of Salmas. The official said that a committee has been
set up to specify the exact location of the market. Taqavi added plans
have already been drawn for the implementation of the project. He further
described establishment of a joint investment bank in the region as one of
the most urgent goals of development projects in the region. Earlier this
month Governor-General of West Azarbaijan Vahid Jalalzadeh said that Iran,
Iraq and Turkey are discussing plans to set up a joint investment bank at
Iran-Turkey border. "A joint investment bank will be established at
Iran-Turkey border following the endorsement of a relevant agreement by
the Turkish, Iraqi and Iranian sides," Jalalzadeh said. In March 2010,
Makou's Governor Hamid Ahmadian announced that Iran and Turkey are due to
construct an industrial town in Iran's northwestern border city of Makou.
"Based on the agreements made (during a visit) by the Islamic Republic's
officials to Turkey, the industrial zone and town is due to be established
at Iran- Turkey joint borders," Ahmadian said. Iran and Turkey have in
recent years boosted their cooperation in different fields of economy,
security, trade, education and culture. (Back to top) MILITARY/SECURITY
Mehr News Agency: "Ira n warns Moscow failure in missile delivery would
affect ties"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Tehran warned on Tuesday that any Russian failure to deliver
the S-300 missile system to Iran would affect relations between the two
countries. In Paris, a French presidential aide said that Russia's Prime
Minister Vladimir Putin, in talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy on
Friday, said that Russia had decided to "freeze the delivery of the S-300
missiles." Ramin Mehmanparast, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said,
"Any move that affect long-term interests will be left in the historical
memory of the Iranian nation." Mehmanparast went on to say that "our
cooperation with Russia must be reviewed within a long-term framework."
(Back to top) Fars News Agency: "Iranian Army to build
submarine-controlled UAVs"

(Tue, 15 Jun) A senior Iranian commander announced here on Tuesday that
the country's Army plans to design and manufacture Unma nned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs) that can be controlled from submarines. "Today the world
is seeking UAVs that can be controlled from submarines, from sub-surface
and from vessels' deck. And we, too, are mulling over such fields of
activity as they can be achieved," Head of the Iranian Army's
Self-Sufficiency Jihad and Industrial Researches (department) Admiral
Mohammad Sadri said in an exclusive interview with FNA on Tuesday. The
commander said that Iran has already used the domestically built UAVs in
sea missions to check its newly developed weapon systems and also for
targeting purposes. Pointing to the unique radar-evading capability of
Iran-made UAVs and their small sizes, Sadri said Army's research and
development centers are serious in the field. "Thanks God, good work has
been done in area of UAV production in (the Army's) ground and air
divisions," Sadri noted. Last week, Lieutenant Commander of Iran's Air
Force Mohsen Darrebaqi told FNA that the Ira nian Air Force plans to form
a battalion of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in all its bases across the
country. "In every Air Force fighters base, a UAV battalion will be
formed," Darrwbaqi said, adding, "These UAV battalions have already been
formed in four bases." Noting that the UAV units of the Air Force have
been operative for as long as many years, Darrebaqi pointed out that these
units are currently tasked with intelligence and information gathering and
reconnaissance missions. "But in future we want to use them for assault
missions so that these UAVs can hit targets," he added. Iran has recently
made good progress in the air industry and has succeeded in gaining the
technical know-how for producing stealth aircraft and drones. The country
in February inaugurated the production line of two home-made Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with bombing and reconnaissance capabilities. The
two hi-tech drones named 'Ra'd' (Thunder) and 'Nazir' (Har binger) are
capable of conducting long-range reconnaissance, patrolling, assault and
bombing missions with high precision. Ra'd which is a UAV of choice for
assault and bombing missions has the capability to destroy the specified
targets with high pinpoint precision. Experts believe that once the UAV
enters the scene of aerial missions, it would enhance the reconnaissance,
patrolling and defensive power of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Armed
Force. Iran successfully tested a home-made radar-evading UAV with bombing
capabilities last June. Also in 2008, the country's Defense Industries
launched production lines of two well-known home-made fighter jets, namely
Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) and Azarakhsh (Lightening). Iran had earlier started
construction of a plant in the northern province of Mazandaran in 2008 to
mass produce UAVs for different civilian and military missions. (Back to
top) TERRORISM/CRIME/NARCOTICS Press TV: "Iran foils terrorist attacks in
Tehran"

(Wed, 16 Jun) Iran's Intelligence Minister Heydar Moslehi says the country
has foiled a plot by the terrorist Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) to
carry out bomb attacks in Tehran. Moslehi added that two MKO teams were
arrested before they could carry out any operation. "The terrorist groups
planned to carry out bomb attacks in some squares in Tehran," he stated.
Iran's intelligence minister said that the arrested terrorists had
received necessary training in the MKO camp in Iraq. "They planned to
terrorize innocent citizens in some important and sensitive districts of
Tehran," Moslehi added. He said that the terrorists planned to set police
cars and motorcycles on fire in the next stages of their plot. Moslehi
also accused Britain, France and Sweden of backing the terrorist group.
The MKO is responsible for killing large numbers of Iranian officials and
citizens during countless brutal attacks inside the country. It is
designated as a terrorist organiza tion by many countries, including the
US. (Back to top) Fars News Agency: "Envoy: Iran to react to terrorist
attacks from northern Iraq"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran can no more keep silent on the attacks waged against
its citizens by terrorist groups stationed at Iraq's northern borders,
Tehran's Ambassador to Baghdad Hassan Kazzemi Qomi warned on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, these terrorist groups misuse the northern borders of Iraq
for acts of terrorism and sabotage and stage terrorist attacks against
Iranian citizens from there," Kazzemi Qomi said. He further reiterated
that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always sympathized with the Kurd
people in the last 30 years, specially when former Iraqi dictator Saddam
Hussein committed huge crimes against the people of Kurdistan. "At the
time when Saddam's regime slaughtered the Kurds by its artilleries, tanks
and chemical weapons, it was the Islamic Republic of Iran that welcomed
them as its citizens, treate d the injured and sheltered all the
refugees," Kazzemi Qomi reminded. Yet, Tehran cannot wait to see that it's
citizens are massacred from those areas, the envoy cautioned. "It is
impossible for us to witness massacre of our citizens and their terrorist
actions at Iranian borders and sometimes in Iranian cities every day and
keep mum about them," he warned. Stressing the necessity for confronting
such terrorist groups, Kazzemi Qomi underlined that security is a
reciprocal issue and both countries of Iran and Iraq should fight against
terrorism through cooperation and coordination in a bid to establish a
region free from terrorism. (Back to top) Fars News Agency: "Police
disbands several drug-trafficking rings in northwestern Iran"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iranian anti-drug police squads disbanded 28 rings involved
in drug-trafficking activities in the country's northwestern province of
West Azarbaijan, a provincial police chief announced on Tuesday. &qu
ot;During the first three months of the current (Iranian) year (started on
March 21, 2010) 28 drug-trafficking and dealing rings were disbanded,"
Commander of West Azarbaijan Anti-Drug Police Karim Akbari said in an
interview with FNA. The commander stated that police forces have also
arrested 817 drug-dealers during the same period. Akbari also pointed to
the ongoing initiatives in the province to decrease demands for drugs, and
said the province's drug campaign council has focused on treatment and
prevention as its priorities. (Back to top) DISSENT/OPPOSITION Radio
Zamaneh: "Mousavi warns Islamic Republic against 'crisis-building'"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iranian opposition leader MirHosein Mousavi says the recent
attacks on Mehdi Karroubi and the offices of prominent Shiite clerics,
Ayatollahs Sanei and Montazeri mark "a new stage in crisis-building." In a
statement issued on Monday, Mousavi says: "The perpetrators and leaders of
such dangerou s acts should know that attacking Shiite leaders or
insulting and pressuring them will only destroy the legitimacy of the
system." In the past two days, pro-government forces in plain clothes have
attacked the homes and offices of Ayatollah Sanei and Montazeri protesting
against the presence of opposition leader, Mehdi Karroubi in Qom. The
office of the late Ayatollah Montazeri was sealed by the Ministry of
Intelligence on Monday. Mousavi reminds the authorities that the attack on
the home of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini in
1967 became the foundation of the 1979 Revolution that toppled the Iranian
monarchy. The former prime minister of Iran also writes that the
government's refusal to issue a permit for protesters to demonstrate on
June 12 reveals that they are "fearful" of revisiting the "legend that was
born on June 15, 2009." (Back to top) Radio Zamaneh: "Islamic Republic
continues crack down on activists"

(Tue, 15 Jun) International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran says that in
the weeks leading to the anniversary of the controversial 2009
presidential elections in Iran, tens of political media, student and civil
society activists were arrested or summoned and interrogated by Ministry
of Intelligence. According to this report, families of the protesters who
were killed in last year's protests were "threatened and intimidated" by
Intelligence officials to impede them from holding any commemoration
services for their loved ones. A number of political figures have also
informed the Campaign that they were contacted by the Intelligence
Ministry and advised against leaving their homes on 11 and 12 of June.
Pro-government forces in plain clothes have reportedly stood guard outside
the home of political activists to monitor their activities. On June 12,
protesters staged some gatherings in Tehran and other major cities and
Islamic Republic officials announced that 91 people were arrested in
connection with these gatherings. Kaleme website, MirHosein Mousavi's news
outlet, puts the figure of June12 detainees around 400 and other sources
have even said that over 900 people were arrested on that day. A female
protester who was detained on June 12 has told International Campaign for
Human Rights in Iran that over 300 women were held at one of the Basij
detention centres on this day close to Azadi Square. She added that a
number of these detainees were released at the late hours of the night. An
eyewitness also reports that 40 security vans were used to transport
detainees on June 12 and adds: "That night over 500 people were
transferred to prevention police headquarters." Morteza Tamaddon, Tehran
governor claims some members of the dissident group People's Mojahedin
were amongst the June 12 detainees. Prior to this, a number of detainees
especially people arrested in December during Ashura Day protests were
accused of cooperation with the People's Mohajedin and charged with enmity
against God for which the court has issued death sentences. Nargess
Mohammadi, chief deputy of Human Rights Defenders Centre; Abdolreza Tajik,
journalist; Mohammadreza Jalaipour, reformist activist; Reza Shahabi,
labour activist; Davoud Roshani, member of reformist group Islamic Iran
Participation Front; as well as student activists Slaman Sima, Kourosh
Jannati, Behzad Heydari, Abtin Pegah, Babk Qiasi and Reza and Amin Farid
Yahyayi along with National Front member, Youness Rostami are some of the
people detained by Islamic Republic authorities in the past few days.
(Back to top) Reporters and Human Rights Activists News Agency (RAHANA):
"Azad University student Salma Sima re-arrested on June 12"

(Tue, 15 Jun) On June 12, Salman Sima, an Azad University student
activist, was arrested during the street protests that marked the
anniversary of last year's presidential election. Sima was detained by
plaincloth es agents on Enghelab Avenue and taken to an unknown location.
Efforts by the Sima family to obtain information about him have been to no
avail. Despite announcements by the Intelligence police that the detainees
were transferred to the Evin magistrate court, Sima's name was not on the
detainee list. This is the second arrest in one year for Salman Sima, who
is a member of the Advar Tahkim Vahdat Office (a student alumni
organization). He was also arrested in November 2009 by agents who were
waiting for him outside his house and spent nearly 100 days in detention.
In July 2008, Sima was arrested by the Ministry of Intelligence and held
for more than 40 days in solitary confinement in ward 209 of Evin prison.
In his first trial, Sima was sentenced to six years in prison by branch 15
of the Revolutionary Court. He was expected to present his appeal
statement in a hearing on June 13, 2010. (Back to top) RAHANA: "Iranian
National Front member Yunes Rostami arrested"< br>
(Tue, 15 Jun) According to a short statement released by the Iranian
National Front, on June 9th, Yunes Rostami was arrested at his home by
Intelligence agents and taken to Ilam Prison. Rostami heads the student
alumni branch of the Iranian National Front in Abadan. There is still no
word on his status. (Back to top) RAHANA: "Students Aptin Pegah and Babak
Ghiyasi arrested in Kermanshah after June 12th rally"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Four Razi University students were summoned by the
university's security office following a peaceful rally on June 12th.
After reporting to the security office, two students were detained and
handed over to the Ministry of Intelligence in Kermanshah. The two
students have been identified as physics student Aptin Pegah and
agricultural engineering student Babak Ghiyasi. There is still no
information available on their status or whereabouts. The summons followed
a student gathering outside the faculty of engineering to mark the anni
versary of last year's presidential election. There was a heavy presence
of campus security and Basij forces during the rally, and special guard
units were deployed at university gates to stop the summoned students from
leaving the campus. (Back to top) RAHANA: "Student activist Kourosh
Jannati arrested"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Allameh University literature student Koroush Jannati was
arrested on June 12th by Intelligence agents after reporting to the
university's security office. According to the Committee of Human Rights
Reporters, the agents then went to Jannati's parents' house, where they
seized his personal items after performing a house search. There is still
no word on the official cause of Jannati's arrest or his current
whereabouts. Jannati has been suspended from university on three separate
occasions in the past. (Back to top) International Campaign for Human
Rights in Iran: "Saba Vasefi regains consciousness after suspicious
accident"

( Tue, 15 Jun) The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran has
learned that human rights defender and women's rights activist Saba Vasefi
has regained consciousness after she was injured

http://persian2english.com/?p=11410 in an accident two weeks ago. Vasefi
was in a coma for over 100 hours following the accident. After coming out
of her coma, she now suffers from severe neck injuries and has not yet
regained her full vision.In a letter shared with the Campaign, Vasefi's
mother Fereshteh Jafari said her daughter is not the first victim of
tyranny, and she won't be the last. Jafari implied that this accident was
a deliberate act. On the same night that Vasefi suffered her accident,
slipping into a coma, security forces entered her house and confiscated
some of her personal belongings and said they were seeking to arrest her,
while her family was unaware of her fate. In her letter, Jafari addressed
Vasefi's attacker as a compatriot, asking him, "How did you r heart permit
you to target her and leave her half-dead body on the side of the street,
with impunity?" Saba Vasefi was a professor at Shahid Beheshti University
for four years before she was dismissed on 20 January 2009 and banned from
teaching at other universities in Iran. Upon returning from a trip to the
city of Shahryar, investigating the case of an execution ruling, Vasefi
visited the family of one of the people killed during last year's election
protests. According to her close relatives, she often visited the families
of those wounded and killed in the protests, and reached out to them with
help and living arrangements. The same source told the Campaign, "She was
supposed to visit with another family when she was struck by a motorcycle
while leaving the house. The motorcyclist escaped and Vasefi's head struck
the curb." Eyewitnesses believe the accident was suspicious and it seemed
that the motorcycle was directly heading for her. Saba Vasefi had pr
oduced a documentary about child executions called "Don't Bury My Heart,"
for which a license was not issued, and she was in the process of making
another documentary about the Mourning Mothers, which now remains
unfinished. (Back to top) SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY Fars News Agency: "Iranian
scientists modify motion model of nanofluids"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The Iranian researchers at the Institute of Research in
Fundamental Sciences (IPM) managed to modify the model presented for
nanofluids' motion by American/Romanian researchers 30 years ago. These
results could find applications in the precise conduction of nanofluids
motion and conduction of nanometric (and micrometric) particles.
Laboratory methods for controlling DNA strains and also micrometric
particles by using this method have been proposed and employed by now.
"Motion of colloidal nanoparticles caused by temperature gradient was the
main subject of our research," Seyed Nader Rasouli, one of the
researchers, told INIC, adding, "These particles include proteins at 1 to
2 nanometer scale or colloids with dimension of 2 to 500 nanometers. These
particles, of the all mentioned forms, are suspended in water and the
solution temperature is changing smoothly and slowly from side to side.
"It might be possible to use this phenomenon as a fine laboratory pair of
pliers to control superfine particles in the long-term future," he added.
Stressing that they could find weaknesses of the earlier model and
attempted to overcome them," Rasouli reiterated, noting, "The precise
behavior of water molecules or ions distribution around colloid, for
example, required modifications. We showed that the comparisons made
according to the earlier model are wrong." "Our colleagues in Italy have
compared the incomplete model designed 30 years ago with their own
experimental data in an inaccurate way and got a good agreement, while if
they used that model accurately but without taking our modifications into
account this agreement would be vanished! The next modifications we
proposed restored the lost agreement to some extent but not all of the
experimental data can still be correlated and attempts for finding a more
comprehensive description are still going on," he said. Press TV: "Iran
develops IR printing machine"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iranian researchers have domestically developed an automatic
cloth printing technique which employs an infrared heat technology to
prevent damage to paint. The researchers of Amirkabir University of
Technology have equipped the machine with a technology to print patterns
of 4 or 6 colors. Morteza Emami, the researcher of the project, underlined
small dimensions of the machine and its mobility which could be employed
in small units. "The new portable size is suitable for factories in any
size," IRIB quoted Emami as saying on Monday. "The machine is facilitated
wi th an infrared technology to heat the paint and extend its durability
to the lifetime of the cloth," he went on to say. "The machine's software
is programmable and can print about 600 patterns in an hour," he further
explained. The device aims to speed up the production line, save time and
reduce the risk of errors by human workers and aged machines. (Back to
top) ENVIRONMENT Fars News Agency: "Quake hits eastern Iran"

(Tue, 15 Jun) An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale jolted the
town of Asadieh in South Khorassan province, Eastern Iran, on Tuesday. The
Seismological center of South Khorassan province affiliated to the
Geophysics Institute of Tehran University registered the quake at 12:04
hours local time (0734 GMT). The epicenter of the quake was located in an
area 60.3 degrees in longitude and 33 degrees in latitude. There are yet
no reports on the number of possible casualties or damage to properties by
the quake. (Back to top ) CULTURE/MEDIA/SPORTS Mehr News Agency: "IRIB
probing acress Fatemeh Motamed-Arya ban over hijab"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) is studying
to whether or not to impose a ban on Iranian cinema and television actress
Fatemeh Motamed-Arya. The supervising committee will make a final decision
and if the ban is approved, the actress would be barred, deputy managing
director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Morteza
Mirbaqeri told the Persian service of MNA. A picture showing Motamed-Arya
without hijab and wearing a green wristband at a place identified as the
Doha pavilion at this year's Cannes Film Market was published on the Jahan
News and a number of other Persian websites. Motamed-Arya was censured for
her appearance at Cannes by an Iranian MP. "The photo was taken in a
cosmetics store while she was trying on several costume jewelry bracelets
of various colors; yellow, red, blue," Motamed-Arya's husband Ahmad Hamed
said. Hamed threatened to file lawsuits against those websites that have
published reports about her participation in the Cannes film festival last
month. The actress was playing a major role in Mohammadreza Honarmand's TV
series "The Chef" which came to an end on Monday. Motamed-Arya and Iranian
filmmakers Mojtaba Mirtahmasb and Jafar Panahi were barred from traveling
abroad following the unrest that occurred after the 2009 Iranian
presidential election. However, Tehran Prosecutor General Abbas Jafari
Dolatabadi lifted the travel restrictions on Motamed-Arya last December.
(Back to top) Mehr News Agency: "Director hiring amateurs to thwart state
restrictions on filmmaking"

(Tue, 15 Jun) Renowned Iranian director Bahman Farmanara is hiring an
amateur crew for his new film in order to frustrate new state restrictions
on filmmaking. His new film entitled "Journey to Konya" is about a team of
Iranian university studen ts who begin a trip by bus to visit the tomb of
Rumi in Konya. "I plan to make the film without applying for a production
license," Farmanara told the Persian service of ISNA on Monday. "To that
end, I intend to use non-professional actors and a young amateur cameraman
with an HD camera for this project so as not to get anybody into trouble.
The only one acting in his usual occupation is the bus driver and if he is
banned, he can become a taxi driver!," he added. He said that selecting
the crew members would not be completed until early July and shooting
would begin before autumn. In December 2009, the Iranian Ministry of
Culture and Islamic Guidance threatened to impose a one-year ban on
cineastes, cast, or crew members who collaborate in producing films which
lack the necessary licensing for filmmaking in Iran. The Culture Ministry
had previously warned Iranian cineastes about collaborating in film
foreign projects lacking the necessary licensing. A sc reenplay must be
approved by the Culture Ministry to obtain a production license in Iran.
In addition, the film's producer must apply for a screening license from
the ministry for a domestic or foreign premiere. No film can be produced
or premiere in Iran if the Culture Ministry refuses to grant the necessary
licenses. Over the past decade, Iranian directors Abbas Kiarostami, Jafar
Panahi, Bahmad Qobadi and several other filmmakers have made films without
applying for a production license from the Culture Ministry. In a new
decision, the Culture Ministry has announced that Iranian films must
obtain a screening license from the ministry for a foreign premiere. They
have also said that Iranian cineastes must receive their approval for
cooperating in foreign productions. (Back to top) IRNA: "Iran's cultural
week kicks off its works in Belarus"

(Wed, 16 Jun) Iran's cultural week started its work in Minsk, capital of
Belarus, on Tuesday. Iran Ambassador to B elarus Seyed Abdullah Hosseini,
in the opening ceremony, said that development of ties between nations and
dialogue among artists and scientists of different societies will lead to
strengthening peace, tranquility and consolidating friendly ties between
nations. Referring to the rich Islamic-Iranian culture of Iran, Hosseini
called the program as a short and exclusive opportunity for establishment
of ties between people of Iran and Belarus. Belarusian deputy Minister of
Culture, as another speaker in the gathering, by referring to the
expanding relations between the two countries talked about history of
cultural ties between Iran and Belarus and said that Belarusian cultural
week has already been held in Iran and now is an opportunity for Iran to
hold its cultural week here in Minsk. He said that cultural ties have
strategic importance and called for developing such cooperation between
Iran and Belarus. In the ceremony, pieces of Iranian music , Khorasan
traditional wood dan ce, puppet show and poetry recitation were performed.
On the occasion of the cultural week, three exhibitions are held here
titled " Iranian women," " Iran today ," and " Carpet and frame carpet".
Also a group of handicrafts workshops are organized here. (Back to top)
Press TV: "Karlovy Vary to screen Iranian films"

(Tue, 15 Jun) The prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
will screen four films by veteran and aspiring Iranian directors in its
45th edition. Movie-lovers will have a second chance to watch renowned
Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami's Certified Copy, which premiered at the
2010 Cannes Film festival and won the Best Actress Award for Juliette
Binoche. The love story is the first non-Iranian film by the 70-year-old
filmmaker, which he shot in Tuscany, Italy. Fardin Sahebzamani's There Are
Things You Don't Know will compete in Karlovy Vary festival's Official
Competition section, while Mehdi Moniri's Ty nar will take part in the
event's Documentary Films in Competition section. Amin Farajpour's first
feature-length film Running among the Clouds will be screened in the
Another View section dedicated to films that reveal unusual artistic
approaches. The 45th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival will be held
from July 2 to 10, 2010, in the Czech Republic. The annual festival has
screened and awarded numerous Iranian films, such as Abdolreza Kahani's
Twenty, which won the Special Jury Prize and the Prize of Ecumenical Jury
from the festival's 2009 edition. (Back to top)
COMMENTARIES/ANALYSES/INTERVIEWS AFP: "Guards, other Iran firms 'bag mega
gas deals'" by Farhad Pouladi

(Tue, 15 Jun) Iran on Tuesday signed contracts worth 21 billion dollars
with local firms to develop six gas fields, some of them awarded to the
elite Revolutionary Guards, state media reported. The state television
website said the "contracts to develop the South Pars gas fields -- p
hases 13, 14, 19, 22, 23 and 24 -- were inked with three consortia
including Khatam al-Anbiya," the Guards' industri

10) Back to Top
Urdu Press Condemns Allegations of London School of Economics' Report
The following is a roundup of excerpts from editorials and articles on the
allegations leveled in a report published by the London School of
Economics that Pakistan's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence is in
contact with the Afghan Taliban,; its officials attended Taliban's
meeting, and that President Zardari also held meetings with the Taliban,
published in the 15 June editions of five Urdu dailies - Pakistan -- OSC
Summary
Thursday June 17, 2010 04:15:50 GMT
Emphasizing that the allegations leveled against the Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) for its links with the Taliban a re based on the report
of the US university fellow, the article comments: "It is strange that the
charges that British think tank, the London School of Economics, is
leveling, have also been leveled by Mike Mullen, and Pakistan is scared of
nothing other than US establishment. The reason for this is not that there
is unanimity of views or that some research was conducted, but there is
only one mind and mindset behind this information. It can be guessed from
the fact that the author of the report is Mat Waldman (as published) of
the Harvard University of the United States. Now this makes no
significance whether the report is released from the United States, the
United Kingdom, or Africa, the same content will appear. As far as the
double standards of the ISI are concerned, Pakistan is happy over the
allegation realizing that there is at least someone who supports the
Taliban. The nation has been thinking on these lines because of US's
continuous dual policy, and every se gment has been openly saying that the
Pakistani Government and ISI should not play dual role; rather they should
play a single role and that they should support the Taliban." Aaj Kal
Editorial Criticizes Report, Urges Pakistan To Work for Afghanistan's
Stability

Analyzing the motives behind allegations against Pakistan's top
intelligence agency ahead of the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan,
the editorial states: "As the date fixed for the gradual withdrawal of US
troops from Afghanistan, in a phased manner, draws near, the restiveness
of international characters about their foothold in post-withdrawal
Afghanistan has been increasing with the same tempo. The publication of a
controversial report by London School of Economics should be seen in this
very perspective, in which allegations have been leveled against the ISI
for assisting the Afghan Taliban."

The editorial further states: "No matter how startling the contents of
this report ap pear to be, the objective is nothing but stunning the world
community about Pakistan's dual policy. On its part, Pakistan should also
utilize its energies for the stability of Afghanistan instead of involving
itself in an unenviable game of force and influence in that country." Aaj
Kal Article by Mujahid Hussein Dismisses Report as Unrealistic

Claiming that the report about the contacts between the ISI and Taliban
has no compatibility with the ground realities, the article states: "Such
report against the Army and ISI appears to be a negative propaganda. There
is no doubt, and it is our common misfortune, that an agency like the ISI
had assisted Taliban and other extremist groups to make its interference
in Afghanistan effective. However, these things are bygones and the
situation at present is different altogether. Now that the ISI itself is
on the hit list of the Taliban, such reports may have a negative impact on
the ongoing war on terror." Jinnah Ar ticle by Navid Masud Hashmi Deplores
Report Despite Pakistan's Unprecedented Role

Urging the Pakistani rulers to review their policies as their role in war
on terror is a thankless job, the article writes: "The United States has
been using Pakistani airbases and airspace since the past eight years. All
reinforcement supplied to Afghanistan-based US and NATO forces are via
Pakistan. The notorious Pervez Musharraf trampled down all international,
ethical, and Islamic values and did not hesitate to hand over the former
Afghan ambassador to the United States. However, the reward we got in
return for all these services and slavish decisions was in the form of
these reports by British institutions."

The article further writes: "It is the responsibility of the policy making
institut ions of Pakistan and rulers to immediately revise relationship
with the United States, curse the slavish behavior, and hold talks with
the United States on the basis of sove reign equality." Islam Editorial
Sees Great Trouble in Offing for Pakistan

Believing that certain forces are behind the malicious attempts to malign
Pakistan and its spy agency despite the fact that Pakistan has suffered
huge losses in the campaigns of extremism and terrorism, the editorial
says: "The point to ponder is that reports of such nature were published
by the US media in the past as well, but the British media did not
propagate these superficial reports. The strategy of the British media to
bring Pakistan under pressure indicates some great inner turmoil. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs should trace this turmoil. The Indian lobby
that has influence in Afghanistan may also be involved in this game. The
Pakistani foreign minister has expressed regret and disappointment over
the fully exaggerated report of the British media. This reaction is
totally correct. If Pakistan is not trustworthy despite suffering a loss
of $40 billion, ruining of national ec onomy, plight of the people,
sacrifices of thousands of lives of citizens and security forces, it will
remain so in the future as well." Mashriq Article by Maryam Gilani
Discusses Close Relationship Between Pakistanis, Afghan Taliban

Maintaining that the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are interlinked in
a bond of family relations, the article writes: "The British educational
institution does not perhaps know that the Taliban, with whom they gave
been accusing the ISI of having a relationship, were in fact a part of
Pakistan. Don't you and I know that many people living in our tribal areas
are relatives of the Afghans? Their relationship is not distant, but very
close. If one brother lives here, the other lives across the border. There
are many people in Peshawar, who have been living in the city for two
generations and their relatives are present in the Afghan assembly. The
mindset of the Taliban, of which these wretched people are afraid of, is
not conf ined to the ISI only, rather it is the thinking of the nation
that strongly hates the United States, which still considers the United
Kingdom as a puppet of the United States, and that is so self-respected
that it cannot tolerate the comments of some British institution regarding
the internal affairs of the country."

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

11) Back to Top
Pakistan Article Says Massive Rehabilitation Programs Vital To Uproot
Terrorism
Article by Ashraf Jehangir Qazi: When shock-and-awe isn't terror - The
News Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 22:41:07 GMT
Terror is said to defi ne our present era. Accordingly, it is ironic that
there is no agreed definition of the concept. One reason is the vast
amount of hypocrisy and double standards that surrounds the issue. The US
Army Manual defines terrorism as "the calculated use of violence or threat
of violence to attain goals that are political, religious or ideological
in nature...through intimidation, coercion or instilling fear, typically
targeting civilians." This seems reasonable. The problem is it refers only
to the terrorism of enemies.

If the UN General Assembly were to adopt it, many "civilised states" and
their celebrated war leaders would be designated terrorists. We all know
about Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Fewer know that in the 1920s Churchill
pushed for the use of poisoned gas against Kurds and Pakhtuns. He
insisted: "I am strongly in favour of using poisoned gas against
uncivilised tribes...we will use every means that science permits us."

I was in India when 9/11 happened. The US ambassador told me that history
for the US now began with 9/11, and no one should look for root causes. I
told him the world, including Pakistan, shared America's outrage, but if
we were determined to ensure against its repetition we should examine what
caused it.

Three years before 9/11, Eqbal Ahmad said: "Osama bin Laden is a sign of
things to come... The US has sowed in the Middle East and in South Asia
very poisonous seeds. These seeds are growing now. Some have ripened and
others are ripening. An examination of why they were sown, what has grown,
and how they should be reaped is needed. Missiles won't solve the
problem." The British expert on Al Qaeda, Jason Burke, noted that "every
use of force is another small victory for bin Laden, helping him mobilise
the constituency he hopes will see the West as Crusaders trying to destroy
the Muslim world."

Unfortunately, the US response to 9/11 was anything but w ise. The world
was told: "You are either with us or against us," and the UN was given a
choice: be relevant by being with us or become as irrelevant as the League
of Nations. The Bush Doctrine justified illegal pre-emptive shock-and-awe
aggression to defeat terror and bring democracy in the broader Middle
East. International law was considered obsolete. The US Foreign Affairs
magazine approvingly dubbed the doctrine as "the new imperial grand
strategy."

During the 2006 Israeli destruction of Lebanon, US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice observed that the birth pangs of a new democratic order
entailed pain. In the region, millions are dead who should be alive today.
Her predecessor, Madeline Albright, candidly said the death of
half-a-million Iraqi children due to Western-imposed sanctions was worth
it. And today, Israeli outrages are condoned and threats of "severe
consequences" are in the air again. The current US administration reject
ed the Goldstone Report on crimes committed during the January 2009
Israeli assault on Gaza. Is this leadership in a war on terror?

The latest Obama security strategy claims to put the Bush Doctrine aside.
This will need to be reflected in policies on the ground. When the
Mujahideen were fighting the Russians in Afghanistan they were proclaimed
by President Reagan to be "the moral equivalent of our Founding Fathers."
A few years later they were on the receiving end of Clinton's cruise
missiles. Similarly, Osama bin Laden was once an ally of the US and the
CIA. Gulbadin Hekmatyar and Jalaluddin Haqqani were also once the rough
diamonds of a jihad seen as freedom struggle, while today they are the
villains of a jihad seen as terrorism. So who is a terrorist depends on
whose team you are playing for at any particular time: ours or theirs.

Is a War On Terror a legal phenomenon? Or a media name for a policy? Like
the War on Poverty or the War on Drugs? Wha t is an "unlawful combata nt"?
It is neither known to international law nor mentioned in any of the
Geneva Conventions. Can there be a category of human beings without any
legal or human rights?

The Nuremberg Tribunal established the precedent that a war crime
pertained only to acts exclusively committed by the defeated party, and
not to acts that were committed by both the defeated and the victorious
parties, and never to acts perpetrated only by the winning side. As a
result, today, the US, the UK, Israel, etc., may commit errors, but never
crimes. Only enemies do that. Also at Nuremburg aggression was defined as
"the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in
that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole."

There is the correct view that the Iraq invasion of 2003 was not
authorised by the UN Security Council and was, accordingly, aggression.
There is also the mistaken view that the invasion of Af ghanistan in 2001
was authorised by the UN, and was therefore a just war. The truth is
different. The UN Security Council condemned the 9/11 attacks and called
on states to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of
terrorist acts. It also reiterated the inherent right of individual or
collective self-defence. None of this constituted an authorisation of the
use of force. It was also aggression.

Since 9/11 there has been an effort to conflate legitimate armed
resistance to military occupation and repression, with terrorism. This is
legally untenable. In December 1987, the UN General Assembly adopted a
resolution denouncing terrorism, adding: "Nothing in the present
resolution could in any way prejudice the right to self-determination,
freedom and independence" of a people forcibly deprived of that right. A
liberation struggle for this right is not terrorism.

Armed resistance should not, however, be resorted to unless all peaceful
op tions for a settlement have been exhausted, or is in response to
repression. Even so, acts of terror can never be condoned. Equally,
advocates of a War on Terror who ignore the root causes of conflict and
human rights situations abet terror on two counts: one, through the
violence and terror involved in the War on Terror itself and, two, through
the inevitable terror it provokes in response. It is nonsense to suggest
there can be a case for a good side to commit terrorist acts in the name
of combating terror.

In Afghanistan, does the civilian population, particularly in targeted
areas, believe counter-terror operations are carried out with their
interests in mind? Or do they see them as adding to their misery and
suffering? How do they react to drone attacks, killings, collateral
damage, night raids, disappearances? They see all of this as the essence
of terror itself. Is the new Obama Doctrine going to make a difference in
their sufferings and perceptions? Kandahar w ill show.

If it does, there should be a positive spillover effect in Pakistan. If
not, the US will keep asking Pakistan to do more in support of a policy
that has no future-and the gap of mutual suspicion, resentment and
recrimination will continue to widen. Any US "gains" will be measured in
terms of horrific suffering for the peoples of the region. Pakistan has to
make efficient choices in the interests of its own people, something its
wretched rulers have never done and today look less inclined than ever to
do. Pakistanis will have to ensure their criminally corrupt ruling elite
do not continue to destroy their future. Among the many challenges they
will face are the policies of the leaders of the War on Terror.

In conclusion, terrorism is of many kinds and the overwhelming
preponderance of it is state-conducted and -supported terror. A War on
Terror which ignores root causes is an exercise in double standards and
hypocrisy, and causes terror. Acco rdingly, foreign military control and
occupation must end if terrorism is to significantly decline. It does not
assist good governance. Proper compensation to vict ims of the War on
Terror must be promptly paid. Reconciliation and accountability procedures
must be put in place. Good governance and massive reconstruction and
rehabilitation programs must become major international and domestic
priorities.

The writer is Pakistan's former envoy to the US and India.

(Description of Source: Islamabad The News Online in English -- Website of
a widely read, influential English daily, member of the Jang publishing
group. Neutral editorial policy, good coverage of domestic and
international issues. Usually offers leading news and analysis on issues
related to war against terrorism. Circulation estimated at 55,000; URL:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

12) Back to Top
Article Discusses Outcome of Recently Held Pakistan-European Summit in
Brussels
Article by Sadaf Arshad: Green lobsters, democracy and EU-Pak relations
- The News Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 22:48:10 GMT
The joint statement following the second EU-Pakistan Summit in Brussels
attended by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was full of diplomatic
niceties, signifying little. But that is hardly surprising.

The EU wants Pakistan to focus on eliminating the sources of terrorism and
it acknowledged "the great sacrifices being made by the people and the
security forces of Pakistan". However, the EU isn't prepared to commit
greater number of men and more military materials to the war against the
Taliban in Afghanistan and Waziristan.

Pakistan wants the EU to give it greater access to its markets. But it is
not able to diversify its textile exports or improve the quality of its
food and fish products to comply with the EU health standards. Pakistan is
45th in line among the EU's 200 trading partners. But its contribution is
just 0.3 per cent of the total EU trade, despite the fact that the EU does
not charge Pakistan full duty rates - a concession the EU gives to boost
trade with this conflict-ridden country.

"We are stuck," one EU official commented on the 2007 ban on fish products
from Pakistan on the grounds that the popular green lobsters were packaged
for export in unhygienic conditions. When the EU sent food inspectors to
Pakistan, the government was so irked that it responded by temporarily
withdrawing their visa facilities. The ban is still in place and the
Pakistan government has done nothing to improve and regulate the export
environment of the fishing industry.

Textile exports is the other major issue. One official said the solution
for Pakistan is to "diversify" because the competition is tough. Also,
there is the problem of relatively poor EU member states such as Portugal,
Greece and Italy which are competing for the same home market as Pakistan
in textiles. Needless to say, India has adjusted to the new market needs
and is now producing mobiles, cars, software, and films for export to the
EU. It ranks as the EU's 7th top trading partner with over 50 billion
euros in trade every year. When Pakistan demanded a zero per cent import
duty regime like the one allowed to Bangladesh and Afghanistan, it was
told that it was not "such an underdeveloped country". On the other hand,
Sri Lanka enjoys a Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus because it
has signed all the required international treaties and conventions, unlike
Pakistan wh ose case will be considered in 2013 when the FTA is reviewed.

The EU is also part of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) network.
But it hasn't coughed up any significant amounts of money to help revive
Pakistan's economy whose slump is among the causes of increasing
alienation and anger among the unemployed youth of the country. This is
mainly because the EU (and the Euro) is in an acute financial crisis
itself following the collapsing economies of Greece, Spain, and Portugal
owing to irresponsible fiscal spending. Therefore, one should not expect
too much of the next meeting of the FoDP which will held in Brussels in
August this year.

Under the circumstances, talk of strengthening the "strategic dialogue"
for peace and development through a five year engagement plan to be drawn
up in due course may turn out to be a lot of hot air.

Still, there is some good news. The EU remains committed to the Malakand
Development Programme and Pakistan welcomed the launch of an EU 'Civilian
Capacity Building for Law Enforcement' programme to support the
government's counter-terrorism efforts. This programme aims at capacity
building in the field of civil law enforcement by supporting the newly
established National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA) under former FIA
boss Tariq Pervez in the PM's secretariat in Islamabad in becoming a fully
operational and effective agency. It further supports Pakistan's
authorities in the development of provincial capabilities, by working on
law enforcement and criminal justice.

The EU and Pakistan have also started to work jointly towards further
liberalisation of trade in goods and services in order to mutually enhance
market access in accordance with the World Trade Organisation's rules and
obligations. The proposed dialogue will focus on "a possible free trade
agreement" while the EU explores ways to amend its preferential tariff
regime (GSP+) in the context of the pr eparation of the next GSP
Regulation, thereby allowing new beneficiaries, including possibly
Pakistan, to take advantage of this scheme.

The EU is already assisting Pakistan to resume its exports of fishery
products and will carry out the necessary inspection on a priority basis.
The EU also says it will increase the funding for trade-related technical
assistance to Pakistan.

But the proof of the pudding will be in the eating of it. EU funding under
the

Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) for the period 2011-2013 is
expected to rise by 50 per cent to 75 million euros per annum. This
enhanced engagement - a drop in the ocean for Pakistan - is part of the EU
Action Plan for Pakistan which sets out priorities such as capacity
support to the rule of law sector, support of the Malakand Development
Strategy and the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa/FATA/Balochistan Multi-Donor Trust
Fund managed by the World Bank (the EU is participating as a major partner
in a Post Cr isis Needs Assessment).

The joint statement talks about EU's support for the Indo-Pak peace
process but there is nothing concrete on offer. There is also talk of
setting up an independent National Human Rights Commission in Pakistan and
the EU's appreciation of Pakistan's signing of the instruments of
ratification of the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture (CAT).

The EU-Pak dialogue has now been extended beyond official levels. A small
group of Pakistan's journalists from the print and electronic media was
invited to Brussels for a special four-day seminar prior to the summit.
Its aim was to remove confusions and misunderstandings regarding the EU's
policies and to try and reach a better understanding of what makes
Pakistan tick, or not. It included many meetings and briefings with senior
European Commission officials who are particularly involved in EU's
relations with Pakistan, along with the repr esentatives of the Council
and European Parliament.

This was also an attempt to counterbalance America's role in Pakistan and
establish an EU policy footprint in the Pakistani mind. Of course, this
isn't an overnight development. The EU has been a soft player all along as
evidenced by the frequent stopovers of Richard Holbrooke, the special
US-Pak Envoy, in Brussels in the past two years. The UK government is also
seemingly keen to add the weight of the other EU countries behind its own
diplomatic efforts to engage Pakistan and Afghanistan directly. Hence the
nomination of special Af-Pak envoys by the UK and the major EU countries
in the last year or so. "This is a new phenomenon," explains Shada Islam,
an expert on EU-Pak relations, "Pakistan has been de-hyphenated with
India, and simultaneously hyphenated with Afghanistan."

More ominously, there is a consensus among the European Commission
officials that the developing EU-Pak relationship could be seriously
undermined if democracy and human rights are derailed in Pakistan. That
should give the government, the Pakistan Army, the Supreme Court, the
media and the opposition pause to reflect on the increasing instability in
the country.

The writer is coordinating editor of Media Monitor, a journal of the South
Asia Media Commission.

(Description of Source: Islamabad The News Online in English -- Website of
a widely read, influential English daily, member of the Jang publishing
group. Neutral editorial policy, good coverage of domestic and
international issues. Usually offers leading news and analysis on issues
related to war against terrorism. Circulation estimated at 55,000; URL:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

13) Back to Top
UK Arabic Press 16 Jun 10 - United Kingdom -- OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 09:36:45 GMT
1. Article by Khalil al-Anani on the "ugly face" of President Obama's
administration in its foreign policy toward the Arab and Muslim worlds as
seen from its reaction to the Israeli attack on Gaza bound flotilla,
support for Israel, and the killing of Islamists in Yemen. (1,200 words,
processing)

London Al-Sharq al-Awsat Online in Arabic 16 Jun 10 (Website of
influential London-based pan-Arab Saudi daily; editorial line reflects
Saudi official stance. URL:

http://www.asharqalawsat.com/ http://www.asharqalawsat.com/)

1. Report on continuing disagreements between State of Law Coalition and
Iraqi National Alliance over government program and naming the next prim e
minister. (600 words, processing)

2. Report on statements by Fatah, HAMAS, and other Palestinian figures on
the issues discussed at Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa's meeting
with them during his visit to Gaza. (1,000 words, processing)

3. Article by Tariq al-Humayd commenting on reported discovery of minerals
in Afghanistan noting that Washington fears losing all its military and
human investments in that country only for China to come and exploit these
minerals. (500 words, processing)

4. Article by Abd-al-Rahman al-Rashid defending Gulf countries' opposition
to war on Iran and stressing the danger to its regime is not coming from
Israel or United States but from inside it. (500 words, processing)

London Al-Quds al-Arabi Online in Arabic 16 Jun 10 (Website of
London-based independent Arab nationalist daily with strong anti-US bias.
URL:

http://www.alquds.co.uk/ http://www.alquds.co.uk/

1. Report on general feeling am ong Jordan's officials that real aim of
Israel's "plot" against the nuclear project for peaceful purposes is to
weaken Jordan economically. (700 words, processing)

2. Editorial commenting on demand inside Israel for returning Gaza Strip
to Egyptian rule saying the "Egyptian government, which seems to be
surprised by this Israeli stand, should review its policy of alliance with
Israel and stop providing it with security services." (600 words, no
processing planned) Negative selection: London Ilaf.com in Arabic 16 Jun
10 (Saudi-owned, independent Internet daily with pan-Arab, liberal line.
URL:

http://www.elaph.com/ http://www.elaph.com/)

London Ilaf.com in Arabic 15 Jun 10 (additional selection)

1. Report on statement by adviser to Saudi Interior Ministry saying
Al-Qa'ida resorted to recruiting women following the Saudi security
forces' successful blows to it. (600 words, processing)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

14) Back to Top
Daily Says LSE Report To Shift Blame for Impending Afghan Fiasco on
Pakistan
Editorial: Finding a Scapegoat - Business Recorder Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 07:59:25 GMT
EDITORIAL (June 16 2010): To say the least, the report released by the
London School of Economics alleging that the ISI is hand in glove with the
Afghan Taliban is absolutely spurious and deserves to be condemned as
rubbish and nonsensical. It is no surprise that its author, Matt Waldman,
who is known for his anti-Pakistan propagandist work, had returned to
Kabul to try and save the crumbling pro-India lobby in the Afghan
government. No wonder then that a whole lot of unidentified "Taliban
commanders" helped him spin an entirely new set of yarns and tales
involving the ISI.

To suggest that out of all, President Zardari had secretly met some 50
incarcerated Taliban leaders and promised them a better tomorrow - the
author of this report couldn't be more fallacious. Rightly then, the
Pakistan government has rejected the LSE report as ill-intentioned
propaganda.

However, one is greatly intrigued by the timing of this report. Of the
factors that seem to have prompted this invention, three are significant.
One, a fortnight from today will commence the year, by the end of which
the Obama administration is committed to begin the pullout from
Afghanistan. Will the US-led coalition succeed in restoring a Taliban-free
Afghanistan by the pullout deadline, it remains exceedingly uncertain?

How to explain the futility of Afghan war, which has cost some 1800 foreig
n soldiers and billions of dollars; is the worry of many coalition
governments, amply reflected in the LSE report. Two: Of the lives lost in
the Afghan war, 275 were British soldiers, but there are no tangible gains
against these losses, nor is there a hope for the future.

London, under the new government, is no more interested in the Afghan war
and will not send additional troops there. Three, with the kick-out of the
pro-India intelligence chief, Amarullah Saleh, New Delhi has lost its most
important insider in the Karzai government - and with that, its lever
against the ongoing moves to induct the Taliban into some kind of
power-sharing arrangement.

As the endgame of the Afghan war begins, there is hardly a sign to suggest
that the end would be anything other than a victory of the much-maligned
Taliban. Over the last few weeks, they have carried out most daring
attacks on the coalition forces, causing unprecedented losses, and it
appears that they would give an equally good fight to the US-led forces in
the upcoming Kandahar expedition.

Meanwhile, President Karzai is moving away from the coalition's
perspective and is seen to be coming close to the Taliban's camp. Even
when there is not much of enthusiasm among the coalition governments for a
deal with the Taliban, the idea is taking hold of their people that
dialogue with the militia is the only way to end the war and bring back
their boys. However, there is an exception and that is India.

India and its lobbies in Kabul and in some coalition capitals are out to
find a scapegoat that could be held responsible for what looks like a
stalemate, if not defeat in Afghanistan. And if the LSE report is any
indicator that scapegoat may well be Pakistan, particularly its
intelligence agency ISI.

It is indeed frustrating that the platform of a prestigious institution
like the London School of Economics has been used to market a highly
malicious report against Pakista n. Isn't it patently audacious to suggest
that Pakistan is supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan when it has
sacrificed hundreds of lives in battles and skirmishes over the last three
years, more than the coalition forces in their nine years stay in
Afghanistan?

Is it not the fact that the Taliban have carried out more bombing attacks
against civil and military installations in Pakistan than in Afghanistan?
How come the author of the report heaps so much of the blame on Pakistan,
on the basis of information given by unidentified Taliban commanders, who
were readily available to him so soon after the ouster of Amarullah Saleh?

And what a joke that Matt Waldman is the first to report President
Zardari's alleged meeting with the jailed Taliban, when it has escaped the
attention of the Pakistani media hounds for a good three months. His is a
cock and bull story, told in time, to shift the blame for the impending
fiasco in Afghanistan on Pakistan - in close consonan ce with New Delhi's
wishful geo-strategic perspective.

(Description of Source: Karachi Business Recorder Online in English --
Website of a leading business daily. The group also owns Aaj News TV; URL:
http://www.brecorder.com/)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

15) Back to Top
Syrian Press 15 Jun 10
The following lists selected items from the Syrian press on 15 June. To
request additional processing, please call OSC at (800) 205-8615, (202)
338-6735; or fax (703) 613-5735. - Syria -- OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 07:46:12 GMT
He adds: "There is no value for the blood that f lows insidiously in
Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq, and the international waters, as long as the
thugs of the century, and the Zionist vampires, consider that a security
need, while America continues to lead an international game, through which
it robs the superpowers (of their roles), and makes unjust international
decisions, from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the war on terror, to
the renewal of sanctions against Iran, to dealing with double standards on
the nuclear issue." Umran concludes: "So, according to history, there must
be a reaction (to all that), the first features of which began to take
shape with the new generations; while predicting its nature and potential
might prove difficult, it is obvious that it will be, in view of its means
and rights, a harsh response to oppression, domination, and tyranny. And
Palestine will remain a central issue." (Description of source: Damascus
Al-Ba'th Online in Arabic -- Website of the newspaper of the ruling Ba't h
Party; URL:

http://www.albaath.news.sy/ http://www.albaath.news.sy)

In a 520-word editorial in Al-Thawrah entitled "Holes To Let the Storm
Pass," Chief Editor As'ad Abbud comments on the issue of the flotilla
investigation. He says: "The Israeli-American concoction on the issue of
the international investigation into the Freedom Flotilla aggression, and
the fall of nine Turkish martyrs, is characterized by too much naivety. It
is, frankly, an Israeli concoction, and the United States, through its
(expressed) welcome for it, tries to spread around it feelings of
satisfaction." The writer adds: "Since Israel headed for an inquiry that
it will conduct, it intended, first, to create holes in the international
storm that demanded an investigation, and the lifting of the siege on
Gaza; second, to satisfy the United States, which was embarrassed in front
of its ally, Turkey... (ellipsis as received), the world, and in front of
the UN Securit y Council, which demanded an international investigation
commission; third, to ensure an inquiry that does not reach the truth, or
announce it, through the choice of investigators, and asking the United
States to promote that concoction."Considering that the two international
observers named by Israel in the probe, David Trimble and Ken Watkin, "are
permanent friends of Israel," Abbud says that "Israel and the United
States are working on the principle of 'Let time do its work,' in the hope
that between the give and take, days will pass, and the world will forget
the Freedom Flotilla, its martyrs, and wounded." He adds that "Something
similar will be practised in an attempt to let the international pressure
to lift the siege on Gaza pass," concluding: "Therefore, on the matter of
lifting the blockade on Gaza, wait for another concoction that will leave
a hole in the international wall, until the storm passes. As for the Arab
pressure, letting it pass does not require any hole... (ellipsis as
received) it will evaporate by itself! " (Description of source: Damascus
Al-Thawrah Online in Arabic -- Website of the government-owned newspaper;
URL:

http://thawra.alwehda.gov.sy/ http://thawra.alwehda.gov.sy)

In a 355-word commentary in Tishrin entitled "No Justifications for a
Delay," Izz-al-Din al-Darwish, commenting on the Arab attitude to the
situation in Gaza, says that, "in spite of the visit of Arab League
Secretary General (Amr Musa) to the Gaza Strip, nothing indicates
practically that the Arabs decided to take serious steps, and circulate
them internationally, particularly in the United Nations, to lift the
Israeli siege on Gaza that has been continuing for nearly four years, and
that has almost eliminated its population of 2 million." "Almost four
years of the siege, deprivation, suffering, and oppression of our brothers
in Gaza," al-Darwish adds, "a nd the Arabs are still in the process of
studying the situation, and taking individual steps of support, through
NGOs, that do not mean anything important at the end of the day."He
continues: "Israel wants the people of Gaza to raise the white flag in
order to impose its solutions on the Palestinians; and anyone who says
otherwise is either imagining things, or is deliberately turning a blind
eye to the truth. That is why there are no justifications at all for this
delay in the rescue of the people of Gaza, and (efforts) must be made
quickly to take a practical Arab initiative, that is strongly supported,
to end the siege of Gaza, and compensate for any failure on this level, by
emphasizing to our relatives in the district, that all Arabs, governments
and peoples, are with them." (Description of source: Damascus Tishrin
Online in Arabic -- Website of the government-owned newspaper; URL:

http://tishreen.info/ http://tishreen.info)

In a 495-word co mmentary in Al-Watan entitled "Sanctions With the
Intention of Dialogue," Marwan Qabalan says: "When President (Barack)
Obama first came to power, he seemed to have a clear vision of what should
be done to achieve what he originally came to achieve, that is, stopping
the bleeding of American power on the various economic, political, and
military levels, and delaying, as much as possible, its fall from the
throne of the world's superpower. To achieve this goal, Obama laid down a
road map, guided in drawing it by the famous Baker-Hamilton report, that
the administration of former President George Bush refused to consider,
when it was submitted to Congress, immediately after the mid-term
elections in 2006."Indicating that the new administration, and during the
first few months of its tenure, "took some steps in the direction of
easing tensions on the world level, and in the Middle East region in
particular," the writer says that "the past few months, however, made it
clear that there has been no significant change in policies," citing the
Iran nuclear file, and the new sanctions. Qabalan adds: "This means that
the Obama administration has not abandoned the use of coercive diplomacy
in dealing, not just with the Iranian nuclear file, but with a wide range
of issues in the region." He concludes: "But this vision indicates a
failure of thinking; the hemorrhage of Washington in the region is what is
undermining its international standing, and weakening its positions
vis-a-vis the major powers, and not vice versa, and that is what the Obama
administration must think through." (Description of source: Damascus
Al-Watan Online in Arabic -- Website of the independent daily; URL:

http://www.alwatan.sy/ http://www.alwatan.sy)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regar ding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

16) Back to Top
Afghan President Karzai To Face 'Tough Questions' During Japan Trip - AFP
Wednesday June 16, 2010 06:31:13 GMT
tough questions over governance and corruption from one of his country's
major aid donors when he arrives in Japan on Wednesday for a five-day
visit.

Japan last year pledged up to five billion dollars in aid over five years
until 2013, provided the security situation allows projects to go ahead
and contingent on guarantees the assistance will not be lost to graft.It
will be Karzai's fourth trip to Japan, and his first since he won his
second presidential term last November in elections widely criticised as
marred by ballot-stuffing and vote-rigging.Talks with Japan's new Prime
Minister Naoto Kan and Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada will focus on
improvement of security and the wider development of the war-torn and
dirt-poor central Asian nation."The quality of governance needs to be
improved," Japanese foreign ministry press secretary Kazuo Kodama told AFP
before the visit."We do have sympathy for his challenges, but at the same
time, in order for his government... to really succeed in addressing all
these challenges, he has got to put his government in order," Kodama
said."So I think Prime Minister Kan and Foreign Minister Okada will
certainly look forward to discussing these issues in a candid,
straight-forward manner."Kabul said Karzai was travelling with his foreign
and finance ministers, as well as national security advisor Rangeen Dadfar
Spanta.Japan, whose military is restricted by a post-World War II pacifist
constitution, has not deployed troops to Afghanistan, but the world's
second biggest economy is one of the biggest donors to the
country.Japanese aid has built 650 kilometres (400 miles) of highway and a
new Kabul airport terminal, and its city planners are working to redevelop
the capital, where more than 100 Japanese buses are now providing public
transport.Of the aid package pledged last year, about 980 million dollars
have been disbursed, including more than 300 million dollars to pay the
wages of Afghanistan's 80,000 police officers, Japanese officials
say.Other Japanese aid projects in the works are vocational training and
small-scale rural aid projects that would help former Taliban
foot-soldiers drop their arms and earn a living in civil society.Massive
graft, however, threatens to undermine many international aid projects.
Watchdog Transparency International says Afghanistan has the worst
corruption of any country except Somalia, which has no functional
government.Kodama said that Japan's foreign minister had repeatedly
stressed that "this money comes from our taxpayers' pockets, and the
government needs to be accountable for the way their money will have been
spent. Money must be spent in an efficient and effective manner to meet
the declared objectives."Karzai's visit comes days after US officials said
Afghanistan has mineral deposits worth at least one trillion dollars,
including iron, copper, cobalt, gold and lithium.Kodama said the deposits
would likely be discussed, adding: "If Afghanistan is blessed with such
abundant, precious mineral resources, we certainly wish that this asset is
used for the people of Afghanistan to build the nation."Karzai, after an
audience with Emperor Akihito and meetings with Japan's leaders Thursday,
plans to deliver a policy address on Friday at an event hosted by
think-tank the Japanese Institute of International Affairs.He is due to
visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial on Saturday to commemorate the victims
of the US atomic bombing of the city at the end of World War II, then
travel to the former impe rial capital of Kyoto.On Sunday he visits the
nearby world heritage site of Nara -- another former capital that once
marked the end of the Silk Road trade route which also ran through
Afghanistan -- before leaving Japan.mis-fz/sak/jm/txw(Description of
Source: Hong Kong AFP in English -- Hong Kong service of the independent
French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

17) Back to Top
TV Program Discusses Harvard Researcher Report on Taliban-ISI Links
From the "Capital Talk" program. For a video of this program, contact
GSG_GVP_VideoOps@rccb.osis.gov or, if you do not have e-mail, the OSC
Customer Center at (800) 205-8615. Selected video is also available on
OpenSource.gov. Words within double slantlines are in English. - Geo News
TV
Wednesday June 16, 2010 05:19:21 GMT
Reception: Good

Duration: 1 hour

Karachi Geo News television in Urdu at 1500 GMT on

14 June carries live regularly scheduled "Capital Talk" program relayed
from channel's Islamabad studio. Prominent Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir
is the host of the popular talk show in Pakistan.

Guests:

1. Ayaz Amir, noted columnist, National Assembly member from the Pakistan
Muslim League-Nawaz, and a member of the standing committee on foreign
relations and defense

2. Lieutenant General Hamid Nawaz, analyst and former defense secretary
and interior minister

3. Maria Sultan, defense analyst, South Asian Strategic Stability
Institute director general

4. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Mir begins the program by saying that London School of Economics (LSE) is
a renowned institution and recently a report entitled "The Sun in the Sky"
by a researcher named Matt Woldman from this institution has stirred a
wave of sensation in the media around the world. The report attempts to
relate the Taliban with the Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI). The report has been rejected by the Inter Services
Public Relations (ISPR). Woldman is connected with LSE and also Harvard
University, both being very credible institutions. Mir further adds that
this accusation is not new as some time ago The Newsweek also published a
report by Ron Mario that Pakistan is playing a double game of being
partner with the United States in the war on terror on one hand and
protecting the Taliban on the other. Likewise, an article by David Singer
was published in The New York Times who also wrote a book entitled The
Inheritance, in which he blamed Pakistan in a simila r way. Mir says: Is
it a //pressure tactic// to prevent Pakistan from pursuing Iran-Pakistan
gas pipeline project, or an attempt to prove Pakistan's nuclear assets as
insecure, or propaganda against the Pakistan Army, which has made
achievements in Swat and other tribal areas against the Taliban without
outside help.

Mir establishes a video link with Qureshi and asks for his views on the
report by a LSE-Harvard researcher. Qureshi says that he was shocked to
see this report on BBC World Service, which is quite contrary to the
official communication between Pakistan and the United States. Qureshi
terms the report "//rubbish//". Mir says that there is another accusation
in this report that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari met with some
Taliban prisoners along with an ISI official and told those prisoners that
they are his own people. Mir asks Qureshi what could be the source of this
report and whether LSE has lied. Qureshi says that President Zardari was i
nitially blamed to be following the lines set by the West and now in this
report he has been linked with the Taliban; this shows that the report has
no credibility. Qureshi adds that the British High Commissioner visited
him in his office on 14 June and when he mentioned to him about this
report sourcing from London, the high commissioner himself was shocked.
Mir asks Qureshi if the report aims to build pressure on Pakistan to
withdraw from the gas pipeline project with Iran in view of the recent
sanctions against Iran. Qureshi says that the credit goes to the present
elected government for signing this agreement with Iran, keeping in view
the national interest, in spite of all pressures.

Mir asks Amir: After listening to Qureshi, do you think that the present
government will not submit to any pressure whatsoever by the Western
powers. Amir says that the government will not come under pressure because
of this report, although it took the pressure on many other account s.
Amir adds: When the United States was building pressure to attack Iraq,
the then secretary of state, Colin Powell, had mentioned in the UNSC all
sorts of stories about Iraq possessing nuclear as well as weapons of mass
destructions, therefore, we should not get intimidated by LSE or Harvard.
Amir adds that madrasahs and jihadist thinking is a problem in this
country, which are against its own people and draws attention to a
terrorist attack on the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army in the
past. The report's sources are the Taliban commanders, who may have given
statements on the directions of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) or Mosad.
Amir categorizes the report as //academically unrigorously done//.

Mir asks Nawaz the objective behind such a report and who could be the
target of it -- President Zardari, ISI, or Pakistan. Nawaz says that three
factors need to be kept in mind to understand the situation. First,
Pakistan wants India to be //marginalized// and its interference minimized
in Afghanistan; this report has //indicated// that Pakistan has links with
the Taliban to increase the //authenticity// of this report. Second, CIA,
RAW, and Mosad want to undermine the Pakistan Army and ISI. Therefore, a
continuous pressure is being maintained on the ISI and the Pakistan Army
and a shady role of the ISI being painted before the world. Mir asks Nawaz
to comment on the Taliban-Zardari connection mentioned in the report.
Nawaz says: That is being done to implicate the government. Continuing,
Nawaz says that the third factor is the US defeat at the hands of the
Taliban in Afghanistan, which they attribute to ISI-Taliban secret links.
Nawaz further adds that this report and others mentioned in the beginning
of the program aim to influence the world's attitude toward Pakistan,
converge world pressure on Pakistan, and to project Pakistan as an enemy
before the world.

Mir asks Sultan: Woldman has based his report on 14 interviews c onducted
with different Taliban //fighters// and //commanders// for which he had to
contact 14 persons and travel a lot within Afghanistan. How is it that
none of those 14 Taliban fighters could be intercepted by CIA or the
Taliban? Mir also asks Sultan to comment on the credibility of this
report. Sultan says that if this report is to be seen as a research
document, she would support the views by Amir that it has no academic
rigor. Sultan adds that the report itself contradicts the facts in it. On
one hand, it says that the Taliban act as directed by the ISI, and on the
other hand it says that the Taliban are an independent force. Sultan adds
that 14 interviews are not enough for completion of any report,
particularly about an organization, in which there is so much
//compartmentalization//. When asked by Mir what the objectives of this
report are, Sultan says there are three objectives. The United States
tried to involve Afghan forces in Kandahar against the Taliban, which
could not succeed because they claim it is being targeted by the ISI.
However, the United States wanted the center of the war to be shifted from
within Afghanistan to Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and Balochistan's border areas,
which they called triborder region.

Mir asks Amir: Do you think that this report and the West's clamor about
militancy in south Punjab aim to create a situation for an operation in
North Waziristan. Amir says: The US policy is not very successful in
Afghanistan and this surge is their last //trump card//. The United States
has a timetable to start withdrawal from Afghanistan in July 2011 and
their plan to negotiate with the Taliban on their terms is not coming any
near. This report is important in that when the United States is on a
//threshold// of withdrawal, at that stage the report would explain that
the reason for their failure was ISI-Taliban links.

Nawaz says that from the US perspective, it was very important that an
operation is carried out in North Waziristan this summer, because in case
of delay, it will have to wait for the next summer which is the time for
US withdrawal and this state of affairs does not suit the United States.
Sultan says that the United States is carrying out Drone attacks in the
region and has full technological capability; these things have not been
incorporated in the report. Sultan adds: We have to register such t hings
at an official level and reject this report officially. Sultan mentions
the national intelligence estimates report which says that CIA will carry
out operation independently within Pakistan, which will be different from
what is being done now under mutual cooperation.

Mir concludes program by saying that report by LSE researcher has been
rejected by the foreign minister, but we gave importance to this report as
it is connected with prominent institutions like LSE and Harvard. However,
Amir says that we must not get intimidated by these institutions. Mir add
s that we must uncover the truth if these institutions write things, which
are incorrect, and to counter such allegations, our political leadership
must demonstrate unanimity, something which is not in sight, at present.

(Description of Source: Karachi Geo News TV in Urdu -- 24-hour satellite
news TV channel owned by Pakistan's Jang publishing group. Known for
providing quick and detailed reports of events. Geo's focus on reports
from India is seen as part of its policy of promoting people-to-people
contact and friendly relations with India.)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

18) Back to Top
Paper discusses US, UK policies on Afghanistan - Daily Afghanistan
Monday May 17, 2010 11:49:54 GMT
Text of editorial headlined "Future of Britain policy in Afghanistan"
published by Afghan newspaper Daily Afghanistan, part of the Afghanistan
newspaper group, on 16 MayAfter a four-day visit to the United States
during which he met high-ranking American officials, Hamed Karzai paid a
visit to London and met the new British Prime Minister David Cameron.In
addition, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a meeting with
his American counterpart, that the new British government is honouring its
commitment in Afghanistan and that the issue is a priority for them. Both
foreign secretaries supported the Afghan government's efforts on fighting
corruption and forming a stable government.Britain is the second country
which has provided Afghanistan considerable aid for reconstruction.
Moreover, a large number of British soldiers are in Afghanistan and about
10, 0 00 troops are stationed in Helmand Province.Over the past few years,
two important issues concerning Britain and its policies on Afghanistan
have been analysed. The first issue was regarding British policy on
Afghanistan's security and many analysts viewed it having double standards
and not being transparent. Apart from that, the presence of British
soldiers in the restive Helmand Province and their efforts on security
reinforcement and countering narcotics trade have not been
satisfactory.The media have always asked why security in Helmand Province
has not improved despite the presence of a large of number of soldiers.
Why are many districts in Helmand Province still controlled by the
insurgents and drug production continues to increase in the province?The
other issue has been US-British differences over fighting terrorism. The
disagreements and political incompatibility between the two countries,
which have a vital and strategic role in Afghanistan's affairs, has
decelerat ed the progress of the war on terror in the country.It is still
not clear what changes the new British government will bring to its
policies in Afghanistan. Will the new British policy be similar to the US
policy in Afghanistan? Will the role of Britain in security and
reconstruction areas in Afghanistan be more decisive?Undoubtedly,
transparency of British policies in Afghanistan and its coordination with
US policies will have a positive impact on Afghanistan's foreign policies
and its diplomatic relations with other countries.In addition, if the
United States and Afghanistan's other Western allies work together in the
country, many of the problems and challenges faced by the Afghan
government in the field of good governance and eliminating corruption will
be resolved.(Description of Source: Kabul Daily Afghanistan in Dari --
six-page independent daily launched in Q3 2006; comes in good quality hard
copy; covers politics, cultural issues and news)

Material in the Wor ld News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

19) Back to Top
Paper urges more transparent British policy on Afghanistan - Daily
Afghanistan
Monday May 17, 2010 11:21:39 GMT
Text of editorial entitled "Future of British policy in Afghanistan"
published by Afghan newspaper Daily Afghanistan, part of the Afghanistan
newspaper group, on 16 MayAfter a four-day trip to the United States (last
week) and meetings with high-ranking US officials, Hamed Karzai paid a
visit to London and met new British Prime Minister David Cameron.In
addition, the British Foreign Secretary William Hague said during a recent
meeting with his America n counterpart that the new British government
would honour its commitments in Afghanistan and the issue of Afghanistan
is a priority for them. Both foreign secretaries expressed support for the
Afghan government's efforts to fight corruption and form a stable
government.Britain's aid to Afghanistan in the reconstruction field is the
second most considerable one (after the US). Moreover, a large number of
British soldiers are in Afghanistan and about 10,000 of those soldiers are
currently stationed in Helmand Province.Over the past few years, two
important issues concerning Britain and its policies on Afghan affairs
have come under scrutiny.The first issue was about the British policy on
security in Afghanistan and many analysts viewed the British policy in
Afghanistan as double-standard and non-transparent. Apart from that, the
presence of the British soldiers in the insecure Helmand Province and
their efforts to improve security there and counter narcotics have not
been sat isfactory.This question has always been raised by the media: why
despite the presence of a large of number of soldiers, security has not
improved yet in Helmand Province? Why many districts of Helmand Province
are still controlled by insurgents and drug production has increased in
the province?The other issue has been the US-British disagreements over
the war on terrorism. The disagreements and political incompatibility
between the two countries, which both have played a vital and strategic
role in Afghanistan's affairs, have slowed down the course of the war on
terror in the country.It is still not clear what changes the new British
government will make to its previous policies on Afghanistan. Will the new
British policy be similar to the US policy in Afghanistan? Will the role
of Britain in the security and reconstruction fields in Afghanistan be
more decisive?Undoubtedly, transparency of British policies in Afghanistan
and their coordination with the US policies would hav e a positive impact
on Afghanistan's foreign policies and its diplomatic relations with other
countries.In addition, if the United States and other Western allies of
Afghanistan work cooperatively in the country, many of the problems and
challenges faced by the Afghan government in the field of good governance
and eliminating corruption will be resolved.(Description of Source: Kabul
Daily Afghanistan in Dari -- six-page independent daily launched in Q3
2006; comes in good quality hard copy; covers politics, cultural issues
and news)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

20) Back to Top
US, UK support to strengthen Afghan president's position - article - Daily
Afghanistan
Monday May 17, 2010 10:55:08 GMT
article

Text of article headlined "United States and Britain: two important
countries for Afghanistan" published by Afghan newspaper Daily
Afghanistan, part of the Afghanistan newspaper group, on 13 MayHamed
Karzai's trip to the United States was the most important development
since the beginning of the New Year (Afghan New Year was on 21
March).Karzai left Afghanistan for the United States with many requests
and a large number of his cabinet members. He held serious and short
meetings with senior US officials, especially with US President Barack
Obama.Meanwhile, other important events, which are directly related to the
situation in Afghanistan, took place in other parts of the world. A new
government is being formed after a complicated election in Britain. The
position of the British government on Afghanistan is as important as that
of the US. As a st rategic US ally, Britain has more than 10,000 troops in
Afghanistan and has supported peace talks with the Taleban, something that
the US has not been very favourable to so far. British foreign policy is
similar to that of the United States and in terms of its regional policy,
it maintains close ties with Pakistan, a country with influence on
Afghanistan. Now that the Labour Party, which governed the UK for many
years, has been replaced by a coalition of the British Conservatives and
the Liberal Democrat parties and many of the cabinet positions in the UK
government are held by Cameron's Conservative Party, a change in British
policy, especially in its foreign policy, can be expected.Afghanistan is
an issue of discussion for many countries that are holding elections and
which have a military presence in Afghanistan. Just like in the US where
the American public closely studied viewpoints and policies of the
competing political parties, British policy on Afghanistan was also an
important issue in that country.The British foreign secretary, who has
recently been appointed by David Cameron, has said that Afghanistan will
be at the top of the new British coalition government's agenda. He said
Afghanistan will be a priority for him so that he can rest assured that
the situation is under control.If the new British government thinks more
seriously about Afghanistan, if it considers security and stability in
Afghanistan a door to security and stability in the UK and if it acts in a
more stable manner in the war on terrorism, Karzai's trip to the United
States and developments in its allies will benefit him. On his return, the
president can take confident action on his plans, including on the
convening of the peace jerga and on the negotiations plan with the
Taleban. Support of the world's major countries for the Afghan
government's plans will strengthen its position and enable it to be more
confident in carrying out its programmes.(Description of Sourc e: Kabul
Daily Afghanistan in Dari and Pashto -- six-page independent daily
launched in Q3 2006; comes in good quality hard copy; covers politics,
cultural issues and news)

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holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
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21) Back to Top
South Africa 2010 Daily Digest 16 Jun
The following was produced by an associate of the Open Source Center and
may not adhere to OSC editorial standards or sourcing conventions - South
Africa -- OSC Hosted Product
Wednesday June 16, 2010 14:18:52 GMT
Click here to view the full document.

As a broker of open source information, the OSC hosts material from other
gover nment agencies, academic experts, and commercial open source
providers. These reports are not intended to reflect US Government policy
or the views of the OSC or any other US Government agencies and are not
subject to OSC editorial standards.

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22) Back to Top
NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010) -- TOPIC OF THE WEEK (6 of
6)
Yonhap headline: "NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 111 (June 17, 2010)" - Yonhap
Thursday June 17, 2010 03:20:23 GMT
(Description of Source: Seoul Yonhap in English -- Semiofficial news
agency of the ROK; URL: http://english .yonhapnews.co.kr)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
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23) Back to Top
Greek Naval Labor Union's Blockade on Foreign Boats Turns Into Diplomatic
Issue
Report by Y. Skordhilis: "On the Verge of a Diplomatic Incident on the
Blockade of Boats in Korinthos" - To Vima
Wednesday June 16, 2010 04:59:09 GMT
Since yesterday (11 Jun), the case of the two Italian boats "Ro-Pax 1" and
"Ro-Pax 2" of the Adriatic Line, under a British flag, which are being
kept in the port of Korinthos due to the mobilization of the Panhellenic
Marine Federation, is turning into a political iss ue. The Panhellenic
Marine Federation calls for the immediate signing of Greek seamen, since
it considers the boats in question as passenger-vehicle ferries and not as
car ferries --as the company claims; which means that they should have an
increased mixture of crew members.

The managing company, V-Ships, went to court, and the decision that was
made calls on the relevant ministries, Ministry for the Protection of the
Citizen and Ministry of Economy, Competitiveness and Shipping, to take
immediately all the necessary measures to ensure that the two Italian
boats are released and carry on with their routes. The two ministries are
trying to bridge the differences of the two sides, and yesterday, the
ambassadors of Italy and the United Kingdom sought an explanation from the
Greek government on the issue that has arisen. At the same time, the issue
of the two boats is extensively discussed in the Italian media. As a
result, the Italian government is involved also.
Secretary general of Marine Affairs professor Yeoryios Vlakhos attempted
yesterday morning to hold a meeting with the parties that are directly
involved, but the meeting never took place because the representatives of
the company demanded that the Italian ambassador also be present at the
meeting. Vlakhos said that in such a case a representative of the Greek
Foreign Ministry must also be present and finally the representatives of
the V-ships company and the Adriatic Lines left. Later, Vlakhos sent a new
call for a new meeting last night. Nevertheless, the representatives of
the two companies said they will not be present, urging at the same time
the Greek government to immediately implement the court ruling and remove
the seamen who prevent the two boats from carrying on with their
operation.

(Description of Source: Athens To Vima in Greek -- Independent daily
critical of the New Democracy party)

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24) Back to Top
Turkey's Davutoglu Discusses Iran, Israel With US, UK, German, French
Envoys
"FM DAVUTOGLU MEETS AMBASSADORS OF U.S., BRITAIN, GERMANY &amp; FRANCE" --
AA headline - Anatolia
Wednesday June 16, 2010 16:30:42 GMT
(Description of Source: Ankara Anatolia in English -- Semi-official news
agency; independent in content)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

25) Back to Top
German Commentary Says Obama Unwilling to Tackle US Oil Addiction
Commentary by Gregor Peter Schmitz in Washington: "Obama's Half-Hearted
Battle: President of Change Unwilling to Tackle US Oil Addiction" -
Spiegel Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 11:26:06 GMT
(Description of Source: Hamburg Spiegel Online in English --
English-language news website funded by the Spiegel group which funds Der
Spiegel weekly and the Spiegel television magazine; URL:
http://www.spiegel.de)Attachments:image-99037-thumbbiga-dofb.jpgimage-99382-panoV9free-owvp.jpgimage-99443-thumbbiga-iogt.jpgimage-99444-thumbbiga-lsaa.jpg

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holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

26) Back to Top
Experts Do Not Rate Bishkek's Chances of Securing Extradition of Maksim
Bakiev
Report by Kabay Karabekov (in Bishkek) and Aleksandr Reutov: "Maksim
Bakiev Has Given Himself Up for Asylum. Son of the Former Kyrgyzstani
Leader Arrested in London" - Kommersant Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 17:18:13 GMT
The Kyrgyzstani authorities claim that they have managed to establish the
organizers of the rioting in the south of the country, which has taken the
lives of several hundred people (see yesterday's Kommersant). "According
to the data of the special services, the funding of all these actions
centers around the Bakievs, especially his (ex-President Kurmanbek
Bakiev's -- Kommersant) younger son, Maksim Bakiev," Almazbek Atambaev,
first vice premier of the provisional government, stated yesterday. In his
words, "This was a meticulously planned action aimed at overthrowing the
new government in the country and frustrating the referendum on its new
draft Constitution." Mr Atambaev affirmed that the government and special
services are in possession of proofs of provocative actions by the
opponents of the new authorities in Osh and Jalal-Abad oblastiar.
Moreover, in his words, acts of provocation are being planned in the north
of Kyrgyzstan -- in Bishkek and Chuy Oblasty. "The chief financier of the
Bakiev family -- Maksim -- has allocated $10 million for this activity, "
Mr Atambaev stated.

The new authorities claim that Maksim Bakiev, who before his father's
overthrow in early April headed the Central Agency for Development,
Innovations, and Investments, controlled almost all the country's
finances, including its budget funds, and also supervised all major
economic projects. It is a lso claimed that the "crown prince," as he is
called in the country, from 2008 took under his wing the flagship of the
republic's economy -- the Kyrgyz-Canadian joint enterprise Kumtor, in
which 18-20 tonnes of gold are extracted every year, and that he had a
firm grip on the gas stations network and uranium processing enterprises.
According to the information of the new authorities, his firms delivered
jet fuel to US military aircraft based at Manas Airport -- within the past
year alone the Pentagon has spent around $1 billion on purchasing kerosene
in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, it is believed that it was Bakiev JR who in
due course got his hands on a Russian credit facility to the tune of $300
million, using it to gamble on the stock exchange.

After the overthrow of Kurmanbek Bakiev, the Kyrgyzstani General
Prosecutor's Office accused Maksim Bakiev of embezzlement and abuse of
power. He has been placed on the Interpol wanted list. However, there had
been no precise information about Maksim Bakiev's whereabouts since 6
April, when he left for a visit to Washington on the eve of "Tulip
Revolution II." He did not turn up to a single meeting in the US capital.
On the other hand, according to rumors, he settled in Latvia, where he has
a business partner, Valeriy Belokon.

On Monday it became known that on the previous day Maksim Bakiev had been
arrested at Farnborough Airport, where he had arrived in a private
airplane. The Kyrgyzstan General Prosecutor's Office immediately sent a
request via the Foreign Ministry for his extradition to Bishkek. "We will
hope that Great Britain will hand over Maksim Bakiev; he is implicated in
international crimes connected with money laundering," Almazbek Atambaev
stated. "Of course, they will be able to try him over there, but we will
seek his extradition."

The UK Home Office yesterday declined to talk about Maksim Bakiev or the
request of the Kyrgyzstani General Prosecutor's Office. "We cannot comment
on this kind of information," a department spokesman said. The majority of
experts, however, doubt that Great Britain will hand over Bakiev JR.
Feliks Kulov, leader o f the Kyrgyzstani party Ar-Namys ("Dignity"),
suggests that Maksim Bakiev has decided to go through "the standard
procedure, like Berezovskiy and Zakayev" --to seek political asylum in
London through the courts.

The chances of a favorable outcome for Bakiev JR could have increased even
further after the Kyrgyzstani authorities yesterday accused him of
terrorism, having decided to insist on his extradition on this basis. In
the opinion of experts, such a serious accusation, in conjunction with the
chaos reigning in Kyrgyzstan, could reinforce the desire of the British
authorities not to hand over Maksim Bakiev.

Belarus also demonstrated its attitude to the demands of Kyrgyzstan's
provisional government yesterday -- Minsk refused to hand over the
Kyrgyzstani ex-president to Bishkek. "The Belarusian General Prosecutor's
Office has rejected the request of the Kyrgyzstani side to hand over
Kurmanbek Bakiev," a representative of the General Prosecutor's Office
declared.

(Description of Source: Moscow Kommersant Online in Russian -- Website of
informative daily business newspaper owned by pro-Kremlin and
Gazprom-linked businessman Alisher Usmanov, although it still criticizes
the government; URL: http://kommersant.ru/)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

27) Back to Top
King Urges Int'l Action To End Palestinian Suffering
"King Urges Int'l Action To End Palestinian Suffering" - - Jordan Times
Headline - Jordan Times Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 14:03:38 GMT
16 June 2010AMMAN (JT) - His Majesty King Abdullah held talks on Tuesday
with Norway'sPrime Minister Jens Stoltenberg on Mideast peace and economic
cooperationbetween the two kingdoms, mainly in the field of renewable
energy. KingAbdullah's talks with the Norwegian premier and separate
discussions withForeign Minister Jonas Gahr Store focused on the Norwegian
and European rolesin achieving Mideast peace and efforts to remove
obstacles to the two-statesolution.

During the two meetings, the King warned that the continuation of
thestatus quo and the faltering peace efforts increase tension in the
region,which may develop into a new cycle of violence threatening regional
andinternational security.

King Abdullah emphasised that defusing tension requires effective and
swift international action to end the suffering of thePalestinian people
and fulfil their right in establishing an independent stateon their
national soil, within a regional comprehensive peace context. He
alsostressed the responsibility of the international community in lifting
theillegal blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza, underlining the suffering
of morethan 1.5 million Palestinians that is no longer possible to turn a
blind eyeto.

Moreover, the Monarch underscored the importance of launching
aninternational independent investigation into the Israeli raid on the
FreedomFlotilla vessel at the end of last month which was denounced by
Jordan as acrime and a breach of international law. Israel on Monday
decided to set up aninternal committee to probe its deadly raid on a
Gaza-bound aid fleet, but themove was swiftly dismissed by Palestinians
and Turkey.

His Majesty stressed that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the root
cause of violence in theMiddle East, emphasising that regional peac e and
stability will not be achieveduntil the Palestinian people are ensured
justice. The King also expressedappreciation of Norway as the country
chairs the international donor committeesupporting the Palestinian people
and institutions.

The King's visit to Oslo came as part of his efforts to build up effective
international action toovercome the obstacles Israeli policies place in
the face of peace making inthe region. During his tour, the King held
meetings with the UK and the USofficials during which he underlined the
need for collaborating internationalefforts to end the suffering of the
Palestinians and the blockade imposed byIsrael on Gaza.

Also yesterday, King Abdullah discussed with Norwegianofficials mechanisms
to increase economic cooperation and lure Norwegianinvestments into
mega-projects in the Kingdom in the fields of energy, waterand transport.

During a meeting with Norway's Minister of Environment and International
Development Erik Solhe im and with chief executive officers ofNorwegian
energy companies, the King highlighted cooperation prospects in theenergy
sector. He underlined the possibility of increasing cooperation in thearea
of renewable energy production and utilisation, noting that the Kingdomcan
also benefit from Norway's expertise in upgrading Jordanians' skills
inthis field.

The companies' CEOs briefed the King on their business capabilitiesin the
fields of renewable energy, water desalination, electric gridtechnologies
and the utilisation of solar, wind and water energy. At themeeting,
Minister of Public Sector Development and Minister of State
forMega-Projects Imad Fakhoury emphasised the opportunities available for
foreigninvestors to join Jordan's infrastructure mega-projects through
strategicpartnerships. A workshop hosting specialised Norwegian energy,
water andinfrastructure companies will be held on this issue, Fakhoury
said.16 June 2010

(Description of Source: Amman Jordan Times Online in English -- Website of
Jordan Times, only Jordanian English daily known for its investigative and
analytical coverage of controversial domestic issues; sister publication
of Al-Ra'y; URL: http://www.jordantimes.com/)

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holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

28) Back to Top
Released UK Charity Worker Reaches N'Djamena - AFP (World Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:14:58 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news
service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
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29) Back to Top
Chad confirms release of UK aid worker kidnapped on 6 June - Radio France
Internationale
Wednesday June 16, 2010 07:54:21 GMT
Text of report by French state-funded public broadcaster Radio France
Internationale on 16 June(Presenter) The UK Oxfam aid worker kidnapped on
6 June in Abeche, eastern Chad, has been released. This announcement was
made by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Security, Ahmat
Mahamat Bachir.The Chadian security forces yesterday morning rescued the
British hostage and arrested his abductors. Here is RFI's Cyril Bensimon
talking to Mr Bachir:(Bachir) The government has not been resting on its
laurels, we had carried out serious investigations and now our defence and
security forces have arrested the abductors and is taking care of them.
Thus we have recovered the hostage and his abductors.(Bensimon) How many
abductors were there?(Bachir) Three of them.(Bensimon) Was the operation
carried out without violence?(Bashir) Yes, the operation was carried out
without violence and without any spilling of blood.(Bensimon) Where did it
take place?(Bashir) It took place near Wadi Sira (phonetic) in the Guereda
region in the east of the country, near the border with Sudan.(Bensimon)
What is the state of health of the Oxfam employee?(Bashir) He is very
well, he was found in good health.(Bensimon) Who were the abductors,
according to your investigations?(Bashir) They are highway robbers. They
were carrying old weapons. They were accomplices of mercenaries.(Bashir)
How can you explain that they kidnapped this Oxfam employee from within
Abeche?(Bashir) Well it happens, kid nappings can take place in the centre
of Paris, even in New York, so why not in Abeche? The important factor is
that our security forces are up to the task and well done to them for
recovering the hostage as well as the abductors.(Presenter) That was
Mahamat Bachir, the Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Security
talking to RFI's Cyril Bensimon. Up until last night, Oxfam said that they
had not yet spoken directly to their aid worker but that they would be
making a statement once they had spoken to him.(Description of Source:
Paris Radio France Internationale in French -- government-owned radio,
under the management of the Ministry of Culture, aimed at an international
audience)

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source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
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30) Back to Top</ a>
Roundtable Views President Obama's Visit to Zone Affected by Oil Spill
Figures indicate program running time. For a video of this program,
contact GSG_GVP_VideoOps@rccb.osis.gov or, if you do not have e-mail, the
OSC Customer Center at (800) 205-8615. Selected video is also available on
OpenSource.gov. - Cubavision
Wednesday June 16, 2010 06:24:39 GMT
1. 2230 GMT Moderator Randy Alonso Falcon introduces today's program
entitled "The United States: Between Debts and Spills," a close up of the
most recent information on the US reality, its economic problems, the
immigration situation, the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico, and other
aspects. Alonso states that he will be accompanied by Dr. Jorge Hernandez
Martinez, director of University of Havana's Center for the Study of the
Hemisphere and the United States; Cuban televisio n journalist Reinaldo
Taladrid Herrero; Roundtable journalist Oliver Zamora Oria; and Radio
Rebelde journalist Ana Teresa Badia Valdes.

2. 2235 GMT A short video clip introduces today's topics of discussion.
But prior to going into today's discussion, Alonso presents "Today's News"
segment on the murder of another journalist in Honduras, the ninth killed
since last year's coup d'etat. A video clip is shown with details of the
death of the Honduran journalist.

3. 2238 GMT Alonso opens the program commenting that President Barack
Obama paid his fourth visit to the zone affected by the oil slick amid
great controversy about the performance of his government with regard to
the spill, as well as the actions by British Petroleum, BP, and by other
oil companies associated with the well, not to mention the international
controversy between the United States and the United Kingdom. Alonso first
presents a video clip to show how international television stati ons
covered the Obama trip.

4. 2240 GMT Alonso states that the situation is complicated for the US
Government, adding that President Obama has taken this tour amid much
controversy and questioning of the government actions. Alonso asks Zamora
what President Obama is saying about that which the government plans to do
from now on. Zamora says that the tour has been accompanied by a series of
statements by the president about possible measures, solutions, and
demands from BP. Zamora notes that it is good to recall that this is
President Obama's fourth visit to the region. According to Zamora,
President Obama is showing an interest in the recovery of the zone and
upon his return to Washington, D.C. he will make his first speech from the
Oval Office presenting several measures, one of them being a plan for the
restoration of the zone, which will have an official in charge to
supervise the recovery. Zamora speculates that the speech will underline a
series of measures tha t the government has been announcing, for example,
the obligation to install the valve that was needed in the platform, which
could have prevented the spill. From now on, Zamora explains, all
platforms must have a remote control device to act in the case of oil
leaks and an automated shut off system to stop the pumping if there is a
spill. Zamora says that oil companies are already resisting this claiming
that it will be too costly for them. He mentions that the United States
wants BP to create a compensation fund to indemnify all individuals and
companies affected by the spill. Zamora remarks that there is pressure on
BP to assume the costs of the spill. Thus far, he reports, the clean up
cost is $1.6 billion. Zamora explains that the pressure that President
Obama is exerting on BP is due to the people's discontent and cites polls
that reveal that approximately 71% of US citizens feel that the president
has not been sufficiently severe with BP and this is affecting his p
olitical capital. Zamora comments that President Obama compared the spill
with 11 September. However, Zamora adds, there are many who say that the
spill is Obama's Katrina, recalling the Bush Administration handling of
the hurricane. Zamora states that the comparison is valid not only because
it is an ecological phenomenon but because of the levels of response that
both administrations showed. Zamora says that one must bear in mind that
it is an election year and this could be used against him or the
Democratic Party. Zamora points that during his tour President Obama asked
the people to go to the Florida beaches because some of the beaches were
not going to be affected.

Roundtable journalist Oliver Zamora Oria (Cubavision, 15 Jun 10)

5. 2246 GMT Alonso says that speaking of costs, Credit Suisse estimated
that the bill for BP would be approximately 19 billion euros, $23 billion,
if the lawsuits are carried through to the end, but it all depends on how
long the slick remains in the gulf and the ability of BP lawyers to face
the lawsuits. Zamora mentions that history has proven that these companies
are experts at ducking sanctions. He adds that it is not the first time
that a natural disaster occurs in the United States because of the action
of a company and not the first time companies walk out free. Zamora
stresses that one thing is what BP should pay for the spill and another is
what it will actually pay. He says that there are rumors that the company
is going to declare bankruptcy and that it must be remembered that this is
the third largest oil company in the Unite States, with an income of $300
billion in 2009. Zamora says that BP has the money but that it does not
mean it wants to pay. He also mentions a telephone call between British
Prime Minister David Cameron and President Obama where they agreed that
the relations between the two nations would not be affected by BP.

6. 2248 GMT Alonso says that there is m uch apprehension within US society
with regard to the power that the United States has to deal with
situations like these in the face of big companies like BP. Alonso
mentions editorials in US media criticizing the way in which these
enterprises can act without true US Government controls. He also cites
excerpts from an editorial that appeared in the Mexican newspaper La
Jornada on 14 June, pointing to a need to go beyond reactive actions and
implement preventive measures to control the activities of oil
consortiums. Alonso discloses that there was a debate at the US Congress
on the incident with testimonies by the presidents of other oil companies
with BP in one corner. Alonso describes it as a boxing match and shows a
film clip of the congressional session.

7. 2252 GMT Alonso comments that independent scientists and some US
Government agencies estimate that the well operated by BP in the Gulf of
Mexico spills between 35,000 and 65,000 barrels per day. Alonso ask s
Taladrid to comment about the oil companies going to the US Congress to
discuss this matter. Taladrid says that he has an update: lightning struck
on the ship where some of the oil was being recovered and fire broke out,
thus activities had to be stopped. By drawing to a halt, the problem is
even more dramatic, he highlights. Taladrid comments that the
congressional hearing was inevitable and cites some of the terms other oil
companies used to describe the incident as if it was something that could
only happen to BP. However, it was determined at the hearing that the
emergency plan for a spill for all the other companies is almost identical
to that of BP, all of them had similar estimates about how big a spill
could be, and none of them would have had a different outcome, had the
spill happened to one of them. He says that investigations were conducted
when it became evident that there was an interest from the US executive to
put up a fight for political survival. He says that there are all kinds of
e-mails circulating on the matter, showing the irregularities that BP
committed. Taladrid mentions that the oil rig belongs to the government of
Palau and that perhaps BP lawyers will use this to their advantage, citing
some Palau law. Taladrid emphasizes that there was a key question in
today's hearing, which he thinks will be the political bottom line of
President Obama's speech tonight. Taladrid uses baseball terms to describe
the situation, he says that President Obama lost the game but that does
not mean he will lose the series. Taladrid says that President Obama lost
the game because of what he failed to do in the first 72 hours. Taladrid
adds that it is a problem of image rather than of reality and this is why
the US President showed his visit to the factory that is working on oil
containment barriers. Taladrid remarks that perhaps BP was able to deceive
the government at first and that perhaps it was thought that there was no
need to show the president, the leader, or the commander there on the
terrain, as he is doing now. Taladrid reiterates that President Obama made
a mistake in the first 72 hours and that is how he lost the game. Taladrid
disagrees with saying that the oil slick is President Obama's Katrina
because Katrina marked the beginning of the end of the Bush
Administration. Taladrid says that President Obama is going to take
control measures but that the most important thing is what he is going to
say today: the country must cut its dependence on oil. Taladrid says
President Obama is going to take advantage of the situation to promote
this idea, which is an idea he defended during his campaign. Taladrid adds
that perhaps this evening the US President will use the present
circumstances to launch a big initiative to promote alternate energy
means. Alonso and Taladrid comment on how little the United States is
doing in this regard. Speaking in baseball terms again, Taladrid says that
the US President will try to prevent the loss of a game from affecting the
rest of the series and that he will try to divert the attention to launch
an energy bill that places an emphasis on stopping the dependence on oil
and developing alternate forms of energy, such as solar or eolic energy.
Alonso interrupts Taladrid to say that Congress has only approved funds
for nuclear energy. Taladrid points to the unsafe nature of such energy
and adds that President Obama will be rejected by the oil companies and
their lobbies because they already warned that the United States needs
them because they are indispensable. Taladrid expresses hope for the bill
to make progress.

Cuban television journalist Reinaldo Taladrid Herrero (Cubavision, 15 Jun

10)

8. 2303 GMT Alonso says that the big losers will be the oil dependent
countries that have to buy oil at the international market because it is
foreseen that prices will go up as a result of this incident. Alonso
introdu ces Badia who navigates web pages to report the latest news on the
oil slick, the price of oil, the health issue, the impact that the BP
spill has on its shares in the stock market, and other related matters.
Badia shows a video clip on the effects that the oil spill had on the
health of people and animals.

9. 2310 GMT Alonso shows on screen excerpts of Fidel Castro's 7 May
Reflections on the oil spill. Alonso looks at his laptop screen and reads
a report on a man who tried to enter a US base in Florida with false
identification and hidden weapons and ammunition. After reporting on that
incident Alonso turns to the ongoing US Conference of Mayors whose key
issue was Arizona's Immigration Law and shows a CNN video report on the
conference. Alonso points to resolutions approved by the conference
condemning the Arizona law and asking Congress to amend the federal
immigration policy. Alonso asks Martinez to explain the contradictions
between the people's view and that o f some politicians.

10. 2314 GMT Martinez explains that to understand what is happening one
must not only look at trends at the national but at the state, and local
levels. He mentions that this is a problem that basically affects the
southwest and lists some of the states in that region, because the
population there is of Mexican origin. He mentions that one may think that
there is interest to have the Hispanic population legalize their status,
because of the importance of Latinos who provide cheap labor but on the
other hand there is the feeling that North Americans are only the white
Anglo-Saxons and that Hispanics represent a threat to the national
identity of the United States. Alonso comments that Hispanics are a
minority that keeps increasing and that could become very important in
coming years. Taladrid interrupts to report that by 2025, Negroes,
Hispanics, and other minorities will amount to 35% of the US population.
Martinez says this is something that worr ies conservatives and they have
it on their agenda. He mentions that there are about 14 national
organizations with ample capacity to bring people together in their
reaction to the immigration law. Alonso points to polls that speak of
certain popularity that the law has. Martinez says that polls also show
disagreement with President Obama's performance. Martinez says that in the
next few months it will be important to watch reaction in Congress because
it is divided on this issue and this is a source of concern for Republican
Party candidates especially those who see in the Hispanic vote a
determining factor for the outcome of the election.

Dr. Jorge Hernandez Martinez, director of University of Havana's Center
for

the Study of the Hemisphere and the United States (Cubavision, 15 Jun 10)

11. 2321 GMT Alonso speculates that the fact that tere is no categorical
stand from the Democrats on the immigration issue might lead a large
number of Hispanic vot ers to abstain from voting in the November
election. Martinez agrees and adds that unemployment and the economic
crisis are factors that should also be taken into consideration. Alonso
says that amid all these news reports about US society, the economy
remains the center of attention as certain sectors of society are facing a
very difficult situation. Alonso shows a video clip on the problem of
unemployed teachers. It is expected that 300,000 teachers will be laid off
by fall.

12. 2325 GMT Zamora comments that it is the reality of US workers. He says
that although the media places an emphasis on other topics, the economy is
the center of attention. He adds that the key issue is the fiscal deficit
and that recovery will be slow. Zamora states that employment remained at
9.7% very similar to previous months, so there is no recovery. He says
that of the jobs created in April most of them were created by the
government as temporary positions for the census. Zamora says that there
is also the European crisis and its repercussion on the US economy, which
means that the United States cannot export to European countries because
they are not buying. To conclude, Zamora discusses some statistics that
were published in CubaDebate. He says that there is uncertainty as to how
to maintain growth.

13. 2333 GMT Taladrid comments that no one wants to change the US system.
He says that everyone accepted the bank rescue because without them there
can be no capitalism. Taladrid recalls a term used by President Obama who
said that bank loans were like blood circulating in the human body. The
government told banks we saved you, now it is your turn to lend money,
Taladrid says. However, banks are afraid to lend money. Alonso says that
there can be no consumption because there are no jobs. Taladrid maintains
that President Obama wants to continue the educational programs but it
cannot be done unless the defense budget is placed under control. Tala
drid cites as an example of a lack of control the weapons that although
obsolete, are still purchased and no one proposes to eliminate them.
According to Taladrid, regardless of all this, the United States continues
to be the main economic power and its system will not collapse overnight.

14. 2339 GMT Alonso says these are the realities of US society and
mentions its defense, the military budget, and US wars, topics that
continue to make the news, because today the Afghanistan topic was
discussed at Congress and because a US general passed out during a Senate
hearing on Afghanistan. Alonso turns to Badia who again gives an update of
the news on the Internet.

Radio Rebelde journalist Ana Teresa Badia Valdes (Cubavision, 15 Jun 10)

15. 2346 GMT Alonso comments that according to documents that were
declassified today, the FBI spied on Edward Kennedy in Mexico and other
Latin American nations during a tour in 1961 because he was supposed to
meet with lef tist individuals in those countries. Alonso then turns to
the upcoming November election and the Tea Party, asking Martinez to
comment about it. Martinez says that it is part of the activism of
rightist forces and rejects anything that goes against identity of nation.
He says that it is a movement of ideas of the so-called defense and
national security. He notes that US administrations do not try to change
the system but try to perpetuate and pe rfect it.

16. 2354 GMT Taladrid says that he already mentioned last week how the
members of the Tea Party think. He says that a requirement to be a member
of is not to be a traditional politician and adds that the party is made
up of disgruntled individuals. Taladrid says that now that they have
candidates, they are hiding them from the media because of their views.
Taladrid concludes by emphasizing that the November election is important
because decisions the United States makes with regard to the world are
made internall y and that the November process can tilt the political
balance in that country.

17. 2356 GMT Alonso thanks the panelists and ends the program.

Reception: Good

Broadcast duration: 86 minutes

(Description of Source: Havana Cubavision in Spanish -- Government owned,
government-controlled television station)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

31) Back to Top
World Cup 'Publicity Stunt' Sparks Diplomatic Row Between RSA, Netherlands
- AFP (World Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 18:00:36 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP (World Service) in English -- world news
service of the independent French news agency Agence France Presse)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

32) Back to Top
Finnish Embassy In Moscow Opening Visa Centre - ITAR-TASS
Wednesday June 16, 2010 14:13:44 GMT
intervention)

MOSCOW, June 16 (Itar-Tass) - Starting from Wednesday it will be easier
for Russians to get a travel visa to Finland: the Finnish embassy is
opening a visa centre in Moscow. The office building is situated at 13,
Kalanchevskaya Street (Krasnye Vorota metro station).The Finnish embassy
told Itar-Tass that it has been decided to hand over the visa issue
functions to a comme rcial organisation from June 18. However, at the same
time Russians will be able to also in the future apply for visas to the
Finnish diplomatic missions that have the last say in the issuing of visa
documents. The centre's work will not spread to the country's consulate
general in St. Petersburg.The aim of the opening of the visa office,
according to the embassy, is to accelerate the servicing of customers and
increase its quality. "Very long queues have been forming in recent years
at the embassy in the peak periods (November-December and summer), the
applicants had to wait for hours," the embassy noted. "In 2012 the
Schengen countries will introduce the mandatory fingerprinting for
Russians, so the number of visitors in visa departments will sharply
grow."The application fee will reach 21 euros. Thus the visa price will
grow practically by 60 percent reaching 56 euros instead of the former 35.
In connection with European Union's new visa code that ente red into force
on April 5, 2010, the visa application form has changed. Aside from the
application filled in through the Internet it is also required to print a
separate barcode blank that is to be submitted with the other
documents.The new EU visa code envisages cancelling of the national
application forms, the regulation also maintains transit visas. The visa
application form not greatly differs from the previous one, it is
universal. A citizen will be able to apply for a visa at any consular
offices of the Schengen Agreement countries. The number of documents that
should be attached to the application is strictly defined irrespective of
to which country's consulate the person applies. However, for technical
reasons, not all diplomatic missions of the Schengen countries have
started to operate according to the new code.The Schengen Agreement is a
treaty signed on June 14, 1985, on the river-boat "Princess Marie-Astrid"
anchored in Schengen, Luxembourg, between fi ve of the ten member states
of the European Community: Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands
and West Germany. The Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement
supplemented it 5 years later, providing for the removal of systematic
border controls between the participating countries.The Amsterdam Treaty
of 1997 incorporated the Schengen Agreements into the mainstream of
European Union law. The borderless zone created by the Schengen
Agreements, the Schengen Area, currently consists of 25 European
countries, covering a population of over 400 million people and an area of
4,312,099 square kilometres (1,664,911 sq mi). Ireland and the United
Kingdom opted out of Schengen's border control arrangements, while
participating in certain provisions relating to judicial and police
cooperation.The Schengen Agreement is an agreement between various
countries in Europe to guarantee free movement of persons between
countries. Signatory states to the agreement abolish all borders b etween
countries in lieu of a single external border on the edge of the Schengen
Area. The Schengen Agreement was originally created independently of the
European Union, in part owing to the lack of consensus amongst EU members,
and in part because those ready to implement the idea did not wish to wait
for others to be ready to join. The United Kingdom and Denmark did not
join the union, but Denmark joined later when Norway and other Nordic
countries were allowed.All states which belong to the Schengen area are
European Union members, except Norway, Iceland and Switzerland, which are
members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Switzerland joined
the bloc's passport-free travel zone, the Schengen Area, on 12 December
2008. The main reason that the non-EU states of Iceland and Norway joined
was to preserve the Nordic Passport Union.However, the Treaty of Amsterdam
incorporated the legal framework brought about meanwhile, the so-called
Schengen-Acquis, by the agreeme nt into the European Union framework,
effectively making the agreement part of the EU and its modes of
legislature. Amongst other things, at first the Council of the European
Union, later the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
in the co-decision procedure, took the place of the Executive Committee
which had been created under the agreement, leading to the result that
legal acts setting out the conditions for entry into the Schengen Area can
now be enacted by majority vote in the legislative bodies of the European
Union. This also concerns the original Schengen Agreement itself, which
may be altered or repealed by means of European Union legislation, without
such amendments having to be ratified by the signatory states. Thus, the
Schengen States which are not EU members have few options to participate
in shaping the evolution of the Schengen rules; their options are
effectively reduced to agreeing with whatever is presented before them, or
withdrawing f rom the agreement. Future applicants to the European Union
must fulfil the agreement criteria regarding their external border
policies in order to be accepted into the EU.(Description of Source:
Moscow ITAR-TASS in English -- Main government information agency)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

33) Back to Top
Somalia Daily Media Highlights 16 Jun 10 - Somalia -- OSC Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 05:15:18 GMT
AFP20100615950086 Mogadishu OSC Translation on Sub-Saharan Africa in
Somali 15 Jun 10

There are reports that the driver of one of the armoured vehicles that
usually escorts Presid ent Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad who was also an
AMISOM (African Union's Mission in Somalia) soldier has been killed in a
mortar attack at the Somali Presidency last week.

According a Ugandan newspaper, the soldier who was the driver of one of
the armoured vehicles that guard President Shaykh Sharif Shaykh Ahmad was
killed in a mortar attack on the Somali Presidency on the 3rd of June.
Reports also indicate that the soldier was standing at the front gates of
the Somali presidency when he was hit by a stray mortar fired by armed
opposition groups.

The source that made these revelations refrained from being named but have
since confirmed that he the soldier was indeed among drivers of armoured
vehicles that escort the president whenever he is either leaving Mogadishu
or coming back into the Somali capital.

AMISOM troops ensure tight security at the Somali presidency where they
are targeted with constant mortar attacks from armed opposition groups
that are op posed to their presence. There are up to 5,000 African Union
soldiers from Uganda and Burundi in Mogadishu and they guard key areas
that are in the hands of the government.

(Source: Jowhar.com)

Somalia: Ahlu Sunnah Arrests Five in Connection With Attacks on Leader

AFP20100615527005 Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali 1130 GMT 12 Jun 10

(Announcer) The Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a administration in Guri'eel
District, Galgaduud Region is investigating a hand grenade explosion
targeted at the residence of the chairman of Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a
executive council. Our reporter Abdifatah Hasan Farah has more details
from Galgaduud.

(Begin recording) (Farah) The Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a's head of security in
Guri'eel District Muhammad Shidane Diriye Daqare has told reporters that
their troops arrested five people suspected of having links with the RPG
explosion, targeting the Ahlu Sunnah's executive council chairman, Shaykh
Muhammad Yusuf Haafow. The arrest was made following an operation carried
out in some neighborhoods in the district. The chairman was not in the
house at the time of the explosion, however, the District Commissioner
Usman Isse Nuur and local clan elders were holding a meeting in the house
at the time of the explosion. Mr Daqare who commented on the security
operations said:

(Daqare) In The Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
Thanks to God and May peace and blessing be upon his beloved Prophet
Muhammad. First and for most, Allah, glory be to him, saved us from the
tragedy as there was no one hurt in the explosion. Secondly, we managed to
arrest individuals suspected to have involved in the crime, following the
operations carried out by our forces. Five people are now under our
custody.

(Farah) Are the five people now in Guri'eel Police Station?

(Daqare) Yes, they are jailed there.

(Farah) Ahlu Sunnah's head of security in Guri'eel added that the
operations would continue, saying that all individuals suspected of behind
the bomb attack on the residence of the chairman of the executive council
would be brought before justice. Residents in the district are witnessing
Security operations being conducted by Ahlu Sunnah forces following the
bomb attack. However, this was the second time the chairman of the
executive council survived a hand-held grenade attack. Late last year
similar attack was targeted at the chairman's residence which did not hurt
anyone. At least ten people were arrested in connection with the previous
explosion, though some of them were later released, while Ahlu Sunnah has
not yet commented on the whereabouts of some people arrested during that
previous operation. (End recording).

(Description of Source: Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali - independent)

Somalia: Eyewitness Reports Police, Military Forces Clash in Mogadishu

AFP20100615527007 Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali 1130 GMT 12 Jun 10

At least two people have been killed and six others have been wounded
following clashes between Somali gove rnment security forces in Mogadishu.
Our reporter Muhammad Kaafi Shayk Abuukar has more details from Mogadishu.

(Begin recording) (Abuukar) The fighting between forces loyal to the
Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) today occurred around the
former police college in the capital Mogadishu. Military and police forces
of the interim government were involved in the fighting and reasons for
the confrontations have not yet established. At least two people were
confirmed killed and six others were wounded. Some of the casualties were
members of the government troops while the others were civilians caught in
the cross fire. An eyewitness who talked to Horseed Media said:

(Unidentified eyewitness) Police officers led by Gen Hasan Baydhabo and
others recently trained in Uganda opened fire on military officers
accompanying the district c ommissioner and the two sides exchanged fire.
The military officers allegedly wanted to rob mobile phones.

(Abuukar) The majority of the casualties in the fighting which stopped a
few minutes ago were members of the government troops. However, this is
not the first time troops loyal to the Transitional Federal Government of
Somalia have clashed. Residents in the city have, in several occasions in
the past witnessed government troops clash. Civilians in the city bear the
brunt of these clashes. (End recording)

(Description of Source: Boosaaso Radio Horseed in Somali - independent)

Al-Shabab drives Hisb al-Islam rivals from central Somalia town

AFP20100615950076 Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

Al-Shabab ousts rivals from central Somalia town

The Al-Shabab Islamist group has taken full control of Beled Weyne Town,
the provincial capital of Hiiraan Region in central Somalia, without
firing a shot, the website of Radio S imba reported on 15 June.

According to the website, "Al-Shabab took full control of the town after
Hisb al-Islam fighters withdrew."

Al-Shabab and Hisb al-Islam groups are both fighting the Somali government
and the AU peacekeepers in Mogadishu.

Before the town fell to Al-Shabab, each of the insurgent groups was in
control of a section of it. Hisb al-Islam officials "promised to brief the
press about the new development in Beled Weyne Town."

The capture of Beled Weyne "follows the recent defection of Hisb al-Islam
officials to Al-Shabab."

(Description of Source: Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali -- Website of
Mogadishu-based independent FM radio station; presents balanced reports;
URL:

http://www.simbanews.com http://www.simbanews.com )

Ethiopia trained Somali forces said headed for Islamist controlled areas

AFP20100615950073 Dayniile online in Somali 15 Jun 10

Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG) forces in Doolow
District, Gedo Region (south-western Somalia) have been engaged in
increased military operation. These forces are lead by former officials of
the TFG who have been ousted by armed opposition groups from various
Regions in southern Somalia.

TFG soldiers have recently arrived in Doolow town and making final
preparations before heading to various southern Somalia regions that are
controlled by armed Islamist groups.

Some of the senior TFG officials that have told the media that they are
planning to capture Islamist controlled areas and are now making final
preparations. Asked whether there are any foreign troops fighting
alongside them, these TFG forces said there aren't any and that they are
only being backed by Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama'a forces.

(Description of Source: Dayniile online in Somali -- Swedish based, news
oriented website that appears sympathetic to Somali Islamist insurgents;
URL:

http://www.dayn ille.com http://www.daynille.com )

Somali moderate Islamists appoint new military commander

AFP20100615950077 Mogadis hu Simba News.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

The Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a administration has appointed a commander for
its fighters in the country.

The new commander is called Ali Igal Jama'a.

The executive chairman of Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a, Shaykh Mahmud Hefow, has
called on Ahlu Sunnah fighters to cooperate with the new commander.

The chairman also urged the residents in areas controlled by Ahlu Sunnah
to work with the new commander.

(Description of Source: Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali -- Website of
Mogadishu-based independent FM radio station; presents balanced reports;
URL:

http://www.simbanews.com http://www.simbanews.com )

Somalia: Moderate Islamic Group Appoints Overall Military Commander

AFP20100615301003 Somaaljecel.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Hefow, the chai rman of the executive committee of
Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a, has appointed Ali Igal Jama as the overall
commander of Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a forces. Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Hefow
said Ali Igal Jama's appointment as the overall commander of Ahlu Sunnah
wal Jama'a became effective yesterday.

Also, Mahmud Odowa Ahmad (Mahmud Dhere) has been named the new commander
for security forces in Guriceel town. He pledged to greatly improve
security in the town.

Meanwhile, Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Hefow, commenting on the latest clashes
between Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a and Al-Shabaab fighters in Galgaduud
Region, said that his forces would keep fighting Al-Shabaab. He said Ahlu
Sunnah forces had been infiltrated, and urged extra vigilance. Shaykh
Hefow said their opponents were using explosions and money to dismantle
Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a forces.

Shaykh Muhammad Yusuf Hefow said Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama'a had assembled
large forces, who, if given the go-ahead, could wipe out thei r opponents.
He said some of their forces had been reshuffled.

(Description of Source: Somaaljecel.com in Somali -- Independent website
featuring news reports by Mogadishu-based reporter; intended audience is
Somalis in the diaspora; URL:

http://www.Somaaljecel.com http://www.Somaaljecel.com )

Somalia: Shaykh Hasan Dahir Denies Al-Shabaab, Hisb al-Islam Agree on
Unity

AFP20100614353002 Somali Memo in Somali, Afrikaans 14 Jun 10

(Unattributed report: "Shaykh Hasan Dahir Says: 'We Deny That Hisb
al-lslam, Al-Shabaab Officials Agreed on Unity, Respect Each Other'")

The leader of Hisb al-Islam held a news conference in Mogadishu on 13
June, in which he discussed of many current issues in Somalia,
particularly the intervention of foreign parties.

Shaykh Hasan Dahir Aweys said that the Islamists will continue their fight
against the foreign countries that come to attack Somalia. Shaykh Dahir
called on the Somali people to strengthen their support of the mujahidin.

The leader of Hisb al-Islam pointed out that it is a dream to think that
we will stop the fight against the Transitional Federal Government and the
foreign forces. He said: "We will continue the fight until we liberate the
country. Dying in the fight is a benefit for us since we want to go to
God's heaven. I am calling for the Somali people to support the jihad."

He also gave his opinion about the release of pictures shown on Universal
TV that were insulting to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He said that it is an
insult to all Muslims the world over, and something needs to be done about
it.

"That terrible thing released on Universal TV is clear apostasy. All
Muslim scholars agreed that this kind of act cannot be repented. Those who
did it committed an apostate act."

Shaykh Hasan Dahir Aweys opposed the unity agreed upon by the officials of
Hisb al-Islam in Beledweyne and Jalalaqsi of the Al- Shabaab mujahidin. He
said that it is necessary for the mujahidin forces to have respect for
each other.

Shaykh Hasan said that unity is an obligation for which both move ments
are working, but his party disagrees that some officials of Hisb al-Islam
want to unify with Al-Shabaab. The speech of the leader of Hisb al-Islam
is coming at a time when Hisb al-Islam did not participate in the fighting
against AMISOM in the northern part of Mogadishu; rather, Al-Shabaab
fought single-handedly.

(Description of Source: Somali Memo in Somali; news website that updates
daily and reports news with a clear bias towards Somali terrorist group
Al-Shabaab; URL:

http://www.somalimemo.net www.somalimemo.net.)

Kenya Wants AU Peacekeeping Force Upgraded to UN Mission

FEA20100615006153 - OSC Feature - The EastAfrican 14 Jun 10

Text of report by Nick Wachira entitled "Kenya wants Amisom upgraded to UN
Mission" published by Kenyan privately-owned weekly newspaper The
EastAfrican on 14 June; subheadings as published.

In the past six months, fighters of the Somali terrorist network Harakat
Al-Shabab al-Mujahidin, have made six incursions across the Kenyan border
into Liboi, a hamlet located 150 kilometres east of Garissa, a major town
in North Eastern Province.

According to sources, these incursions were repulsed by Kenya's General
Service Unit, a paramilitary wing of the Kenya Police that is noted for
its highly trained officers and special forces commandos - some of them
part of the presidential guard - who have been mobilized to beef up the
country's border monitoring.

While these events have been too scattershot to attract media attention
and national debate, they are beginning to worry the Kenyan and American
intelligence community over what is emerging as a major threat to regional
security.

Kenya is increasingly coming under pressure to police the 900-kilometre
border it shares with its broken northern neighbour, prosecute its pirates
and still bear the burden of giving a home to 500,000 refugees and an
estimated 1.5 million illegal immigrants from Somalia.

It is also estimated 3,000 Somalis cross into Kenya every day. There are
already an estimated 2 million Somalis in Kenya in a country of 40
million.

Territorial ambitions

Al Shabab's increasingly militant stance with the help of Al-Qa'idah has
also been worrying Kenya's security agencies and the government.

Over the long run, with Kenya planning $15 billion project to open up
Southern Sudan and Ethiopia links to Lamu, and the increasing exploration
activity in the north that has raised the prospects of a big gas
discovery, the profile of the Al-Qa'idah threat becomes more pronounced,
given its stated territorial ambitions and belligerent pronouncements
about waging jihad against Kenya.

Last week, in a bold strategic response to the escalating security,
Kenya's Presi dent Kibaki announced what is likely to become a diplomatic
initiative that could reshape the conflict in Somalia.

Thus, three months after the release of a report by the UN Monitoring
Group on Somalia to the United Nations Security Council that outlined how
Kenya was becoming the hub of Al Shabab's growing global franchise,
Nairobi is developing a new Somalia policy that hopes to bring the
conflict to an end.

This policy involves calling on the Security Council to upgrade the
African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia to an active and fully
funded UN-led mission.

This new mission, which will be expanded from the current 8,000 troops to
the UN standard 20,000 will not just keep the peace, but also have an
expanded mandate of actively seeking to enforce a cease-fire.

This is already envisaged in UN Resolution 1863 of 2009 and it is a
position that Uganda's - which is leading the peacekeeping mission in
Somalia - has now called for; Tanzania is a lso coming around to it
because of East African Community countries' shared national security
threat from Al-Qa'idah, whether on their sea lanes or in their homelands.

This will become the third hybrid mission that will see a commander not
just reacting on ly when his soldiers are shot at, but actively engaging
in combat to create an atmosphere where humanitarian relief operations and
state building can happen.

Kenya also wants this mission to particularly restore peace from the
southern part of Somalia, on its northern border and establish the
Transitional Federal Government, whose mandate is expiring July next year,
firmly in place.

Last week, President Kibaki seized the initiative to shape the dialogue
around US Vice President's visit to Kenya around the question of
SomaliaAccording to sources, the US State Department nor President Barack
Obama's White House has not shown much enthusiasm to support Kenya's new
Somalia policy which has the backing of s ome sections of America's
intelligence community--which is already making its way through the formal
diplomatic channels.

The slow response is largely out of the fact that Obama does not as yet
have a concrete Somalia policy of his own, and the political costs that
could be involved in pushing Kenya's proposal at P5, while the US is
overextended dealing with Iran and North Korea.

Kenya, with its "Look East" policy that engages China, Japan and India in
economic diplomacy, last week it made it clear to the US that the Somalia
question will now become the defining issue in its engagement with
Americans.

In the latest Department of Defence Quadrennial Defence Review Report of
February 2010 that outlines threats and priority responses to American
national security, the situation in Somalia only merits one mention and Al
Shabab is not even mentioned.

This means that Kenya is attempting to upgrade what Americans consider a
low priority threat to the top of the agenda.

Kenya's Somalia policy

AMISOM to UNISOM: Transform AMISOM into a 20,000 strong UN Hybrid mission.

Peace enforcement: Give mission commander mandate to fight Al Shabab when
need to enforce peace.

TFG: Support TFG to rule Somali with sole power over use of force with its
borders, particular in Southern regions like Juba.

State building: Somali needs a civil service, professional army and
police, hospitals, school and a modern curriculum.

America's role: The US should not fight on the ground, but provide
diplomatic leadership among Security Council members to end conflict.

(Description of Source: Nairobi The EastAfrican in English -- weekly
(Monday) English-language newspaper published by the Nation Media Group;
coverage is primarily concentrated on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda but
includes other regions as well)

(This item was originally filed as AFP20100615950040)

Islamist leader accuses E thiopia of fuelling Somali crisis

AFP20100615950081 Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali 1015 GMT 14 Jun 10

(Presenter) The chairman of Hisb al-Islam insurgent group Shaykh Hasan
Dahir Aweys has accused Ethiopian government of messing up things in
Somalia and called on it to stop its apparent interference and aggression
on Somalia. Speaking to the press in Mogadishu, he said that his group was
aware of the movements of Ethiopian military in some parts of Somalia,
especially in Bay and Bakool and Gedo regions in southwestern Somalia.
Aweys also accused Ethiopia of fuelling the prolonged political and
security problems in Somalia, saying that his group will respond to these
interference. On the other hand, the chairman has denied that senior
officials of his group had defected to Al-Shabab, saying that these
reports were baseless. He retreated that Hisb al-Islam will redouble its
fight until it drives out the Somali governor and AU peacekeepers. Aweys
called on th e Somali people to take part in what he described as the holy
jihad.

(Description of Source: Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali )

Somali Islamists kill two boys for watching World Cup match in Mogadishu

AFP20100615950008 Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali 1600 GMT 14 Jun 10

Islamist Hisb al-Isl am group today shot dead two teenagers who were
watching a football match in Mogadishu's Huriwaa District.

Local residents say that Hisb al-Islam militias stormed the house where
the teenagers were watching the football match. The militants shot dead
the two boys as tried to escape, reports UN-owned Bar-Kulan Radio.

Several other boys watching the World Cup match were arrested during the
operation. The Hisb al-Islam commander in Mogadishu, Shaykh Muhammad Abu
Ali, said the teenagers who were arrested will be taken to court soon.

Hisb al-Islam has banned watching the World Cup tournament continuing in
South Africa.

Somali Islamist groups, Hisb al-Islam and Al-Shabab, are imposing a strict
interpretation of Islamic shari'ah on the entire country.

Somalia has been in turmoil since the overthrow of dictator Siyad Barre in
1991.

(Description of Source: Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali )

Somali Islamists Kill Two for Watching World Cup Match

FEA20100615006149 - OSC Feature - Radio Bar-Kulan 1600 GMT 14 Jun 10

Islamist Hisb al-Islam group today shot dead two teenagers who were
watching a football match in Mogadishu's Huriwaa District.

Local residents say that Hisb al-Islam militias stormed the house where
the teenagers were watching the football match. The militants shot dead
the two boys as tried to escape, reports UN-owned Bar-Kulan Radio.

Several other boys watching the World Cup match were arrested during the
operation. The Hisb al-Islam commander in Mogadishu, Shaykh Muhammad Abu
Ali, said the teenagers who were arrested will be taken to court soon.

Hisb al-Islam has banned watching the World Cup tournament continuing in
South Africa.

Somali Islamist groups, Hisb al-Islam and Al-Shabab, are imposing a strict
interpretation of Islamic shari'ah on the entire country.

Somalia has been in turmoil since the overthrow of dictator Siyad Barre in
1991.

(Description of Source: Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali )

(This item was originally filed as AFP20100615950008)

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Bans Watching of Somali Universal TV

AFP20100615517009 Kingstone Shacabka.net in Somali 13 Jun 10

One of the Al-Shabaab officials in Jowhar Town of Middle Shabelle Region,
called Abdirahman Muhammad Adan spoke to the residents of Jowhar at a
public venue and ordered them not to watch (the UK-based Somali) Universal
TV channel.

He said that the order was issued by the most senior Al-Shabaab leaders
and not one issued by the local Al-Shabaab administration in the region.
Al-Shabaab has bee n issuing statements against the TV station. The TV's
office in Mogadishu was shut down recently.

The move follows after the TV station aired cartoons insulting Prophet
Muhammad, which was published by some newspapers in South Africa.

The move by Al-Shabaab comes at a time when the officials from the station
issued an apology, however, Al-Shabaab seems to be ignoring it.

(Description of Source: Kingstone Shacabka.net in Somali -- An independent
website which seems to favor the Puntland regional administration.
According to the website it aims to create "public awareness and
disseminate factual reports that will eventually help the Somali public
achieve maturity;" URL:

http://shacabka.net http://shacabka.net )

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Radio Carries Clerics' Warning Against Watching World
Cup

AFP20100615527006 Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali 1000 GMT 13 Jun 10

(Announcer) Muslim clerics in Mogadishu have warned the Somali people
against wasting their time during prayer times by watching what the
infidels call the World Cup. Our reporter Abdullahi Shaykh has sent this
report from Mogadishu.

(Begin recording) (Abdullahi Shaykh) Some of the clerics in Mogadishu who
talked to the local media had commented for the first time on what the
infidels call t he World Cup currently under way in South Africa. The
clerics said it is regrettable that some Muslims waste their time in
watching these matches. The clerics added that this is a strategy used by
infidel crusaders and Zionists to distract Muslims from remembering Allah.
The Shaykh Abdifatah said:

(Abdifatah) Allah did not create you to be busy and preoccupied with
football. Sometimes you see people watching football even during prayer
times. You find that this World Cup thing is being given a lot of
publicity by putting TV sets everywhere. This is a tragedy which Muslims
are inflicted on. We as scholars remind you to fear Alla h and stop
wasting your time in these games.

(Abdullahi Shaykh) The Shaykh warned Muslim youth in the country against
supporting and cheering infidel players on whose support they sometimes
fight and kill each other. The cleric said again:

(Abdifatah) If you love these infidels, then you become like them. For
example if you love Bob Marley then you become like him. If you love
Michael Jackson then you are like him. But you love Prophet Muhammad and
his companions such as Abubakar, Umar and the rest then you will be with
them. If you love Muslim scholars like Imam Al-Shafi'i and others, of
course you will be like them.

(Abdullahi Shaykh) This call from the Somali Muslim scholars in Mogadishu
to the people of Somalia comes at a time when there are no popular venues
for watching these games going on in South Africa, the place where Prophet
Muhammad was recently insulted, apart from a few places under the control
the apostate group. (End recording)
(Description of Source: Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali -- Al-Shabaab
owned radio station)

Al-Shabaab Bans Watching of World Cup Tournament in Southern Somalia

AFP20100615517006 London Warsheekh.com in Somali 13 Jun 10

Some of the youth in the Juba regions who spoke to the local media in the
country, but declined to be named, have expressed concern over the orders
issued by Al-Shabaab preventing them from watching the World Cup that is
taking place in South Africa.

The youth said that Al-Shabaab had deployed a large number of fighters in
the neighborhoods to search for homes where the tournament is being
watched. Al-Shabaab's actions have been condemned by the youth in the Juba
regions.

The Al-Shabaab administration in the Juba regions issued an order banning
the watching of the World Cup tournament on 11 June. The group urged the
youth to take part in the war against the government and the foreign
troops in Mogadishu instead of watch ing the World Cup tournament.

"Sport is not a sin, Muslims themselves do sports, we don't know in which
religion Al-Shabaab believes. Al-Shabaab does not practice what it says,"
said one of the youth who spoke to one of the radio stations in Mogadishu.

This is not the first time Al-Shabaab banned sports in the Juba regions.
It had previously issued similar orders against sports. Local residents
have expressed concern about Al-Shabaab's many orders, which restrict
their lives.

(Description of Source: London Warsheekh.com in Somali -- Website run by
pro-government moderate Islamist group Ahl-al-Sunnah wal-Jama'a; URL:

http://www.warsheekh.com www.warsheekh.com )

Somalia: Jiido Clan Surrenders Weapons to Al-Shabaab and Pledges to
Support Jihad

AFP20100615517004 Kingstone Shacabka.net in Somali 13 Jun 10

One of the clans in Lower Shabeelle Region has officially handed over its
weapons to Al-Shabaab group. The Jiido sub-clan which lives in Baraawe
District has handed over most of its weapons to Al-Shabaab which controls
the region.

The clan elders and businessmen held a ceremony for the Al-Shabaab
commanders in the region and handed over the weapons. An elder who spoke
on behalf of the sub-clan said that the clan supports the Islamic Shari'ah
and the jihad that is taking place in the country.

Prominent members of the clan told Al-Shabaab that the clan is pleased
with the peace in the region and will hence hand over its arms to
Al-Shabaab.

The chairman of Al-Shabaab Movement in the Lower Shabeelle Region, Shaykh
Muhammad Abdalla, who spoke at the ceremony, said that the mujahidins are
pleased about the support they received from the clan.

The chairman said that the weapons will be used to defend the Islamic
Shari'ah and will be used to liberate the country from the enemy,
referring to the government and the AU peacekeepers.

Disarmament of some clans i n the region has been ongoing recently. Many
clans in other regions controlled by Al-Shabaab had handed over their arms
to the group.

Most of the clans which surrender their weapons hand them to powerful
officials of Al-Shabaab who belong to their clan.

(Description of Source: Kingstone Shacabka.net in Somali -- An independent
website which seems to favor the Puntland regional administration.
According to the website it aims to create "public awareness and
disseminate factual reports that will eventually help the Somali public
achieve maturity;" URL:

http://shacabka.net http://shacabka.net )

Moderate Islamists accuse rivals of robbery in central Somalia

AFP20100615950055 Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali 1600 GMT 15 Jun 10

(Presenter) Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama'a (moderate Islamists) has accused Hisb
al-Islam insurgent group of robbing civilians in Xarardheere District in
Mudug Region, central Somalia. The district was the base of Somali pirates
before Hisb al-Islam captured it. In a press conference held in Gaalkacyo
town today, Shaykh Umar Usman Afrah, the former deputy leader of Ahlu
Sunnah Wal Jama'a said Hisb al-Islam fighters have robbed business
premises in Xarardheere town. He added that two Hisb al-Islam groups had
earlier on clashed in the town causing civilian casualties. However, there
are no independent confirmations over allegations made by the moderate
Islamists against Hisb al-Islam.

(Description of Source: Nairobi Radio Bar-Kulan in Somali )

Former Somali Deputy Speaker says case over his ouster to be soon
concluded

AFP20100615950087 Dayniile online in Somali 15 Jun 10

Professor Muhammad Umar Dalha who was the former first Deputy Speaker of
the Federal Somali Parliament and was ousted over the controversy
surrounding his term in office has said the case he filed in the high
court in regard to the issue is now near completion and a ruling will soon
be iss ued."The case is in its final stages and the high court is expected
to make major decisions on the issue in regard to the implementations of
its earlier rulings and whether there have been any violations or not, "
said Professor Dalha who added that no one is above the law and that
everyone should obey it.

Professor Dalha said the law has been violated because of the wishes of
some individuals in the Federal Somali Parliament and that the onus is now
on the high court and the Attorney General on how they are going to
address these issues.

Professor Dalha reiterated that he was ready to accept whatever ruling the
high court makes on the issue surrounding his former position as the First
Deputy Speaker of Parliament. The MP also urged his colleagues in
parliament to abide by the ruling of the court because as legislators they
have a duty to uphold the rule of law.

(Description of Source: Dayniile online in Somali -- Swedish based, news
oriented w ebsite that appears sympathetic to Somali Islamist insurgents;
URL:

http://www.daynille.com http://www.daynille.com )

Somali official accuses WFP of corruption

AFP20100615950066 Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

The spokesman for Banaadir Region (Mogadishu and its environs), Muhammad
Abdullahi Arig, has accused World Food Programme (WFP) of corruption.

In a press conference held in Mogadishu, the spokesman said WFP is
mismanaging food aid meant for displaced people in the region.

There were other similar allegations of mismanagement levelled against the
UN agency by Somali government officials. However, WFP has denied the
allegations.

The Banaadir Region's spokesman called for an investigation into WFP,
adding that the aid agency failed to inform the region's administration
about its operations in the region.

(Description of Source: Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali -- Website of
Mogadishu-based independent FM radio station; presents balanced reports;
URL:

http://www.simbanews.com http://www.simbanews.com )

Somalia: Somali Memo Website Escapes Attempts To Silence Reporting

AFP20100611353002 Somali Memo in Somali 10 Jun 10

(Unattributed report: "Somali Memo Website Survives Attempt To Silence It,
Take it off the Airwaves")

By the grace of God, Somali Memo, the Somali news website, has escaped an
attempt to silence it and take it off the airwaves. The enemy that waged
the attack failed completely in its mission to destroy the website.

By the grace of God, there is no damage to the website, and it has
returned to normal operations in even better condition than before the
attack.

The impact of the attack was on the administrative side, particularly the
news section of the website. That is why news updates have not been
entered on the website recently.

The Somali Memo website, God willing, will continue its format of
defending supporting the mujahidin and its religion. The website will
never be neutral in terms of fairness and injustice, or with the war
between the Muslims and the crusaders coming from all corners of the
world.

Somali Memo apologizes to its respectable readers for the delay of its
news reports.

(Description of Source: Somali Memo in Somali; news website that updates
daily and reports news with a clear bias towards Somali terrorist group
Al-Shabaab; URL:

http://www.somalimemo.net www.somalimemo.net.)

Somali Islamists arrest illegal khat dealers

AFP20100615950065 Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

Several people have been arrested in Baardheere Town of Gedo Region,
southwestern Somalia, for violating a ban on the sale of khat (a green
leafy stimulant) in the town.

The operation was conducted by Al-Shabab forces in Baardheere town, who
were looking for people who had violated the ban ordered by the district
adminis tration.

The move is aimed at ensuring the ban on th sale and use of khat in the
town. Those arrested during the operation were accused of violating the
ban.

The administration ordered khat traders to sell it in areas designated for
the commodity but not inside the town.

The operation targeted areas where it is suspected that khat is being sold
illegally. The operation saw the arrest of sev eral people who are being
held in the local police station.

(Description of Source: Mogadishu Simba News.com in Somali -- Website of
Mogadishu-based independent FM radio station; presents balanced reports;
URL:

http://www.simbanews.com http://www.simbanews.com )

Somalia: Islamic Administration in Banaadir Region Renovates Livestock
Market

AFP20100615527008 Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali 1000 GMT 14 Jun 10

The Islamic administration of Banaadir has commenced the renovation of
Dayah Livestock Market in Mogadishu. Our reporter Abdull ahi Shaykh sent
this report from Mogadishu.

(Begin Abdullahi recording) The Banaadir Islamic administrator, Shaykh
Muhammad Ali Husayn briefed the media about the renovation of the
livestock market. The administration also expanded the livestock market
and ordered the traders and hawkers who used to sell different things in
the Livestock Market to get out immediately. The administrator said that a
system would be put in place for the traders to follow them when they are
buying and selling their animals. There will also be veterinary doctors on
standby to treat sick animals to ensure traders do not buy sick animals.
Husayn also appealed to the traders to work with the management of the
Livestock Market. Dr. Mahmud Noor also briefed the media on the treatment
of the sick animals that are brought to the Market.However; livestock
traders have welcomed this development. (End recording)

(Description of Source: Baydhabo Radio Andalus in Somali -- Al-Shabaab
owned r adio station)

Somali pirates release five Indians onboard UK-flagged vessel - official

SAP20100615950009 New Delhi PTI News Agency in English 1401 GMT 14 Jun 10

New Delhi, 14 June: After more than five months in captivity, five Indians
kidnapped by Somalian pirates from a cargo ship have been released
unharmed, an official of the Directorate General of Shipping said on
Monday (14 June).

The Indians were part of a 25-member international crew on board MV Asian
Glory, the UK-flagged vessel, which was hijacked on 1 January 2010 from
the Indian Ocean off the Somalian coast.

The ship is being escorted to a safe port, the official told PTI.

"We have received information from the representative of the owner of MV
Asian Glory that the vessel has been released by Somali pirates on 11 June
and is being escorted to a safe port," the official said.

"All crew members, including five Indian nationals, are reportedly safe
and in good health," the official added.

The ship's crew comprised 10 Ukranians, eight Bulgarians, and two
Romanians besides the Indians.

Over the past three months, Somali pirates had seized 11 dhows
(slow-moving vessels) with over 120 Indians on board.

However, they later released some of the vessels after a ransom was paid
by the owners.

Over 50 Indians are still in their captivity.

Repeated attacks on Indian vessels had also prompted the government to
issue warning to dhows about the dangers in those waters, particularly
along the sea-lanes of Salalah in Yemen and Male.

(Description of Source: New Delhi PTI News Agency in English )

PUNTLAND Gunman Reportedly Kills Puntland's Attorney General in
Northeastern Somalia

SAP20100612950064 Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali 1000 GMT 12 Jun 10

An unidentified gunman has shot dead the attorney general of the Puntland
regional administration a short while a go in the com mercial port city of
Boosaaso, northeastern Somalia, reports independent Radio Simba.

Ali Jama Qalas was killed while leaving the high court. The acting
attorney general has confirmed the death of Qalas. Eyewitnesses said that
the unidentified gunman shot dead the attorney general in front of the
high court in Boosaaso town.

Northeastern Somalia regions enjoy relative peace as c ompared to the rest
of Somalia.

(Description of Source: Mogadishu Radio Simba in Somali)

Somalia: Unidentified Men Reportedly Murder Puntland Prosecutor

AFP20100615597009 Rome MISNA in English 14 Jun 10

(Unattributed report: "Puntland Prosecutor Murdere, More Fighting in
Mogadishu")

The prosecutor of the Bossaso, in Puntland, has been murdered by three
unidentified men after leaving the court. Ali Jama Kalas, a former police
inspector had recently been appointed to head the Court in Bossaso since
the previous prosecutor and president of the C ourt was murdered in
similar circumstances last November, launching a wave of high profile
murders. Local media said that Kalas was killed on Saturday morning, by
three men who also wounded his bodyguard and two bystanders.

The attackers fled the scene. The police has not arrested anyone for the
time being in relation to the Kalas murder, which is but the latest in the
wave of "high profile murders" as described by the local media that have
taken place in Puntland in the past few months; Puntland had been known as
a relatively safe area, especially when compared to the chaos in Somalia.
MP's, judges and security personnel have been targeted in the 'wave';
moreover there has also been a series of bombings, which have raised many
questions. In the past years, Bossaso has become an ever more important
center for groups held responsible for piracy attacks off the Somali coast
and by related groups, which manage a vast number of illicit and licit
activities at se a.

Meanwhile, over the past weekend, Mogadishu has been subjected to intense
gunfire as police have been battling government army troops last Saturday
in the Hamar Jajab quarter; at least ten men were killed (mostly
soldiers), while a dozen people were wounded, including civilians.

(Description of Source: Rome MISNA in English -- Website of the Missionary
International Service News Agency that collects "abundant" and "authentic"
information from an "informal network of sources" across five continents;
URL:

http://www.misna.org http://www.misna.org )

Somalia's Puntland police seize explosives in central town

AFP20100615950090 Gaalkacyo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali 1015 GMT 15 Jun 10

(Presenter) Police have arrested young girl carrying explosives in
Gaalkacyo Town, central Somalia. The explosives composed of gadgets,
mortar bullets and other materials meant to cause explosions on civilian
populated areas. The girl is reported to have been pushing a wheel barrow
packed with explosives at the time of her arrest. The Mudug regional
police commander, Muse Abdirahman Hasasi, told Radio Gaalkayo that police
arrested the girl with the support of intelligence officers. He added that
police have started investigating the matter in order to track down those
behind the explosive found with the little girl. The police commander also
said the girl is from displaced peoples' camp in Gaalkacyo Town. He
commended police for the successful operation and for foiling the plot.
The commander further said that the police will redouble security
operations and urged the local residents to help the authorities in
fighting against what he termed as criminals. On the other hand, the
governor of Mudug Region, Ahmad Ali Salad, stated that the relation
between Puntland and Galmudug has been cut, saying that Galmudug is
responsible for the plans to destabilize Puntland.

(Description of Source: Gaalkac yo Radio Gaalkacyo in Somali )

SOMALILAND Rebel Commander Vows To Attack Somaliland Militias 'At Whatever
Cost'

AFP20100615517005 London BBC Somali.com in Somali 13 Jun 10

The commander of SSC (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn - in Somaliland), Saleban Ise
Ahmad alias Hagla-toosiye, has made a strong accusations against the
Somaliland and Puntland administrations.

He said that he will drive out what he described as "militias from
Hargeysa," referring to Somaliland forces, from Buuhoodle town. The
commander further said that his fighters will attack them at whatever
cost, adding that the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia supports
their operations. He said that he has an appointment to meet the Somali
government.

The commander likewise responded to the Puntland president who recently
said that SCC does not represent any region.

(Description of Source: London BBC Somali.com in Somali -- Text version of
reports carried on the e xternal radio service of the United Kingdom's
public service broadcaster; URL:

http://www.bbcsomali.com http://www.bbcsomali.com )

Somaliland opposition said concerned over Ethiopian interference in
elections

AFP20100615950072 AllPuntland.com in Somali 15 Jun 10

Officials of political parties vying for the leadership of Somaliland have
expressed seri ous concerns about possible meddling by foreign countries.

Key officials in some of the parties taking part in the election have said
delegations from a number of neighbouring countries have recently arrived
in Hargeysa and that they are weary of their agenda for the trip. Some of
these Somaliland politicians have particularly expressed concern over a
delegation that has recently arrived in Somaliland from Ethiopia which
they said has come to give a hand to the ruling party.

Officials of the Kulmiye party have said they have heard about the arrival
of a delegation from Ethiopia which the y said has not been publicized on
the media and added that their arrival in the Region at this time is quite
curious. The current Somaliland government has good relations with the
Ethiopian government led by Melez Zenawi and have are in fact on several
occasions handed over a number of Somalis to the Ethiopian government. The
delegation from Ethiopia has raised a lot of suspicion in the Region and
are said to have already held talks with Somaliland officials over the
upcoming presidential elections in the Region.

The Ethiopian government particularly favours the current Somaliland
leader given that they already have an established relationship. They are
concerned that if a new politician takes over the leadership of the
Region, there might be challenges to the relations between the two
administrations of Ethiopia and Somaliland.

(Description of Source: AllPuntland.com in Somali -- Pro-Puntland
government website; URL:

http://www.allpuntland.com http://ww w.allpuntland.com )

British ambassador to Ethiopia holds talks with Somaliland polls chief

AFP20100615950088 Universal TV in Somali 1700 GMT 14 Jun 10

A delegation led by British ambassador to Ethiopia is currently visiting
in Somaliland ahead of the presidential elections scheduled to take place
in the Region on the 26th of June.

The ambassador held a news conference in Hargeysa in which he said they
were in Somaliland to support the election process. The delegation led by
the British ambassador is said to have held talks with both Electoral
Commission officials and those of all political parties taking part in the
election.

"We are here to support the election process" said the British ambassador
to Ethiopia during his news conference.

The ambassador is also said to be pleased with the way preparations for
the elections are being conducted. The ambassador visited Hargeysa 11
months ago and said there were a lot of uncerta inties around the
elections at the time.

(Description of Source: Universal TV in Somali)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

34) Back to Top
Iranian Minister Accuses UK of Terrorist Involvement in Iran - Al-Alam
Television
Wednesday June 16, 2010 17:02:05 GMT
Sweden provided support for the two groups that planned to carry out
terrorist operations in the capital Tehran on the eve of the annual
anniversary of the last presidential elections.

The Intelligence Ministry's statement said that the leaders of the two
terrorist groups trained their agents in camps belonging to the terrorist
group Mojahedin-e Khalq in Iraq, adding they used the riots which followed
the last presidential elections, and gave their instructions for their
agents through the Internet, and utilised the capabilities of Britain,
France, and Sweden to conduct terrorist attacks in the strategic areas of
the capital Tehran.It confirmed that one of the agents used the university
neighborhood to conceal explosives, so as not to attract the attention of
the authorities to any terrorist activity.(Description of Source: Tehran
Al-Alam Television in Arabic -- 24-hour Arabic news channel, targetting a
pan-Arab audience, of Iranian state-run television, officially controlled
by the office of the supreme leader)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

35) Back to Top
Israel can learn from UK's Bloody Sunday report - Spanish article - El
Pais.com
Wednesday June 16, 2010 14:07:41 GMT
article

Text of article, "Lessons for Israel", by Berna Gonzalez Harbour,
published by the Spanish popular centre-left newspaper El Pais website, on
16 June:The Bloody Sunday report not only provides the truth about the
killings at last, it also contains plenty of lessons which governments
(and especially that of Israel right now) should sear onto their survival
manuals.The death of peaceful demonstrators (see Paul Greengrass's film)
not only brought drama to dozens of homes in a city - Derry - impoverished
in the 1970s by British repression and suffocated by the lack of rights,
it also turned their cause into a beacon which burns bright on the
international stage to this day. "The British gov ernment threw an entire
generation of young people into the arms of the IRA", Greengrass told me
when his film was released in Madrid.That is exactly what happened. The
drama the Bogside ghetto went through placed a loudspeaker to the
conflict, garnered international sympathy for a crushed community,
strengthened the IRA and degenerated into a spiral of attacks that racked
up 3,000 dead. Unlike ETA, Bloody Sunday placed the IRA on the side of the
good guys in the eyes of a large part of the world - and that strength
made possible a peace process which culminated in the Stormont Agreement
of 1998.However, that lesson - that of legality - is not the only one that
governments must learn. Following the killings, London sponsored a
whitewashed inquiry to simulate the action of the rule of law in the face
of the atrocity. In just three months, the Widgery Report exonerated the
soldiers, alleged - without proof - that they acted in self-defence and
failed to explain why some v ictims had been shot from behind.Sound
familiar? The parallelism with the explanations Israel is disseminating
about the attack on the humanitarian flotilla - or on Gaza or Lebanon - is
staggering: self-defence, they were terrorists and the only proof to hand,
that which shows as many as four shots on the bodies of the nine dead,
does not appear to exist.Any government might be tempted to hide its
mistakes behind lies, but when the evidence is glaring and it continues to
cling to the fallacious version of what happened and an exonerating story,
the killings and repression do not just strengthen the enemy, they rebound
on that government. And even if the truth takes almost 40 years to emerge,
like the report concluded yesterday in the United Kingdom, there is always
a price to pay.(Description of Source: Madrid El Pais.com in Spanish --
Website of El Pais, center-left national daily; URL: http//www.elpais.com)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrigh ted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

36) Back to Top
Human Resource Ministry Refutes Allegations of Misuse of UK Grants
Unattributed report: No Misuse of SSA Funds: HRD Ministry - The Hindu
Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 09:16:02 GMT
(Description of Source: Chennai The Hindu Online in English -- Website of
the most influential English daily of southern India. Strong focus on
South Indian issues. It has abandoned its neutral editorial and reportage
policy in the recent few years after its editor, N Ram, a Left party
member, fell out with the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government and has
become anti-BJP, pro-Left, and anti-US with perceptible bias in favor of
China in its write-ups. Gives good coverage to Left parties and has
reputation of publishing well-researched editorials and commentaries; URL:
www.hindu.com)

Material in the World News Connection is generally copyrighted by the
source cited. Permission for use must be obtained from the copyright
holder. Inquiries regarding use may be directed to NTIS, US Dept. of
Commerce.

37) Back to Top
Iraqi Kurdish Arabic Press 16 Jun 10
The following lists selected items from two Baghdad-based Kurdish
newspapers on 16 Jun. To request additional processing, please call OSC at
(800) 205-8615, (202) 338-6735, or fax (703) 613-5735. - Iraq -- OSC
Summary
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:43:28 GMT
http://www.alittihad.com/ http://www.alittihad.com )

--Al-Ittihad 150-word report citing A d Melkert, top UN envoy to Iraq, as
saying that the Iraqi parliament might need two weeks to three months to
reconvene. However, he maintained that the convening of the new
parliament's 1 st session puts the onus on the political blocs to work for
a settlement regarding the formation of the new government.

--Al-Ittihad 900-word report on meetings a Kurdistan Parliament delegation
headed by parliament Speaker Kamal Kirkuki held with politicians in
Baghdad. The delegation separately met with Premier Al-Maliki and
Al-Iraqiyah List member Rafi al-Isawi. In a statement, Kirkuki said that
the Kurds are ready for talks with all political blocs to help expedite
the formation of the new government. The delegation also met with Vice
President Adil Abd-al-Mahdi. During the meeting, Kirkuki said that the
Kurds want the next government's program to be clear and transparent,
particularly with regard to the implementation of Article 140 of the
constitution, which concerns disputed a reas.

--Al-Ittihad 1,200-word report citing Hachim al-Hasani, spokesman for the
State of Law Coalition (SLC), as saying that the National Alliance
submitted a letter to Kurdistan Alliance (KA) member Fu'ad Ma'sum, who
chaired the new parliament's 1 st session, on the creation of the National
Alliance Bloc. Al-Hasani added that the National Alliance had previously
submitted similar letters to the president, and to the Federal Court,
which certified the election results. Al-Hasani went on to say: The
National Alliance Bloc was the largest parliamentary bloc at the new
parliament's 1 st session. We believe that it is this bloc which should be
assigned the task of forming the next government. Asked about how long it
will take the National Alliance to select a candidate for the post of
prime minister, Hashim al-Hashimi, secretary general of the Al-Fadilah
Party, which is a component of the National Alliance, said: Everybody is
now talking of a timeframe that does not exce ed one month.

--Al-Ta'akhi 250-word report saying that the Al-Tawafuq Front and the Iraq
Unity Coalition will join the newly created National Alliance. A former
leader of the Iraq Unity Coalition spoke of differences within the
coalition over the decision of Jawad al-Bulani, the coalition's leader, to
join the National Alliance. A source in the Iraqi National Alliance (INA)
said that the SLC-INA talks produced tentative ideas on a compromise
candidate for the post of prime minister. The source added that the
efforts made by the SLC to persuade Sadrists to support Al-Maliki's
premiership bid failed. Similarly, Haydar al-Ibadi, who was proposed as an
alternative candidate, was not met with acceptance, which prompted
significant components of the SLC and the INA to ask the IISC to withdraw
the candidacy of Adil Abd-al-Mahdi and go for a compromise candidate.
(Description of source: Baghdad Al-Ta'akhi Online in Arabic - Website of
Al-Ta'akhi, daily newspaper published by the Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic
Party, KDP; U RL:

http://taakhinews.org/ http://taakhinews.org )

--Al-Ta'akhi 200-word report citing a key INA leader as saying that the
chances of Ibrahim al-Ja'fari for securing the post of prime minister have
become weak, and that it is now certain that Adil Abd-al-Mahdi will be the
INA's only candidate for the post. The aforesaid key INA leader, who
preferred to remain anonymous, added that Al-Ja'fari is not on good terms
with several parliamentary blocs, including the Al-Iraqiyah List and the
SLC.

--Al-Ta'akhi 350-word report citing Al-Iraqiyah List member Adnan
al-Danbus as saying that he expects the government formation to be delayed
for more than one and a half month due to the ongoing debate on the
largest parliamentary bloc. He added that the talks between the
Al-Iraqiyah List on the one hand and the SLC and the INA on the other are
ongoing, and that nobody knows what could happen in the coming days. The
Al-Iraqi yah List sticks to its right to form the next government,
Al-Danbus maintained.

--Al-Ta'akhi 450-word report citing SLC member Hasan al-Sunayd as saying
that there could be a delay of two to three weeks before a new parliament
speaker is elected. SLC member Abbas al-Bayyati said that the National
Alliance will agree on a candidate for the post of prime minister within
the 15-day period following the new parliament's 1 st session. Kurdistan
Region Developments

--Al-Ta'akhi 80-word report on a meeting held between French President
Sarkozy and Kurdistan Region President Mas'ud Barzani in Paris yesterday.
Issues pertaining to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as well as bilateral
ties were discussed.

--Al-Ittihad 120-word report saying that Iranian troops opened heavy
machine gun fire on border villages in the Choman District, an affiliate
of the Arbil Governorate, after shelling them with mortars yesterday,
Tuesday.

--Al-Ittihad 800-word report on a spee ch delivered by Kurdistan Region
Premier Barham Salih at the inaugural session of the Kurdistan Trade and
Investment Conference in London yesterday.

--Al-Ta'akhi 70-word report saying that the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC) distributed a new shipment of relief aid to those
displaced in the Choman District as a result of the Iranian artillery
shelling. Commentaries

--In a 450-word editorial in Al-Ittihad, Deputy Chief Editor Abd-al-Hadi
Mahdi comments on the reelection of President Talabani as secretary
general of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) by a unanimous vote at
the 3d PUK Congress saying: This reelection of Talabani by a unanimous
vote, which places greater responsibilities on the shoulders of the
president, means that PUK members fully trust that Talabani is the only
person who is capable of achieving all of the PUK's objectives, and of
realizing the Kurdish people's aspirations. The unanimous reelection of
President Talabani as P UK secretary general has come to show the
falsehood of the allegations of those who were wagering on ending the
PUK's role in the Kurdish arena, those who entertained the notion that the
PUK's rank-and-file will not rally behind Talabani's leadership. Talabani
has indisputably demonstrated that he is not only the PUK's leader, but
also the person who will realize the aspirations of the Kurdish people.
Iraqi politicians have welcomed the reelection of President Talabani as
PUK secretary general because they think that he will consolidate the
joint struggle in a manner that will help the Iraqi people overcome their
current difficulties. The convening of the 3d PUK Congress in these
delicate circumstances is a big turning point in the Kurdish people's
history.

--In a 650-word article in Al-Ittihad, Fathallah Husayni comments on the
Iraqi Government's decision to dissolve Iraqi Airways saying: Thousands of
employees of Iraqi Airways were saddened and outraged by the decis ion to
dissolve the national carrier. They were not convinced that this was the
appropriate decision. Pretexts and exc uses were advanced to justify the
decision with some saying that Iraqi Airways failed to manage the air
transport sector, and to compete with foreign airlines, forgetting that
the national carrier suffered a lot for three decades due to wars and the
blockade. The Iraqi Government should have identified skillful negotiators
to negotiate the dispute between Iraqi Airways and the Kuwaiti
authorities. An arrangement could have been made according to which Kuwait
could restore its rights under international law using the revenues of
Iraqi Airways. Kuwaiti Airways could have been made a party to a joint
operation of Iraqi Airways. Some have said that dissolving Iraqi Airways
was the easy way out. But, Kuwait will continue to pursue the Iraqi
Government with lawsuits, and it will find ways to make the latter pay
reparations. The Iraqi Government's intentions behi nd the decision to
dissolve Iraqi Airways have been called into question. Citizens are saying
that this move could be part of attempts to privatize the public sector.

--In a 500-word article in Al-Ittihad, Muhammad Thamir Yusuf says: The
Iraqis' hopes for a bright future will not be dashed by the attack mounted
against the Central Bank of Iraq. The security commanders are confused,
and the attention that the government gives to security incidents is
short-lived. Many Iraqis are questioning the efficacy of the security
troops and criticizing the lack of coordination among the security
services. People have continued to be told that the security troops are
valiant, and this refrain has been consistently promoted. This verbiage is
evidently part of the security troops' intelligence and security effort.
But, it cannot provide the necessary protection. People are being told
lies, and they found this outrageous.

--In a 650-word article in Al-Ta'akhi, Jamal al-Hind awi comments on the
brief meeting held between Premier Al-Maliki and Al-Iraqiyah List leader
Iyad Allawi saying: The two leaders met for only half an hour, which was
consumed by an exchange of courtesies and a friendly talk. They exchanged
views on energy, agriculture, and investment. Their discussions were
artificial. One wonders what kind of preparations were made for this
long-anticipated meeting. What is more puzzling is the fact that the two
men dodged any discussion of the standoff over the post of prime minister.
Following three lean months of foot-dragging and bloodshed, we wanted to
see our leaders make a concerted effort to safeguard pluralism and
democracy and uphold the principle pertaining to the peaceful exchange of
authority. The meeting even failed to produce a press statement assuring
the Iraqi people that their political leaders are aware of the delicate
situation being experienced by the ongoing political process. Our elected
leaders are required to dem onstrate utmost flexibility and rise above
petty considerations.

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38) Back to Top
Gulf Of Mexico Oil Leak Rate May Reach 9,500 T Per Day-experts - ITAR-TASS
Wednesday June 16, 2010 16:23:38 GMT
intervention)

NEW YORK, June 16 (Itar-Tass) - The oil leak from the British Petroleum
(BP)-owned offshore damaged well in the Gulf of Mexico may reach from
5,500 to 9,500 tonnes per day, according to a group of American government
experts that gave a new assessment allowing to judge about the scope of
the ecological disaster ion the south of the United States. They presented
a corresponding report on Tuesday.Their data are closer to the earlier
published assessments of the oil leak volume from the well that was
damaged as a result of an explosion on a floating oil drilling platform on
April 20 some 210 miles southeast of New Orleans (Louisiana) that were
prepared by independent experts.The revision of the government's
assessments reflects the factual increase in the volume of oil that is
leaking from the well to the gulf at a depth of 1.5 kilometres. The leak
increase was registered after BP engineers using robots controlled from
the surface cut the pipeline's marine riser on which they afterwards
mounted a special containment cap. It helps collect part of the oil
streaming from the well and its pumping through a temporary pipeline to
reservoirs of the drilling vessel. Specialists believe that deformation of
the column as a result of the explosion was partially containing the oil
flow.US Energy Secretary Steven Chu made a statement, a ccording to which
the new assessment of the government experts is based on the use of
several scientific methods and takes into consideration the latest
information about the condition of the well. The conclusions made by the
researchers are an important step forward in the US efforts to determine
the volumes of the oil leaking from the well, the energy secretary
stressed.With taking into account the new data the total volume of the oil
spill from the moment of the explosion may reach 440,000 tonnes. BP
engineers manage to pump out about 2,400 tonnes of oil daily. Under the
pressure from the US administration BP had to promise to improve this
indicator.According to a BP release, the company announced on Wednesday
that oil and gas is flowing through a second containment system attached
to the Deepwater Horizon rig's failed blow out preventer (BOP). This
second system supplements the lower marine riser package (LMRP) cap
containment system, which remains in operation. The new system is
connected directly to the BOP and carries oil and gas through a manifold
and hoses to the Q4000 vessel on the surface. The Q4000 uses a specialised
clean-burning system to flare oil and gas captured by this second
system.Oil and gas collected from the BOP reached the Q4000 at
approximately 1:00 am CDT (7.00 am BST) on June 16. Operations continue to
stabilise and optimise the performance of the second containment system,
the release says.Information on the volume of oil collected and gas flared
by the LMRP cap containment system is being updated twice daily on BP's
website. When measurements are available for volumes of oil and gas being
flared by the Q4000, this information will be added to the updates on BP's
website. Neither the new capture system nor the LMRP containment cap
system has ever before been deployed at these depths and conditions, and
their efficiency and ability to contain the oil and gas cannot be assured,
BP says.The Deepwater Horizon accident is a massive ongoing oil spill in
the Gulf of Mexico, now considered the largest offshore spill in US
history. Some estimates placed it by late May or early June, 2010, as
among the largest oil spills in the world with tens of millions of gallons
spilled to date. The spill stems from a sea floor oil gusher that resulted
from the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion. The
explosion killed 11 platform workers and injured 17 others.The gusher, now
estimated by the quasi-official Flow Rate Technical Group to be flowing at
35,000 to 60,000 barrels (1,500,000 to 2,500,000 US gallons; 5,600 to
9,500 cubic metres) of crude oil per day, originates from a deepwater
wellhead 5,000 feet (1,500 m) below the ocean surface. The exact spill
flow rate is uncertain due to the difficulty of installing measurement
devices at that depth and is a matter of ongoing debate. The resulting oil
slick covers a surface area of at least 2,500 square miles, with the exact
size and location of the slick fluctuating from day to day depending on
weather conditions. Scientists have also reported immense underwater
plumes of oil not visible at the surface.Experts fear that the spill will
result in an environmental disaster, with extensive impact already on
marine and wildlife habitats. The spill has also damaged the Gulf of
Mexico fishing and tourism industries. There have been a variety of
ongoing efforts to stem the flow of oil at the wellhead. Crews have been
working to protect hundreds of miles of beaches, wetlands and estuaries
along the northern Gulf coast, using skimmer ships, floating containment
booms, anchored barriers, and sand-filled barricades along shorelines. The
US Government has named BP as the responsible party in the incident, and
officials have said the company will be held accountable for all cleanup
costs resulting from the oil spill.(Description of Source: Moscow
ITAR-TASS in English -- Main government information agency)

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Spain repeats wish for Gibraltar to feature on UN decolonization list -
EFE
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:37:19 GMT
list

Text of report by Spanish news agency EfeUnited Nations, 15 June: Today
Spain reiterated its opposition to the efforts to exclude Gibraltar from
the United Nations list of territories in the process of decolonization
and repeated its wish to negotiate with the United Kingdom over the future
of Gibraltar.The Spanish government said at a meeting with the United
Nations decolonization committee today that the body's role is "completely
rel evant" in the case of Gibraltar, despite the view of the territory's
government that its new constitutional ties to the United Kingdom have put
an end to its colonial era.At the same time, Madrid expressed its support
for the position of the decolonization committee's presidency in "adopting
a realistic position that takes into account the specific characteristics
of each case"."For which reason, we oppose any attempt to exclude
Gibraltar from the list of territories in the process of decolonization,
undermining the process established by the United Nations," said Spanish
representative Roman Oyarzun in his speech.He described the current
constitutional relationship between Gibraltar and the United Kingdom -
which forms the basis of the argument that Gibraltar is not a colony - as
"colonialism by consent" and an "instrument of colonizing power".Oyarzun
pointed out that Gibraltar is the only non autonomous territory that a
European state maintains in the territory of another European state,
despite the fact that they are both members of the European Union and
allies in NATO.He emphasized that the territory's situation "is of a
colonial nature" and that it is therefore incompatible with the United
Nations Charter, and undermines the national unity and territorial
integrity of Spain."Gibraltar has no choice but to remain British or to
return to being Spanish," said the Spanish diplomat, since the future of
this territory is linked to the content of the Treaty of Utrecht, under
which Madrid ceded it to London in 1713.He reiterated the Spanish
government's wish to resume bilateral talks with the United Kingdom within
the framework of the Brussels Process which the two countries established
in 1984.At the same time, he expressed Spain's satisfaction with the
cooperation achieved since 2004 under the so-called (Tripartite) Forum of
Dialogue for the solution of local problems which affect the wellbeing of
the population of the territory and the surrounding area.(Description of
Source: Madrid EFE in Spanish -- Spanish semi-official independent news
agency)

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40) Back to Top
Iran's People's Mujahedeen Says Bomb Plot Claim Shows Government's
'Desperation'
"Ex-Rebels Say Bomb Plot Claim Shows Iran's Desperation" -- AFP headline -
AFP (North European Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 19:38:40 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP in English -- North European Service of
independent French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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41) Back to Top
Iran Summons UK Ambassador - Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Network 1
Wednesday June 16, 2010 17:20:20 GMT
Following the arrest of the members of two teams of Monafeqin (REFERENCE
to Mojahedin Khalq Organization (MKO)), who intended to plant bombs, and
findings indicating that they (the two teams) were supported by Britain,
the British ambassador in Tehran was summoned to the Foreign Ministry. In
the meeting, the harshly-worded objection of the Islamic Republic of Iran
was conveyed to him.The British ambassador said that his country was
against terrorist acts, and he promised to convey Iran's objection to
London and present the result of investigations to the Iranian Foreign
Ministry.(Description of Source: Tehran Vision of the Islamic Republic of
Iran Network 1 in Persian -- state-run national television, officially
controlled by the office of the supreme leader)

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Majles Rejects 'Unfair' UN Resolution, Urges Tough Line Against Inspection
- Iranian Students News Agency
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:03:59 GMT
recent UN Security Council's unfair resolution against Iran and the US and
UK plots. " The US and UK adopted a crafty approach and damaged the fair
settlement of Iran's nuclear issue, which was based on talks whereas Iran
had signed a fuel swap declaration along with both Turkey and Brazil to
show its confidence-building measure," the statement read.

"The immature and hasty measure of the US and the UK ruined the reputation
of the two countries and the UN." "The resolution is rejected in the view
of Iranian nation," the statement said. "We as members of the Islamic
parliament, call for the government to continue peaceful enrichment
activities in all sections and press ahead with 20-percent enrichment to
provide fuel for Tehran's research reactor." "We also warn the US and UK
that if they think they can use the resolutions as a tool for pressure,
they should know that the Iranian nation has stood firm on the issue."The
Iranian lawmakers also called for the government to hit back at any
aggressive (attempt at) inspection of Iranian ships. They added, the
Islamic parliament is observing the US Senate, Congress and the European
Union (EU) and they will receive a tough response from Iran in case of
taking (any) wicked measure against the country.(Description of Source:
Tehran Iranian Students News Agency in English -- conservative news agency
that now generally supports government policy; it had previously provided
politically moderate reporting; linked to University Jihad, a state-backed
student organization; www.isna.ir)

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43) Back to Top
Iran Reduces Scientific Cooperation With UK
Report headlined "Deputy minister of science announced: Cooperation i n
[the field of] science between Iran and Britain decreases" - Keyhan Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:10:02 GMT
scientific cooperation (Arsalan Qorbani) has said that Iran has reduced
its scientific ties with the UK due to non-adherence to academic
diplomacy.

While describing Iran's priorities in international and scientific
cooperation with other countries, the deputy minister of science, Arsalan
Qorbani, said: Due to the reduction of scientific cooperation with the UK,
the frequency of participation in scientific conferences and meetings in
this country is also decreasing. Qorbani went on to say: We decided to
reduce our scientific ties with the UK due to its non-adherence to
academic diplomacy, its hegemonic behaviour towards the members of Iranian
academic delegations and imposing limitations on our scientists.He said:
Therefore, the participation of our scientists in scientific conferences
of this country and our general scientific cooperation with this country
has also decreased.Qorbani added: Considering the approaching university
summer holidays, there is a positive tendency among lecturers to attend
international science conferences and seminars and at least 10 members of
science institutions have applied to the Ministry Of Science in this
regard.Pointing out that presenting papers in important international
scientific conferences and meetings has increased compared to last year
(Iranian year starting on 21 March), the deputy minister of science said:
Scientific production is increasing day-by-day in our country and despite
the issues that are being raised, the volume of international scientific
cooperation is increasing more rapidly.He pointed out that Iranian
university lecturers mostly visit European countries for scientific
conferences and added: We have agreements and joint projects with most of
the countries in the scientific a nd technical joint committees.
Apparently, we give priority to regional and Islamic countries and members
of the Organization of Islamic Conference in scientific and international
cooperation.(Description of Source: Tehran Keyhan Online in Persian --
website of hardline conservative Tehran daily. Published by the Keyhan
Institute publishing company; edited by Hoseyn Shari'atmadari, Supreme
Leader Khamene'i's representative to the paper; URL:
http://www.kayhannews.ir)

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44) Back to Top
UK MP Says Citizens 'Illegally Sub-Letting' Farms From Zimbabweans
Unattributed report: "UK MP Exposes Illegal Zim Land Deals" - The Herald
Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:14:56 GMT
(Description of Source: Harare The Herald Online in English -- Website of
state-owned daily that frequently acts as a mouthpiece for ZANU-PF and
nominally distributed nationwide; URL: http://www.herald.co.zw)

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45) Back to Top
Analysts Say BP Able To Afford $20 Billion for Oil Spill Claims
"BP Can Cope With 20 Billion Oil Fund Commitment: Analysts" -- AFP
headline - AFP (North European Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 20:21:04 GMT
(De scription of Source: Paris AFP in English -- North European Service of
independent French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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46) Back to Top
Britain's Cameron Says BP Needs 'Certainty' on Liabilities for Oil Spill
"BP Must Be Given 'Certainty' on Liabilities: British PM" -- AFP headline
- AFP (North European Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 15:21:48 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP in English -- North European Service of
independent French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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47) Back to Top
UK Finance Minister Outlines Financial Regulation Shake-Up
"British Minister Outlines Financial Regulation Shake-Up" -- AFP headline
- AFP (North European Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 13:58:32 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP in English -- North European Service of
independent French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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Russian arbitration court dismisses TNK-BP's refund claim - RIA-Novosti
Wednesday June 16, 2010 13:53:25 GMT
Text of report by Russian state news agency RIA NovostiMoscow, 16 June: On
Wednesday (16 June), the Moscow Arbitration Court dismissed a claim filed
by the TNK-BP oil company against the Federal Tax Service (FTS) seeking
recovery of R921.581m (about 29.5m dollars at the current exchange rate),
the Russian Agency of Legal and Court Information (RAPSI) was told at the
court.As TNK-BP explained earlier, the company is seeking recovery of the
amount of interest accumulated due to a late refund of excess customs duty
of R3.9bn.(Description of Source: Moscow RIA-Novosti in Russian --
Government information agency, part of the state media holding company;
located at www.rian.ru)

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UK's Cameron To Resist Power Transfer at EU Debut
"British PM To Resist Power Transfer at EU Debut" -- AFP headline - AFP
(North European Service)
Wednesday June 16, 2010 12:48:29 GMT
(Description of Source: Paris AFP in English -- North European Service of
independent French press agency Agence France-Presse)

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50 ) Back to Top
Iran MPs urge government to 'seriously' pursue nuclear program - Iran
Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 11:26:20 GMT
program

Text of report in English by Iranian official government news agency IRNA
websiteTehran, 16 June: Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
(Majlis) in a statement today called on the country's government to follow
up all aspects of Iran's peaceful nuclear programme "seriously and
quickly."The statement has been signed by 201 members of Majlis from the
total 290, in reaction to the recent anti-Iran resolution issued by the UN
Security Council as well as in protest to the US and UK plots against the
Islamic Republic of Iran.Majlis urged the Iranian government to continue
producing 20-per cent enriched uranium to supply fuel for the Tehran
reactor.The Iranian nation re jects the sanctions' resolution and sees it
as illegitimate, the Majlis statement said.(Description of Source: Tehran
Iran Online in English -- website of pro-Ahmadinezhad daily published by
the official news agency IRNA; iran-daily.com)

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51) Back to Top
Iran reduces scientific cooperation with UK - minister - Keyhan Online
Wednesday June 16, 2010 10:43:17 GMT
Text of report headlined "Iranian Red Crescent to send three ships and one
airplane to Gaza" published by Iranian Jomhuri-ye Eslami on 8
JuneAbdolra'uf Adibzadeh, the Iranian Red Crescent's direc tor for
international affairs said: We are planning to send three ships and a
plane carrying humanitarian aid and relief workers to Gaza.In an interview
with the Central News Unit, Abdolra'uf Adibzadeh said: Presently we are
making preparations to hire two ships. He added that one ship will carry
70 aid workers, nurses and physicians and another one will carry
humanitarian aid including food and medicine to Gaza in coordination with
Turkish government. He said: It has been planned to accomplish this job by
the end of this week.Adibzadeh said another ship will have a surgery room
and will be equipped with hospital equipments. It will be despatched go to
the Gaza port in the near future.He added: At the moment we want to send a
plane with 30 tonnes of medicine and medical equipments to Gaza in the
shortest possible time in coordination with Egypt's Red Crescent.Adibzadeh
said the necessary coordination has been established with Egypt's Red
Crescent and Iran's Foreign Ministry is supervising the sending of these
aids.(Description of Source: Tehran Keyhan Online in Persian -- website of
hardline conservative Tehran daily. Published by the Keyhan Institute
publishing company; edited by Hoseyn Shari'atmadari, Supreme Leader
Khamene'i's representative to the paper; URL: http://www.kayhannews.ir)

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Russian TV advertising landscape takes shape - Broadband TV News website
Wednesday June 16, 2010 08:57:55 GMT
Text of report by Cambridge-based independent Broadband TV News website,
on 16 JuneThe Russian Federal Antimonopoly Serv ice (FAS) has published a
list of who will sell advertising for the country's top 15 TV channels for
the forthcoming year.According to Kommersant, the body will continue do so
on an annual basis in order to monitor the implementation of amended
advertising legislation. This is designed to limit the market share of any
ad sales company to 35 per cent and will cut back on the dominance to date
of Video International (VI).FAS estimates put VI's market share in the
last two years at 69-71 per cent, while its main rival
Gazprom-Media/Alcazar claimed 29-30 per cent. This year, VI will still
continue to serve 13 federal channels, while from 2011 it will still list
Channel One, Russia's leading broadcaster, among its clients.In assessing
the market, FAS had problems in determining the ad revenues of Ren TV,
another major station(Description of Source: Cambridge Broadband TV News
website in English )

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