Thread: Iraq/Dinar News. 09/05 to 01/14/07

Flugge 'will not read AWB Iraq report'
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AdvertisementFormer AWB chairman Trevor Flugge says he will not read the Cole report into the Iraq kickbacks scandal when it is made public next week, it is reported.

The five-volume findings of the lengthy inquiry into the $290 million paid by the wheat exporter to Saddam Hussein's regime was delivered to Governor-General Michael Jeffery on Friday.

A copy of the report is expected to go to Prime Minister John Howard before it is tabled in parliament - possibly as early as Monday or Tuesday.

The report is expected to recommend a string of charges against current and former AWB executives.

Mr Flugge has again said he did nothing wrong and fears going to prison, The Weekend Australian reports.

He told the newspaper he would not read the Cole report because he is so disgusted with the case he believes has been constructed against him.

"My public life is obviously over. And I can't honestly say that I miss it," Mr Flugge told the newspaper.

"People think the wheat trade is glamorous. I can assure you it's not glamorous."

The inquiry, which ran between January and September this year, heard evidence that ministers and officials missed, largely ignored, or failed to fully investigate dozens of warnings about AWB's illicit payments.

AWB has claimed it was the unwitting victim of an elaborate ruse by the corrupt government of Saddam Hussein.

But Mr Cole is expected to find that a large number of senior AWB staff knew the illicit payments breached UN sanctions in force against Iraq, and that AWB deceived the Australian government and the UN.

© 2006 AAP

Hard lessons for Baghdad teachers E-mail this
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Report, IRIN, 22 November 2006

BAGHDAD - Teacher Awatef Ala'a, 40, said it's a challenge getting to school every day but she does so because its important that children get the education they need to build a better Iraq.

"Many times I've found it hard to go to my school, either because of violence in the streets or because of attacks on teachers... but I take this risk because if I don't try to make good students in my class, the streets will get the better of them," said Ala'a.
A seven-year-old student told me that I was nothing else than a servant of Iraq's good families and that I deserve worse treatment than his mother gives to their dog.

Ala'a said she sets off early to school so she doesn't get stuck in traffic jams and so she can make sure all her pupils are accounted for. Suicide bombings in the streets and the kidnappings of teachers and children are a common occurrence in Iraq today.

She needs to work to help her four children, especially the two girls who are in university. Her husband has been unemployed for three years because he was a Ba'ath party member through no choice of his own.

"They fired my husband who was a very knowledgeable teacher in Baghdad University - even knowing that he didn't have any option under Saddam Hussein's regime and today we depend on my salary of US $300 dollars [per month]. It is not enough even to pay for our essential needs," she said.

Ala'a's rent is $150 per month. The rest of her salary does not cover the family's expenses so she has to borrow extra money from a friend or neighbour to make ends meet.

"They know how hard I work and trust us after years of living near each other, but I feel ashamed every day to look at their faces and say that we need more time to pay them even knowing that it might take a year," she said.

At school, Ala'a said limited resources made her job difficult. Books and equipment are in short supply. "Sometimes our students do not even have a pen or pencil and we have to wait until one student finishes for the other to write. This slows down the teaching process," she said.

Daily tragedies

When Ala'a leaves the school, after all the students have been picked up by their parents, she goes home and updates her family on the often tragic incidents of the day.

"Every day I come back home and tell of the latest kidnapping of a teacher or student, the killing of a colleague or the new insults that the students have learned and told me," Ala'a said.

"Last week, a seven-year-old student told me that I was nothing else than a servant of Iraq's good families and that I deserve worse treatment than his mother gives to their dog.

"There is no respect for us [now] and sometimes even the school director is afraid to punish a child because she is scared that his or her family might kill her, as many such cases have already happened in our country [due to sectarian violence]," she said.

Ala'a said she knew that she could change jobs and do something else less demanding but she felt she had a role to play in educating the younger generation and ensuring a better future for Iraq. And because teachers are becoming scarce in Iraq, with thousands fleeing to Jordan and Syria, or being forced to stay in their homes, she felt even more compelled to carry on.

Since February this year when sectarian violence began to escalate, nearly 210 teachers have been killed and at least 3,700 have fled Iraq to neighbouring countries, according to the Ministry of Higher Education. But Ala'a said she will not flee, though she worries for the safety of her family and herself.

"I'm tired and stressed. In the past few months, I have been seriously afraid that something could happen to me and my daughters. Women in Iraq are in constant danger because of the increase in violence, especially rape," Ala'a said.

"Ten days ago my colleague was raped by four men on her way back from the school. She lost the most precious thing she had - her virginity. She is depressed and just wants to kill herself because she feels shamed in the eyes of society.

"I really don't want this to happen to me and my daughters but there is no alternative but to stay and work. We have to be stronger and believe that we are immune to all this violence. It is the only way to live in Iraq now," she said.

BAGHDAD - Taxi driver Ali Haydar, 36, has to be careful about choosing his customers. Two of his fellow drivers were killed recently when suicide bombers used their cabs to get close to their intended targets and detonate themselves.

"Once a guy got into my car and asked me to just drive him around the city. I found it strange but I needed to work so I couldn't say no. But then I started to feel that this man was dangerous and was trying to find a place to carry out an attack. I asked him what was wrong and he simply told me that he was looking for a place to explode. I stopped at a traffic light and ran from my car, leaving him inside," Haydar said.

"Can you believe it? He was bold enough to tell me that in my face. When I came back to my car, he had left and the police were there. They then accused me of being a terrorist and beat me until some people who knew me intervened and explained to them that I am a taxi driver," he added.

Suicide bombings occur every day in the capital, and cars and taxis are a popular means to this grisly end.

When Haydar stops to pick up a passenger, he has to decide quickly whether the person is a potential threat or not. He looks at their face, checks what they are carrying and thinks about the location they want to go to. He said women and children were always a safe bet.

Haydar has been a taxi driver for more than 15 years, but said the days of when it was safe to drive in Baghdad are gone. He said his old Volkswagen Passat car was imported from Brazil by former president Saddam Hussein's government along with some tanks Iraq was buying.

He worries about it breaking down in crowded places, typical targets for daily bombings. And as his car is his means for his livelihood, he does his utmost to keep it in good condition. "It is an old car, but like every taxi driver, we have no choice but to keep it going because people need to be transported," Haydar said.

Another problem Baghdad's taxi drivers face is the logistical nightmare of getting through the roadblocks and congestion. Over the past two years, many of the capital's main roads have been closed for security reasons, particularly near important buildings, making the already heaving city even more chaotic.

"Places which took 15 minutes to get to before, now take an hour or more - if you are smart enough to take side streets and stay clear of government buildings," Haydar said. "But the number of taxis has decreased in Baghdad after the increase in violence, so I am lucky and can always find someone to pick up."

While passengers are readily available, they do not always have enough money to pay. With no fare counters, haggling in advance is the norm, he said.

"Taxi fares have increased since the price of petrol increased. People are having difficulties paying and there are days when you give to them [by giving them a free ride] rather than them giving to you," Haydar said.

He said he works 17 hours every day, from 6am till 11pm, in order to make enough money to feed his two wives and six children. "I didn't choose to marry a second wife but my family forced me to after my brother was killed and his widow needed a husband," Haydar said.

"When I go home at night, my wives are waiting in worry for me, afraid that something might have happened to me because working as taxi driver in Iraq today is like fighting in a battle," he said.

Translated version of http://www.baghdad-newspaper.com/

Alsadshashrh year-number 1455 - Thursday, November 23, 2006 the way for the re-production of national cohesion Hana Shekhli that the issue of addressing the political and social crises, economic,The deteriorating security situation in which we live,requires understanding of the reasons that led to it,The factors that helped to sustain and exacerbate,then work to create favorable conditions to address and overcome.This calls for the exercise of constructive exchange of scientific,that makes disclosure of the reality,It is not legitimate bet on the composition of the first,The analysis of the status quo,The diagnosis of the nature of the conflict and the actual interests harbored here and there,regardless of the perceptions of privacy,or in the Overseas Astrajeh gain legitimacy.From this standpoint, it is necessary that all forces and parties, movements and political actors in the arena.review and intellectual fabric of the actual exercise,commensurate with the current situation and the higher national interest.

There is no doubt that the future of the country and ensure their safety in our current,relying mainly on the ability of the political forces and social leaders on conflict management,a male worker from demolition to construction worker.And the method of disposal of political elites holding power,about enhance the confidence of the various national groups of political Perkins,and overcoming the bigotry, and narrow the gap in viewpoints,to find a way out of the controversial aspects of the pending,and deliver on the promises and commitments.

To contribute to the achievement of national reconciliation and understanding,and the expansion of political participation,The deepening of collective responsibility,The renunciation of violence or resort to the use of arms.It also depends on the adherence to all citizens, the national principles and respect for the law and human rights for the sake of the public interest over any other interests. As is the case in countries where there is conflict, all the battles waged by the forces and factions and political movements and social policies in our country,conflicts are relevant content and the content of socio-political, economic and ideological.access objective basis of the authority and legitimacy elements.This discharge that a large part of the slogans of the conflicting parties.to do not reflect the reality of social interests,the material and moral, that lie behind it,For historical Ahaqiqh bets involved.

In fact,The main objective of those slogans,is the legalization of these interests,and make them consistent self and accepted by the public opinion.and thus strengthening the position of each party in the social and political battle.Even many of those who think of Aishgham only factional interests and the elimination of hostile ideologies,to realized that the issue goes far beyond the problems of political and social conflict and the division of power between rival forces,for much of the state itself as a national university,, and prevent it from decay and disintegration and decay,not in the legal, administrative and political, but even a geographical sense and al-Turabi.

In light of the current crises are no longer state of the Iraqi Adolh national nor religious,To Aelmaneh or Arab and Aajenbeh.They are nothing short of the only light itself, which barely covers the sectional interests and physical treatments that eat them.This is the problem, and this is the dimensions and flaws,Regardless of the mode of expression.It is a national problem, and the double meaning,any sense of the establishment of the principle of citizenship in the treatment of Interior.Therefore, on the basis of this problem is that the political ideology and national social,, which should be derived elements that help to develop new solutions and the formulation of policies beneficial.It is not possible not only approved the Islamic-sectarian Shia or Sunni-and national - whether Arab or Kurdish, Turkoman-nor secularism,Alone to be able to re-create the dynamic to combine forces and authored and mobilized to respond to these great challenges.It is not possible for any other faith to do so alone.The first step in building a collective will,the establishment of national life.the rules and principles are clear and acceptable and legitimate,on the basis of recognizing one another,prevent and reduce the homeland and the right hand or category without the other.This is allowing the forces of national accord, assembly and understanding,any UN Mdiatha all,Altmdeh or vocation,in order to build a political and social relationships.It guaranteed the principle of democracy, which means consensus through negotiation and dialogue on the basis of reciprocity,and respect for what should be up to the national interests.And this requires a connecting faith in ideals and openness to the views and positions of others and respect their vital interests as well.This principle is not a condition for the achievement of peace among the people, according to the requirement, but also to promote national unity.Accordingly,care should be taken to avoid the risk of civil war.

The bloodshed,that the most important condition for the success of dialogue and reconciliation,They should be careful not to sacrifice any of the political forces and social situation,it can only serve to weaken our social, rather than weak,It is not possible to get out of the crises not to disclose the way, framework and system of values that will help us to retain all the resources and capacities of any material and moral also political, cultural and ideological movement of citizens and to motivate them to work and collective initiative.And we can ensure the future and stop the retreat.only if we succeed in developing a harmonious coexistence of all forces,The capital Khiaralthmich, conflict and mutual liquidation.. As in the case of the continuation of the current situation as it is,with the aggravation of the problems and internal and external crises.the material and moral,and the continuing severe political,The absence of a serious dialogue.

The adoption of the power of military force in the consolidation of the government and impose order,we should not expect anything else,but the transition from the problem to another problem,It is another to violence and extremism to extremism,It insurgency to civil war.We should not be surprised in the future to watch the heats and massacres on a large scale.What is needed here working on the reproduction of national fabric.so can our society that crystallizes a de facto policy,and to provide part of the effort to solve the crisis,and leaving for the economic development and social comprehensive and sustained,This will only be achieved if we managed to overcome internal divisions.and rebuild and strengthen our social and intellectual,The stock of our national, on the basis of stable and solid,The initiative to expand the margin of the actual civilization in the face of all the divisive factors,All the forces of darkness, which harbor evil for Iraq and its people,whether local, regional or international. The construction of this unit can not be deepening conflicts between communities and community groups and directing them one against the other,but the discovery of a new model in the dialogue,Baatmad democratic logic,to achieve understanding of procedure and strengthening national unity,through the distribution of the exercise of political power and social,alliances and the promotion of nationalintellectual and overcome differences,and the creation of cartels strong social convenience,any trend by creating a collective alive and strong and popular frustration Kaderali Astrajeh fragmentation and disintegration and foreign domination.

The conduct of the democratic option,, which counts the principle of dialogue and compromise,our way is the only way to remove us from the cycle of violence and to put our society on the road to work diligently and effectively.The failure to do so,it will not impossible for us to a dead end,It let us ultimately to the hellish inevitable,It will then not be able to generations of grown up between them and some mutual confidence,garnering consisted of a new home,outside of its successive.

The essence of the democratic dialogue,summarized work seriously and continuing to halt the cycle of violence and retaliation.whether through his various criticism, and slogans.or criticism of the policies and the forces that drive him Auchja it.And keep bridges open between all the national forces,frustration and the extremist trends,and to encourage them to adopt positive attitudes. that acceptance of intellectual pluralism,the right of every person to express their views freely and the same man,The core value of democracy,there was no point in dialogue if each party resides dialogue in order to gain the other party,Odvan to abandon the platform.The dialogue based on this basis,that must end in failure.

The value of dialogue for Atkman abandoned one of the parties in view of his conviction of the other party and the opinion of its introduction,but lie primarily in the abandonment of the party Dhadi position of the other,The omission of those classifications, which require convicted and excluded.Nor is it the aim of the dialogue groups on the conversion of their beliefs,but that is the same and each team identity in a flexible and open,to abandon the belief that he possesses the truth College,Balmatehaurin leading to the conviction of self-adjustment,The drafting position mosque or at a common language.And more importantly,each party to be able to exercise the same hubs and the Department of his logic of multiplicity and circulation and differences,and not only the position of incompatibility.

This logic pluralistic controversial boat,the one who gives the interlocutors to understand each other and competing to coexist.Vbalthaur and understanding between the political forces and social norms and standards are understood and accepted for collective action,could develop a joint position on national issues that should be stopped, and preservation.

It must be a minimum of understanding or consensus-General,on the basic things.Let us take things in common and agree upon without a duel-assets and the rules of working together - if this was not achieved the minimum of Airtqi to ambitious,then there can be no success,It may not be possible to stop the cycle of violence and counter-violence.

The establishment of a system based on mutual respect and broad political participation and ensure that the vital interests of all its dignity and the freedom of the individual and respect for human rights highlights more and more every day and reflected in the behavior of citizens and many of the groups.

This is reflected in particular in the reactions to the conflict to stop fighting and attracting the biggest possible elements of the opposition and protest and discontent about the option or peaceful conflict by peaceful and political means,the option in the face of violence and mutual destruction.The Baker.Hamilton will be to involve Iraq's neighbors.Favors gradual withdrawal Ambassador Edward Djirdjian,Director of Baker of public policy at Rice University,The independent panel established by Congress to study the situation in Iraq (of the Baker and Hamilton) and make recommendations to President George W. Bush and Congress had 'carried out more than 99% of the interviews'The conversation continued in a dialogue with him.'and we will, days after the most difficult stage of the drafting of the report before us'.Meanwhile Djirdjian,for a discussion of the nature of the recommendations, except to say that it will be 'the outcome of a long and mechanisms aimed at providing a realistic and implementable'.He added that it is expected that the panel will submit its report on the 7th of next month. Sources involved in the work of advisory committees formed by the Panel, which submitted reports and preliminary recommendations for the use of team members in the drafting of their final report,that 'it was clear from the outset that the main objective was to discuss ways to achieve victory in Iraq.but in an attempt face-saving,and contain the damage and avoid a disaster-political strategy '. The Panel has conducted this week, a number of some of the most important and the latest interviews and meetings ahead of the final drafting of the report,including the members of the team held a meeting with President Bush and his aides prominent (Panel conducted the first interview with Bush in the July 14), as Baker and Hamilton met with Bush at a later date also.The most important an interview this week with the British Prime Minister Tony Blair via satellite,The team completed its work in Washington Tuesday, held meetings with former President Bill Clinton and senior officials of his administration. the Committee will discuss the circumstances and reasons that led to the invasion of Iraq.it will focus on making recommendations on what must be done in the future. Informed sources said that the majority of panel members, including Republican members such as Baker and Lawrence Eagleberger Judge O'Connor supported the involvement of Iraq's neighbors in any lasting solution.It is therefore anticipated that the Panel to talk with Iraq's neighbors,Iran, and specifically with that recommendation will be addressed to the general and Iraq's neighbors. The Baker has alluded to this when he said 'You are not talking only with your friends,We must also speak with the enemies. in order to move towards peace diplomatically, 'added Baker in a radio interview that the dialogue with the enemies should not be interpreted as' appeasement'.Baker also revealed some of his cards close to his chest and on the American troops,when added 'choice must not be between the withdrawal and retreat,or continue the current approach,I mean that there must be another choice between these options'.Three options and half the sources expected to include the recommendations of the final report on the future of the American military presence.three options and a half, described as follows :increasing the number of American forces radically change any of about 50 thousand soldiers,This is an option more theoretical than practical and viable option for the application,and then half of this option,any deployment of 20 thousand additional troops to assume full control of Baghdad.This option would have limited results.The third option is the American forces will stay, or most,However, after the withdrawal of military bases,and deployed to protect the economic installations and oil installations specifically,The intervention of ground and air support for the rapid Iraqi forces when the need arises.However, the sources added that the most likely option, attractive to the members of the Panel is a choice 'gradual withdrawal' for the American troops,but without specifying timetables binding (which is strongly opposed to President Bush) and linking this withdrawal to the progress of the process implicitly train the Iraqi forces and other political developments.Information and spread the culture of human rights lawyer Sahar Yasiri, the world has witnessed in recent years, political and cultural transformations of them highlight the value of human rights by the increasing global interest and hurries various countries of the world to embrace the principles of human rights and stipulates their commitment to the importance of these rights, which led by the right of afor individuals in the freedom of expression and equality, away from all forms of discrimination between the classes has reflected this concern in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations and worked on the publication of its principles and many of the non-proliferation and international covenants, which calls for human rights and the need sponsored by the governments and peoples havesigned break States to ((the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)), which provides in article nine of the ten states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and this right includes freedom to gather information and ideas, receive and impart whether in the form of writing or in print, in the form of art or any other means. This has helped therapid development and the communications revolution on the further proliferation of the principles of human rights as linked Tknlujia contact parts of the world, pushing each other States to improve its image and to reaffirm their commitment to these principles, which have become standards of a modern state and the availability of these rights is reflected positively to the economic development efforts and addthe impact of the international situation or the so-called new world order, which was formed after the Gulf War features two separately and the destiny of the United States and its hegemony over other states each State has therefore sought to highlight its commitment to human rights to confront any excuses for foreign intervention in its internal affairs.

The United worldYeh human rights crystallized before the era of globalization, where the starting point to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948 has laid the framework for human rights has been expanded and elaborated in a number of charters, especially the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant Hakus political, social and cultural rights. Therefore, there is now a global system of human rights consisting of basic elements difficult and the most important difference of these elements :

* - the right to life.
* The right to freedom.
* The right to safety from physical and moral.
* The right to a fair trial.
* The right to express his opinion.
* The right to organize trade unions and political parties.
* The right to equality and enjoyment of equal opportunities, without distinction as to race, sex, religion or race.And despite the fact that all these principles states and agreed to by all civilizations and cultures However, in actual practice, has talked a lot of deviations and abuses and different limits and the extent of the exercise of these rights may vary from country to country according to the circumstances and events that pass by each State.

If human rights is the title of the State AlasRayya and the civilized development of this development on the major responsibility in raising awareness of these rights and can carry out this task without enjoying the most important of these rights, especially the right to freedom of expression,Freedom of Information and Communication has become the benchmark for measuring the evolution of society and its cultural values have played a press, for example, played a prominent role in the dissemination of the culture of human rights and the development of awareness of their importance where the British newspaper The Observer in establishing one of the most important international organizations in the field of human rights, namely, (Organization pwFu International), after a famous article published in the British newspaper lawyer is entitled (forgotten prisoners) had a great resonance of this article and create a sensation led to the founding of the Organization, which has played a prominent role in exposing human rights violations everywhere in the world. It highlights the important role of the media in raising public awareness and the transfer of a human rights culture to the painAten and simple to know the rights and the rights of others in the country where there is a legacy of political and social traditions that limit the exercise of these rights are increasing importance of the role played by media in the development of this tradition and modernization notably improve mental picture of and advancement of women and to highlight their role in participating Almejtfold and the access to their social, political and humanitarian. But media coverage of human rights issues in Iraq could be critical for the following reasons :-

1.((Selectivity)), and the politicization of human rights, and because media coverage formal political position to a large extent a result of the selectivity of this significant shortfall in the flow of information without any bias connotations of the violation of human rights principles in the knowledge and exposure to different views and Airga to respond to the instructions of the Authority ElsieAceh, but in response to specific stance adopted by some of the media and to promote him for the specific objectives and to serve certain interests, whether political or economic.

2.The media attention to human rights issues and coverage is limited and lacks the depth, coverage and follow-up.

3.Fragmentation of the concept of Human Rights on the grounds of privacy local and regional differentiation and cultural and historical backgrounds, religious, economic and accepts the concept of retail in accordance with the Vienna Declaration of 1993.

4. The form is the National Safety No. 1 of 2004 and the Anti-Terrorism Act No. 13 of 2005 heavy restrictions greatly limited the freedom of the Iraqi media of exposing human rights violations in Iraq, whether committed by the occupation forces or the Iraqi security forces sword of the crime of terrorism is greatly hindered the work of journalists in the Iraqidetect violations and led to many of them to lose his life or imprisonment of the word Iraq today is the state in which the largest number of journalists covering the media despite the fact that the permanent constitution in the text of Article 36 that the ((including state guarantees to prejudice public order and morality :First-freedom of expression by all means. Second-freedom of the press, printing, advertising and media and publishing.

Translated version of http://www.newsabah.com/

the Ministry of the Environment participate in the work of the first Arab Media Forum for Environment and Sustainable Development, the end of the month


Baghdad Sadiq Alazarki : The Ministry of the Environment in the Arab Media Forum of the Environment and Sustainable Development, organized by the Secretariat of the League of Arab States / Department of the Environment, Housing and Development in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment and the Arab Center for Culture, Media and the mother m Nations Environment Program / Regional Office for West Asia and the Economic and Social Commission for West Asia and the Islamic Organization for Education, Science and Culture to be held on the 28th of November in Cairo this month. He explained Karim al-Tamimi, director of the information center and environmental education at the Ministry of Co-head of the delegation that meeting, which will continue its three-day aims to strengthen the capacities of environmental Arab media to create more specialized Arab media and the ability to raise the building, environmental issues and sustainable development affecting Arab interests and Tchkh Isa and the reality of dealing with environmental issues and sustainable development in the media and its impact on changing the perceptions and attitudes of Arab citizens to be positive towards the preservation of the environment and the rational use of resources and access to the most effective ways including building partnerships for the recruitment of Information in the service of environmental issues and sustainable development. Tamimi and that the participants in the forum will discuss the ten meetings over a three-day topics reality and the vision of the future and developments in the issues of environment and sustainable development and put environmental issues and sustainable development in the Arab drama, the role of women and youth in the service of environmental issues and youth. He said : The forum will be an important occasion for the exchange of ideas and opinions and to develop expertise in particular and senior officials of the Arab media would participate as well as senior officials of the environment and officials of radio and television stations, government, artists, scenario writers and directors and officials of space stations, chief editors of newspapers and publishing houses, Okal AT advertising and the Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of Information and the Arab Journalists Union and the Arab States Broadcasting Union and Arab organizations and regional organizations, the forum will be sponsored by the General Presidency of Meteorology and Environmental Protection, Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the Ministry of Environment in celebration of the Central Regional Ozone Day and the global round table of the Press and Information on the strengthening of the role of the media to support compliance with the Montreal Protocol on in Western Asia to be held on the third of December next in Manama, Bahrain, organized Compliance Assistance Program of the United Nations Environment Regional Office in Western Asia in cooperation with the General Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Protection in Saudi Arabia. Al-Tamimi said that the forum, which will include a number of specialists from the ministries of environment and transport comes in response to the recommendations of the President of the Network Layer officials, which was held in Dubai last May, which came in recognition of the pivotal role played by the press and the media in sensitizing the society the importance of protecting the environment Witt genuine sustainable development and added that the round table is intended to inform the media sector on the importance of the coming stage with regard to the need to comply Montreal Protocol by the West Asian countries and the challenges faced by those States to achieve the complete elimination of the consumption of ozone-depleting substances, according to the ef Daul time approved the Montreal Protocol and the involvement of experts and the media in the countries of the region in efforts to protect the ozone layer through the provision of further decisions on the Montreal Protocol and explain the importance and the need to adhere to those decisions at all levels of national, regional and international levels to ensure the protection of the ozone Layer. He pointed out that Tamimi Forum seeks to develop a framework of the program of work for the promotion of the activities of regional and national awareness in the light of current and future challenges in order to achieve the goals Potokol Montreal and protection of the ozone layer and activate the mechanisms of coordination and exchange of information between the environmental and media at a the national, regional and strengthen communication and coordination between international and regional organizations in the areas of support for the role of media in environmental issues in general and the protection of the ozone layer in particular. He added that the round table will be an opportunity for coordination and fruitful exchange of experiences among the participants, particularly as it will see the participation of officials of the Ministries of Information and environmental bodies environment for the West Asian countries and representatives of the Press and Information Audio-Visual States Western Asia and regional organizations and other relevant Wa the Secretariat of the Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the League of Arab States and the environmental media of the Mediterranean and the Arab Center for Culture, Media and Radio Monte Carlo and magazine environment and Lebanese life.

Originally Posted by shotgunsusie

Iraqi president postpones Iran visit - Yahoo! News

Is this President a Man Or a mouse! You the Pres " Pull up your plane and off you go!!" The airport is closed to citzens not Gov.

Translated version of http://www.newsabah.com/

Baghdad and agencies :

A spokesman for the Iraqi government, Dr. Skinner on the formation of committees and economic security with visiting Syrian delegation headed by Foreign Minister Walid Muallim.

Skinner said in a press statement : The Iraqi and Syrian sides agreed on the formation of security committees to follow up the security file and control the border between the two countries and exchange of information.
He added that the Iraqi side also discussed with the visiting delegation file financial and economic saying that the Syrians had good intentions in this area were Iraqi affinity for more than they expect from without reveals more details on the economic committees.


The Skinner to say that the Syrians showed genuine understanding for the position of the Iraqi expressing his hope to translate this understanding on the ground to improve bilateral relations.
He said the teacher : The Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad wishes to all Iraqis, security, prosperity and concern for the unity and stability of Iraq and its support for the political process and his country's readiness to provide the required assistance to the Iraqi people to emerge from the ordeal it is going through.
The sources revealed that the Iraqi parliamentary Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the official invitation to President Jalal Talabani, and Syrian President Bashar Assad, to visit Tehran early next week. Syria, for its part, confirmed Monday, keen to resume relations with its neighbor Iraq, especially in security and economic issues.
The Syrian position in the wake of a meeting between Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem, It is the highest Syrian official visit to the Iraqi capital Baghdad. since the war led by the United States in the spring of 2003.
The teacher's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, Syria's support of the government of national unity in Iraq. once his condemnation of all terrorism aimed at the Iraqi people and its institutions announcing his support for a mechanism of security cooperation between the two countries.
He said the teacher : We want to be partners with regard to the profit and loss and raise the level of cooperation in the field of security, politics and the development of economic cooperation between the two countries.
In a later development's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari during a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart Walid Al-Muallim, in Baghdad yesterday, Tuesday, the restoration of diplomatic relations between Baghdad and Damascus after a hiatus of about a quarter of a century.
Zebari said : signed just before the return of Iraqi-Syrian relations in full after a hiatus of a quarter of a century, prearranged hoped procedures and effective process of communication and ongoing dialogue between the two countries.
He added : locked together to start this process and will be informed in the skies of Iraq and Syria Syria in the skies of Baghdad.
He continued : Zebari In the field of security cooperation and coordination between the two countries. been an agreement to be meetings between security officials between the two countries also discussed ways to develop trade relations.

Massoud Barzani : the Constitution preserves the rights of citizens in Kirkuk

(Voice of Iraq) - 11-25-2006
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He said that citizens have confidence in the future of Iraqi Kurdistan. Massoud Barzani : the Constitution preserves the rights of the citizens of Kirkuk and did not publish s fear accuse us of being biased in Iraqi conflict
Arbil-Saad Ahmed life-25 / 11 / 06 / /


Massoud Barzani (Reuters)
President of the Kurdistan of Iraq and the leader of the Patriotic Union of Massoud Barzani, known for its economy to speak even if the borders are crucial not seem to retreat, in his view of the development of regional undertakes landmarks visitors to the Territory is moving enhanced security and investments. But Massoud Barzani, the clear view of the issues in talking about Iraqis and the neighboring countries. as oil revenues and sovereignty over Kirkuk and the role of factions s as of the new Iraqi army.

Here dialogue with him :


The visitors except Kurdistan manifestations of security and stability. Omran and the building active, so change the features of urban every day, Are the security conditions in the basis of this movement?

- For security great credit in all what is happening in Iraqi Kurdistan. But, it must be borne in mind that what is achieved is a continuation of the steps that have been taken before the fall of the dictatorship, The administrative bodies and the leadership of the Parliament and government institutions in the wake of the first democratic elections in the territory after the withdrawal of the central administration following the uprising spring 1991.


> But what is achieved today, in terms of the accelerated tempos or capacity fields of construction or the volume of investments, beyond all that has been achieved previously, but believes that?

- This is true. The potentialities previous limited, based on our own, especially Customs and Special Projects, and we suffer from Hassarin economists, the siege, and the international embargo, in addition to the permanent threat and the tensions that consume the energies and resources, The important thing is that citizens are TRUST future.


> Do you think problematic in the field and by this we mean the policy dimensions, Kurdish, Iraqi, Arab, regional and international.


First, How do you evaluate the development of the territory after the transition to the unified government?

- You have to appreciate yourself, Falzar Observers, My read and develop.

What games come from to rebuild the bridges of trust and unity between all the components of Kurdistan beyond the time spent now. This is convinced everyone that the unity and the adoption of the language of dialogue and interaction, to listen to the other, and renounce all methods of violence and grab and claim the truth, lie in a positive atmosphere that prevails in Kurdistan, which distinguishes between the two allies, relations Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, The Kurdistan Democratic Party and other parties participating in the administration of the province. But Kurdistan keen to devote this change and inclined to expand and convert it into reality Salad is not to retreat, a sure guarantee. as everyone is aware of the risks and challenges that Ttersdham aimed gains.

But this does not deny the continued positive deal some levels. in both governmental agencies and institutions or in the frameworks partisan, sensibilities partisan or regional contrary to the values of unity and standards and requirements. We are serious to take all necessary for the liquidation of its manifestations, and remove the causes, whether through education and direct contacts. or practical measures and tighten government control and partisan roots.


> Do you believe that external interference, not to say dangerous, the retreat after the adoption of the constitution and of its enforcement of federal in particular?

- I hope so, and we are trying to achieve a spirit of responsibility and very positive.

We express our great caution to take into account the interests of other neighboring countries, or groupings and individuals, and take into account the sensibilities, that was a cause for concern, But it is not for us alone, For the other parties should take into account the interests and sensibilities.

Our not be exposed to others or affect their interests. We also do not want nor intend in the future as well, turn to incite workers or export of values and ideas and directions. but not allow our territory to be turned bases against the territory of others.

But not one hand clapping! It seems that all parties and others concerned in the Iraqi Kurdistan and was not yet aware of, The facts that existed before the fall of the dictatorship, have fallen and gone with it, the headquarters of the Iraqi Constitution referendum Say counterpart in the region, demarcate the boundaries of our rights and obligations, and to ensure the protection and defense and to address any overcome them.


> What about the Kirkuk?

- Constitution put legal limits and mechanisms of the process through the government back to normal, population and geographically. And Kirkuk purely an internal affair, Krdstania-Iraqis, It is not the right of any side no matter claimed, that pitted for offering solutions and alternatives outside the constitutional frameworks Iraqi averages, or claim guardianship, or to any party.

Every citizen in Kirkuk, draws their rights and aspirations, which is who has the Iraqi Constitution, which is al-Faisal, from our standpoint, All other void, and of no value.


> What about the activity of the ministerial committee and the pace of their work and to respond to their demands?

- Constituent steps seemed encouraging, We assume good faith in dealing with the central government, even when faltering steps. or seem slow to respond, or do not involve the seriousness required to accelerate this constitutional referendum.

We look forward to be understood by all the parties concerned, in government, parliament and abroad. to accelerate the pace of normalization of the situation in Kirkuk. The deal with the effects of forced placement restore them the right to enjoy the historical identity, equity sons who had suffered discrimination, displacement, confiscation, but contributes to a climate of confidence between the political and social components in the country, which depends upon the fate of ongoing political process of democracy, and deplete one of the sources of tension. The site promotes the anti-terrorism and blasphemy.


> How do some of those lawsuits put the issue of Kirkuk. as if they had a dispute over its oil wealth. as oil from the requirements of establishing a state in the Kurdish «»?

- It fabrications that have lost their attractiveness, even advocates for the blind intolerance chauvinist, of numerous sung authorities handed exposed to governance, proponents of the victim - those who do not deserve more than the designated orphans dictatorship.

We have always said, and we repeat, our position is that we may be heading in the expression of the aspirations of our people to achieve the same nationalism, do not assume manipulation, or the adoption of the policy of twisted, the loader «», We are not those who sit on two chairs «» professing position. The harbor evils.

We are not afraid to manifest our Benyatna and when it comes to the fate of our people and our nation. not hesitate when we see necessary to declare any fateful decision imposed by our people through its democratically elected.

Some morbid extremists «» Knights mills deluding themselves that they are capable of provoking people. The impetus for adventure or dragged him to surrender, forgetting that the ousted regime, just withdrew all governmental agencies and institutions of Iraqi Kurdistan. we will respond to the temptation «adventure» not at the basis of our destination.

Our adoption of a federal system for Iraq, historic expression in the concrete circumstances of our own nationalism, As long as Hafiz Iraqis to a pluralist democratic federal system, and what values and practices, we were more concerned with the unity of Iraq and its development and prosperity. but we are now a Kurdistani people and the leaders, we see ourselves in a ditch defense of this unit and a tool for achieving active, and make a special effort to bring all parties into the political process and beyond. Each and resolutely face the serious negative manifestations, that might lead, God forbid, «», If what appears everyone vigilant and Alsaulih national spirit, to the roar of bloody confrontation leading to the devastating civil war.

To lead the country to division and fragmentation and unstable, are extremists of all stripes, the remnants of the system, »» Alqumanion and chauvinists most notably, and those who are the purveyors of terror and chaos. and those who claim to uphold the unity of the country. but in fact nostalgic for a time of tyranny and oppression and seize the sanctities.


> What about the neighboring states, adding that the concern of some of the sites and strengthen federalism and the role of government in Kurdistan in the Iraqi entity?

- For sure, Falvederalih we enjoy Iraqi character, The historical experience confirms that each country has its own characteristics, The export models and revolutions he had given the failure always, We have to acknowledge the existence of privacy even in the Kurdish nationalist movement in their respective territories. It stresses character, and style, in the struggle, programs and slogans.

What is in common, reflected in the right of people anywhere in the Kurdish self-determination in accordance with the concrete conditions and the ways it chooses, This right is gaining legitimacy from the charters of the United Nations and human rights, In the framework of the right to self-determination of nations and peoples.


> At the Arab level, Do you not see the need to move towards the Arab countries. building bridges of understanding and dispel doubts and delusions in some circles it?

- We decided to lead the region in the two allies, the formation of delegations to visit a number of Arab countries and holding extensive discussions on all issues Nodal and clarify the ambiguities that we see no basis for it, I should like, the priorities that the Kurdish people and their political leadership to find common ground with countries and the Arab peoples. even when we feel bitter about what some of the positions we are exposed to the terror and repression heats.

Try to our understanding of the relationship with the Arab countries and peoples, the need for mutual respect of national aspirations and ambitions of the Kurdish people and the Kurdish nation, as Amaniottalaaat respect the Arab peoples.

In all circumstances and conditions, the interaction, especially since we live neighboring, and combining religion (Aktheritna) was in the interest of our peoples and the development and stability and the development and stimulation of the Arab countries.

Act as allies of the Arab peoples, We look forward to be treated equally!


> You importance of Iraqi national unity, and preserving the unity of Iraq. But the controversy around your stand on the Iraqi flag cast a shadow over the Iraqi and Arab arenas?

- Did not interact Iraqi flag, but from the outset refused to fly the flag of the Baath Party, confirming the law issued by the Revolutionary Command Council «» repealed, that is the slogan of the Baath, «unity, freedom and socialism».

This position is avoided, and not like others, this blatant contradiction between insisting on abolishing the Baath «» and the liquidation of its effects, The condemnation of the crimes, adherence Balraih callous squatting by which all crimes committed against the Iraqi people in foreign wars.

It is strange that the manifestations of a sovereign »« many were exceeded, including the national anthem, argues that without one, The strangest thing is that the contradictory forces at all, met strange coincidence about the alleged flag as a symbol of Iraqi sovereignty.

It must be clarified that we did not raise the flag even before Saddam Hussein's fall, What we have done, a decision is aware of the use of the July Revolution, which the whole of the Iraqis, including Baathio time, together with the flag of Kurdistan. and to refrain from raising flags over the parties and government institutions.

We are advocates of the national anthem and an Iraqi flag reflect the plural democratic federal Iraq to hoist the entire Kurdistan. and we deal with a national symbol, Why not put this benefit in the priorities of the meetings of the House of Representatives?


> To return to what was said about oil, Is there a certain perception him as a national treasure?

- Let us affirm the clearest words, the national oil wealth, but we feel it is essential for the distribution of this wealth and taking into account other deprivations suffered by the provinces and regions that generate wealth for the country, Take, for example, Kirkuk, Basra Can the perception that they are heavily crowded, bustling oil and gas, Valbasserh example lacks clean drinking water! The Kirkuk, it is like the ruins of the city.


> What about contracts with foreign companies to explore oil wells or invest in Iraqi Kurdistan?

- There is no disagreement in terms of substance, Wealth was doomed to the central treasury, But some of the details of the formal raised as if they breach of this principle.

We believe that the Oil Ministry and the central government have the right to full access to the contracts and investing companies and study its contents, It remains to the Prime Minister of the province signed contracts and agreements.
Part of the city of Kirkuk (AFP)


The intriguing question of confusion in this context : but the territorial government regarding the limits of sovereignty. the Iraqi government and Iraqi sovereignty? if Where forms?


> I hope that whatever some of your questions. and for example, what has been said that you refused to move the military sectors (Kurdistan), which is part of the Iraqi army and Iraqi armed forces.

S-consider part of the Iraqi army. but we are cautious of the current complex and ambiguous, and its impacts negatively on the use of these units outside the borders of the territory, which brings us to face the charge of complicity in the suppression of this or that party, and aligned to this community or the other.

It is strange to say that this skepticism is definitely refuse to contribute military units to hunt down the terrorists in Kurdistan in Kirkuk, or even to secure the safety of the road to Baghdad - Kirkuk. and they refuse to participate in the protection of oil pipelines.

Our military did not move to the Kurdish part of any Iraqi, However, there are political circles and Arab media publishes lies in Lebanon that «s» fighting to the Kurdish party in the political conflict? Kurds involved in the Iraqi army and the armed forces in all parts of Iraq, perform duties such as other colleagues, the thefts, or objection. The wonder here supposing credibility, and they do not want reshuffling : Why not take the parliament or the government decision to publicly s invitation to contribute to securing stability and the protection of citizens and installations in Baghdad, for example, earlier in Mosul and Kirkuk?


> Do you not see that the constitution passed by the Parliament of Kurdistan Kurdistan is not consistent in many of its articles with the Iraqi Constitution?

- Reports that the Constitution of Kurdistan is not approved in Parliament after, It is under study and scrutiny to comply with the Iraqi constitution. We are keen to not be inconsistent with the Constitution and basic provisions, taking into account the privacy Kurdistan, which does not depart from the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution and the preamble.


> How is the development which led to the visit of the Syrian foreign minister to Baghdad, The resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries?

- Did not hesitate days to work on the normalization of Iraqi-Syrian relations and upgrading. The attempts date back to the pre-toppling the former regime, until the eve of war. We are advocates of a privileged role of Syria, But on the basis of the understanding of the conditions experienced by Iraq and the suffering of its people at the hands of the former regime, But the wind took no desire ships, unfortunately, The errors caused and still is, serious injury to the interests of the two countries.

We look forward to concrete steps separating accelerated to correct relations, It must be reflected not only in isolated encounters, but in the language of the Syrian media and the political atmosphere has healed, rush and sincere support to the political process of democracy in Iraq.

And then to alert some circles, the Kurdish people that today is part of the active political life, and have the constitutional right to establish a federal system in Kurdistan. but this development is based on the sacrifices stop using some of the terminology of political Blida?


> With the situation in Baghdad is moving towards more tension and deterioration, it seems to the observer, As if that was not part of your, As you do not really contribute to the ongoing debate on national reconciliation and doomed. Is this assessment accurate?

- Not inclined to review, But I recall the first, even before the fall of the regime, in opposition meetings overseas and in Kurdistan. the adoption of national reconciliation, and put an end to the cycle of bloody political assassinations. After the fall keeps Irbil conferences, seminars and dialogues dedicated to national reconciliation, and the command, and forces and methods of achieving it. I have another initiative in a few weeks to meet urgently in Erbil for political leaders without exception, to address growing congestion and expand the range of killings, intimidation and displacement beliefs. The formulation of clear and common concepts of national reconciliation, But the initiative stymied.

While the call for such meetings in Kurdistan, We do not want to transfer political weight Iraqi from Baghdad, As some hints of good unsound, but we believe in our airspace and can be saved from participating and interaction, working bring understanding.

In all cases, the hemorrhage in Baghdad. All Iraqi spot, our hearts bleed, and for us, We are ready to contribute to any effort to stop this hemorrhaging. and put the country on the road to security, stability and natural evolution.


Published in the same range with the newspaper «» Iraqi

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