A
Palestinian Dies of Wounds, Israeli Troops Demolish Five Houses, Invade
Qalqilya
International Press Center, June 18, 2003
GAZA, Palestine, June 18, 2003 (IPC+ Agencies)-- A Palestinian civilian died Wednesday
of wounds he sustained on June 10, 2003 when Israeli warplanes raided a Gaza densely-populated
neighborhood, attempting the assassination of a Hamas senior official. Hamed Haboush
45, of the Gaza city, has been declared dead after having been received intensive
medical care at the local hospital of Alshifa, Palestinian hospital officials
said.
Israeli
girl, 8, killed minutes after breakdown of ceasefire talks
The Independent, June 18, 2003
Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli girl and wounded her sister, just minutes
after the Palestinian prime minister finished a meeting with leaders of militant
groups, having failed to persuade them to stop attacks. As part of a ceasefire
package, Abu Mazen offered the militant group Hamas a political role in his government,
a participant in the talks said, but no agreement was reached.
Arafat
Agrees to Form ‘Unified National Leadership within PLO’
Palestine Media Center, June 18, 2003
Israel’s Pledge to US on Assassinations ‘Insufficient’: Shaath
-- June 18, 2003 - PNA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has announced
that President Yasser Arafat agreed to form a “unified national leadership”
(UNL) within the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), a proposal which would
be discussed in detail at a second round-table meeting on Thursday in Gaza with
the Higher Follow-up Committee (HFC) of Palestinian national and Islamic groups.
Israel
accepts 6-week grace period if cease-fire reached
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Israel and the United States have agreed that if Palestinian terrorist organizations
agree to a cease-fire, Israel will restrict military operations so that Palestinian
Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) can consolidate control. The two agreed,
however, that this grace period will last for no more than six weeks - after which
the Palestinian Authority will be expected to take action against the terrorist
groups, government sources in Jerusalem said yesterday.
IOF
Wounds Ten Palestinians, Arrests Six and Destroys Four Houses
International Press Center, June 18, 2003
GAZA, Palestine, June 18, 2003, (IPC)--Israeli occupation forces (IOF) shot and
wounded Wednesday ten Palestinian civilians, including a child, in three separate
attacks in Gaza and the West Bank. In the meantime, IOF destroyed three houses
in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, while one house was blew up in the village
of “Jaba”, near Jenin.
Two
Israelis lightly wounded by anti-tank missile in Gaza
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Two Israelis were lightly wounded yesterday morning when Palestinians fired an
anti-tank missile at an Israel Defense Forces outpost in Gaza's Gush Katif settlement
bloc. The missile injured a soldier and a civilian who is employed by the army
in fortifying the outpost.
Occupation
forces destroy caves around Ramallah
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Ramallah - Israeli occupation forces destroyed numerous historic caves in the
Beit Rima and Deir Gasana villages North West of Ramallah this morning. Eyewitnesses
stated that occupation forces stormed the villages in the early hours of this
morning and imposed a curfew. The forces then searched caves all around the area
and bombed them.
Palestinians
Face Severe Shortage of Water Supplies
Palestine Media Center, June 18, 2003
B’Tselem: Water Disruption Between Israelis, Palestinians ‘Unfair’
-- Thousands of Palestinians are facing severe shortage of water supplies because
of Israel’s control of most of the water resources in the West Bank and
the Gaza Strip since their occupation of the Palestinian territory in the year
1967.
Court
gives Israeli Arab youth two years for 'planning' attack
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
The Tel Aviv District Court sentenced a 17-year-old Israeli Arab youth Wednesday
to two years in jail for planning to carry out a suicide bombing attack with an
explosive belt he was to receive from a terror group in the West Bank. The youth
was found guilty of contacting Fatah and other militant Palestinian activists
and expressing his desire to carry out an attack in Israel.
PM
Abbas Meets US Envoy Wolf, Powell’s Visit Confirmed
Palestine Media Center, June 18, 2003
Israel Makes No Concessions at New Security Meeting -- Palestinian Prime Minister
Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) on Tuesday met in Gaza city with the US Middle East
envoy Assistant Secretary of State John Wolf, ahead of a visit on Friday by US
Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Palestinians:
Israel to swap Barghouti for Azzam Azzam
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Palestinian sources say that the current discussions about a release of Marwan
Barghouti, on trial in the Tel Aviv District Court for orchestrating terror attacks
against Israelis, is part of a wider deal that would include Egypt freeing Azzam
Azzam, who was jailed in the early 1990s for spying for Israel. Israeli security
sources, meanwhile, deny Israel is considering releasing Barghouti.
Parents
of activist shot in Gaza seek prosecution
The Independent, June 18, 2003
Jack Straw said yesterday that he may push for the prosecution of an Israeli soldier
who shot a British peace activist in the head in Gaza in April. Tom Hurndall,
21, from Tufnell Park, north London, remains in a coma at the Royal Free Hospital
after the bullet passed through his brain. He is not expected to recover.
Israel,
France agree counter-terror pact
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Israel and France agreed yesterday to cooperate fully in the war against terror,
according to a statement issued by the countries' defense ministers after a meeting
in Paris yesterday. Shaul Mofaz, who is the most senior Israeli to attend this
year's Paris Air Show, met with Michele Alliot-Marie on arrival in the French
capital.
Israel-EU
relations upgrade will allow Israelis to work in Europe
Globes, June 18, 2003
The process of attaining preferred nation status is however a lengthy one. --
EU preferred nation status for Israel, similar to the status of Liechtenstein
and Iceland, will allow Israelis to work in EU member states, EU External Relations
Directory director for the Middle East and Southern Mediterranean Christian Leffler
said in Brussels yesterday.
ICRC
Urges Israel to End Pressure on West Bank
Arab News, June 18, 2003
GENEVA, 18 June 2003 — The Red Cross yesterday urged Israel to ease its
blockade of the West Bank, saying it was driving Palestinian civilians into long-term
poverty and violating their rights. “The ongoing violence and the stringent
security measures maintained by the Israeli authorities have left many Palestinians
in dire need,” the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement.
Knesset
forbids citizenship to Palestinians who marry Israelis
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
A proposed law forbidding the further granting of Israeli citizenship to Palestinian
residents of the territories who marry Israelis was passed in a fiery first Knesset
reading Wednesday afternoon. The bill also forbids the granting of Israeli citizenship
in cases of reunification between families split between Israel and the territories,
and it will strictly limit the ability of Palestinians to obtain Israeli residence
or to legally remain in the country.
Israeli
girl killed, truce efforts still alive ahead of Powell visit
Arab News, June 18, 2003
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, June 18 2003 - Israel and the Palestinians appeared determined
Wednesday to pursue ceasefire efforts ahead of a visit by US Secretary of State
Colin Powell, although the killing of a seven-year-old Israeli girl shattered
a brief lull in violence.
Seven-year-old
girl killed in Road 6 shooting near Qalqilyah
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
A seven-year-old girl was killed and a five-year-old girl was seriously wounded
last night by a burst of gunshots fired from the outskirts of Qalqilyah at a car
exiting the Trans-Israel Highway near the Kibbutz Eyal junction.
IDF
finds breach in fence near site of fatal shooting attack
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Israel Defense Forces troops clamped a curfew on Qalqilyah after a burst of gunshots
fired from the outskirts of the West Bank city at a car late Tuesday night killed
seven-year-old Noam Leibovitch and seriously wounded her three-year-old sister....During
the continuing searches for the gunman, the army discovered a hole in the security
fence surrounding Qalqilyah.
Angry
Zionist soldiers demand withdrawal from Beit Hanon
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Tel Aviv - Angry and scared Zionist soldiers have asked their army command to
recall them from the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Hanon that was occupied
more than a month ago. Hebrew media quoted the soldiers as saying that their presence
was useless since the Palestinian Qassam missiles were still being fired at the
Siderot settlement in the green line (occupied since 1948).
IDF
assassinations could be considered war crimes, says UN rights expert
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
The assassinations carried out by the Israel Defense Forces in the territories
could be considered war crimes, according to the chairman of the UN International
Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Prof. Antonio Cassese. Cassese's
opinion will be submitted today to the High Court of Justice as part of a hearing
for a petition filed by the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel (PCATI)
and the Palestinian Al-Qanon human rights organization.
Al-Qassam
brigades attack settlement
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Gaza -Al-Qassam Brigades resistance fired 6 mortar bombs towards the Neve Dekalim
settlement west of Khan Yunis on Tuesday night.
Occupation
forces demolish Palestinian home
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Jenin - In the series of ongoing Zionist atrocities against the Palestinian people,
a Palestinian house was demolished early morning Wednesday in the Jaba village
near Jenin. Israeli forces then began to shoot towards Palestinian civilian vehicles
without any warnings and confiscated the ID cards of 2 Palestinians from Jenin
whilst they were on their way to Ramallah.
Occupation
forces arrest Fateh activist
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Ramallah - In the late hours of last night Israeli occupation forces arrested
a Palestinian activist from the Fateh movement in Ramallah. Eyewitnesses stated
that special Zionist forces arrested Sameer Al-Najjar (28) from Ramallah in the
late hours of last night and transferred him to an unknown location.
Top
Palestinian Religous Figure Detained, Questioned by Israeli Police
Palestine Media Center, June 18, 2003
June 18, 2003 - The Islamic Fatwa office in occupied east Jerusalem condemned
the questioning of the Mufti of Jerusalem and Palestine Sheikh Ikrima Sabri Tuesday
at the Israeli police headquarters in Jerusalem, describing the arrest as a “dangerous
escalation” and an “attack” against Muslim figures and representatives.
J'lem
mufti quizzed on funding for groups with terror links
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Jerusalem Mufti Sheikh Ikrima Sabri was questioned yesterday at the Jerusalem
District police headquarters in connection with an investigation into officials
in the northern branch of the Islamic Movement who are suspected of transferring
funds to groups linked to terror activities.
Hear
Palestine June 18, 2003
Hear Palestine
NEWS: Gaza City: Resident Died Affected by Wounds / Jenin: Home Blown up in Jabi’;
Invasion of Toubas / Rafah: 3 Homes Demolished during Invasion / Beit Lahya: 3
Residents Wounded in Israeli Fire / Qalqilya: Israeli Army Invades City, Imposes
Curfew / Nablus: 3 Residents Wounded in Askar; Curfew on Zawata / Hebron: Wide-Scale
Campaign of Arrests / Tulkarem: Tightened Closure Measures / Bethlehem: Resident
Arrested on Mount Hindaza / Ramallah: 1200 Village Residents held for Hours at
Metal Gate FEATURES: What is the House's Fault? It is not in the Boy's
Name / Askar Refugee Camp: Stones are met with Death / Deir al-Balah: Daily Series
of Terrorism
Family
of shot Gaza activist see Straw
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
The parents of a British peace activist who was shot in the Gaza strip in April
are pressing the Israeli authorities to prosecute the soldier who fired the bullet,
after a "sympathetic" meeting with Jack Straw, the foreign secretary.
Occupation
forces arrest civilian in Ithna
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Al-Khalil - Local sources in the Ithna village said that large forces of occupation
soldiers raided the village, seized a number houses and arrested a civilian. The
sources said that the detainee is Mohamed Abdulaziz (31) and is accused of taking
part in Al-Quds Brigades operations including attacking settlements and opening
fire towards settlers and occupation forces.
Another
failed meeting between Dahlan and Gil’ad
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - Palestinian Security Minister Muhammed Dahlan held another
meeting with the coordinator of the Israeli occupation, Amos Gila’ad, at
the Beit Hanun crossing point last night. However, the meeting reportedly ended
without agreement on all the contentious issues.
Source:
Israel agrees to limit strikes on militants
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
An anonymous Israeli security source confirmed Wednesday that Israel has agreed
to refrain from targeting top Palestinian activists - except in the case of 'ticking
bombs.' The Israeli move is part of a deal struck with U.S. officials to help
them salvage a new peace plan torn by violence.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine June 18, 2003
Palestine Media Center, June 18, 2003
A Palestinian man died of wounds he sustained earlier this month during the failed
Israeli assassination attempt on Hamas leader Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi. Meanwhile,
IOF wounded 3 Palestinians in the northern Gaza Strip town of Beit Lahia and demolished
four houses in the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah and the northern West Bank
village of Jaba’. IOF Raid, Impose Curfew on Qlqilia. IOF Wound 3 Palestinians
in Nablus. IOF Detain 6 Palestinians in Hebron. Citizen Detained in Bethlehem.
Israel
accuses PA government of failing to fight “terror”
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - The Zionist regime on Wednesday accused the Palestinian Authority
government of Mahmoud Abbas of failing to fight Palestinian “terror,”
an allusion to Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation and apartheid.
The Israeli State-run radio quoted Zionist Foreign Minister Silvan shalom as saying
that PA premier Mahmoud Abbas “is not doing what he should be doing in terms
of fighting terror.”
US
Tries to Salvage Road Map
Arab News, June 18, 2003
GAZA, 18 June 2003 — The United States yesterday stepped up its efforts
to repair the disintegrating road map for peace in the Middle East. A US envoy
dispatched to the region to supervise implementation of the peace plan met with
the Palestinian prime minister while Secretary of State Colin Powell scheduled
a visit to the area for Friday.
Ze'evi:
Hamas needs cease-fire approval from Damascus HQ
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
The Gaza branch of Hamas needs approval from the Damascus political bureau for
a cease-fire, Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aharon Ze'evi told the Knesset
Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee yesterday. Ze'evi said more international
pressure must be applied to force Damascus to close the offices of the rejectionist
front organizations located in the Syrian capital.
Focus
/ Steps in the right direction
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
The Palestinian leadership sounded much more optimistic yesterday about the chances
of achieving a cease-fire agreement with all the opposition factions, including
Hamas. One positive development was Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas's recruitment
yesterday of a new mediator to assist his talks with the opposition factions -
Dr. Haidar Abdel Shafi, who enjoys great prestige among the Palestinian public.
US
urged to have ‘road map’ include Lebanon, Syria
Daily Star, June 18, 2003
‘Quartet’ might discuss proposal Sunday -- Efforts are under way to
persuade the United States to agree to a program designed to bring forward the
date set for negotiations between Lebanon, Syria and Israel, which the “road
map” for Middle East peace says should begin in 2005, diplomatic sources
said Tuesday.
Rantisi:
Failure to reach deal won't lead to civil war
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
GAZA CITY - There will be no Palestinian civil war, even if Prime Minister Mahmoud
Abbas fails to persuade Hamas to agree to a cease-fire, senior Hamas official
Abdel Aziz Rantisi said in an interview with Haaretz yesterday. The full interview
appears in this Friday's edition of Haaretz.
Palestinian
Factions Agreed On Pursuing Truce Talks
Islam Online, June 18, 2003
GAZA CITY, June 18 (IslamOnline.net) – Wrapping up their first meeting after
the twin Mideast summits of Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba, Palestinian factions and
Prime Minister Mahmmoud Abbas agreed Tuesday, June 17, to pursue talks on a truce
with Israel and the formation of a unified Palestinian leadership.
Hamas:
USA directly involved in aggression on the Palestinian people
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Gaza - A responsible source in the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has said
that American president George Bush’s statements inciting the world community
against the Hamas Movement indicated the American direct involvement in the aggression
on the Palestinian people.
PLO:
Ceasefire Requires Israeli Commitment to ‘Roadmap’ Obligations
Palestine Media Center, June 16, 2003
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) approved on Sunday President Yasser
Arafat’s call for a comprehensive ceasefire and stressed that a truce with
the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) requires Israel’s commitment to its
obligations as stipulated by the “roadmap” peace plan.
Middle
East, African Union Summit on Agenda of Annan's Trip
Palestine Chronicle, June 18, 2003
NEW YORK - United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is set to embark on a three-week
trip, during which he will attend meetings on the Middle East peace process with
other members of the diplomatic Quartet, as well as address the summit of the
African Union.
Bush
To Push Direct P.A. Aid
Forward, June 13, 2003
WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is set to push for an end to the ban
on direct American funding of the Palestinian Authority, according to congressional
sources. The White House intends to ask Congress to allow transferring of American
financial aid directly to the Palestinian Authority, rather than the current practice
of funneling funds to nongovernmental organizations through the U.S. Agency for
International Development, congressional sources said.
Probe
finds three more instances of MK double-voting
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
The internal Knesset inquiry team appointed to investigate alleged double voting
by lawmakers during last month's ballots on the government's emergency economic
plan published its findings yesterday, revealing that there were at least five
such instances during the 79 individual ballots.
AG
orders police probe into Knesset double voting allegations
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein told Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin on Wednesday
that he had ordered the police to begin a criminal investigation into alleged
double voting by lawmakers during last month's ballots on the government's emergency
economic plan.
New
fines for people who hire foreigners
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
People who hire illegal foreign workers will soon be liable for fines of up to
NIS 10,000 per worker - double the current maximum of NIS 5,000 per worker - Industry,
Trade and Employment Minister Ehud Olmert announced yesterday. Olmert told a meeting
of the Knesset Committee on Foreign Workers that he planned to sign the necessary
regulations within the next few days.
Central
Bureau of Statistics: Israel in deflation
Globes, June 18, 2003
The Central Bureau of Statistics has confirmed Israel’s deflation trend.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by an annualized 0.6% in February-May 2003,
compared with 1.5% annualized inflation in October 2002-January 2003. At the same
time, the CPI, excluding housing, was up by an annualized 2.7% in February-May.
EU
to weigh Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian trade agreement
Globes, June 18, 2003
The EU Commission will soon examine a possible Israeli-Palestinian-Jordanian trade
agreement that will grant customs duty reductions or exemptions on goods jointly
manufactured in Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Ben-Eliezer
withdraws from Labor race
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
In less than a week, MK Benjamin Ben-Eliezer managed to convene a rally of supporters
for MK Shimon Peres as temporary chairman of the party, withdraw his support for
Peres, announce he was running against Peres, withdraw his candidacy, and reannounce
support for Peres.
Yossi
Maiman: Muhammad Rashid is Gaza gas pipeline manager
Globes, June 18, 2003
In a letter to Knesset Economics Committee chairman MK Shalom Simhon (Labor),
Egypt-Israel natural gas project partner Joseph (Yossi) Maiman wrote, “The
mood of uncertainty about the natural gas pipeline project had recently improved.
Egypt is aware of this development, and is adjusting its behavior to accordingly.”
Maiman commented that the ambiguity about Palestinian involvement in the deal
disturbed the Israeli side. He added that his company had contacted the Palestinian
Authority (PA) to make sure that cases where funds had disappeared “and
used for purposes inconsistent with the Israeli interest” would not recur.
IAI
will lease Kfir aircraft to US Air Force, Navy
Globes, June 18, 2003
The contract is worth $15 million. The Kfirs will mainly be used to simulate enemy
jets for training. -- Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) will lease Kfir jet fighters
to the US Air Force and Navy for use in training. The one-year contract is worth
$15 million. IAI will lease two to four Kfirs to Airborne Tactical Advantage Company
(ATAC) of the US, which provides tactical training programs for the US armed forces.
Manufacturers
Association: Set up $20b Middle East development fund
Globes, June 18, 2003
At the World Economic Forum, Manufacturers Association president Oded Tyrah will
call on the US and Europe to provide aid to the region. -- “The 41 million
unemployed are anticipated in the Arab countries over the coming decade are liable
to threaten the economic stability of Europe. Over 11 million of those unemployed
will be in the countries bordering Israel,” Manufacturers Association president
and economic organizations liaison committee chairman Oded Tyrah said to day.
Weekly
Review of the Arab Press in Israel
Arab Association for Human Rights, 11-17 June 2003
The continuing policy of house demolition: Demolishing houses in Lid on the pretext
of unlicensed building / Demolishing more houses in the Negev / Appointing a committee
to look into the situation of the Great Mosque in Beir El-Sabee' / Extending the
arrest of Sheikh Raed Salah until the 19th of June / Adalah's appeal against the
suggested plan to divide the lands in the Negev / The case of "Ansar 3" jail
Campaign
To Boycott Israeli Products In Switzerland
Islam Online, June 18, 2003
PARIS, June 18 (IslamOnline.net) – Some 30 Palestinian and Swiss organizations
are championing a campaign to boycott Israeli products, protesting incessant Israeli
aggressions on the armless Palestinian people.
Belgian
papers advocate boycotting Zionist products
Palestinian Information Center, June 18, 2003
Brussels - The Zionist embassy in Belgium has expressed dismay at advertisements
published in local papers championing the boycott of “Israeli” products.
The embassy described the ads, one of which showed an “Israeli” orange
with blood dripping from it, as “dangerous” and as usual accused them
of being anti-Semitic.
Ossuary
markings fake, Israeli archeologist says
Come and See/Globe and Mail, June 18, 2003
Ancient limestone box linked to Jesus displays dubious carved inscription. A committee
of archeologists and geologists commissioned by the Israeli Antiquities Authority
is set to declare that the inscription on the James ossuary is fake.
Antiques
Authority: 'James Ossuary' is a modern-day forgery
Haaretz, June 18, 2003
An ancient burial box purported to have held the bones of Jesus' brother, James,
is a fake, the Antiquities Authority said Wednesday. The ossuary, which bore the
inscription "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus," had been touted by some
scholars as the oldest archaeological link to New Testament figures.
Sniper
adds to US toll in Iraq
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
Scores of American troops mounted new searches through Baghdad yesterday after
a sniper shot dead a US solider on patrol. The soldier, from the 1st Armoured
Division, was shot in the back around midnight as he sat in a Humvee vehicle in
north-west Baghdad.
Iraqis
Close to US Targeted
Arab News, June 18, 2003
BAGHDAD, 18 June 2003 — US troops raided houses and sealed off roads in
central Baghdad after an American soldier was killed by a sniper on Monday night....Unrest
and pockets of anti-American hostility continued yesterday, with drive-by shootings
against Iraqi officials — apparently aimed at discouraging cooperation with
the Americans.
US
captures leading Saddam aide
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
Abid Hamid Mahmud al-Tikriti, the ace of diamonds in the US playing card pack
of its most wanted Iraqis, has been taken into custody, a US official said today.
Third in power only to Saddam Hussein and his younger son, Qusay, Mahmud, the
presidential secretary, controlled access to the deposed leader.
Baghdad
Blogger
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
Salam Pax: The Iraqi capital is abuzz with political activity - just don't expect
to find any on the city's university campuses -- Universities: breeding ground
for discontent. Students: natural revolutionaries. Well not in this city. I have
spent the most dispiriting couple of hours at the University of Baghdad.
Iraq’s
Top Shiite Scholar Favors Civil Jihad
Islam Online, June 18, 2003
BEIRUT, June 18 (IslamOnline.net) – Iraq’s supreme Shiite authority
Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani exhorted the Iraqi people to resort to "civil Jihad"
against the American occupation, his secretary Hamid al-Khaffaf told IslamOnline.net.
Khaffaf said that Mohammad Reda, the son of Sheikh Sistani, delegated a fatwa
issued by his father to the Iraqis, to deal with the Americans but always ask
them one single question: ‘When will you get out of our land?’
UK
Seeks Deals With Iraqi Prisoners, U.S. Reluctant
Islam Online, June 18, 2003
LONDON, June 18 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – The U.S. has spurned
repeated calls from its all-time war alley Britain to cut deals with top Iraqi
officials, now in the custody of the Anglo-American forces, in swap for information
on the whereabouts of ousted president Saddam Hussein and Iraq’s alleged
weapons of mass destruction (WMD), reported a leading British newspaper Wednesday,
June 18.
The
Final Word on Iraq's Future
Washington Post, June 18, 2003
KIFL, Iraq -- The search for local political talent brought L. Paul Bremer out
for a bone-jarring drive across Iraq's central farmland and lunch from a communal
plate of yellow rice topped with a sheep's skull. Bremer, America's viceroy in
Iraq, was the guest of Sheik Ali Mohammed Abbasi of the Bani Hassan tribe, the
leader of hundreds of thousands of Shiite Muslims.
Invasion
Leaves Iraq’s Date Palms Fruitless
Islam Online, June 18, 2003
Unfortunately, the pollination of palm trees happened to be at the same time the
U.S. and British force launched their strikes on March 20 for three weeks....
-- BAGHDAD, June 18 (IslamOnline.net) - More than two months into the end of the
U.S.-British invasion, Iraq is no longer the world’s first producer and
exporter of dates for the year which saw all of the country’s palm trees
fruitless.
Special
forces 'prepare for Iran attack'
Evening Standard, June 17, 2003
British and American intelligence and special forces have been put on alert for
a conflict with Iran within the next 12 months, as fears grow that Tehran is building
a nuclear weapons programme....Already CIA agents are known to have been working
inside Iran to establish the full range of the Iranian nuclear programme.
Bush
pressed to pursue 'regime change' in Iran
Financial Times, June 18, 2993
Conservative US Republicans, backed by some Democrats, are seizing on anti-government
protests in Tehran as an opportunity to press the Bush administration to adopt
"regime change" in Iran as official policy.
Protestors
Slam French Crackdown On Iran Opposition
Palestine Chronicle, June 18, 2003
PARIS - As demonstrators protested against the crackdown on Iran’s People's
Mujahedeen opposition group in Paris, the Islamic Republic demanded the extradition
of the detained group members on Wednesday, June 18.
Iranians
detained in Paris raids
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
Iranian opposition figures and western diplomats were taken aback yesterday by
a huge crackdown in France on a principal pillar of the opposition to the Tehran
regime....Some $1.3m and large quantities of "ultra-sophisticated" communications
equipment were seized....Although the movement is on EU and US terrorist network
lists, elements are known to be in close communication with the Bush administration.
Euro-MPs
invited to check Iranian nuclear sites
EU Observer, June 18, 2003
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – Just one day after EU foreign ministers urged Tehran
to sign up to further inspections of nuclear facilities, an Iranian delegation
to Brussels has invited euro-parliamentarians to see for themselves. "If you're
interested, please, send a delegation to Iran to inspect the sites... so that
your minds are calmed", Mohsen Mirdamadi - the chair of Iran’s parliamentary
security and foreign policy committee told the European Parliament.
UNDP
urges Beirut to embrace globalization
Daily Star, June 18, 2003
UN Development Program (UNDP) resident representative Yves de San stressed Lebanon’s
need to accept and adapt to globalization, so it can make its own decisions and
not be forced to accept the decisions of others.
Jewish
Lobby Defaming Pakistan, Says Minister
Palestine Chronicle, June 18, 2003
"Reports suggest that President General Musharraf on Monday hinted recognition
of Israel, evoking strong condemnation by Islamic groups .." -- ISLAMABAD - Pakistan
Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said the “Jewish lobby“,
which has influence in the western world, is defaming Pakistan by electronic and
print media.
Terror
Suspects Identified
Arab News, June 18, 2003
JEDDAH, 18 June 2003 — Saudi security forces have arrested 12 terror suspects
including seven Saudis, three Chadians and an Egyptian following Saturday’s
shootout in a Makkah district.
CIA
deliberately misled UN arms inspectors, says senator
The Independent, June 18, 2003
The row over Iraq's missing weapons intensified in Washington yesterday as a leading
Senate Democrat accused the CIA of deliberately misleading United Nations inspectors
to help clear the decks for an invasion of Iraq.
Exposed:
Blair, Iraq and the great deception
The Independent, June 18, 2003
Tony Blair was charged with deliberately misleading the public over Iraq's weapons
of mass destruction yesterday as two former cabinet ministers revealed that MI6
believed Saddam Hussein's arsenal posed no immediate threat.
Shocking,
shoddy and shameful: Short's verdict on Blair's campaign to win backing for war
The Independent, June 18, 2003
Former ministers rail against Blair for sidelining his Cabinet and misusing intelligence
- a charge echoed in Washington -- Clare Short launched a devastating attack yesterday
on the "collapse in decision-making" at the heart of Tony Blair's government.
The former Secretary of State for International Development accused Tony Blair
of sidelining the Foreign Secretary and the Cabinet and relying on his close entourage
of unelected advisers to take the important decisions in the run-up to the war
in Iraq.
Cook
attacks 'striking absence of evidence'
The Independent, June 18, 2003
Robin Cook took apart the Government's justification for war in Iraq in just over
an hour of testimony yesterday. The former foreign secretary and leader of the
Commons used the quiet forensic skills which made his name in opposition to pick
away at the evidence used to argue that Saddam Hussein was a clear and immediate
threat to his neighbours, and the international community.
Straw
Denies Iraq War was ‘Fixed’ With US
Palestine Chronicle, June 18, 2003
LONDON - Britain Foreign Secretary Jack Straw Wednesday rejected accusations that
there was a secret agreement to go to war with Iraq and that the decision was
made by Prime Minister Tony Blair bypassing his cabinet.
Dean:
Investigate Bush Statements on Iraq
CommonDreams, June 18, 2003
ATLANTIC, Iowa - Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean on Tuesday called
for an independent investigation of President Bush and his justification for the
U.S.-led war against Iraq, arguing that the commander in chief misled the country.
"I think the president owes this country an explanation because what the president
said was not entirely truthful, and he needs to explain why that was," Dean said
in an interview with The Associated Press.
US
oilmen fight Blair on transparency
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
US oil companies were fighting yesterday to prevent an anti-corruption initiative
being made mandatory at an industry forum meeting in London assembled by Tony
Blair. ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and ChevronTexaco made clear they wanted a proposed
code on the transparency of payments made to host governments left voluntary.
Feds
Want FBI Files on Doctor Sealed
The Guardian, June 18, 2003
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Federal prosecutors are trying to keep an Egyptian-born doctor
from seeing sealed files that he hopes will bolster the lawsuit he filed against
his landlord following an FBI search of his apartment on Sept. 11, 2001.
CAIR
Ads Combat Anti-Muslim Stereotypes in US
Palestine Chronicle, June 18, 2003
WASHINGTON - To combat negative stereotyping of Muslims and Islam in the US, the
Council on Islamic Relations (CAIR) has launched an advertising campaign in leading
US newspapers to inform Americans about the realities of Islam and Muslims.
US
Drive for Supremacy ‘Unsettling Friends and Foes Alike’
Arab News, June 18, 2003
STOCKHOLM, 18 June 2003 — The United States’ ambition to do what it
takes to remain the world’s only superpower is at least as unsettling for
its friends as for its potential foes, the Stockholm International Peace Research
Institute (SIPRI) said yesterday.
