Palestinian
Leadership Rejects Partial Israeli Withdrawal from Gaza
Palestine Media Center, June 19, 2003
June 19, 2003 - The Palestinian leadership has stressed that the Israeli Occupation
Forces (IOF) “should withdraw from the entire Gaza Strip and Bethlehem Governorate”
in the West Bank “as a first stage of the Israeli pullout to the lines of
28 September 2000, in compliance with ‘roadmap’” peace plan.
Palestinian
Efforts to Form Unified National Leadership, Hamas Seriously Considers Truce
International Press Center, June 19, 2003
GAZA, Palestine, June 19, 2003, IPC + Agencies-- In the aftermath of the Egyptian
mediators' effort to bring about a cease-fire between the Israeli government and
the Palestinian factions, PM Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) stepped in and started
a round of talks with the Hamas and Islamic Jihad movements, to convince them
to agree to a Hudna (temporary cease fire).
Grocery
store owner killed in suicide attack on moshav
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
The militant Islamic Jihad organization on Thursday claimed the morning suicide
bombing in a grocery store in Moshav Sde Trumot, near Beit She'an in the north,
in which the owner of the store was killed, Israel Radio reported. The attack
took place shortly after 6 A.M.
Jewish
Settlers Mobs Wound Palestinian Farmers, IOF Arrests Eight Citizens
International Press Center, June 19, 2003
HERON, Palestine, June 19, 2003, (IPC)--Three Palestinian farmers, including a
woman, were wounded Thursday after being strongly beaten by armed Jewish settlements
in Yatta Town, near Hebron.
Court
halts Yitzhar pullout; hundreds converge on outpost
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
While hundreds if not thousands of settlers converged last night on the settlement
of Yitzhar to oppose a planned eviction of an outpost there, the Palestinian government
was continuing its efforts to strike a cease-fire deal with opposition groups
before the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in the region tomorrow.
Settlers
at West Bank Outpost Fight Back
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
JERUSALEM (AP) - About 1,000 Israeli troops and police scuffled with hundreds
of angry Jewish settlers on a West Bank hilltop Thursday as the military tried
to tear down a tiny tent camp, the first populated outpost targeted under the
U.S.-backed ``road map'' peace plan.
Israeli
forces blast more homes
MIFTAH, June 19, 2003
Israeli troops destroyed more homes in the West Bank and Gaza yesterday in the
midst of security talks between various Palestinian officials, Islamic factions
and Israeli leaders. The Israeli military reported that its troops blew up the
home of Quassay Salemeh of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the northern West Bank
city of Jabaa, south of Jenin. Witnesses said a young Palestinian living next
door was injured in the blast.
Israeli
Troops Blow up a House and Arrest Several Palestinian Civilians
International Press Center, June 19, 2003
KHAN YOUNIS, Palestine, June 19, 2003, IPC + Agencies-- Israeli occupation forces
blew up early Thursday a Palestinian-owned house in the Qizan Alnajjar neighborhood
of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis. About 15 Israeli armored vehicles
thrust into the Qizan Alnajjar neighborhood in Khan Younis, and the occupation
troops placed explosive devices in a two-storey house, owned by Omar Rashwan,
detonating it completely.
US:
Israel has met loan guarantees conditions
Globes, June 19, 2003
As expected, US Joint Economic Development Group (JDEG) members yesterday announced
that Israel had successfully implemented the Ministry of Finance economic plan
as promised. Israel is therefore eligible for $9 billion in US commercial loan
guarantees. The announcement followed a JDEG meeting.
America
hastening Road-Map plan and Sharon blames Hamas for impasse
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - Hebrew sources revealed today that there is an American plan
to hasten the implementation of the first steps of the Road-Map plan. According
to reliable sources close to the Zionist premier Ariel Sharon the plan included
three elements....
Six
Israeli soldiers gang up on teenager in Dura, beat him savagely on head
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - Six Israeli soldiers, including a female soldier, on Wednesday
ganged up on a Palestinian teenager in the town of Dura, 12 miles south west of
Hebron, beating him savagely and mercilessly on the head. Eyewitnesses said the
soldiers beat Mahmoud Jaf’ar Tubasi, 17, using the butts of their rifles,
and kicked him all over his body, causing an internal head hemorrhage.
No
negotiations regarding Palestinian prisoners
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - The Israeli war minister general Sha'ol Mofaz stated this
morning that there will be no negotiations with the Palestinian side or any other
about the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Call
for Israeli military police enquiry into death of British documentary filmmaker
Reporters Without Borders, June 18, 2003
Reporters Without Borders today took advantage of the visit to France of Israeli
deputy defence minister Ze'ev Boim (picture) to demand an Israeli military police
investigation into the circumstances of the death of British documentary filmmaker
James Miller on 2 May in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip.
MPs
compare Gaza to Warsaw ghetto
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
Israel's treatment of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip was today compared to the
Nazis' creation of the Warsaw ghetto by MPs who recently returned from the region.
The controversial comparison, drawn by Oona King and Jenny Tonge, will anger the
pro-Israel lobby and the visiting Israeli finance minister, Benyamin Netanyahu,
who met Tony Blair at Downing Street this morning.
Shaath
threatens to resign
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Ramallah - Palestinian Authority minister of foreign affairs Dr. Nabil Shaath
yesterday threatened to resign in protest to PA chief Yasser Arafat’s insistence
on retaining Farouk Kaddoumi, PLO chief diplomat, as the man in-charge of Palestinian
foreign affairs, according to Palestinian sources.
Barghuti's
Release Tied To Truce: Sources
Islam Online, June 19, 2003
"It is highly possible that Barghuti would be released over the coming few weeks,"
said the sources -- CAIRO, June 19 (IslamOnline.net) - Israeli and
Palestinian security officials are holding now marathon talks with detained Marwan
al-Barghuti, Fatah Secretary in the West Bank, to help coax Palestinian factions
into accepting a temporary truce with Israel, which if proved successful, might
win him his freedom, well-informed Palestinian sources told IslamOnline.net Thursday,
June 19.
5,000
Bnei Menashe to emigrate from India
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
"How is it possible that hundreds of people are being brought from India to go
to settlements? They are arriving clandestinely... It is a disgrace. This is illegal
immigration and it must stop immediately." -- Some 5,000 members of the Bnei Menashe
community are waiting in India to immigrate to Israel, according to a member of
the community who recently came here and went to live on a settlement in the territories.
15
arrested at Yitzhar; Molotov cocktails found at site
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
Some 15 settlers were arrested Thursday as efforts continued to evacuate the illegal
outpost of Mitzpeh Yitzhar, a satellite of the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar,
south of Nablus. All 15 face charges for minor offences.
Settlers
Clash with Soldiers Dismantling Mitzpe Yitzhar Outpost
Alternative Information Center/Israel Insider, June 19, 2003
IDF Paratroopers, female soldiers and police this morning began dismantling Mitzpe
Yitzhar, an unauthorized outpost south of Nablus. Some 200 settlers gathered at
the outpost to block the soldiers. Large stones were placed on access roads and
fires were set off to prevent the evacuation.
Israel
takes on Jewish settlers
BBC, June 19, 2003
Settlers have vowed to make the army's job as difficult as possible -- Israeli
troops and police have clashed with Jewish settlers in the West Bank trying to
prevent a settlement outpost being dismantled. Hundreds of hard-line settlers
converged on the Mitzpeh Yitzhar outpost near Nablus, and tried to block roads
with boulders and burning tyres.
Dahlan:
“Road Map Progress Held Hostage by Gaza Settlers”
Alternative Information Center, June 19, 2003
Mohammed Dahlan, Palestinian Authority Minister of State for Security Affairs,
stated today that Israeli officials have refused to open all Gaza roads for Palestinian
security and civilian access, citing the need not to inconvenience the illegal
Israeli settler population’s ability to enter and exit the Gaza Strip.
B'tselem:
A joint release with Hamoked - Center for the defence of the individual
B'tselem, June 18, 2003
“The State of Israel…will ensure complete equality of social and political
rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex…”
- Israeli Declaration of Independence -- Today, the Knesset approved the
first reading of a bill submitted by the government that rescinds the right of
Israeli residents and citizens who have married residents of the Occupied Territories
to establish their home in Israel.
Palestinians
stage sit-in to express solidarity with prisoners
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Tulkarm - National and Islamic forces today organized a sit-in before the Red
Cross offices in the West Bank city of Tulkarm in cooperation with the Palestinian
prisoner’s club to express solidarity with prisoners in Zionist jails.
Two
British MPs compare Gaza Strip to Warsaw ghetto
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
LONDON - Two lawmakers who recently returned from Israel compared Palestinian
living conditions in the Gaza Strip to those of Jews in the Warsaw ghetto during
World War II. Legislator Oona King of the governing Labor Party said Thursday
that the Gaza conditions are "the same in nature but not extent" as the notorious
walled ghetto in Poland's capital, where Jews were corralled and oppressed by
Adolf Hitler's Nazis.
Seven
Hamas cadres on an assassination list before any ceasefire
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - Zionist intelligence circles revealed to the Zionist newspaper
"Ma'aref" that there is a list with the Zionist security forces consisting of
7 names belonging to the Hamas. These assassinations will greatly affect Hamas
on the ground according to the sources.
Gunmen
used drainpipe to reach highway
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
Drains are a known weak spot in seam line defense, army officers admits
-- The terrorists who committed Tuesday's shooting attack on the Trans-Israel
Highway, which killed 7-year-old Noam Leibowitz, reached the road through a drainpipe
that passes under the protective wall along its eastern flank, an initial investigation
has discovered.
Occupation
forces raid Yabad and arrest civilians
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Jenin - Israeli occupation forces stormed the village of Yabad (south west of
Jenin) this morning and raided a number of Palestinian houses in search of wanted
Palestinians by the Zionist security. 5 Palestinians were arrested.
Weekly
Report: On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
12-18 June, 2003
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
Israeli Forces escalate war crimes in the OPT -- Israeli occupying forces have
escalated hostile military actions against Palestinians, especially extra-judicial
assassinations and have continued to conduct illegal actions and human rights
violations against Palestinian civilians, including collective punishment, shelling
of and incursions into Palestinian areas, house demolitions and agricultural land
leveling. This week 12-18 June 2003, 17 Palestinians, mostly civilians,
including 2 children and a woman, were killed by Israeli occupying forces.
REPORT:
Palestinian Dream: Removal of the Illegitimate Jewish Settlements
International Press Center, June 19, 2003
Will the Al-Aqaba Summit put an end to the issue of Jewish settlements in Palestinian
territories? The Palestinians have a substantial and rightful dream based on historical
and realistic facts. The Palestinian citizen is fed up of having his water, land
and sand stolen, of settlers’ provocations, and of daily killings of his
people. Sharon’s has pledge at Al-Aqaba Summit to dismantle settlements
but Israelis’ practices on the ground proved otherwise.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine June 19, 2003
Palestine Media Center, June 19, 2003
Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) dynamited a house in the southern Gaza Strip town
of Khan Younis. Meanwhile, IOF detained seven Palestinians in the city of Bethlehem
and near the town of Jeninin in the northern West Bank. 3 Palestinians Wounded
in Deir al-Ballah.
Hear
Palestine, June 19, 2003
Hear Palestine
NEWS: Hebron: 3 Residents Wounded in Settler Attacks / Khan Younis: Home demolished,
Agricultural Land Bulldozed / Nablus: Settlers Wage Attacks on Hawara and Borin
/ Jenin: Arrests in Ya’bid; Home Raids in Toubas / 2 Bethlehem Villages
Invaded with Israeli Tanks FEATURES: Soldiers Terrorise Children
in their Homes / The Devastated Wadi al-Silqa Village / Metal Gates a Nightmare
Chasing the Residents
Family
shattered by Israeli rocket attack
BBC, June 19, 2003
"There is no safe place in Gaza now." You hear that everywhere here as people
listen out for helicopter gun-ships and look anxiously overhead while Israeli
F-16s roar by.
Overview
of Palestinian Child Arrests and Detention
Defence of Chidren International - Palestine, June 19, 2003
Prison Life in Key Israeli Detention Centres -- OVERVIEW: The month of May saw
a continuation in Israeli military arrests of under-18's, including 15 year-old
Jihad Shaker Abu Ayesh and 16 year-old Hussam Sameh Zeitun, who were arrested
while working near a checkpoint on May 31 and held incommunicado for 15 days,
before being released without charges. The shocking frequency of cases like this
has already spurred a significant increase in child arrests this year, to around
320 by mid-May, according to DCI/PS estimates.
ISM:
Trial Begins For ISMers, Huwaida Arraf Released
International Solidarity Movement, June 19, 2003
1) Trial Begins For ISM Volunteers Accused of Interfering and Entering Closed
Military Zone (protesting uprooting of olive treess) -- The trial of Neta Golan
and Shelly Nativ, two Israeli Citizens and members of the ISM (International Solidarity
Movement), opened this morning in Hashalom court house in Kfar Saba. 2) Huwaida
Arraf has been released from custody. Thank you for your calls and emails.
Red
Cross extends emergency aid to Palestinians by 6 months
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
Israel must provide basic needs to population, group says -- The International
Red Cross in Geneva has decided to extend for another six months its emergency
aid program to the Palestinians in the West Bank that was due to end this month.
There is a danger, however, that the emergency aid will come to an end at the
end of 2003, since this type of assistance is not within the mandate of the organization.
Hamas,
Islamic Jihad accept truce with strings attached
Al-Bawaba, June 19, 2003
Leaders of Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced Thursday that the Palestinian Prime
Minster Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has indeed presented a proposal for truce with
Israel without elaborating further on the details....Hamas leader Abdel Aziz al
Rantisi, speaking to Al Bawaba, said that his group has told Abu Mazen that Hamas
would limit its attacks to Israeli military targets and settlers, and would refrain
from attacking civilians provided that the Israel stops its attacks on Palestinian
civilians and releases the prisoners.
Islamic
Jihad claims bomb attack; Settlers torch Palestinian fields
Al-Bawaba, June 19, 2003
Settlers were clashing Thursday with Israeli soldiers, evacuating an outpost,
adjacent to the West Bank settlement of Yitzhar, south of Nablus. Hundreds of
Israeli troops and police officers were involved in the evacuation operation,
which got underway Thursday morning. Settlers placed boulders, vehicles and their
own bodies in the road in a bid to disrupt efforts to dismantle the outpost. Settlers
said that some of them had been arrested.
Palestinian
Resistance groups: We accept cease-fire if Israel ends occupation
Palestinian Information Center, June 19, 2003
Occupied Jerusalem - The main Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas,
Fatah, Islamic Jihad and PFLP, said Thursday they would agree to a cease-fire
with the Israeli occupation army if and when the Zionist apartheid regime agreed
to end its colonialist occupation of Palestinian land.
Palestinian
radicals reject ceasefire with Israel
Middle East Online, June 19, 2003
PLFP, Hamas, Islamic Jihad fail to agree with Abbas on ceasefire deal with Israel,
will continue resistance. -- GAZA CITY - The Popular Front for the Liberation
of Palestine (PFLP) on Thursday rejected a call from Palestinian prime minister
Mahmud Abbas for a ceasefire with Israel, a senior official of the radical group
said.
Hamas
Offered to Join PLO in Exchange for Commitment to National Agenda
Palestine Media Center, June 19, 2003
June 19, 2003 - PNA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) during a three-hour
meeting in Gaza on Wednesday offered Hamas and Jihad full political participation
in next Palestinian elections and the expansion of the institutions of the Palestine
Liberation Organization to include both Islamic movements in exchange for their
commitment to a comprehensive national agenda.
Bush
Seeks Egypt’s Help On Palestinian Security
Islam Online, June 19, 2003
Bush asked Mubarak to work with the Palestinian Authority to consolidate their
security forces -- WASHINGTON, June 19 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) –
U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday, June 19, he had asked Egypt to help
beef up the Palestinian Authority's security forces in hopes of quelling anti-Israeli
violence by resistance fighters.
Road
map efforts continue despite new attacks
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
Suicide bomber kills grocery store owner · Palestinian PM pushes militants to
end attacks · Israel dismantles first inhabited West Bank settlement -- A suicide
bomber blew himself up in an Israeli shop today, killing the owner, while Palestinian
leaders launched an intense push to persuade militant groups to halt such attacks.
Press
Review: No Sharon
Cairo Times, June 19-25, 2003
The press wrestles with the sudden descent of the new peace process into an orgy
of violence.
Analysis
/ A tough place to start the evictions
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
Mitzpeh Yitzhar, if it is indeed the first of the inhabited outposts to face eviction,
is a particularly difficult locale on the map of outposts and settlements. Many
of the residents are former students at the Joseph's Tomb yeshiva in Nablus and
a few have had a wealth of experience clashing with Palestinian residents in the
area, as well as reporters and soldiers.
Powell:
Progress in Gaza security talks, Abbas truce efforts
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell held out a glimmer of hope Thursday for a
battered Middle East peace plan, saying he saw signs of progress between Israelis
and Palestinians on a security agreement for northern Gaza.
Russian
envoy confers with Lebanese figures on developments
Arabic News, June 19, 2003
Russian Envoy to the Middle East Andre Vidovin stressed yesterday in Beirut the
importance of intensifying diplomatic and political efforts to include the Syrian
and the Lebanese tracks for peace in the region.
U.S.
Marines get lessons in urban warfare from commander of IDF's Golani brigade
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
The commander of the Israel Defense Forces' Golani Brigade, Colonel Moshe Tamir,
gave a lecture to the U.S. Marines this week on the lessons the IDF has learned
from the current conflict with the Palestinians. The lecture, which focused particularly
on Operation Defensive Shield of April 2002, was part of a conference on urban
warfare.
Police
launch probe into double-voting MKs
Haaretz, June 19, 2003
The Israel Police's National Fraud Squad is preparing to summon for questioning
several MKs suspected of voting twice during the Knesset ballot on the government's
economic program. The move comes after Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein and
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin agreed that the results of the Knesset's internal
inquiry require a full-scale criminal probe.
Olmert
meets Intel exec to discuss new plant
Globes, June 19, 2003
Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ehud Olmert met US and Israeli high-tech
Silicon Valley executives to discuss possible investments in Israel....Olmert
also met Mercury Interactive Corporation (Nasdaq: MERQ) president and CEO Amnon
Landan, executives of 50 venture capital executives, and Israeli high-tech leaders
in Silicon Valley to discuss other possible investments in Israel.
Trade,
services proceeds fall 4.4% in Q1 to 1999 level
Globes, June 19, 2003
Computer services and liberal professions proceeds by an annualized 8.1% in the
first quarter, the steepest fall of any sector. -- Retail trade and services proceeds
fell by an annualized 4.4% in the first quarter of 2003, due to the recession
and pay cuts.
Savings
drop NIS 6.3b in January-April
Globes, June 19, 2003
The balance of dollar savings plans fell to NIS 6.4 billion in April 2003. --
The public is continuing to withdraw funds from bank savings plans, a trend that
began in November 2002 in anticipation of the tax on savings plans under income
tax reform that came into effect in January 2003.
Britain
supports Israeli membership in OECD
Globes, June 19, 2003
Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu: This will greatly help Israel’s
economy. -- Britain supports Israeli membership in the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In response to a request by Minister
of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown announced
today that he would support Israel’s future OECD membership. “This
will greatly help Israel’s economy,” Netanyahu said.
US
Under Secretary of Treasury arriving to monitor economic plan
Globes, June 19, 2003
Taylor is expected to closely monitor implementation of the economic plan. --
US Under Secretary of the Treasury (International Affairs) John B. Taylor will
arrive in Israel Saturday night at the invitation of Minister of Finance Benjamin
Netanyahu.
Four
U.S. Soldiers Killed In Baghdad Attacks
Islam Online, June 19, 2003
BAGHDAD, June 19 ( IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) - Four U.S. soldiers were
killed and two others injured Thursday, June 19, in two separate attacks in Baghdad
as former Iraqi soldiers renewed threats of attacks against the U.S.-led occupation,
including self-bombings.
Top
Democrat says Bush misled public over Iraq
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
A Democratic senator who is seeking his party's nomination to run for the White
House has accused the US president, George Bush, of waging war against Iraq on
the basis of questionable intelligence.
Just
another day in Baghdad
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
The demonstrating Iraqis have no work, no money and are desperate. Two are shot
dead. Nearby, an American soldier guarding a gas station is casually killed --
Hussein Saber shook with fury as he lay on a dirty hospital bed last night and
told the story of another day in Baghdad, a city torn apart by killings, misunderstanding
and the startling failures of America's military occupation.
US
soldier killed in Iraqi grenade attack
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
One American soldier was killed and two were injured today when the military ambulance
they were travelling in was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade. It was the fourth
reported attack on US military personnel or property in the last 24 hours and
reflects a surge in guerilla activity over the last week.
Iraq's
first oil exports due
BBC, June 19, 2003
Looting has dented export hopes -- Iraq will resume oil exports on 22 Sunday June,
officials in Turkey and Iraq have confirmed. A ceremony is scheduled to mark the
occasion on Sunday, when the first barrels of Iraqi oil will be loaded for shipment
from the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
Iraq
mortar attack hits US office
BBC, June 19, 2003
Iraqi anger is mounting under US-led occupation -- Details have emerged of a mortar
attack on a building used by the US-led administration in Iraq that killed one
person and wounded 12 others. All the casualties were Iraqis who were in an operations
centre in Samarra, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) north of Baghdad.
US
forces threatened in power vacuum
BBC, JUne 16, 2003
"Iraq is still a combat zone - that's why we're still taking some casualties."
The stark statement from the commander of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq,
Lt-General David McKiernan, may have come as a surprise to those who were under
the impression that the war in Iraq had ended some time ago.
US
considers Iraqi 'plea bargains'
BBC, June 19, 2003
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has said that some captured Iraqi officials
could have their punishments reduced in return for providing information. His
comments came after British MPs suggested such a deal could be arranged in return
for help in finding former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, his sons, and weapons
of mass destruction.
Bremer
tackles Iraq's economy
BBC, June 18, 2003
Paul Bremer, the US administrator of Iraq, has said that restoring the country's
defunct economy is his first priority. "Starting to build a new and real economy
which will provide new jobs to Iraqi citizens remains my top priority," Mr Bremer
said at a press conference in Baghdad.
Iraq
'too dangerous to rebuild'
BBC, June 18, 2003
British and American troops have to get a grip on Baghdad because lawlessness
is hampering attempts to rebuild Iraq, the UK's international development secretary
has warned. Baroness Amos is so concerned about the dangerous security situation
in the Iraqi capital she has postponed a trip there.
In
volatile Iraq, US curbs press
Christian Science Monitor, June 19, 2003
US issues an order against inciting attacks on minorities or US troops. -- At
least some of the fuel for the anti-American fire, US officials here charge, is
being pumped out by new Iraqi media outlets. -- BAGHDAD – The once occasional
attacks on US soldiers here are growing deadlier, and more frequent: Wednesday,
a US soldier was killed and another wounded in a drive-by shooting.
At
least half of the 680 million dollars will go to Iraqi companies
Middle East Online, June 19, 2003
Iraqis to get half contracts to rebuild Iraq -- Iraqi businessmen fear for their
share in rebuilding projects due to tough requirements despite US assurances.
- The United States will award at least half the contracts to help rebuild Iraq
to local firms, a senior US official said here Wednesday, but Iraqis fear tough
requirements will force them to share their part of the cake with foreign partners.
Iraqis
alarmed over reports of male US soldiers frisking Iraqi women
Jordan Times, June 19, 2003
BAGHDAD (AP) — US security concerns have clashed with Iraq's traditional
culture in a potentially volatile flap over American men frisking Iraqi women.
The practice is not widespread, and the Americans say they use it only as a last
resort. But tales of such incidents — and television footage of a male American
soldier patting down a chador-clad Iraqi woman — have sparked outrage in
Iraq.
Turkey
closes crossing point with northern Iraq
Arabic News, June 19, 2003
Turkey yesterday closed the main border crossing point with northern Iraq before
the trade traffic. Turkish officials said that it was decided to close "Habour"
border point before all vehicles except those of the UN which transport the needs
of the American forces positioned in northern Iraq.
Bush
challenged over Iraq weapons
BBC, June 19, 2003
US President George W Bush is facing fresh charges that he exaggerated the threat
of Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction to win support for the war. In a
strong attack on Mr Bush's administration, Democratic Senator John Kerry accused
the president of misleading everyone.
Former
CIA chief blasts Bush
News Limited (Au), June 19, 2003
A FORMER CIA director accused the administration of President George W Bush of
"overstretching the facts" about Baghdad's banned weapons in order to justify
a war on Iraq. Stansfield Turner, director of the Central Intelligence Agency
(CIA) from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter, took aim at the Bush administration
when interviewed for an article published in USA Today.
'Iraqgate'
topples Finish PM after two months
Middle East Online, June 19, 2003
Finland in political upheaval as Nordic version of 'Iraqgate' topples first woman
PM after just 63 days in power. -- Finland was in political upheaval on Thursday
after a Nordic version of Iraqgate brought down Anneli Jaeaetteenmaeki, the country's
first ever woman prime minister, after just 63 days in power.
Iranians
avoid censure on nuclear programme
Financial Times, June 18, 2003
The US failed on Wednesday to persuade the governing board of the United Nations'
nuclear watchdog to back a resolution clearly condemning Iran for its allegedly
clandestine nuclear programme, settling instead for a milder option whereby the
board's chairman will issue a formal statement on Iran on Thursday.
Bush
warns Iran on nuclear weapons
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
American president backs Tehran protests as exiles in EU rage at French raid on
mojahedin -- President George Bush yesterday told Iranians protesting against
the government in Tehran that "America stands squarely by their side", and warned
Iran not to develop nuclear weaponry. The warnings were similar to those issued
to Iraq in the build-up to the recent war, although no reference was made to military
action.
Iran
'should accept nuclear checks'
BBC, June 19, 2003
The United Nations nuclear watchdog has urged Iran to drop its objections to inspections
of its nuclear facilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency - which monitors
nuclear programmes around the world - called on Iran to maintain its transparency
regarding its nuclear objectives.
Iran
order restored but rulers fear new protests
Financial Times, June 18, 2003
The clerical establishment in Iran appears to have restored relative order to
the streets of Tehran, after adopting a softly-softly approach to a week of student-led
anti-regime demonstrations.
US
exiles target Iran's regime
BBC, June 19, 2003
Iranian exiles promote democracy from US-based TV stations -- Iranian exiles in
the United States have played an important role in supporting the recent protests
in Tehran - but their role is coming under increasing scrutiny. A nondescript
industrial estate in the San Fernando Valley on the outskirts of Los Angeles may
be an unlikely place to start another Iranian revolution.
King
loyalists win Jordan poll
BBC, June 19, 2003
Independent candidates loyal to Jordan's King Abdullah have won a convincing victory
in Tuesday's parliamentary elections. They won two-thirds of the 110 seats while
the main Islamist opposition party won 17 of the 30 seats it contested, final
results showed.
Fla.
Man Sentenced in Mosque Bomb Plot
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A podiatrist who built bombs and plotted to blow up a mosque
to avenge the 2001 terrorist attacks and Arab attacks on Israel was sentenced
Thursday to 12 years in prison.
U.S.
Ban on U.S. Lawyers Derails Case
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - A U.S. government ban on American lawyers defending
war crimes suspects derailed a second case at the Yugoslav tribunal Thursday.
John Ackerman and David Cunningham said in court they could no longer represent
Radoslav Brdjanin without fear of U.S. prosecution. The judge said he had no alternative
but to adjourn the trial.
Without
Rights Reforms, Saudi Media Blitz Will Fail
Human Rights Watch, June 19, 2003
Without basic human rights reforms, Saudi Arabia's new media campaign in the United
States will not change public opinion about the kingdom, Human Rights Watch said
today.
Crown
prince Abdullah calls for a national dialogue
Arabic News, June 19, 2003
One of the participants in the national dialogue conference which was held at
the initiative of the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah said that the conferees also
called for vaster participation in the political life, and for more independence
at the level of the judicial system, and for fair sharing of resources.
Saudi
clerics, thinkers urge reform
Middle East Online, June 19, 2003
Landmark dialogue for first time brings Sunnis face to face with their Shiite,
Ismaili counterparts in Saudi Arabia. -- RIYADH - A select group of Saudi clerics
and intellectuals concluded a landmark four-day meeting Wednesday by calling for
wide-ranging reforms in the conservative kingdom, sources familiar with the meeting
said.
Egyptian
worker attacks American soldier in the head
Arabic News, June 19, 2003
News reports in Cairo said yesterday that one of the American Marine soldier working
in the American embassy in Cairo was exposed to an attack by an Egyptian citizen
and the soldier was admitted to hospital in a very grave situation.
Airbus
wins $5.1bn order from Qatar
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
Airbus won big again today at the Paris air show, as Qatar Airways placed a $5.1bn
(£3bn) order for 18 planes just days after Emirates handed the company $12.5bn
worth of business.
Jordan’s
Elections Disappointing For Women Candidates
Islam Online, June 19, 2003
AMMAN, June 19 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – Jordan’s parliamentary
elections ended with disappointing results to women candidates, as the Islamic
opposition slammed the first polls in six years as marred by fraud. None of the
female candidates were directly elected for the 110 seats contested, and only
the six with largest number of votes would be appointed to the parliament, said
the results on Wednesday, June 18.
Tribal,
independent figures win most of Lower House seats
Jordan Times, June 19, 2003
AMMAN — The country's first general polls under the reign of His Majesty
King Abdullah rendered a largely tribal Parliament with a few official heavyweights
and the Islamic Action Front (IAF) garnering 17 seats out of 110.
US
prepares to move troops to Azerbaijan
RosBusinessConsulting, June 19, 2003
The United States will ensure political stability and continuity of power in Azerbaijan.
Azeris base this conclusion on reports in the Western and Turkish media that the
US is going to move about 15,000 of its troops from Germany to Azerbaijan, the
Nezavisimaya Gazeta reports.
Remaking
the Middle East in America's image
Financial Times, June 18, 2003
The driving force is Elizabeth Cheney (pictured), 36-year-old daughter of vice-president
Dick Cheney. Her appointment as deputy assistant secretary of state for the Near
East in March 2002 raised eyebrows -- Nearly 2,000 people, including Colin Powell,
the US secretary of state, gather in Jordan this weekend for a Middle East conference
that will try to focus on the low politics of economic reform rather than the
high politics of war and peace. But if it is not derailed by the continuing violence
in Israel and Gaza, this extraordinary meeting of the World Economic Forum will
highlight a US initiative that is no less radical than regime change in Iraq or
the faltering road map for Israeli-Palestinian peace.
Bush's
9/11 coverup?
Salon, June 18, 2003
Family members of victims of the terror attacks say the White House has smothered
every attempt to get to the bottom of the outrageous intelligence failures that
took place on its watch. -- June 18, 2003 - For family members of those who died
on Sept. 11, last week brought a rare chance to meet face-to-face with a man who's
become a symbol of their dissatisfaction -- FBI director Robert Mueller.
Soldiers'
Wives Complain About Long Duty
The Guardian, June 19, 2003
HINESVILLE, Ga. (AP) - During the war in Iraq, the Army's 3rd Infantry took more
casualties than any other military division. Now, with the fighting all but over,
many wives angrily say their battle-weary husbands need to come home.
Satisfied
Pentagon plans to repeat "embedding"
Reporters Without Borders, June 19, 2003
The US defence department's chief spokesperson, Victoria Clarke, has said the
Pentagon was very happy with the outcome of the "embedding" of some 700 journalists
with US military units during the war in Iraq. During a conference on 17 June
on news coverage during the war, she said people appreciated the embedding and
would like to do it again.
