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FBIS3-13651_2 | conference called for opening the door to jihad for the Muslim youths to enable them to join their brother mujahidin in Palestine and in all Islamic countries. At the end of the conference, the report says, the youths of Dumyat burned the Israeli flag amid slogans calling for jihad and revenge against "those killers." An approximately 500-word report by Nasir Faruq on pages 1 and 7 says a wave of anger prevailed after the Egyptian students began their "blessed uprising" in protest against the Zionist massacre in al-Ibrahimi Mosque. After prayers, worshipers in northern Cairo emerged chanting slogans against "the enemies of Islam, the Americans and Jews, and demanding revenge against the Zionist enemies of God." The report provides detailed accounts of similar protests in other places. The SLP organized a mass rally at the party headquarters in Tanta to denounce the massacre. University students and lawyers also staged demonstrations, calling for severing ties with Israel and staging jihad against the Zionist enemy. Another 320-word report on pages 1 and 7 indicates that the General Assembly of the Engineers Union urged the Egyptian Government to close the Israeli Embassy in Cairo, recall the Egyptian ambassador from Tel Aviv, and halt all forms of dealings with the Zionist enemy. It also called on Arab governments to withdraw the delegations taking part in the "lie" of the peace talks, provide assistance to the Palestinian intifadah, and launch jihad to "liberate Palestine." An approximately 450-word report by Layla 'Abd-al-Hamid on pages 1 and 7 says the SLP's Women's Secretariat organized a seminar in response to the al-Ibrahimi Mosque massacre. The seminar called for severing relations with Israel, expelling the Israeli ambassador from Egypt, reviving the common Arab market, halting talks with Israel, and lifting the blockade against the Iraqi people. A speaker, Asmahan Shukri, noted the frightening Arab and Islamic divisions and the United States' "domination" of the Islamic world. She says: "The United States is directly responsible for killing and displacing the Muslims in Bosnia, Iraq, Somalia, India, and Kashmir." In an approximately 250-word report on pages 1 and 7 on the state authorities' "campaign of arrests" against SLP members in which 26 members have been arrested to far, the paper says the Interior Ministry escalated its campaign and arrested four others. They include Muhammad Muhammad al-Sunbati and his wife, who, the paper says, was arrested on charges of teaching the town's | Political Islam Review: AL-SHA'B 11 Mar |
FBIS3-13653_1 | them. The issue is not one of friendship, fraternity, and love; that is another issue among the countries of the region. There are mutual and shared interests and we all need to cooperate on them. [Karam] What do you think about the growth of fundamentalism in the region? [Mubarak] Fundamentalism in the region requires the attention of the leaders. It also requires firmness. Fundamentalism has existed for some time. It was never given the attention it merits. This was the case in Algeria, and today Algeria is suffering from this problem. The same applies to Tunisia as well, but the Tunisian leadership under Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has succeeded in muzzling and containing the growth of fundamentalism. This phenomenon also emerged in Egypt, but they are not Muslims in the real sense of the word. They are all a batch of dangerous mercenary criminals manipulated from abroad. They are paid by some people who want to create unrest in Egypt and in the region. These sides are spending large amounts of money to implement their schemes. The Hebron operation is extremism par excellence. Extremism exists not only in our region but in the United States, England, and Australia. I do not wish to mention other countries. [Karam] You mentioned that it should be paid due and careful attention. Does this mean that some leaderships have neglected this problem? [Mubarak] I cannot call it negligence, but the leaders need to realize that some nongovernmental bodies with huge funds at their disposal are carrying out suspicious acts. We need to know how these funds are spent. In the end, extremism will bite the hand that feeds it. Can you believe that the nongovernmental societies that solicit contributions spend these contributions only on building mosques? Bear in mind that these societies use mosques as a pretext to plant extremism in the countries where they build the mosques. They form hotbeds and cells in the various regions. When these hotbeds get stronger, they make their move. [Karam] Don't you think that the lack of remedies for economic problems and poor living conditions are the cause of these movements' growth? [Mubarak] They might be a secondary factor, but not the basic factor. Economic crises and unemployment existed in the past and economic problems have always existed worldwide. Why have these movements appeared only now? I remember we had the problem of a continually rising | Mubarak Interviewed on Domestic, International Events |
FBIS3-13665_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed report: "Algeria: Justice, Interior, and Defense Ministries Trade Accusations Over Tazoult Operation"] [Excerpts] Tazoult (Algeria), AL-HAYAH -- The committee investigating the attack on Tazoult prison in Batna Wilaya completed its field investigations yesterday and returned to the Algerian capital. President Major General Liamine Zeroual is expected to address the nation in a few days to announce "crucial decisions" in the light of the committee's report and other factors. It was striking yesterday that the Justice, Defense, and Interior Ministries, of which the investigation committee is comprised, accused one another of negligence -- which led to the production of three reports, instead of one. Military units continued their combing operations in search of some 900 prisoners who escaped when scores of gunmen attacked Tazoult prison last Thursday. AL-HAYAH yesterday saw scores of wounded escaped prisoners who were moved to Aress Hospital (50 km east of Batna) after the security forces pursuing them had shot them. Explosions were heard in the mountains and helicopters were seen flying over the area. It has been learned that the combing operations have been moved to Batna city itself, including the university campus and the area around it. As is known, the area is Maj. Gen. Zeroual's birthplace. Reliable sources have told AL-HAYAH that the investigation committee comprises nine members representing the Justice, Defense, and Interior Ministries. The committee recorded "important observations" about the negligence that took place before and during the attack on the prison. [passage omitted] It is not ruled out that measures may be taken against officials at the three ministries at various levels. One source expressed amazement at the inclusion of the director of the Justice Ministry Prisons Department in the committee, especially as he is one of those accused of negligence. The source also accuses the Defense Ministry of failing to carry out its duties. He also stresses that Justice Minister Mohamed Taguia informed all parties of the matter but they did not carry out their duties. AL-HAYAH has learned that the regime has opened the Justice Ministry file and discovered that "high-level circles at the ministry are accused of bribery and favoritism." These accusations are based on "firm evidence" to a large extent linked to what happened in Tazoult prison and other prisons. It has been learned that the investigation committee also recorded the disappearance of Minister Taguia and his senior aides during the four-hour | `High-Level' Bribery, Negligence Cited in Jailbreak |
FBIS3-13686_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Safa Ha'eri: "Tehran: Eleven Dead, 500 Wounded in Clashes With Police"] [Excerpt] Paris -- Sources in Tehran, quoting a secret report they obtained, have said that 11 people were killed and over 500 wounded the day before yesterday in large-scale and violent clashes between security forces and citizens celebrating the traditional "fire day." Ayatollah Khomeyni was the first to oppose this day being marked by the Zoroastrian sect, on the grounds that it is part of idolatrous rituals that conflict with Islam. Although the regime failed to prevent all citizens from marking the occasion by igniting fires in public places and the yards of houses, it maintained the ban without displaying great enthusiasm for its implementation. But this year Ayatollah Khamene'i, spiritual guide of the Islamic Republic, issued orders to put security forces on alert and deploy them in all major cities, especially Tehran, "to eliminate from the streets any signs of the atheists' celebrations." According to the report, the clashes between security forces and demonstrators, the majority of whom were young men, began after midday the day before yesterday and continued until late at night. Eleven people, among them one policeman, were killed and 530 wounded, among them 180 security men. And 2,598 were arrested, many of whom were released after interrogation. Religious authorities imposed a media blackout on the clashes, but sources close to security forces and the Information Ministry described the clashes as "unprecedented and organized." Opposition sources in Iran have confirmed the occurrence of the clashes. A report released by the Iranian National Party, one of the oldest secular political organizations in the country, said that "street battles broke out between citizens and security forces in Tehran and the neighborhoods of Akbatan, Ghisha, Aryashahr, and Shahrak Gharb..., and security forces opened fire and used tear gas." [passage omitted] | `Secret' Report Says 11 Dead, 500 Wounded in Clashes |
FBIS3-13727_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] The Syrian Arab side led by Interior Minister Dr. Muhammad Harbah, and the Lebanese side led by Interior Minister Bisharah Mirhij, held a round of talks at noon today attended by members of the two delegations. At the start of the meeting, Dr. Harbah welcomed Mirhij and his delegation. He noted the steps and measures already realized in security cooperation and coordination and border activities, especially in immigration, passports, and customs. He emphasized Syria's eagerness to develop bilateral cooperation in the operation of the two ministries in the interests of the Arab people of the two sisterly countries and in implementation of the Brotherhood, Cooperation, and Coordination Treaty. Bisharah Mirhij then thanked Dr. Harbah and the members of the Syrian delegation. He hailed the bilateral fraternal relations and cooperation. He emphasized his ministry's eagerness to implement all the agreements signed by the two countries, especially in the field of security cooperation. The two sides discussed all issues relating to the activities of the two ministries and ways to develop them in the interest of citizens of both countries. They expressed satisfaction with the measures recently adopted by the two sides in the field of internal affairs. The officials talks concluded this afternoon. They were attended by Nasri Khuri, secretary general of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council and members of both delegations. The two sides signed the joint meeting minutes. These allow Lebanese citizens who do not carry passports or identity cards to enter Syria using individual registration certificates issued by competent authorities. In order to complete the steps and measures adopted by previous meetings of the two ministries, it was agreed to facilitate movement across borders in response to the desire of citizens in the two sisterly countries. As a result, the Syrian Arab side presented designs for a building for borders authorities of both sides. The designs were presented to the Lebanese side for study and comment. The minutes also include facilitating the stay of citizens in both countries. The minutes of meetings held in Damascus on 27 April 1993 were emphasized. The minutes approved reciprocity concerning the stay of Syrian citizens in Lebanon and Lebanese citizens in Syria. Harbah and Mirhij exchanged fraternal speeches on this occasion. They expressed their pleasure at signing the minutes. They emphasized that the steps agreed on concerning bilateral relations are absolute evidence of the close relations between the | Syria, Lebanon Ease Border Activity of Citizens |
FBIS3-13767_2 | wedges and laying traps. It is clear from the report published by AL-AHRAM that Clinton did not say this directly to the conference of the American-Israeli Political Action Committee [AIPAC], the largest of the Jewish-American organizations, but to Steven Grossman, the AIPAC chairman, who cited the U.S. President at the conference. Radio Israel said that the U.S. President told the AIPAC leaders that the United States regards the unified Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The radio added that Clinton said this in reply to a question from an AIPAC member on the possibility that the Security Council will pass a resolution on the Hebron massacre that will include a reference to Jerusalem as part of the occupied territories. The radio added that Clinton is keen not to let Jerusalem be mentioned in the Council's resolution and designated as part of the occupied territories. The fact of the matter, as reported by the news agencies and all other media, is that Clinton's objection to any mention of Jerusalem does not stem from his ideas about it being occupied territory but from his desire not to raise it in negotiations until the final stage of the peace process. There is a big difference between these two concerns. The new stand would mean that the United States has unilaterally decided the fate of all Jerusalem in favor of Israel. The old stand means that the fate of Jerusalem remains subject to negotiations; and this in fact is the U.S. stand known to everyone. It is spurious to note here, as the AIPAC chairman did, that Clinton never mentioned Jerusalem during his election campaign, because the circumstances of the elections are one thing and the official U.S. stand is something else. Why couldn't we say, for example, that Clinton's silence over deciding the fate of Jerusalem in favor of Israel during the elections campaign -- that is, when he most needed the Jewish votes and the Zionist lobby's support -- is proof that Grossman's statements on Radio Israel are a mere media fabrication or an intentional propaganda ploy meant to embarrass the Arabs and divert any U.S. attempt to force more flexible negotiating stances on Israel? I therefore advise that we wait and be cautious and also that we seek clarification of the issue from those who have authority to define such stands before we take any action on this very grave affair. | Further Reports on Clinton's Jerusalem Remarks Paper Suspects Israeli Trap |
FBIS3-13782_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Following the UN Security Council's extension of the sanctions against Iraq, Baghdad has decided to stop supplying the Iraqi Kurdistan area with fuel. This was confirmed by Iraqi radio [not further identified] today. As a result of this decision, the price of one liter of gas rose from two dinars to five. | Government Stops Fuel Supplies to Kurdistan |
FBIS3-13783_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Irbil, Iraq, March 2O (AFP) -- Baghdad cut off fuel supplies to Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, in a move denounced by Kurdish leaders Sunday as revenge for the UN renewing its embargo against Iraq. Kurdish leader Massud Barzani told AFP the Iraqi blockade was causing the region "a very serious problem." Fuel prices tripled when the stoppage went into effect Saturday, with the price of one litre rising from two dinar to six dinar. Stocks rapidly ran out, with queues forming at every petrol station. Public transport was forced off the road by lack of fuel, and the streets were deserted. Barzani, speaking at the headquarters of his Kurdistan Democractic Party (KDP) in Salahuddin, said Baghdad was venting its anger at Friday's UN decision by hitting the Kurds, because it was "not powerful enough to do anything against the UN." The UN Security Council renewed Friday an oil and trade embargo imposed on Iraq following its invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, despite a split among council members on whether or not to publically acknowledge Iraq's acceptance of UN demands. The split, the first since the Security Council imposed the embargo, meant the embargo was automatically renewed. Barzani said the UN embargo was also causing Iraqi Kurdistan economic difficulties, and called for finanical aid for the area. Northern Iraq has been under Kurdish control for the past three years, after it was set up with the assistance of the allied forces at the end of the Gulf war in February 1991. Barzani added he was willing, if asked, to play a role in helping to solve the problem of the Kurds living in Turkey. A solution in Turkey "must include the Kurdish people and cannot ignore them," he said | Kurdish Leader Comments on Situation |
FBIS3-13784_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, 19 Mar (INA)--Iraqi Prime Minister Ahmad Husayn Khudayyir has urged Turkey to adopt a strategic stand on Iraq in light of the fact that Turkey's interest is in cooperation with Iraq. In an interview with AL-JUMHURIYAH published today, he said it is in the Turkish people's interest to have good relations with the Iraqi people, because their economy, one way or another, is linked with the Iraqi economy and its growth rate. He reiterated Iraq's desire to normalize relations with Turkey. He said: We always seek good relations with Turkey. We have said this several times. He said he was confident cooperation between the two sides will create a state of stability and mutual benefit. The prime minister urged Turkey to abandon hesitation. He said close Iraqi-Turkish relations are the main factor in Turkey's economic prosperity and stability. He also focused on a basic point in international and regional relations, namely, the inability of any foreign force to maintain a permanent presence on another nation's territory. He said all foreign forces will inevitably leave the region. Turkey's leaders should not fear taking a bold step to meet their country's economic interests by returning to the formulas and bases of cooperation and trade exchange the two countries previously maintained. He recalled the positive results for the Turkish economy when prosperous trade cooperation prevailed between the two countries. Ahmad Husayn Khudayyir then touched on the periodic meetings Turkey, Iran, and Syria hold to discuss the Iraqi Kurdish issue. He described them as an aggression against Iraq's sovereignty, interference in its domestic affairs, and a violation of the most important principle of international law, namely, the principle of sovereignty and respect for other countries' domestic affairs. He said Iraq's unity is an affair for its people and leadership, not for any of these countries. In the future, he said, they will regret their positions. He criticized the three countries for their silence about the foreign military presence in the region. This presence threatens the region and harms the security and sovereignty of all the region's countries, not just Iraq. He recalled colonialist circles' attempts to use the ethnic and religious minorities' card to create problems in countries that seek freedom and independence. He reiterated that recent developments in northern Iraq were imposed by foreigners, expressing the belief that this situation is temporary and will soon end. He | Prime Minister Reviews Ties With Turkey, Asset Recovery |
FBIS3-13785_2 | if the economic embargo continues Iraq will be forced to take certain measures, including noncompliance with Security Council resolutions. He added: So long as the Security Council does not abide by its resolutions, Iraq will be free to cooperate unilaterally with a number of countries and can resort to many measures that will affect U.S. interests in the region. Muhsin, however, did not reveal the nature of these methods, but said that Washington's insistence on continuing the embargo smacks of Zionist desire. This, he added, simply means that the aggression against Iraq and the imposition of the blockade were not just because of Kuwait, but were planned even before the Iraqi forces' invasion of Kuwait. Muhsin added that renewing the blockade is an attempt to exhaust Iraq's military and economic potential. [passage omitted] An Iraqi source told AL-DUSTUR that a delegation led by the chief of the Political Desk at the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is currently on a visit to Baghdad to hold talks on political and oil issues. The source added that the three-man delegation met the day before yesterday with experts from the Iraqi Oil Ministry. An economic source revealed figures on the size of Iraq's commercial activities before the international embargo resolution was issued. The source said that Iraq has the potential to be the largest trade market in the region and that its imports -- which were estimated at $25 billion in 1990 -- will increase to $40 billion when the embargo is lifted. The economic source said that the economic cycle in the region is now crippled because one of its basic links is paralyzed. The source advised Britain, in particular, to realize this fact, and asked ridiculously: Why does London prefers a 1-billion dollar market in Malaysia to a 40-billion dollar promising and strong market? Interviewed by AL-DUSTUR in Baghdad, political analysts expressed their astonishment at the pretexts created by Washington and London to continue the economic embargo on Iraq. They said that the issue of the Kuwaiti borders is a bilateral issue that cannot be placed under anyone's tutelage. They called for leaving the issue for the future and did not rule out better circumstances in the future to reach results regarding it. Regarding the file of the Kuwaiti prisoners, whom the Kuwaiti regime claims are held in Iraq, this file cannot be closed easily three years after the Gulf war. [passage omitted] | Saddam Adviser on Moves To `Affect U.S. Interests' |
FBIS3-13788_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed political analysis from the "Spotlight on News" program] [Text] What is the meaning of the serious split that occurred in the Security Council three and a half years after a blockade was imposed on Iraq; what is the meaning of the three no's that Russia, France, and the PRC brandished against U.S. and British allegations; and what is the meaning of the majority's support for Iraq's position and their insistence on praising that position? Three days of debate by the Security Council raised many questions, and the Security Council refrained, for the first time, from issuing its traditional statement on extending the blockade. Instead, it just satisfied itself with a shy extension of the unjust embargo on Iraq. Replies can be provided for these questions to clarify matters regarding what happened and what is expected to happen. The first reply is that the international community has begun to understand that the continuation of the blockade is unjustified, that insistence on it has become meaningless and has made the security Council a subject of accusations, and that the insistence of the United States and its British satellite is illogic because it seeks to achieve wicked goals that have nothing to do with legitimacy or international law. The second reply is that Iraq has been using its goodwill in handling the premeditated resolutions that have bad goals and that it has met its obligations in accordance with Security Council wishes and mechanism, the latest of which is its approval of the permanent weapons monitoring. But the Security Council has not met its obligations, its position is viewed as ill-intentioned and indifferent, and it has resorted to procrastination and the take- and-demand formula without offering Iraq any of its rights. This has awaken several Security Council member states, since the unjustified extension of the blockade is not a plaything as it means a continued war of annihilation against a nation that fights, suffers, and is hurt every day. The third reply is related to international changes that show a refusal to endorse U.S. decisions and dictates. The international community has begun to reject and criticize the U.S. Administration and its policies, and even U.S. political circles follow suit. This has encouraged many states to behave as they wish and in light of their interests and policies and not in the American way. An example of this is the | Radio Says `U.S. Decisions, Dictates' No Longer Endorsed |
FBIS3-13788_1 | wicked goals that have nothing to do with legitimacy or international law. The second reply is that Iraq has been using its goodwill in handling the premeditated resolutions that have bad goals and that it has met its obligations in accordance with Security Council wishes and mechanism, the latest of which is its approval of the permanent weapons monitoring. But the Security Council has not met its obligations, its position is viewed as ill-intentioned and indifferent, and it has resorted to procrastination and the take- and-demand formula without offering Iraq any of its rights. This has awaken several Security Council member states, since the unjustified extension of the blockade is not a plaything as it means a continued war of annihilation against a nation that fights, suffers, and is hurt every day. The third reply is related to international changes that show a refusal to endorse U.S. decisions and dictates. The international community has begun to reject and criticize the U.S. Administration and its policies, and even U.S. political circles follow suit. This has encouraged many states to behave as they wish and in light of their interests and policies and not in the American way. An example of this is the Japan's rejection of the U.S. economic trusteeship, as well as Russia's firm stand on its espionage crisis with Washington. These replies, as well as the firmness, the patience, and the steadfastness Iraq has demonstrated over the past years in its conflict with the tyrant, explain to us the reasons for the current absence of consensus on U.S. options. Therefore, the first signs of the dissolution of the anti-Iraq alliance mobilized by the United States have begun to emerge. What took place in the Security Council means that the future is in favor of Iraq, and that the key to the solution is approaching to the gate of the blockade to open it and to end the ugliest crime in history. This is because the current situation is being shaped by the will of a growing majority opposed to the will of an isolated minority that lacks the weapon of logic. Iraq's strong will and its clear and bold demand for its rights will certainly decide the issue and will enable Iraq to have the final say in the future of the blockade. Pending that historic moment, we, the Iraqis, have to be patient and to remain highly vigilant. | Radio Says `U.S. Decisions, Dictates' No Longer Endorsed |
FBIS3-13789_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Sidelines" column by Sabri Hammadi: "The U.S. Embargo"] [Text] It goes without saying that the U.S. Administration is going too far in its anti-Iraq political attitude and that this hostile stand takes many varied forms. Perhaps the most salient form is the rabid U.S. political campaign which began to escalate as the periodic UN Security Council review of the blockade imposed on Iraq drew closer. All indications are that the United States alone has continued to insist on this unjust blockade. The first and most important fact in this regard is that Iraq has implemented all its obligations vis-a-vis Resolution 687 on the destruction of chemical, biological, nuclear weapons, and missiles. Iraq has also agreed to abide by the substance of Resolution 715 concerning future monitoring of weapon manufacturing. This means that Iraq has not left any excuse for the United States to continue the blockade. The second fact is that the past months have witnessed many serious developments in the international and regional stands toward Iraq. There is a clear positive development in attitudes of a number of UN Security Council permanent member states--France, Russia, and China--on the issue of the blockade, in addition to stands by other Council member states. This change means among other things that the so-called international consensus against Iraq, which the U.S. Administration continues to arrogantly claim to exist, is neither existent nor possible to realize, that only the Clinton administration, as we have said, is insisting on continuing the embargo imposed on Iraq despite the eroding justifications and causes of this embargo. Moreover, this hostile and indiscriminate U.S. hostility to Iraq is paralleled by an international awareness, which is deepening and expanding every day, that Iraq carried out all the measures and abided by all the obligations imposed on it by the UN Security Council resolutions despite their injustice and unfairness, and that it is time to deal objectively and fairly with the blockade and implement Paragraph 22 of Resolution 687, which clearly links the implementation of its provisions with lifting the blockade on Iraq. The question that springs to the mind is: What is behind this immoral and inhuman U.S. attitude toward Iraq? Why does the U.S. Administration indulge in its arrogance and its hostile and unbridled policy against Iraq? What will the United States reap from this war of starvation and poverty which it is launching against | Motives of `U.S. Embargo,' `Hostility' Analyzed |
FBIS3-13790_9 | addressed to the United States and other countries. [Shihab] What do you want from the United States? [Velayati] We want the United States to stop interfering in our internal affairs. This is a basic issue. We want the United States to stop besieging our economy, return our frozen money, and provide us with spare parts for the weapons that we brought from U.S. factories. [Shihab] Do Iran and Turkey cooperate or compete to spread their influence in the central Asian Islamic republics? [Velayati] We and Turkey are members of ECO [Economic Cooperation Organization] and the central Asian republics are members of this organization. Therefore, it is natural that our relations with Turkey are governed by cooperation in the interest of our two countries and the central Asian Islamic republics. In fact there are other things. Turkey may have concerns that differ from ours. [Shihab] What do you do in order to resolve the crisis in Afghanistan and the rivalry taking place between the Mujahidin? [Velayati] First of all, I want to say that we all pray for the end of fighting and for putting an end to war, destruction, and innocent victims. Secondly, we are doing our best in order to bring the different viewpoints of the belligerent factions closer together, because Afghanistan faced total destruction, first at the hands of the defunct Communist regime, then by the destructive war between brothers. [Shihab] The Iranian capital was packed with foreign visitors last week. In addition to the Chinese deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Indian foreign minister, and Russian deputy foreign minister and others were here. [Velayati] And the envoy of [Afghan President] Rabbani. [Shihab] At the meetings between these foreign visitors and President Hashemi-Rafsanjani, the president presented the idea of cooperation with their countries to form a regional force in Asia that solves conflicts between the countries of the region. Do you have information on what the president presented concerning this idea? [Velayati] We have begun practical steps to shape up ideas that encourage the strong and leading Asian countries to cooperate together in all fields. The first step is that the strong and politically active countries work out a preliminary concept on this cooperation, and later we will ask the other countries to join this alliance or grouping. I want to say that a leader of one of the central Asian republics of the former Soviet Union was | Velayati Discusses Syrian Ties, Regional Issues |
FBIS3-13846_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, March 20, IRNA -- Leader of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed 'Ali Khamene'i, in his New Year message tonight said the Iranian nation is not only thinking of its own salvation but "our historical movement is creating a new civilization". He said: "We are building a civilization, whose main foundations are culture, insight, wisdom and the perfection of human thought." The leader's message at 23:58 hours local time, ushered in the new calendar year, 1373 [21 March] of the solar Hijra, which is in official use in Iran and Afghanistan instead of the Gregorian Christian calendar (1994). Monday the 1st of Farvardin is the vernal or spring equinox, a day celebrated as 'Nowroze' or New Year Day in Iran and several other countries. Ayatollah Khamene'i laid stress on ethical values and commitment to work in view of the fact that Iran enjoys a new system, lofty ideals and important objectives "which appeal to every just person. "The Iranian people with their bright culture rooted in history together with abundant material wealth, should under the circumstances, bring about ethical promotion", he added. Terming ethics and self-reform as "one of the secrets of the human move towards perfection", the leader said: "Whoever we are, and whatever our degree of knowledge, wisdom and perfection, we must supplicate to God to help us move towards further perfection". He also urged the nation to respect social regulations at all levels, and referring to commitment to work and discipline as "two important and essential factors in individual and social life", said the efforts of a nation dedicated to work always yield good results and guarantee the welfare of society. Ayatollah Khamene'i praised the families of the martyrs of the revolution and the imposed war, as well as the disabled, the former POWs and war veterans. He also saluted the soul of the father of the Islamic revolution, Imam Khomeyni. In the use of the resources of the country mines and industries have been activated and strengthened, and today Iran is an exporter of steel, copper and aluminum, three major elements for the industrialized world, he added. Rafsanjani pointed out that exports of the country during this period has almost quadrupled, and "if this movement continues, the second plan, God willing, can make us to a large extent independent of oil revenues...I think such successes are mainly because of the supports | Khamene'i, President Deliver New Year Messages |
FBIS3-13885_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "U.S. Falsehood -- Right"] [Text] We can only wish a long life to U.S. President Clinton, because by the grace of God he is more aware and conscious of the Palestinian problem, especially the issue of Jerusalem, than any of his predecessors. In as much as he is familiar with the issue of Jerusalem, he could find no better opportunity to affirm that a unified Jerusalem was Israel's capital other than in these delicate circumstances through which the talks are passing. Since 1967, on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions, the U.S. position has continued to reject the annexation of the Arab part of Jerusalem to Israel. In his meeting with U.S. Jewish leaders, Clinton said that the United States refuses to refer to Arab Jerusalem as part of the occupied territories. He did this in order to arouse the emotions of the Jews and gain their trust at a time when he finds himself involved in an investment bank scandal in his state, Arkansas, of which he was governor before winning the White House. If the Oslo accord postponed discussion of the Jerusalem issue until the final settlement stages, Clinton's remarks dissipated hopes that the United States would remain committed to international legitimacy and implementation of Security Council resolutions relating to Jerusalem. Instead of adopting a position that renews the desire by the Palestinians to return to the talks and implement the Oslo accord, Clinton, "with his wisdom" and long experience in foreign affairs, saw fit to pour salt on the wound by raising the Jerusalem issue at this time and place. The United States, instead of adopting the position of a neutral partner and attempting to build confidence between the Palestinians and the Israelis following the damage created by the Hebron massacre, has now adopted a pro-Israeli position that retreats from previous U.S. positions on Jerusalem. What is a cause for ridicule is the contradiction in President Clinton's stance. In the blessed night of the Koran's revelation he addressed the Muslims and tried to display feelings of friendship toward them. A few days later came Clinton's position, hostile to Islam and the Muslims, who consider Jerusalem to be the first Qiblah and the third holiest site. On one hand he congratulates the Islamic nation on the great night of the Koran's revelation, and on the other he defies the feelings of this | Clinton's View of Jerusalem Issue Examined |
FBIS3-13885_1 | that the United States would remain committed to international legitimacy and implementation of Security Council resolutions relating to Jerusalem. Instead of adopting a position that renews the desire by the Palestinians to return to the talks and implement the Oslo accord, Clinton, "with his wisdom" and long experience in foreign affairs, saw fit to pour salt on the wound by raising the Jerusalem issue at this time and place. The United States, instead of adopting the position of a neutral partner and attempting to build confidence between the Palestinians and the Israelis following the damage created by the Hebron massacre, has now adopted a pro-Israeli position that retreats from previous U.S. positions on Jerusalem. What is a cause for ridicule is the contradiction in President Clinton's stance. In the blessed night of the Koran's revelation he addressed the Muslims and tried to display feelings of friendship toward them. A few days later came Clinton's position, hostile to Islam and the Muslims, who consider Jerusalem to be the first Qiblah and the third holiest site. On one hand he congratulates the Islamic nation on the great night of the Koran's revelation, and on the other he defies the feelings of this nation by insisting on a position biased toward Israel with respect to the issue of Jerusalem, as if he is not aware of the extent of this nation's link to Jerusalem and the al-Aqsa Mosque and of the fact that more than one billion world Muslims reject Arab Jerusalem remaining under Israeli control. Moreover, a just and comprehensive settlement in the region cannot be reached without finding a solution to this sensitive issue that satisfies the three religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Although we are grateful to President Clinton for congratulating us on the night of the Koran's revelation and the blessed 'Id al- Fitr, his second message which he sent through the American Jewish leaders, whom he met two days ago, is more impressive and bitter. That requires the Islamic nation to resist and confront this message because it represents a challenge to the Islamic and Arab nations, regardless of whether this was an intentional act or a failure to realize the danger of this U.S. position on relations between our Islamic and Arab worlds and his Western world as well as the fact that this position could lead to derailing the talks and the entire peace process. | Clinton's View of Jerusalem Issue Examined |
FBIS3-13904_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Salih Qallab in Amman and unattributed report from London: "Baghdad Planning Military Operation To Open Road to Turkey"] [Text] Amid conflicting reports and mounting speculation about the nature of the action Baghdad is likely to take in implementation of the threats made by senior Iraqi officials promising unspecified action in retaliation for the renewal of the economic sanctions against Iraq, diplomatic sources have revealed that it will be a semi-military step in the direction of the north and not the south. The sources say that the Iraqis have for some time been considering taking a "dramatic" step to open the land road between the Iraqi border and the Turkish border, a major part of which is controlled by Kurdish gunmen. That road is of considerable strategic and economic importance to Iraq. The sources revealed that the Iraqi Government had some time ago raised this matter with the Turkish Government and that Ankara was very enthusiastic about it on the following grounds: 1. Opening that road would lead to Turkish economic recovery and would mean that Turkey would be the only or almost the only state with access to the Iraqi markets. It is known that Turkey and some other states neighboring Iraq are paid for their exports to Iraqi markets in crude or refined oil for local consumption. 2. Joint Iraqi-Turkish control of that road and border areas in general would ease some of the military burdens resulting from the presence of elements of the Kurdish Workers Party of Turkey in that area. The same sources speak of increasing Iraqi military activity in recent days on the northern front and in the direction of the road. They do not rule out a sudden and swift Iraqi military action to open the road as quickly as possible and present the Western alliance and the whole world with a fait accompli. It is generally believed in this connection that Baghdad is convinced that the atmosphere at the UN Security Council following the positions taken by France, Russia, and China would preclude military action against Iraq, particularly if the action the latter threatened to take was only confined to reopening the land road with Turkey. More than one concerned party believes it to be unlikely that Iraq would go beyond this limited "tactical" step, and they also believe that Baghdad is not about to take any military | `Dramatic' Military Move Planned To Open Road to Turkey |
FBIS3-13906_0 | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] His eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i, the great leader of the Islamic revolution, gave a speech this afternoon, on the first day of the New Year, at a gathering of the people of Mashhad and pilgrims to the holy shrine of the eighth Imam, Imam Reza. He described the nature of the dictatorial system ruling the world. He referred to the false propaganda and machinations of arrogant powers against Islam and the Iranian nation as clear signs of their fear of the lofty ideals of the Islamic system. The great leader of the revolution said the emphasis of the Muslim nation and government of Iran on the independence of nations and their sovereignty over their own natural resources and wealth suits none of the world powers. He said: Today, no call for justice is raised from any country except the Iranian nation and Government against the oppression committed under the blanket of the new order of domination of nations in the world. That is a fact which is confirmed and admired by all fair-minded observers throughout the world. His eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i said the struggle of the Iranian nation in the eight-year war imposed by the Iraqi regime and the unjust powers backing it was a cause for all arrogant powers to fear the Iranian nation. He said: While the world's political and economic powers plunder, at the lowest prices, the natural resources of developing countries, or countries held back, the Iranian people, with their slogan of independence and struggle against arrogant powers, continues its course. The leader of the Islamic revolution said the great and glorious resistance of the Iranian nation over the past 15 years has been a source of hope to other nations. Describing the conspiracies of the ringleaders of arrogance to crush the resistance of the Iranian nation, he said: America's guileful remarks in expressing willingness to establish ties with Iran is not tantamount to its acceptance of past mistakes or an undertaking to mend its ways in the future. It is a deceitful and evil move. The great leader of the Islamic revolution said: America has said establishing ties with Iran would be subject to the Iranian nation discarding its fundamental stances. One of which principles is noninterference by arrogant powers in the affairs of the Iranian nation. They should know that the great Iranian nation, which has an ancient culture and | Khamene'i Comments on U.S., Other Issues |
FBIS3-13919_3 | following the Gulf war disaster. He chose this year to restore this tradition exploiting the state of relative ease in ties between Riyadh and Amman. 2. To end the deadlock with an initiative that would force the Saudis to shoulder their moral and political responsibilities toward the Jordanian stand, especially since Jordan has taken the first step and particularly now, after King Fahd has already received Palestinian President Yasir 'Arafat, who was accused of being biased toward the just Iraqi stand. It is known here that the Saudi monarch's reception of Yasir 'Arafat took place upon a U.S. recommendation that was discussed between 'Arafat and Christopher at the U.S. ambassador's residence in 'Abdun in Amman. Fatah Central Committee Member Faysal al-Husayni paved the way for the visit by responding to a Saudi invitation that has been kept on hold for two years at the instructions of President 'Arafat, who finally allowed the visit after he was certain that it would be the first step toward his own visit to Riyadh and to his being received by King Fahd when he performed the minor pilgrimage. Thus, 'Arafat's visit to Riyadh set a precedent for ending the estrangement between Riyadh and those Arab parties that rejected the Hafr al-Batin logic, the Desert Storm scenario, and the U.S. and foreign interference in our region. From this premise, King Husayn sought to test the programmed Saudi estrangement in order to test the credibility of relations with the United States and U.S. promises and claims that it is eager to lift the political and economic siege that is imposed on Jordan. 3. King Husayn chose his visit to the Islamic holy places on Saudi territory to be part of the challenge and to clarify things, lest the option of Jordanian-Saudi relations at present and in the future emerge as the option that should be adopted. But, the exceptional situation that resulted from the Gulf crisis imposed itself on this visit. Those who are conversant with what is going on attribute the interruption in the trend toward ending the estrangement and restoring the relations between Riyadh and Amman to foreign interference. It is the same interference that still imposes a political and economic siege on Jordan, and carries out instigations against Amman, not only because of its stands on the Gulf crisis and its results, but because of the Jordanian refusal to sign a draft peace | Paper Reports `Untold Story' of King's Pilgrimage |
FBIS3-13934_6 | arose. Today there is an Islamic state with a great government. It is the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was not established by a triumphant family or tribe but by a nation of 40 million. They are 60 million now. This is an Islamic state that can serve as a foundation and pillar of world Islamism. [passage omitted] [Correspondent] Perhaps a major cause of our society's backwardness and weakness lies in the socioeconomic factor. This problem persists, although Islamic writers have for dozens of years been writing books and delivering lectures on the applicability of Islam as a solution to this problem, particularly as Islam is concerned with social matters. When faced with realities, some Islamic movements have failed to offer economic and social remedies. Despite the reassurances we hear about the situation in Iran, countries established on Islamic lines have not succeeded in extracting themselves from the turmoil of the international economy. Iran is not sure whether to adopt a centralized or a market economy and is directly or indirectly subject to the dictates of the international market. It faces numerous economic problems and deals with usurer banks. Where are the Islamic economic projects that can deal with these problems? How can these problems be solved? [Nasrallah] We must give the Islamic experiment a chance to prove itself before we judge. So far it has not had such a chance. Sudan has been subjected to attrition in the south since Islamic rule was established there. Furthermore, the Islamic movement inherited a very poor Sudan that continues to face embargoes and constant pressures. Therefore, we cannot say that its economic experiment has failed because it has not yet had an economic experiment. The Sudanese people are still trying to catch their breath and assert themselves despite the crises that are constantly created for them. As to the Islamic Republic of Iran, a new well-planned policy was pursued after the eight-year war. During the war years, the Iranian economy basically sought to prevent the country's collapse and for this reason it was geared to development, services, and consumption. Some development projects were specifically established to offer quick services to the people to enable them to face the war conditions. After the war ended, the Iranian Government had an important chance to install a new economic experiment. [passage omitted] Islam outlines general economic principles and guidelines, leaving specific programs and detailed plans | Hizballah Chief on Muslim Rule, Economy |
FBIS3-13959_1 | office, and replies to such letters are also prepared in the same manner. It is desirable that the President's signature carry more weight. The President should decide which letters should be selected for replies. He cannot refuse to give a reply to the letter written by Congressman Gary A. Condit who belongs to his own party. Someone should have the responsibility of going through the subject matter of the letter and taking precautions in replying so that it does not hurt those who are concerned with it. It is possible that the close aides of the President can work in accordance with their own likings and dislikings and justify their actions in the name of the President. Congressman Condit might feel encouraged to plead shamelessly for the militants of Khalistan with a view to pleasing a section of the voters in his constituency. However, the tone of the President's letter shows that he is himself pleading for the Sikhs. In replying to another letter sent by the pro-Pakistan Kashmiri American Council, President Clinton's letter gives the impression that he is raising the issue of protecting human rights in Kashmir with a view to assisting the secessionists. The U.S. Government spokesman has said that such an interpretation of the President's letter is unfortunate. He further added that Washington does not support terrorists or secessionist activities in any part of the globe. Their claim may not be wrong, but it does not seem that staff of the White House have the professional skill to prove their claim in the case of India. It should be noted that the Indian Government did not hesitate to lodge a strong protest in this regard. New Delhi also expressed its dissatisfaction over the issue through its ambassador in Washington, Siddharta Shankar Ray. It is necessary to lodge protests against the tendency of the present U.S. administration to indulge in unnecessary bossing. However, it would not be proper to think that the responsibility of India is over after the lodging of the protest. It is a type of weakness to display reaction over all matters. On one hand, we claim that human rights are not being violated in Punjab, Kashmir, or any other part of the country, while on the other, we will express our anger if anyone wants to probe into the alleged violations. This is not fair. In the past, several attempts were made to | Editorial Criticizes U.S. Reaction to Kashmir Issue |
FBIS3-13967_4 | on India. This dependence is based on the premise that since the Cold War is over, New Delhi cannot be accused of relying on Moscow. Since the government has also been making a thorough effort to dismantle the Nehruvian legacy of economic self reliance and openly inviting US corporate giants to invest in this country and capture even the home market, it expected an era of bonhomie between the two countries. The finance minister, Mr. Manmohan Singh, has assiduously pursued a policy of total subservience to the World Bank prescription of free market economics. He naturally expected this to fetch political dividends. This anticipation has dominated the government's entire thinking on international affairs. But the assumption Washington would recognise India's worth as its largest loyal camp follower in south Asia was naive. An illusion was also fostered that the US administration would listen more to New Delhi than to Islamabad on any issue of contention between India and Pakistan. That was why greater labour was spent by Indian diplomats and the government to canvass for India's case on Kashmir in Washington than make any serious attempt to open a worthwhile dialogue with its neighbour. Even when US state department underlings like Mr. John Mallot and Ms. Raphel made offensive remarks about India's position in Kashmir, the Indian government held on to the illusion it would be able to persuade Washington to brand Pakistan as a "terrorist state". Instead came the two missives from the US president, Mr. Bill Clinton, to two non-descripts. This clearly showed his bias for the militants not only in Kashmir but in Punjab as well. What seems to be totally missed by policy making pundits in New Delhi is that the US administration has never claimed to be a Santa Claus distributing goodies to third world destitutes. It has always maintained its realpolitik for mastery over international affairs and economics, more so after the collapse of its rival superpower, the former Soviet Union. It has never made the mistake of announcing the abandonment of its aspirations to world hegemony. In that design, the emergence of a stable, powerful India can only be a nightmare rather than a benign force. An unstable India in constant friction with its neighbours provides the ideal setting for Washington's policy on south Asia. At the tactical level, Indian diplomats should have realised the present prime minister of Pakistan has long maintained | Dialogue With Kashmiri Militants Urged |
FBIS3-13972_4 | army would have to start a war with Pakistan to get those areas back. This way, two battle fronts will open in Kashmir. In this situation, when the Indian army is not getting cooperation from the Kashmiri people, and Pakistan is getting sympathy at the international level--including the United States of America--the United States will be able to pressure India on this issue, and Pakistan will be showered with new modern weapons and dollars. Using this pretext, Pakistan will be able to continue its Islamic bomb program, and during this period, Benazir Bhutto will be able to strengthen her position as prime minister. If we analyze Jammu-Kashmir and Pakistan's present situation closely, then the facts related above support the hypothesis that an international-level conspiracy is being implemented against India. Are the Americans involved with Pakistan in this conspiracy? Is not this a conspiracy to stop India from emerging as an economic power in South Asia? The anti-India international powers have perhaps begun to feel that after India has successfully suppressed terrorism in Punjab, sooner or later, terrorism in Kashmir will also end, and Pakistan will be defeated there also. What kind of attitude does the only superpower in the world, the United States, have toward India in this whole situation? I will talk about this in the next installment of this article. [8 Feb p 4] [Text] Prime Minister Narasimha Rao and the Indian Foreign Ministry are now clear on the fact that President Clinton's policy on India-Pakistan relations and Kashmir and Punjab is against India. It was noted in the past that whenever there a Democrat was president in the United States, U.S. government policy was neither opposed to India nor in support it. American policy on Kashmir was always neutral. The Republican presidents have always implemented anti-India and pro-Pakistan policies. During John F. Kennedy's and Jimmy Carter's administrations, the United States had neutral policies about India. During the eras of Nixon, Reagan, and Bush, the United States encouraged Pakistan to spread an anti-Indian tirade and keep the Kashmir issue alive. Perhaps this is the first time in the history of United States-India relations that a Democrat, President Clinton, has adopted an anti-India attitude on Kashmir, Punjab, and India-Pakistan relations fronts. Have the attitudes of Democratic Party leaders changed regarding India, or has India failed to present its case appropriately to the United States? Whatever the reason, the United | Editorial Asks if Pakistan Seeks War Over Kashmir |
FBIS3-13990_1 | is that all of Kashmir is disputed territory. Apart from that, recently, the U.S. Government has shed a lot of tears over Kashmir and how the Indian Government has curbed Kashmiri rights and is committing atrocities. Even Clinton is claiming how pained he is over all this. The reason the U.S. Government has suddenly become agitated over Kashmir is its newfound love for Pakistan. If U.S. officials were not under pressure to appease Pakistan, then why would they be crying so much? The main reason for their tears is to avoid criticism by Pakistan and the Muslim world. There is no doubt that democracy is deep-rooted in American society. They do not want to see people deprived of democratic rights. Americans become very agitated upon hearing that human rights are being violated and governments are torturing their people. But there is no reason to believe that the U.S. Government is fond of human rights. U.S. foreign policy is based on American economic interests. They show interest in the abrogation of human rights when American economic interests are involved. When these interests are involved, they make a hue and cry all over the world. There are many examples of this in history. Despite this, the United States continues on this path. One example is when the United States some time back made a big fuss over human rights violations in China. Now they have shut up. They are worried about losing markets in China. Thus the United States simply cannot worry about the lack of progress in human rights there. U.S. officials never raise the subject of Saudi Arabia's lack of democracy or how torture is practiced there. This is due to the Saudis' willingness to keep in mind U.S. economic interests. When Khomeyni took power in Iran, however, U.S. officials became worried due to his unwillingness to protect U.S. interests as had the Shah. [passage omitted giving other examples] Now, the United States is suddenly worried about Kashmir! The concern shown by the United States over human rights violations, however, is really an expression of concern over economic interests there. The United States wants to establish economic domination over Pakistan and needs a military base in Kashmir. Thus, the United States is about to restore aid to Pakistan. The United States wants to take steps to appease Pakistan and the Muslim world. U.S. officials regard the Kashmir problem as a | U.S. Said Supporting Pakistan Kashmir Position For Own Interests |
FBIS3-13997_6 | places in Pakistan. Even the chairman of Pakistan's own human rights group has listed many incidents of torture in Pakistan. For example, 95 incidents of violence against political activists in police custody and 55 incidents of rapes of innocent women and children were cited by this group. These figures are for the last two months. Most of these incidents took place in Sindh, Benazir Bhutto's home province. Argentina's organization, the World Movement of Restoration of Human Rights, has also condemned incidents of human rights violation in Pakistan. The Kashmir Democratic Forum is an organization of progressive Muslims in Switzerland. It also has condemned Pakistan. This organization told Benazir Bhutto to leave Kashmir to the Kashmiris, because her interference is causing innumerable problems for the Kashmiris. The U.S. State Department report is also very strong. It has hinted about unethical killing usually shown as confrontation with the police. Many incidents of misuse of police officers are noted and corruption is increasing. The police and the jailers use force to make people say whatever they want to hear. Innocent people are beaten and all kind of atrocities are committed. This is the story of Pakistani jails where people die and commit suicide. Pakistan is still going on with its propaganda war against India while committing these sins. The European diplomats have seen that. New Delhi is going to focus on the Islamic world now. It is going to invite the diplomats from Islamic countries. They will tour the valley and see what drama Pakistan has staged there. There will be one major benefit from it. The shroud of secrecy over the valley will be lifted and Pakistan's lies will be exposed. After all, this problem should be resolved by working together. The Indian prime minister has adopted the right attitude about it with a lot of thought, balance, and creativity behind it. Now the idea of just holding talks with Islamabad has been dropped. No doubt New Delhi wants to normalize and improve its relations with its neighbors, however, there must be an appropriate environment for that. The issues on which we have serious differences can be left for a later date. This is the right attitude and will serve the interests of both nations. Narasimha Rao himself had shed light on it. The time has come now for the international community to stop looking for faults, and try to find truth.* | Openness Urged in Diplomatic War Over Kashmir |
FBIS3-13998_1 | not been confined to charges of human rights violation by India's security forces in the Kashmir valley. The U.S. administration has called into question the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India and tried to brand it as a civil war on the lines of Afghanistan. No criticism has been levelled against Pakistan's support, both material and political, to the militants in the valley demanding secession from the Indian Union. It is this blatant abetment of armed secessionism that has now made New Delhi aware of the basics of U.S. policy and helped to bring about a degree of unity within the country. The assumption on which New Delhi was working until last year was that after the Cold War, there would be a realisation on the part of Washington on the need to accept India as the more durable and reliable entity in south Asia. It was also assumed Pakistan's geostrategic importance in the region had gone down with the disappearance of the Soviet Union. For one thing, the huge, complex democracy that India happens to be is too difficult to manage and manipulate for any power however formidable it may claim to be. Even the opening up of the economy by the Indian authorities at the specific behest of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank bosses sitting in Washington does not provide that insurance for the policy makers in the state department and the Pentagon. Second, Pakistan's importance to the Pentagon has been reinforced by the emergence of a whole cluster of central Asian republics rich in mineral wealth. Also the two sensitive zones of the Chinese strategic defence, namely, Tibet and Sinkiang are contiguous to Pakistan and Kashmir as well. As the entire drama of resumption of an elected regime unfolded in Pakistan, it was clear the authority of the military junta has not really been liquidated. It has assumed a fresh significance in a changed context. It is in this context one felt the repeated implorings by New Delhi with Washington to declare Pakistan a terrorist state was both unreal and pathetic -- rather demeaning to the self-respect of the country. It is good to notice the Indian representative rebuffed the offer of third party mediation in Kashmir by the Organisation of Islamic Countries [OIC]. The OIC has long declared its support for the secessionists in the Kashmir valley. The key to the settlement of the Kashmir | Nation Said United Against U.S. Kashmir Policy |
FBIS3-13999_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Article by Bharat Bhushan: "Divergent Discourses"] [Excerpt] Several recent U.S. actions have created an impression bat not only is America not keen on improving relations with India, but that it seeks to play a partisan role on sensitive issues such as Kashmir. Levels of mutual suspicion are high, stray foreign policy pronouncements are magnified and the arena of diplomatic discourse appear to be shrinking. Missives from the White House and an apparent softness towards state sponsorship of terrorism by Pakistan make it difficult to take Washington's claim of being even-handed in South Asia at face value. There are other indications, although by no means definitive as yet, that the U.S. may be getting into a special relationship with Pakistan. It is not known what kind of sop was offered to Pakistan when the U.S persuaded it to withdraw the resolution on Kashmir in the UN General Assembly last year. If it was the withdrawal of the Pressler Amendment, as some observers believe, then clearly the U.S. has not been able to deliver. It remains to be seen where the US stands on Pakistan's resolution on Kashmir at the meeting of the UN Commission on Human Rights at Geneva later this month. Pakistan seems adamant on moving the resolution to embarrass India. But it could be embarrassing for the U.S. also, if it were forced to abstain from voting on an issue apparently concerning human rights. If the U.S. persuades Pakistan to desist once again, then it will not be without Pakistan extracting a price. If, however, the U.S. votes with Pakistan, it can kiss goodbye to any hope of improving ties with India. For the time being, it appears that Indo-U.S. relations are being impelled by the momentum of daily reactions and counter-reactions to stray signals from Washington. While the Indian establishment seems to have been hijacked by media reaction, the Americans have become prisoners of their own verbiage on human rights. It is unrealistic to expect that a Democratic administration would give up its public stance on human rights in Kashmir especially when abuses continue to occur. But there are severe problems with the way this administration views Kashmir and its attempts at engaging India on human rights issues to the exclusion of other aspects of Indo-U.S. relations. For a start, arms of the U.S. foreign policy establishment are yet to understand the difference between | Article says U.S. `Soft' on Pakistan View of Kashmir |
FBIS3-13999_1 | at Geneva later this month. Pakistan seems adamant on moving the resolution to embarrass India. But it could be embarrassing for the U.S. also, if it were forced to abstain from voting on an issue apparently concerning human rights. If the U.S. persuades Pakistan to desist once again, then it will not be without Pakistan extracting a price. If, however, the U.S. votes with Pakistan, it can kiss goodbye to any hope of improving ties with India. For the time being, it appears that Indo-U.S. relations are being impelled by the momentum of daily reactions and counter-reactions to stray signals from Washington. While the Indian establishment seems to have been hijacked by media reaction, the Americans have become prisoners of their own verbiage on human rights. It is unrealistic to expect that a Democratic administration would give up its public stance on human rights in Kashmir especially when abuses continue to occur. But there are severe problems with the way this administration views Kashmir and its attempts at engaging India on human rights issues to the exclusion of other aspects of Indo-U.S. relations. For a start, arms of the U.S. foreign policy establishment are yet to understand the difference between annexation and accession when it comes to Kashmir, e.g. the U.S. Central Command Chief General Joseph P. Hoar's comments on how India "annexed" Kashmir in 1947. The Americans talk breathlessly about taking the, opinion of the "Kashmiri people" into account. But Pakistan has changed the demographic profile of the area occupied by it since 1947 to such an extent, that donkeys would decide about the future of horses if there were anything akin to a plebiscite. The U.S. also does not understand the consequences for the rest of India if Kashmir were to become independent. Given the existence of a large and scattered Muslim population, there could be a thousand Bosnias in India itself. Happenings in Europe and Central Asia should be warning enough against a blind faith in self-determination for nationalities. Kashmir and nuclear proliferation are no doubt important issues and must engage the attention of India. But day-to-day provocations have meant that the U.S. is either deliberately or by default letting Pakistan set the agenda for Indo-U.S. relations. On its part, lndia has also failed to project its foreign policy agenda in the U.S. beyond these issues. This either shows a lack of understanding of Washington or an | Article says U.S. `Soft' on Pakistan View of Kashmir |
FBIS3-14011_3 | organisational strength of fundamentalist parties with cross border affiliations to spread Islamic ideas as an antidote to the secular forces being projected by New Delhi. It began by focussing upon Islamic education. The Jamaat e Islami was useful because of its sway in the madrassas that rapidly spread throughout the rural areas of Kashmir valley. The spread of Islamic ideals was the first element of the strategy of radicalising the Kashmiri Muslims. The second was the creation of an elaborate information ring within the Kashmiri government. The political crises of the period 1982 to 1987 allowed pro-Pakistani fundamentalist parties to exploit the alienation of the common Kashmiri. Through the maulvis Islamabad was able to communicate with the common Kashmiri for the first time. It set up a fledgling organisation within Kashmir for greater use in future. Ms. Bhutto's overthrow did not mean the end of the Kashmir gambit. Instead the policy was streamlined, and the military's direct involvement increased. It also received more funding because of Zia-ul-Haq's Islamicisation policies. The principle beneficiaries of the Islamic taxes zakat and ushr were the ulema. They in turn used it to consolidate their position on both sides of the border. Suddenly the maulvi became an economically important person, prepared to accept the radical programme that his handlers from Islamabad sold him. Most importantly, the policy of Islamicisation through education at the grassroots became an effective counter to the relatively successful philosophy propagated by New Delhi that Kashmiriyat was built on secularism. New Delhi ignored the quiet revolution taking place inside Kashmir. It did not take advantage of the Afghan imbroglio to counter Islamabad's Kashmir operations. Instead New Delhi preferred to accept at face value the peace overtures made by the Zia regime in respect of Kashmir. The greatest failure on the part of New Delhi was its inability to comprehend the changed Pakistani strategy and undertake counter measures. The prevalent thinking in New Delhi was that Islamabad would repeat its 1948 and 1965 strategies. With Zia, the radicalisation of Kashmiri society proceeded at a feverish pace. The Inter-service Intelligence created a network of informers and sympathisers who penetrated every state government department. Infiltration and exfiltration routes were identified. Slowly weapons training along with ideological brainwashing began to be imparted in camps in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. By 1988 the trickle had become a flood. All that was required of Ms. Bhutto was to give | Pakistan Strategy on Kashmir Said Well-Planned |
FBIS3-14025_0 | Language: Urdu Article Type:CSO [Editorial: "Criminal Silence of the International Community"] [Text] At present, in two regions of the world--occupied Kashmir and Bosnia--a lot of atrocities are being committed, and human rights are being violated. The international community, however, is sitting like a silent spectator. The United Nations and major powers worldwide do not feel the need to play their required role in obtaining the right of self-determination for the Kashmiris or the protection of Bosnia. When it comes to the interests of the United States and European nations, the United Nations and its Security Council suddenly become very active. The silence of the world over the present situation in occupied Kashmir and Bosnia is deplorable and unbearable. Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto addressed a meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva and tried to call the attention of the international community to the problems in occupied Kashmir and Bosnia. She said, "The present situation in Kashmir is unacceptable, and so is the silence of the world." The prime minister made it clear to the meeting's participants that the people of Kashmir have a very simple desire: independence. "You cannot suppress the freedom fighters for very long," Bhutto said. "Atrocities and extremities cannot last very long. This is a lesson of history, and despite India's atrocities and suppression, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have made its efforts futile." Madam Benazir Bhutto has definitely advocated the interests of the people of Kashmir very effectively. Her speech was greatly praised and the issue was declared a great cause of concern. The real problem, however, is to see if the international community will do something to stop Indian atrocities against the Kashmiri people and whether they will help them gain their right to freedom. In the past, the United Nations and other international forums praised the efforts of Pakistani representatives and diplomats; however, they did not take any practical steps to help the Kashmiris get their independence. The conscience of the international community is dead, and it is not willing to do anything to stop the savage acts of the Indian armed forces in Kashmir. In this situation, relations between India and Pakistan have become extremely tense. Pakistan tried to resolve this issue by holding talks, but India's stubbornness prevented it from making any progress. Pakistan has not proposed any new plans. Instead, it is still firm on the principle of | International Community's `Silence' Over Kashmir Attacked |
FBIS3-14028_1 | India and Pakistan to resolve this issue by talks, the whole situation becomes a bit clearer. One reaction would be: God what is going on? Until a few years ago, the United States was not willing to hear anything about Kashmir. Whenever, the issue was brought up, it was tabled by referring to the Shimla Agreement. Now it is so interested that it is considering Kashmir as one of the three major problem areas in the world and has put so much pressure to resolve this issue that foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan had to hold talks. Despite Madam Bhutto's direct statement that it is useless to waste time on meaningless talks, it is certain now that there will be additional rounds of talks between India and Pakistan even when they are meaningless. What is the reason for this effort to win our friendship? Has the freedom struggle of occupied Kashmir pulled at the U.S. conscience? Their sacrifices definitely are enough to awaken any sleeping conscience. The occupied Kashmir has been facing devastation since January 1990 when the Kashmiris took up weapons. According to international news agencies, at least 16,000 persons have lost their lives. Front doors of hundreds of homes are knocked on at night and the young men there are arrested. Their bodies are given to a nearly police station the very next day. Many a virtuous young woman fall prey to gang rape by the Indian soldiers. Many unblossomed young women were trodden under the boots of Indian soldiers. These sacrifices could wake up even the most ruthless of hearts. However, did the conscience of the sole world superpower wake up because of these sacrifices? We wish it was true. Unfortunately, the conscience of a superpowers is controlled by its vested interests. What U.S. interests are related to Kashmir? [passage ommitted on U.S. relations with China] This difference in stand on international affairs is the main reason for enmity between China and the United States. Thus, if the United States manages to take the Kashmir valley and areas north of it under the U.S. control, then it will have succeeded in surrounding the newly liberated nations in Central Asia on the one side and China on the other side. In the ring around China, the Philippines in the east and South Korea are also U.S. allies. Some of our analysts do not agree that the United | U.S. Attitude Towards Kashmir Problem Examined |
FBIS3-14030_0 | Language: Urdu Article Type:CSO [Interview with Raja Zafar-ul Haq by Irfan Siddiqui; place and date not given] [Excerpt] [Siddiqui] You keep a very close eyes on foreign affairs, especially those related to the problems of the Islamic world. What is your opinion of the present situation in Kashmir? [Zafar-ul Haq] Briefly, I would say that Kashmir is a living example of India's atrocities, Pakistan's mistaken policies, the unprecedented brave struggle of the Kashmiri people, the helplessness of the Islamic world, and the biased policies of the international community. There are 27 places in the world where human rights are being seriously violated. The deplorable fact is that 23 of these 27 places are populated by Muslims. Kashmir is the most prominent place among them. The present movement has resulted from Indian atrocities. India has gone to extremes in committing atrocities during the last four years. But it failed to crush the freedom struggle. I believe that since the partition of the subcontinent, the campaign in Kashmir has never been so widespread or powerful as is now. India has changed governors here three times during this period, and every new governor has claimed that he would crush the movement in little time. Krishnarao said in an INDIA TODAY interview, "If I get three or four more months, I will break the backs of those who want independence." India is continuously increasing its military forces, but the more the number of Indian troops increases--and it increases along with atrocities--the stronger the independence movement becomes. Thousands of people have become the prey of bullets. Those in jail are being killed and tortured. Houses, shops, and villages are being burned. There has been a rapid increase in the incidence of rapes. The movement is still going on, and perhaps it will be impossible for India to crush it. [Siddiqui] What can you say about the success of this movement? [Zafar-ul Haq] I have no good expectations from India's treachery and stubbornness. It does not support resolving the Kashmir issue peacefully, by sitting around a table or by holding a plebiscite according to the UN resolution. We have learned over the centuries that when a community decides to break the shackles of slavery and is willing to make any sacrifice to do so, then no power can keep that community enslaved with military force and weapons. The sooner India understands this, the better. [Siddiqui] Has | PML(N) Senator Denounces Bhutto's Kashmir Policy |
FBIS3-14086_0 | Language: Hebrew Article Type:BFN [Report by Nicole Krau] [Excerpts] Last Sunday [13 March], when the decision to define all right-wing movements as terror organizations was announced, Kakh's Tel Aviv branch closed down. The branch had been located on Hanegev Street in the old Central Bus Station in the past 12 years, having moved there from Dizengoff. "We seem to be closed," one of the movement's leading figures says, "but in practice, the branch's entire activity has been moved to a safe apartment in downtown Tel Aviv, in which an activist family lives. The location of the branch will be changed occasionally to prevent exposure by the security forces." The activist's remarks reveal that Kakh activists use five safe apartments in the Tel Aviv area. The apartments are situated mainly in south Tel Aviv, Hatiqva neighborhood, Bat Yam, and Ramat 'Amidar in Ramat Gan. The activist adds that the movement has hundreds of activists and supporters in the Dan District. According to Kakh activists, Kakh and EYAL [Irgun Yehudi Lohem] leaders and the heads of Kahana Hay have recently discussed consolidation. [passage omitted] One of the Kakh leaders in the Dan District has said that the movement would suspend its activities until the High Court of Justice rules on the movement's appeal against the orders outlawing it. They plan later "to start taking care of the Arab problem in Yafo." At first they will distribute in Yafo leaflets demanding that the Arab residents leave the city, and later they will proceed to damage property. "We will burn their cars and houses, but we will not attack people for the time being," he said. In addition, the Kakh people plan to act against the moderate right wing and the left-wing organizations in the city and to attack Meretz centers and the Labor building. The activist says that reporters, who attack the movement in media, will receive life threats. According to Kakh activists, they expect to receive weapons soon. They maintain that the weapons will be smuggled in by movement activists who are due to immigrate to Israel from the United States -- people whose political views are unknown to the security services. "We are defined as a terrorist organization, and as such, we have nothing to lose. We feel as if we were ETZEL and LEHI [pre-state underground organizations], and we will use their methods in our operations," the activist sums up. | Report on Kakh Activity Against Arabs, Others |
FBIS3-14089_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] At the entrance to the Shu'fat refugee camp north of Jerusalem, an Arab woman tried to stab a border policeman with a kitchen knife this afternoon. The policeman was not hurt, and others overcame the woman and arrested her. In the Ramallah area, shots were fired at an Israeli car this afternoon. Nobody was hurt, but when the driver reached an Army roadblock he saw that two bullets had hit the car. In clashes in Nabulus today, soldiers shot and wounded five Palestinians. One of them was a six-month-old baby who was seriously hurt. [Jerusalem Qol Yisra'el in Hebrew at 1400 GMT on 22 March adds that "four local Arabs were wounded in Hebron today by soldiers' gunfire. Two of them are reported in serious condition."] | Media Report Serious Incidents, Violent Clashes Arab Woman Tries To Stab Policeman |
FBIS3-14090_0 | Language: Hebrew Article Type:BFN [Text] Two Israeli workers were stabbed a short while ago in Kibbutz Nahal 'Oz by one or several terrorists who infiltrated into the kibbutz. Our correspondent Nisim Qeynan reports that one of the terrorist attacked the two workers with a knife in a trailer on the outskirts of the kibbutz. Another worker in an adjacent trailer heard their cries for help, pulled out his gun, and captured one terrorist. IDF [Israel Defense Forces] and Border Police forces are searching the area in an attempt to locate a second terrorist. One of the men was seriously wounded and taken to the Soroka Medical Center. He is currently being operated on. The second man sustained light to moderate injuries. | Media Report Serious Incidents, Violent Clashes Two Workers Stabbed by `Terrorists' |
FBIS3-14091_0 | Language: Hebrew Article Type:BFN [Text] Numerous serious incidents took place in the territories today. Palestinian sources reported that dozens of people were wounded. At several locations, including Hebron, the clashes took place when the Army removed the curfew for several hours in order to permit local residents to buy provisions and youths began hurling rocks at the soldiers. A pregnant woman was apparently killed by IDF [Israel Defense Forces] gunfire in Hebron. The IDF is investigating the circumstances of the incident. A girl from the Jabalyah refugee camp in the Gaza Strip died from her wounds this morning after being wounded in a shooting incident with soldiers several days ago. | Media Report Serious Incidents, Violent Clashes Pregnant Woman Killed, Dozens Wounded |
FBIS3-14111_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Irbil, Iraq, March 20, (AFP) -- Two villages have been virtually destroyed in recent renewed shelling by Tehran of Iranian Kurds sheltering in northern Iraq, Iranian Kurdish leaders said Sunday. General Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) Mostafa Hejri accused Iran of "killing and attacking Kurds here in the same way as in Iran." He told AFP from his headquarters in Kou Senjaq, northern Iraq, that in the past month "two villages have been nearly totally destroyed by Iranian shelling," although there had been casualties [sentence as received]. Hejri added that Tehran had only stopped its attacks on the Iranian Kurdish population during winter. Kurdish security forces added that an Iranian, who was active in the Iranian Kurdish movement had been killed in al-Sulaymaniyah, in the east of Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq, several days ago. Northern Iraq passed to Kurdish control, with the backing of the allied forces, after the end of the Gulf war in February 1991. The KDPI, the main Kurdish opposition party in Iran, has several bases in northern Iraq close to the Iranian border, and in the past there has been intermittent shelling of the border areas. | Kurds Accuse Iran of Destroying Villages |
FBIS3-14112_1 | the Political Bureau added that the Kurdistan Democratic Party seizes the opportunity granted by this noble occasion to extend to his excellency the leader president the most sublime, sincere, and heartfelt congratulations, and beseeches God Almighty to go grant him continued good health, to protect him as an asset for all free people, and to render the Nauruz a feast on which the will of the well-meaning Kurds will triumph against the forces of agentry and deception associated with the United States, the enemy of mankind. The clique of agents and traitors has flouted all honorable values. It is indifferent to the harm caused to the Kurdistan Region and the Iraqi people, and to the injustice and wrong done them. The Political Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party added: On Nauruz, Jawal Haddath, a righteous son of the Kurdish people, brandished his sword in the face of the tyrant Izdahak al-Dahhak to end his tyranny and bring about security and stability throughout Kurdistan. At present, you are the hero of the age. You have set an example for free men of the world. And here you are brandishing your sword, the sword of right, in the face of the unscrupulous tyrants, atheistic infidels, and all misled agents and traitors in defense of not only the Iraqi people, but also tortured humanity and free people of the world, who are suffering at the hands of the tyrannical ones. You have triumphed against them. Hence, the eternal annals of history will document your bright and heroic feats. The cable went on to say: It is true that the agents have rendered the situation in Kurdistan intolerable due to the lawlessness and sabotage they have caused to serve their masters. But, it remains to be said that your Kurdish people will continue to honor their pledge. They will remain sleepless until Kurdistan restores its security and stability and kicks out traitors and their masters so that it may return to the laps of the homeland, joyful and proud. The day of victory is imminent. Neither the unfair embargo, nor the machinations of colonialists, or the treason of traitors are capable of bringing your Iraqi people, be they Arabs or Kurds, to their knees. The Iraqi people will continue to hold their heads high. The banners of pride, glory, and dignity will continue to flutter throughout Iraq as long as you are its leader. | Pro-Government Kurd Party Pledges Support for Saddam |
FBIS3-14121_2 | all the Islamic movement supports violence. [Al-Mughrabi] What is the dilemma of the Islamic movements in Egypt and Algeria? ['Amarah] The Islamic movement in Algeria will inevitably triumph because all the people support it and the Algerian regime is completely impotent. The situation in Egypt is different. The Egyptian regime's resources are much greater than those of the Algerian one. However, the red lines that the outside world draws against any change in favor of Islam in Egypt are much clearer in view of Egypt's role and influence. Moreover, the Islamic movement in Egypt is not facing a dilemma. The dilemma in Egypt lies in the absence of secular parties among the masses. My conviction is that the Islamic trend in Egypt is not in a hurry to take power; its present goal is to have an opportunity to act legally, and this would lessen the violence that is distorting the image of the Islamic trend. [Al-Mughrabi] How long will the confrontation with the ruling regime continue? ['Amarah] It will continue as long as the regime prevents the Islamic trend from exercising lawful and legal rights in accordance with the democratic rules and as long as it refuses to yield power, particularly if the masses elect the Islamic trend. If the regimes in Egypt and Algeria agree to honest elections and provide an opportunity for all diverse ideological trends, the confrontation will come to an end and violence will decline. [Al-Mughrabi) Do you really expect either of the movements to take power? ['Amarah] That the Islamic trend is fated to take power in all Islamic countries is inescapable. [Al-Mughrabi] What are the similarities between Egypt's and Algeria's Islamic fundamentalism? [Amin] These two phenomena have an identical socioeconomic background particularly in the obvious features of unemployment, housing shortages, slums, corruption, high cost of living, and inflation. Another similarity lies in the just demand of both Islamic streams to establish a government that will apply Islamic shari'ah. [Al-Mughrabi] Are there any differences between the two movements? [Amin] There is a difference that results from Algeria's history and its bitter struggle against French colonialism. In that struggle Algeria had to raise the banner of Islam, not the banner of Algerian or pan-Arab nationalism, in order to secure the loyalty of the Berbers, who comprise more than 30 percent of the population. Consequently Algeria's Islamic appeal began before its Egyptian counterpart. Another difference is | Fundamentalism in Egypt, Algeria Compared |
FBIS3-14122_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Article by 'Atif al-Ghamri: "The West, Islam, and the Democratic Notion"] [Excerpts] Warnings about the danger of Islam that are spreading in the West, particularly in the United States, and the lumping of it together with Nazism and communism remain a method that has its own reasons for those who are making these charges. This issue was tackled with total neutrality by the thinker and writer John Esposito in his book The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality, in which he dwells on the issue of democracy. He wrote that part of the theory on the Islamic threat is the belief that Islam is historically hostile to democracy and tolerance. The author raises a number of points that influence this theory or belief. They are: The West's view of the Islamic Middle East is dictated by the need to guarantee its oil interests. Therefore, the West's route to stability in the Middle East does not pass through democracy but toward maintaining the status quo. Political realities in most Islamic countries in the world have never been ready for the development of democratic traditions and institutions. European colonial rule and the national governments that came to power during the post-independence era have added to a heritage that never cared for political participation or for building strong democratic institutions. Economic weakness, illiteracy, and high unemployment -- especially among the young generations -- have doubly aggravated the situation, undermined confidence in governments, and increased the attraction of any antigovernment slogans, regardless of these slogans' principles. History has taught us that the transformation of European political principles from rule that depended on divine right to democratic countries was accompanied by a reform process and a redirection from political individualism to the democratic notion. This means that the democratic notion did not stem from the core of European society but from the reform process that spread fully to all its structures, positions, establishments, and ways of life. Islam itself allows different interpretations. It has advocates of the democratic notion in the same way it has advocates of autocratic rule or rule by a minority. The trends that believe in democracy represent the normal course of things while the advocates of autocracy or rule by a minority are a transient and erratic phenomenon that does not have deep roots in these societies. John Esposito in his book The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality | Western View of Islam as Antidemocratic Criticized |
FBIS3-14132_0 | Language: Persian Article Type:CSO [Text] Economics Division. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was signed by 114 nations on 15 December. Following that the Islamic Republic of Iran's membership in GATT has been seriously considered by our nation's policymakers and officials. Conflicting views and explanations have been presented on this matter. Firuz Dowlatabadi, the Foreign Ministry's economic adviser and chief of its Office of Economic and Strategic Coordination, gave an interview to our correspondent in which he presented his views on this matter, the details of which are presented for you below: The foreign minister's economic adviser discussed the effects and consequences of joining GATT. He said: International economic organizations cannot actually be evaluated on the basis of whether joining them has benefits or disadvantages. International organizations, especially international economic organizations, are formed on the basis of a win-win strategy. Therefore, consensus is a principle in these organizations, and without a consensus their decisions are not implemented. Dowlatabadi said: Membership in these organizations basically faces the profitability of the economic system of each country, and Iran will not be harmed by joining these organizations in the way that is being mentioned. However, one must assess the level of relative advantages in Iran and other nations of our country's steadfastness and determination and the level of the relative advantages that are in general unavailable to us and are available to the other member nations. What will the future of their behavior be towards us in accordance with the government's policies, whether financial, monetary, foreign exchange or in commercial policy, and how far behind are we in this matter, or how far ahead of them are we? The chief of the Foreign Ministry's Office of Economic and Strategic Cooperation emphasized: This kind of assesment is the basis for our estimate of the benefits or disadvantages to GATT membership. It is really improper for us to ask whether we will profit or lose by joining GATT, or to ask in what areas we will profit and in what areas we will lose. He said: Because our assessment of GATT membership has been mistaken, despite the fact that the question of joining GATT has been under discussion continuously for almost 20 years (since the time before the revolution), no suitable conclusion has been reached. The foreign minister's economic adviser noted: In international relations, if a country has the power to provide expert | * Foreign Ministry Economic Adviser Interviewed on GATT |
FBIS3-14133_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed report: "Khamene'i Trying To Tighten Grip on Iran's Foreign Policy"] [Text] Tehran, London, AL-SHARQ AL-AWSAT -- Iranian religious leader 'Ali Khamene'i is expected to tighten his grip on Iran's foreign policy by appointing a number of new ambassadors to replace some of those believed to belong to President 'Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani's wing. Highly placed political sources in Tehran said yesterday that Khamene'i is deterined to steer Iranian policy back to "its true revolutionary path" and to annul the experimental policy of normalization represented by Rafsanjani. Monashir Badi, the Iranian constitutional expert in Tehran, says: The fact that Rafsanjani holds the title of president of the republic causes a lot of confusion in Western capitals. People hear that title and think that Rafsanjani is like the French and U.S. presidents, but our system is totally different. The real head of state here is Khamene'i who can dismiss the president, dissolve parliament, and suspend the Constitution if he wishes. Now Khamene'i is trying to make Western states understand that in the end they will have to deal with him and not Rafsanjani. Kahmene'i sends this message by openly attacking the Western states with which Rafsanjani starts a secret dialogue. Yahya Nabbut, another expert on the Iranian regime, says: "Khamene'i has made it clear that Rafsanjani has no power in such fields as defense, security, oil, and contact with the masses. Now the supreme leader is also saying that the president does not have the final say on foreign policy." There is one issue on which conflicting signals have been coming out of Tehran. That issue is the number of Iranian pilgrims this year. Mohammad Mohammadi Reshari, who has the task of leading the pilgrims, has acceded to a government request that the number of pilgrims be halved. That is in line with President Rafsanjani's policy of cutting hard currency expenditure in some sectors so that the country can finance imports of such necessities as food products and spare parts. The cost of Iranian pilgrimage is estimated at $3 billion, based on 1989 figures, but some pilgrims buy more currency on the black market so as to be able to purchase commodities in Saudi Arabia which are scarce in Iran. Observers offer three points in support of the view that Iran itself is trying to reduce the number of pilgrims: 1. The contracts signed with the airline companies, | Khamene'i To `Tighten Grip' on Foreign Policy |
FBIS3-14134_0 | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Commentary by News Research and Commentary Group] The Year 1372 [Year beginning 21 March 1993] was a year replete with success for some of the countries of the world, but for many others, it was a year of failure and defeat. The successes and failures were not all similar and differences stemmed from the distinctive conditions prevailing in the respective countries. However, in 1372, the United States achieved nothing but overt defeat. The United States began this year with apprehension of the future, and a bleak outlook on its strategy for grappling with international issues in the aftermath of the Cold War. In the last days of the year, most of this trepidation persisted and Washington's quest for adopting a comprehensive stand and policy on international developments has failed. Last year, the U.S. Government's policy in foreign crises was the target of intense criticism at the domestic and international level. U.S. President Clinton's series of defeats in his interventionist policies in many countries served to undermine the people's trust and elicited the objections of the Congress against those who implement the country's foreign policy. What is certain is that the U.S. foreign policy in the aftermath of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union continues to be based on continued interference in the internal affairs of all countries and proliferation of this interference. This objective was pursued in the period when the Republicans were in power and has been continued by the Democrats. Regardless of the U.S. hostility toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, countries such as Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Somalia, and Haiti were the main focus of the U.S. foreign policy activities. As regards Iraq, the United States ignores the rights of the people and continues its policy of constant pressure and the imposition of UN sanctions and has prevented all kinds of balanced solutions. The most conspicuous examples of the defeat of the U.S. interventionist policies can be more clearly perceived in countries such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Somalia, and Haiti. After a prolonged silence on the atrocities of the Serbs, and indifference toward the killing of 350,000 Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the United States sought to extricate itself from its political isolation by Europe and entered the fray. What motivated the United States to intervene was the emergence of conditions conducive to cooperation with Europe for implementing the covert plan for partitioning Bosnia-Herzegovina. For | Commentary `Failure' of U.S. Diplomacy |
FBIS3-14134_1 | of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union continues to be based on continued interference in the internal affairs of all countries and proliferation of this interference. This objective was pursued in the period when the Republicans were in power and has been continued by the Democrats. Regardless of the U.S. hostility toward the Islamic Republic of Iran, countries such as Iraq, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Somalia, and Haiti were the main focus of the U.S. foreign policy activities. As regards Iraq, the United States ignores the rights of the people and continues its policy of constant pressure and the imposition of UN sanctions and has prevented all kinds of balanced solutions. The most conspicuous examples of the defeat of the U.S. interventionist policies can be more clearly perceived in countries such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Somalia, and Haiti. After a prolonged silence on the atrocities of the Serbs, and indifference toward the killing of 350,000 Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the United States sought to extricate itself from its political isolation by Europe and entered the fray. What motivated the United States to intervene was the emergence of conditions conducive to cooperation with Europe for implementing the covert plan for partitioning Bosnia-Herzegovina. For this purpose, the Serbs were threatened with a NATO air strike within a propaganda display on the one hand, and on the other, by means of suitable pretexts and with UN cooperation, the matter of any direct military intervention was ruled out. These actions by the United States brought new disgrace for the West and the United Nations both of whom profess to be defenders of the rights of the defenseless people of the world. Another manifestation of the perplexity of U.S. foreign policy was in Somalia. The United States entered the arena on the pretext of responding to the crisis on humanitarian grounds, but with the passage of time, the sinister motives of the United States in launching these operations were apparent to all. From the vantage point of the U.S. military echelons, the U.S. military presence in the Horn of Africa was a guarantee for controlling the crises in this vicinity that threatened its interests. However, with the resistance of the Muslim Somali people and the killing of U.S. soldiers, Washington woke up to reality and admitted to its vulnerability and the defeat of its policy in Somalia. This resulted in a withdrawal of 5000 U.S. soldiers from | Commentary `Failure' of U.S. Diplomacy |
FBIS3-14145_5 | normal relations. The only solution to this issue is for the Kashmiri people to exercise the right of self-determination given to them in accordance with the 1947 Indian partition plan, the UN resolutions, and international law. Unfortunately, our neighbor is yet not aware of this reality. However, the Kashmiri people's unprecedented uprising and their spirit of freedom, courage, determination, and sacrifice is rudely awakening people's consciences. That is why the day is not far off when, like Muslims of other parts of the subcontinent, Kashmiri people will also achieve their inalienable right of self-determination. The Kashmiri uprising has entered a decisive stage. The Pakistani Government and people are behind the oppressed Kashmiri people and will continue to extend full political, diplomatic and moral support to them. Pakistan is not only our motherland, but also a strong fortress of Islam, by the grace of God. In this way, certain responsibilities fall on our shoulders. We are grateful to God that He has granted us the will and the divine guidance under which we are fulfilling our responsibilities toward the Islamic community according to our capability. We enjoy deep Islamic fraternal relations with Afghanistan. We have supported our Afghan brethren to the best of our ability in their historic struggle against foreign aggression. Now, we pray to God for an early establishment of peace and tranquillity in Afghanistan so that our brotherly country can march toward peace and reconciliation and progress and prosperity. An Islamic country which is facing foreign aggression because of the apathy of the international community and where human rights, international law, the UN resolutions, and the recognized principles of justice are being mercilessly violated is Bosnia. As a member of the United Nations and in view of our Islamic ties, we are aggrieved at the brutalities being committed against the people of Bosnia and are raising our voice against them at all international forums. The Bosnian problem is a glaring example of the international community's double standard. Like Somalia, where our troops are offering great sacrifices to maintain law and order and to ensure the continued supply of international aid to its people under the leadership of the United Nations, we are ready to assist the United Nations in protecting the besieged and unarmed people of Bosnia and establishing peace there. Pakistan is supporting and providing practical assistance to the UN efforts to establish peace in different regions | President Leghari Speaks at Military Parade |
FBIS3-14149_0 | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Text] For the first time, Libya has announced that it has agreed that the two suspects in the Lockerbie attack be tried by the International Court of Justice of The Hague in the presence of Scottish judges. The two men are accused of involvement in the attack against the Panam plane which exploded over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988. | Tripoli Reportedly Agrees to Trial of Lockerbie Suspects |
FBIS3-14158_0 | Article Type:BFN [Editorial Report] The following review of the 18 March issue of Cairo AL-SHA'B summarizes articles that are Islamic in nature. CONTENTS: 1. Hebron Killings Condemned, Speakers Assail Jews, U.S. 2. Israeli Mosad Accused of Involvement in Monastery Attack 3. Writer Denounces Monastery Attack, Israel, Government Policy 4. Iraqi Minister Says Arabs, Muslims To Blame for Sufferings 5. SLP Official Denounces Government Policy, Demands Change 6. Muslim Brotherhood Denounces Clinton's Remarks on Jerusalem HEBRON KILLINGS CONDEMNED, SPEAKERS ASSAIL JEWS, U.S. The 18 March issue of AL-SHA'B continues to report protests against and denunciation of the Hebron killings and denunciation of the Jews and the United States during 'Id al-Fitr prayers in various parts of the country. It devotes part of the front page and all of page 3 to detailed accounts of demonstrations and sermons by Islamic leaders who condemn the "massacre," criticize Arab leaders' weakness, and call for breaking off the negotiations with Israel and for a jihad. The paper notes that security authorities surrounded many of the places of worship and took precautionary measures to guard against further demonstrations in many governorates. Worshipers chanted slogans against the Zionist entity and carried banners demanding revenge against the "criminal Zionists." Islamists took part in demonstrations protesting against the "Jewish delinquency" and weakness of the Islamic rulers. At the Mustafa Mahmud Mosque Square, Socialist Liberal Party [SLP] members and thousands of worshipers chanted slogans against the Jews and demanded that relations with the Zionists be severed. SLP members burned and trampled over the Israeli flag with their shoes and distributed a statement released by the Youths Federation on the "Jewish criminality" and the government's weakness. The Muslim Brothers organized demonstrations in Hulwan, chanting revolutionary slogans against the Jews and their agents. The paper reports that prayers were held in Upper Egypt under the threat of weapons and that the Central Security Forces surrounded the places of worship. In an approximately 270-word report on page 3 about 'Id al-Fitr prayers in Tanta, the paper says over 20,000 worshipers packed the sports stadium in Tanta amid a strict security blockade and that they were joined by women and children. In his sermon, Dr. 'Abd-al-Fattah Salamah, professor and dean of the Koran interpretation branch at Umm-al-Qura University in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, focused on the Jews' "treachery" and "affirmed that America is the leader and protector of terrorism in the entire world." He criticized | Political Islam Review: AL-SHA'B 18 Mar IRAQI MINISTER SAYS ARABS, MUSLIMS TO BLAME FOR SUFFERINGS |
FBIS3-14163_8 | Executive Committee, or the leading PLO institutions? When you mention the word leadership, what do you mean? If you mean the PLO Executive Committee, four members of this committee have resigned, not to mention those who tendered their resignations earlier, that is, in the immediate aftermath of the Oslo accord. It is true that the PLO has been experiencing a legislative impasse since the resignation of Palestine National Council Speaker Shaykh 'Abd-al-Hamid al-Sa'ih. But, can we say the PLO leadership is experiencing an executive impasse? If the answer is yes, what will happen, since the current phase requires concerted efforts by all in the context of a harmonious Palestinian leadership that is directly responsible for the destiny of its own people? [Al-Hasan] This question is extremely important and serious. It has been on my mind since you started this interview. What closes ranks and unifies efforts is a clear political line. By the same token, what divides is a mistaken political line. With regard to the Palestinians, they can simply judge the proposed solution as to whether it is sound or not, in light of the national consensus it enjoys. This is because nationalist political forces cannot disagree on national issues. Hence, we see the organizational impasse facing the PLO, the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. One-third of the PLO leadership, in terms of the political quorum reflecting the various political forces making up the PLO, has resigned. Only the Palestinian People's Party has continued to promote the PLO's current policy line. With regard to the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front and the Palestine Liberation Front, their votes reflect opposition to, not support for, the current policy line. This means the PLO Executive Committee is currently denied a political and a numerical quorum, particularly since three of its members have resigned. In case new resignations take place, the PLO will face a real impasse. ['Awwad] This concerns the PLO in general. What about the Fatah Movement? [Al-Hasan] With regard to the situation on the ground, there is a persistent, continuous, and serious Fatah demand that the course of negotiations be rectified, and the facts made available to the Palestinian people's masses. This is because the statements by some officials on the Gaza-Jericho accord were incorrect and untrue. They have not enlightened the Palestinian people about the facts. ['Awwad] Could you elaborate on this, please? [Al-Hasan] While commenting on the Gaza-Jericho | Al-Hasan Criticizes PLO Policy, UN Resolution |
FBIS3-14163_10 | accord, and the Oslo accord, Yasir 'Abd-Rabbuh has said displaced people will return home immediately. Undoubtedly, 700,000 displaced people were overjoyed when they heard this. Nobody can blame them, because they then thought they would be returning home the next day. Now, it seems no more than 10,000 displaced people will be allowed to return over the next three years. It has been reported that the number may be increased to 20,000 or 30,000. All displaced persons must return together. This is common sense, and this is our conception of a proper solution. By not allowing the repatriation of displaced people, Israel wants to fragment rights and territories. When the issue of releasing Palestinian prisoners was discussed in Taba, the Israeli delegation rejected a PLO proposal to form a committee to discuss the issue, contending the provisions enshrined in the Oslo accord underscore security for Israel. Once Israel's security is ensured, then pertinent measures can be taken by Israel, Israeli negotiators argued. That is why the negotiators formed the security and confidence-building measures committee. Accordingly, the release of prisoners must promote Israeli security. As a matter of course, any level-headed person well-versed in conflict management would not have accepted any such ideas, the centerpiece of which is meant to promote Israeli security. This is because agreements should be balanced. Mutual interests must be promoted. Otherwise, there would have been no reason for engaging in negotiations in the first place. Given all this, the Palestinian people and the Fatah Movement are witnessing calls for reconsidering the course of the negotiations. However, international pressures on the PLO, the agency that makes decisions regarding the Palestine question, are immense. This, of course, does not exempt the Fatah Movement of its responsibilities, because it is the mainstay of the PLO. Hence, we would like to say that silence is no longer golden. We must make an effort to spare the Fatah Movement any further external international pressure. ['Awwad] In your opinion, there is some erosion in the PLO's stand on how to run the conflict. In this regard, there were two memorandums on how to launch reform, but the signatories to both memorandums were constrained in one way or another. So experience proves reform endeavors have not produced any remarkably positive results. The Palestinian street does not view many reformists as serious because until recently they supported and advocated the PLO's political line and | Al-Hasan Criticizes PLO Policy, UN Resolution |
FBIS3-14163_11 | such ideas, the centerpiece of which is meant to promote Israeli security. This is because agreements should be balanced. Mutual interests must be promoted. Otherwise, there would have been no reason for engaging in negotiations in the first place. Given all this, the Palestinian people and the Fatah Movement are witnessing calls for reconsidering the course of the negotiations. However, international pressures on the PLO, the agency that makes decisions regarding the Palestine question, are immense. This, of course, does not exempt the Fatah Movement of its responsibilities, because it is the mainstay of the PLO. Hence, we would like to say that silence is no longer golden. We must make an effort to spare the Fatah Movement any further external international pressure. ['Awwad] In your opinion, there is some erosion in the PLO's stand on how to run the conflict. In this regard, there were two memorandums on how to launch reform, but the signatories to both memorandums were constrained in one way or another. So experience proves reform endeavors have not produced any remarkably positive results. The Palestinian street does not view many reformists as serious because until recently they supported and advocated the PLO's political line and political leadership. What suddenly made the reformists take their positions? How can a radical change be introduced into the current political line? [Al-Hasan] Anyone who studies the history of any political movement, including the PLO, will see that any history has its ups and downs. But, this is far from a collapse, which will indicate, if it takes place, a defect in the issue. Ups and downs, however, do not necessarily mean a defect, but may be the result of an upset in the balance of power. The difference between collapse, on one hand, and ups and downs, on the other, is that the people, in the second case, are always supportive. But collapse usually results in the disengagement of you and your popular base. This is scientifically true, not a matter of interpretation. When you propose a political line representing the aspirations of the masses, these masses will rally around you. Only then will you have a broad base. The members of the organization will grow in number and quality and there will be enough money. When you propose an incorrect political line that does not represent mass aspirations, the masses will abandon you, your organization will decompose, your | Al-Hasan Criticizes PLO Policy, UN Resolution |
FBIS3-14168_4 | major gains of the Algerian revolution that enabled Algeria to resist colonialism, the killing of veterans and the sons of the martyrs who are one of the major symbols of the recovery of national sovereignty, the assassination of foreign nationals who came to Algeria to help it in its development, the assassination of genius, intellectuals, men of science and culture, and even religious men and ulemas. How can one use Islam to justify the destruction, sabotage, and burning of establishments, and public as well economic institutions that represent a national heritage, and which belong to all Algerians? How can one use Islam to violate the sanctity of places of worship? How can one use religion to justify acts of assault and robbery against financial premises; and robbing citizens of their possessions? What is more serious than this, is to launch an attack against the honor and dignity of citizens, as whole families have become targets of vile deeds whose victims are women and girls. How can one describe such barbaric acts as relating to Islam or what is called the jihad, considering that they are acts committed by an extremist, barbaric, and ignorant gang, who have been joined by offenders; criminals, thieves, drug addicts, and a number of youngsters who belong to families known for their dishonorable behavior during the revolution of liberation? Unfortunately, there are some youngsters, among these gangs, who have been fooled by false propaganda and have agreed to deal in crime. This has caused great regret for their families and parents. These crimes, which are committed in the name of Islam, are in fact crimes against Islam itself. It is true that a large number of people, among them people close to us, have expressed their sympathy with this tendency and have expressed their support for it. They believed its promises and held high hopes that it could usher in a better future. However, the sad course of events presented them with a chance to realize that these promises were actually deceitful, as their hope for a better life was turned into a horrible nightmare. The majority of them turned against this behavior whose perpetrators managed to learn from the Khmer Rouge, who were known for the destruction of their country and the annihilation of their peoples. The majority of Algerians know what would have happened to Algeria had the election process not been stopped at | Interior Minister Discusses Security Situation |
FBIS3-14168_6 | know what would have happened to Algeria had the election process not been stopped at the appropriate time. The leadership of this movement was also on the verge of experiencing an internal explosion under pressure from the armed groups whose hard core was hit abroad when working for the benefit of foreign causes, which would have led the country to destruction, similarly to what is happening right now in some of the regions of the Islamic world. Regarding the political side of the crisis, the head of state had defined more than once the framework within which dialogue should take place with the social and political partners who abided by the fundamental national values that had led our revolution and also the constitutional system. Today, our fundamental and priority task consists in the rapid consolidation of state authority and public order, as well as guaranteeing the citizens' security and properties. In the eyes of the state, this is not just a sacred demand, but also a fundamental popular demand. This is what made us understand that our people had become a chosen target for terrorist acts. It insists on public authority to eliminate this plague. We will take this task in charge. The means mobilized so far to combat terrorism have fallen short of the seriousness of the situation. We are also determined to further mobilize the human and material resources of the country. We are also determined to use a radical remedy to eliminate for good this plague affecting Algerian society. In addition to the enormous means that the state started mobilizing, the citizens are also called upon to take part in an effective way in this fateful battle, within the framework defined by the public authority. Our people are now aware of the danger facing their future. We have no doubts that they will wage the battle against savagery and barbarism. We are fully convinced that the Algerian people and its state will come out victorious after this test, as the people had always proven during its long history. We will be victorious because we are determined that Algeria will recover its respectable position among nations, which it should not have lost in the first place, and that it Algeria returns to the path of its cultural, economic, and social development. We have every chance of success, and we will succeed with God's help. Peace be upon you. | Interior Minister Discusses Security Situation |
FBIS3-14173_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Commentary by T.V. Venkatachalam, associate editor of NATIONAL HERALD: "Indo-U.S. Relations"] [Text] India-U.S. relations have taken some hard knocks of late because of the remarks made by President Bill Clinton and American officials, particularly Ms. Robin L. Raphel, assistant secretary of state, on the sensitive subject of Kashmir. It is a matter of history that in the evolution of Western policy toward the newly independent nations of India and Pakistan, what was proper and legal according to the accepted international law and norms was not always followed. Cold War diplomacy and strategic considerations had their impact on the policy. Over a period of time, however, certain degrees of balance came to be restored in the relationship even before the Cold War ended. The big powers recognized that India has its legitimate national interest and this country on its part gave the benefit of doubt to those who were treading on its toes, conceding that it might not be intentional. The recent U.S. statement questioning the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India may not mean a change in the previous policy formulation as far as the U.S. is concerned. The American utterances, however, come at a time when Pakistan is engaged in a proxy war to destabilize the situation in the area, pursuing the same sterile policies which landed the subcontinent in costly wars in the past, hurting their people. In such a situation, India does not expect friendly nations to queer the pitch for her with statements that exacerbate the situation. For India, or for that matter for any country, it is a serious issue if its sovereignty and unity are questioned. The challenge to the fundamental facts of national existence cannot be glossed over with clarification and explanation. It cannot be that properly equipped foreign offices ignore historical facts. The circumstances in which India's secular policy rejecting the two-nation theory based on religious differences became an integral part of Indian thinking and ethos are too recent to be forgotten. The whole range of Indo-American relations is marked by several positive factors. The two great democracies share so many human values. The potential for mutually beneficial economic and business cooperation is enhanced by India's liberalized economic policies. In the cultural, educational, and technological fields, there are long-standing friendly exchanges. These have to be strengthened at the political level. With due regard to each other's vital | Commentary Assesses Recent Differences With U.S. |
FBIS3-14175_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Text] Iran's commerce minister, Mr. Yahya ol-Eshaq, met with his Syrian counterpart, Mr. Muhammad al-'Imadi, in Damascus yesterday and discussed bilateral trade relations with him. In the meeting, the need for expansion of trade ties and exchange of goods between the two countries was stressed. The two sides also agreed that two separate committees--comprising commercial experts of Iran and Syria--be formed to survey practical ways of promoting commercial cooperation between Tehran and Damascus. Another important point is that Iran and Syria--as two powerful states of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East--play a sensitive and strategic role in the trend of events in the two regions. They also have relatively common viewpoints on the events taking place in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. Based on this matter and also due to common stands of the two sides on such vital political issues as the compromise deal on Gaza and Jericho and occupation of south Lebanon by the Zionist regime, it is essential that the scope of political ties be expanded to also cover the domain of commercial relations. During his December visit to Syria, Iran's first vice president, Dr. Habibi, met and conferred with President Hafiz al-Asad and also Vice President 'Abd-al-Halim Khaddam. In the meetings, Dr. Habibi pointed out that Iran has constantly backed stands of Syria as a country in the front line of combat with the Zionist regime. From the standpoint of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this support or consensus between Tehran and Damascus is viewed to be an unavoidable necessity under the sensitive conditions currently prevailing in the Middle East region. Significantly, since the start of the so called Arab-Israel peace talks process, Syria has been under extreme pressure from America and its allies so as to divert it from the principled stand and to force it into accepting the compromise agreements brokered by America and Israel. Dr. Habibi, who had led high-ranking political and economic delegation to Syria--besides conferring with the key Syrian officials on political events in the region and the world--also spoke of the need for establishing and developing trade relations between the two states. Hence it is imagined that the Monday visit of Iran's commerce minister to Damascus aims at pursuing the earlier agreements on commercial exchanges and including practical ways to implement them. In general, regarding to Tehran and Damascus, it can | Commentary Views Aspects of Relations With Syria |
FBIS3-14186_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["With Life and People" column by Chief Editor Dr. Musa al-Kilani: "A Brainwashing Attempt"] [Text] The arrival of the new U.S. Ambassador Wesley Egan has coincided with a clever [U.S.] propaganda campaign which seeks to change the convictions of the people of this country in favor of Washington. It is known that Ambassador Egan was the real dynamo in the U.S. Embassy in Cairo during a critical and crucial period of time. Robert Pelletreau, a Palestinian affairs expert, was ambassador at the time and Egan was deputy chief of mission. In this context, it was not a surprise to see Carl Brown, a renowned U.S. historian and Middle East expert, come to Amman to give lectures--four in one day--through which he tried to convince our citizens that the Americans, including Schwarzkopf and Bush, are the new angels, and that the Arabs, including Saddam and Shaykh 'Abd-al-Rahman, should heed their message. Twisting historical facts, the Harvard University professor denied that American culture is affected by the roots of Jewish thought, which believes in millenarianism, an ideology which requires that the promised land be purged of Arabs and their holy places on Temple Mount be removed! Professor Carl Brown also attempted to undermine the main theme in Dr. Edward Said's writings, in which Said explains that the seeds of anti-Arab Talmudic ideology are implanted in the U.S. mentality and control its rhythm during times of political emergencies. Dr. Said also explains that the contemporary U.S. political course is a disguised, cunning extension of the historical Western onslaught against the Muslim East, an onslaught that began with the crusades centuries ago, before being developed into a European military, political, and demographic hegemony in the past two centuries. In addition to the four "missionary" lectures, yesterday's lecture by Richard Armitage, a former deputy U.S. defense secretary, tried to convince us as Arabs that we needed the massacre of worshipers at the al-Ibrahimi Mosque to resume the Washington negotiations. I have to wonder in astonishment: Didn't the Washington negotiations attain their highest impetus several days before the massacre? Has the blood of the Hebron martyrs been forgotten so soon after 25 February 1994? What is the political price that the enemy has paid? Didn't UN Security Council Resolution 904 constitute a political and moral gain for Israel when [Washington] failed to recognize East Jerusalem as an occupied Palestinian territory, something which | Editor on U.S. `Brainwashing,' New Ambassador |
FBIS3-14190_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Al-Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, March 24 (AFP) -- The Iraqi Army has shelled villages and deployed 60 tanks near Kurdish lines in northeastern Iraq, Kurdish military officials said Thursday [24 March]. The shelling late Wednesday close to the Kurdish checkpoint of Chamchamal on the road from the government-controlled town of Karkuk to Kurdish-held al-Sulaymaniyah caused no casualties, they said. Kurdish district commander Khidir Sine said 6O tanks had been brought forward to the line since Tuesday, while an Iraqi helicopter flew within 300 metres (yards) of the demarcation line. Iraqi forces are now less than 500 metres (yards) from the checkpoint. A 300-kilometre (180-mile) stretch of the demarcation line between Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq and the rest of the country lies south of the 36th parallel, above which the Kurds are protected by allied warplanes. Iraq has since the start of March built up troops and arms on the other side of the line, according to the Kurds. But a senior officer who deserted from the Iraqi Army, declining to be named, said the soldiers along the demarcation line were "not in a fit state to attack the Kurds." Their morale is low and the army's situation "desolate," according to the officer. While ruling out a large-scale attack, Kurdish officials and representatives of foreign organisations said the army could launch limited raids south of the 36th parallel. | Villages Shelled, Tanks Deployed |
FBIS3-14192_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Paris, 23 Mar (INA) -- Iraq has warned it may be hit by an environmental disaster from the continuing sanctions. A memorandum submitted by the Iraqi parliamentary delegation to the 91st congress of the International Parliamentary Union, now in session in Paris, notes a rising level of pollution and the emergence of symptoms of previously unknown diseases. The Iraqi paper also notes an increased incidence of illnesses among women and children, including a higher-than-usual number of miscarriages and babies born with deformities. The memorandumm stresses that extensive use of depleted uranium in the missiles fired during the aggression on Iraq may bring about an environmental disaster, whose effects will be felt for many years to come. This is in addition to environmental pollution from crude oil and oil-based products. The memorandum blames the sanction-caused scarcity of finances and technical resources for the difficulties involved in destroying waste and maintaining a healthy environment. The paper appeals to the parliamentarians to direct that living in a healthy environment falls under the human rights heading and that sanctions arising from political disputes should exclude substances required for the protection of the environment. Iraq's delegation to the congress is led by National Assembly Speaker Sa'di Mahdi Salih. | Group Expresses Fear of `Environmental Disaster' |
FBIS3-14193_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Untitled editorial] [Text] In the past, when the government became angry and annoyed with a high-ranking official and wanted to get rid of him, it assigned him to the Foreign Ministry. When that person was a middle-ranking official, he was assigned to the Finance Ministry. When he was a low-ranking official, he was assigned to the Ministries of Youth and Agriculture. What was the result? When we needed bread, we found our agriculture destroyed and without irrigation; no one could plant in order to feed the people. So, the head of state, comrade leader Saddam Husayn -- as usual -- was forced to save the situation. He supervised the harvest from the beginning. He gave instructions to set up irrigation projects and build dams under the circumstances of the blockade. What also happened? When youths were needed to stand with honor during the chapter of treason, they were the tools of implementation. When our economy was in a critical situation because of the lack of hard currency and the lack of dollars as a financial cover, and when we needed good economists and finance men, we noticed the cause of all that confusion was the economists and finance men of the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Ministry. As a result of this, the dollar exchange rate increased continuously from 54 dinar until it reached more than 300 dinars. Since the cease-fire -- praise be to God, the Iraqis who sat at the negotiating table with the Americans to reach the cease-fire were not the politicians of the Foreign Ministry, but a military group who fought in al-Qadisiyah and the Mother of Battles -- we can say the handling of Iraq's foreign policy has been deteriorating. Iraqis can say it is in a bad shape. Why? Is this the result of the current situation? The answer is no. Throughout the 8 years of the war with Iran and until the Mother of Battles our ambassadors worked in trade. One of our ambassadors to a Southeast Asian country had nothing to do except to trade in carpets, works of art, and electrical appliances in order to collect money. The main concern of other ambassadors in socialist countries was to profit from trade in the black market. Embassy employees who work in sensitive organizations and who are charged with security tasks work in trade. The other employees' primary | BABIL Assesses Performance of Foreign Ministry |
FBIS3-14193_1 | and finance men of the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Ministry. As a result of this, the dollar exchange rate increased continuously from 54 dinar until it reached more than 300 dinars. Since the cease-fire -- praise be to God, the Iraqis who sat at the negotiating table with the Americans to reach the cease-fire were not the politicians of the Foreign Ministry, but a military group who fought in al-Qadisiyah and the Mother of Battles -- we can say the handling of Iraq's foreign policy has been deteriorating. Iraqis can say it is in a bad shape. Why? Is this the result of the current situation? The answer is no. Throughout the 8 years of the war with Iran and until the Mother of Battles our ambassadors worked in trade. One of our ambassadors to a Southeast Asian country had nothing to do except to trade in carpets, works of art, and electrical appliances in order to collect money. The main concern of other ambassadors in socialist countries was to profit from trade in the black market. Embassy employees who work in sensitive organizations and who are charged with security tasks work in trade. The other employees' primary concern is to live in free houses in the countries to which they are assigned and to obtain food at low prices in order to collect dollars to buy commodities for resale at high prices in Iraq. In one of the countries on which we depend until this moment, the ambassador has nothing to do but to take gifts from so-and-so merchant and to charge so-and-so merchant with running his own affairs. This takes place while their people are being besieged and need every honest effort to provide them with bread. The outcome is the escape of more than one ambassador who quit the service and did not return to the homeland of struggle or to their steadfast people. If we assess the work of our foreign policy during the eight years of war -- in which each Iraqi house lost one, two, or three martyrs -- what will be our gains? Only part of the Jordanian people, three-quarters of the Yemeni people, and the very rich people in the Gulf were at our side? We now understand why the Gulf people's feeling were with us. Because we indirectly deterred Iran's danger to the nation. In other words, we averted | BABIL Assesses Performance of Foreign Ministry |
FBIS3-14196_1 | interference in Iraq's internal affairs in humanitarian garb. They are aware that their interference is unjustifiable and has a devastating impact on regional security and stability. Any attempt to undermine Iraq is in nobody's interest; indeed the last quarter century has shown it to be unavailing. Turkey's assistant foreign minister Ozdom Sinberk's [name as published] remarks at the end of the four nations' session point to a chaotic meeting, where the double standard approach was obvious. The representatives of these nations advance justifications for their continued support of the rebellious forces in the north, retention of the no-fly zone, and the continued deployment of their troops on Turkish territory, and, in the same breath, contend they stand for Iraq's unity and territorial integrity. Concern for Iraq's unity and territorial integrity should translate into the hostile allied nations avoiding meddling in its internal affairs. Throughout history, Iraq has proved it can hold together and survive. Its people -- both Arabs and Kurds -- have shown that, when their brotherhood and sense of responsibility are brought to bear, they can sort out their problems for themselves. Outside interference is illegitimate, and it can only bring with it woes and devastation, and jeopardize security and peace in the region. Watching the session's proceedings, we are dismayed by Turkey's double-standard approach. How can Ankara note the need to lift the unfair embargo on Iraq on account of the enormous damage it has done to Turkey's and Iraq's national interests, while, at the same time, its representative notes the need, to quote the unsavory press release, for extending the presence of the multinational force stationed in Turkey to keep a close watch on developments in northern Iraq? As a neighboring state with which Iraq has close bonds, one would expect Turkey to remember that its participation in illegitimate and illegal actions pursued by the Americans and their allies in northern Iraq goes against good neighborliness, the UN Charter, international law, and the 1926 Iraq-Turkey border treaty. The Turks know only too well that only through effective cooperation with Iraq and reckoning with its national interests can they advance their national interests. Regional security and stability are hardly served by the aircraft and guns of one nation or another. They will only bring further outside interference in the region's affairs. The Turks also realize that the aggressive Americans harbor hostile intentions against the entire region, including | Policies of Allied Nations Noted, Analyzed |
FBIS3-14203_0 | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Text] Let's turn to Libya's dispute with the West. The two suspects in the Lockerbie attack against a Panam plane in 1988 are reported to have agreed to go to The Hague to appear before the International Court of Justice on condition that Scottish judges are present. An official of the Libyan parliament, Sa'd Mijbir, who is visiting Paris, confirms this information to Adala Benraad: [Begin Mijbir recording] A Scottish professor has proposed that the two suspects go to The Hague to be tried in the presence of Scottish magistrates. We have been informed by the lawyers of the two suspects that their clients have agreed and that they will go to The Hague of their own free will. We have accepted this proposal and we hope that the United States and the UK will accept too because this proposal paves the way to a peaceful, fair, and legal solution. [end recording] | Official: Suspects Willing To Stand Trial |
FBIS3-14235_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Article by Bilal al-Hasan: "The U.S. Likudist Stance"] [Text] The Likudist nature of the U.S. position on the Palestinian question is now a public phenomenon. It was manifest in the refusal to have Jerusalem mentioned as an occupied Palestinian city. Likud lost in Israel but it still rules supreme in Washington. The Likud Party lost power in Israel but Likud logic still prevails in the U.S. political circles. In its approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict and especially the Palestinian question, the U.S. Administration appears to be more Israeli than the Israelis. It is a Likudist approach, putting pressure on the ruling Labor Party to rise to the level of its own extremism. The latest UN Security Council discussions presented a rare opportunity to demonstrate that U.S. (Likudist) position as it really is. In the beginning, and despite the Hebron massacre, Washington was opposed to the issuance of any resolution by the Security Council and just called for a statement by the chairman only condemning the massacre. It was acting on Israel's behalf. When it realized the magnitude of the Palestinian and Arab fury as a result of the massacre and the extent of the world's sympathy with the victims of the massacre, Washington kindly agreed to let the Security Council pass a resolution provided it did not condemn Israel. The Council would have had to condemn the massacre as an anonymous act by unknown people in an unknown place with unknown responsibility and unknown culpability. When the Palestinian side tried to link the massacre to the Geneva Convention on occupation and people under occupation, the United States opposed that and insisted that there should be no mention in the resolution of Jerusalem as an occupied city. It objected to that part of the resolution when voting took place. The United States wants to force the world to act on the basis that the Oslo agreement supersedes everything that came before it, that all the Security Council's resolutions on Jerusalem, the massacres, the deportations, and the settlements, are now null and void and no longer constitute terms of reference for the negotiations, and that the only terms of reference are the Oslo agreement and what the negotiators agree upon in their meetings. The Likudist character of the U.S. Administration is no illusion, nor is it an exaggeration. The Jewish lobby in the United States is openly pro-Likud. | U.S. Accused of `Likudist' Stance on Issues |
FBIS3-14240_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Paris, 23 Mar (MENA)--Libya has announced that it agrees to hand over two of its citizens suspected in the Lockerbie downing for trial at the International Court of Justice in The Hague with the participation of judges from Scotland. This was announced by Sa'd Mujbir, secretary of the Foreign Affairs Committee at the General People's Congress in Libya, in a speech he delivered at the meeting of the International Parliamentary Union currently being held in Paris. Sa'd Mujbir said that "to you and through you, we declare to the whole world that we officially accept the proposal by Mr. Black, professor of law in Scotland, for the Libyans to be tried before the International Court of Justice in The Hague with the participation of judges from Scotland". It is worth noting that Colonel al-Qadhdhafi, leader of the Libyan revolution, has previously agreed for the two Libyans to be tried at the International Court of Justice without mentioning Scottish participation, but this was rejected every time by the United States and Britain. | Country Agrees to Trial for Lockerbie Suspects |
FBIS3-14257_2 | and Pakistan equally. It is true that the signals given in recent weeks indicate that the U.S. Administration either intends to totally waive the application of the Pressler Amendment or wants to provide military aid, especially the F-16 aircraft, to Pakistan by finding some exceptional ways even while the Pressler Amendment remains effective. However, no practical way has thus far been found under which aid to Pakistan can be restored without harming its interests. This proves that the talk of equal treatment to both India and Pakistan is still in its initial stage and the actions of the U.S. Government do not confirm the veracity of its pronouncements. If the U.S. Government views both India and Pakistan equally in the context of their nuclear programs and intends to place them on equal footing, then it must abolish the discriminatory legislation like the Pressler Amendment or impose the same restrictions on India as are placed on Pakistan. If this is not done, then the claims about treating both India and Pakistan equally will appear only hollow and unreliable. It is no secret that India had exploded a nuclear device some 20 years ago and possesses enormous resources for the advancement of its nuclear program. The United States had been keeping its eyes closed to India's nuclear program for the past 20 years. On one occasion, Washington rather directly assisted India in acquiring heavy water from France without raising any objection to it. The U.S. has also supplied computer technology to India, which also can be used for military purposes. In the presence of this policy, the U.S. claims about treating India and Pakistan equally cannot be accepted to be correct. Christopher's statement can be welcomed as a first step forward, but Washington needs to do much more to prove that its approach is fair. Pakistan has been declaring for the past 10 years that it is ready to sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty provided India also did the same, but the U.S. failed to fully use its influence on India to persuade it to do so. It is hoped that the statement of the U.S. secretary of state will prove to be the first drop of rain for Pakistan and Washington will really be able to adopt a fair and equitable policy on South Asia and will stop pressuring Islamabad to unilaterally "cap" its nuclear program. No Pakistani Government can ever | Editorial Views Christopher's Remarks on South Asia |
FBIS3-14259_2 | aggravates the situation in resolving the issue. As the Sinhalese are given a wrong impression about the Tamils and their demands, it amplifies the feeling of animosity and creates a situation which makes it difficult to find a solution. Given this situation, the government resorts to military action to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the minorities. All the military actions taken by the government in the past one and a half decades have ended in farce, only leading to the destruction of the property of the government and the people. However, these military actions could not destroy the legitimate aspirations of the people. Today's events indicate that these aspirations cannot be wiped out by mere military operations. The Tamil community in the north has adapted itself to live amid any kind of threat. Normal activities are being carried out there despite heavy bombardment and shelling. People are used to living amid major economic embargo and transport barriers. In Kilaly, boat service is continuing despite air and missile attacks. All these things indicate that the Tamils are not going to submit to any kind of military pressure. At the same time, the perpetual military pressure and the conflict have brought major changes to the social fabric of the Northern Tamils. Once Mahatma Gandhi said: The day when a woman is able to walk all alone in the streets at midnight can be regarded as the day of absolute freedom. A volunteer from a service organization who visited Jaffna recently has said that such a situation exists only in Jaffna. He has also pointed out that the crisis situation which existed before 1985 or from 1987-90 has changed, and that a peaceful atmosphere prevails there now. All these things indicate that the struggle of the Tamil people has reached a stage where it is impossible to satisfy the legitimate aspirations of the people with inconsistent solutions. At the same time, this issue has gained international recognition. Human rights and refugee welfare organizations have also started showing interest in this issue. The government will have to face an embarrassing situation in dealing with the pressures being exerted by them. Because, the norms like fundamental rights, human rights, and the right to self-determination have gained international acclaim. Acknowledging these norms will be quite unpleasant for the Sri Lankan Government. Therefore, the government would prefer to resolve the issue at home itself rather than taking | Article Examines Government Actions on Tamil Issue |
FBIS3-14271_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tripoli, al-Rabia'a [March] 24 (JAMAHIRIYA NEWS AGENCY) -- In a proposal presented to the United Nations, the United States called for Japan and Germany to be permanent members of the Security Council. The Cable News Network, CNN, said that the American ambassador to the United Nations presented this in the form of a proposal. The international affairs editor commented saying: At a time when we have been saying that the time has long become overdue for a review and reorganising of the United Nations on a new basis where all nations would have an equal role in it and would serve to extract it from the quagmire it has fallen into as a result of the hegemony of the Western countries over it. These Western countries transformed the United Nations into an instrument to repress other nations. Thus, by changing the United Nations along these lines, as proposed repeatedly by the leader of the revolution, is a matter which concerns all those countries represented in the United Nations given that the Security Council is the council of all the nations. Consequently, any change made to the council is the prerogative of all the nations it represents. Such changes should be put to these nations for discussion and so they can give their opinion. The editor said that the inclusion of Germany and Japan in the Security Council was not decided by the member countries of the United Nations, they didn't discuss it nor did they make any decision and they shouldn't be forced into accepting any decision they weren't involved in making. The editor said that this trend which involves opening the door to permanent membership in the Security Council and granting the right of veto solely to the powerful industrialised nations indicates a move towards crushing the less powerful nations which sufferred greatly from the monopoly the powerful nations have over the right of veto, a sitution they continue to suffer from. Therefore, there has to be a reassessment of the right of veto itself so that decision making will be in the hands of the General Assembly of the United Nations, that is, in the hands of all the members of this organisation. China had rejected any change to be made to the Security Council without being put to the General Assembly of the United Nations so they can give their approval. The | Western Countries Effect on UN Analyzed |
FBIS3-14275_2 | their members. 8. Pursuing the hardline Islamic current that is hostile to U.S. policy, and supporting the moderate Islamists who do not engage in politics. According to the U.S. proposal, this will be a cover for government pursuit of political Islamists. 9. Cooperating with the United States in pursuing international terrorism. 10. Expediting the implementation of the International Monetary Fund reforms. AKHBAR AL-USBU' has also learned that the U.S. Administration has asked its friends in the region not to support Jordan on the political, economic, or media levels as a retribution for its positions. It is also seeking to isolate Jordan and besiege it politically and economically in order to force it to yield to the U.S.-Israeli conditions. Sources in the U.S. delegation that accompanied Mr. Ross on his Amman visit voiced resentment over the harsh Jordanian campaign the Jordanian House of Representatives launched against the U.S. policy a few hours before the U.S. envoy's arrival. Responding to this, a responsible Jordanian source said: The Americans can ask the deputies and parties. The Jordanian Government does not officially interfere in this. These are popular demands and Jordan is a democratic country. In a related development, an Arab official in Washington confirmed to AKHBAR AL-USBU' that in the wake of Security Council Resolution 904, which condemned the al-Ibrahimi Mosque massacre, Jordan began to face tremendous U.S. pressure to expedite the peace process with Israel. He added: These pressures are represented in the U.S. retraction of a commitment to lift the siege on the port of al-'Aqabah and in growing media campaigns against the pan-Arab Jordanian position so that Jordan will continue to be isolated on the Arab level, in addition to threats to withhold U.S. and European financial aid. The impact of the U.S. pressure and threats on the Jordanian track of the peace process will be weak and will not serve the cause of peace, nor will any economic or political embargo that leads to Jordan's isolation serve the cause of peace. Continuing, he said: The onslaught on Jordan has been exposed to the Jordanian people, who are suffering from the siege on al-'Aqabah. Moreover, there is interference to prevent pan-Arab cooperation and coordination with Syria to get out of the Israeli bottleneck, which the United States is strongly seeking to impose on the peace tracks, especially the Jordanian track, and expedite a solution in accordance with the Israeli concept. | U.S. `Pressures' for Jordan-Israel Peace Seen |
FBIS3-14309_0 | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Political commentary: "What Are the Deep Wounds of the Islamic Ummah?"] [Text] King Fahd of Saudi Arabia disseminated a message in which he has expressed regret at the wounds of the Islamic ummah. He has also expressed concern about the hiatus in the so-called peace talks and hopes of peace! What is worth pondering in this message is the allusion to the wounds on the body of the Islamic ummah, which have resulted in discord and rifts among the Muslims. It is important to see what these wounds are and who has inflicted them. 1. Unfortunately, one of the greatest problems of the Islamic world at present is that most of the rulers of the Islamic countries are affiliated with the dominant powers of the world. This situation is further aggravated when these servile rulers prefer to obey the great powers and honor them instead of following Islam and revering the views of the majority of their own people. These subservient rulers have always obstructed any progress or action by the Muslims and one of the reasons for the people's backwardness is these rulers. This is especially conspicuous among the Arab countries, where they lack legitimacy and popularity and where the people are even deprived of the right to elect their own officials. The Saudi regime is a perfect example of such a government. 2. Another wound that has been inflicted on the body of the Islamic ummah is from those who enjoy the privilege of administering the two holy mosques. Pilgramage is an Islamic issue and should not be allowed to become a victim to international politics. Unfortunately, the administrators of the two holy mosques implement policies that have been described by the great leader in his 'Id al-Fitr sermon yesterday as "obstructing" and "creating obstacles." These policies generate the impression in the minds of the Muslims that the pilgrimage also takes place in accordance with the whims and wishes of the United States and the great powers. The Saudi regime should not prevent the Muslims from participating in the grandest conclave of the Islamic world. 3. What is the justification for the Arab countries' efforts for peace with the Zionist regime, which is basically illegitimate, just when the uprising of the true owners of Palestine is assuming wider dimensions day by day? It is extremely unpleasant for Muslims to observe that a group who | Differences With Saudi Arabia Reiterated |
FBIS3-14335_3 | of ours. Our determination to build up intrinsic capacities to expand cooperation among ourselves is firm. Extraneous efforts of developing countries, not least those of the members of this group, to transform and liberalize our economies and to integrate them with the global economy is aimed at charting a new trajectory of growth. This factor, as well as the substantial progress achieved by some of us, have created the basis for meaningful and functional networks of relationships -- commercial and technological -- between and among ourselves and with the rest of the world. Cooperation between developing countries on a regional and transregional basis has assumed an urgent dimension for us to extend the frontiers of growth. As we grow in collective strength, so too will our individual and joint capacities for development, to enable us to contribute to the establishment of a more equitable, balanced, and prosperous world order. Our attempts to intensify our interaction with regional free trade and economic cooperation arrangements could affirm the value of open regionalism and of becoming viable growth centers for the free flow of trade, investment, and technology across national and regional borders. Cooperation in the G-15 is tethered to the concrete programs and projects. Over these four years, the projects we have undertaken are in various stages of implementation. We have already made some progress in establishing databases and information networks on complementarities and opportunities for mutually beneficial trade, investment, and technology. Some of our projects operate within the matrices of critical need, natural advantage, and environmental sustainability. Some other projects seek to establish and strengthen the much-needed infrastructural links among our countries, and yet others are intended to stimulate intra-industry trade and cooperation in key sectors, such as petrochemicals. The G-15 Business Forum, which meets regularly along with the summits, is another concrete expression of cooperation where political purpose is translated into practical business opportunities. We are conscience of the constraints -- infrastructural and attitudinal -- that have so far circumscribed the full potential of intra-G-15 trade and economic cooperation. This must change. We also admit that our cooperative projects need to be better targeted and more effectively implemented if they are to make an impact. The program itself being a pioneering task, such initial shortcomings are to be expected. Yet a good beginning has been made and it is my earnest wish that this summit come up with new ideas | G-15 Countries Hold 3-Day Summit in New Delhi India's Rao Addresses Opening Session |
FBIS3-14391_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [The "Closeup" column by Salamah Ahmad Salamah: "A U.S. Explanation Is Required"] [Text] Has the U.S. Government under President Bill Clinton's administration changed its position on Jerusalem without making a candid declaration and without the Arab governments discovering this? Can we be content with the statement by Timothy Wirth, the State Department adviser on population affairs [title as published], in which he said that the statement citing President Clinton on Jerusalem was distorted and that the U.S. stance has not changed. This stance means that the fate of Jerusalem must be negotiated. Why wasn't this statement or correction made by the White House or the U.S. State Department, which are the parties concerned with explaining stances relating to foreign issues? The successive U.S. Administrations have adopted a clear position on the issue of Jerusalem, which, from the Arab point of view, is considered to be one of the most important issues triggering the Arab-Israeli conflict. This issue will remain a bone of contention unless a settlement is reached guaranteeing the Arab rights in this holy city and preserving freedoms for religions there without relinquishing the religious and political rights of its Arab and Muslim population. In all the negotiations and talks since the signing of the Camp David Accords, the U.S. stance on the Jerusalem problem has remained firm: Jerusalem is part of the occupied territories. The disputing parties should settle things through negotiations. Accordingly, the American Embassy has remained in Tel Aviv and has not moved to Jerusalem. During the U.S. presidential election campaign, Bill Clinton made statements in which he pledged that Jerusalem would be the capital of Israel. The Arab world did not bother much about these statements and considered them to be electoral promises the value of which would end with the election result. But at his recent meeting with AIPAC's [American Israel Public Affairs Committee] senior figures, President Clinton seized the opportunity to emphasize that the United States considers united Jerusalem the capital of Israel, thus violating all previous U.S. stances. Regrettably, President Clinton's statement has not aroused enough attention among the Arabs. No Islamic or Arab country requested an explanation or clarification of the new position, which followed the Hebron massacre and came when the peace efforts were stumbling. The only comment was made by Egyptian Foreign Minister 'Amr Musa, who declared that if this statement means a new U.S. | U.S. Urged To Clarify Stance on Jerusalem |
FBIS3-14436_3 | to a host of impossible conditions that cannot but obstruct the peace process and kill the new opportunities created for it. Concluding its commentary, AL-BA'TH affirms the need to halt Israel's efforts to evade the requirements of peace, particularly since the attainment of just and comprehensive peace has become a regional and international demand that will reflect positively on the interests of the entire world community. For its part, the newspaper AL-THAWRAH comments on the tragic situation being experienced by the city of Hebron 29 days after the perpetration of the holy Ibrahimi Mosque massacre. The paper says: What is currently taking place in Hebron and the remaining parts of the occupied Arab territories must open the eyes of the world community to Israeli practices. This must also draw attention to the tragic situation experienced by the Palestinians under the hateful occupation, which has turned the lives of hundreds of thousands of people into an intolerable inferno, and deprived them of the most basic requirements of a free and decent life. AL-THAWRAH goes on to say: Israeli practices, which grow harsher and more ferocious day in and day out, and which have begun to take on an exceptionally bloody and heinous dimension, clearly show the Israeli rulers' determination to persist with their arrogance, stubbornness, and aggressive policy, which is diametrically opposed to the efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace. The paper notes that these practices underscore the urgent need for extensive and effective international moves to create the proper mechanism for the implementation of the recent UN Security Council Resolution Number 904 to ensure Israeli compliance with the relevant international resolutions, and provide the Palestinians with real protection from the repression of occupation troops. The paper concludes by saying: Israel will be mistaken if it believes that it will manage to achieve its objectives through the pursuit of these policies. Israel must realize that the peace process will remain deadlocked unless it changes its conduct and concepts, particularly with regard to comprehensive solution and the recognition of the Palestinians' just and legitimate rights. No tangible accomplishment will be made unless Israel effects these changes. For, despite their strong eagerness to achieve peace, the Arabs will not bargain over their territories and rights. Nor will they accept anything short of complete withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories. This is the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace. | Press on Arab Boycott of Israel, Israeli Policy |
FBIS3-14440_0 | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Interview with Gholamreza Aqazadeh, Petroleum minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, by unidentified Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran correspondent in Tehran, date not given; from the "Work, Life" feature--recorded] [Text] [Correspondent] Mr. Aqazadeh, good morning and greetings for the new year. God willing, may it be a year full of success. Could you tell our listening friends what important projects were implemented by the Petroleum Ministry in 1372 [year beginning 21 March 1993]? [Aqazadeh] In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. I reciprocate new year's greetings to all our dear people and I hope that it will be a wonderful and constructive year for our country and people, God willing. Regarding the last (?two) years, we attained considerable success in 1372, which can be presented in the form of a list: --The exploration of the Darkhovin reserves, which has approximately 9 billion barrels of very superior quality light oil. --The discovery of a new gas reserve with 20 trillion cubic feet [as heard] of gas with very rich deposits. --Regarding drilling, fortunately we have attained a wonderful drilling record since the Revolution: 300,000 meters on the nationally. --In the field of crude oil production, we have raised Iran's production capacity to over 4 million barrels. The war caused extensive damage to the crude oil production industry. Fortunately, we were able to carry out repairs and reconstruction and raise our production from 2.5 million barrels at that time to 4 million. --Regarding infrastructural projects, one of our most remarkable achievements was the inauguration -- in the presence of the esteemed president -- of the Arak Refinery with a capacity of 150,000 barrels and of one of the greatest petrochemical units of the country, namely the Arak petrochemical complex with a capacity of approximately 250,000 petrochemicals, including light and heavy polyethylene, and propylene. --In the field of gas piping, in 1372 we were able to install 250,000 gauges in the houses of the people, and by activating a new phase of the Kangan Refinery we were able to raise its output to more than 55 million cubic meters. --Fortunately, we were successful in expanding our gas piping activities in various cities, and in 1372 200 cities had been covered by piped gas or activities for expanding the gas piping network had been initiated, which was a massive and valuable project performed by the | Oil Minister on Achievements, Future Plans |
FBIS3-14444_3 | It is a vicious wolf. The crimes it has committed in the world. There is no time now. But I have read in books that even the distortions in the four Bibles, and I found the evidence, were made by Zionists. It was they who distorted the Bible. Whereever they penetrated and whatever political and economic affair they involved themselves, their criminal hands were greater than the rest. Such is the new world order and repression. When some one attacked another, the latter would say: Oh, oppressor why are you attacking me? But now they attack and plunder the wealth of Muslim nations and exploit Muslim nations, but the latter do not say: Oh criminals why are you doing this to us? This is except for a group, a handful, including the Islamic Republic, and some others here and there. This is unfortunate and the only solution is the awakening of nations. And I have to tell the designer of such oppression led by American arrogance -- although you might bot believe it but we do -- that the Koran states that infidelity will be destroyed and oppression will be destroyed. As the honorable prophet [Muhammad] graciously said: A government may survive if blasphemous, but not if tyrannical. [last sentence in Arabic] The tyranny of the West will collapse as did the tyranny of the East [the former Soviet Union]. We hope that [Western tyranny] is uprooted by the Lord of the Age [12th Shiite imam]. That does not mean that we should sit and wait for him to come. The wait means that we should also make a move. Exactly as we have, the way we have determined our path, guided by our eminent imam [Khomeyni]. The same path which is followed by the honorable leader of the revolution [Khamene'i], supported by our officials, the system, and the nation. That is the way it should be and that is the path. Let not the unbelievers think that our respite to them is good for themselves. We grant them respite that they may grow in their iniquity. But they will have a shameful punishment. [Koranic verse, in Arabic]. Masterminds of the new world order, we pray to the Lord of the Age that your establishment is turned upside down, God willing, God willing. We hope: Leave them alone, to enjoy the good things of life and to please themselves. Let | Emami-Kashani Delivers Friday Sermon |
FBIS3-14452_31 | against Baghdad? [Salih] After the disappearance of the role of the former Soviet Union, the world now is controlled by a sole superpower, the United States. Therefore, all that is prevailing in international politics does not reflect the true state of affairs. Some fear for their interests, and some even fear their own safety. Therefore, the real stands are unclear now. Yet, there is broad international sympathy for the Iraqi people. This is because the issue is a human issue. Besides, the proposal was an extra item. It was not a basic item. Therefore, it could be that... [Badawi, interrupting] Yes, but it was rejected. Does this reflect a certain orientation, or are your contacts... [Salih, interrupting] No, I do not think it reflects reality. For the first time, the proposal was put to the vote on the first day, while such a thing would usually happen three or four days after the opening of the conference. Of course, this seems to be a game by the presidency of the conference. [Badawi] The presidency of the conference? [Salih] The traditional presidency of the conference. I do not mean the French. The president, I believe, is British. [Badawi] Contacts were recently noted between Baghdad and France, Russia, and even Turkey. Turkish President Demirel recently called for either toppling the Baghdad regime or permitting Ankara to play a role or embark on meditation between the Iraqi Government and the Kurds. What is your comment on this talk? [Salih] We and Turkey are linked by old and broad relations. However, the Iraqi-Turkish relationship was affected by the Gulf war. As was the case with several other states, Turkey sustained much damage as a result of the blockade. We understand what Demirel meant. Demirel meant to say: Enough. You are wagering on the possibility that the Iraqi regime will fall due to the continued blockade, but this lengthy blockade has resulted in nothing to this effect, so you should lift the blockade. [Badawi] Mr. Sa'di Mahdi Salih: The Turkish position was accompanied by information about Iraqi troop concentrations in northern Iraq and a plan to reopen the northern road leading to Turkey. Is this true? [Salih] I have no such information. [Badawi] Is there not an intention to reopen the Baghdad- Ankara road in order to facilitate exchanges, export, or import... [Salih, interrupting] The Baghdad-Ankara road would have been open if hadn't been for | Al-Sahhaf Comments on UN Position, Other Issues |
FBIS3-14455_1 | field of oil production. In an interview with the newspaper AL-QADISIYAH published here today, the minister said that these international companies, which play a great and effective role in their countries' governments, seek to reemploy their expertise and investments in our oil industry despite the continuation of the blockade imposed on Iraq. He said that there is another group of oil companies that seek to improve and promote their relations with Iraq, and that they seek to seize the appropriate opportunity to hold contacts and talks with Iraq in order to reach a specific agreement or to conclude contracts to develop their investments after the blockade is lifted. The oil minister said: Negotiations with the international oil companies have taken place not only in Baghdad, but also in other world capitals, including Amman and Vienna. He stressed that the negotiations with the French oil companies, which were recently held in Paris, resulted in agreements that will be implemented after the blockade is lifted. He emphasized that the continuation of the blockade not only affects Iraq and its people, but it is now affecting the neighboring states and other states with interests in Iraq. These states have begun to feel the grave damage inflicted on their economies. He added that Turkey is now suffering from a serious economic crisis after the stoppage of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, and after banning the crude oil exports through this line to Turkey and then to other ports. He said that reoperating this line will secure jobs for thousands of Turkish workers. Oil Minister Safa' Hadi Jawad added: The closure of the Iraqi- Turkish oil pipeline has led to the deterioration of the economic situation in the Anatolia region and the Turkish ports, to the growth of unemployment rates, and to the deterioration of the security situation in the region. He noted: As a result of these problems and obstacles, Turkey began to pressure the UN Security Council to allow the reopening of the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, which will reactivate trade between the two countries using 1,000 trucks per day to transport goods. The oil minister pointed out that Iraq's current production of crude oil falls within the limits of 550,000-600,000 barrels per day to meet the local needs for oil byproducts. He said that important explorations have been undertaken in the central and western regions of Iraq, and that previously-discovered oil fields have also been developed. | Oil Minister on Cooperation With International Oil Firms |
FBIS3-14459_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Our sources in the south expect tyrant Saddam's troops to launch a new attack against villages and populated areas on the [word indistinct) River, which extends from al-Qurnah district in al-Basrah Governorate to the (al-'Izar) area in the marshes of al- 'Amarah Governorate. In a report from the marshes, our sources note that the regime has massed many troops, including armored and artillery units, in preparation for the attack. The same sources add that the regime has beefed up its forces by sending units from the Republican Guards, the emergency forces [quwat al-tawari'], large elements from the security and intelligence services, and units from the so- called Popular Army, which has been reestablished to confront popular protests against the regime. | Troops Reportedly Massing for New Attacks in Marshes |
FBIS3-14473_2 | to a final line, and of course security arrangements and the subsequent U.S. aid. [Talmor] You may have your faith, Sir, but in south Lebanon only this week there were serious terrorist attacks in which Katyusha rockets were fired at Israel. The same al-Asad you pin so many hopes on was supposed to stop this. [Rabin] There is no doubt that just as you mentioned earlier, al-Asad is no al-Sadat. Al-Asad has a different approach which makes progress in the peace process more difficult. The State of Israel and its people are democratic. The Israeli public has to be convinced that the Arab leader it is negotiating with really means peace and is willing to hold public meetings at the most senior levels.... [Talmor, interrupting] And this is not happening. [Rabin] At this stage of the negotiations with Syria, only relatively low-level contacts have been held. If this does not change at some stage -- if higher-level contacts are not held, if the Syrian media does not show greater openness, if Syrian leaders do not issue clearer public statements on their intention to reach peace -- it will be very difficult to make progress in the negotiations. Clearly, and as a further projection of this, Syria also has the capability to keep things quiet along Israel's northern border. [Talmor] Why did Israel not come out with a more vigorous and aggressive reaction to this week's Katyusha attacks against the Israeli border and even against areas inside Israel? [Rabin] First of all, we did react. Last week's Katyusha firing was an exception because there are understandings which are basically kept. According to these understandings, no Katyushas are to be fired at Israel's northern border settlements. [Talmor] But the Katyushas could have fallen on Israeli settlements? [Rabin] Nothing can be hermetically sealed. In general, the residents of the northern settlements along the Lebanese border live in greater security and tranquility today than they did before July 1993. I am sure that this Passover, tens of thousands of Israelis will safely spend their holiday in the Galilee. [Talmor] Mr. Rabin, you mentioned the telephone conversation you held with President Mubarak to mark 15 years of peace. Does Mubarak's regime appear stable from Jerusalem's perspective. Is there no danger of an Islamic revolution similar to the one which swept Iran? [Rabin] I think that the Egyptian reality is completely different than that of Iran | Rabin Views Syrian Track, Cairo Talks |
FBIS3-14476_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Interview with Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif by Zaki Shihab in Tehran; date not given] [Text] [Shihab] How do you assess the state of Iranian-Iraqi relations in light of recent bilateral contacts? [Zarif] It is a matter of policy for us in Iran to cultivate good relations with all our neighbors, particularly those with which we share borders. This holds for Iraq and the other Arab states, as well as the republics of the former Soviet Union and Turkey. Our intention is to sort out all our problems with Iraq. To that end, we initiated confidence-building measures, particularly after the end of the war Iraq triggered. Recent moves to improve our ties with Iraq began in Karachi, where our foreign ministers met. There was another session in New York. The two sides agreed to follow up with exchange visits on various occasions with a view to ironing out outstanding issues. My visit to Baghdad was to lay the groundwork for this and to ensure the success of any future talks between the Iraqi and Iranian foreign ministers. After my visit to Baghdad, a top Iraqi Foreign Ministry official came here. [Shihab] What did you talk about at these sessions? [Zarif] The prisoners of war, disputed border demarcation, and coordination on reactivating the Shatt al-'Arab, plus other technical matters. The Iraqis raised the question of their aircraft that landed on our territory in the wake of the invasion of Kuwait. For our part, we brought up the issue of the Iranian planes that landed in Iraq, that were either hijacked or whose pilots defected. [Shihab] How many Iranian are held by Iraq? [Zarif] Twenty, the last plane was commandeered to Baghdad about two months ago. It is still being held there in contravention of international aviation rules that require Iraq to return it and hand over the hijackers. As for the Iraqi planes that landed on our territory against our will, we think that as long as the international embargo remains in place, we should keep them, as stipulated by UN Security Council and UN resolutions. [Shihab] Is your call for a restoration of ties with Iraq tactical, or is it based on strategic considerations? [Zarif] We view our relations with Iraq from a strategic perspective, based on a desire on our part to nurture good and cooperative relations with all our neighbors. It is in | Deputy Foreign Minister Assesses Iraqi Ties |
FBIS3-14476_7 | state in northern Iraq. But Turkey has often charged that Iran is extending military aid to banned Kurdish groups in Turkey. [Zarif] I have seen such reports, but Turkey and Iran have a complete understanding about the situation in Iraq and the violability of its territorial integrity. We have also reached an understanding on combating terrorism from whatever source it comes. We look forward to the day when Iraq complies with all UN resolutions and reasserts its authority on all its territory. Syria also shares this hope. [Shihab] Are you worried by the cooperation between the Kurds and certain Western nations? [Zarif] Human rights in Iraqi Kurdistan is not a new issue. What is new, however, is the newfound Western and American interest in the matter. Then, you have the Israeli presence in northern Iraq on which we must keep a watchful eye. [Shihab] What evidence do you have of Israeli-Kurdish cooperation close to the border with Iran? [Zarif] We have heard much about this presence and this cooperation. [Shihab] Have you received reports about the matter? [Zarif] We have received reports. We are following them closely. There are indications that there have been visits and contacts that have nothing to do with humanitarian and social work. They are purely political and suggest ill intentions. [Shihab] One of the issues that will come up during the forthcoming visit to Baghdad by 'Ali Akbar Velayati is the future of Iranian and Iraqi opposition groups -- Mojahedin-e Khalq and the Supreme Assembly of the Islamic Revolution of Iraq [SAIRI]. Have you reached an understanding with Iraq on the activities of the two organizations? [Zarif] From the start of the war imposed upon us by Iraq, mercenaries have been working on behalf of the Iraqi Government. They have mounted numerous terrorist attacks for the enemy. We are not worried about the presence of such hypocrites on Iraqi territory. However, if Iraq really does want to turn a new leaf in its relations with Iran, we will certainly pursue our security and our people's safety. Thus, if any terrorist groups mount an offensive action on our territory, we will have to pursue them across the border into Iraq where they maintain bases. Cooperation between the two countries is hardly advanced by giving refuge to such people. They have to be barred from pursuing any activities that will damage relations between Iraq and Iran. [Shihab] | Deputy Foreign Minister Assesses Iraqi Ties |
FBIS3-14496_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed report: "Palestinian Spokesman Urges Arab States To Lift Embargo Imposed on Iraq and Libya, in Retaliation for Washington's Position"] [Text] Amman, AL-QUDS AL-'ARABI -- A Palestinian spokesman has urged the Arab states to lift the embargo imposed on Iraq and Libya in retaliation to statements made recently by U.S. President Bill Clinton on Jerusalem. PLO Executive Committee member Taysir Khalid said that Clinton's statements to leaders of U.S. Jewish organizations on Jerusalem "are in conflict with Security Council resolutions, which consider Israel's annexation of holy Jerusalem null and void. They also conflict with the previous U.S. Administrations' positions." He added that the Palestinian-Israeli Declaration of Principles agreement "does not allow the U.S. Administration to disdain the resolutions of international legitimacy concerning Jerusalem, because the agreement does not revoke or weaken these resolutions, which are binding on the U.S. Administration and the Israeli Government," as he said. Members of U.S. Jewish organizations quoted the president as saying that he "strongly supports the view that Jerusalem -- its east part, occupied in 1967, and west part, occupied in 1948 -- should remain `unified' and the capital of the Hebrew state." He pledged that his administration would resist any attempt to consider the east part of the city, which has an Arab character, to be part of the occupied Arab territories. This is what Washington refused to approve of in Security Council Resolution 904 condemning the Israeli massacre of al-Ibrahimi Mosque worshipers. Khalid, who is also member of the Political Bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, which is opposed to the declaration of principles agreement and the peace negotiations with Israel, urged the "influential leaderships in the PLO and the Arab states concerned with the negotiations to suspend the bilateral negotiations and the multilateral committees until the Israeli Government and the U.S. Administration announce their respect for the resolutions of international legitimacy related to the Arab Palestinian-Israeli conflict and their commitment to the negotiation process on the basis of these resolutions." | Aide Urges Linking End to Embargo, Clinton Remark |
FBIS3-14516_2 | by force and by any other means. After reading this book, he began carrying out armed robberies of jewelry shops, stealing cars, dismantling them, and selling them as spare parts. He explained that he adopted terrorism after reading a book entitled "Milestones" by Sayyid Qutb. He said the books calls for changing the regime by force. 'Abd-al-Baqi said he recruited many youths and inculcated them with corrupt ideas. These youths later became leaders of terrorist operations. They included Muhammad al-Aswani, Khamis Muslim, and Muhammad Sa'd, who carried out assassinations, armed robberies of jewelry shops, and attacks on Central Security Forces camps. 'Abd-al-Baqi explained that it was very easy to recruit youths because they were prepared for this and had no legal or religious background. It was easy to influence them. He said that mingling with the terrorist groups he noticed that marriages within the groups took place haphazardly. These marriages were documented solely for security reasons, not because this was an important religious duty. He explained that some of these groups used to blaspheme [takfir] husbands to separate them from their wives who would then be forced to join these groups and marry group members. He noted that some wives would marry more than once without the knowledge of their first husbands who were declared blasphemous. The marriage would sometimes take place a few days after the wife got a divorce and without waiting for the legal three-month period. Repentant extremist 'Abd-al-Baqi said in his interview with Egyptian television that the terrorist groups have nothing to do with religion. He described the members of the so-called al-Jama'ah al-Islamiyah [Islamic Group] as having no religion or morals. He said that members of the al-Shawqiyun Organization are a group of thieves and criminals and of the al-Takfir Group [Repudiation and Renunciation] are a group of immoral people who commit adultery and prostitution under the cover of Islam. 'Abd-al-Baqi then discussed the financing of these groups. He said it took place through armed robbery. The money netted from these robberies was spent on members to meet their housing and marriage needs. He also noted that weapons were stolen from village houses in Lower and Upper Egypt. 'Abd-al-Baqi said the purpose of making his confession is to expose these groups and show the falsehood of their ideas. He added: We found no one to correct our ideas so we stuck to our false beliefs. | Islamist Dissident Confesses in TV Interview |
FBIS3-14524_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed report: "Libyan Official Expects Sanctions To Be Toughened Next Month"] [Excerpt] Cairo, AL-HAYAH -- Dr. Madani Abu-al-Duwayrat, representative of the Libyan Solidarity Committee, has criticized the continuation of the economic embargo imposed on his country. He said that Libya responded to UN Security Council Resolution 731 and made "numerous initiatives" to end the Lockerbie issue, "but the United States and France continue to adopt the policy of escalation against Libya." In a statement to AL-HAYAH in Cairo, Abu-al-Duwayrat expected sanctions against his country to be toughened in April so as to include the freezing of Libyan assets abroad and a ban on oil imports. He said that toughening the sanctions would not cause Libya to change its position "or abandon its sovereignty." He pointed out that his country has expressed willingness to secure a "fair trial" for the two suspects in the case of the U.S. plane blown up over Lockerbie (Scotland in 1988). He urged the Western states to "return the problem to its legal character, instead of politicizing it." [passage omitted] | Aide Criticizes Economic Embargo, Sanctions |
FBIS3-14536_2 | that Iraq has implemented many of the resolutions and a new stance must be taken. I believe that this is a good beginning. [Kulayb] What are the obstacles preventing the lifting of the boycott, just so long as Iraq has implemented all or most of the international resolutions? Is it American policy or the economy and Iraq's return to the oil market? [Salih] Of course, the political stance is the main reasons. The Americans and their Arab allies want to achieve the objective they failed to achieve through the use of weapons, that is, changing the regime in Iraq. This in itself is a violation of the UN Charter and of the right of people to choose the regimes they want. We still believe that this is not a good policy and will not achieve any results. The second factor is economic. The oil-producing countries oppose Iraq's return to the oil market because this would mean a new reduction in oil prices. This is selfish. The oil issue should be treated in accordance with quotas. Prices can be stabilized only when quotas are redistributed and the highest production ceiling is maintained. We believe that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are using this method now. [Kulayb] The West wants you to declare a clear position on the border issue with Kuwait. Why don't you recognize the borders and Kuwait's sovereignty over these borders? [Salih] Actually, we are taken aback when this issue is submitted in this manner. Until 2 August 1990 Iraq had recognized Kuwait as a state and had treated its amir as a head of state. Kuwait's amir was even honored by the al-Rafidayn medal first class. But things changed when we entered Kuwait militarily. We believe that there are known factors behind this, because the plot was exposed and Kuwait's amir was the perpetrator of this plot against Iraq. Everything is now clear, since we implemented the Security Council resolutions. The issue of Kuwait is in the past, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister Tariq 'Aziz. 'Aziz even reiterated this stance in his message to the Security Council president, French Ambassador Jean-Bernard Merimee. [Kulayb] What about your relations with Iran and Turkey? [Salih] I prefer not to talk about this subject. We had excellent relations with Turkey. We still maintain some of these ties, but we hope that one day we will promote our bilateral relations. Iran's stance is | Speaker on Boycott, Ties With Neighbors |
FBIS3-14540_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Standpoint" column by Barzan al-Tikriti: "What is Required From Iraqi Diplomacy Now and in the Future?"] [Text] The Iran-Iraq war imposed a certain method of political action on the Foreign Ministry, represented by its focus on the United Nations while paying less attention to bilateral relations. Perhaps this was justified by certain circumstances and by bilateral relations that did not require constant contact in order to be developed. Moreover, the political situation in Iraq at that time allowed it to achieve successes at the UN because of the Iranian rejection of any peaceful settlement to the Iraqi-Iranian conflict. This is in addition to the fact that most other countries understood Iraq's stand, except for major and Western countries, which had selfish interests and sought to prolong the conflict on the ground, taking advantage of the United Nations as a political forum that provided them with an opportunity to avoid a peaceful solution. This is similar to the present situation, but with a different form and method aimed at keeping Iraq in its current situation for the longest time possible so that these countries can meet their agenda in the region. This was clear in their alternating support for Iraq and for Iran. It is also obvious that the means available to Iraq at the time were no longer available after 2 August 1990 and the subsequent barbaric aggression against Iraq. On the contrary, the United Nations became a field for political confrontation against Iraq, through the use of all its institutions, as a main tool to break the will of and destroy Iraq. This restricted the role of Iraq in terms of influencing these institutions and the UN member states because of U.S., Western, and Zionist hegemony. This fact led to the conclusion that all of Iraq's efforts at the international organization's level would not achieve their objectives even though Iraq mobilized all legal, political, and factual arguments to support their case. In light of this situation, I believe that Iraq should no longer deem it enough to work with the United Nations alone -- although this is something that has been imposed on Iraq and Iraq has been given no other choice. In order to support and render its work a success, Iraq should intensify its bilateral contacts, not only with UN member states, but also with all countries of influence within their particular geographical | Paper Urges Greater Ties With Other Nations |
FBIS3-14541_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, 28 Mar (INA)--AL-QADISIYAH has said Iraq is about to reenter the oil market. In an editorial today, the newspaper expresses confidence that Iraq, since it is a heavyweight, will be the decisive factor in the balance between supply and demand in the oil markets in a manner that preserves the rights of the exporting countries. The paper focused on the contacts several oil companies and establishments are making with Iraq. It said the ghost of the resumption of Iraqi oil exports is haunting some agent OPEC member states which placed the wealth of their peoples at the service of the imperialist and Zionist circles to prevent the organization from reaching an agreement that secures the interests of its members. It said the objective of the aggression against Iraq was clear from the beginning when the imperialist circles tried to control oil sources and tighten the siege on Iraq. It added that the aggression did not stop, but expanded to include all oil-exporting countries with the aim of preventing them from utilizing their resources in building their development capabilities and improving their economic and social conditions. The newspaper emphasized that the only way to stop aggression against oil states is through fixing a production ceiling by which all OPEC member states abide in order to secure the rights of exporting nations and find the means that secure growth and prosperity for these nations. The newspaper criticized the OPEC ministerial committee's decision to maintain the current output ceiling. It said this decision will seriously harm those who adopted it, and is viewed as serving the interests of imperialism, whose prosperity and might have been realized at the expense of the struggling and developing nations. | Paper Criticizes OPEC Output Ceiling Decision |
FBIS3-14560_1 | trade with the United States is smaller than with the Europeans and the Japanese. It was over $600 million last year, and in 1992 reached some $730 million, which was made up almost entirely of U.S. industrial equipment to Tehran. Iranian exports to the United States were very small, only some $20 million. Israel warned the West about Iran's aspiration to obtain nuclear arms and its actions to encourage Islamic fundamentalism in the Arab states. Israel's policy was however not to present itself as an enemy of Iran, but to round up international support for a policy of curtailing Iran's rearmament and subversive tactics, and to support a U.S. policy of "dual containment" against Iran and its rival Iraq. The evaluation recently presented to the political echelon in Jerusalem states that U.S. "dual containment" is no longer a single policy against Tehran and Baghdad. An analysis of a paper published by National Security Adviser Tony Lake in FOREIGN AFFAIRS shows that Washington's policy toward Iraq calls for the overthrow of President Saddam Husayn's regime. Its policy toward Iran is different. The United States is not trying to overthrow the Islamic regime in Iran and wants to influence Tehran to change its behavior and start a dialogue with Washington. It has, however, reservations about the policies of European states and Japan, which are seen as attempts to advance their business interests with Tehran. The Americans think that improving Iran's economic situation will decrease the regime's extremism. The analysis presented to the political echelon said that Israel early on expected "dual containment" to be expressed in an effort to isolate Iran politically and economically, as the United States had done with the USSR. Elements in the U.S. intelligence community recently dismissed the Israeli evaluation of Iran's subversive activities in the Arab world. In their view, Iran is trying to keep up its revolutionary image and present itself as having influence in the Middle East way beyond what it really has, and that there is no real Iranian threat to undermine the existing regimes in the Arab states. The U.S. sources believe that the fundamentalist movements in Egypt enjoy some aid from Iran, but do not want to be Tehran's satellites since they regard themselves as popular Egyptian organizations. Tehran is simultaneously maintaining ties with Husni Mubarak's government. In the U.S. view, Hamas [Islamic Resistance Movement] in the territories also does not want | U.S. `Dual Containment' Policy on Iran-Iraq Questioned |
FBIS3-14568_0 | Language: Urdu Article Type:BFN [Text] There has been an escalation of fighting between warring factions in the Afghan capital of Kabul. According to reports, at least 25 persons were killed. Of them, four were killed in cluster bomb attacks launched from aircraft on a popular market. More than 20 persons were also injured in the attack. Scores of rockets were fired on the capital of which one landed on a group of mourners at a funeral, killing nine of them. The fighting began on Friday evening and is reported to be the most intensive in more than two weeks. | `At Least' 25 Killed |
FBIS3-14570_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, March 28, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday confirmed that Armenian troops deployed in Karabakh region had shot down an Iranian plane, killing all 32 passengers and crew members aboard. "This bitter incident is a clear proof of the tense situation in Karabakh which endangers the lives of innocent people and those of foreign nationals," the Foreign Ministry said in its statement. The Iranian aircraft, a C-130 Hercules, was flying from Moscow to Tehran with families of Iranian diplomats in Russia on board on March 17, when it exploded in mid air over Karabakh after being hit by a missile fired by Armenian troops based in the region, shortly after the plane had contacted Yerevan control tower at 19:10 GMT. "The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves the right to take legal action... and receive compensations for the victims of the crash, and calls on the Armenian Government to identify and punish those guilty of downing the aircraft," the Foreign Ministry statement said. It expressed regret that tension in Karabakh not only has caused heavy casualties and losses but has also endangered flight security in the region. Those trying to fan the flame of war and heighten tension in the region should bear the consequences of such painful incidents, it warned. The Foreign Ministry statement was based on a report filed by a team of Iranian experts dispatched to the site of crash to probe the incident. | Armenians Accused of Downing Iranian Plane Foreign Ministry Comments |
FBIS3-14573_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, March 28, IRNA -- Foreign Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati is to leave here today for Conakry on a six-nation tour of Africa which will take him to Guinea, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, and Namibia. Political observers deem the visits as "very important" and in line with bilateral interests for further strengthening of political, economic and cultural ties as well as regional and international cooperation. In the pre-revolution era, Africa was ignored by the shah's regime which had ties with only certain African countries such as the racist South African regime. However, the following the triumph of the Islamic revolution in 1079, Iran severed its relations with the racist South African regime upon the orders of the father of the Islamic revolution the late Imam Khomeini, and expanded its ties with sub-Saharan African countries. Islamic Republic of Iran now has established ties with 20 African countries at the ambassadorial level and "very sincere" relations with many others, but is yet to develop healthy economic ties with them. The six African countries which Velayati is to visit are rich in gold, diamonds, silver, bauxite, zinc, iron, copper, tin and cobalt as well as in such agricultural products as coffee, cocoa, tea, rice, cotton, sugar cane and pineapple. Iran can have favourable cooperation with the said countries and can invest in their mineral and agricultural sectors in favour of common interests. However, Iran has no direct aerial and marine transportation links with the said countries to promote economic cooperation. Contrary to Iran, the European Community, U.S., Japan and even the Zionist regime have embarked on economic investments in sub-Saharan Africa unilaterally to plunder the rich natural resources of the deprived continent. | Velayati To Depart on 6-Nation African Tour |
FBIS3-14576_6 | up its budget deficit. He answered: This rumor is completely unfounded, because the government has no need to make up its budget deficit in this way. He explained: Rial credits have been allocated to the same extent that we have revenues, and the Plan and Budget Organization has exercised great economy in its rial expenditures. Revenues are therefore entirely in line with expenditures, and for some costs 70 percent has been trimmed from the amount expected. A second point is that this year foreign exchange costs have been sharply cut, so that the eight-month statistics for the nation's imports show savings of 35 to 40 percent on foreign exchange costs and reductions in the nation's imports, which is a striking figure. Dr. 'Adeli said: The government and the bank favor a lower foreign exchange rate. If the bank decides to intervene in the market sometimes, this intervention will be to control prices. Dr. 'Adeli was asked about the effects of the recent drop in the price of oil on recent events. He said: Decreased oil revenues affect the amount of foreign exchange the government sells, but several other things have also happened, which compensate for this drop in price to a great extent. These events include the fact that in the year 1372 [21 March 1993-20 March 1994] heavy cuts were made in foreign exchange expenditures, and this was accomplished by controlling imports of certain goods, controls on imports and increased tariffs. He said: The result of these steps was a reduction in the amount of goods imported into the country compared to the previous year. At the same time the nation's foreign exchange needs were reduced by self-sufficiency and investments in some sectors. Dr. 'Adeli was asked about the effect of currency in circulation on the demand for foreign exchange. He said: Currency in circulation and its growth is an important factor in the excessive demand for foreign exchange. The people know that in the first half of the current year [21 March-23 September 1993] the Central Bank made striking efforts to control currency in circulation. In this regard 'Adeli asked the government factories and companies to manage their finances efficiently in order to minimize their need for currency in circulation, and to refrain from buying foreign exchange on the free market. In conclusion he said: To control the foreign exchange rate, cooperation is necessary from all those involved. | * Banking Decisions To Control Foreign Exchange Market |
FBIS3-14579_3 | of any kind on the insertion of floating foreign exchange into the market, without taking into account the extent of market struggle and demand. After some time they realized that no matter how much foreign exchange is injected into the market, there is still a struggle and that doing this is a mistake. He added: Before they imposed restrictions, they paid $5,000 to anyone with a passport, and it reached the point where this procedure brought the nation's foreign exchange consumption up to $70 million per week. This is one of those mistakes that were made without paying attention to the market pulse and its struggles. During the period when this procedure was in effect, about $1 billion was injected into the foreign exchange market, while at the same time the figures on opening credit accounts had fallen to less than $10,000 and we were faced with nonpayment. This can in reality be called a foreign exchange disaster and a banking system disaster that brought the country face-to-face with a problem. In the same regard the chief of the Chamber of Commerce added: When the banking system officials took notice and stopped this practice it was already too late and we were faced with the failure to make payments, and this failure to make payments has continued for a little over a year, is still going on, and has created a serious problem for the country. It has caused foreign banks to refuse to accept credit accounts because of the failure to make payments. To solve their problem, importers, most of which are factories, have resorted to importing without the transfer of foreign exchange. Doing this means disrupting supply and demand and the result of that is also to increase the price of foreign exchange. Continuing, Eng. Khamushi said: This measure was adopted about three months ago, and the practice continued for some time. Gradually the currency changers took over the work of the banks. Goods were paid to the money seller for the transfer of foreign exchange, and goods were imported. In negotiations with the Central Bank we brought the bank to the conclusion that this was a mistake and that the bank must do this work. Before the bank adopted this measure the price of the dollar at the bank was 1,750 rials[R] and it was R2,300 on the market. As soon as the bank agreed to do | * Khamushi Discusses Foreign Exchange Problems |
FBIS3-14596_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, March 27 (AFP) -- An Islamic newspaper on Sunday accused Armenians of shooting down the Iranian plane which crashed in war-torn Nagorno-Karabakh killing 34 people and criticised the government for its silence. "All the evidence shows that Armenia is responsible for the tragedy, the most important of which is the fact that the site of the crash is occupied by Armenian forces," JOMHURI-YE ESLAMI said. The C-130 Hercules transport plane was carrying 13 crew members and 19 relatives of Iranian diplomats in Moscow when it crashed March 17 near Stepanakert, capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, an Armenian-majority enclave in Azerbaijan fighting for independence since 1988. The plane was on a flight from Moscow to Tehran. Armenians and Azerbaijanis have accused each other of shooting down the plane, but Tehran has remained silent pending an investigation. Iranian foreign ministry and air force experts have visited the crash site to investigate the incident. However, Tehran Radio said Sunday that the investigation committee had not been able to find the plane's black box. The team met Armenian Vice President Gagik Arutyunyan in Yerevan on Saturday and were to leave for Georgia on Sunday and then on to Azerbaijan to continue their investigation. A foreign ministry official said last week that the plane had exploded in mid-air, denying earlier reports that the crash resulted from technical problems. The daily JOMHURI-YE ESLAMI, close to Islamic hardliners, criticised the ministry for keeping silent and urged it to "reveal the truth and not allow the Armenian crime to be eclipsed." It also urged the government to pressure the Armenians into accepting responsibility for the "crime" and compensating the relatives of the victims. Meanwhile, the English-language TEHRAN TIMES blamed the war over Nagorno-Karabakh for the "spilling of Iranian blood" in the crash and urged Armenians to show "goodwill" in accepting an Iranian-mediated settlement. More than 20,000 people have been killed in six years of fighting between Armenians and Azerbaijani forces. Iran has launched several peace initiatives but without success. | Armenians Accused of Downing Iranian Plane Action Criticized |
FBIS3-14619_0 | Article Type:BFN [Editorial report] Baghdad AL-THAWRAH in Arabic on 20 and 21 March 1994 publish a number of articles by Iraqi columnists commenting on the "split" within the UN Security Council during its latest periodic review of the blockade on Iraq. The columnists are unanimous that the split indicates an erosion of U.S. influence in the Council and growing sympathy with Iraq. Baghdad AL-THAWRAH in Arabic 19 March carries on page one a 500-word article by Taha al-Basri entitled: "The Blockade Is Bound To Be Eroded." Al-Basri writes that the heated debate within the UN Security Council over the statement it normally releases after every review of the blockade "is tangible proof that the unusual Iraqi steadfastness and the wise leadership of struggler President Saddam Husayn have borne fruit and that the blockade will sooner or later be eroded." The article adds that after more than three years of U.S. absolute domination of the Council "differences have emerged for the first time, splitting the members into two groups." The article continues: "Events of the past three days have clearly shown that a large majority of the members are now convinced that Iraq has the right to demand the lifting of the blockade after it has fulfilled its obligations under the Council resolutions." The article concludes: "By doing so, the member states are defending: first, the interests of their own countries; and second, the clear right that Iraqi diplomacy has been trying to explain to them all along." The paper also publishes in its "Standpoint" column on page two an 800-word article by 'Isa Isma'il al-'Abbadi entitled: "UN Majority is With Iraq." Referring to the split within the Security Council, the article says: "Most big powers, especially France, China, and Russia, and the overwhelming majority of the world states have realized that the United States and Britain are playing a dirty political game that has nothing to do with UN resolutions and regulations, but has a great deal to do with their narrow-minded interests and their calculations to harm the Iraqi people and the other world nations, which have been affected by the unjust blockade that has been imposed on Iraq for more than three years." The article adds: "The U.S. and British Administrations must understand that the world around them is changing and that Iraq has rights and is an influential factor in the region and the world." Concluding, the | Columnists Highlight UNSC `Split' Over Iraqi Blockade |
FBIS3-14630_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Closeup" Column by Salamah Ahmad Salamah: "Normalization of Relations With Iraq"] [Text] The Arab countries can no longer escape reconsidering their position on Iraq on a purely realistic, practical, and pragmatic basis free from emotion. The Arab countries should reconsider their stance on Iraq based on accurate, logical, rational, and long-term calculations to serve the Arab nation's interests, and even the interests of the neighboring countries that have been subjected to aggression from the current Iraqi regime. After more than three years since the Gulf War, which led to the collapse of the old Arab system without bringing down the Iraqi regime, and in view of the failure of all efforts to establish a new system capable of assimilating Arab and international changes, it is necessary for the Arab world to look for other ways to bring the Iraqi regime back into the fold. The Arab world should not leave Iraq in its isolation at the mercy of the international forces, primarily the United States and Britain, which seek to use the current situation for their own interests. What happened at the UN Security Council recently indicates that the international alliance, which was opposed to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and also encouraged Saddam Husayn and provided him with weapons and nuclear capability that made him the bully of the Gulf, has been beset by clear rifts. These rifts appeared in the differences among the Security Council members over the statement that it releases periodically on the extent of Iraq's compliance with Resolution 715 on subjecting its military resources to international supervision, which is a condition for lifting international sanctions. France, Russia, and the PRC believe that there is a need to note in the statement the "progress" Iraq made in destroying banned arms instead of issuing the usual arbitrary statement on which the United States and Britain insist, a statement that maintains that Iraq has not complied with all the necessary conditions to lift the sanctions. By insisting on this usual statement the United States and Britain seek to achieve goals to entrench the current division of the Arab world, a division that will only increase Iranian influence and deepen suspicions and fragmentation within the Gulf Cooperation Council itself. The United States usually uses the stick and carrot in its dealings, even with North Korea, but it only uses the stick with Iraq. France and Russia | Columnist Urges Arabs To Normalize Iraqi Ties |
FBIS3-14631_1 | aimed at changing the status of Jerusalem are invalid? This resolution called on the Zionist enemy to immediately refrain from any action that could lead to a change in the status of Jerusalem. Do we understand from this that the United States has the authority to impose resolutions and cancel resolutions of the Security Council whenever it wishes? We would like to ask Clinton: Would he accept it if some Jews or people from any other nationality were to occupy any U.S. state and do to its American citizens what the Zionists are doing to the Palestinians and establish settlements against the will of its people? Or would the situation be different? Let Clinton know that people are brought into this world free and will not accept being treated like slaves. Every person is proud of his freedom. Freedom will triumph, and blood will be shed freely for the sake of freedom. The will of the peoples will conquer, and injustice will have a terrible end. The United States had paved the way for the cancellation of the United Nations resolution equating Zionism with racism. Is the al-Ibrahimi Mosque incident considered racism or democracy? Are these blood-smeared hands considered the source of terrorism, violence, and extremism? This U.S. policy is rejected by all the Islamic peoples. It implements the wishes of the Knesset which is seeking to establish a state from the Nile to the Euphrates. We said before that this enemy is full of hatred toward the Muslims. The Koran acknowledged this when it said: "Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and pagans." But there are people, may God forgive them, who have sought to establish reconciliation and peace with them. The al-Ibrahimi Mosque incident revealed some of the hatred and rancor the Jews have in their hearts. They even regarded the settler who killed this large number of Muslims as their patron, because the killing of Muslims is considered a cult. One of the rabbis even said with complete insolence that a finger of a Jew is worth one million Muslims. This is despicable and rejected. The Muslim's blood is precious. Glory is to God, his messenger, and the faithful. Perhaps those who have been deceived by peace and negotiations with this enemy have awakened from their heedlessness and have realized that it is impossible to achieve peace with it. The | Brotherhood Leader Criticizes Clinton Policy |
FBIS3-14659_1 | known as an ideology. Islam is the religion. But the doctrines followed by some groups, especially the political Islam groups, are an ideology, not religion. This is because once politics enters religion, it destroys the latter's concepts, changes its content, and influences its essence. Religion is more noble than a doctrine, finer than regimes, more comprehensive than theories, and above taking sides and joining groups. When religion is restricted to an ideology, confined within a system, summarized into a theory, or formed into a party or group, when this happens it detracts from the freedom and divinity of religion and transforms it into a sectarian struggle, fighting regimes, contradicting theories, or clashing parties. This cannot be justified by claiming that the Prophet, God's peace and blessings be upon him, practiced religion through politics. The reality is that when the Prophet, God's peace and blessings be upon him, practiced politics, he did so as part of his message with the intention of spreading it. This, according to Islamic understanding, took place under the supervision and follow- up of the inspiration, where every shortcoming was rectified on the spot. Any Muslim who attempts to practice politics after the Prophet's time, God's peace and blessings be upon him, where there is neither prophet nor inspiration, does so to realize certain goals and specific objectives. He does not do so because he is following a message from God or a part of a prophesy. Prophesies are over and done with. Evidence of this is that when politics infiltrated Islam, the great sedition took place. Muslims were divided into various parties--the Umayyads, the Hashemites, the Khawarijites [the oldest dissident religious sect of Islam], and other such parties. Each of these parties portrays the other as a heretic, and believes that its ideology is the absolute and the whole. Whoever does not adopt the ideology of that group becomes a rival, nay even an enemy, that must be fought and defeated. His blood and property become sanctioned. The practice of the Islamic parties and groups becomes killing each other and sanctioning the blood of Muslims outside their groups. Then, this turned into a war against Islam to kill Muslims. Religion brings people together, and religious ideology divides them. Religion unites and ideology fragments. Religion reconciles people and ideology separates them. Religion is forgiving and ideology creates grudges. This is because religion comes from a perfect God | Political Islam, Religious Differences Viewed |
FBIS3-14660_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tripoli/ al-Rabia'a 29 [29 March] / Jamahiriya News Agency -- The British Government has rejected the Arab League's resolution concerning the trial of Libyan suspects in the (?Lockerbie) incident, with the League totally rejecting a (?trial) if it is to be held in the United States or (?Britain). The Jamahiriya News Agency's international affairs editor commented on this saying that the decision made by the British Government exposes the true intention [word indistinct] the British Government to escalate it with the aim of carrying out an aggressive act against Libya and to inflict damage on its interests. This is [word indistinct] and parcel of previous (?attacks) carried out against Libya without regard for international law, without regard for the truth and without respect for the mediation which was undertaken by several countries. They also have no consideration for the ease with which the Great Jamahiriyah responded as well as the practical initiatives which are sufficient for reaching the truth and solving the problem from the very core. However, the three Western allies decided to ignore these and failed to reconsider their stance. The important thing to do now is to develop the Arab position with the aim of having the embargo on the Great Jamahiriyah lifted through the channels of their compatriots in the Arab League, firstly and secondly through the Islamic Conference. | JANA Notes UK Reaction to Lockerbie Statement |
FBIS3-14692_0 | Language: English Article Type:BFN [By JORDAN TIMES staff reporter] [Text] Amman--The Islamic Action Front (IAF) party Tuesday [29 March] voiced its support for North Korea in the face of what it called U.S. arrogance and attempts to humiliate the North Korean people and tamper with their internal affairs. In a letter addressed to president Kim Il-Song through the North Korean ambassador in Amman, the IAF denounced U.S. attempts to conduct inspections on North Korea's nuclear programme at a time when Washington continues to provide unlimited assistance to the Jewish state by helping it to build up its own nuclear arsenal. The Americans continue to supply military assistance to the Israelis who continue to occupy Palestinian land and cause the dispersion of Palestinians throughout the world, said the letter. American threats levelled against North Korea remind us of the tragedy and the sufferings of the Iraqi people who continue to endure the consequences of the unjust war waged on them and the results of the embargo on its children and women, the letter continued. At the same time, it said, the Americans continue to pursue a policy aimed at humiliating the Iraqi people and devastating their potentials in order to prevent them from building for future generations. American threats levelled against North Korea, which refuses to succumb to Washington's hegemony, they said, also remind them of Washington's threats against Sudan, whose people suffer as a result of an embargo imposed since the emergence of an Islamic regime in the country, said the letter. In conjunction with the sanctions on Sudan is American continued support for the separatist movement in the South of the country a move which, the letter said, is designed to weaken the Sudanese people and keep them subjected and under American control. "While we express our total astonishment at the U.S. administration's insistence on conducting inspections on your nuclear programme through the help of the U.N. Security Council, which has become a tool in Washington's hands, we also note that the United States administration protects and enhances Israel's nuclear programme and an arsenal of hundreds of nuclear heads that perpetually threaten the Arab region's security," said the IAF. Such practices, concluded the letter, provide a stark evidence of the United States double standard policies. | IAF Voices Support for DPRK Nuclear Stance |
FBIS3-14693_0 | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Highlights" column by Dr. Fahd al-Fanik: "Will We Bend Our Heads to the United States?"] [Text] The UN Security Council's resolution on 17 March 1994, which maintained the blockade on the Iraqi people, was a U.S. decision. This resolution represented the utmost in racial discrimination and hostility toward the Arabs. It was a new U.S. stab in the back of the Arab nation and dignity, as well as a violation of simple human rights and Security Council Resolution 715, which clearly provides for the lifting of the oil embargo once the elimination of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction is completed. This elimination, however, was achieved two months ago as was stated by the chief inspector Ekeus. Each time Iraq meets the Security Council's demands, despite their arbitrary nature, the United States presents impossible new demands and terms. The blockade is not meant to liberate Kuwait, dispose of Iraq's nuclear capabilities, or eliminate weapons of mass destruction; it is meant to subjugate Iraq to the United States. U.S. sources say that 397,226 Iraqis died as a direct result of the blockade from 1990 to the end of 1993. This figure includes 140,181 children under five years of age. This is a true massacre and "a holocaust" committed against the Arab race. The world is still feeling guilty due to its silence over the racist Nazi crimes, but, the world's conscience is still asleep despite the continuous massacre against Iraq's children, old people, and patients. There are other significant statistics to measure the repercussions resulting from the crime of this age. Iraqi medical laboratories issued 1,494,050 reports in 1989. This figure declined by 27 percent in 1990; by 57 percent in 1991; by 60.5 percent in 1992; and by 61.4 percent in 1993. Due to the lack of necessary medical supplies, surgeries carried out in Iraqi hospitals declined by 43 percent in 1990; by 57 percent in 1991; by 63.7 percent in 1992; and by 65.6 percent in 1993. Moreover, diseases caused by malnutrition have risen 13.6-fold since the blockade began. The real pleasure for those in the U.S. Administration, who pursue the hobby of torturing and annihilating human beings, is to compel the Arabs and Muslims to join the blockade. This is a unique way of coercion and humiliation under the slogan of international legitimacy. The United States committed a bloody massacre in Iraq in 1991 using | Columnist Attacks UN Embargo Extension on Iraq |
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