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FBIS3-33505_1 | Lawmaker Calls Falklands Oil Reserves British `Invention' | exploitation conditions are the most difficult in the world -- so difficult that oil prices would be as high as $50 per barrel when world prices are under 15. "The existence of oil is an invention of British authorities as a strategy to gain a better position when discussing fisheries or sovereignty. It is untrue and a blatant lie that there is oil in the Malvinas. The UK is manipulating information aimed at confusing public opinion over the real possibility of finding oil in the islands." Deputy Acenolaza, himself a geologist, underlines that former state oil company YPF had prospected in the Malvinas and the existence of oil could not be proven. On this subject, YPF spokesman Juan Carlos Ferrari declined comment, explaining that the company "does not have or give any information regarding oil in the Malvinas." He also added that in 1933 a member of the Foreign Office had said that there was no oil in Saudi Arabia. "Geologists know that geological conditions to certify the existence of oil-fields in the Malvinas do not exist. Both islands are made of Paleozoic rock, which lack the natural raw material to generate hydrocarbons. The stratographic base, made of crystalline rocks, has a natural incapacity to hold hydrocarbons. It is equally impossible with the quartz or sandy rocks which make up the greater part of the territory." The deputy also underlined that in the South Atlantic and the British exclusion zone there are two oil basins dating back to Jurassic times, which correspond to the geological formation of the Patagonian oil basins. He recognizes the existence of three oil basins with insignificant amounts of oil. The "Cuenca de Malvinas" basin to the southwest of the islands was surveyed by a concession which discovered oil and gas only in two wells (Ciclon XI and Salmon XII) but in such small quantities that it did not justify exploitation. The geological information of the "Banco Burwood" basin to the Northwest is reportedly so limited that no guarantee for the existence of hydrocarbons can be given. In the third basin -- "Cuenca de San Julian" -- the sedimentary depths hardly reach 2,500 meters and the existence of "generating rocks" for oil has not been proven. According to the deputy, the barometric and weather conditions of the three basins together with the low price of oil make the possibilities of finding oil in the Malvinas irrelevant. |
FBIS3-33510_0 | Targets of `Political Violence' Ranked | Language: Spanish Article Type:CSO [Text] As has been reflected in a poll recently devised by the Studies Center for the New Majority, during the past eight years the trade unions appear as the principal victims of the political violence in our country. The same survey shows that the trade unions are followed by the news media and the Armed Forces as the preferred targets of those attacks. The Fluctuations in Violence Within the aforementioned period, political violence increased significantly throughout the second part of ex-President Raul Alfonsin's administration, and declined appreciably in 1990, during the term of President Carlos Menem. It rose the following year, and declined again in both 1992 and 1993. Based on the type of act whereby the aggression materialized, out of a total of 2,033 cases, 1,100 (43 percent) involved physical attacks; 551 (22 percent), threats; 327 (23 percent), bombs exploding; 306 (12 percent), shootings; 129 (5 percent), bombs set that failed to explode; and 67 (3 percent), attacks of an incendiary type. The remaining 26 (1 percent) belong in the "others" category, since they cannot be ranked in the aforementioned categories. During 1993, there was an obvious heightening of sociopolitical violence in the months preceding the elections (July, August, and September). A significant decline occurred in the final quarter, during which only the incidents that occurred last December in Santiago del Estero Province demonstrated a rise in that type of violence. Violence, Not Terrorism The poll clearly indicates that the political violence in Argentina has occurred on a level of harassment and intimidation. It has not reached the level of terrorist acts, as has happened in other Latin Latin American countries, such as Peru and Colombia, or in Spain and Great Britain, on the European continent. From a geographical standpoint, it attests to the fact that the Federal Capital and Buenos Aires Province account for over 80 percent of this type of incident. Demographic concentration, added to the conglomerate of news media in that area, help to explain this phenomenon. bc/SIMMS/nls 22/1445Z Feb |
FBIS3-33533_0 | Sentiment Against Cuban Blockade `Growing' | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [By Roberto Gili Colom] [Text] Havana, 16 Feb (PL) -- Representatives of the Cuban immigration community in the United States agree that opposition to the U.S. blockade against Cuba is growing within that sector because it is considered an obsolete policy. In statements to PRENSA LATINA, Journalist Francisco Gonzalez Aruca said the most influential media in the United States as well as an important sector of the Cuban immigrant committee "consider the blockade to be an obsolete policy." "Little by little the more moderate segment of the U.S. Cuban community is expressing its rejection of this measure," said Aruca, director of Radio Progreso Alternativa in Miami, Florida. On Monday, Havana announced a meeting it calls "The Nation and the Immigrant Community." It will be held during the last week of April with the participation of approximately 200 representatives of the Cuban community residing in other countries. According to analysts, the blockade imposed by Washington on the island for three decades could be one of the subjects discussed. Aruca agreed with other immigrants who were asked about this issue, meaning that, for the time being, a policy change is difficult "because there is still no group strong enough to bring about that change in the United States." He said: The influence exerted by the most conservative segment of the community, led by the right wing of the Cuban-American National Foundation (FNCA) which favors the blockade, is equally considerable. Another Cuban immigrant, ARIETO magazine director Andres Gomez, said: "The FNCA favors maintaining that policy because it coincides with its own interest." "Unquestionably the group within the U.S. Cuban community which favors a suspension of the blockade has grown in recent years, and states its position more openly," he said. There are those who advocate the unconditional elimination of the blockade; others endorse it up to a certain point so as to negotiate the rest later on, Gomez said. |
FBIS3-33540_0 | Economist Views Monetary Situation | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Interview with Economist Julio Carranza by mobile unit reporter Mariela Diaz; place not given -- live or recorded] [Text] [Diaz] Carranza, do you think a change in Cuban money would solve the excess currency problem? I would also like to know your opinion concerning the possible creation of a Cuban hard currency certificate, at an exchange rate still to be determined, and if this is possible, would it the exchange rate be adequate? [Carranza] You are asking two complex questions. And first of all, these are my personal opinions. I think any of these measures you mentioned would be valid but only to the extent that they come within a context of measures and are part of a sufficiently coherent strategy. As I had said before, the economy is a system, and the economy does not operate on singular measures, but on well-prepared strategies within which the different measures are interconnected, playing a supplementary role, and this is what makes the decisions within the economic policy effective in the medium- and long-term, and also in the short-term. Thus, concerning the question about a change in currency, or about the freeze of bank accounts, my answer is that it depends on the manner in which the measure is implemented; it depends on the context of the strategy adopted. Taking this into consideration, whether it is part of an adequate strategy, surely a change in currency could be one of the measures that would help restore the country's financial balance. However, this very answer leads me to a second consideration: that there can be different types of hard currency exchange systems. There are different ways of exchanging currency. It has to do with the amount of money, and the way to handle the future hard currency certificate. There are also a set of technical matters that must be considered, and they would also depend on the set of measures to be adopted. The same thing would happen concerning a freeze of bank accounts during a given period. I would say that discussions on a well-prepared proposal, concerning the strategy for the country's economic feasibility, contemplate these measures, but in a general manner and not as a specific singular measure. [Diaz] Would you say the same thing on the possible creation of a convertible Cuban hard currency certificate? [Carranza] Monetary problems of the economy are the most complex of |
FBIS3-33542_0 | Interview Highlights New Support for Rangel Proposal | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] An important news conference was held yesterday in Washington with the participation of Reverend Lucius Walker, Jesse Jackson, and Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel. Listen now to a telephone conversation between reporter Zeneida Costales and (Yuri Guerra), collaborator in the U.S.-Cuba friendship caravan. [Begin recording] [Costales] First of all, we would like to know the main points discussed at the news conference. [(Guerra)] Three matters were the focus of the news conference: the two Canadian contingents that traveled from Vancouver and Montreal to the United States, the ecumenical alliance established between the Rainbow Coalition led by Jesse Jackson, and (IFCO), the principal organization of the Pastors for Peace; and two additional signatures of support to Rangel's request for an immediate end to the embargo. This is a victory for us -- acquiring new supporters for our cause through the U.S. Congress. [Costales] To your knowledge, what impact has this conference had on the U.S. media? [(Guerra)] This news conference was covered by National Public Radio at the national level. As you know, Rev. Jesse Jackson is well known in the country and worldwide. This has enhanced the importance of the event. [Costales] We appreciate these words by (Yuri Guerra), a collaborator in the U.S.-Cuba friendship caravan. |
FBIS3-33562_1 | PRD Organizes 100 Marches | thousands of drivers. The streets most affected by these demonstrations are La Reforma, Juarez, Higaldo, Insurgentes, Puente de Alvarado, (?Tlalpan), Fray Cervando, and the entire first block [cuadro], among other major areas. The General Safety and Roads Secretariat as well as the Federal District Attorney General's Office have reported despite the large number of people participating in the demonstrations, there have been no incidents so far. The Neighborhood Assemblies comprised the largest group seen on Thursday. The demonstrators tried to reach Los Pino's official residence but only got to (?Chivatito) Plaza. Presidential residence officials met with a delegation of this group. Despite the intense heat, demonstrators at one point marched on the sidewalks but then took to the streets, congesting traffic, mainly in the historic midtown area. Demonstrators are gathering there after concluding their marches. The situation has grown worse, because most of the people who came from Toluca, Mexico State, and had been gathering at the Guadalupe Basilica since yesterday have begun to return to their homes by buses, bicycles, or on foot. Some people are walking on the sidewalks, while others are walking on the asphalt roads; that is, on avenues and streets. The Relief and Medical Emergency Squad and the Red Cross have reported during the course of these demonstrations they cared for 37 people who succumbed to insolation or fatigue. None of them had to be hospitalized and were simply cared for on the spot. Bearing placards and shouting, the demonstrators have demanded housing and, by the same token, better wages and a better administration of justice or respect for human rights; others marched to support peace via dialogue in Chiapas. Private and public offices closed their doors to keep demonstrators out. The same thing happened in certain political offices in the Federal District Department, Chamber of Deputies, and the Mexico City Attorney General's Office. I repeat: There have been no major incidents, according to the information provided by the Federal District authorities. That is what we have so far, but we will continue to follow the situation, because several groups are moving toward Zocalo, causing serious problems and traffic chaos, primarily in Mexico City's first block. Although the General Safety and Roads Secretariat deployed 3,000 agents, I would describe the situation as chaotic. I would say it is impossible to control the traffic chaos, which, I repeat, is mainly taking place in the historic area. |
FBIS3-33585_0 | Episcopal Group Urges Authorities To Solve Social Problems | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] The Paraguayan Episcopal Conference, presided over by Monsignor Oscar Paez Garcete, issued a note addressed to civilian authorities and political, social, peasant, and workers' leaders urging them to seek appropriate ways to find just solutions to the grave social problems affecting our country. According to the bishops, dialogue is the most important tool for understanding because it will lead to a better interpretation of people's needs "because we know that radicalized positions of opposing interests always lead to violent confrontations and will increasingly deteriorate our fragile democratic coexistence." The note says that the best efforts must be made to acquire and develop attitudes and actions seeking the moral cleansing of our institutions, companies, and individual behavior. The note also says that institutions and state powers must have a quota of power and responsibility to be able to seek, promote, and administer the common good in democratic ways, and particularly respecting the poor. "An adequate economic order requires a permanent review in accordance with dynamic criteria of social justice. Everyone, and particularly Christians, in labor as well as managerial leadership positions must have a deep and clear view of our common good. This is the best tool for fighting the corruption that corrodes democratic ideals and hinders social and human progress," the Paraguayan bishops' letter says. The document adds that the problems now surfacing in diverse demonstrations have been there for a long time: land needs, better prices for agricultural products, and better salaries. These problems are not isolated or circumstantial, but they affect the entire country. This means that solutions have not yet been proposed for these problems, which grow worse every day and risk producing a generalized social outburst. The document says that the much-yearned-for democratic political institutions, which have been in place for some years, cannot offer a satisfactory answer on their own to the needs of the poorest sectors of the population in order to achieve social coexistence and the enjoyment of an authentic peace. It is therefore evident that state institutions have a special responsibility to promote immediate initiatives seeking just solutions to these problems, something that cannot continue to be postponed. "As believers, we must look at these problems through God's eyes and understand them according to the wishes of our merciful father," the note adds. The bishops conclude by exhorting people to trust and pray, knowing that the light |
FBIS3-33601_1 | * Firm Drills for Oil Off Cuba's Coast | Brazilian company is working on the island as subcontractor to a consortium put together by Total, of France, and the Canadian firm CMW. Exploration of the Cuban coastline in search of petroleum began last year when risk contracts were signed with multinational oil companies. Since it has no funds to meet any high-cost commitments, Cuba will use the oil taken from the bottom of the sea to pay the companies that operate there. "Indications of Oil" Andrade Gutierrez's efforts, explained Roberto Rivas, director for the Americas of the Cuban Cooperation Committee, focused first on reserves that had already been analyzed by Cuban Government geologists and geophysicists. "We have indications that there is petroleum under the sea," said Rivas, who is an important adviser to Carlos Lage Davila, considered to be the strongman of that country's economy. According to Andrade Gutierrez press advisers, the builder has already fulfilled half the contract. The work began on 18 December 1993. So far, 1,760 meters of drilling has been done in three 3,500-meter deep wells in Cardenas Bay, on the north of Cuba across from Valadere beach (the country's biggest tourist center), according to reporter Elizabeth Rosa. Andrade Gutierrez sets the total value of the project at $9 million. It took the firm, which began drilling oil wells in Brazil early in the 1980's, 13 days just to transport the platform from Brazil to the Cuban coastline. According to Gutierrez, the platform was inspected by international firms and considered to be "in legal and acceptable condition in terms of the United States trade embargo against Cuba." Decline in Production Even during the years of close ties to the Soviet Union, the Caribbean island had been producing as much as one million tons a year of petroleum, Rivas noted. But since Soviet assistance ended, local production has leveled off at about 500,000 tons a year, not enough to satisfy domestic needs. The state corporation in charge of business transactions in the petroleum field--everything from prospecting to refining and distribution--is Cupet Cubana de Petroleos. The current off-shore risk contracts, the director of the cooperation committee stated, will also have the effect of using the idle capacity of the island's three refineries--one in Havana, another in Santiago de Cuba, and a third in Cienfuegos. Considered the most modern of Cuba's refineries, the plant at Cienfuegos has the capacity to refine three million tons of oil a year. |
FBIS3-33610_0 | Daily Downplays Hopes of U.S. Antinarcotics Strategy | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "The Peasant and the New Antinarcotics Strategy"] [Text] U.S. President Bill Clinton recently announced a drastic change in the U.S. Government's antinarcotics strategy. The idea is to emphasize prevention rather than repression which, generally speaking, has been used since, or even before the tenure of President George Bush. One reason for the change of strategy is that the one used so far has proven ineffective and only increased the number of consumers by an average of 140,000 new addicts per year to the incredible current number of 10 million consumers. At the same time as it announced the so-called New National Antinarcotics Strategy, the White House also asked the U.S. Congress to approve a $13.2-billion allocation to implement this program. This includes a substantial increase in the funds earmarked for cooperation with drug producer countries. This directly concerns us because Peru is the world's biggest coca leaf producer and the money allocated for cooperation is earmarked for eradicating plantations and destroying laboratories. U.S. Government officials have said that this money -- which will not reach Peru or Bolivia until October -- will also be used to strengthen the Peruvian and Bolivian judicial systems and to train their respective specialized police units. Despite a relative increase, and the strategy implemented in Peru, the main changes by U.S. officials do not seem positive. Iban de Rementeria -- a UN expert in narcotics affairs and agricultural development who termed the U.S. strategy "a complete turn around" -- has stated that although it is right that the United States has admitted for the first time since 1904 that the drug problem is a domestic problem, there are other aspects that reveal faults in the new strategy as far as our countries are concerned. Rementeria said: "There should be no illusions because we continue alone in this field," adding that prospects for Peru and Bolivia are not good because "in their capacity as producers they will be abandoned to their fate, they will be given no aid, and no importance will be granted to the alternative development crops." To a certain extent, the current international agricultural policies upheld by the GATT are even more serious because the recent Uruguay Round has institutionalized the subsidy system in developed countries, condemning agriculture in the Third World "to failure." Bolivian Chamber of Deputies President Guillermo Bedregal has mentioned the serious social conflicts that |
FBIS3-33627_0 | Expert Criticizes New U.S. Antidrug Policy | Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Although it is the first time since 1904 the United States has admitted that drug trafficking is also a U.S. domestic problem, expectations regarding the U.S. Government's change of attitude regarding countries such as Peru and Bolivia are not very encouraging because "in their capacity as producers, they will be abandoned to their fate; they will be given no aid and no importance will be granted to alternative development crops (for coca leaves)." This statement was made on 10 February by the UN expert on drug affairs and agricultural development, Iban de Rementeria, who said the change in the antidrug strategy announced on 9 February by U.S. President Bill Clinton represents a "complete change in U.S. antidrug policy." De Rementeria said: "Since 1904 the United States has maintained that drugs are a foreign problem. This is the first time they have admitted it is a domestic problem. This is a step forward because they admit that it is a health and educational problem and not just a police issue." The UN official believes this change of attitude regarding the drug problem was promoted by the failure of the U.S. administration's antidrug policy, which during the past few years cost more than $10 billion per year. "Drug consumption in the United States has really not dropped. During the past six years the number of consumers has remained more or less the same," he said as he commented that it is estimated there are 10 million cocaine and marijuana addicts in the United States. In referring to Clinton's new strategy, de Rementeria said: "We must not have illusions because we remain alone in this field." From his viewpoint, the importance of reducing or substituting coca crops has become a secondary issue. De Rementeria added: "I do not see how we can plan an alternative development program with the current international agricultural policies if the GATT Uruguay Round has institutionalized subsidies in developed countries and this condemns agriculture in the Third World to failure." |
FBIS3-33679_2 | Brotherhood Official on Islam `Awakening,' `Surging' | to allow antifreedom forces to perform activities in a bid to minimize the people's cooperation with this strong Islamic trend. But no matter how the defeated secular forces and remnants of communism try, they would not be able to influence this religious Muslim people. Perhaps it is useful for the younger generations to know some historical facts about the past: In 1964, Russian Prime Minister Khrushchev came to Egypt to inaugurate the second phase of the High Dam. He insisted that all communist prisoners be released before he arrived in Egypt. He also said that the communists should be allowed to work in the entire Egyptian media service. This is what indeed happened. The communists, who were with us in the same al- Wahat prison, took control of the media and exploited the whole service to spread their ideas and cast doubts in Islam. When al-Sadat assumed power and jumped from the Russian bed to the U.S. bed, he tried to lessen the leftist presence in the media. But the leftist remnants continued their activities. The rulers, however, thought that it would be in their interest to keep the leftists to confront the growing Islamic trend. We now see that the present regime is giving those writers whose hearts are imbued with hatred and rancor against Islam and the Islamic movements free access to the national papers to inject their poison against Islam and describe it with violence and terrorism, using some acts of violence and the killings and counter-killings between some youth and security and police force as their pretext. These acts did not exist before, but came as a result of the policy of suppression and intimidation, economic crises, unemployment, increase in prices. These acts, in addition to the government's policy of meeting violence with violence, add fuel to the fire. The government's tolerance of sinful practices such as drinking alcohol, gambling, usury, prostitution, immoral media, and drugs seems to be an intentional policy to create a balance between religiousness and moral decadence. We have been reading for some time now about planned campaigns against some parties that are trying to protect society from those who seek to spread corruption, cause disintegration, and cast doubt on the faith. We notice that the campaign harms the holy al-Azhar and its ulema, who over the ages stood up against malicious campaigns against Islam, the Egyptian nation's official religion according to |
FBIS3-33684_0 | Doha Rejects Alleged U.S. Call To Sever Ties With Iran | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Qatar has rejected America's request to sever ties with the Islamic republic of Iran. Sharjah's AL-KHALIJ newspaper has printed a detailed report on the visit by Qatar's foreign minister, Shaykh Hamad bin-Jabbur al-Thani, to America, and his meetings with American officials, including Secretary of State Warren Christopher. The report states: Despite America's caution to Qatar about its ties with Iran, and the request to Qatar to sever these ties, the Qatari foreign minister, in his meeting with reporters, described the stances of his country vis-a-vis strengthening relations with the Islamic republic of Iran and other regional countries. According to this newspaper, the American secretary of state called Iran a dangerous country and cautioned Qatar against moving close to Iran. In response to Christopher's request, the Qatari foreign minister described Qatar's regional situation and its interests. He stressed: Qatar will not, under any circumstances, change its policy toward Iran, and will make efforts to establish the best possible relations with the Islamic republic of Iran. |
FBIS3-33690_0 | Kurdish Leader Warns Against Mass Exodus of Kurds | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Interview with Mas'ud Barzani, chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Party, by Georg Hoffmann-Ostenhof in Arbil, northern Iraq; date not given: "Just Like Before an Execution"] [Text] [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Mr. Barzani, there is an elected regional government in northern Iraq and de facto autonomy for the Iraqi Kurds. However, the economic situation is terrible. Is your experiment doomed to fail? [Barzani] We cannot enjoy our freedom without a functioning economy. I am afraid that the Kurds will soon flee again to other countries in masses. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Do you want to threaten the friendly allies, who protect you, with this? [Barzani] No. But if the misery here increases, the people will again move to Iran or to Turkey -- or perhaps even to the south. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] To Saddam Husayn's Iraq? [Barzani] If the people are starving.... [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] The UN economic embargo against Iraq also hits you, because, despite its autonomy, Kurdistan continues to be Iraqi territory. [Barzani] Yes. I have asked the United States several times to lift the embargo against us. The answer always was: We know that you are not involved in Saddam's criminal acts, we will continue to talk about that. But nothing has happened. There is a lot of Iraqi money abroad. We have demanded that some of this frozen money is given to us -- in vain. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Are you in favor of lifting the embargo against Iraq in general? [Barzani] It is of no advantage to us that the Iraqi people suffer. If the embargo were lifted under UN control, and if the sale of Iraqi oil benefited the people in the country and not the regime, we would be in favor of it. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Iraqi Kurdistan is protected against Saddam Husayn's attacks by the Allies. Every six months, the question of the protection zone is decided anew. Does this not create uncertainty? [Barzani] Our situation is like that of a person sentenced to death waiting for execution in his cell. The period of protection is again and again extended, of course. However, the uncertain wait has fatal psychological effects on the population. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Until 1992 you negotiated with Saddam Husayn. Then the talks were suspended. Can you envisage a resumption? [Barzani] Actually, we only want to negotiate with a democratic government. But if the Kurdish people are threatened with destruction..., then negotiations with Baghdad will perhaps be necessary. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Do you really |
FBIS3-33690_1 | Kurdish Leader Warns Against Mass Exodus of Kurds | [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Do you want to threaten the friendly allies, who protect you, with this? [Barzani] No. But if the misery here increases, the people will again move to Iran or to Turkey -- or perhaps even to the south. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] To Saddam Husayn's Iraq? [Barzani] If the people are starving.... [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] The UN economic embargo against Iraq also hits you, because, despite its autonomy, Kurdistan continues to be Iraqi territory. [Barzani] Yes. I have asked the United States several times to lift the embargo against us. The answer always was: We know that you are not involved in Saddam's criminal acts, we will continue to talk about that. But nothing has happened. There is a lot of Iraqi money abroad. We have demanded that some of this frozen money is given to us -- in vain. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Are you in favor of lifting the embargo against Iraq in general? [Barzani] It is of no advantage to us that the Iraqi people suffer. If the embargo were lifted under UN control, and if the sale of Iraqi oil benefited the people in the country and not the regime, we would be in favor of it. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Iraqi Kurdistan is protected against Saddam Husayn's attacks by the Allies. Every six months, the question of the protection zone is decided anew. Does this not create uncertainty? [Barzani] Our situation is like that of a person sentenced to death waiting for execution in his cell. The period of protection is again and again extended, of course. However, the uncertain wait has fatal psychological effects on the population. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Until 1992 you negotiated with Saddam Husayn. Then the talks were suspended. Can you envisage a resumption? [Barzani] Actually, we only want to negotiate with a democratic government. But if the Kurdish people are threatened with destruction..., then negotiations with Baghdad will perhaps be necessary. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Do you really believe that Saddam Husayn will be overthrown? [Barzani] This is not so simple. Thirty states were unable to overthrow Saddam. But I believe that he is suffering from the international isolation. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] A colorful Iraqi opposition front, which is mainly active in exile, presents itself as an alternative to dictatorship. Your party is part of it. Is this opposition mature enough to take over the government if Saddam is toppled? [Barzani] No matter how I assess the opposition's political maturity -- we do not have anything else. |
FBIS3-33691_0 | PUK Deaths From Islamic Movement Offensive Reported | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Mahabad (West Azarbaijan Prov.), Jan. 29, IRNA -- Four peshmergas of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) were killed in an offensive by the Islamic Movement forces, an informed Iraqi Kurdish source told IRNA here today. According to the source the attack was launched on 'Shuresh' camp in Khurmal on Thursday, where the PUK organizational committee lies. At least ten partisan operations have been carried out against the PUK, headed by Jalal Talabani, over the past ten days, during which several of its members have been killed. The new waves of operations are in retaliation for the January occupation of Islamic Movements' headquarters and bases north of Iraq by the PUK forces. |
FBIS3-33723_0 | Velayati, Cetin Phone Call Noted | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] In the wake of the sad incident on the border between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey, Mr. Hikmet Cetin, the Turkish foreign minister, who is in Switzerland for the Davos meeting, spoke on the telephone with Mr. 'Ali Akbar Velayati, the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign minister, saying: we did not in any way intend to carry out operations against Iranian territory and our aim was to bomb the bases of the Kurdish workers' party, the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan], inside Iraqi territory. The Turkish foreign minister added: We will rapidly send a delegation to carry out a joint investigation with Iranian officials and we will accept the results of this investigation, regardless of what they are. The Turkish foreign minister also said: If such an incident did take place, it will be a source of deep regret to us and we will not forego any measure to make up for it. Cetin added: We will not allow this issue to have a negative impact on the two countries' relations. |
FBIS3-33727_0 | Paper Views Attack | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Jan. 31, IRNA -- An Iranian English daily, TEHRAN TIMES, today commented on the Friday attack of Turkish fighters on Kurdish bases inside Iraq and suggested that a permanent solution could be found through sincere and combined political efforts of Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Syria. During the attack, the fighters also fired on Iranian border villages, killing and injuring 28 Iranian nationals. The daily cautioned in its editorial that the Kurdish problem was becoming increasingly dangerous for the entire region. "In recent decades the `Kurdish' card has been used by the region's countries as a weapon to intimidate each other," it said. This policy would have worked for a short while, the daily added, "but the recent involvement of Western powers in this affair will inevitably endanger the territorial sovereignty of all the countries involved." The daily recommended regional countries to set aside their differences and work out a practical peaceful solution to this common problem "whose main victims are the Muslim Kurdish civilians." "When the Turkish Government issues diplomatic passports for Iraqi Kurdish leaders and supports them in their efforts to disintegrate Iraq, then it should not be upset when other countries help the PKK [Workers Party of Kurdistan]," the daily said. It stressed that Turkey could not solve its Kurdish problem by "sending 50, or even 500 fighter bombers to massacre the Kurds." The editorial concluded by calling for an end to the "game of politico-military one-upmanship, played by the regional powers using the Kurdish card." |
FBIS3-33729_2 | Yazdi Leads Tehran Friday Prayers Second Sermon | enforcement and popular forces. Now there might be an individual case who may come to me or to you, and faced with this situation I should not interpret this in a special way and raise the question: What is the government up to? This is why I stress the importance of a holistic and generalistic outlook and far-sightedess. Now to the issue of Afghanistan. I would like to call on my Muslims brothers and tell them: O brothers! Enough is enough. Do not destroy your country any more. Do not fight against one another any more. Why do you not put your weapons away and sit together and talk to resolve your issues and reform your country? Do not constantly associate yourselves with certain bodies and create this ugly situation that might prompt someone to question Islam's ability to manage and rule, God forbid. It was under the banner of Islam that you succeeded in deposing the previous regime and then set out to establish an Islamic government. Can you not see our country, where in a very short period of time all the internal squabbles came to an end and the late Imam [Khomeyni], may he be admitted to God's paradise, put a stop to all the arguments? Of course we had different opinions here, and we still do, and we always will. Such differences are only natural. However, how long do you intend to inflict so much destruction on a poor country? Enough is enough; stop the civil war! Now to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Given what you all know, one is really ashamed of all the international organizations, which according to what has recently been announced, have issued nearly 30 resolutions, only one of which has been implemented. This is the one preventing Bosnia-Herzegovina from defend itself. They have implemented this resolution pretty well, while nothing has been done about the rest; nothing of course but idle words. They are all after the partition of that Islamic land and the suppression of the Muslims. However, we are confident that the Muslims, under any condition, will not be prepared to suffer shame, and they will not concede to the partition of their country, no matter what hardship they have to endure. [crowd chants] As the compromise agreement progresses both sides realize what the situation is. The fact that Rabin said we would not even retreat from the Golan Heights and the |
FBIS3-33731_1 | Ayatollah Khamene'i Meets With Shiite Scholars | a cause for pride among all Islamic sects and denominations. He said: The followers of the Ahl al-Bayt, may peace be upon them, have raised the flag of Islam and the Koran in this part of the world, and in continuation of the efforts and struggles by the family of purity and modesty, may peace be upon them, they have managed to rid Islam of oppression and alienation. Today, the Islamic system is a significant political rallying point devoted to serving Islam and the Muslims. [passage omitted] His eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i then said that one of the main objectives of America, the world's domineering powers and their dependent political regimes, is to create a rift between the Shiites and the Sunnis. He added: The gathering of the followers of Ahl al-Bayt in Islamic Iran is step toward unifying the adherent of the great Koran. This gathering will also pave the way for unity in the Islamic world and understanding among all Islamic sects. The great nation of Iran praises God that it has been able to put all its integrity, might, and capability a global scale at the disposal of Islam and the Koran. His eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i stressed the sensitivity of the Islamic republic of Iran toward the issues of Muslim nations, and said: The Muslim nation of Iran does not consider itself aloof from the problems of the Muslim nations. While refraining from interference in the affairs of other countries, Iran is carefully following the issues of the Islamic world, to which it attaches great importance. The Islamic republic of Iran considers the problems of Kashmir, Afghanistan, and the oppressed but courageous nations of Palestine and Lebanon, as its own problems, and makes endeavors on a global level to resolve them. The leader of Islamic revolution expressed profound regret at the process of fratricide in Afghanistan, and set out to question the leaders of armed parties and groups in that country. He said: What excuses can the Afghan leaders give to the Afghan nation, and what justification can they provide for the Islamic community? They have managed to deliver the kind of blow to the Afghan nation that the communists had not been able to deliver. They must know that the Islamic Ummah will question those individuals who inflict so much destruction and bloodbath on a nation on the grounds of sectarian, partisan, and personal issues. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-33743_0 | Turkey Bombs Iranian Villages During Iraq Raid 29 Jan | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] During extensive military operations by the Turkish Government inside northern Iraq against the positions of the Kurdistan Workers Party [PKK] guerrilas, who are opposed to the Turkish Government, a number of rockets and bombs hit a number of our country's border villages, killing nine Iranians and wounding 19. After receiving the above news, our country's deputy foreign minister for Asia and Oceanic affairs telephoned Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Bilgin Unan to express the deep concern of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for that tragic incident and called on the Turkish Government to give an explanation in that regard. The deputy Turkish foreign minister said: The Turkish Government under no circumstances allows such operations inside Iranian territory, and yesterday's military operations were conducted following very precise calculations; they took place precisely inside Iraqi territory and were aimed at suppressing the PKK. The Turkish Government is ready to immediately dispach a team to the Islamic Republic of Iran to work under the supervision of the Iranian authorities to investigate the incident. He added: The Turkish Government will accept the outcome of the investigations. When that telephone contact ended, the Iranian deputy foreign minsiter for Asia and Oceanic affairs told our correspondent that the Foreign Ministry is coordinating its efforts continuously with the Interior Ministry and other concerned organizations to follow up the case, the result of which will be announced later. |
FBIS3-33798_1 | Struggles With Economic Problems, Reform Described | Hashemi-Rafsanjani steadily removed subsidies, started monetary reform, and backed privatization of industry and services. He allowed foreign products back into Iran and urged wealthy Iranians who had fled abroad during the revolution to return home. Liberalization filled stores with goods, plunged the country into a spending spree after a decade of scarcity, and brought new life into the Tehran Bazaar, the economy's traditional driving force. It also led to new fortunes for those who invested in real estate. Tehran's relationship with Washington is a symbol of its current pragmatism. While the leadership and the press continue to label Washington as the "Great Satan" and the revolution's foremost enemy, the United States in the past few years has become one of Iran's main trading partners. But this "second revolution" is going through increasingly hard times as the government fails to control it properly and some politicians and religious figures slow it down for fear of its social consequences. The return to a market economy and a sharp depreciation of the rial have produced runaway inflation and impoverished much of the population who can no longer afford many items especially as subsidies have been withdrawn. Corruption, which had disappeared in the first few years after the revolution, has returned at an alarming pace. Uncontrolled imports combined with falling oil revenues have placed Iran on the brink of bankruptcy. According to western sources, Iran for the first time in its history is unable to reimburse its debts, and has accumulated 13 billion dollars in arrears in 18 months. The figure amounts to one year of oil revenue. The austerity policy Iran has adopted to overcome the financial crisis has led to a steep fall in imports over the past year but at the same time sparked a crisis for industry which depends heavily on imported equipment. Many factories are currently working at half or quarter capacity. For the first time since the revolution, tens of thousands of workers have been laid off, which has aggravated social tension. The current crisis, the most serious since the revolution, has sparked sometimes brisk debate between free-market supporters and an increasing number who back a return to revolutionary basics and a centralized economy. As the debate continues, many Iranian and foreign economic observers do not rule out that the government -- divided and unable to assume the political price of its reforms -- might turn inward again. |
FBIS3-33828_0 | U.S. Concept of `Limited Sovereignty' Attacked | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "Limited Sovereignty, Another Face of America's World Order"] [Text] One of the most dangerous concepts that the U.S. Administration has come up with and tried to enforce in its international policy is the concept of limited or restricted sovereignty. This administration considers any developments aimed at realizing this suspicious objective as part of the grounds for establishing the new world order. This order is a unipolar order that ignores the will and aspirations of other peoples and the role they are supposed to play in the balance of international interests and relations, which are based on the principles of mutual respect and noninterference in the affairs of other countries. Last year in particular, the United Nations witnessed massive efforts to propagate this concept of limited sovereignty. It saw attempts to provide this concept with an international cover that would lend it legitimacy, thus giving the United States and its allies the chance to pressure other nations and governments to bow to their illegal will to dominate, using the banner of human rights as a pretext for intimidation, terrorism, and forcing their evil designs without facing any resistance to such dangerous trends. In this context, it is enough to refer to the current General Assembly session debates in which blatant calls were made to propagate this U.S. concept. These calls tried to sugar coat their arguments with sweet-sounding words and resounding phrases with dubious meanings. Regrettably and incredibly, the UN secretary general has become a party to this process, and in his discussions he openly propagates this concept of limited sovereignty. He does this despite the fact that everything indicates that this concept is an attempt to violate the sovereignty of nations, or at least deprive them of their right to practice their sovereignty over their internal affairs under the same pretexts that are raised occasionally in the interest of the United States and its allies. Any people that is proud of its dignity and basic right to sovereignty over its own land and affairs must denounce and reject the concept of limited sovereignty. This is not because it is rude to interference in the internal affairs of a country that enjoys sovereignty and independence, but also because it brings international relations back to the stage when the law of the jungle prevailed. It would allow the strong to impose their mandate and threaten to use |
FBIS3-33829_0 | Commentary on Regime's Deals With Western Firms | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Station commentary] [Text] Informed press sources cite a member of the U.S. oil lobby as saying that American companies have recently concluded sizable deals amounting to $40 billions with Saddam's regime. The French oil lobby has expressed dismay at this step on the part of the regime, since it had earlier promised French companies significant privileges. The regime even implied that it was willing to grant the Iraqi Majnun oilfields to French companies in return for billions of dollars, which these companies would have made up for in a matter of weeks through oil export sales. France is dissatisfied with the changes, which French security sources attribute to the regime's attempts to gain U.S. favor at the expense of the promises he made to the French oil lobbies. Political observers interpret the regime's conduct with France as a deliberate attempt to drag the United States into allying with it and negotiating an oil deal that would ease the oil embargo imposed on the regime and an attempt to restore normal bilateral ties with the United States. In this framework, the Kurdish opposition in Turkey has destroyed the Iraqi oil pipeline that passes through Turkey, wasting several millions of barrels of oil ready for export--the oil that remained in the pipes after the imposition of the oil embargo by the UN Security Council. This was reported by Turkish sources, but was not reported by any neutral international source. Political observers believe that the matter is nothing more than an attempt to settle accounts between the regime and Turkey concerning the oil that remained in the pipeline. Turkey demanded the lion's share with the excuse that it had been harmed by the Kuwait war. Saddam's regime, for its part, demanded half of the oil. However, visits among officials of the two sides, in addition to the Turkish political stance that recently has tended to demand a lifting of the embargo and the reinstatement of the regime to the international family, indicate that this is part of an economic deal to enable Turkey to get what it wants in exchange for political backing for Saddam's regime. To avoid embarrassment, the two sides preferred to accuse the Kurdish opposition in Turkey, thus achieving their collective objectives. This means that Saddam's regime pays no attention to the wealth, resources, and interests of the Iraqi people since its ultimate goal is to |
FBIS3-33833_1 | Opposition Statement Urges Army to Topple Saddam | to be vigilant of the plots being hatched against our beloved Iraq by its enemies, both Saddam's gang and the covetous forces that are trying to find a foothold in Iraq to practice their sabotage mission on behalf of the arrogant forces that seek to serve their own interests. On this anniversary, we also remind the world and all virtuous forces that the Iraqi people are experiencing a major plight at the hands of Saddam's regime, and are being subjected to plots of physical liquidation, terrorism, and confiscation of public and individual freedoms. We call on the world and its virtuous forces to make continuous efforts to force the ruling regime in Baghdad to stop its criminal schemes from being implemented in the Iraqi cities in the north, south, center, and in the marshlands in particular. The regime is engaged in operations of pursuits, killing, economic blockade, continuous dry-up efforts, and annihilation of all features of human life. We call on the world and the virtuous forces to abandon their silence over the Saddam regime's genocide against the Iraqi people everywhere. We appeal to the Security Council, the United Nations, and their humanitarian organizations to play their legal role regarding the crimes and tragedies of Iraq. O sons of the Armed Forces; O Iraqi officers and soldiers: The sons of your Iraqi people everywhere have unleashed their outcry in the face of the criminal tyrant, expressing their rejection of him. They have paid with their lives and pure blood for this outcry. They wanted to rid themselves of the tyrant and its regime and establish a system that ensures their freedom, independence, dignity, might, and honor. You belong to this steadfast, brave, mujahid people who seek salvation. This people calls on you to be the strong and striking force to topple this criminal tyrant, who has violated dignities and sanctities, destroyed the country, ruined all its resources, and forced humiliation, death, displacement, and disgrace on the Iraqi Army. The Iraqi people warn you against being used by Saddam to realize his personal whims of despotism, crime, and corruption. O honorable officers and soldiers: The current situation provides the best chance for the Army and the Iraqi people to join forces and wage the battle against tyranny, crime, corruption, humiliation, and slavery, a battle for Iraq's independence and freedom, which Saddam is relinquishing--after having destroyed everything--to preserve his power. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-33834_0 | Kurdistan `Government' To Protest Turkey's Attacks | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Quoting a source close to the government of the Kurdistan region, the newspaper KURDISTANINA this morning said the government of the region is currently holding consultations on the Turkish air attack on areas in northeast Iraqi Kurdistan. The source, who declined to disclose his name, said that it is expected that the regional government will express its displeasure at and concern over this attack and that it will submit a protest note in this regard to Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller. |
FBIS3-33835_0 | Talabani Calls For Kurdish Rights in Turkey | Language: German Article Type:BFN [Interview with Jalal Talabani, chairman of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, by Georg Hoffmann-Ostenhof in Arbil, northern Iraq; date not given] [Text] [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Mr. Talabani, when will the new Kurdish autonomy fail? [Talabani] We have freed ourselves from the Iraqi tyranny and this gives us the strength to resist, the strength to bear all difficulties. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] For how long? [Talabani] Forever. Certainly, the economy is very bad. But there are also rays of light. Thousands of Kurdish villages that were destroyed by Saddam have meanwhile been reconstructed. The people are returning to the rural areas and they are beginning to produce food again. Last year we had enough grain, rice, vegetables, and fruit. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Iraqi Kurdistan is surrounded by countries that do not exhibit any sympathetic feelings for Kurdish democracy -- in Turkey and in Iran there are also large Kurdish minorities. And the West does not want Iraq to crumble and chaos to develop. [Talabani] In order to avoid chaos, our autonomy must be preserved. We will defend ourselves against any attack on us -- this will then lead to chaos. Iraq can remain united in the long run only as a democracy. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Or under a strong dictator. [Talabani] No. A strong dictator has just lost. Saddam has split Iraq. Now everybody is fighting everybody else: Sunni against Shi'ite, Sunni against Kurd, Turkmen against Arab. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] When your people fled from Saddam Husayn's army, the world paid attention to the Iraqi Kurds. Now international attention is rather directed toward the Kurds in Turkey and watches Ankara's armed struggle against the guerrillas of the Workers Party of Kurdistan, PKK. [Talabani] Turkey must remain unified. However, Kurdish rights must be accepted in this framework. If Turkish propaganda pretends that there is only the PKK problem, it just helps this organization. It becomes popular. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Do you feel solidarity with the armed struggle of the PKK? [Talabani] Of course, we have differences with the PKK. We want nothing to do with its Marxism-Leninism. We do not agree with its tactics in Western Europe. We believe that a popular struggle is more effective than the occupation of embassy buildings or airline offices. Above all, we believe that it is not a realistic demand to divide Turkey. [Hoffmann-Ostenhof] Occasionally you meet Mr. Ocalan, the leader of the PKK. Do you then recommend that he give up the armed struggle? |
FBIS3-33836_0 | Kurdish Authorities Capture `Highway Robbers' | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Pursuant to the decisions of our party's leader [Mas'ud Barzani], the parliament speaker, and the prime minister, a joint unit from the directorate of Atai-Shikakok [place-name as heard] and Darbandikhan, and the peshmerga of our party's third branch and second center of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, dealt a crushing blow to a subversive network of thieves and highway robbers who attempted to damage and steal parts from the Darbandikhan-Bawa Nor telephone network. The operation took place at midnight on 27-28 January 1994. In this successful operation, the unit managed to capture 14 thieves and five cars. They were handed to the judicial authorities so that they would receive their fair punishment. |
FBIS3-33837_0 | Rebel Radio Reports Antigovernment Operations | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] The Islamic resistance forces have carried out a daring operation during which they took full control of the (al-Shib-Ghuzaylah) road in al-'Amarah Governorate. Reports from the rebellious south say that Islamic resistance groups attacked regime vehicles and convoys passing along that road. A military vehicle that tried to escape was destroyed and all its occupants killed. Meanwhile, our sources said that Islamic resistance groups attacked a military bus carrying 23 mercenaries and a small military vehicle with four mercenary passengers. The two vehicles were completely destroyed, their passengers killed or wounded, and huge amounts of military equipment and supplies were captured. |
FBIS3-33845_0 | Two Killed, Five Injured in Karachi Violence | Language: Urdu Article Type:BFN [Text] Two persons were killed and five injured in some shooting incidents in the Korangi area of Karachi today. Violent mobs also set four vehicles on fire. The district magistrate and law enforcment agencies are patrolling the area. |
FBIS3-33848_0 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies Gunman Disarmed by Crowd | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 1, IRNA -- People who packed the shrine of Imam Khomeyni to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his return to Iran disarmed a man immediately after he pulled out a pistol and opened fire during a speech by President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani, according to a police officer. "As soon as the man pulled out the pistol, the crowd rushed towards him and pushed the pistol barrel towards the air as a result of which four bullets were fired which hit the ceiling of the shrine," Major Mohammad Panahi said. The incident took place when President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani was addressing a large crowd of people on the occasion of the beginning of the ten-day-dawn celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution. After being disarmed, the man was dragged out of the shrine and handed over to Law Enforcement Forces. The officer, who is in charge of providing security for the revolution victory celebrations at the shrine of Imam Khomeyni, lauded the people for their quick reaction and vigilance. "In fact, the Iranian people are the main protectors of the Islamic revolution and republic," the officer said. After the shooting incident, the crowd chanted "Death to the U.S," and "Death to Hypocrites" a term used for members of the terrorist Mujahideen Khalq organization. |
FBIS3-33850_0 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies President Comments on Shooting Incident | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Our correspondent contacted President Hashemi-Rafsanjani a few moments ago via telephone. About the Iranian Muslim people's concern in the wake of the [shooting] incident, the president said: [Begin Hashemi-Rafsanjani recording] I am very grateful to the people and to you for taking measures to reassure the people so that they do not worry. In my opinion there is nothing to worry about. If the exact proceedings of the incident at that place [Khomeyni's shrine] were broadcast, the people would not worry. As the reporters present saw, the point from which the shot was fired was a long way away from the platform. I first thought a light bulb had exploded, but when I heard several more sounds it became clear, and I came to the conclusion that it was not a light bulb but gunfire. In my opinion there is no cause for concern at all. It was an incident in the corner of a huge gathering in the mosque. The proceedings of the meeting were not interrupted either. I am not certain whether it was being broadcast live or not. Everything continued as normal. I am very grateful to everyone for demonstrating such kindness. I ask you to inform the people somehow that there is no cause for concern at all and no one should worry. [end recording] |
FBIS3-33851_0 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies President's Anniversary Message Issued | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Message issued by President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani in Tehran on 1 February marking the start of Islamic revolution anniversary celebrations -- recorded] [Text] In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. This moment is an historic and a very important occasion in our country's history. Our people do not forget those highly exciting days, when the nation was impatiently awaiting the return of the imam [Khomeyni] after years of exile and separation from the homeland. The enemies of our nation and agents of arrogance inside the country, who enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, were concerned that with the imam's return their days of plundering and corruption would end. This moment coincides precsiely with the moment when the imam landed at the airport. The government of the day had concentrated all its efforts on preventing the imam's arrival. On the other hand all the combative forces inside the country had concentrated all their efforts on realizing their old aspiration. The moment was highly exciting when the people found out that the imam's plane had come through various dangers to land safely at Mehrabad Airport. I think our artists and those talented in poetry and culture should draw suitable pictures to mark the occasion. The arrival of the new year is usually an exciting moment for our nation. Certainly the effects of this moment in our history are greater than those moments before the new year, so we have created certain ceremonies. Let us look at the time before that moment and the period after it. If we look at the era before [Khomeyni's arrival], we see the rule of satan, the country's dependency, the presence of foreign advisers in Iran, abjectness, captivity, corruption, unrestrained behavior, the rule of aristocracy, and so on. Whereas on this side, we see the rule of God, rule by the people, the people's presence in the arena, independence, freedom, Islam, the Koran, improvement, piety and, in a word, the path of God. It seems that our new generation should be made more familiar with the facts relating to both chapters of the country's history -- much more than what we have explained to them so far. These two chapters are: the era before the Imam's arrival and the chapter after that moment. Our nation remembers that from the moment the imam stepped out of the plane, everything changed shape. Hopes gained much greater |
FBIS3-33852_0 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies Revolution's Achievements Stressed | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 1, IRNA -- President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani inaugurated the ceremonies marking the 15th anniversary of the victory of the 1979 Islamic revolution held in Imam Khomeyni's shrine in southern Tehran Tuesday [1 February]. Addressing a huge gathering of people and ranking state and military officials at Behesht-e Zahra cemetery, the president said that the massive presence of the people in all scenes of the Islamic revolution thwarted conspiracies of the enemies of Islam. He said that the leadership of the late Imam Khomeyni and massive presence of the people were key factors in materialization of the revolution. The Islamic ummah must cherish these factors which resulted in the victory and grandeur of the Islamic society, Rafsanjani stressed. "Velayat-e Faqih (office of the religious jurisprudent) is the main motive in treading on our present path," said the president. He noted that the important factor in the post-revolution era was to protect achievements of the Islamic revolution. These achievements have been preserved despite eight years of the Iraqi-imposed war and propaganda ploys of the enemies of Islam. At the meantime, he continued major steps have been taken towards achievement of independence, freedom and progress. |
FBIS3-33854_0 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies Khomeyni Speaks, Supports Fundamentalists | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Hojjat ol-Eslam val-Moslemin Hajj Seyyed Ahmad Khomeyni spoke today at the ceremonies marking the anniversary of imam's return. In his speech Ahmad Khomeyni describes exceptional virtues of the late imam. He said: What distinguishes the imam, may God be satisfied with his deeds, from others, was his sincerity. From the first day of the struggle, his eminence imam used to speak to the people sincerely; there was never a gap between the people and the imam. About the sincere and decisive approach of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran [Imam Khomeyni] vis-a-vis state problems and difficulties during his life, Ahmad Khomeyni said: Fifteen years after the Islamic revolution victory, this revolution is still subjected to onslaught of the aliens. Our responsible authorities, including the esteemed leader [Khamene'i], the president, and other officials, continue the path wished by the late Imam. In another part of his remarks, referring to the revolutionary and Islamic movements all over the world, he said: The enemies accuse the Muslims of being fundamentalists. If following the instructions of Islam's prophet is interpreted as fundamentalism, then the Muslims are proud of this. |
FBIS3-33855_1 | Gunshots Interrupt Revolution Anniversary Ceremonies Defense of Khomeyni's Aspirations Urged | of remarks, described the reasons for the victory of the revolution and the survival of the Islamic Revolution. [passage omitted] Hojjat ol-Eslam Seyyed Ahmad Khomeyni also spoke about the special characteristics of Imam Khomeyni. Our correspondent Ruhani-Nezhad reports on the president's speech at these ceremonies. [Ruhani-Nezhad] In his speech Hashemi-Rafsanjani honored the memory of his eminence, the imam [Khomeyni] -- may his soul be admitted to paradise -- the founder of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, and praised the epic-makings and self-sacrifices of Iran's revolutionary people. He described the Ten Days of Dawn as the real feast of Iran's Muslim nation and all the deprived Muslims of the world. He said: During the blessed Ten Days of Dawn, the Almighty's blessings and favors were displayed in a manner never before seen during the length of our history, in all their glory and greatness. The president pointed to the factors making for the victory of this great development during the current century and noted that the life-giving Islamic doctrine and the important principle of the velayat-e faqih and leadership were the most important factors in achieving victory. He said: With the passing of incidents, events, and the trend of the Islamic Revolution, this fact has been proven that motivation by a doctrine, people's belief in Islam, and society's full confidence and trust in the leadership, not only led this great movement to victory but also played an important role in its preservation, survival, and continuation until today. Hashemi-Rafsanjani added: The destiny-making and important events following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, that is, the imposed war, the economic boycott and many other plots, each of which could have left an impact on the Revolution's direction, were all foiled and rendered ineffective, thanks to the virtuous leadership of his holiness the imam -- may his soul be admitted to paradise -- and the rational measures of his eminence, Ayatollah Khamene'i, respected leader of the Islamic Revolution, and the extensive and enthusiastic presence of the people on all the arenas of the Revolution. Hashemi-Rafsanjani emphasized: In order to strengthen and stabilize the Islamic system all the more and to strengthen economic development and completely cut our ties of dependence, we should fully follow the eminent leader of the revolution and be present on the scene to defend the aspirations and valuable heritage that was passed down to us by his holiness the imam. |
FBIS3-33857_0 | Turkish Air Strikes Against PKK Camp Assessed | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary: "Turkey's Air Attack on Zeli Camp in Iraq"] [Text] The ANATOLIA NEWS AGENCY has reported that Turkey's military aircraft carried out 52 sorties against the Zeli Camp in northern Iraq, which is 110 km from the Turkish border. According to the news agency, the objective of the air attack was to completely destroy the Zeli Camp, in which 1,600 Kurdish opponents of the Turkish Government were sheltered. Considering the fact that, in the past, Turkish aircraft had hit targets up to 20 km into northern Iraq at most, this was the first time they penetrated to bomb positions of the Kurdish Workers Party [PKK] deep inside northern Iraq. Referring to the latest operations against the PKK, Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller said: As far as the struggle waged against the PKK is concerned, 1994 is an important year. Political observers believe that Ankara has launched a new phase in Turkey's operations against the PKK militants. Although, similar operations were carried out against the PKK in the past, Ankara's move to intensify the Turkish cross-border operations indicates that it is mostly worried by the developments in northern Iraq. However, several political observers are convinced that Ankara is more worried about the overt and covert policies of the European countries. They are also convinced that the fact that European countries give support to the Kurds in Iraq while remaining indifferent to the Turkish Government's suppression of the Kurds in Turkey accords with the policies of those Western Governments. The same observers believe that, considering the fact that the United States and the European countries act according to their own political interests, the Turkish officials are seeking several guarantees from the Western countries. The banning of the PKK's activities by the Bonn and Paris governments is regarded as in accord with Ankara's wishes. However, the Turkish officials are still believed to be worried by the activities of the Kurds, who are opposed to the Turkish and Iraqi Governments. Considering this state of affairs, several political observers are convinced that the Ankara Government's military moves against the Kurds will not be successful. Therefore, they believe that political talks will be the most effective means of resolving the PKK problem. Undoubtedly, the Turkish Government's cross-border operations against northern Iraq violate the territorial integrity of Iraq, which is an independent country. Furthermore, if such operations continue, they may harm security |
FBIS3-33863_0 | Taxes Increased on Imports | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The Islamic Majles resumed its open session at 1900 hours on Sunday. During this session some proposals of the deputies and Majles commissions were approved on revenue figures of the budget bill for the year 1373 [Iranian year beginning 21 March 1994]. On the basis of these proposals various ministries, state organizations, and companies are permitted to hire out or sell at least 20 percent of their vehicles so as to meet their service costs in the year 1373. The said organizations are obliged to sell at least 12 percent of their equipment, which are not fully utilized, to the value of 400 billion rials in the year 1373. The income from such sales should be deposited in the state general revenue account. On the basis of another ratified note, in the year 1373 all imported goods should be registered. The registration fee for the essential commodities is five rials per every dollar, or its equivalent in other hard currencies, of the commodity's value. For the non-essential commodities the registration fee is 40 rials per dollar. Any person importing a vehicle, in addition to the existing taxes and customs charges, should pay 10 percent of the basic value of the vehicle to obtain a number plate for the vehicle. On the basis of another ratified note, any passenger entering the country, even from the free ports, can import goods up to the value of 150,000 rials without having to pay customs charges and tariffs. According to our correspondent's report, on the basis of the notes approved during this session of the Islamic Majles, in order to improve the quality of higher education and for more efficient utilization of the country's educational establishments, higher education institutes are allowed to charge the students who fail some subjects. That is, if a student fails in one or several subjects, he must pay cash or promise to pay later all the charges incurred by the state to enable him to repeat the subjects. The universities and the research and higher education institutes are also permitted to let their premises and facilities at the fair market rate, provided their own research works and operations are not undermined. |
FBIS3-33931_3 | Envoy to UN Interviewed on Lockerbie, Other Issues | violate international legitimacy. Libya is completely aware of the pressures to which the Arab states are exposed. They find themselves in a weak position, and so cannot resist or refuse to comply. The recent Security Council resolution, that is Resolution 883, is considered interference in the Arab states' internal affairs. Some Arab states have realized that, and attempts are being made to stop encroachment on Arab sovereignty. [Al-Faqiyy] What is your opinion of French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe's saying that Libya is talking a lot but offering nothing tangible in reality regarding the Lockerbie crisis? [Al-Hudayri] Libya has always expressed its intention of resolving the Lockerbie issue, especially as the Libyan people are the one harmed most as a result of the sanctions imposed since 15 April 1992. It is not in Libya's interests for these sanctions to continue. We are eager to solve this problem as soon as possible. We have offered numerous positive solutions which, had they been accepted by the United States, Britain, and France, would have helped to secure a solution. But lack of desire on the Western states' part prevented that. If they were serious, they would have accepted some of the proposals made by Libya, which are based on respect for international legitimacy and Libyan sovereignty, demand a fair trial for the suspects, and refuse to allow the Libyan people to stand trial for no crime they have committed. [Al-Faqiyy] What new can Libya offer to find a solution? [Al-Hudayri] Despite the clear injustice to which the Libyan people are exposed as a result of the embargo imposed on them, we will try with the three Western states to being an end to this case. We are convinced that they do not want a solution, as they have turned the Lockerbie case into a political issue. [Al-Faqiyy] Do you believe that the Lockerbie case is intended to change the entire Libyan regime? [Al-Hudayri] The Libyan regime cannot be destroyed, because it is not based on one or two figures who can be destroyed and that would be the end of it. To do that, the Libyan people have to be destroyed. It is the Libyan people alone who are entitled to retain or replace the regime. [Al-Faqiyy] Is there any link between former Libyan Foreign Minister Mansur al-Kikhya's disappearance in Cairo and the Lockerbie case? [Al-Hudayri] I have nothing to say in that connection. |
FBIS3-33935_4 | Interior Minister Interviewed on Terrorism | of the police. This has produced better results. We are searching for the terrorists' hideouts. We have arrested many terrorists and seized their equipment, explosives, and weapons. Thus, we have foiled several incidents before they took place. If the terrorists are targeting policemen to get at the morale of the entire police department, I tell them: Every incident against a policeman, security man, or any citizen increases our determination to eliminate these terrorists. It also deepens our faith because we uphold justice and defend religion and the homeland. The initiative is in our hands and will remain so, despite the sacrifices. [Tawfiq] You have referred 20 officers to the inspection department for investigation for mistreating citizens. You have confirmed that you are following up these investigations personally. Is this a standard policy? How can a complainant reach the minister personally? [Al-Alfi] My office is open to everyone. There are instructions to the police commanders and the ministry's officials to open their offices to all citizens. No one is lax. We accept no insult against citizens. If there have been excesses, they are isolated incidents; they are not part of a policy toward citizens. There is periodic, sudden, and continuous inspection of sections, centers, and services departments, such as the traffic department, the passport department, the work permits department, and the civil status department. Soon there will be a public relations officer in every section, center, and department. The public relations officer will receive the citizen, look into his problem, and advise him what to do. There are also instructions that officers should be present in the service departments day and night. You may remember a complaint by a tourism college graduate, which was published in the newspaper AKHBAR AL-HAWADITH. I said at the time that the complainant should come to my office immediately. We receive complaints but we also seek to identify the shortcomings. I ask people outside the police department to submit fictitious complaints without identifying themselves. For instance, they may say their home has been burgled or they have been attacked. They see how the duty officer reacts and the way he treats the complaint. Afterward, the complainant reveals his identity, investigates him, and decides on the punishment. There are many officers who behave positively. Some behave negatively. But more officers behave positively and are rewarded. Those who behave negatively are punished while those who behave positively are |
FBIS3-33937_2 | Political Islam Review: 'AQIDATI 25 Jan | Studies at the al-Mansurah Branch of al-Azhar University, then explains the Koran's rules on women's dresses. In reply to a question by one of the students about the causes of the phenomenon of terrorism and whether the Islamic groups are involved, Dr. Sa'd-al-Din Salih, dean of the Religion and Propagation College in al-Zaqaziq University, says: "There are several expressions that we have become used to hearing from the Western media, such as fundamentalist and Muslim terrorism. These are used by the Western media, which is financed by the Jews to make people frightened of Islam. This media does not differentiate between an observant Muslim and what it calls terrorists and extremists." He quotes Prophet Muhammad as urging his followers not to exaggerate or go to extremes in their religion. Giving the historic reasons for this phenomenon, he says: "The first reason is that religious teaching is neutralized and completely separate from civic teaching, which has no interest in teaching religion except on the margin and the marks given for this subject are not added to the total marks. The second reason is that there is a group of people who have taken it on themselves to attack religion and to call for moral decadence. Extremism in decadence leads to extremism in religion. Hence the state must tackle these two causes to eliminate the phenomenon of terrorism." The seminar then discusses the plight of Muslims in Bosnia and elsewhere and concludes that the Muslims themselves are to be blamed for this because they are divided and attack each other. Dr. Muhammad 'Abd-al-Mun'im al-'Arabi, teacher of literature and criticism at the Arab Language College, says on this issue that: "The Islamic world must use economic boycott and political pressure in support of its causes. We have to preach and contribute our money to support our brothers dispersed in the world." On pages 8 and 9, the paper carries questions from several readers asking for a religious ruling on various issues. Included in them is a question from Wajih al-Jamal from al-Qalyubiyah asking about the meaning of terrorism and Islam's concept of it. Shaykh Mahmud 'Abd-al-Wahhab Fayid replies that Islam calls for moderation in all matters in our life, citing several Koranic verses. He adds that Islam rejects terrorism, whether from the rulers or the ruled, because terrorism means the use of violence and frightening people. A 350-word column written by Majdi Salim |
FBIS3-33969_0 | Report Ties Iran, Abu-Nidal To Recent Violence | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] The assassination of the Jordanian diplomat in Beirut, Na'ib al-Ma'ayitah, has opened the door wide for speculation. Our sources assert, however, that there is much more to it than meets the eye. Our information indicates that the martyr was not just an ordinary employee who had specific duties at our embassy in Beirut, and that he had worked there only nine months and not a year as was previously announced. He had performed similar duties at our embassy in Cairo. Observers in the know link the assassination to domestic and foreign developments that have to do with the peace process and Jordan's strained relations with several radical movements, specifically allied with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Interviewed by AL-BILAD, al-Ma'ayitah's relatives told the paper al-Ma'ayitah had a very sharp mind. He was a man who belonged to his homeland and nation, his brother Najib al-Ma'ayitah said. This gives an indication, one of the ministers told us, of the nature of the special national tasks performed by the martyr in the Lebanese arena. This is especially true since al-Ma'ayitah's killers stole a very important file the martyr was carrying with him, and not in his briefcase, immediately after the assassination. Our sources link this file to problems that arose recently between the government and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sources recall His Majesty King Husayn's remarks a month ago about considering taking official measures regarding diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The sources further say that a Jordanian decision was made last Thursday [27 January] according to which the Iranian side was told to reduce its diplomatic mission in Amman, which has 33 people. Our sources say that the security agencies believe most of them are Iranian security officers. Active Iranian sources in Amman told AL-BILAD the Jordanian ambassador in Tehran was the target of several attacks by Iranian groups last month. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry, however, chose not to go public about the attacks, although it addressed official memorandums to its Iranian counterpart in this regard. These sources say that Amman has recently witnessed more activities by extremist groups that previously operated in Syria and Lebanon and visited Iran. The sources assert that the Jordanian security agencies have arrested and interrogated many members of those groups, and that some of them are still detained, following the explosion that occurred at the Cinema |
FBIS3-33985_0 | Shooting, `Ineffective' Plots by `Enemies' Viewed | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Commentary by the News Research and Commentaries Group] [Text] In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. The vigilant people know that the enemies of the Islamic revolution have always been apprehensive about the Muslim nation's presence on the scene, especially during the Ten Days of Dawn, the symbol of the greatness and grandeur of Islam and the people of Iran. At various times, they have sought to neutralize or undermine this action. The incident at the mausoleum of the imam, may God be pleased with him, proved that during the festivities to mark the victory of the Islamic revolution, the powers of world arrogance and the enemies of the Islamic revolution intend to stage incidents to disrupt the popular activity. What we witnessed yesterday affirms the vigilance and alertness of the people, who, for the past 15 years, have maintained an active presence on the scene of the defense of the Islamic revolution and on the line of the late imam. The people's slogans following the random shooting at the sacred precincts of the [mausoleum of] the Islamic revolution's founder indicate that the plots of the enemies of Islam and the Islamic revolution are ineffective and constitute a declaration of allegiance to the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Everyone should know, at this critical time for the Islamic revolution and the country's construction, when the enemies' hopes are being turned into despondency, that only vigilance and alertness and knowledgeable action can steer the Islamic revolution toward its lofty goals. Everyone should know that the powers of world arrogance fear the Ten Days of Dawn and the celebration of the Day of God [Yawm- Allah] on 11 February. The 11 February marches have already perturbed the Islamic revolution's enemies. This year, as in previous years, the people will again display their unified presence at the 11 February marches and reaffirm their unwavering determination to safeguard the revolution's gains--to the chagrin of their enemies. |
FBIS3-33986_0 | Papers Cited on 10 Days of Dawn Violence, Saudi Role | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Report by Laurent Maillard] [Text] Tehran, Feb 2 (AFP)--Several people were injured and others arrested in a rare outburst of sectarian violence in southeast Iran, marring celebrations for the 15th anniversary of the Islamic republic, newspapers said Wednesday. The protest on Tuesday came the same day as a gunman fired shots during a speech by President 'Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani. And the mainly Shiite Muslim country's economic plight also cast a shadow over the anniversary when parliament cut the annual budget. An angry crowd gathered Tuesday outside the main mosque in Zahedan, one of the few Iranian cities with a Sunni Muslim majority, after rumours spread that a Sunni mosque had been destroyed in Mashhad in northeastern Iran. "Counter-revolutionary elements joined the crowd and started throwing stones at the police, breaking shop windows," HAMSHARI newspaper said. The interior ministry described the violence as a "counter- revolutionary plot" and said public buildings, houses and military vehicles had been attacked. The security forces arrested demonstrators who wanted to "sow disorder and trouble in Zahedan" at the start of the official ceremonies marking the anniversary of the 1979 revolution which toppled the shah, the ministry said. No figure was given for the number of demonstrators involved. "Counter-revolutionary elements gathered in Khayyam Avenue and began ripping down the Iranian flags and smashing the party lights decorating the street for the anniversary of the revolution," the ministry said. The newspaper KEYHAN reported Tuesday that the armed opposition group the People's Mojahedin [Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, MKO] was preparing "terrorist activities" in Sistan va Baluchestan province, of which Zahedan is the main town, "with the backing of Saudi Arabia," which sees itself as the leader of the Sunni branch of Islam. Also Tuesday, a gunman fired shots as Rafsanjani delivered a speech at the mausoleum of the republic's founder, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeyni. Police arrested a 26-year-old man who said he had only wanted to frighten the crowd. Rafsanjani, standing 50 meters (yards) away and shielded by an aide, kept his composure and did not interrupt his speech at the shrine in southern Tehran. "There was nothing to worry about," he told Tehran Radio later. The noise panicked some in the crowd of several thousand who had gathered to celebrate the first of the 10 days which led to the revolution, known here as "Fajr" (dawn). After the incident the crowd started shouting "Rafsanjani, we |
FBIS3-33988_5 | Yazdi Backs Khamene'i as Jurisconsult | Republic of Iran was founded in the name of the imam [of the age]]. [passage omitted] When the Islamic government was founded it meant that during more than 1,000 years of confrontation with rulers infidelity vanished and Islam came. It was not like a dynasty vanishing and another dynasty appearing. That is most important. [passage omitted] The Islamic Republic of Iran means infidelity vanished in the government and Islam replaced it. The jurisconsult who has the responsibility of sovereignty of Islam is a theologian, a deputy of the imam [of the age] and acts according to Islam and must observe all the Islamic conditions. He himself is subject to Islamic laws and regulations. It is Islam that rules, not the individual. Under such circumstances I have a question: If during 1,000 years our jurisconsults, our religious scholars throughout the Islamic cities used to answer the people's religious problems, used to receive the religious tax and spent it on religious matters, act in areas that they were allowed to act and would say they had no duty in the areas were they could not act, and the tyrant rulers used to act at the time of the sovereignty of Islam, a jurisconsult somewhere cannot set himself up as a judge. [as received] He cannot say that there is a judicial system in the Islamic Republic and someone has been appointed as its head by the leader and they are administering the judicial system, but I am a religious scholar and wish to set up a judicial system in Shiraz [capital of Fars Province]; I can get involved in matters of jihad and war and peace; get involved in collecting tax. My insistence that the conditions before and after the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran have changed and differ is for this point. If today grand jurisconsults are sources of emulation and issue fatwas, nothing is wrong with that. Let them issue fatwas: A particular prayer must be said once or three times. That is not crucial, let them issue fatwas. What is wrong with that? [passage omitted] But if under the conditions of sovereignty of Islam a jurisconsult -- for example in a corner of say this Islamic state of Iran -- should say, after the leadership has announced that there should not be any ties with such and such country, that: he is a jurisconsult and I am |
FBIS3-33989_0 | Foreign Minister Announces Accord To Expand Irish Ties | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Jan. 30, IRNA -- Iran an Ireland have decided to expand their mutual relations in political, economic, commercial and areas, a foreign ministry source said here Sunday. He said that Foreign Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati in his visit to Dublin in mid January called for creation of a trade balance between the two countries, and encouraged the Irish Government to import Iranian oil and non-oil products. According to a memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and Ireland on Jan. 13, the Irish government expressed readiness to facilitate holding of exclusive exhibitions for the Iranian products in that country, he said. The two countries also agreed to cooperate in seismology, housing, and urban development areas, and to organize short-term courses on urban development. Cooperation in agriculture, livestock, forests and pasture sectors as well as joint investments in fisheries, food industries, aviation, communications, transport, and exchange of university students and instructors, are among the other topics agreed between the two countries. Velayati in his two-day visit to Ireland met with President Mary Robinson, Premier Albert Reynolds and ministers of foreign affairs, agriculture and food, defence, the marine, trade and marketing and chairman of foreign affairs committee, Brian Lennihan. Issues relevant to the developments in the region including the situation in afghanistan, Central Asia, Caucasia, Iraq, the Persian Gulf, the Middle East Peace Process, developments in Europe especially in the Balkans, unity of the two Irelands and unity of Europe were discussed during the meetings. |
FBIS3-33992_4 | GPC Statement Notes U.S. Actions, `Persecution' | enable one to reach peaceful solutions that are satisfactory to all parties. This was called for by all international and regional organizations, particularly the Arab League, the OAU, ICO [Islamic Conference Organization], the AMU [Arab Maghreb Union], the nonaligned countries, parties, popular organizations, and unions of the world. All these have stressed their consideration for the stance of the Great Jamahiriyah and the initiatives it has put forward in order to solve the crisis peacefully. While it expresses its deep regret for and indignation at the UN Security Council's submission to the pressures of the three Western states -- who have adopted the method of force, warning, threat, and blockade as the only means in its dealings with the Great Jamahiriyah, aimed at making this conflict last longer in order to cause the biggest damages to the Libyan Arab people and at achieving other aims that have no relation with the issue of the dispute -- the GPC clearly highlights the use of a double-standard policy when implementing international resolutions. The GPC has decided to send Libyan Arab delegations to various world states in order to explain the dimensions of the sequence of aggression against Libya and its continuation for centuries, as well as the deep feelings of oppression that Libyans have. The GPC draws the attention of the international community to what follows: First: The enormity of the damages caused to the Libyan Arab people as a result of the implementation of the UN Security Council's resolutions that have encompassed all sectors and caused the deaths of hundreds of innocents, and these damages have also affected neighboring and other states. Second: The seriousness of the state of international relations, as this crisis has confirmed, that whenever Britain, the United States, and France agreed on some matter, they are able to impose it on the international community that bears the consequences of material and human losses resulting from this. Third: The seriousness of the stage lived by the peoples of the world amidst the international changes with their negative effects on the Third World and small states. These changes contain within themselves possibilities that are carried through under various slogans, the most dangerous of which are what are called: land for peace, the elimination of the Palestinian issue, and other liberation causes. This constitutes a dangerous precedent that is in contradiction of the UN Charter and all international principles, laws, |
FBIS3-33995_0 | Reports Say Opposition Suffering Losses | Language: Pashto Article Type:BFN [Text] After beginning a fight doomed to failure, the Karmal-Dostom militia has suffered great loss of life. According to reports obtained from surgical hospitals, which treat war casualties, 1,000 individuals from Dostum's militia have been injured so far and sent to those hospitals. The report adds: During the second offensive alone, which took place in the area between Mirorayon and Pacha Pol, as a result of the counteroffensive of the Islamic army and mujaheddin, 300 of them were injured. Reports say that it can be concluded that during the one month of Karmal-Dostom's failure in fighting more than 1,000 people were killed and even more were injured. This number is very large, and it is a fact that enemy's combat morale has been sufficiently crushed. |
FBIS3-34023_0 | Minister Views Iraq's Dependence on Port of al-'Aqabah | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Amman--Jordan Wednesday [2 February] said Iraq would continue to rely heavily on the Red Sea port of al-'Aqabah after sanctions end because its own ports could not handle the demand. "Iraq's dependence on the port of al-'Aqabah in the event of the lifting of sanctions will be primary because neither their port of Umm Qasr nor even Mersin Port would be enough to handle all their goods," Jordan's Transport Minister Adib Halasah told Reuters. Jordanian concerns rose last November when Iraq began importing through Umm Qasr and said whenever possible it would directly import U.N.-permitted goods--mostly food and medicine. "Whatever the size of Umm Qasr, and it's a large port, the anticipated rise in Iraq's import needs would make them need not just al-'Aqabah but other ports," said the minister. Mr. Halasah said use of Umm Qasr, Iraq's only port, would not affect al-'Aqabah as "it would continue to be more economical for Iraq to import its European cargo through it." Umm Qasr would be used mainly for imports from the Far East. He expected activity in al-'Aqabah to surge when sanctions end. Less than 100 trailers travel the al-'Aqabah-Baghdad route daily against 400 before the Gulf crisis. Mr. Halasah said upgrading and modernisation of al='Aqabah was underway to handle "the expected large volume of demand." Sanctions were imposed because of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Al-'Aqabah has also suffered from the U.N. inspection of al-'Aqabah-bound ships for goods that could violate the sanctions. Port activity has fallen from pre-Gulf war level peaks of 20 million tonnes annually to around 13 million tonnes in 1993. In an indication of confidence, Mr. Halasah said the Iraq-Jordan Land Transport Company decided in Baghdad last week to buy 100 Renault trucks to modernise its 420 trailer fleet. The firm, set up in 1981 as a 50-50 joint venture between the two states, is registered as a Jordanian company and is not subject to aspects of the U.N. embargo imposed on Iraq. |
FBIS3-34057_1 | Hizballah Leader Criticizes U.S. Policy | the Islamic Revolution Institutions in Lebanon; Muslim scholars; and a crowd of wounded people and their families. The Hizballah secretary general delivered a speech, which he began by talking about Abu-al-Fadl al-'Abbas, his importance, and his relations with Imam al-Husayn. [passage omitted] Addressing those who maintain a good opinion of the Americans and expect them to do good, he said: "The mujahidin, the oppressed, and the Islamic peoples who experienced this regime and this administration understand the U.S. position and role in dealing with events and developments. A U.S. congressional delegation arrived in Lebanon yesterday to collect information about missing Israeli soldiers. We regarded this matter and the manner in which the delegation entered Lebanon as an insult to Lebanon and the Lebanese people. It has come to collect information and solve the problem of a small number of Israeli soldiers who were killed in Lebanon." His eminence asked: "What were these soldiers doing in Lebanon? Were they tourists, diplomats, or merchants? Were they not occupation soldiers killing people and attacking and destroying the roofs over the heads of women and children?" He said: "These murderers, occupiers, and criminals warranted the dispatch of a congressional delegation by their American master--a delegation that penetrated barriers to collect information about them to reassure their Jewish families, while there are hundreds of Lebanese and thousands of Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in occupation prisons. Everyone knows the extent of suffering, pain, torture, and coercion that the prisoners are experiencing. The American master does not find any need or reason to visit the Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Why?" [passage omitted] His eminence said: "If the United States deals with a purely humanitarian issue with such crudeness, unfriendliness, and racial discrimination, what can we expect from it on political issues and in what affects the future of this area and its peoples?" He said: "There are no Arabs, Lebanese, Palestinians, or Muslims in the U.S. political view and dictionary. There is something called Israel's interests. The United States might respect some of the interests of others if that will maintain its own interests and achieve the interests of the Israeli enemy." [passage omitted] His eminence held the United States fully responsible for the occupation of Arab territory, imprisonment of people, killing of civilians, harming of the wounded, the war and destruction, and undermining the political and security situation in this area. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-34068_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted CIA, Mosad Blamed | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Excerpts] The news of the shooting incident at the immaculate mausoleum of Imam Khomeyni, may God be pleased with him, on the first day of the glorious celebration of the 10 Days of Dawn of the Islamic revolution while the beloved president of the nation was making a speech, immediately caused a wave of concern among the faithful people of Islamic Iran. [passage omitted] Hashemi-Rafsanjani is the comrade-in-arms of the eminent leader of the revolution and reminds us of the late imam. That is why that prominent revolutionary figure has always been the target of the enemies of the revolution in various forms. Today the enemy is focusing all its efforts on dealing blows against the holy system of the Islamic revolution and weakening the presence of the people in the arenas of the defense of the revolution. The attempts to instill despair in the people, propagated in the past few months by the horns of world arrogance and international Zionism and spread in the society in various forms, contained the message that the enemies of the revolution are hatching an extensive plot to deal blows at the revolution and its foundations. The incitement to revolt by certain saboteurs in Zahedan, which took place at the same time as the anti-revolutionary move at the immaculate mausoleum of Imam Khomeyni, may God be pleased with him, cannot be a coincidence. Such incidents can only be the work of organizations such as CIA and Mosad. They are the ones who, from the first day of the victory of the Islamic revolution, have girded their loins to destroy the Islamic revolution. But thanks to Almighty God, since the Islamic revolution and its movement has enjoyed divine support, once again the efforts of the conspirators failed and the leader and the ummah were joyful to hear that the beloved president is safe. The shouts of greetings to Hashemi were the people's crushing response to those who hatched that evil plot. [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-34069_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted `Conspiracy' Indicated | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] In an interview with the Central News Unit, a reliable source has revealed new dimensions in the assassination plot against the Islamic Republic of Iran's president during the ceremonies at the immaculate mausoleum of his eminence, the imam -- God's blessings be upon him. According to that reliable source, the information that has come to hand indicates a planned conspiracy against the life of the president. He said more information on that will be given to the Muslim umma of Iran later. |
FBIS3-34070_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted Security Commander Comments | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] A few minutes ago, in an interview with the Central News Unit, one of the commanders of the security forces provided new details on the conspiracy involving an assassination attempt on the life of the president and the blows struck at the Islamic system by foreign affiliated counterrevolutionaries. Please pay attention to this interview: [Begin recording] [Unidentified correspondent] General, please tell our listeners about the latest investigations carried out and the information available on the attempt on the life of Mr. Hashemi-Rafsanjani, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran. [Unidentified security forces officer] In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. First let me express my most sincere congratulations to the martyr-nurturing ummah and the esteemed leader of the Islamic revolution on the 15th anniversary of the dawn of the Islamic revolution, thanks be to God. In less than three days after the incident, new dimensions of the assassination attempt against the esteemed president have been revealed. The assailant, who was an individual of corrupt morals, and his corrupt collaborators, who had committed many immoral acts as well as drug addiction and who were intent on the assassination of the president, were all arrested. The assailant and his collaborators had taken part in Friday prayers in Tehran on a number of occasions for this very purpose -- to carry out their evil deed there. However, as the result of the vigilance of the Hezbollahi ummah and the implementation of security checks, they had not been able to carry out their evil plan there. Therefore, they made use of the great gathering of the people on 1 February, the anniversary of the first day of the Ten Days of Dawn, and of the presence of the esteemed president at those ceremonies, which had been announced in advance. The assailant and one of his collaborators had entered the pure shrine of Imam Khomeyni, may God's blessings be upon him, in order to implement their plan. They then carried out the plot which everyone knows about. That man, who is a member of one of the anti- Islamic and antirevolutionary grouplets, and all the other members of the group who have been arrested, are completely against Islamic principles and the Islamic revolution. By firing a few shots in the direction of the podium, he was trying to carry out the plot, but thanks be to God, |
FBIS3-34071_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted Thanksgiving Prayers Slated | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Once again, the enemies of the Islamic revolution have embarked on a feeble attempt to overshadow the splendor and greatness of the Ten Days of Dawn ceremonies and the glorious presence of the Muslim nation of Iran in the defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This time their criminal hands moved with the evil intention of attempting the assassination of the nation's loved one and the peerless companion of the leader, the popular president, in the sanctuary of the sacred tomb of the beloved Imam. Since the revolution and its move are divinely supported and guaranteed by the Imam of the Age, may God expedite his advent, by God's grace and power, once again the efforts of the conspirators were ineffective, and shouts of greetings to Hashemi and death to the hypocrites were the nation's crushing reply to that incident. The Muslim nation of Iran will hold prayer services in all the mosques after tomorrow night's evening prayers as thanksgiving for the wellbeing of their beloved president, as well as to ask for a long life for the exalted leader of the Islamic revolution. |
FBIS3-34072_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted Confrontation Noted in Zahedan 1 Feb | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Zahedan, Feb. 1, IRNA -- With the awareness of the revolutionary and Muslim people of Zahedan, the conspiracy of the anti-revolutionaries who created a disturbance here today on Khayyam avenue was nullified. The shopkeepers and the people of Khayyam Avenue confronted and fought with the anti-revolutionaries who broke windows, tore Iranian flags and attacked shops and storefronts. "Those who are hired by the foreigners are trying in vain to create a scene to make the active presence of the people look pale in the ten-day dawn festivities," said Pir Muhammad Abu Bakr, who fought against the anti-revolutionaries. Despite the nuisance, the people of Zahedan here today attended a grand ceremony at the 17th of Shahrivar Stadium to comemmorate the victory of the Islamic Revolution of 1979. |
FBIS3-34073_0 | President Says Regime `More Stable Than Any Other' | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The president has described the esteemed families of the martyrs and devotees as the greatest and strongest foundations of the Islamic revolution, safeguarding the gains of this sacred divine system. He added: The presence of these dear ones in society and in various arenas of the Islamic revolution act as an inspiration to the people and contribute toward reconstruction. He went on: The esteemed families of the martyrs, the devotees, and the war-disabled are regarded as a vast network, which protect the Islamic revolution and its holy and remarkable gains in society. Speaking today on the third day of the auspicious occasion of the Ten Days of Dawn, which is named the day of devotion and martyrdom, and addressing families who have donated more than one martyr, the president went on: You have voluntarily given your dearest assets -- that is, your sons -- to be martyred for the path of God. You are, thus, the best examples of devotion and self-sacrifice. You have proved that nothing is more dear to you than the path of the Islamic revolution and the line of his eminence the imam, may God be satisfied with his deeds. He added: Thanks to the strength given to the Islamic revolution by the martyrs, the devotees, and their families, the Islamic Republic of Iran is stronger and more stable than any other regime in the world, despite today's seditious world and despite so much resentment and hostility against us. Since the families of the martyrs are continuing the path pursued by their dear ones, this system's stability will increase daily. Referring to the fact that the Islamic revolution of Iran has its roots in the hearts of all the members of society and other Muslim and deprived nations of the world, the president said: This revolution is not dependent upon individuals. Those who think that by eliminating certain individuals they can deliver blows to the revolution are mistaken; in the same way that after the passing of his eminence the imam, God's blessings be upon him, which was a great loss for the nation, the esteemed leader, Khamene'i, as a wise and aware leader took the reins of the leadership of this divine nation and decisively and vigorously continues the path and holy aspirations of the founder of the Islamic Republic. He added: As a servant, I always feel indebted to |
FBIS3-34075_0 | Tehran Views Israeli President's Visit to Turkey | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary: "Improved Relations Between Ankara and Tel Aviv"] [Text] President Ezer Weizman arrived in Ankara for a four-day visit to Turkey on 24 January. Effective security measures have been taken to protect him. Weizman was invited by President Demirel. His arrival in Ankara is regarded as his first visit to a foreign country after he was elected to serve as Israel's president. The officials in Ankara and Tel Aviv have described his visit as vital. Meanwhile, Weizman has said that his first visit to Turkey is very important for Israel. It is common knowledge that the relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv have improved noticeably in the economic and military fields during the past few years. It is also common knowledge that the Zionist regime and the Turkish Government have maintained high-level relations for a long time. Turkey was the first Islamic country to officially recognize Israel on 28 March 1949. President Demirel has said that the objective behind Weizman's visit is the improvement of relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have existed since 1948. Several experts have linked the improvement of relations between Turkey and Israel to their common interests, stressing that the geopolitical conditions in the Middle East after the agreement the PLO reached with Israel have given momentum to the relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Zionist officials believe that the strengthening of the Islamic movements in the Middle East pose a threat to Israel's security. In fact, Prime Minister Rabin has recently described the Islamic movements in the region as a threat to the Middle East peace process. Tel Aviv is convinced that Turkey plays an important role in the region not only because it supports the Zionist regime but also because it is an Islamic country governed by a secular administration and has significant water resources and advanced technology, which enables it to manufacture F-16 aircraft. As such, Turkey can meet Israel's vital needs. For example, it can supply water to Israel. It has been reported that Demirel and Weizman have held talks on the joint use of water resources in the region, developments in the Middle East, the agreement between the PLO and Israel, and the improvement of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. However, considering a possible reaction by Turkey's Islamic people, the Turkish officials must try to find a logical explanation for the recent improvement |
FBIS3-34081_0 | Islamic Propagation Organization Hails Revolution Gains | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 2, IRNA -- The Islamic Propagation Organization (IPO) in a statement here blamed the world arrogance for exerting economic, military and political pressures on oppressed Muslim nations, Bosnians in particular. The statement, issued Tuesday on the first day of the Ten-Day Dawn ceremonies marking the 15th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution, said the world arrogance had not spared any attempt to trample upon the rights of the oppressed nations of the world. It further added that the anniversary was being celebrated at a time when enemies were hatching plots against it. The organization underlined its respect for all materialistic and spiritual achievements of the Islamic revolution and for all who served the causes of the Islamic Republic. It called on the nation to actively take part in the ceremonies and, under the wise leadership of the revolution leader Ayatollah 'Ali Khamene'i, continue their struggle against cultural assault by the world arrogance. |
FBIS3-34082_0 | Paper Cites U.S. Efforts To Prevent Defense Cooperation | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The Pakistani newspaper THE MUSLIM has referred to the request made by the United States that various countries refrain from defense cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran and said: The Clinton administration is preventing the rebuilding of the Iranian army. The paper notes the hollow claim made by the United States that Iran supports terrorism, adding: The United States forced Iraq to fight against Iran for eight years. Was this not an act of terrorism? Was this act not motivated by the wish to alter the balance of forces to the advantage of the regime occupying Jerusalem? However, now, when Iran is trying to rebuild its army after eight years of war, the United States has asked various countries to refrain from defense cooperation with Iran. THE MUSLIM concludes by saying: The United States' confrontation with Iran is continuing and this has, in fact, resulted in Iran being strengthened. |
FBIS3-34092_0 | Officials Urge Promotion of Various Ties With Iran | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Muscat, Feb. 2, IRNA -- Ranking Omani officials Tuesday [1 February] called for promotion of bilateral economic and commercial ties with Iran and stressed that Muscat attached great importance to its ties with Iran. Governor general of Fars Province, in south of Iran, Mohammad 'Ali Naqi Jahromi who is currently here to open the first exhibition of products of the province, yesterday met and conferred with two Omani ministers. Underlining the need for further expansion of mutual ties, the Omani national heritage and culture minister, Faysal Bin-'Ali Al Sa'id, described Iran as a great Islamic country. Speaking to IRNA, he voiced his country's readiness to remove any obstacle on the way of bilateral economic and commercial ties. Another Omani official, Commerce and Industry Minister Makbul Bin-'Ali Bin-Sultan [name and title as received] also called for joint venture and exchange of political and economic delegations between the two countries. Bin-Sultan who is also head of Iran-Oman joint economic and commercial commission, termed as good diplomatic relations between Tehran and Oman. Jahromi stressed that foreign countries and enemies of Islam were attempting to sow discord among Islamic countries in order to seize the markets in those countries with their own products. The first exhibition of Fars Province opened here Wednesday with the participation of over 80 provincial industrial and producing companies in a 4,000 square meter roofed area. |
FBIS3-34098_0 | 15,000 Join Mourning March 1 Feb | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Dhaka, Feb 1 (AFP) -- At least 15,000 residents of the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka Tuesday joined a mourning march and mass prayers for the six opposition supporters gunned down by rivals in post-election violence, witnesses said. The marchers, including leaders from Shayk Hasina Wajed's main-opposition Awami League (AL) and the left-wing Workers Party, carried coffins of the dead to the downtown Baitul Mukarram national mosque. They silently carried black flags and a banner demanding the punishment of the killers, and prayed for the dead. The marchers were mostly from the Lalbagh area, in the old parts of Dhaka, where six people were killed and more than 30 injured Monday when AL's victory procession was fired on by unidentified gunmen, a day after the country's first mayoral city elections, police and witnesses said. A policeman on duty said the number of mourners could be as high as 30,000. The mourners later buried the dead without incident in a nearby graveyard, but under heavy security, witnesses said. Security was intensified Tuesday as the residents staged a half-day protest strike, and the atmosphere was tense, with shops, schools and businesses remaining closed. "We have strong police and BDR (para-military Bangladesh Rifles) forces deployed in the area," one police officer at the Lalbagh police station said. No violence was reported during the stoppage. Witnesses and police had said earlier that unidentified gunmen opened fire on supporters of AL mayoral candidate Mohammad Hanif, who took a commanding lead in weekend polls, killing six. Eighteen supporters were reported to be in stable condition Tuesday. But Dhaka newspapers reported Tuesday that the attack was carried out by Abdul Aziz, a member of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party and a losing candidate for city commissioner, and his supporters. The mass circulation Daily ITTEFAQ newspaper said Abdul Aziz had gone into hiding, and one resident said unidentified people ransacked and looted his home late Monday. The government, in a press note late Monday said six suspects from two rival groups have been arrested in connection with the "unfortunate incident." Angry mourners Monday also had attacked three government ministers when they went to the hospital to pay homage to the dead, but police rescued them unscathed by throwing tear gas and using batons. During Sunday's first ever mayoral and city commissioner elections, one school boy was killed and more than 200 were injured in sporadic |
FBIS3-34100_0 | Reaction to Attack, Shootings During Celebration Noted Tehran Says Vigilance Beat `Plot' | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The vigilance of the Muslim revolutionary people of Zahedan neutralized a plot by a few counter-revolutionaries who sought to overshadow the people's fervor and enthusiasm on the eve of the 16th [as heard] anniversary of the Islamic revolution. These people congregated on Khayyam Avenue in Zahedan to agitate and disrupt things when the avenue's vendors and residents tackled them violently. The agitators got into a brawl with the people but were overpowered by the Law Enforcement forces and dispersed. Pir Mohammad Abubakr, who threw stones at the disruptive elements, told an IRNA correspondent: The elements affiliated with foreigners are seeking to instigate differences to detract from the people's dazzling presence on the revolution scene and to project the Ten Days of Dawn celebrations as lackluster. He said: Whatever the plot the powers of world arrogance hatch against the Islamic revolution, the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran become more determined to safeguard the revolution's values. Amanollah Ama'i, 42, said that the tearing up of flags, breaking of colored lights, and attacks on stores were only a sign of the arsonists' inauspicious intentions to disrupt the grand celebrations of the Ten Days of Dawn. He said: We ask the Law Enforcement officials to combat such insurgents with force. Despite the rioters' efforts to disrupt the Day of God [Yawm-Allah] celebrations on 1 February, the people continued to participate in the ceremonies at the 17 Shahrivar Stadium in Zahedan after the agitators were dealt with and the fracas ended. |
FBIS3-34135_0 | Parties Send Delegation to Iran, Saudi Arabia | Language: Arabic Article Type:CSO [Article by Ahmad Muwaffaq Zaydan: "Afghan Opposition Dispatches Delegation to Saudi Arabia and Iran to Express Its Opinion"] [Text] Peshawar--An Afghan opposition delegation is preparing to go to Saudi Arabia and Iran to familiarize the two countries' officials with the opposition's demands and with its proposals to settle the crisis between itself and President Borhanoddin Rabbani. AL-HAYAH has learned that the delegation, which represents the High Coordination Council for the Islamic Revolution, includes 'Abdol Hadi Arghandwal as representative of the Hezb-e Eslami (led by Prime Minister Golboddin Hekmatyar); Hashamatollah Mojaddedi on behalf of the Islamic National Liberation Front (led by Sebghatollah Mojaddedi); Dr. Talib on behalf of the (pro-Tehran) Shiite Hezb-e Wahdat; and 'Abdol Samad on behalf of the Uzbek militias. The delegation will leave for Tehran today and will proceed for Riyadh from there, carrying with it the opposition's leaders' visions and viewpoint on settling the crisis. The delegation has met with Pakistani Foreign Minister Sardar Asif Ali and ambassadors of the [UN] Security Council member states, in addition to heads of the Islamic states' diplomatic missions in the Pakistani capital. The meeting was held at a time when opposition sources have said that the Pakistani foreign minister has agreed in principle to the opposition plan that calls for the resignation of the president and his prime minister simultaneously, for withdrawal of the armed elements from the capital, and for forming a provisional council to manage the country's affairs until elections are held. Meanwhile, the two parties to the conflict have continued their military preparations at a time when fierce fighting has been raging on between them in Kabul. AL-HAYAH has learned that Hekmatyar has told Afghan notables who met with him recently that he is about to complete building a military airfield in Surkhab, south of Kabul. This is the second airfield constructed by Hekmatyar in the areas under his control. The first airfield, built two weeks ago in Dasht-e Saqawa, near Char Asiab (where Hekmatyar lives), was subjected to missile attacks launched by the government forces. But the new airfield is located beyond the government missiles' range and it can accommodate fighter aircraft, contrary to the old airfield, which can only accommodate passenger and freight aircraft. Informed sources have told AL-HAYAH that Surkhab Airfield has been fitted with a very sophisticated radar capable of monitoring the airspace extending to the Pakistani border. It |
FBIS3-34136_1 | Daily Notes Clinton State of Union Speech | length on the steps taken by his administration during the past year and also elaborated on the plans of his government for the current year. The President did not make any attempts to hide his failures. This distinguishes a leader of a developed country from those of the developing countries. Referring to his election pledges, the President said that a pragmatic budget was formulated last year with a view to bringing economic discipline to the country. He also referred to the signing of the NAFTA and GATT accords. President Clinton categorically stated that no compromise with national interests have been made in any sector. He claimed that the number of job opportunities created by his government over the past year exceeded those created in the previous four years. The President also gave an outline of the programs taken up by his government for the year 1994. He said the new programs are aimed at creating more job opportunities, improving health care facilities, curbing the crime rate, and preventing drug abuse. The President further stated that expenditures in over 300 programs will be curtailed and 100 domestic projects will be ended in order to develop the economy. He, however, stated that there will be no reduction in the military budget and added that the efficiency of the armed forces will remain unchanged so that they can face any situation. Dwelling on foreign policy, the President said that the United States would continue to extend its assistance for the cause of democracy and the protection of human rights. He also stated that U.S. support for economic reforms in Russia will continue. But he did not elaborate on whether any emergency assistance will be provided to Russia. It may be mentioned that the Second World War did not only lead to the downfall of German fascism, but also shattered the economy of several European countries. According to some historians, the Second World War was won by Britain, but it lost its colonies. Similar was the fate suffered by the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the French, who also lost their empires. After the war, the Indian subcontinent also became independent. Mandatory Western rule came to an end in several countries of the Middle East and an armed struggle was launched in Africa to overthrow the white rule. After the Second World War, the Europeans did not have the power to hold on to their |
FBIS3-34173_5 | Al-Qadhdhafi on Defending Arabs, Lockerbie | until Algeria is fragmented piece by piece, and tiny states are set up in Algeria once again. Then these states will be ethnic and family states which are isolated from each other, and which ask Europe for help and which are at Europe's mercy. From Misratah, the city of historical resistance, the city of struggle, bravery, and sacrifices, we address the call to the brave Algerian people and our friends in the new Algerian leadership, to warn them against this conspiracy being hatched by Paris, the Western states, and Zionism, in order to bring about the fragmentation of and balkanization of Algeria, and to realize that the battle is not with the Islamists or with Islam. Algeria is an Islamic state, Egypt is also an Islamic Sunni state. There is no defection from Islam or heresy in Egypt. Egypt is a country of Islam and is a country of the Holy al-Azhar, but the things which are taking place in the streets of Egypt and Algeria are an U.S.-French-British-German-Jewish conspiracy. The Libyan people are those who can today raise their voice high in order to warn the Arab nation against this sudden danger, O brothers, against the Arab nation. The reason for this is because the circumstances of the Arab peoples do not allow them to express what is in their hearts with regard to America, Britain, France, and Zionism. The Arab peoples are prisoners, and the Arab petty states are tantamount to mass prisons for the peoples of the Arab nation. The Libyan people have broken the chains and have liberated themselves with the revolution, the great al-Fatih revolution, and their voice has become loud. The Libyan people are their own masters and are the people of the People's Congresses and People's Committees, the people of revolutionary committees and free vocational trade unions, the people who possess authority, wealth, and weapons. O brothers, we have the right to warn our nation from Misratah. We have chosen Misratah because Egypt knows Misratah, Algeria knows Misratah, and the Arab nation and the enemy know Misratah. The enemy knows the bitter lessons it tasted in Misratah. The enemy recalls the distress it faced from Misratah's resistance. [passage omitted] The battle is one from the Ocean to the Gulf, regardless of attempts to deceive us. We understand history. We make history. We will not be deceived, O brothers. The battle is one from |
FBIS3-34183_0 | ICO Urges Action To Stop Escalation in Bosnia | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Jeddah, 3 Feb (SPA) -- Dr. Hamid al-Ghabid, secretary-general of the Islamic Conference Organization [ICO], expressed the organization's great concern over the escalation of (?aggressive) campaigns waged by Serbs and Croats against Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina. In a statement issued today, the secretary-general condemned attempts by Serbia and Croatia to wipe out the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina from the map by intensifying attacks, increasing direct military intervention, declaring general mobilization, and other means. He said that despite the clear and candid resolutions of the UN General Assembly and many resolutions of the UN Security Council, the prevarication of some of the main forces has prevented the UN from implementing its resolutions or endeavoring to impose them. He pointed out the dangers in securing a resolution based on the assumption of a possibility of restoring peace by imposing arbitrary and unjust conditions on the victims of the conflict. The ICO secretary-general reaffirmed the ICO's full solidarity and support for the government and people of Bosnia-Herzegovina. He urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council's permanent members, to take effective action to stop further escalation of violence. He also called for the adoption of a principled method on the issue by all the sides concerned, including the European Union, so that a just peace may be restored in Bosnia-Herzegovina. |
FBIS3-34184_1 | Rafsanjani Gives Friday Prayer Sermon, Notes Events | all events, such as the war and the conspiracies, and give continuation to the revolution during the period of construction, planning, and implementation of important and infrastructural tasks. Hojjat ol-Eslam val-Moslemin Hashemi-Rafsanjani described the human forming ideology of Islam as the most important factor in the awareness of the people, and he referred to the role of the pioneer clerics and religious scholars -- especially the most crucial role played by His Eminence Imam Khomeyni, the departed imam, may God Almighty be satisfied with him -- in making people aware during the 20 years of struggle before the revolution and the human forming role of that worthy source of emulation. He said: If a leader -- or a party -- with an objective wishes to succeed he must nurture vigilant and knowledgeable people. And in Iran, under the auspices of the wise leadership of the imam, may his soul be sanctified, such a thing came to pass. The president called the existence of trust between the people and their leaders as the basis of movement and progress and as the instrument of eliminating problems and struggle against sabotage. He considered it as one of the most important factors of concern for the enemies. In this regard he said: The enemies of the revolution, who had discovered this secret of success, embarked on an extensive effort, from the first days of the Islamic revolution, to create a rift between the people and the leadership and the authorities. The imperialist propaganda in this regard never ceased and their satanic move still continues. But what has broken the back of the enemy is the existence of the popular sentiment and the wholesale and constant presence of the arena. Referring to the assassination attempt on his life and the aims of the enemies of the revolution, the president said: [Begin Hashemi-Rafsanjani recording] This incident to which your attention has now been drawn -- the assassination attempt -- to my mind this is a very minor issue which can always happen. A few people can always give rise to a small incident. However, these things are no longer of any importance to the revolution. You should feel quite reassured about that. The revolution has now become quite separated from individuals. I said that the revolution has reached the stage of maturity; it is no longer a child which needs suckling. It provides its own sustenance. |
FBIS3-34187_0 | Khomeyni Delivers Thanksgiving Prayers | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] On the third day of the sacred 10 Days of Dawn celebrations, during which praise is given to martyrs, disabled, men missing in action, and prisoners of war, thousands of military commanders and model units of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army ground forces this afternoon participated in a glorious ceremony at the holy shrine of the founder of the Islamic revolution, where they renewed their alliance with the lofty ideas of His Excellency imam Khomeyni, may he be admitted to God's paradise, and also emphasised the need to execute the orders of Commander in Chief Ayatollah Khamene'i. Hojjat ol-eslam val-moslemin Seyyed Ahmad Khomeyni spoke at the meeting, which was held to praise the martyrs of the Islamic revolution, and also for thanksgiving prayers for the passing of the assassination danger against our country's president. Those attending also thanked the commanders and personnel of the Army for their services in guarding the boundaries of the Islamic motherland and the school of Koran. Referring to the assassination attempt against the president, Khomeyni said: The Islamic revolution does not depend on an individual, and assassination or terror among the people will fail to deviate the revolution from its principle path. |
FBIS3-34188_0 | Authorities Admit to Disturbances in Southeast | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Safa Ha'iri report: "Sectarian Disturbances in Baluchistan; Fatalities in Iran after Confrontations with the `Guards'] [Text] Paris -- The Iranian authorities yesterday admitted the occurrence of disturbances in the province of Baluchistan southeast of the country and accused "counterrevolutionary elements" of organizing these disturbances the day before yesterday. According to media reports, these disturbances resulted in numerous casualties, including dead and wounded. According to several sources, the disturbances in Zahedan began after rumors that the authorities had demolished a Sunni mosque in the town of Mashhad northeast of Iran triggering fear among observers that the disturbances might assume a sectarian dimension. Observers say that news of the disturbances coincided with the shooting incident as President Hashemi-Rafsanjani was delivering a speech during the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. They note that the two incidents indicate that the regime is going through a difficult phase. It has been reported from Zahedan that forces of the "Revolutionary Guards" clashed with demonstrators who occupied government buildings, removed the flags from them, and destroyed military vehicles belong to the Revolutionary Guards. The clashes lasted four hours and resulted in the death of dozens of demonstrators and the injury of no less that 400 others. The demonstrators used sticks and stones and the Revolutionary Guards responded with tear gas bombs and gunfire in the direction of the demonstrators. Eyewitnesses say that the clashes began when forces of the Revolutionary Guards stormed a mosque where worshippers were listening to antiregime speeches after hearing the news of the demolition of the Sunni mosque in Mashhad. They add that the mosque as well as buildings and shops in the Khayyam street, where the clashes were concentrated, sustained material damage. In a statement to AL-HAYAH, informed sources expressed fear that the Zahedan incidents could be serious in view of the fact that the province is adjacent to the Pakistani borders and the fact that they occurred after the authorities reinforced their forces on these borders. Some media organs close to the regime have recently stressed the need to "foil the terrorist acts which the enemies of the revolution were preparing to perpetrate in Baluchistan." The same sources also drew attention to the Foreign Ministry's reaction to the disturbances as "a plot hatched by counterrevolutionaries with foreign links." The ministry's statement spoke of the arrest of a number of demonstrators but the sources |
FBIS3-34188_1 | Authorities Admit to Disturbances in Southeast | Disturbances in Baluchistan; Fatalities in Iran after Confrontations with the `Guards'] [Text] Paris -- The Iranian authorities yesterday admitted the occurrence of disturbances in the province of Baluchistan southeast of the country and accused "counterrevolutionary elements" of organizing these disturbances the day before yesterday. According to media reports, these disturbances resulted in numerous casualties, including dead and wounded. According to several sources, the disturbances in Zahedan began after rumors that the authorities had demolished a Sunni mosque in the town of Mashhad northeast of Iran triggering fear among observers that the disturbances might assume a sectarian dimension. Observers say that news of the disturbances coincided with the shooting incident as President Hashemi-Rafsanjani was delivering a speech during the celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the Islamic revolution. They note that the two incidents indicate that the regime is going through a difficult phase. It has been reported from Zahedan that forces of the "Revolutionary Guards" clashed with demonstrators who occupied government buildings, removed the flags from them, and destroyed military vehicles belong to the Revolutionary Guards. The clashes lasted four hours and resulted in the death of dozens of demonstrators and the injury of no less that 400 others. The demonstrators used sticks and stones and the Revolutionary Guards responded with tear gas bombs and gunfire in the direction of the demonstrators. Eyewitnesses say that the clashes began when forces of the Revolutionary Guards stormed a mosque where worshippers were listening to antiregime speeches after hearing the news of the demolition of the Sunni mosque in Mashhad. They add that the mosque as well as buildings and shops in the Khayyam street, where the clashes were concentrated, sustained material damage. In a statement to AL-HAYAH, informed sources expressed fear that the Zahedan incidents could be serious in view of the fact that the province is adjacent to the Pakistani borders and the fact that they occurred after the authorities reinforced their forces on these borders. Some media organs close to the regime have recently stressed the need to "foil the terrorist acts which the enemies of the revolution were preparing to perpetrate in Baluchistan." The same sources also drew attention to the Foreign Ministry's reaction to the disturbances as "a plot hatched by counterrevolutionaries with foreign links." The ministry's statement spoke of the arrest of a number of demonstrators but the sources were unable to say how many were arrested. |
FBIS3-34189_1 | Foreign Ministry Official Comments on Turkish Raid | of our country, killing and wounding some of our compatriots: [Begin recording] [Correspondent] Following the incident, meetings were held between Iranian and Turkish diplomatic officials. In a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister Dr. 'Ali Akbar Velayati, the Turkish foreign minister expressed his regret over this incident and dispatched a team of experts to the area, including some officials from the Turkish Foreign Ministry and the joint headquarters of the Turkish Armed Forces, to investigate the matter. After two days of investigation and inquiry in the area, this team announced the results of its survey yesterday. The head of the Turkish delegation confirmed that shrapnel found in the Iranian border areas was from the Turkish cluster bombs used by the Turkish Air Force last Friday. A statement was signed by the two sides and named The Report of the Joint Inquiry Commission. We interviewed 'Ala'eddin Borujerdi, the deputy foreign minister for Asia and Oceania, regarding this incident and the repercussions of such occurrences on reciprocal relations, which you will now hear: [Borujerdi] All evidence points to the fact--especially in view of the large number of fighter planes that participated in these operations and the close proximity of the PKK [Workers' Party of Kurdistan] centers on Iraqi territory to our villages--that there was no definite intent to attack our territory. We have signed a statement because the rockets and bombs fell on our soil and the Turkish side has repeatedly expressed its extreme regret during the past two days. Turkish officials have announced that they are willing to compensate for the losses, which is quite natural. I believe that with the cooperation of the two sides, we will be able to attain results. This incident is a source of immense regret for all. Foreign Ministry officials express their condolences to the families of the victims. We hope that we can defend our national interests with regard to this incident. [Correspondent] What kind of bad effects can such incidents have on bilateral relations? [Borujerdi] It is natural that negative incidents can have concomitant deleterious effects. It is important that such incidents be prevented in the future. I have clearly brought this up with the Turkish ambassador. We have officially requested of the Turkish Government that if they carry out any military operations in the future they should do so after careful study so that there is no encroachment on our soil. [end recording] |
FBIS3-34190_0 | Turkey Offers Compensation | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Ankara, Feb. 3, IRNA -- Turkey is ready to compensate for the losses inflicted on the Iranian borders as a result of the air raid last Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hikmet Cetin said here today. "Unfortunately we were informed that some mistake had occurred during the operation of the Turkish fighters in northern Iraq last Friday, and resulted in losses in man and material on Iran. We are deeply sorry for the incident," Cetin told IRNA in an interview here. He said relations between the two countries are so strong and friendly which can settle all the difficulties. No issue can affect the two countries' relations, he added, stressing "there was no intention behind the incident." Peoples of Iran and Turkey have been living together without any unpleasant problems for centuries, besides, expansion of Tehran-Ankara cooperation not only would serve the interests of the two nations, but would have very positive impacts on the regional developments, Cetin said. Turkish warplanes attacked bases of the opposition guerrillas 110 kms. deep inside Iraq last Friday, during which rural areas in Sardasht border region were also bombed, and 28 Iranians were killed and wounded. In addition to the two countries cooperation within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Cetin said implementation of the gas transfer projects from Central Asia to Turkey and Europe via Iran, as well as transfer of the Iranian gas to the world markets via Turkey would play a major role in the expansion of ties and cooperation between the two countries. Iranian Ambassador to Turkey Mohammad Reza Baqeri met with Cetin earlier in the day and conveyed a message from Iranian Foreign Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati on the issue. Velayati in his message stressed that Iran really expects the Turkish Government to compensate for the losses in addition to making a formal apology over the incident. |
FBIS3-34195_0 | Turkey Urged To Explain Military Operations on Border | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary: "The Visit of Turkish Experts to Iran's Border] [Text] Turkish military aircraft fired rockets and dropped bombs on several of the villages affiliated with Sar Dasht on Iran's border with Iraq on Friday, 28 January. Some 28 people were either killed or wounded as a result of the air attack. Meanwhile, significant damage was done in the villages. The Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Ministry officials contacted their counterparts in Turkey and expressed concern over the incident. They also urged Turkey to offer a convincing explanation for the operation. Turkish officials rejected the claims that the attack on Iranian villages was preplanned by the Turkish Government and stressed that the target of the air attack was the Kurdish Workers Party camps in northern Iraq. However, the disclosure made by Deputy Foreign Minister Borujerdi after his meeting with the Turkish ambassador in Tehran indicated that Iran's officials wanted Turkey to seriously assess the matter. Undoubtedly, a more detailed assessment could be made if Turkey decides to dispatch a delegation to study the situation in the bombed areas and visit the wounded people. According to the political experts, the Turkish officials must provide a convincing explanation about the attack on Iran's border. This is necessary because Turkey and Iran have common borders. Furthermore, they are very sensitive about the maintenance of border security and stability. That is confirmed by the talks the Turkish and Iranian committees have held on border security during the past 18 months. Obviously, the Iranian Foreign Ministry officials' call for an inquiry into this incident can be described as an initiative based on good-neighborly relations. However, that approach can only be maintained if the Turkish officials seriously consider the magnitude of their military operations against opposition forces and avoid any move that may harm the cooperation between the two neighboring countries. |
FBIS3-34198_0 | Columnist on Gulf War's Impact on World Events | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Article by Salah al-Mukhtar: "How Iraq Foiled America's Opportunity To Colonize the World"] [Text] In his book "Seize The Moment: America's Challenge in a One Superpower World," former U.S. President Richard Nixon admits that cursed criminal George Bush's idealistic dream of establishing a new world order has been shattered by three main factors: Iraq's liberation of the governorate of Kuwait, the alertness of the national movement in Russia and Eastern Europe which opposes U.S. hegemony, and the failure of the capitalist system, the market economy, in Eastern Europe. Nixon says that the liberation of the governorate of Kuwait was a serious turning point which changed and confused U.S. plans, and exposed the false cover that gave the impression that the world was stable and willing and ready to accept the U.S. dream of leading the world. The liberation of the governorate of Kuwait has disrupted the U.S. attempt to calmly colonize the world without any fanfare. But, the Mother of Battles changed the basic components on which criminal Bush had depended to control the world. That's why Nixon describes the plan of cursed Bush to establish a world order under U.S. leadership as an idealistic dream that faced and was shattered by solid reality. This is the gist of what Nixon had admitted. All that we have done is replace the spiteful words he used to describe Iraq. Thus, Nixon joins the convoy of those who admit that the Mother of Battles was the midwife which gave birth to the factors of rejection and confrontation of U.S. colonialism, and has exposed the U.S. impotence in quelling the people and nations and controlling them. When we used to say this before Nixon's book was published, some would view what we said as some sort of exaggeration, or unrealistic wishful thinking. But, here we have the strongest U.S. President after Kennedy admitting that the Mother Battles and Iraq's leader, Saddam Husayn, have changed the course of the major big events in the world and steered them in a direction that is opposite to that wished by criminal Bush. The era of fierce resistance to U.S. colonialism has thus begun. |
FBIS3-34202_6 | AIG Committee Official Explains Group's Goals, Plans | becomes an individual duty. As for what you term violence, this is a misrepresentation of God's words and is meant to deceive the people. How can we consider "jihad for the cause of God" as violence? Can any Muslim allow himself to say this about God's words, unless he is a believer in the laws of the East and the West, which serve their own interests? We do not recognize the secular separation between military and political action. [AL-WASAT] Why have you attacked foreigners, and what is the message you want to deliver? [AIG Leader] We attacked foreigners (Jews, Christians, and polytheists) because they are part of an infidel, colonialist, scheme. They represent a living artery and throbbing heart of every occupation, be it external or domestic, explicit or implicit. Also, those foreigners are spies for the infidels in the Islamic world. In addition, those foreigners represent a mainstay of the economy. If they live in peace, then this means that the country is leading a normal life. However, killing and fighting them is practical evidence of the weakness of the infidel regime and the return of Islam as prophesied by the prophet, may God's peace be upon him. [passage omitted] [AL-WASAT] There are reports about Iranian aid and facilities from other neighboring states. How true is this? Do you receive foreign support and how do you finance your military operations? [AIG Leader] Iran is a Shiite state, and so we cannot receive aid from it. God Almighty has saved us the trouble. But to God belong the treasures of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites understand not. [Koranic verse] [AL-WASAT] What are the goals that you aspire to achieve by armed action? [AIG Leader] It is a jihad for the cause of God, and not armed action. Our only objective is to see God's law prevail, make people worship God, end injustice and debauchery, and achieve justice as the Koran orders us to do. By doing this, we seek only to win God's satisfaction, and nothing else. [AL-WASAT] What is the nature of your relationship with the Salvation Front, and can you ignore it? Suppose a change takes place, are you qualified to fill the vacuum in terms of the cadres, the army, police, security, etc? [AIG Leader] What front do you mean? There are many fronts, many branches, and many spokesmen. Be more specific so that |
FBIS3-34214_18 | Prime Minister Notes Peace Process, Other Issues | gigantic effects on the region in all aspects, particularly in the economic sphere. Therefore, the committee was set up to follow these developments and measure their effects on all aspects, especially on the economic side. [Al-Sa'id] What is your own view on the Middle East market and on the possibility of including Arab countries in it? [Sidqi] Like it or not, we are bound to adjust to new circumstances and we cannot distance ourselves from them because they are a reality. Failure to deal with reality is a grave mistake. We must adapt to reality and adjust our economy and ties to be in line with this fact. Today we cannot exclude certain facts; Israel exists and we must normalize ties with it as much as possible. Large world economic groups exist--NAFTA, Southeast Asia, and the European Union. We also must go in the same direction. [Al-Sa'id] Concerning foreign policy, what are the main lines of Egypt's foreign policy? [Sidqi] Two main lines are peace and development and they are integrated. [Al-Sa'id] What about our relations with other countries? [Sidqi] Our relations are excellent with all world countries, except a country or two, and this is no problem. [Al-Sa'id] What is your assessment of the U.S. role in the region? [Sidqi] We cannot deny that the United States has become the sole superpower in the world following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Therefore, it would be illogical on my part to deal with the region and the world without realizing or taking this new situation into account. The United States is now the sole superpower. It has influence all over the world. It is playing a role in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. I must have full and good relations with it. Thank God, our relations with the United States are very good. [Al-Sa'id] Can the United States put pressure on you to adopt certain policies toward regional problems? [Sidqi] No one puts pressure on us. Our decisions emanate from our willpower and not the willpower of others. We depend on ourselves in making decisions that do not antagonize the world. The pivots of our policy are peace and development. I believe peace was rejuvenated in the region only when the United States showed interest in it. It is true that the superpowers were represented in the past by the Soviet Union and the United States. |
FBIS3-34238_0 | 'Arafat Loyalists Accused of Disrupting Union Vote | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] The United Islamic ticket [al-qa'imah al-islamiyah al-muwahhadah] and the Medical Democratic Alliance Bloc [kutlat al-tahaluf al-tibbi al-dimuqrati] of the Medical Society have denounced the incidents at the elections for the Medical Society at al-Azhar University in Gaza. A statement distributed by the two parties and printed by local Jerusalem newspapers said armed 'Arafat loyalists burst onto university grounds, smashing furniture and tearing up election posters. They then threatened the committee supervising the vote, saying that unless they left the campus within a quarter of an hour they would wreck their cars. The committee left to prevent infighting. The statement called this behavior a brazen violation of all our values. It is a flagrant breach of all democratic values and a form of terrorism, for which the 'Arafat supporters must be held responsible. We urge all nationalist and Islamic forces to assume their responsibilities toward such behavior, and we call on the committee to set a new election date for next Friday, 11 February, the statement said. |
FBIS3-34245_8 | Col al-Qadhdhafi Delivers Speech in Misratah | him. He must be finished, really. The Zandaqah is an extremely serious sickness, and he who carries this disease must be finished. For he who likes Islam, Islam is clear: Read the Koran, give us a lesson from the Koran, a lesson in religion, in morals; lead us in prayers, call for prayers, teach us and you are welcome. But if you set up a party among us, in secret, and you say: Kill each other, and others are infidels, then never. [passage omitted] From now on, everyone must be vigilant to their families, their children. Islam is clear. If somebody wants to observe religious rules, he is free to do so. But the movements I have mentioned to you, they have knives, guns, pistols, bombs and America is behind them. All the leaders of the Zandaqah movement are to be found in Germany, America, Britain, and France. All the movements you are hearing about in Egypt, Algeria, Syria, and Tunisia, and those who were members of the Libyan Islamic Brotherhood movement, you have seen them, they are all in America, Britain, France, and Germany. Western intelligence is funding them. What kind of Islam is an Islam funded by Christianity, the Christians, and the West? Is this Islam? Is this reasonable Islam, funded by the West, funded and encouraged by their intelligence services? Is this Islam? We do not want an Islam whose paymaster is America. We do not want this sort of Islam. Another weapon is drugs. Orders were given by America and the Western states to the Israelis to plant hashish in occupied Palestine, export it secretly to the Arab countries, dump it on the shores of the Arab countries from Egypt to Morocco in return for billions of dollars paid by America and the Western states as a compensation to the Israelis for planting hashish. America is however fighting hashish everywhere in the world, and is prepared to go to war against any state planting hashish, except the Israelis. Why? Because the hashish in occupied Palestine is meant for the Arab youths, for the Arab countries, to lull the Arab nation. You must be vigilant to this. Brothers, this is not a matter for the law or the police. It is a matter for the family, a matter of education. You are all shepherds and every shepherd is responsible for his community. Every one must look after |
FBIS3-34245_12 | Col al-Qadhdhafi Delivers Speech in Misratah | for a dollar, or trade in currencies, or smuggle medicine, smuggle food products, smuggle Libyan products, trade in the Libyan dinar, ask them to give us their canned foods, or ask them to give us their cigarettes or their drugs, they will laugh at us. They will say: These people only talk, but in the end they put out their hands to us and beg. We should reject this. [passage omitted] The last subject is concerned with the family of Ja'akah. First of all, you are aware that there is someone with the name of Ja'akah; however, I do not know his first name. We heard the Americans say that they would give 1 million American dollars, 300 Libyan dinars [as heard], to anyone who would give them information about who brought down the Pan Am plane over Lockerbie. Ja'akah used to work in Malta; he went over to the Americans and told them give me the 1 million dollars, I have information for you. They told him: All right, just give us the information. They kept him as a prisoner at the American intelligence; they did not, of course, give him the $1 million or anything else. He is still under arrest at the American intelligence. They asked him: What information have you got? He told them: That plane was brought down by such and such person who used such and such thing. He concocted a story; the story they are now repeating. They are saying that they have confirmed information, but they have only Ja'akah as a witness. If they have a trial abroad, they will bring him to face [the accused] to whom he will say: Yes, you did bring it down; you put the case aboard and this and that. You did so because you wanted revenge. The Libyans wanted to avenge the raid of 1986; they wanted to take their revenge on Britain and America who killed their children. He will say now they have killed your children with such a bombing. They wanted to hit two birds with one stone; they dealt a blow to America and Britain at the same by bombing one plane which they brought down over Lockerbie, a British town, he will add. He said the Libyans did so to avenge the raid. The Americans and the British have believed his story; they are trying to convince the world with |
FBIS3-34246_0 | Embassy Source on Staff Reduction, Ties | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [By Hamdan al-Hajj] [Text] An authorized source at the Iranian Embassy in Amman has stated that the reduction in the number of Iranian diplomats in Amman will not negatively affect bilateral relations, adding that the Jordanian officials believe likewise. The source added: This is a principled stand adopted by the Jordanians and Iranians. In a statement to AL-DUSTUR, the source, who preferred anonymity, added that this issue is a technical issue and comes within the framework of organization and acknowledged diplomatic actions. The source said that the number and names of the diplomats affected by the reduction measure, as well as the date of their departure, have been communicated to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. However, he said he preferred not to divulge details of this matter to the press. The Iranian source said that the Jordanian Government's request to reduce the number of Iranian diplomats is neither new nor unusual, but has been under discussion for some time. He said that relations between the two countries will develop under the leaderships of His Majesty King Husayn and Iranian President Hashemi-Rafsanjani. The source emphasized his country's eagerness to have delegations from both countries exchange visits since this will enhance bilateral relations, which is part of the Jordanian and Iranian officials' approach. |
FBIS3-34267_0 | UK Airline Official on `Air Piracy' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [By Moira Whittle, PRESS ASSOCIATION] [Text] A British aviation company director tonight condemned the seizure of one of the firm's planes in Yemen as an act of "air piracy". Andy King, director of Gatwick-based ANA Aviation, said the Boeing 707 aircraft's cargo contained nothing more sensitive than torch batteries. The aircraft was on route for Aden with a cargo for the Southern Yemen airline al-Yemda when it was forced to land at al-Hudaydah airport near Sanaa, by the military. The four-man crew, which included a British engineer, left Britain with the cargo on Saturday night. After the Ugandan-registered plane was forced down they were held at the airport for 18 hours before being released. "This is air piracy as far as we are concerned," said Mr King. "The plane had permission to go to Aden. You can't force airplanes out of the sky. It's against international law. We are being used as a pawn between the North and South Yemenis," he said. "There was nothing dangerous or of a military nature on board. There were just batteries and some pharmaceuticals," added Mr King. He said various diplomatic efforts were being made and it was hoped the plane would be able to take off again with its cargo tomorrow. A Yemeni interior ministry official said the plane was seized because it was carrying batteries for military equipment and communications sets and had entered the country's airspace without the knowledge or approval of the authorities. Tension has been growing recently between the formerly Marxist People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) and the north. |
FBIS3-34319_0 | Kurdish Radio Notes Ministers' Meeting in Istanbul | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Station commentary] [Text] The foreign ministers of Turkey, Iran, and Syria ended their meetings in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. The meetings were held within the framework of the periodic discussions held by these countries to study the situation in Iraq's Kurdistan. The final statement issued stressed the following points: 1. Iraq's territorial integrity. 2. Opposition to any foreign interference in Iraq's affairs. 3. The need to lift the economic siege imposed by the regime on Iraq's Kurdistan and the south. 4. Iraq's compliance with all UN resolutions. If we put aside what was discussed behind the scenes during the meetings, we see that the three ministers' emphasis on the issue of lifting the economic siege of Iraq's Kurdistan and the south is a positive step toward understanding the sufferings of the Iraqi people in general and of our Kurdish people in Iraq's Kurdistan in particular. Our Kurdish people have stressed through the parliament and regional government the need to compel the Iraqi regime to comply with the international resolutions imposed on it by the United States. The brother officials in Turkey, Iran, and Syria should realize that Saddam Husayn and not the Kurdish people is the reason why Iraq and the countries of the region remain within the whirlpool of conflicts that have exhausted the region's peoples and governments. Therefore, efforts must be made to save the Iraqi people--Arabs, Kurds, Turkomen, and Assyrians--from the evils of the Baghdad dictatorial regime. The time has come to put an end to the doubts about our Kurdish people's democratic experiment. The neighboring countries have to understand that recognition of the Kurdish people's national legitimate rights within a democratic and pluralistic Iraq is the guarantee for protecting the country's territorial integrity and for sparing it any foreign interference in internal affairs. Action in any other direction will not be in line with the principles laid down by the new world order for dealing with the problems of the persecuted peoples looking for liberation. Our Kurdish people in Iraq do not intend the democratic experiment to result in anything but legitimate rights. |
FBIS3-34321_0 | `Reliable Source' on Opposition Attacks, Executions | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] A reliable source in Baghdad has informed us that the Iraqi opposition forces' attacks on the regime's establishments and offices have continued unabated in the past few weeks. On the night of 26 January, a heroic unit from the opposition forces staged a lightning attack on a police vehicle in the middle of Baghdad near the Baghdad Governorate building in Bab al-Mu'azzam. All four occupants of the vehicle were killed. On the night of 27-28 January, the party's branch and the police headquarters in al-Huriyyah town came under attacks with machine guns. A number of the regime's henchmen were killed or wounded. On the night of 28-29 January, the party's branch in al-Mashtal area was attacked by an armed unit from the opposition forces. One official was killed and two others were wounded. The same source added that the regime spread rumors that it will annex Kuwait once again to Iraq and asked all departments and establishments, including airports, to stock up on fuel, especially oil and gasoline. The source confirmed that the regime executed six of the Republican Palace officers last week. Their identities remain unknown. |
FBIS3-34324_0 | `More Than 20' Arrested for Assassination Bid | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb 7 (AFP)--Iranian authorities have arrested more than 20 people for attempting to kill President 'Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani last week, Information Minister Ali Fallahian said. Fallahian, quoted on Monday [7 February] by HAMSHAHRI newspaper, said the suspects either knew about the plot or played a direct role in the failed bid last Tuesday. A gunman fired several shots as the president addressed a gathering in the shrine of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeyni to mark the 15th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, but nobody was hurt. The 26-year-old gunman, Kurosh Nik-Akhtar, was arrested immediately after the incident. His picture was published for the first time Monday on HAMSHAHRI's front page. Fallahian said all of the people arrested in connection with the shooting had confessed to having "ominous and counter-revolutionary aims." Several of the suspects are former members of leftist groups who served jail terms because of their "immoral and corrupt records," he said. The minister added that the suspects had held a meeting the night before the incident to coordinate the attack and to ensure its success. |
FBIS3-34325_0 | Khamene'i Warns Against `Plots of Satanic Powers' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb 6, IRNA -- The leader of the Islamic revolution, Ayatollah 'Ali Khamene'i, on Sunday [6 February] warned against plots of satanic powers to physically eliminate those Iranian ulema who are efficient and helpful for the country, Islam and Muslims. The supreme leader cited the February 2 aborted attempt on the life of President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani during a speech at the shrine of the founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam Khomeyni as the latest example of such plots. "They attempted to strip Muslim ummah of one of the prominent, efficient and devotee personalities of the Islamic Republic, our beloved president...but thanks God this time they were frustrated as in many of their previous plots and treasons," the leader said. Ayatollah Khamene'i made the remarks in his speech to a large group of ulema, Friday prayer leaders and professors and students of theological schools. The supreme leader termed the Islamic revolution as a great storm which thwarted treacherous conspiracies and ambitious plans of the U.S. and its lackeys in Iran, helped spread Islam and attracted other nations to spirituality. "This paid the way for the collapse of the eastern empire and of Marxist rule in the world," he said. Ayatollah Khamene'i also lauded the founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam Khomeyni, for laying the foundation of an Islamic system of government in a world estranged from spiritual values. "But the reality is that there are many people who have neither realized nor felt the greatness of these two phenomena -- imam and the revolution. We should try to make this great truth tangible in the life of Muslims both in Iran and throughout the world," he said. Elsewhere in his speech, the leader pointed out that piety, faith and knowledge is the key to all problems. Ayatollah Khamene'i cautioned that hypocritical and blasphemous powers of the world, now fearful of the vigilance of Muslims, have closed their ranks to get rid of the increasing influence of Islam. "What is now happening in the four corners of the world such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Palestine, Lebanon, Algeria and Kashmir betrays the deep enmity of the oppressors with Islam and the Islamic Republic," the leader concluded. |
FBIS3-34327_0 | Muslims Stage Unity Demonstration in Zahedan | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] In a large and rare demonstration in Zahedan today, tens of thousands of Shiite and Sunni Muslims manifested their unity against the plots designed by the enemies of the Islamic revolution. Our colleagues report from the Central News Unit of Zahedan. [Unidentified correspondent] The brave and ever vigilant people of Zahedan participated in a large and rare demonstration this morning, in which they condemned the plots designed by the enemies of the Islamic revolution and showed, in splender to the world, their lasting vigilance and brave presence in all spheres of the revolution. Among the demonstrators were representative of the Guardian Juriconsult, Hojjat ol-eslam Mohamaddian, Mr. Hojjati, the governor general of the Sistan-va Baluchestan Province, and various classes of people including Shiites and Sunnis. The demonstration is clear and vocal evidence of unity among all strata of the martyr-rearing nation of Islamic Iran in adherence to the orders of the esteemed leader. In the demonstration tens of thousands of martyr-rearing people of Zahedan chanted: God is great and Khamene'i is our leader; To support Hashemi is to support the leader; Our unity is Islamic and our enemy is the world arrogant; Sunnis and Shiites should be vigilant, for the enemy waits for an opportunity; and death to American and Israel. The demonstrators passed through the predetermined routes and gathered at the crossroad of Amir al-Momenin and Imam Khomeyni avenues. The gathering ended with a four-point resolution. |
FBIS3-34335_0 | Communique Issued on Visit | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb 6, IRNA -- Iran and Brunei here Sunday [6 February] issued a joint communique at the end of the 4-day visit to Tehran of the Brunei's sultan Muda Hassanal Bolkiah. The communique was signed by the ambassador of Brunei here Haji Subaini ben Haji Mohammad Hassan and Iran's accredited ambassador to Brunei Ahmad Adjalluian [names as received]. It condemned human rights violation and continuation of aggression in Bosnia-Herzegovnia, ethnic cleansing in particular, and expressed concern over prolongation of the seizure and bombardment of Sarajevo. The two sides also reiterated their support for firm determination of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in calling for an end to the arms embargo on Bosnian Muslims. The Islamic Republic and Brunei share common views on different international issues, specially those related to Muslims, added the communique. The two countries underlined the need for closer cooperation for the establishment of international peace and stability as well as respect for the principled regulations asserted in the United Nations Charter. Iran and Brunei called as effective establishment of cooperation and relations between the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and Associatiion of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The communique also called for further bilateral cooperation in OIC and for joint measures to employ the organization's resources for boosting cooperation among other OIC member states. Among other issues, the communique underlined the need for the encouragement of bilateral trade relations, joint ventures and cultural, educational and academic cooperation. Expressing satisfaction over promotion of cordial relations between the two countries, Iran and Brunei hoped that the visit would pave the way for further expansion of ties and mutual cooperation. |
FBIS3-34337_3 | Iran Issues Letter on Beirut Murder, Embassy Staff | have nothing to do with this criminal act, unless it was something out of his own creation and imagination? It is regrettable that in this regard, the voice of a Jordanian brother joined the voices of Westerners and Israelis who continue their feverish efforts to shake and confuse relations between Islamic countries in general, and countries in the region in particular. Moreover, Dr. al-Mahasinah should not have announced his stand off the cuff. He should have waited until things became clear and facts became solid before leveling accusations at others. In order to put him in the picture along with others who do not know, we say that the Islamic Republic of Iran's stand toward the Zionist enemy is a principled and constant stand that will not change one iota under any circumstance. This stand was not developed yesterday or by chance. Indeed, it is older than the victorious Islamic revolution in Iran. History recorded the Islamic and principled stands adopted by Imam Khomeyni, may God sanctify his secret, throughout his life against the occupying enemy whether in the Shah's dungeons, in exile, or in power. Therefore, our stand toward what is now called the peace process emanates from this principled and deep-rooted stand. As regards the issue of reducing the number of Iranian diplomats in Jordan, we would like to emphasize that the warm relations between the two fraternal countries, which are permeated by the spirit of brotherhood and love, are proceeding forward under the wise leaderships of the two countries. For our part, we are concerned about maintaining these relations and we will not allow anyone to undermine them. From this particular premise, we say that the reduction of the number of diplomats is purely an organizational issue as stated by responsible quarters in Jordan. Here, we also reaffirm our concern about maintaining the higher interest of the two countries and about proceeding forward with these active relations no matter what the sacrifices are. We have no doubt at all that the Jordanian leadership shares the same feeling and that the recent statements by the wise leadership in Jordan are evidence of this. Hence, while we reiterate our deep regret about what was written outside the realm of logic, we ask the honorable and esteemed SAWT AL-SHA'B newspaper to be accurate and cautious more than ever before. [Signed] The Embassy of The Islamic Republic of Iran in Amman |
FBIS3-34344_1 | Hashemi-Rafsanjani Delivers First Friday Sermon | fresh questions which lead to other questions when answered. [passage omitted] The most fundamental thing that has happened during the last 20 years of struggle and the Islamic struggles of the previous decades is that the awareness of the people has increased. [passage omitted] Competent leadership is the next thing. Very well, people are aware and vigilant and ready for self-sacrifice. If the masses are vigilant but have no leader to lead them they will face problems. We have seen such problems in many areas. But such appropriate grounds, people's awareness, make the leadership a great deal easier. We have many interesting examples of that. We did not have any political parties or party training before the revolution, we had no party network to bring people together and discipline them. We had masses of the self-initiating people. If you look at the moves made during the last year of the revolution you see that all of them were guided and well calculated. If the people wanted to go on strike, they had leadership. If the headquarters in charge of the strikes issued an order that this sector should go on strike and the other sector should not, the people accepted that, even though it was difficult for them not to go on strike. When we said that the oil workers should go on strike, because at that time oil revenue was the main source of income for the Pahlavi regime and the world and the supporters of the regime would also have been greatly damaged by the loss of four or five million barrels of Iranian oil, the workers went on strike. Later, we discovered that there were difficulties in our domestic consumption, the people were faced with difficulties in their domestic use, then a delegation which went to the oil producing regions on behalf of the imam -- and I was a member of that delegation -- we witnessed an amazing degree of obedience among all these diverse but aware and vigilant groups. [passage omitted] The other issue that I wish to refer to now -- and it is an issue of great importance in the science of sociology and the movement of masses and history --is the trust which existed between the masses of the people and the leaders of the masses. This trust is very effective. If such a degree of trust existed in Afghanistan today, there |
FBIS3-34372_0 | U.S. Reaction to Continuing Arab Boycott Viewed | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Article by Hasan al-Kashif; from the "Attention" column: "Decisions of the U.S. Era"] [Text] The U.S. President and his secretary of state see no reason to continue the Arab boycott of "Israel," saying "it no longer belongs to this age." And since Senator Brown cannot comprehend continuing that blockade, he submitted a bill to the U.S. Senate imposing sanctions on any Arab government abiding by resolutions that boycott U.S. firms dealing with "Israel". The Brown bill was immediately approved by a majority of 93 votes. Nobody in the U.S. Senate supported the Arabs, although the U.S. decision will first affect pro-U.S. Arabs, because it "bans the sale of U.S. arms to Arabs and withholds all types of U.S. services and military consultations to any state not abiding by the U.S. decision." Of course, pro-U.S. Arabs will not be disappointed by their Washington master. In fact, they will use the Congressional decision as an excuse to get rid of the boycott resolutions to which they are committed by Arab unanimity. We do not expect pro-U.S. Arabs to resist, reject, or speak out against the decision, because those following the course of recognizing "Israel" have already begun dealing with it on political and security levels, and will soon begin dealing with it on the economic level, through economic projects in Gaza and Jericho, or through the Middle East market now being established via relations and agreements that cover the entire Arab homeland and extend to all its capitals. Since Washington is committed to the peace it is formulating and leading in the Middle East, it considers the Arab boycott to be harmful to the peace efforts. It does not understand how the pro- U.S. Arab camp can recognize "Israel," guarantee its secure borders and establish normal relations with it, without cancelling the boycott resolutions and measures with the open decision that Washington has asked of the Arab League, now that the United States has guaranteed the required majority in that organization. Washington is now working for Tel Aviv's economic superiority, after it has guaranteed its military superiority. With this superiority, Washington asks its Arab camp to guarantee Tel Aviv's economic and military hegemony without condition or restriction. A powerful Israel guarantees U.S. interests in the region and guarantees the continued existence of the rulers -- presidents of kings -- that Washington appoints over the region. |
FBIS3-34373_3 | Article Ridicules `Lame' Arab Lobby in U.S. | the mighty United States a secretary serving in the office of the Zionist prime minister, and has subjected U.S. will to the decisions of the Knesset. On the other hand, the latter has reduced Arab states, governments, and officials to employees in a small section of the U.S. State Department, begging for visas and identity cards from the Immigration and Naturalization Service. At the same time, it has subjected Arab countries' will to the future and comfort of the U.S. President, whether Republican or Democrat. We all know that the Zionist lobby controls the United Nations and its Security Council resolutions. As for the miserable Arab lobby, the lame lobby, it is no more than a folkloric group fit to decorate and add color to conference tables (with their head gear, beards, and mustaches) or become another number in a list of signatories. The Arab lobby is destroying the Arab structure and dwarfing the nation, from the ocean to the Gulf, and burning its history. It is a stupid lobby, which has been charmed by blond America, and it has disowned its mother, its father, and its homeland for the sake of its love -- because America is its only love. It is a short-sighted lobby, which does not view its national wealth as lawful unless it is first blessed by the U.S. treasury. It also does not consider its nation's problems fully diagnosed unless they have been seen through the U.S. microscope. The United States knows everything about the nation. It is a very tiny lobby that derives strength from the Zionist lobby and looks taller, stronger, and more treacherous in the shadow of that lobby. The Arab lobby continues to claim that it works for the nation and its interests. This is why it has offered its territory as a bridge for the dirty infidel masters to come occupy the homes of the poor faithful, who have performed absolution for prayer. An Arab lobby, a Zionist lobby, a Zionist Arab lobby. Bless you, O Iraq, for you have been, and you will continue to be, the nation's pivot, pure heart, and the banner under which the nation seeks cover from the disgrace of the so-called Arabs. Bless you, for they have formed a lobby against you. But you are stronger and more lasting, because you seek the help of God. They heard you praying: O God, O Helper. |
FBIS3-34374_0 | Iran's Interference in Arab Affairs Denounced | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, Feb 6 (INA)--AL-THAWRAH daily of Iraq wondered about how long would the Iranian regime continue to play the role of a guardian on Arab and Islamic affairs. The paper, mouthpiece of the Arab Ba'th Socialist Party, said in an article today that the regime, which faced an irritating armed resistance in many of its major cities, districts and villages was incapable of playing any positive role in the region. AL-THAWRAH added that instead of solving its internal problems, rising from its messed up policies and its failure to find suitable solutions for obstacles facing its people, the Iranian regime intervened in the internal affairs of Arabs and Muslims despite the harsh lesson it learned from its war with Iraq. The paper commented that the Iranian regime received a similar blow when it attempted to interfere in Iraq's internal affairs during the chapter of sabotage and hooliganism following the 30-state aggression on Iraq. The paper cautioned Arabs and Muslims against Iranian attempts to intervene in their internal affairs through spreading chaos and instigating trouble under false slogans similar to what has been going on in Jordan and Algeria. |
FBIS3-34384_1 | Diplomat Denies `Crisis' in Ties With Iran | Tehran. He added that the Iranian Government did not object, and understood the motives of the Jordanian request, which was made according to diplomatic norms. He affirmed that the request had nothing to do with any incident before or after it was made. He noted that current Jordanian-Iranian relations are normal, that both countries have embassies in each other's capitals, that there is normal trade exchange between them, and that Jordan always seeks friendly relations with Arab and Islamic countries. The Jordanian Government had requested the departure of 21 out of the 26 diplomats at the Iranian Embassy by the end of February. In its request, the Jordanian Government explained that the move was aimed at achieving a balance in the diplomatic representation between the two countries because only three diplomats are working at the Jordanian Embassy in Tehran. While Iran announced its acceptance of Jordan's request, Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo said that relations between Jordan and Iran are somewhat clouded after Iran recently submitted to the Jordanian Government a number of proposals for relations between the two countries to be enhanced through popular, not official, political channels, over which Amman expressed reservations. The diplomatic sources interpreted this as fear of infiltration by pro-Iranian forces into Jordanian political life as was the case with Hizballah in Lebanon, especially at a time when the Jordanian Government is strenuously trying to contain the Islamic extremist trend that overshadows the country's political life. These developments come at a time when the Jordanian Government has expressed displeasure at the recent burglary attack on the home of Jordanian Ambassador in Tehran Yasin Istanbuli. The Jordanian Government believes that the Iranian authorities did not deal with the incident properly. These developments also coincide with the assassination of the Jordanian diplomat Na'ib al-Ma'ayitah in Beirut by people believed to be extremists and with explosions at two movie theaters in Amman and al-Zarqa' last week. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has announced that it arrested a group of Afghan Arab returnees who received military training during the Afghan war against the former Soviet occupation. The Jordanian Interior Ministry said that these Afghans were responsible for the explosions at the two movie theaters. The Jordanian-Iranian relations improved after the end of the Gulf crisis. Diplomatic relations between Amman and Tehran were resumed in 1991 after a 10-year hiatus because of Jordan's support for Iraq in its war against Iran. |
FBIS3-34406_0 | Security Minister Identifies Assassin's Group | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 7, IRNA -- Iran's Information [Intelligence and Security] Minister Hojjat ol-Eslam 'Ali Fallahian in an interview with HAMSHAHRI daily said here today that Kurosh Nik Akhtar who tried to assassinate President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani on the first of February was a member of a clandestine terrorist group. "In addtition to arresting Kurosh Nik Akhtar, who was apprehended because of the full awareness and prompt action of our courageous people on the first of February, a large network of his accomplices and cohorts have been identified," Fallahian said. According to the minister over 20 persons who have been part of this network have been arrested so far. The minister added that Nik Akhtar had changed his name from Kamareh'ee [name as received] and that the investigations had revealed that he and his accomplices had organized a meeting on the night prior to the assassination attempt to fully discuss the details of the plan to assassinate Iran's fourth president. After the victory of the Islamic revolution in Iran in the February of 1979, the Islamic Republic was established. Mohammad 'Ali Raja'i, the second president in the history of this nascent republic, was killed along with Prime Minister, Hojjat ol-Eslam Mohammad Javad Bahonar, by a bomb that was planted in their office by a terrrorist MKO member. Terrorist Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), a group sponsored by Saddam Hussayn, also targeted Iran's third president, Ayatollah Seyyed 'Ali Khamene'i, now the supreme leader of the Islamic revolution. During his term as the president Ayatollah Khamene'i was injured while addressing a crowd at a mosque. President Rafsanjani, the fourth president of the Islamic republic who won his second term in the office by a landslide, was the target of a failed assassination attempt by forghan group in 1979, a group responsible for the death of many of the ideologues of the Islamic revolution such as the late Ayatollah Morteza Mottahari. President Rafsanjani in an interview with Tehran radio after the assassination attempt said that he did not recognize at first what was going on, mistaking the gun shots for the explosion of a light bulb in the mausoleum of the late Imam Khomeyni. |
FBIS3-34407_0 | Relates Other Details | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The intelligence and security Minister 'Ali Fallahian, in an interview with our reporter today, revealed new details of the assassination plot on the president's life. Giving some examples of the conspiracies hatched by global arrogance in various dimensions this year, Mr. Fallahian said: On the security dimension alone, during the current year [ending 20 March 94] the mercenaries of foreign powers smuggled about 24 bombs into the country. But thanks to the vigilance of the hidden imam's unknown soldiers, 20 of these bombs were discovered and 16 people were arrested. Unfortunately, four of the said bombs exploded. He added: During the current year, the country's security and intelligence organs have arrested about 40 spies, who have had links with Iraq. Referring to the important role played by the president to advance the objectives of the Islamic revolution, the intelligence minister said: When the main elements responsible for the plot to assassinate the president were arrested it became clear that they are individuals with notorious records, low belief or no belief at all, low morals, and corrupt. Some of them have were affiliated with mini-groups [reference to opposition groups]. He went on: Among those arrested is an individual who has had links with some foreign embassies. |
FBIS3-34412_0 | Velayati, Afghan Delegation Meet, Discuss Events | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Representatives of the Supreme Council for Coordinating the Islamic Revolution of Afghanistan [Shura-ye Ali-ye Hamahangi-ye Enqelab-e Eslami-ye Afghanistan] met Foreign Minister Velayati in Tehran on Monday and discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan. At the meeting, thanking Iran for her fundamental and wise policies on Afghanistan, the Afghan delegation said it was a good example of good-neighborly relations. Referring to the latest developments in Afghanistan, they asked Iran to continue her efforts toward the establishment of peace in Afghanistan. Referring to the fact that Iran's ambassador would remain in Kabul, our country's foreign minister said: This shows Iran's special attention to the events in Afghanistan. Expressing regret about the continuation of fratricide in Afghanistan, Velayati said: Iran was considered one of the main supporters of our combative Afghan brothers during the war with foreign occupiers, and after the liberation of Afghanistan she began extensive efforts to halt the civil war there. He added: Iran would seriously support any proposal by the warring groups that would end the war and bloodshed in Afghanistan and bring about a fair and honorable peace. |
FBIS3-34418_0 | Kurdish Radio Views Iranian, Turkish, Syrian Talks | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Text] On 5 February, the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey, and Syria met in Istanbul, allegedly to study the situation in Iraq again. This was the fourth tripartite session in this connection. It is surprising that the three countries should decide to hold such sessions to examine the situation in Iraq and to express their concern over the [word indistinct] there, when they are not ready to allow an Iraqi Government representative or representatives of the Iraqi opposition or Iraqi Kurds to attend these sessions. Apparently, the objective behind the tripartite session of the Iranian, Turkish, and Syrian foreign ministers is to examine the possibility of reaching a common stance on a possible dismemberment of Iraq. For some time, these three countries have been paying lip service to safeguarding Iraq's territorial integrity and shed crocodile tears for it without having specific proof that Iraq is being dismembered. This, when both Iran and Turkey still covet part of Iraqi territory and sometimes repeat their territorial claims on part of it. But the three countries have not been plunged into concern and fear out of the threat of Iraq's dismemberment. The concern and fear stem from the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan and the intensification of the justice seeking struggle of the Kurdish people elsewhere in Kurdistan. The three countries do not consider the intensification of national and freedom seeking beliefs and the consolidation of national feeling among the Iranian, Turkish, and Syrian Kurds to come within the framework of the growing world trend that seeks democracy, but try to portray that all this stems from the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan. Thus, the Kurdish problem in general and the situation in Iraqi Kurdistan in particular are portrayed as an important and common problem for these three countries. Iran, Turkey, and Syria rule over part of Kurdish territory and the Kurdish people throughout Kurdistan are striving to achieve their national and just rights. The three countries that control part of the Kurdish territory do not favor the fulfillment of the Kurdish people's aspirations and objectives in each part of Kurdistan. You can see clearly how the [words indistinct] allegedly shedding tears for Iraq's unity and integrity stem from the growing trend of the Kurdish people's freedom seeking movement. The Islamic Republic, which has been [words indistinct] and suppressing the Kurdish people for over 15 years [words indistinct] for |
FBIS3-34418_3 | Kurdish Radio Views Iranian, Turkish, Syrian Talks | domestic problems on the one hand and the West's public opinion on the other, has taken no serious step to ensure the national and political rights of the Kurds in Turkey. And finally, not only is Syria refraining from granting the just rights of the Syrian Kurds, but it is also trying to annihilate their national identity. It has always pursued the policy of crushing and decimating the Kurds. Thus, the historic enmity of Iran, Turkey, and Syria toward the Kurdish people throughout Kurdistan leaves no doubt that the various sessions among the three countries' foreign ministers are not meetings to exchange views on the general situation in Iraqi Kurdistan, but an effort for more cooperation in their opposition and hostility to the formation of a Kurdish country within the framework of Iraq and an effort to find ways to suppress the Kurdish people elsewhere in Kurdistan. In the current situation--in which the world's support for the Kurdish people can (?prevent) these three countries from showing more (?hostility) against the Kurdish movement in the various parts of Kurdistan--the [word indistinct] of the Kurdish people throughout Kurdistan to uncover behind the scene agreements and plots being hatched by these three countries is very opportune. In addition to these agreements, the regimes of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey are implementing a special joint agreement. Also, Iran, Turkey, and Syria have decided to continue their sessions and their plotting against the Kurdish people in future. Undoubtedly, any joint effort by these three to crush the Kurdish people will meet strong reaction worldwide, including among the supporters of the Kurdish people. These three countries should understand that suppressing and plotting against the Kurdish people cannot solve the Kurdish problem. Experience has proven this. [Word indistinct], in addition to dozens of domestic problems, these three governments are united as far as machinations against the Kurdish people go. There are many signs, particularly those seen recently, that this unity and these machinations are intensifying and that these three countries are moving toward a common attempt against the Kurdish people's interests. For this reason and to thwart any plot against the Kurdish people, the public and humanitarian organizations and forums should be better informed. The Kurds should [words indistinct], adding to their self- confidence. Consider the fear and concern felt by the three countries. This clearly shows that the Kurdish movement is intensifying [words indistinct]. |
FBIS3-34419_0 | Commentary Previews Upcoming Regional Talks | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary] [Text] The fifth joint session of the foreign ministers of Iran, Turkey, and Syria has opened in Istanbul, Turkey. The session is being held to examine the issues of north Iraq, specially the events stemming from the recent Turkish air raids against the region and losses inflicted in these attacks on the border areas of Iran. Besides the aforesaid cases, the three foreign ministers attending the session will also follow up the manner of enforcement of the memorandums of understanding and agreements reached at the last session held in Tehran. At the current session various issues including Bosnia-Herzegovina and terrorism in the region have been discussed. However reports say that the main subject of discussion relates to the negotiations among the parties concerned over the events of north Iraq and their impact in regional states. Special attention of Iran, Turkey and Syria to the issues of Iraq, and their importance for each of these three states, or the outcome of the [words indistinct] occurrence in north Iraq can have impacts directly or indirectly in the neighboring countries. Such impacts have an unbreakable link with the national security of Turkey, Syria and Iran. While at the fourth session of these three countries' foreign ministers held in Tehran in June 1993, there was expressed concern over these adverse impacts within the framework of diplomatic wordings in the final communique, this concern has now emerged openly with the attack of Turkish war planes on Iran's border areas. However the question is asked too: What factors undermine the security stressed by these three states at numerous sessions held by their foreign ministers in Tehran, Damascus, and Ankara? Response to this question is evident in options for [words indistinct] and accessible even though faced with certain difficulties. The fact of the matter is that deployment of multinational forces on the soil and some territorial water of some regional states is one of the reasons behind eruption of such unrest once in a while. These are the troops which enter into action with the intention of backing the Kurds in north Iraq but bring suffering to them and to their pains by the way of their intelligence umbrella and their logistical support to military operations against the people of this region. At any rate it is hoped that by virtue of the identity of views among Iran, Syria and Turkey |
FBIS3-34422_0 | Commentary on Significance of Language, Culture | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Commentary from the News Research and Commentaries Group] [Excerpts] The first congress of Iranologists and of Persian language and literature academicians from Central Asia and the Caucasus opened in Tehran on Friday afternoon, 4 February, with a message from President Hashemi-Rafsanjani at the Cultural Heritage Organization. The congress, which is to continue until tomorrow, Monday, will study the role of Persian language and literature in the region and its influence on the culture and literature of countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus. [passage omitted] Persian language and literature, which is influenced by Islam, prevails in extensive areas in southern, central, and western Asia and the peoples and nations in the region are familiar with this language and literature. This is at a time when the 70-year presence of communism in countries north of Iran prevented these peoples from becoming better acquainted with Persian culture and language and, as a result, from becoming better acquainted with their own ancient culture. The emergence of the Islamic revolution and the liberation of the nations in Central Asia and the Caucasus from the yoke of communism has made these nations show more interest in learning about Iran and its culture and language. The truth is that the countries of the former Soviet Union are exerting great efforts to acquire their own culture and identity and to return to their historic Islamic roots. Meanwhile, the West is trying to propagate its own culture and to encourage these countries to follow Western culture. Thus, having strong cultural ties with these countries, and especially with Muslim-inhabited areas, can help them become acquainted with the Persian language and culture and with Islamic teachings and also help them realize that, like Iran, they can use Islamic culture to further enrich their society, language, literature, and culture and can do without the West. |
FBIS3-34434_3 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 14 Dec I Condemn the Publication of Incorrect News Regarding the Observance of the Rights of Religious Minorities in Iran One of the Effective Factors in the Fight Against Cultural Invasion Is the Fight Against Poverty One of the Grave Duties of the Majles and the Government Is To Create a Safe Climate for Investment and Fundamental Work Sources of Emulation and Leadership Are Two Wings Flying Together and a Single Hand | the Fight Against Cultural Invasion Is the Fight Against Poverty The next speaker was 'Ali Mohammad Gharibani, from Ardabil, who offered his condolences on the death of the revered Shi'ite source of emulation, Grand Ayatollah Golpayegani, and said: [passages omitted on world arrogance and anti-American rhetoric] In continuation, he asked the speaker of the Majles, because the content of the letters of Mr. Raja'i-Khorasani in connection with relations with the United States has been reported widely in the newspapers and on the radio, in order to clarify it for the honorable colleagues and the noble people of Iran, to grant permission to use the legal authority in the bylaws to state his explanations concerning this matter. The deputy from Ardabil considered one of the effective steps in fighting cultural invasion to be fighting poverty and said: This will not be possible except through adequate economic planning and decisive dealing with hoarders and economic terrorists, those who in coordination with the West and taking advantage of the chaos in the market and accumulating large wealth want to bring about poverty and misery, and facilitate the spread of deviation resulting from poverty and destitution throughout the country, and allow financial corruption and bribery once again to become widespread. We all know that one of the most important consequences of the victory of the Islamic revolution was the elimination of usury and decisive dealing with the belligerent against God. In this connection, a number of judges were assigned by the Imam to put usurers on trial and investigate their corruption. But now, unfortunately, we witness the mushroom-like growth of usurers in various parts of our Islamic country. He added: One of the important factors in the reappearance of this ugly and ignoble phenomenon is the imposition of economic policies without any control and lowering the value of the national currency and making it dependent on the dollar. The other part of my speech is addressed to that group, some of whom are said not to have severed ties to the organization that was hated by the Imam and to not have repented and who are the cause of all the economic and social misfortunes. In connection with one of them, the Imam, addressing one of the high-ranking officials of the country, wrote: Be careful lest suddenly you realize that the Hojjatiyeh Society members have destroyed all you have. Considering these statements, the officials |
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