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FBIS3-34434_9 | 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 | economic affairs and the conspiratorial acts of the East and the West in reducing the price of oil and the occurrence of unexpected events, such as floods and earthquakes, require consideration for the condition of the people, especially the vulnerable stratum of the society. After determining the actual resources, except for fundamental affairs and observing priorities, the Majles should budget expenditures. 3) The action of the government in regards to purchasing transfers [as published] of the shares of government companies to the private sector is successful and beneficial. But this action must be carried out properly and devoid of any misuse and the supervision of the government can be effective in this regard. 4) Attention of the Majles and the honorable Cabinet to achieve administrative discipline is a necessary issue and has first priority, and lack of attention to it will increase the problems and anger the people. It is necessary to act as soon as possible. 5) One of the problems of the country is the existence of several prices for the necessary goods and public needs. It was hoped that the Ministry of Economy and other honorable officials would find a solution for this social problem, to which some of the business people have been accustomed, but, unfortunately, there is no sign of it. 6) One of the grave duties of the Majles, the government, and all the officials is to create a safe climate for investment in commercial, industrial, and agricultural affairs and fundamental work, for there is no other way to transfer the capital of Iranians living abroad, which is not insignificant. In conclusion, he made reminders to the Ministry of Education concerning the problem of elementary and middle school teachers and asked the president to attend to the executive affairs and planning for the cities and villages in his constituency. Seyyed Mohammad Reza Mavalizadeh, Deputy From Ahvaz Mavalizadeh was the fourth pre-agenda speaker of the Majles yesterday. He offered his condolences on the death of the Shi'ite source of emulation of the world, Grand Ayatollah Golpayegani, and said: Last week, the noble and always-present-on-the-scene people in the blood-stained province of Khuzestan were the hosts of a very dear guest, the loyal friend of the late Imam and a trustee of the leader, Mr. Nateq-Nuri, who truly is one of the valuable pillars of the sacred Islamic regime. In his five-day visit to the province of |
FBIS3-34435_4 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 15 Dec Many of the Ratifications of the 1372 [21 March 1993-20 March 1994] Budget Have in All Practicality Faced Stagnation With All These Foreign Currency Problems, Still There Is No Agreement Between the Executive Managers and Monetary Policy Makers for the Appropriate Allocation of Our Limited Resources Increased Economic Pressure Is by No Means in the Interest of Our Sacred Regime Ministers Must Do Their Best in Choosing Their Deputies and the General Managers | in the world. He continued: We thank God that he has placed the describable love of the revered Shi'ite source of emulation and the religious jurist, Grand Ayatollah Khamene'i, in the hearts of the people and displayed the bravery, power, piety, and disregard of this great man for the oppressive power and his popularity. This the harbinger of the good news that, God willing, once again his honor will be the spiritual source of emulation. In continuation, he added: The sincere and revered presence of the people in the funeral procession of the revered source of emulation once again struck a hard blow to the mouth of the utterers of nonsense, who thought problems have separated people from religion and the revolution. These people, who deserve our service no matter how we serve them, tolerate all the problems but condemn making peace with a miserable America, whose poor president, in order to humiliate Muslims, lowered himself so much to meet with Salman Rushdie and is not disgraced. They also strongly hate the miserable terrorist-nurturing France, which by giving shelter to the hypocrites is trying to inflict blows on Islam and the revolution, and they must understand that we are after the implementation of religion and religious values and are not afraid of such actions at all, because today the Muslim nation has not only established an Islamic Republic regime but has also presented itself for the awakening of the Islamic world and return to lofty values. He continued: Today, the experts who believe in religion must use their minds and, by relying on God and not unfortunately under the influence of Westernized ideas, which have always caused misery and misfortune for the country, for the transition period, with appropriate reforms and in the context of the realities of the world today, design the model for the economic plan for the Five-Year Plan so that we can both take steps on the course of construction and economic blossoming and also establish divine spiritual values in the society. We must admit that accepting the dominant existing systems is never harmonious with our beliefs. The deputy from Talesh continued: What has been clarified in determining the policies governing the Second Plan by the grand leader of the government and the officials should be put on the agenda, because in the regime of the Islamic Republic, the religious guardian prepares the course for political, |
FBIS3-34435_11 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 15 Dec Many of the Ratifications of the 1372 [21 March 1993-20 March 1994] Budget Have in All Practicality Faced Stagnation With All These Foreign Currency Problems, Still There Is No Agreement Between the Executive Managers and Monetary Policy Makers for the Appropriate Allocation of Our Limited Resources Increased Economic Pressure Is by No Means in the Interest of Our Sacred Regime Ministers Must Do Their Best in Choosing Their Deputies and the General Managers | investments. However, now that in many of the oppressed cities of the country there is no sign of large-scale investments, is it not clear and unjust discrimination to spend existing resources to complete ongoing projects, which are limited to some regions? Is deprivation eliminated from the oppressed regions merely by providing water, electricity, roads, and schools? Has the time not come for identifying and investing in the potential of the oppressed regions and the centers of economic, social, and cultural developments of those regions? He also expressed hope that in the Second Five-Year Plan a number of projects under study will be implemented to compensate for the witting and unwitting lack of attention in the past. In conclusion, he thanked the Central Office of Roads and Transport of Fars and the Construction Jihad of Eqlid and made reminders to the Cabinet concerning more attention to the agricultural sector. 'Isa Moqaddamizad, Deputy From Shadegan Ministers Must Do Their Best in Choosing Their Deputies and the General Managers 'Isa Moqaddamizad, as the last pre-agenda speaker, offered his condolences to all the people on the heartrending death of the revered Shi'ite source of emulation and, offering his congratulations on the birthday of Imam Mohammad Baqer, said: The resistant and noble people of Khuzestan in the past week hosted the old friend of the Imam and the eternal supporter of the grand leader of the revolution, Mr. Nateq-Nuri. On behalf of myself and all the deputies of this province, I thank him for all of his kindness. He thanked the people of the province of Khuzestan for their welcome to the speaker of the Majles and said: Since the Second Five-Year Plan of the government is going through its final stages, I find it necessary to remind the ministers of this point. You know that writing the above-mentioned plan took a great deal of the time of the ministers, experts, and executive officials. But more important than writing the plan is precision in its announcement and implementation. Hence, the ministers must do their best in choosing their deputies and general managers and choose individuals who at least have the following characteristics, in order for the efforts to reach fruition and the goals of the plan to be implemented. 1) Faith in the value of work, because interest in and love of work revive a sort of initiative and innovation in a human being and |
FBIS3-34436_3 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 21 Dec For the Late Debts of the Country, We Must Have a Comprehensive Solution in Order To Pay Them at the Appropriate Time | to fundamental projects or incomplete projects of its cities. In conclusion, he said: Can only the province of Kerman have the first rank in nonoil products by exporting pistachios, carpets, and handicrafts and for other provinces to be ranked lower or does this potential exist in other provinces of the country as well? It only requires thought, initiative, planning, management, and cooperation. Marziyyeh Vahid-Dastjerdi, Deputy From Tehran Another pre-agenda speaker of the Majles yesterday was Ms. Vahid-Dastjerdi, the deputy from Tehran, who expressed her condolences on the death of the revered source of emulation, Grand Ayatollah Golpayegani, and mentioned a present problem of the country as the lack of a unified and correct management system. Emphasizing the sensitivity and difficulty of the present conditions, she said: Because of the lack of such a system, the best instruction, decrees, and plans do not result in the slightest action. She said that the Five-Year Plan and the budget will be successful, provided the preparations and means for the implementation of these programs and also a strong management for its organization are available. The speaker then emphasized the necessity of the existence of a balance of powers in decision making and planning and said: Our economic stability depends on the political and cultural stability of the country. Ms. Dastjerdi added: Our sworn enemies also do not deny the fact that Iran has recently been the reviver of the religion of Islam in the world, and all that we state in the various parts of the world as the increasing property of Islam and even spirituality is the result of the sacred divine revolution of Iran. She continued: The world today is ready to follow and requires a model, a model of economy, politics, culture, etc. If we are not able to offer the best practical models in these areas, other Islamic nations and even non-Islamic nations will win the match. The speaker considered one of the most important issues in Islamic economy as conservation and avoiding waste and added: Unfortunately, despite all the emphasis by the Commander of the Faithful to his officials in regards to conservation, what is prevalent today is waste and what is not seen is conservation. Just a few days ago, we witnessed that the Ministry of Construction Jihad sent an invitation card on relatively large, high-quality paper with gold print and English on the back to 270 Majles |
FBIS3-34437_2 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 22 Dec | claims being made in the world in an attempt to damage the revolution, especially by the so-called human rights organizations concerning the lack of freedom or the failure to observe the rights of women in Iran, it must be said that world imperialism and these organizations who work hand-in-hand with America have not understood the issue. The real issue is the the evolution, which has taken place since the revolution thanks to the blood of the martyrs, the guidance from the Imam of the nation, God's mercy be upon him, and the real and righteous positions taken by the exalted leader in Iran's revolutionary society, especially among Muslim women. She discussed the high divorce and abortion figures in the Western nations, as well as the lack of security for women in Western societies, figures that increase every year. She added: This summary shows the image of women in some Western nations and their behavior and how they are dealt with. Now let these people making false claims about human rights and this Mr. Galindopol come and make a realistic study without dependence on the world's empty world-devouring powers. Our respected women have great dignity and high standing in Iran's Islamic society. If they do not regard as a violation of human rights the implementation of divine limits and commands, Almighty God's commands in the Glorious Koran and the sacred religious law, which penalize deviant individuals to prevent the growth of social corruption, the security the women in our country have under the shelter of Islam is unequalled in the world. If some of our women are subject to a small amount of oppression by the men, this has nothing to do with Islam. She also called on the Ministry of Guidance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to use the relevant cultural centers and embassies to acquaint the world with the true Islamic revolutionary image of the sacrificing and loyal Muslim women. Continuing, Seyyedi 'Alavi said: Now, as the rights and honor of women are being trampled in many societies and her only salvation is to turn to the orthodoxy of Islam, let us permit the Muslim Iranian women to remain a complete and proper model and example for the world. Let us not permit an incorrect interpretation of Islam to be made in some of the statements that come from the sacred Majles. Abuses of the terms "human rights" |
FBIS3-34437_4 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 22 Dec | and "women's rights" to settle international and purely political accounts are taking place in circumstances where the disgraced supporters of human rights have fallen silent on the crimes committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, and other parts of the world. This has brought about aversion and repulsion in every nation. It is incumbent upon Muslim women to try to foster their own intellectual growth and productivity and to achieve their rights through greater understanding and awareness, and to make it possible for themselves to participate more in society while strengthening the position of families and family ties. Continuing, she asked the officials in the judiciary to implement Article 49 of the Constitution and to cut off the leeches and economic terrorists and to punish them. She also asked the Medical System Organization to exercise diligent supervision over the writing of doctor and clinic prescriptions and signs, and to aggressively prevent the writing of sometimes false propaganda which misleads patients, using the necessary guidelines. In conclusion the deputy from Mashhad added: Some of the things discussed by some of the brothers are not worthy of the Majles, which is at the head of the government. It is necessary in many cases to observe international and social concerns, although we are all Muslims and we also accept Islamic regulations and laws. However, each one is situated in spacial and temporal circumstances. Issues related to corruption in society and the cultural invasion cannot be studied and reasoned about solely from the point of view of multiple spouses and temporary marriage. In a society where many people are unable to marry once, how can multiple spouses be the solution to the above problems? In conclusion, she added: If we are Muslims, let us take as our example His Holiness Mohammad (peace be upon him), who did not take another wife as long as Her Holiness Khadijeh was alive, and Imam 'Ali (peace be upon him), who did not take another spouse as long as Her Holiness Faseleh was alive, and who truly regarded his spouse as his friend, companion and comrade-in-arms. Akhtar Rokhshandeh, Deputy From Kermanshah The best way to fight the enemy cultural invasion is to keep the Islamic veil on our women. The second pre-agenda speaker at yesterday's open Majles session was Ms. Rokhshandeh, deputy from Kermanshah. During her speech she offered congratulations on the birth anniversary of His Holiness 'Ali (peace |
FBIS3-34437_6 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 22 Dec | be upon him). She said: Using comprehensive and future-oriented policies, one can stand up to the cultural invasion and American imperialism. If this policy is based as much as possible on a deep understanding of the history of the culture of traditions and national alertness in the country, it will be very important and much more valuable. Preservation of the Islamic veil for Muslim women, which bespeaks the high position of the powerful culture of the women in our country, is the best way to fight the imperialist cultural invasion. The culture of American imperialism is incapable of understanding the concepts of the Islamic revolution. It creates war in the name of peace. In the name of knowledge it spreads ignorance and unawareness. It fights religious activities in the name of religion. We must fight the policies of the culture of imperialism using the weapon of enjoining good and prohibiting evil. Continuing, she discussed Salman Rushdie's meeting with the American president. She said: America must realize that nothing will be achieved in doing this other than provoking disgust in most Muslims and affirming their determination to carry out the order from our late Imam, may God have mercy on him, to execute Salman Rushdie. Continuing, the deputy from Kermanshah said: Unfortunately, because of the imposed war the government has not invested in the western region, especially the province of Kermanshah, which has been ignored to a great extent. As a result, the youth of this province are suffering from unemployment and a shortage of welfare and educational resources. As you know, the greatest danger to youth, who are a matter of concern for the president of the republic, is unemployment. Therefore, government construction and startup of factories for production and mother industries is a necessity in order to create employment. She called upon officials to start up the paper plant, expedite the province gas delivery project, internationalize the airport, and to carry out the project to study the nation's western railroads. She then made the following points regarding the Second Five-Year Plan: The exalted leader's commands focus on the creation of social justice in society. We are now faced with the upheaval of the population increase. Since these societies must give priority to making educational, economic, social and political efforts in order to evolve, rapid population growth will prevent growth of the public social and welfare scales. I am therefore |
FBIS3-34438_4 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 27 Dec | the clear difference in foreign currency in the region. [sentence as published] On the other hand, the interests from the activities of the so-called foreign investments within the framework of the progress of banks and financial establishments causes the free exit of large amounts gained every year through this system. In this manner, we see that the so-called developed countries of Latin America have about $400 billion in foreign debt today, whose annual interest is about $40 billion annually. Hence, we see that the transfer and escape of capital from these countries every year is about $35 billion, whereas in the Pacific region countries, we see that by creating an orderly banking system and using all banking and monetary resources and ultimately severely controling imports, large amounts of capital, especially in industrial production and commerce, are employed. These financial resources are mainly provided domestically and prepared from the savings of the people in a suitable environment towards a philosophy of export investment. The deputy from Shahreza continued: The consumer model in these countries (the Pacific region) is strongly controlled. What we lack, despite the directions of the First Plan, are the necessary restrictions on the import of luxury items and the prevention of the capital outflow are handled with care in order that the use of these resources achieve development. Hence, absolute government power over the above-mentioned pivotal points, as the main driving force along with necessary controls, is one of the special priorities of a development program. He added: A high percentage of these debts are paid under transferring technology and creating coordination and improvement of the monetary system to the borrowing countries. For example, in 1987, Argentina allotted $400 million of the loans it received to equip and revise its monetary system and computerize its Central Bank. The largest portion of these loans ultimately is used to repay past loans. The creation of uncontrolled inflation due to the increase in the rate of foreign currency and the devaluation of domestic currency, failure to pay the interest on loans and to pay debts or delays result in the escape of capital and under special conditions when economic growth requires investment, it will cause foreign banks to increase their interest rates. In conclusion, the speaker said: Protective policies of the lending companies, establishment of heavy taxes on the products of developing countries, and other protective measures prevent offerings and competition |
FBIS3-34438_9 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 27 Dec | this method not cause a small number to become rich and a large number of low-income people to be harmed more than ever before? Continuing, Dr. Fattahi pointed out the issue of self-management and the bill of general insurance, which is the basis of the Plan: The spirit and basis of this bill was the transfer and sale of nonteaching government hospitals to the private sector or insurance companies, and the teaching hospitals must be self-sufficient, as stated in Note 10 of the budget bill. The question is, is insuring people and providing general insurance only possible through the sale of hospitals to the private sector or collecting heavy treatment expenditures from people in the educational hospitals? The deputy of Mashhad then, in regarding the issue of oil, referred to the policies set by the grand leader and, addressing the related officials, said: Why do you not revise oil policies in order to eliminate dependence of this important industry on Western countries? Why should OPEC headquarters be in Austria? Why should we not try, as a revolutionary country with the help of other oil rich countries that are mostly in the Middle East, to foloow the idea of the leader of the revolution and think about honor and dignity through oil in the world? Mostafa Seyyed Hashemi, Deputy From Maragheh When the response to the Majles deputies is issued after one year by the ministries, how do they deal with the letters and requests of ordinary people? The third speaker was Hashemi, from Maragheh, who offered his congratulations on the birthday of the Commander of the Faithful and said: Our people know that the Islamic revolution of Iran has central and fundamental principles, which are molded with the blood of the nation and have forever drawn the perspective of domestic and foreign policy. This revolutionary and political enthusiasm has been manifested in the slogans of independence, freedom, and Islamic Republic. He then continued: We must know that the struggle of the Iranian people against the United States is not a slogan struggle, but our struggle is a Koranic and principled struggle that has ideological roots. The government must think about the unhealthy economic relations, discrimination, poverty and unemployment, bureaucracy, law breaking, creating jobs that are among the effective factors in poverty and deprivation, addiction to narcotics, smuggling, migration, decrease in agriculutural production, and growth of false jobs. It must take |
FBIS3-34439_7 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 28 Dec | standards and measures. As our revolution is an Islamic revolution and Islam is a part of the essence of our revolution and inseparable from the revolution itself, fighting injustice, oppression, and heathenism is a part of the essence of the Islamic revolution. He added: Because the crystallization of so much oppression, injustice, aggression, and interference in the internal affairs of countries is an attribute of American imperialism, fighting the United States is in the nature of our Islamic revolution. Fighting the United States has been, is, and will be a part of the Islamic revolution from the beginning. Today, at the head of all the affairs, the grand leader, Ayatollah Khamene'i, who as the manifestation, spokesman, symbol, and leader, clarified the policy of the Islamic revolution, which is a continuation of the policy determined by the founder of the Islamic Republic, the late Imam, and the government continues this course without question and has based the direction of its social and foreign policies on it. The minister of interior continued: Hence, such statements and discussions must be made elsewhere, not here. Those factors that caused us not to agree to the parallel march that the Students for the Strengthening of Unity had suggested were mostly these. If our nation is united, as the most powerful phenomenon, this can stop any aggression and neutralize open and secret opposition to this unity. And we find this to be desirable. If it were not agreed to on that day, the main reason was that we must, like others, submerge ourselves in the endless sea of the nation and say the same thing and have the same slogan. He also said: I am not in a position to want to give advice to anyone. I must defend what I did. Based on the same report, then, Mr. Hazrati said: Mr. Besharati said in the committee that we agree to any march against America, but I received the request of the students a bit too late. There is sufficient reason and evidence that the students submitted the request one week before, and on the basis of the request of the students of Tehran universities, which took place on 05/08/1372 [27 October 1993] and was presented in writing to the Ministry of Interior on the 10th, upon the instructions of the minister, it was pointed out that with regard to the Islamic Student Societies of the |
FBIS3-34440_1 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 29 Dec | and said: The directives of the grand leader concerning social justice, attention to agriculture, the growth of exports, and a foreign policy based on dignity, wisdom, and our interests must be followed. Ratifications The amount of 5 billion tomans from the unused funds in the 1372 [21 March 1993-20 March 1994] budget will be spent on repairing the damages due to unexpected incidents and ground preparation to relocate the people. City Halls governing a population of more than 50,000 are responsible to take appropriate steps to create passenger terminals outside the cities. The Majles ratified a clarification concerning the coordinated system of payment of government employees. Statements of the Speaker of the Majles Hojjat ol-Eslam Nateq-Nuri, the speaker of the Majles, in a speech in the open session of the Majles yesterday, said: I offer my condolences on the death of the brave daughter of his holiness 'Ali, Zeynab Kobra, to his holiness Mahdi and the Islamic nation, particularly the women in our Islamic society, those ladies who in the course of the war and the revolution carried out their mission well, continued the path of the revered lady on the field of battle, and today follow that great lady. May God grant us all success in gaining inspiration from the school of these great human beings in history to defend Islam, the Koran, and the ideology. Farrokhtaj Amirshaqaqi, Deputy From Tabriz Privatization in our country is not realistic. The first pre-agenda speaker of the open session of the Majles yesterday was Ms. Amirshaqaqi, from Tabriz, who offered her congratulations on the birthday of his holiness 'Ali and, referring to the Second Five-Year Plan, said: The Majles intends by a careful and overall examination to increase its strength. Of course, this is not possible except through criticizing the weaknesses of the First Plan and also verifying its strengths. The First Plan, despite its strong points, suffers from two important weaknesses. (A) The length of the schedule. As I said before, the time schedule of the Plan at the present does not conform to the scientific model of mid-term plans, especially for a country undergoing a period of reconstruction. She added: At the present time, what must be given priority on the agenda of economic planning and developmental projects is the medium-term plan, because in countries that have been able to find an appropriate model in this area, the length of |
FBIS3-34440_16 | RESALAT Reports on Majles Sessions * 29 Dec | be able to shape our economy, like our neighboring large and populated countries, without dependence on oil. He added: The honorable government has taken long strides toward agricultural self-sufficiency. Now that we are coming upon Agriculture Week, it is time to critically examine why we do not make clear policies about our agricultural products. Why, when the farmers in the city of Torbat Heydariyyeh brought their surplus wheat after the revolution up to 100,000 tons, do we not see any practical support and encouragement for saffron, cotton, sugar beets, silk, and animal husbandry? Why do not the related ministries, through coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, save these simple laborers from confusion and losses? Even though the officials have made an effort to preserve the culture of the revolution, unfortunately, we are weak in the broadening and development of this valuable resource, which the Islamic revolution has brought. The deputy of Torbat Heydariyyeh then continued: In the arena of the consumer model and living, we have not acted decisively. For this reason, some of the people in the country suffer from a life of consumerism and have been influenced in various ways by foreigners, and consequently blows are inflicted on cultural independence. Continuing, the speaker said: Now, the budget bill is to be discussed, but unfortunately, we still write the budget without attention to the characteristics of the region, and this causes us not to understand the potential of the region. In pricing, if with regard to some items we have still not reached the level of saturation and creation of competition, what is preventing us, despite the existence of inflation, from presenting clear prices for goods, so that our noble people will not to be worried about the gross difference in prices. In conclusion, he made a reminder to the Ministry of Industries in connection with the loan stated in Note 52 for the sugar, oxygen, silk and cotton weaving, and cotton spinning factories of Torbat Heydariyyeh. Ratifications The first item on the agenda of the open session of the Majles yesterday was the report of the Planning and Budget Committee concerning the urgent proposal to amend Paragraph 4, Part A, Note 6, of the 1372 [21 March 993-20 March 1994] national budget law. After examination and discussions by the deputies, the general points of the proposal were ratified. Then the Majles started the details of the proposal and |
FBIS3-34452_0 | Islamic Countries To `Take Steps' | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The Islamic Conference Organization's [ICO] contact group has issued a statement announcing that if the international community refrains from staging aerial attacks on the positions of the Serbian aggressors, the Islamic countries, based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, will take steps toward securing the legitimate right of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina to defend itself. The statement asks the NATO member countries to implement the will of the international community without wasting any time, and by resorting to aerial attacks, to ensure that the Serbs comply with the Security Council resolutions. |
FBIS3-34466_0 | Government Warplane Bombs Village, Refugee Camp | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Pageri, Sudan, Feb 8 (AFP)--A Sudanese government warplane bombed a village and a refugee camp Tuesday [8 February], seriously wounding at least one woman in their fourth air strike against the rebel-held south in five days. Nearly 70,000 people have fled camps along Sudan's southern border with Uganda since the bombings intensified in the past two weeks, United Nations officials said. Sudan's hard-line Islamic government launched one of its biggest military offensives against the mainly Christian and animist southern rebels last month, relief sources said. Khartoum, however, has denied the bombings and blamed rival rebel factions for fighting in the south, where UN officials say millions need food and emergency aid. But reporters who visited Pageri on Tuesday had to dive for cover as a lumbering Soviet-built Antonov military plane dropped four bombs shortly before noon (1000 GMT) on the village. About half of Pageri's 10,000 residents sought refuge there after being forced to flee their homes by the civil war that has ravaged the south for more than a decade. Minutes later the Antonov dropped another two bombs which fell harmlessly close to the nearby Aswa camp, sheltering 21,000 displaced people. Aswa and Pageri are less than 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the Ugandan border. Western diplomats said the rebels had no aircraft and the Antonov must have been a government bomber. The United States government strongly condemned Khartoum for two air strikes Friday near camps in the same area sheltering hundreds of thousands of displaced people. There were no casualties, but Sally Burnheim of the UN Operation Lifeline Sudan said 18 people had been killed and another 17 wounded in a third bombing raid Monday on Parajok, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of the camps, where some of the displaced people who fled had gathered for safety. Khartoum has banned relief flights to several destinations along the Ugandan border where 200,000 displaced people are gathered. "If we can't reach the people in need, there's going to be a colossal disaster," Burnheim said. Bullets crackled as they exploded when flames engulfed the ruins of one of Pageri's largest buildings, which was directly hit. Youths darted into the building and ran out seconds later clutching Kalashnikov rifles which they had saved from the fire. Mario Muor, head of the relief wing of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), dismissed suggestions that Pageri housed |
FBIS3-34475_1 | Civil Aviation Source Notes Remarks on Seized Plane | to aviation, and does not reflect reality. To explain this, he said the air traffic controller at Sanaa International Airport was surprised by the entry of the plane into Yemeni airspace without obtaining a prior authorization from the competent authorities. The air traffic controller recalled the report of the Air Defense Command, which also stressed that there was no authorization for the entry and landing of that plane. If there had been any prior permit from the competent authorities, the concerned parties at air traffic control and air defense would have been informed [words indistinct] in accordance with the rules of the air transportation valid in our country and the rest of the world. The responsible source at the Civil Aviation Authority asserted that the General Civil Aviation Authorities is the party responsible for issuing such permits in accordance with Article 10 of the Civil Aviation Law. Neither airports nor any other party have the right to grant such permits. In addition to that, and if we consider that the Ugandan plane's travel was in the interest of the war effort of the Armed Forces in the southern and eastern governorates, as stated in the defense minister's statement, the Defense Ministry should have obtained a permit from the General Civil Aviation Authority in accordance with Article 10 of Civil Aviation Law No. 12 of 1993, to which the authority referred in its previous statement. The source also added that the authorization mentioned in the defense minister's statement No. 94/57, Aden, [word indistinct] was not issued by the competent and authorized authority; namely, the Civil Aviation Authority, which does not have any information on the issue. The source denounced the content of the statement made by the defense minister, who said that the measures taken to make the plane land in al-Hudaydah airport is considered a violation of the rules of the national and international aviation. The reverse is true. Organizing aviation is part of the duties assigned to the aviation authority, which it does in accordance with international agreements, particularly with the Chicago agreement on civil aviation. Concluding, the source said: The brother defense minister should not have interfered in the work of the authority that is charged with the organization of aviation rules and should have encouraged the employees of the civil aviation authority, who carried out their duty to defend national sovereignty over the Republic of Yemen's airspace. |
FBIS3-34489_0 | Justice Official Appointed to UN Committee | Language: Hebrew Article Type:BFN [Text] Dr. Karmel Shalev of the Justice Ministry's Legislation Department has been elected to serve as a member of the UN committee on uprooting discrimination against women. In a vote held yesterday at the UN center in New York, 63 countries from all continents voted in favor of Dr. Shalev's appointment, and she defeated candidates from Russia and Poland. The Foreign Ministry considers her selection a continuation of the trend of appointing Israelis to serve on UN institutions. |
FBIS3-34493_0 | `Field Action' Plan Approved | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Unattributed report: "Iraqi Opposition Criticizes Istanbul Meeting and Reaffirms Insistence on Federal System"] [Text] London -- The "Unified Iraqi National Congress" [UINC] and the tripartite Presidential Council emanating from it have approved a "field action" plan and reaffirmed that they seek "a democratic federal Iraq that would consolidate the country's unity." A statement issued at the conclusion of the meetings held by the UINC and the Presidential Council in the town of Salah-al-Din in northern Iraq criticized the Syrian-Turkish-Iranian ministerial meeting held in Istanbul last Saturday [5 February]. The Iraqi opposition's joint meetings were held 1-6 February and were boycotted by the opposition's pan-Arab faction based in Damascus. Syrian Foreign Minister Faruq al-Shar', Turkish Foreign Minister Hikmet Cetin, and Iranian Foreign Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati had pledged to "confront any attempt to fragment Iraq." In a telephone statement from Salah-al-Din, Sami 'Abd-al-Rahman, member of the UINC Executive Council, said that "the tone of the ministerial statement in reference to the fragmentation of Iraq was the strongest" issued by al-Shar', Cetin, and Velayati, "and it very much surprised the UINC in its emphasis on this issue, for neither the Kurdistan Front nor the UINC is calling for the division or partition of Iraq." He added: "We do not know if these fears are a result of dissatisfaction with the democratic experiment in Iraqi Kurdistan." But he also said that "the ministerial statement contained some positive points such as the call for an end to the internal (Iraqi) blockade against Iraqi Kurdistan and the south and for the restoration of the power supply to Dahuk, asserting that it should be left to the Iraqi people to determine their own future freely." He drew attention to the Iraqi opposition's statement that "the regime of (President) Saddam Husayn and its continuation are the real threat to the country's unity. We Iraqis care most about the unity of our people and homeland." In his view, there was no connection between the Turkish raids on positions in northern Iraq the day before yesterday and the results of the Istanbul meeting. He stressed that "these raids will never settle anything" as regards tackling the issue of the Kurdish Workers Party which is waging a war against the Turkish state. Sami 'Abd-al-Rahman emphasized that the opposition "is not contemplating setting up an army to fight the Iraqi Army." He said that the Salah-al-Din statement |
FBIS3-34497_0 | Deteriorating Food, Health Situation Reported | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, Feb 7 (INA)--A recent report by a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) mission has confirmed earlier conclusions by another FAO/WFP survey that warns of a rapid deterioration in food supply situation throughout Iraq. The present mission report, issued in December last year, notes with deep concerns the prevalence of several commonly recognized pre-famine indicators. These conclusions, based on observations and interviews in several areas of the country, confirm the presence of such indicators as very high food prices, collapse of private incomes, depletion of personal assets as well as rapidly increasing numbers of the destitutes. Following is the fourth part of the FAO mission report: The shortage in water supply has led to severe problems in hygiene. According to health authorities outbreaks of lice, typhoid, and cholera continue to be serious public health problems in al-Basrah and throughout the country (department in al-Basrah, personal communication). Moreover, sanitation has become a common problem in schools that now have 2-3 shifts a day leading to facilitated transmission of water-borne diseases amongst the primary age school children. Care International reported that in 1954 [year as received] it plans to rehabilitate school lavatories. Although the extensive vaccination supply system and the cold chain broke down completely immediately after the war, immunization rates are back well above 80 per cent, better than pre-war levels in certain areas (UNICEF 1993, personal communication). The Ministry of Health has received substantial assistance from UNICEF/WHO in maintaining the cold chain and in the provision of vaccines for immunization. The mission noted adequate stocks of vaccines in Maysan and Irbil Governorates. In addition, many mothers when asked, knew about the BCG vaccination. Although little is known about the incidence of acute respiratory factions (ARI), drugs to treat infections in children remain inadequate. The mission noted that several cases of ARI in the pediatric wards of Saddam City Hospital in Baghdad. These cases were receiving antibiotic treatment but physicians complained of shortages, especially during the later winter months when ARI is a more frequent occurrence. WHO does provide drugs and other medical supplies, but the total amount is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. In July to March 1993, 780,000 U.S. dollars worth of drugs were provided under the U.N. Humanitarian Assistance Programme. However, drugs to treat chronic diseases, anesthesia to perform basic surgical procedures, nitrous oxide for birthing facilities as well as |
FBIS3-34497_1 | Deteriorating Food, Health Situation Reported | system and the cold chain broke down completely immediately after the war, immunization rates are back well above 80 per cent, better than pre-war levels in certain areas (UNICEF 1993, personal communication). The Ministry of Health has received substantial assistance from UNICEF/WHO in maintaining the cold chain and in the provision of vaccines for immunization. The mission noted adequate stocks of vaccines in Maysan and Irbil Governorates. In addition, many mothers when asked, knew about the BCG vaccination. Although little is known about the incidence of acute respiratory factions (ARI), drugs to treat infections in children remain inadequate. The mission noted that several cases of ARI in the pediatric wards of Saddam City Hospital in Baghdad. These cases were receiving antibiotic treatment but physicians complained of shortages, especially during the later winter months when ARI is a more frequent occurrence. WHO does provide drugs and other medical supplies, but the total amount is insufficient to meet the needs of the population. In July to March 1993, 780,000 U.S. dollars worth of drugs were provided under the U.N. Humanitarian Assistance Programme. However, drugs to treat chronic diseases, anesthesia to perform basic surgical procedures, nitrous oxide for birthing facilities as well as antibiotics to control infection after surgery are virtually unavailable as reported by several hospitals and the minister of health. This was offered as the explanation of why hospitals are now functioning at 40-50 per cent of their original capacity in spite of the reported increase in infectious disease and severe malnutrition. Only severely ill cases are now being treated. Even when drugs are available, their price on the free market may be 200 times greater than the government rationed price, thus making them virtually unobtainable for the poor. In summary, food insecurity at the household level, inadequate water and sanitary system, and the shortage of drugs to treat infections are likely to result in more serious malnutrition. A small scale study was conducted in collaboration with the Nutrition Research Institute in one of the least privileged areas of Baghdad Saddam City. The objective of the study was to observe first hand the household food security situation in a disadvantaged subsample of the urban population and to assess their nutritional status using simple anthropometric measures. All members of the family present at the time of the home visit were measured and their age ascertained utilizing whenever possible the subjects health cards, |
FBIS3-34497_2 | Deteriorating Food, Health Situation Reported | antibiotics to control infection after surgery are virtually unavailable as reported by several hospitals and the minister of health. This was offered as the explanation of why hospitals are now functioning at 40-50 per cent of their original capacity in spite of the reported increase in infectious disease and severe malnutrition. Only severely ill cases are now being treated. Even when drugs are available, their price on the free market may be 200 times greater than the government rationed price, thus making them virtually unobtainable for the poor. In summary, food insecurity at the household level, inadequate water and sanitary system, and the shortage of drugs to treat infections are likely to result in more serious malnutrition. A small scale study was conducted in collaboration with the Nutrition Research Institute in one of the least privileged areas of Baghdad Saddam City. The objective of the study was to observe first hand the household food security situation in a disadvantaged subsample of the urban population and to assess their nutritional status using simple anthropometric measures. All members of the family present at the time of the home visit were measured and their age ascertained utilizing whenever possible the subjects health cards, eight of the 13 clusters in Saddam City canvassed during the 1991 international team survey were selected for the study to permit a comparison. Although the study was carried out by five teams, results from only 4 teams are reported. These teams were supervised by mission members. Each team included two technicians and one professional supervisor from the Nutrition Research Institute and one member of the mission. One hundred and twenty one households were visited and a total of 506 subjects were measured; 194 were children under 5 years of age, 136 children between 5 and 15 years of age, and 172 persons 15 years of age and older. Mission member observed that a number of households had sold most of their family assets: Furniture, refrigerators, television, jewelry, and other items. Some of the children and adults wore tattered clothes but most households appeared to have access to kerosene for heating, tap water, and electricity. The study had a number of limitations. The sample was not representative of Baghdad as a whole; it was purposely chosen to assess the situation among an underprivileged urban group but results cannot be extrapolated to a defined sector of the Iraqi population. The study |
FBIS3-34498_0 | Paper Notes Citizens' Complaints About Police Conduct | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Shihab Ahmad Mahmud titled: "Why Do Some Military Policemen Refuse To Recognize End of Service Document?"] [Excerpt] Military policemen's known duty is to punish wrongdoers, apprehend deserters from military service and so forth. Nobody differs on that. But there have been complaints against these policemen which must be mentioned. We have received many complaints about their behavior and maltreatment of certain innocent individuals. Despite the fact these individuals carried documents proving their correct status, the military policemen treated them as wrongdoers or deserters. The complaints include one sent by citizen (J-'A), from Madinat al-Hurriyah who was apprehended by a military police detachment and remanded for five days despite the fact that he carried an end of service document which was issued by the Ministry of Defense. Still, they did not recognize it! [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-34502_0 | U.K's Major Ridiculed Over Kurdish `Safe Haven' | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Baghdad, 8 Feb (INA)--The newspaper AL-JUMHURIYAH says that the problem with British Prime Minister Major is that he, just like the other politicians whose calculations have proven to be wrong, thought that playing the Kurdish card would result in destabilizing the Iraqi regime. The end result is that he has placed his country and the U.S. Administration at an impasse. In its editorial today, the paper ridicules Major's statements that "the Kurdistan region is safe," wondering when it was actually more safe -- now or before the anti-Iraq aggression. The paper answers this question, saying that all fair-minded people, even Major himself, cannot deny that the Iraqi Kurdistan region enjoyed stability, security, a high standard of living, as well as the potential for rapid growth before the onset of the aggression. AL-JUMHURIYAH adds that, before the aggression, there was a kind of tranquility along the Iraqi-Turkish borders--a tranquility that was marred by only few minor clashes between the Kurdish Workers Party and the Turkish authorities. The paper points out the current situation in the Kurdistan region, including the military interventions there, as well as the Turkish and Iranian attacks on some positions in the region. It also mentions the incidents witnessed in southeastern Turkey, which have been stepped up since the anti-Iraq aggression. The paper also speaks of the impasse in which Major placed the U.S. Administration, as manifested by the presence of the so-called Hammer Force in the region. The opposition is wagering on the continued deployment of this force. However, this force is stuck there. It can neither stay there forever, nor withdraw, because it has failed to turn the region into a "safe haven." Likewise, this force cannot establish a Kurdish state there, because Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and other states strongly oppose this. AL-JUMHURIYAH adds: There are indications of another impasse in Iraqi Kurdistan. For the armed agents in northern Iraq are confused. Worse still, they feel that they have reached a dead end, and that they have been exposed as terrorist gangs that are willing to slay one another for trivial reasons, to betray Kurdish nationalism, and to collude with the enemies of Kurds just to maintain their oppression of our Kurdish people. The paper goes on to say: The people of Kurdistan have begun to speak publicly, expressing their desire to return to Iraq's lap. They are singing the |
FBIS3-34502_1 | U.K's Major Ridiculed Over Kurdish `Safe Haven' | "the Kurdistan region is safe," wondering when it was actually more safe -- now or before the anti-Iraq aggression. The paper answers this question, saying that all fair-minded people, even Major himself, cannot deny that the Iraqi Kurdistan region enjoyed stability, security, a high standard of living, as well as the potential for rapid growth before the onset of the aggression. AL-JUMHURIYAH adds that, before the aggression, there was a kind of tranquility along the Iraqi-Turkish borders--a tranquility that was marred by only few minor clashes between the Kurdish Workers Party and the Turkish authorities. The paper points out the current situation in the Kurdistan region, including the military interventions there, as well as the Turkish and Iranian attacks on some positions in the region. It also mentions the incidents witnessed in southeastern Turkey, which have been stepped up since the anti-Iraq aggression. The paper also speaks of the impasse in which Major placed the U.S. Administration, as manifested by the presence of the so-called Hammer Force in the region. The opposition is wagering on the continued deployment of this force. However, this force is stuck there. It can neither stay there forever, nor withdraw, because it has failed to turn the region into a "safe haven." Likewise, this force cannot establish a Kurdish state there, because Turkey, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and other states strongly oppose this. AL-JUMHURIYAH adds: There are indications of another impasse in Iraqi Kurdistan. For the armed agents in northern Iraq are confused. Worse still, they feel that they have reached a dead end, and that they have been exposed as terrorist gangs that are willing to slay one another for trivial reasons, to betray Kurdish nationalism, and to collude with the enemies of Kurds just to maintain their oppression of our Kurdish people. The paper goes on to say: The people of Kurdistan have begun to speak publicly, expressing their desire to return to Iraq's lap. They are singing the praises of His Excellency President Saddam Husayn and writing graffiti expressing their sentiments toward his excellency the president. Concluding its editorial, the paper says that our Kurdish people's return to Iraq's lap would grant them the warmth, security, and stability they have been denied in the false "safe haven" created and protected by the British and Americans. The "safe haven" the British and Americans created is even robbing its creators of security, the paper maintains. |
FBIS3-34518_0 | U.S. Conditions for Terrorist List Removal Cited | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Mahmud Bakri] [Text] Political sources have stated that preparations are under way to hold a meeting between the Syrian Foreign Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State to discuss the removal of Syria's name from the list of states that support terrorism. The meeting will discuss the conditions which U.S. President Bill Clinton conveyed to Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad during their recent meeting in Geneva. The sources said these conditions are: 1. Syria should support the U.S. efforts to fight the current of fundamentalist terrorism in the region by handing over files on the Iranian personalities who support this current, on Iran's role in giving material support for this, and on Iran's present contacts with some Arab personalities to intensify the fundamentalist terrorists' operations. In this regard, the United States has asked Syria to disclose the intricate details of Iranian-Syrian relations. Clinton alleged that the United States has information that Syrian intelligence services have complete files in this connection. 2. Syria should halt the Palestinian factions opposing the peace process and turn over to Israel about 23 Palestinians wanted for committing serious (terrorist) incidents where killed many Israeli citizens were killed. These individuals are living under the protection of the Syrian regime. 3. Syria should halt all forms of support for the pro-Iranian Hizballah forces in Lebanon and hand over files regarding Hizballah's plans, the main figures behind the terrorist operations, and the Iranian personalities who have direct influence in Iran. 4. Syria should condemn the intifadah in the occupied Arab territories. The sources said there are some differences between the two sides regarding the U.S. conditions. Contacts are under way to narrow these differences and bring about a meeting between the Syrian foreign minister and the U.S. Secretary of State. |
FBIS3-34533_0 | Paper Views U.S. Aid Condition, Favors Nuclear Program | Language: Urdu Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "The New U.S. Condition for Economic and Military Aid"] [Text] The U.S. Administration has hinted that restrictions on economic and military aid to all nonnuclear states will be maintained even if the Pressler Amendment is abolished. A discussion paper addressed to congressmen said that the U.S. Government will make economic and military assistance conditional to freezing, rolling back, and eventual destruction of the nuclear program. It has been clarified to Pakistan also that freezing the nuclear program will not be enough. The program will have be rolled back if it wants to receive the aid which is now lying in the pipeline. Pakistan should not foster any optimism after the clear indication by the U.S. Administration because the United States is not even satisfied with our present position and it wants a total scrapping of the nuclear program. Given this situation, Pakistan is left with no alternative but to achieve self-sufficiency in arms production and to try to become a self-reliant country to get rid of economic aid and loans. The government should pay immediate attention to making basic changes in the nation's economic structure and policies so that the objective can be achieved. It should give top priority to reliance on domestic resources, checking waste, increasing national production, and especially to developing Pakistan's relations with the economic bloc of Islamic countries. It is encouraging that Pakistani scientists and engineers have begun work on attaining the capability to design and set up nuclear power plants. It will at least help overcome the country's power crisis, thereby accelerating the pace of industrial development. Since India has already become a nuclear power, it will not be affected by the U.S. restrictions. Furthermore, the United States is also giving preferential treatment to India. Pakistan has refused to accept any unilateral U.S. restrictions. After the U.S. Administration's latest decision, Pakistan should now depend on its own resources to meet its defense and economic requirements instead of seeking help from the United States. We can fully overcome this trial if we can master the subject of efficient planning and rely on our own resources. We should never think of renouncing the nuclear technology which we acquired with our own labor, talent, and resources because it is a matter of protecting our sovereignty and independence. Any compromise on it will be tantamount to national suicide. |
FBIS3-34538_0 | Commentary on `Satanic Powers' Plot | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unidentified commentary] [Text] In the name of God. Greetings dear listeners. As you heard in the news bulletin, today, Hojjat ol-Eslam val-Moslemin Fallahian, the honorable minister of intelligence, revealed new aspects of the treacherous plot to assassinate the well-loved president of the Iranian nation. Mr. Fallahian stressed that all those arrested have, during the preliminary interrogations, confessed to all their evil and counterrevolutionary aims and intentions. There is no doubt that the sworn enemies of the Islamic revolution are doing their utmost today to inflict blows on the glorious revolution of the Muslim nation of Iran. The assassination of well-loved prominent and pivotal personalities of the Islamic revolution has been the unchanging policy of the United States and its mercenary agents. The victory of the Islamic revolution inflicted a heavy and fundamental blow to the interests of the United States and international Zionism and it was natural that, from the very start, these sworn enemies of the revolution would make the pivotal personalities and dignitaries of the revolution the targets of their conspiracies. A review of the history of the Islamic revolution during the past 15 years reveals the personalities and dignitaries who were targeted by the enemy from the very beginning of the revolution. The assassination of the regime's dignitaries, whether in physical terms or in terms of propaganda, has been part and parcel of the general strategy of the enemies of the Islamic revolution to damage the Islamic republic. We can recall the years when the enemy first tried, by various means and by the dissemination of lies and rumors, to assassinate the character of the harmless martyr Beheshti, and, since it met with the decisive reaction of the Islamic nation and the imam of the Ummah [Khomeyni] and since its conspiracy was foiled, it embarked on the wretched 7th of Tir [28 June -- reference to bomb explosion at the Islamic Republic Party headquarters in 1981] incident and martyred that faithful friend of the imam, along with 72 of the best companions of the Islamic revolution. Today, too, the Islamic revolution is faced with those same old enemies and they have not let up for a moment their efforts to inflict blows on the Islamic republic. Just as the eminent leader of the Islamic revolution [Khamene'i] said in a gathering of religious scholars and clergymen, satanic powers are today also trying to physically |
FBIS3-34539_0 | Velayati Visits in Indonesia, Urges Action in Bosnia | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 9, IRNA -- Foreign Minister 'Ali Akbar Velayati, currently in Indonesia, said that the only solution to Bosnian tragedy was international military intervention. He called on the U.N. Security Council to prescribe international military action to stop the genocide and force evacuation of the occupied territories. Speaking at the meeting of the selected foreign ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Jakarta Tuesday, Velayati said that the latest Serbian aggression on, and genocide of, the Bosnian Muslims in Sarajevo, had left no doubt that the international community had "miserably failed to stop this savagery." He added that the U.N. Security Council's resolutions calling for protection of safe areas including Sarajevo and those demanding the lifting of the siege of that city had remained only "dead letters." The foreign minister drew attention to the fact that some certain European powers were to force the Bosnian government to accept surrender and a so-called peace which would be the begining of more tragedy and ethnic cleansing. "The Security Council should at least allow Bosnia and those who are prepared to help this besieged republic to take action in individual or collective self-defense," he said. In such circumstances, Velayati added, efforts aimed at ending the siege of these cities in any possible way, lifiting arms embargo against B-H, eliminating all impediments for the dispath of humanitarian aid to Bosnia and enforcement of sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro would constitue the least that could be done. He called on the coordinating bureau and the NAM caucaus in New York to consider in close consultation with contact group of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) the ways and means to move this agenda forward in the Security Council. Velayati added that the above-mentioned groups could also consider various methods for taking the issue to the general assembly directly or under uniting for peace procedure in the event that the council failed once again to adopt a meaningful resolution. |
FBIS3-34540_0 | Commentary: U.S. Backs Serbs in Bosnia-Herzegovina | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Station commentary] [Text] While the U.S. Government's media were loudly proclaiming that Washington was seeking to end the crisis of Bosnia-Herzegovina and U.S. politicians announced their opposition to the Serbian policy in this blood-soaked republic, the CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR reported that Lee Hamilton, chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, said that Bosnia-Herzegovina would be mistaken to believe that U.S. Marines will be deployed on its territory. He added that the only way to achieve peace is by negotiating and putting pressure on the Bosnian Muslims to make concessions and to bargain. Hamilton added that refraining from exerting such pressure will mean continued fighting in the former Yugoslav republics. Hamilton's remarks are the clearest indication of the U.S. diplomatic posture on the Bosnian crisis. They reveal the truth about official U.S. policy regarding the civil war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Until now, Washington's public policy has been to condemn Serbian actions and at one point it accused the Belgrade government of assaulting Bosnia-Herzegovina's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Still, throughout two years of fighting and brutal Serbian aggression, followed by Croatian aggression, against Bosnian lives, wealth, and sanctity, it became evident to all neutral observers and analysts that the United States was consistently supporting Serbian superiority in Bosnia. The United States has always worried about the rise of an Islamic government in the heart of Europe. Over the past two years, ever since Bosnia-Herzegovina attained nominal independence in the winter of 1991 and became a UN member, Washington has sought to pursue methods that would progressively weaken Sarajevo's government. Although Cyrus Vance was a UN envoy seeking to solve the Bosnian crisis, he was also a U.S. politician and for this reason evidently acted in line with U.S. diplomatic guidelines regarding this issue. He always supported and advocated Bosnia's partition and annexing the Serbian part to a Greater Serbia and the Croatian part to Croatia. He wanted a solution to partition Bosnia-Herzegovina into seven or ten isolated Islamic enclaves amid Serbian and Croatian areas. He made efforts to push through this solution at the New York and Geneva conferences. This is in line with the spirit and logic of U.S. policy on the crisis in this European republic. It is for this reason that we said at the beginning of this talk that Hamilton's remarks were truthful and reflected the political facts. |
FBIS3-34542_0 | Paper Discusses Turkey's Stance on Kurdish Problem | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Editorial by Mohammad Sarafraz: "What Are the Turkish Government's Objectives?"] [Text] On Friday Turkish jets infiltrated 100 km into Iraqi territory and extensively bombed parts of that country. Apparently 50 Turkish jets participated in the operation, which resulted in civilian casualties in Iraqi Kurdistan. Turkey's Kurdish Workers' Part [PKK] has denied that even one of its members was killed. Meanwhile, the Turkish military did not spare Iranian civilians and killed and wounded 28 people in the two villages in Sardasht. The two villages of Tuzhaleh and Nukan in (Qasemrash) area were hit by missiles. This situation cannot be assessed without taking into consideration Turkey's plans for the future of Iraqi Kurdistan. In Europe, and specifically in Britain and France, steps have been taken to dismember Iraqi Kurdistan and to form a Kurdish state. The United States conditionally approves of this. America's condition is that this process not benefit Iraq and Iran and benefit Turkey. The Turkish Government is pursuing a vague stance of double standards. On the one hand, by accepting the continued presence of U.S., British, and French forces on its territory, it paves the way for the formation of a Kurdish government while on the other it knows that because it has the largest Kurdish population in the area it will be the one mostly harmed by the formation of this government. Recently, Turkey signed a border security agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran with the intention of crushing the PKK. If the concern felt by the Ankara Government over PKK activities inside Turkey is removed, it will give in to the objectives of the Western governments in this region more easily. Therefore, the insistence by the officials in Ankara for signing a border agreement with Iran has nothing to do with their goodwill, and once the threat of the PKK against Turkey is removed, the Kurdish counterrevolutionaries' pressures on Iran is expected to increase. At any rate, the Turkish air raid on Iranian territory should not be considered an ordinary act. The Turkish Government wants to first send a committee to the bombed region to study the situation and then to make a statement. Ankara cannot simply close the issue by merely expressing its apologies. The casualties that the Iranian border residents have suffered is high. If this is the outcome of the two countries' border cooperation, then the entire principle of |
FBIS3-34545_0 | Majles Speaker Receives Moroccan Ambassador | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] At a meeting with the Moroccan ambassador yesterday, referring to the religious and cultural common denominators between Muslim countries and attempts by world arrogance to create a rift among the world Muslims, Majles Speaker Nateq-Nuri said: Today, world arrogance considers Islam and Muslims as a serious threat, and tries to deal Islam blows by any means possible, whether by direct assault or by creating rifts among 1 billion Muslims. He added: Solely because of its grudge against and hatred for Islam, world arrogance does not show any serious reaction to the massacre of Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina while, under the pretext of defending human rights, it describes as inhuman our stance on Salman Rushdie's blasphemous act and his insult to the sanctities of the world Muslims. That double standard of theirs on the world Muslims stems from nothing but arrogance's hatred for Islam and Muslims. He added: We Muslims and Islamic countries should learn a lesson from the actions of the enemies of Islam and preserve our unity. For we have no alternative but to stand up to the enemies of Islam and Muslims. The Majles speaker stressed the need to improve parliamentary relations between the two countries. At the meeting the Moroccan ambassador in Iran expressed the hope that relations between the two countries will further expand in the future. He called for the establishment of parliamentary relations between the two countries and the exchange of parliamentary delegations. On behalf of his government he invited the Majles speaker to visit Morocco. |
FBIS3-34551_1 | Editorial Examines Clinton Administration Policies | claim that during his year in office budget deficit has been slashed down heavily. A U.S. government release on the occasion makes particular mention of the President's success in smoothly getting on with Congress for legislative purposes, and refers to legislation ranging from Family and Medical Leave Act and Health Care Reform to the Brady Bill that seeks to control the proliferation of handguns among citizens. No doubt Mr. Clinton has not made empty claims on his domestic agenda, and the inevitable approval rating after his first year in the White House is bound to show that it has jumped up appreciably since it dipped to a precarious 38 percent soon after his assumption of office. But how has Mr. Clinton fared in foreign policy? The advantage he enjoyed over Mr. Bush, who had neglected the home front, could not have seen him through in the conduct of the United States as the world's only super power. The way his foreign policymakers messed up things in Somalia and Haiti and considerably lowered U.S. prestige in Bosnia could not but claim Defence Secretary Les Aspin. If Secretary of State Warren Christopher is still around, it is not for lack of suggestions for his removal, but because Mr. Clinton hopes the newly-inducted second in command, Mr. Strobe Talbott, would make up for lost ground through his expert handling of Russia. But Yeltsin's Russia at the feet of the U.S. cannot possibly add many more feathers to America's foreign policy crown. Mr. Clinton may rely more on subjects specially dear to his heart, such as human rights. However, it is noticeable that an Asian voice has been increasingly asserting itself against Western definitions of human rights. After China, India and Malaysia, it is now Singapore which has rejected the West's concept of what constitutes human rights. As others feel the pinch they will speak out, and the rejection will extend to Western positions other than human rights, to equitable trade relations, transfer of technology, and non-proliferation of nuclear capability. The trouble with the Clinton Administration is that its idea of restructuring the world in the international order is largely confined to what happens in the West and its poor cousins in central and eastern Europe. For the rest, the medicine must remain the same as during the cold war -- the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, missiles technology control regime, trade restrictions, and human rights. |
FBIS3-34556_0 | Commentary Views Treatment of Minorities in Pakistan | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Commentary by correspondent Ashnarain Roy] [Text] The old adage -- physician heal thyself -- is nowhere more appropriate and pertinent than in Pakistan, a case [as heard] which has unabashedly sought to use human rights as a stick to beat India in an attempt to cover up its blatant human rights abuses. Within days of Pakistani prime minister, Ms. Benazir Bhutto's vile charge at the Geneva meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission that New Delhi was violating Kashmiri human rights, the U.S. State Department has taken Pakistan to task for its failure to protect the rights of non-Muslims who have been subjected to frequent extrajudicial killings, disappearance, and arbitrary arrests. The report has said that religious zealots continue to discriminate against and persecute non-Muslims basing their activities and part on discriminating legislation against religious minorities. [sentence as heard] Pakistani leaders have abused the international fora not only to internationalize the Kashmir issue, but also sought to publicize lies and launched a hysterical tirade against India. Both the union finance minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, have done well to expose the real face of Islamabad at Geneva. The State Department report is, by and large, in conformity with similar reports of human rights violations catalogued by the Amnesty International, the Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. Members of Pakistan's Hindu, Christian, Ahmediyas, Sikh, Bahai, and other minority communities were banned from contesting general seats in the elections in 1985 and were restricted to voting in a system of separate electorate for minorities. Ahmediyas have also suffered widespread discrimination, suppression, and violence since they were declared non-Muslims in 1974. The U.S. State Department report has referred to extrajudicial killings, often in the form of staged police encounters, resulting in the death of suspects as also death resulting from physical abuse of prisoners and detainees by police. It says there continues to be persuasive evidence of misuse of police powers. Corruption, including extortion, is rampant. Police and jailers often use force to coerce confession and to compel detainees and prisoners to discriminate others. Although police in Pakistan are required by law to obtain a warrant before entering a private home, this legal requirement is complied more in breach than in compliance and Pakistan is using the law of blasphemy against minority groups such as the |
FBIS3-34563_1 | Article Reviews Continuation, Cycle of Violence | encouragement and turning a blind eye--at other times--such that yesterday's cub has turned into a predatory beast, which is devouring those closest to it who sponsored and fed him only yesterday. What do figures say now about the victims devoured by the beast of bloody violence. Confirmed reports say that around 200 people were killed in Egypt in 1993 compared, for example, with 2,000 in Algeria. Algeria and Egypt after it are witnessing the most violent clash between the extremist groups that use Islamic slogans as a cover and the state authority and society's democratic and enlightened forces. It is useful here to refer to the latest report issued by the Egyptian Human Rights Committee on the signs of bloody violence in Egypt. It frankly states that the armed organizations belonging to political Islam are practicing terrorist activities and bloody violence, violating man's primary fundamental right--the right to live--in an unprecedented way. Proceeding with our reading of this documented report, we find that 1993 saw escalating bloody violence that left 207 dead. This figure is more than the total number of victims killed in the previous three years: In 1990-1992, only 139 people were killed. The Egyptian Human Rights Committee's information stresses that "these armed Islamic groups bear the major responsibility for all the acts of violence seen in the country" and that 59 of the police victims were killed willfully as part of acts of direct physical liquidation, which these groups carried out despite the police halting their physical liquidation of group members last March. The report adds that the number of victims of physical liquidation and random killings attributed to Islamic political groups is 118, when the police killed only eight members of the Islamic groups. Figures and statistics are important, but reading an analysis of these statistics, understanding their significance, and specifying what they indicate are also important. What do the indicators say regarding the bloody violence? 1. The acts of violence, murder, and terrorism exercised by the groups have witnessed a serious development in the use of modern technology, such as explosive devices, booby-trapped cars, timed bombs, and explosions by remote control to cause the biggest losses, particularly among innocent people. For example, 1993 witnessed 12 terrorist operations in which huge explosives were used. Nine of these were designed to cause indiscriminate killing. The explosions left 22 people dead, including 19 innocent citizens, two foreign tourists, |
FBIS3-34563_2 | Article Reviews Continuation, Cycle of Violence | information stresses that "these armed Islamic groups bear the major responsibility for all the acts of violence seen in the country" and that 59 of the police victims were killed willfully as part of acts of direct physical liquidation, which these groups carried out despite the police halting their physical liquidation of group members last March. The report adds that the number of victims of physical liquidation and random killings attributed to Islamic political groups is 118, when the police killed only eight members of the Islamic groups. Figures and statistics are important, but reading an analysis of these statistics, understanding their significance, and specifying what they indicate are also important. What do the indicators say regarding the bloody violence? 1. The acts of violence, murder, and terrorism exercised by the groups have witnessed a serious development in the use of modern technology, such as explosive devices, booby-trapped cars, timed bombs, and explosions by remote control to cause the biggest losses, particularly among innocent people. For example, 1993 witnessed 12 terrorist operations in which huge explosives were used. Nine of these were designed to cause indiscriminate killing. The explosions left 22 people dead, including 19 innocent citizens, two foreign tourists, and one police officer. 2. Assassination and physical liquidation attempts against state figures such as politicians, ministers, and security officers have also increased considerably. The most significant of these attempts targeted the prime minister, the information minister, and the interior minister. Although these attempts failed, they left 70 security men dead. Some 51 of these operations were designed to physically liquidate policemen. The Asyut Governorate--the largest arena of bloody violence--takes the lead in assassination attempts. Some 57 policemen have been assassinated by terrorists there. 3. The groups concentrated their terrorist operations first on the police and the innocent Muslim and Christian citizens and then on tourism and foreign tourists, which they targeted with their bloody violence to undermine the country's main source of hard currency. This has reflected in losses of $2-$3 billion a year. 4. The last indicator is that if these groups have partially succeeded in their indiscriminate murder operations, premeditated assassinations, and bloody explosions in public places to shake national security and spread alarm among the people, they have failed in word and deed to achieve any long-term political objective. On the contrary. They have aroused the public and stirred up the silent majority against their crimes |
FBIS3-34572_1 | Fallahian on Planning of Assassination Plot | warfare, efforts to isolate the Islamic Republic regime, efforts to distort the regime's face abroad, psychological war inside the country and assistance given to their elements, who during the past several years have tried to remain lackeys of aliens. In this connection about 24 bombs were smuggled inside the country. But thanks to the vigilance of the hidden imam's unknown soldiers, 20 of these bombs were discovered, but unfortunately four of the said bombs exploded. In this connection 16 people were arrested. Meanwhile two brothers working for the Intelligence Ministry were martyred. Also during the current year, we have arrested about 40 spies, who have had links with Iraq's security service. There have been other security problems this year. Thanks to the efforts of the hidden imam's soldiers, the cooperation of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, the law enforcement forces and other intelligence organs, these conspiracies were unravelled and neutralized and security was maintained in our society. Naturally, because of his effectiveness, because he is an outstanding and vital figure in our revolution, the honorable president has constantly been the target of arrogant blows. It is not the first time and it will not be the last time that such a conspiracy has been perpetrated; they have committed such acts many times. We even saw that they tried to assassinate the popular president of the Iranian nation in the outset of the Islamic revolution. When we identified the main members of the group -- those who are now known to us as the principle perpetrators of that deed -- they are people of bad record, of poor or no faith, irresponsible and corrupt. Some of them also had connections with minigroups. The person who instilled most of the negative thoughts in the mind of Nik-Akhtar [man arrested for attempt to shoot Rafsanjani] was a person named Mortaza Mehrpu, who worked in the police department before the revolution. After the Islamic revolution he was purged and joined the Feda'i-ye Khalq minigroup. He spent some time in prison and was then released. After the minigroup was smashed he became inactive and pursued his own evil aims and had a very bad life. He was addicted to alcoholic drinks and had unhealthy relationships. Nik-Akhtar, himself, after he left secondary school, was an unsuitable person in terms of faith and deeds and morals. Twice he applied to join the [Revolution Guards] Corps, but was |
FBIS3-34573_1 | Sharma, Czech President Meet, Hold News Conference | Mr. Narasimha Rao, said India has an exemplary record on human rights. He said the aspersion on India's record on this issue is caused by those who themselves do not have any respect for human dignity. Mr. Rao described the president of the new republic as the father of democratic movement in Europe. The award carries 25 lakh rupees and a plaque. The Czech president described the award as the best tribute to the people of his country, who waged a relentless struggle against the totalitarian regime through nonviolence. The vice president, Mr. Dr. K.R. Narayanan, and the chairperson of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, also spoke on the occasion. Later, addressing a press conference, Dr. Vaclav Havel said there is great potential for economic cooperation between India and his country. He observed that both countries are pursuing economic reforms and there is a need for exchanging information about the opportunities available in each country. In this regard, Mr. Havel sought to have an investment protection agreement with India and hoped that the draft agreement submitted by his delegation in this regard will be formalized by the middle of this year. Expressing his satisfaction at the discussions with the Indian leaders and businessmen, he said two agreements on trade and avoidance of double taxation have been signed. Replying to a question on supplying spare parts to Indian defense equipment, Mr. Havel said there is no reason why his country should not export defense equipment to peace-loving democratic countries. He, however, firmly said that the Czech Republic will not export defense equipment to some countries which were receiving armaments from the former Czechoslovakia. The deputy prime minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Ivan Kocarnik, said companies from his country will now onwards participate in tenders for projects in India. A delegation of Indian businessmen will visit Prague soon to establish relations with the Czech businessmen. Earlier, the prime minister, Mr. Narasimha Rao, and the visiting Czech president, Dr. Havel, discussed the possibilities of cooperation in several areas between the two countries at their meeting in New Delhi today. Mr. Rao said India was particularly interested in the cooperation in infrastructure development. The two leaders deliberated on the role and relevance of the United Nations. Mr. Rao said India was committed to the UN and its democratization. He also accepted the Czech president's invitation to visit the Czech Republic. |
FBIS3-34574_0 | Iraqi Minister Addresses Arab Economic Council | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Cairo, 9 Feb (INA)--Dr. Muhammad Mahdi Salih, Iraqi trade minister and head of the Iraqi delegation to the 53d session of the Arab Economic Council currently being held in Cairo, stressed that under the leadership of President Saddam Husayn, Iraq will continue the process of reconstruction and production and its defiance to the aggression. In a speech during the meetings, the minister said that the Iraqi people are determined to realize final victory and to end all the chapters of aggression. He said victory is an inevitable, unquestionable fact, despite the effects of the continued unjust blockade imposed on the Iraqi people. An INA correspondent in Cairo cited the minister as saying that by imposing the unjust blockade and preventing Iraq from acquiring medicine, food, and other living requirements, the United States and Zionism want to harm Iraq after the failure of the military aggression. He said this has caused the death of hundreds of thousands of children and women. He said the Arab nation possesses all the required economic, political, and human resources that qualify it to become a vanguard member of the international community and to seriously and capably confront challenges and dangers. He indicated that a common Arab market is an appropriate starting point for the realization of an Arab economic integration. He stressed that some parties' separate proposals under the so-called new world order calling for the so-called Middle East market or regional blocs are basically a U.S.-Zionist project to fragment the Arab nation and grant Zionism an opportunity to control the Arab economy and steal Arab resources. Concluding his speech, the trade minister stressed the importance of bolstering the role of economic unity and Arab economic agreements within the framework of the Arab League. He emphasized the need for supporting the joint Arab market and the joint Arab action strategy that was approved in Amman in 1980 to confront the challenges facing the Arab nation. |
FBIS3-34588_0 | Daily's Special Edition Views `Ceaseless' U.S. Plots | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 10, IRNA -- Fifteen years in the life of a nation, said KAYHAN INTERNATIONAL, is like 15 seconds "yet in this period we managed to come a long way and have little to fear." The English daily which brought out a special 24-page issue on the eve of Bahman 22 (Feb. 11), the anniversary of the triumph of the Islamic revolution, was referring to the ceaseless plots of America and its close confidante Britain against the Islamic Republic which ended their illegitimate interests around the globe. It said that "save the direct bombing of Iranian cities by U.S. fighter planes (the U.S. did shoot down one of our passenger planes in 1988 killing 300 civilians on board) the Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton White House did everything to first bring the Islamic state to its ruin..." The daily went on to recall plots engineered by the "great Satan" against Iran over the last decade and a half ranging from "Saddam Husayn's full-fledged military invasion of Iran to sponsoring resolutions against 'Tehran's human rights violations' at world forums." It also took note of the depressing oil prices, difficulty in procuring technology for peaceful purposes and other plots which "temporarily disturb our lofty mission... We do not need to run away from the truth. Yes our country has some problems, which country doesn't?" However, said KAYHAN, these problems have proved to be "blessings in disguise" and contrary to what the west likes to publicize, "Islamic Iran had no identity crisis." The daily continued: "As regarding our proclamations of peaceful coexistence, the international community once clearly, though reluctantly, had endorsed this position (the U.N. admitted that Iraq started the war against Iran). "Ours is basically a Muslim society that has unfathomable belief in justice of the kind practiced by our Imam Ali (A.S.)... "We have already accepted that the 21st century will be the century of Islam. With this in vision, we are minding our own business and expect the U.S. to do likewise," the editorial concluded. |
FBIS3-34589_0 | Paper Examines Turkey's `Dangerous Game' | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary: "Turkey--Dangerous Adventurism"] [Excerpts] Following the killing and wounding of our innocent compatriots when Turkish fighter planes dropped rockets on villages on the Iranian border, some observations may be made about bilateral relations and Turkey's regional situation: [passage omitted] The simultaneous presence of the head of the Zionist regime in Ankara and the savage attack by the Turkish planes on northern Iraq and our border regions indicate a dangerous game initiated by the Turks, especially as the reports and news available state that Zionist intelligence and military officials are increasingly present in or visiting northern Iraq and sending out the necessary information to Turkish militarists. [passage omitted] Turkey's overt declaration that Ankara and Tel Aviv are cooperating on combating hizbollah indicates that gradual moves by the Muslim combatants are taking shape in Turkey and in all Muslim countries. [passage omitted] Iran has displayed great restraint over Turkey's irresponsible and provocative actions, which include its cooperation with the various counter-revolutionary Iranian groups. This restraint and tolerance has limits and Ciller's government should ponder the dangerous consequences of these adventurist actions. It is the Iranian people and Government's rightful expectation that these aggressive actions are halted and that the Turkish Government tenders an apology and a guarantee that such incidents will not recur. |
FBIS3-34590_0 | Russian Official Views Prospects for Relations | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Report by an IRNA correspondent from Moscow] [Text] Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Zaveryukha stressed Iran's role and importance in the region and the need to broaden bilateral cooperation in economic, cultural, and other fields. During his interview with IRNA's correspondent in Moscow, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Zaveryukha elaborated: We don't even have the slightest difference with the Islamic Republic of Iran hampering mutual cooperation. Asked about the Russian Government's view of foreign policy, he said: In view of its geographic position in Europe and Asia, Russia should have equal political and economic relations with all countries based on reciprocal interests. Zaveryukha stressed that unilateral tendencies usually have dangerous and negative consequences for countries such as Russia, so there must be multilateral cooperation with countries such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. He added: The "insane ramblings" of individuals such as Zhirinovskiy regarding neighboring countries are not at all representative of the opinions or will of the Russian Administration or people. On the prospects for cooperation between Iran and Russia and the cordial relations between Iran and the former Soviet Union, the Russian deputy prime minister added: In the Persian Gulf region, Iran is bestowed with all kinds of capabilities, so we should establish extensive cooperation in the cultural and economic fields. On the upcoming conference of the Caspian Sea littoral countries, he stated: Iran's participation in this conference along with the CIS member countries is necessary and imperative. |
FBIS3-34596_1 | Paper Examines U.S. Effort To Prolong Blockade | the world in the name of democracy and human rights. Furthermore, its unlimited military support for Israel ignores "Israel's" long record of oppression and violation of Palestinian human rights. The Zionists besiege dozens of Palestinian towns and villages, blow up Palestinian homes, confiscate hundreds of acres of land, kill Palestinian demonstrators protesting the occupation, and drive hundreds of Palestinians to prisons and detention camps daily. Yet, the United States overlooks this criminal record of the Zionists. It supplies Tel Aviv with new modern weapons and pledges to back its military superiority while at the same time it deprives the Arabs of the means of self-defense. The United States would not have been able to push further along this course had it not found among "Arabs" those who are ready to squander Arab funds on the crumbs of American tables, those who are willing to receive any old useless weapon or aircraft that is thrown to them. Otherwise, how can we explain Washington's supplying the most update military aircraft to Tel Aviv versus the sale of old F- 15 aircraft to Saudi Arabia? Against whom would Riyadh use these aircraft? And, who could be threatening Saudi Arabia when it has strong relations with "Israel," both in secret and in the open? Anyone who follows the list of U.S. weapons that have been sold to Saudi Arabia over the past two decades will find that the United States had "swallowed up" tens of billions of dollars (other than the billions spent on the 30-state aggression). One would assume that all that money had gone toward selling Saudi Arabia leftover weapons from World War II. Nobody knows anything about the fate of those weapons and whether they actually arrived in Saudi Arabia, or if all those deals were merely fiction. What is certain, however, are the billions of dollars that Washington has received in return for one real thing; namely, maintaining "Israel's" military superiority. While pointing to U.S. double-dealing and Washington's double standards in dealing with international issues and areas of tension in the world, we call upon the other "big powers" to tackle the same international issues with a good measure of evenhandedness and justice. Isn't it unreasonable for the United States to insist, through international organizations and all illegal means, on depriving countries of even a knife to use in self-defense while providing Israel with the most modern and high tech |
FBIS3-34597_0 | Paper Notes Iran's `Interference' in Other Countries | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN ["Standpoint" column: "Iran and Export of Anarchy" by 'Isa Isma'il al-'Abbadi] [Text] The Iranian regime continues to interfere in the internal affairs of Arabs and Muslims instead of paying attention to its aggravating problems resulting from its haphazard policies and inability to find solutions to the difficulties of the peoples of Iran, the majority of whom are living below the poverty line. The Iraqis taught this regime a hard lesson when it attempted to meddle in their affairs. The Iraqis waged the second al-Qadisiyah battle [the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war] and inflicted on the Tehran regime a comprehensive defeat. And when the Iranian regime attempted to interfere in Iraqi affairs through the chapter of treason and treachery [the 1991 pro-Iran shiite rebellion in southern Iraq] it faced the same fate despite the fact that it tried to confuse the situation and enter under the broken wings of the 30-state aggression. From the Arab east to the Arab west, Arabs and Muslims are aware that the Iranian regime is trying to interfere in their internal affairs and is working to foment seditions and anarchy under false slogans. In a statement, the Jordanian Government announced that Jordan wants to make the size of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Amman equal to the size of the Jordanian diplomatic mission in Tehran. However, diplomats in the Jordanian capital say that Jordan adopted this position after its security organs became certain that Iran tried to interfere in last November's parliamentary elections. It has also been revealed that Iran had continuous contacts with groups bent on creating anarchy in Jordan. In Algiers, the newspaper AL-SHA'B has strongly condemned Iran's blatant interference in Algeria's internal affairs and its attempt to cast doubt on the appointment of Liamine Zeroual as the new president of the country. The newspaper said that Algeria will not accept any claims by the regime controlled Iranian media under any circumstances or justification and will vehemently refuse to take lessons from a regime that has failed to manage its internal affairs and led its people to the brink of bankruptcy and collapse. The Algerian paper noted that Iran is forgetting its isolation, suffering, and support for terrorism, and that it has exported destructive ideology to make Algeria a den of extremism. Iran, the paper said, has unleashed its media to spit venom against Algeria and its unity. These facts extend across |
FBIS3-34598_1 | Actions of Saudi, Iranian Regimes Criticized | second al-Qadisiyah [Iraq-Iran war] -- hence their inferiority complex. The leader president commented on that by saying: Withdrawal from Kuwait was not within our plans, if it had not for that treachery. We wanted to deprive the enemies of any opportunity to undermine the domestic front, which was our main concern. As for the question of fighting the enemies, that was something else. If circumstances did not let us fight the enemies outside the border, we were ready to fight them inside Iraq. We planned to draw them into the cities, and thus foil their plans against our domestic front. So the enemies know the secret of Iraqi steadfastness. It is the solid domestic front, which our wise leadership has considered the main base. It is, in fact, the object and means of the revolution and its ambitious programs. When the enemies realized their treachery had little effect by any military standards -- it certainly failed in its strategic aim to overthrow the regime and to establish a foothold on our land -- they declared a unilateral cease-fire, thereby acknowledging their military and political defeat despite all the international mobilization and the propaganda campaign which carried on for 400 [as published] hours daily. Since the enemies can justify their premeditated action in using Iran to carry out their treachery -- in view of their well-known baseness since the days of Khalid Bin-al-Walid and Salah al-Din's encounter with the Crusaders, Iran will not be able to justify its action. The enemies are infidels who claim no religion or mission. But what do the ayatollahs, who are entrenched in the vestibules of trickery, have to say when they claim to be faithful and good Muslims, who uphold the values and ethics of the chaste imams?!! Due to their strong disappointment, the treacherous used their lackeys, those rotten head traitors, to establish a new situation in northern Iraq that was bound to disappear, and to divide Iraq into small sectarian or ethnic states, so it would be easy for them to control its resources and to end the blessed revolution march of the Ba'th Party and its masses. If we go back to enemy plans and designs we will discover that they had indeed planned for such a situation. They knew that a military victory over Iraq was an impossibility. So they pinned their hopes on their agents here and there to carry |
FBIS3-34599_0 | Zhalah Commander Interviewed on Turkish Raid | Language: Turkish Article Type:BFN [Telephone interview with Numan Ucar, alias Mahir, the commander of the People's Liberation Army of Kurdistan Zhalah camp in Iraq, in Cologne, Germany, by Behcet Avsar; date not given] [Text] [Avsar] What were the aims and results of the operation launched against Zhalah? [Ucar] The operation was the most comprehensive air attack against us. Contrary to claims by the Turkish Government, Zhalah plays no role in "training and sending guerrillas to Turkey." The reason for exaggerating the importance of the Zhalah camp, which has a role of its own, is the impasse in the war. The aim is to create the impression that our struggle does not come from inside Turkey, but from abroad. That is why they decided to attack. Another factor in this attack is the new alliance forged between Turkey and Israel. This is an alliance forged by the forces of reaction in the Middle East. This attack is also a sign that Turkey has become a dangerous factor in the Middle East and that if need be it could attack the peoples of the Middle East with the support of imperialist and reactionary forces. We knew of the possibility of attack at any time, motivated by the ill-temper bred by war. So we took additional measures a few days before the raid. Our forces were constantly alert and always ready. The raid started at 0900. As reported, some 50 planes took part. The second raid came at 1400. This attack too lasted 45 minutes. With this attack, the Turkish Republic showed that it represents a threat, not only to our struggle, but to the entire Kurdish people. While attacking our positions, they did not forget to attack our people in southern Iraq and eastern Iran. Seven people were killed and seven others were wounded on our side. Four villages were bombed in east Kurdistan. There were nine to 10 dead and over 20 wounded. Some 50 animals were destroyed. They attacked every living thing in the region. Two villages were attacked in south Kurdistan, where five people were killed. Material damage was also caused to the villages in south Kurdistan. Claims that "an ammunition dump was blown up" are not correct. The smoke arose from our five to 10 barrels of fuel. Some of our tents were destroyed by shrapnel. Normal activity is continuing in the camp. [Avsar] Is it true that |
FBIS3-34599_2 | Zhalah Commander Interviewed on Turkish Raid | the leaders' headquarters and communications room were destroyed? [Ucar] Our radio broadcasts and wireless communications are continuing uninterrupted. As for the destruction of leading cadres: The Kurdish Workers Party [PKK] leading cadres never stay together in the same region or spot. They are in areas were fighting is taking place. Besides, the PKK's leading cadres exist in every locality where we are active. [Avsar] What was the reaction of the people of south Kurdistan against the operation? [Ucar] This is an important issue. Our people around the camp in south Kurdistan acted with intense dedication. They acted in a spirit of national unity and solidarity. The people of south Kurdistan acted in great solidarity fearing that many of our people might have been hurt. Some 5,000 people gathered in front of the hospital, where our wounded were taken, to give blood. Soon after the attack, a convoy arrived to carry our wounded and martyrs. This attack once more proved that the more the Kurdish people are attacked, the greater the unity and solidarity that will be forged. [Avsar] Why was Zhalah selected for the raid? Did Zhalah take the place of al-Biqa'? [Ucar] As you know, the Turkish Government came to office making great promises. Intense psychological propaganda was launched: "We will crush the PKK. We will wipe out the PKK by March 1994." All the tools in the hands of the special warfare -- including the press, General Staff, president, and the special governor -- tried to mislead the public by claiming that the special warfare was succeeding. They also gave clear guarantees to international forums that they would crush our struggle by March 1994. But we are close to March and the Army hasn't struck a blow to our forces nor have the Kurdish people left Kurdistan, despite the torching of hundreds of villages. They created the impression that a great blow had been dealt to us with the closure of our associations in Germany and France. And recently, they tried to divert attention from the struggle inside the country by stepping up the propaganda about the Zhalah camp. By claiming to have destroyed Zhalah, which they asserted has supplanted al-Biqa', they actually aimed to shore up their image before the elections. Zhalah camp can never supplant Mahsum Korkmaz Academy, the PKK's camp in the al-Biqa' valley. It has assumed no such function. [Avsar] The press reported that |
FBIS3-34604_0 | Report Links `Iranian Ambitions,' Embassy Cuts | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Reporty by Salamah Ni'mat: "Jordanian Fears of Their Activities Were Behind Reduction in Number of Iranian Diplomats"] [Excerpts] Amman -- Reliable Jordanian sources yesterday warned that Iran is still trying to export its Islamic revolution to the Arab states "by various methods" such as financing cultural foundations and research centers and intensifying contacts with figures which influence public opinion in these states. The sources said that Jordan's official request, submitted to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, seeking a reduction in the number of diplomats in Iran's embassy in Amman from 40 to nine by the end of this current month "reflects Jordanian concern about Iranian ambitions." They pointed out that the Jordanian Government had moved two months ago to check the activities of the Iranian diplomatic mission in Amman after an assault on Jordanian Ambassador in Tehran Yasin Istanbuli. They said that some unknown individuals broke into the ambassador's home, tied him up for hours, searched the house, and stole some of its contents. Official sources say that they suspect that those individuals who broke into the ambassador's home and assaulted him belonged to an Iranian intelligence branch or worked for one of the centers of power in Tehran. The Jordanian sources revealed that the government requested an official "apology" from the Iranian Foreign Ministry for that assault incident but the Iranian Government only expressed "regret" about the incident. They said that Jordan also expressed displeasure at the fact that the Iranian authorities did not take sufficient security measures to protect the Jordanian diplomatic mission and discover the identity of the "unknown" individuals who stormed the ambassador's home. [passage omitted] The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has emphasized that it has no reservations regarding the activities of the Iranian Ambassador in Amman Ahmad Dashmaltajian despite press reports claiming that he was one of the founders of Hizballah in Lebanon in cooperation with Syria. The Jordanian reservations regarding the Iranian diplomatic mission concern, among other things, the funding of the Islamic Research Center in Amman and the attempt to have a seat for Shiite studies at the Jordanian University. An official source has stated that Iran "concentrates its efforts on Shiite cultural and academic aspects with the aim of spreading the ideologies of the Iranian revolution" but "pays no attention to economic cooperation between the two countries." He added that Jordan decided that the presence of 40 Iranian diplomats in |
FBIS3-34619_0 | President, Envoys Meet, Note Revolution's Anniversary | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Foreign ambassadors and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Iran today were received by President Hashemi-Rafsanjani. Our reporter sent us this report: [Unidentified reporter] During the meeting, the president said that the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on strengthening friendship and cooperation and the establishment of friendly relations with all countries, with the exception of the regime occupying Jerusalem and America. He said: We are strongly against regional crises and wars, and we are prepared to cooperate with international organizations and peace-loving nations of the world in order to eliminate centers of crisis. Condemning America's hostile policy toward Iran, Hashemi-Rafsanjani said: America has never been able to comprehend the realities of the Islamic revolution of Iran and is still living in the past when she regarded herself the master of this country. Therefore, the Iranian people will confront America's hostile policies with firmness and strength and will never compromise with that kind of thinking. He described the regime occupying Jerusalem as an illegitimate and imposed regime and added: Israel is not seeking a peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the oppressed Palestinian people. One cannot support the so-called peace talks as long as the destiny of millions of Palestinian refugees is not clarified. The president described the victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran in 1979 as being due to the justice seeking and antityrannical attitude of the Iranian people. He said: If we are witnessing the deterioration of values and principles and of human and international norms in many parts of the world today, this is due to deviations from the pure and peace-loving nature of the nations of the world. Enumerating examples of corruption and injustice during the era of Iran's former lackey regime, its collusion with unjust international policies, and its dependent foreign policy, Hashemi-Rafsanjani said: All members of Iranian society--with unprecedented unity and through reliance upon the call of their spiritual nature [fetrat] and by following the wise leadership of their religious leader--rose up against tyranny and injustice. They have paid a very heavy price thus far in order to achieve victory and to safeguard their gains. They are also prepared to continue paying the price of their independence and freedom in the future. Referring to the progress made by the Islamic Republic of Iran during the era of reconstruction, Hashemi-Rafsanjani said: |
FBIS3-34645_0 | ICO Ministers Urge UN To Lift Sarajevo Siege | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Kuala Lumpur, Feb. 10, IRNA -- Foreign ministers of the contact group of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) [Islamic Conference Organization, ICO] in Jakarta, Indonesia Thursday [10 February] appealed to the U.N. Security Council to forge effective measures to lift the siege of Sarajevo. Issuing a statement, foreign ministers of the OIC contact group including those of Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Egypt are currently in Jakarta to hold their annual meeting. The foreign ministers branded as "insufficient" the recent decision by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The statement also called for a special session of the U.N. Security Council to find a just solution to the Bosnian problem. The OIC also declared its support for holding of an international conference to find a just solution to Bosnia-Herzegovina problem. Some 16 NATO member states in Brussels Wednesday threatened Bosnian Serbs with air strikes unless the Serbs withdrew artillery and heavy weapons beyond 20-kilometer range of the Sarajevo within ten days. The Serbian forces have agreed to withdraw their artilleries beyond the range of Sarajevo. |
FBIS3-34654_0 | PLO Leaders, Opposition Analyze Cairo Agreement Territories Express `Mixed Feelings' | Language: Hebrew Article Type:BFN [Excerpts] Palestinians in the territories greeted the signing of the agreement in Cairo with mixed feelings. There were no expressions of joy over the additional step on the way to the implementation of the agreement on self-government, but people intensely followed media reports about the talks. "Until people see changes happening before their very eyes they will not believe that a new era is indeed on their doorstep," Ghassan al-Khatib, a leading member of the team conducting the peace talks, said shortly before the agreement was signed. Al-Khatib is one of a group of public figures who have been strongly criticizing the PLO leadership's decisionmaking process. Palestinians involved in the peace process have been resentful over the fact that they have not been included in the talks ever since the Declaration of Principles was signed. In view of this criticism, Faysal al-Husayni was summoned to Cairo at the last minute. Dr. Haydar 'Abd-al-Shafi is not sure that the Cairo agreement constitutes a step forward. He heads the critics of the PLO leadership, and has not budged from his position that the settlements are the obstacle precluding the attainment of the main goal. "As long as the settlements remain untouched and as long as land, particularly in Jerusalem, is being confiscated to build houses I do not think we are advancing toward the goal we are seeking to reach." The aspiration for a just peace that meets the expectations of both peoples is not being realized, 'Abd-al-Shafi believes. Israel is forcing on the Palestinians all sorts of clauses and things that they should not accept. Moreover, he believes that the insistence on controlling the border crossings was unnecessary. "Let Israel go on controlling the borders. It does not matter, as long as there is a change on our side," said 'Abd-al-Shafi, alluding mainly to the settlements and what ensues from their continued existence. [passage omitted] Furayh Abu-Middayn is pleased that some progress has been made in the talks, but like many others in the Gaza Strip, is sorry that Yasir 'Arafat was forced to accept conditions and arrangements he does not like and which might cause problems in the future. "Abu-'Ammar [Yasir 'Arafat] is not pleased either, but he realizes that the Palestinians are the weak side because Rabin is unwilling to give in. 'Arafat hopes that a new mechanism of relations will nevertheless evolve that will |
FBIS3-34684_0 | Official Comments on Procedures | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] Dahham 'Abd-al-Rashid, head of the Financial Control Bureau, has said the decision to limit dealing in foreign currencies to officially licensed companies and banks is the most important step toward controlling speculation in the Iraqi dinar's exchange rate against the U.S. dollar. He stressed, however, that the decision came late. In an exclusive statement to AL-JUMHURIYAH, 'Abd-al-Rashid said: Most countries in the world, if not all, have companies and offices that deal with foreign currencies in a regular way and are subject to the control and supervision of the competent authorities. It is difficult to predict the extent of the success that will come from applying this decision, which every citizen that cares for his people and nation wishes to see. We are certain that the experience and insight of leaders of the competent state agencies will ensure the success of this decision, which will produce positive results for the national economy and for all the parties that have an interest in the decision. He stressed that the primary indicator of the success of this decision will be the stabilization of the dinar's exchange rate. He explained that the long-term objective of the decision is to improve the exchange rate against foreign currencies so that we can buy more for one Iraqi dinar than we can buy now. Asked by AL-JUMHURIYAH about the reasons for the sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate, the director of the Financial Control Bureau said the main reason is the deliberate subversive attempts carried out by foreign and domestic parties, who took advantage of the circumstances of the unjust economic blockade and the weak points of the Iraqi economy, which used to rely heavily on oil exports and on importing commodities and services from abroad. These parties, he said, succeeded in bringing about fluctuations in the Iraqi dinar's exchange rate against the U.S. dollar and other foreign currencies. They have also succeeded in producing price hikes on commodities and services, thus laying a heavy burden on the shoulders of citizens with limited incomes. He added that the remedy for the current inflation is based on maintaining prices at their current level, or even bringing them down to a lower, constant level, and on long-term action. The action should start now to lower prices to the previous levels in Iraq or to the international levels, as well as keeping the inflation |
FBIS3-34697_0 | U.S. `Source' Cited on Economic, Military Aid | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] A senior White House source has asserted that the U.S. Administration is seriously considering providing economic and military aid to Jordan in recognition of its distinguished role and importance in the region. In reply to a question by a correspondent for the JORDANIAN NEWS AGENCY in Washington, the responsible U.S. source, which requested anonymity, said His Majesty King Husayn's recent visit to the United States and his talks with U.S. President Bill Clinton were successful. The discussions addressed ways to promote bilateral cooperation. Addressing reporters from 17 countries -- who are visiting the United States at the private invitation of the U.S. Information Agency -- the source said President Clinton's administration greatly appreciates Jordan's stands, its genuine desire for peace, and its efforts to achieve it in accordance with UN resolutions. The source added that Jordanian-U.S. contacts are continuing, pointing out that so far no specific decision has been made on the size and nature of U.S. aid to Jordan. The source said the decision of the U.S. Administration and its allies to give a warning to the Bosnian Serbs was in line with the desire of the U.S. public to end the siege on Bosnian Muslims in Sarajevo and the need to end the war in the Balkans. |
FBIS3-34710_2 | Peres on PLO Agreement, Syria, Jordan Talks | can result in greater enmity and hatred, greater danger and number of casualties involved. Where does this unforgettable genius lead? [Raz] Still, what are the weaknesses in the agreement you worked out in Cairo? [Peres] You know, we initially said we would give the Palestinians honor and they would give us security, or rather, agree on security issues, but the truth is that what we call security they call honor, and what they term honor we think of as security. For example, will the Palestinian policemen stationed in the border terminal be armed with pistols or not? Can you conceive of a policeman without a pistol? A policeman needs weapons for self- defense in case an armed person enters or in case somebody runs wild. This is a simple example of a problem that caused hardship. [Raz] They will have pistols after all, I believe. [Peres] Yes. Reference is to up to 10 policemen. [Raz] So, is it because of 10 armed policemen that the defense establishment had so many reservations, according to several reports? [Peres] Do not lead me into this kind of false drama. There is a military echelon which should give military advice. This is its duty and I have no complaints about this. Just as doctors give medical counseling, the Army counsels on security issues and should insist on this, and so should the politicians, for their part, insist on what is politically necessary. I have no complaints about this. Doubts arise though. The whole issue of crossing the border terminal for instance. They say we are giving them autonomy rather than independence, but when a Jericho resident arrives at the terminal, what does autonomy mean to him? -- Let him be welcomed by a Palestinian policeman with a Palestinian flag. We said no, we want to check everyone who goes through. You can ask why there is an argument over a policeman. The argument is not over a policeman but over a sea of feelings, of anxieties, suspicions, and hopes, and with correct phrasing you can sometimes surmount problems. [Raz] Who guarantees, Mr. Peres, that these formulations will pass the test of reality? Your experience shows that 'Arafat went back on agreements at the very last minute? [Peres] Who can guarantee there will be no war, or anything else for that matter? Gambling or risks is the name of the game wherever you turn. You |
FBIS3-34725_0 | Editorial Discusses U.S. Nonproliferation Policy | Language: Urdu Article Type:BFN [Editorial: "Pakistan's Nuclear Program -- New Element in the U.S. Attitude"] [Text] According to the influential U.S. daily THE WASHINGTON POST, the United States is preparing to launch air strikes against nuclear installations in Third World countries. A Defense Department official has been assigned the task of determining how Third World nuclear installations can be targeted for U.S. air strikes. It is known that -- following China -- India, Pakistan, and now North Korea are Third World countries that have been the topic of international media discussion regarding their nuclear strength. India officially detonated a nuclear bomb in 1974, becoming a de facto member of the international nuclear club, but the United States has not paid much "attention" to India's nuclear program since then. On the other hand, when Pakistan achieved the capability to enrich uranium during the last decade, the United States started raising objections to Pakistan's nuclear program. It adopted a policy of "overlooking" Pakistan's nuclear program, though, because of Islamabad's courageous stand during the "Afghan war." After the end of the Afghan war in 1990 and the disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union as a superpower, however, Washington declared Pakistan's peaceful nuclear program a "weapons-oriented program" and stopped all military and economic aid to Islamabad. This aid has still not been resumed. The Pakistani people will be rightly concerned about this talk of targeting nuclear installations in Third World countries. There have been serious differences between the U.S. and Pakistani stands on Pakistan's nuclear program. In the opinion of the Pakistani people and several governments, the U.S. Administration -- under the influence of the Israeli and Indian lobbies -- has refused to accept the "peaceful" nature of Pakistan's nuclear program. This is the case even though Islamabad has given assurances at the international level that it will not build and has not built any nuclear weapons, despite having the ability to do so. Washington's stand, however, is that Islamabad is making nuclear weapons and that it should roll back its nuclear program. The U.S. Government is putting its entire emphasis on making Pakistan "abandon" its nuclear program and sign the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, or NPT. In response, the Pakistani Government has always adopted the stand that it is ready to sign the NPT provided that India -- which is a major nuclear power in this region -- signs the treaty first. It is |
FBIS3-34732_0 | Rabbani Congratulates Iran on Revolution Anniversary | Language: Dari Article Type:BFN [Text] A source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that esteemed Professor Borhanoddin Rabbani, president of the Islamic State of Afghanistan [ISA], has sent a congratulations message on the occasion of 15th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran to the president of that country. Text is as follows: Esteemed brother Hojjat ol-Eslam val Moslemin 'Ali Akbar Hashemi- Rafsanjani, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, peace and the blessings of God upon you. On behalf of the state and Muslim people of the ISA and myself I convey the most cordial congratulations on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran to you dear brother, and to the state and Muslim people of Iran. I am fully confident that existing fraternal and friendly relations between the governments and the people of the two neighbouring and Muslim countries, which are based on Islamic fraternity and common culture, will further expand and consolidate in the interest of our people and peace and security in the region and the world. Taking this opportunity once again I wish from God your excellency's health and success, along with the tranquility and prosperity of the fraternal people of Iran. Success comes from God. [signed] Professor Borhanoddin Rabbani, president of the ISA. According to another report a similar congratulation message has been sent by esteemed Hedayat Amin Arsala, ISA minister of foreign affairs. Confidence was expressed in the message that existing fraternal and friendly relations between our countries will further expand and consolidate. |
FBIS3-34734_9 | Accompolishments, Obstacles Reviewed | the same time: one, economic adjustment, and, two, economic development; giving priority to infrastructural and cultural tasks. They saw how it travelled this path with success. They can also see how our own neighbors are having so many difficulties in carrying out their policies of economic adjustment and of changing their structures. Can this have any reason other than that our people are present on the stage, are vigilant, are aware, support their regime, endure the problems that result from this revolution treading along its difficult path by itself, obey the eminent leader of their revolution [Khamene'i], are loyal to the path of their eminent late imam, value the blood shed by their martyrs and draw inspiration from the dear families of martyrs, those missing in action, the war disabled and the former POWs and from the proud POWs and war disabled themselevs, who are the torches guiding this country. And the hizbollah forces throughout the country, in villages, towns, factories, schools, universities, offices -- everyone can see among themselves everywhere these intelligent, dear and determined supporters of the revolution. They can see the armed forces [crowd interrupts chanting slogans] -- thank you for your good words and sentiments. They see the Armed Forces, the Revolution Guards' Corps, the proud Mobilization forces, the Law Enforcement Forces and the other sectors at the service and in great support of the revolution. This great body is participating in all villages and cities across the country. Everywhere you will see something similar to the Azadi square where intelligent and enlightened people have come to express their loyalty, strength, and steadfastness. Reports I have received since this morning indicate that across the country people are using their time, effort, and voice at the service of the revolution and Islam today. Your participation will make the faltering tongues of the world arrogance stutter even more for sometime and will shut them up. And even if they scream and yell it will only hit a mountain that will return it to them. I sincerely thank your honors and the dear students who carried out such a sweet song so well in this great square and all those who organized and managed the good programs for the Ten Days of Dawn celebrations. May God keep you. God willing we will meet again in the other venues of the revolution. May God's blessings and peace be upon you. |
FBIS3-34735_1 | Nine-Point Resolution Issued | upon him--as the fundamental and inviolable part of the domestic and foreign policy of the holy system of the Islamic Republic. We will not cease our endeavors to the last of our breath, until the aspirations of that great imam have materialized. The marchers stressed the unconditional obedience of the Iranian nation to the guidelines of the eminent leader--an obedience that they considered as a religious obligation and as the only way of salvation for the Islamic ummah--and expressed their firm support for President Hashemi-Rafsanjani, the serving government, the Majles, and the judiciary. Furthermore, they asked the officials who are serving in the country's three powers to use all their abilities to secure social justice, eliminate deprivation and shortcomings, prevent corruption in the administrative organs, discourage a propensity towards luxuries and waste, and finally to hasten the process of the country's reconstruction and development. They also asked the officials to take serious steps toward rejuvenation of the principle of enjoinment of virtue, prohibition of vice. It is a principle that constitutes a solid point of reliance for the Islamic revolution. The resolution also stresses the need for the officials to pay greater attention to the material and spiritual needs of youth and to give greater value to the Basiji culture, which is a great source of support for the Islamic revolution. The resolution, moreover, pays tribute to the lofty status of the martyrs and the eminent families of the martyrs, the disabled, released POWs, the Baijees, and all the selfless devotees of the Islamic revolution. It asks the serving government to consider the needs of these beloved ones in its comprehensive and long-term plans. In another part of the resolution, the marchers reiterated that they still considered the U.S. Government as the great Satan, responsible for all the anti-Islamic plots and atrocities, and the main supporter of the aggressive acts of international Zionism. They emphasized the need for confrontation against the conspiracies of the great Satan. Furthermore, the marchers expressed their support for all authentic Islamic movements and condemned the dastardly crimes of the Serbs and the silence adopted by international forums toward such crimes. They also condemned the compromise between 'Arafat and Tel Aviv and asked the Muslim nation of Afghanistan to end the process of fratricide as soon as possible and to put all their efforts behind reconstructing their Islamic homeland and countering the conspiracies of the enemies. |
FBIS3-34739_0 | Daily Terms NATO `Ultimatum' `Propaganda Maneuver' | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 13, IRNA -- A Persian daily Sunday commented on the 10-day ultimatum given by the NATO to the Serbs and termed it as a propaganda maneuver to deceive the world public opinion. In a statement released on Wednesday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) issued a 10-day ultimatum calling the Serbs to withdraw their heavy artillery from around Sarajevo within a radius of 20 kms. In its editorial, 'JOMHURI ESLAMI' said that on the first encounter, the statement was expected to be a response to the demands of the world public opinion to end atrocities against Bosnian Muslims. However, a careful study of the context of the statement shows that once again NATO is following the policy of procrastination and is only posing as a decisive organization. Furthermore, it wants to make the world believe that it has made an effective and resolute decision. The evidence available indicates to the fact that the main objective of the statement is mere publicity and that NATO would never enter into the scene against the Serbs who are carrying out the same mission favored by the U.S. and Europe. It said that the U.S. and Europe were making efforts to provide further grounds to facilitate implementation of the mission by the Serbs. NATO's goal is to pretend it has managed to take a stance against the Serbs while under the status quo the United States and Europe are working on an agreement to dismember Bosnia. It turned to the statements issued by the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), calling for a severe stand by the Security Council and the NATO against Serbs, and said that NAM has never shown decisiveness at decisionmaking level. If NAM and the OIC use their deterrent levers to settle the Bosnian crisis, they have the necessary potentials, the daily noted, adding that this will be materialized in practice when all members have unity of expression and determination. |
FBIS3-34741_0 | Commentary Examines U.S. Role, Aims in Bosnia | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Unattributed commentary: "U.S. Role in the Bosnian Crisis"] [Text] After setting a 10-day deadline for Bosnian Serb forces -- which was aimed at removing the Serbs' heavy weapons from around the besieged city of Sarajevo -- U.S. White House officials and Western circles have been overwhelmed by a wave of concern. Those concerns have arisen at a time when, after a threat by NATO to carry out aerial attacks against Serbian positions, the Serb paramilitaries said that they would defend themselves against any aerial attack and they might take action against the 12,000 UN soldiers in Bosnia. Parallel with those threats, the U.S. and British Governments recommended that their representatives in the Serb-Montenegro alliance should leave because of the growing unrest that has been created as a result of the NATO threat. It seems that the U.S. and British response -- which has resulted in their recalling their representatives from Belgrade -- will end the American pretense of saying that the policy regarding the Bosnian crisis has been thought out. Also, this issue faces NATO's role in the current crisis with ambiguity. Nevertheless, political experts believe that military intervention in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina has only a deterrent meaning and is taken to mean psychological pressure on the warring sides; especially since there is neither any oil in the area nor has the area much geopolitical significance for Western Europe and America. Nevertheless, it is predicted that if NATO embarks on an aerial attack against the Serbs it will undoubtedly be taken as a measure to enhance the West's global image and to legitimize its action. In fact the West's irresponsible rationalizing and the lack of serious support for the Muslims against the events in Bosnia have resulted in the true face of the Western forums and their evil objectives to become more evident than ever. It is clear for all that America assesses Bosnia, just like other world issues, from the angle of its own national interests. In the case of the Bosnia- Herzegovina conflict, the United States has adopted three different positions. At the beginning, Washington was playing the role of a neutral observer, thinking that the Yugoslav crisis was simply a European problem. With the passage of time and the spread of war in the Balkans, Washington then showed an inclination to play a political role in the crisis. However, now we can |
FBIS3-34742_0 | Commentary Notes Clinton `Threats' Against North Korea | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Commentary prepared by the News Research and Commentaries Group] [Text] U.S. President Bill Clinton announced yesterday that if North Korea prevents an inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] of its nuclear installations, economic sanctions will be imposed. These remarks by the U.S. President came exactly one week after North Korea called the United States a paper tiger and stated that it will be the loser if another war breaks out in the Korean subcontinent. Despite agreements in principle between the United States and North Korea last month, during the past couple of weeks a strong propaganda war has been waged by the two countries. Pyongyang believes that on the pretext that North Korea is manufacturing nuclear weapons, the United States is engineering plots to cause a war with North Korea. From Pyongyang's point of view, even though North Korea has signed the Nuclear Nonproliferation Pact and has allowed the IAEA to inspect North Korean nuclear installations, the IAEA--influenced by some countries--has acted contrary to its main duties and is aiming imaginary accusations at North Korea for political reasons. At any rate, for 10 months the topic of North Korea's nuclear arms has been a gauge to measure the pressure in relations between Washington and Pyongyang, and this pressure has fluctuated from threats to encouragements. The recent U.S. threat to impose economic sanctions on North Korea can be studied on two levels. The first is the level of bilateral relations, in which case the sanctions will not be very effective. The second is the level of collective acts, in which case the United States will face two problems. The first problem is that it is difficult to attract the attention of countries, especially the permanent Security Council members and specifically China, on this issue. The second problem is that if these threats materialize, the crisis in U.S.-North Korean relations will enter a dangerous phase because if North Korea is put under economic pressures, it may resort to acts that will have unfavorable consequences. |
FBIS3-34755_3 | Ramadan Discusses Ways To `Confront' Embargo | single voice. Why? It is not because these parties are now feeling guilty about their previous positions on Iraq. It is because the Iraqis rose to the level of the battle and these parties realized that they will definitely not gain even the minimum amount of the benefits they thought they could gain from the blockade. The states that have helped, and are helping, drag out the blockade will be sorry because they have lost a great deal of their interests with Iraq. This is not just an interpretation, but a fact. So many of these states have begun to speak publicly about their material and economic losses that resulted from the blockade imposed on Iraq. Why has this happened? If Iraq disintegrated or collapsed or if a foreign power was imposed on it, we would not have heard what we are hearing in various countries of the world. This contradiction will grow further in the future and will undoubtedly lead to the deterioration of the blockade, leaving in disgrace every one that contributed to it, regardless of the motives and reasons of this or that country. As for the confrontation on the local, Arab, and world front, changes are interconnected. Any development in Iraq's power, responsibilities, and ability to stand fast will reflect on the Arab and international levels. We say that 1994 is an important year and not like any other year of the blockade. The Mother of Battles has produced several facts and exposed the reasons and objectives of the blockade, as well as the enemy intentions. What Iraq has offered to the United Nations and its cooperation with it have deprived the real conspirators and those who were dragged by them of many cards. This is especially the case following the Iraqi position toward Resolution 715. We tell the United Nations and any other international party that they are responsible for the continued blockade. There is no justification for maintaining it, even from the viewpoint of the United Nations, now that Iraq has abided by all resolutions. We absolutely confident that the Iraqi people will emerge triumphant. All nations will acknowledge the Iraqi people's contribution, strength, patience, and sacrifices. The Iraqi people have made great sacrifices to uphold the principles of justice, right, humanity, freedom, and independence. [passage omitted] [Al-'Abd] What can you tell us about Iraqi-UN talks on resuming Iraqi oil exports? [Ramadan] We do |
FBIS3-34758_0 | ICO Secretary General Stops Over for Visit Comments on Rgional Issues | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] The OIC [Islamic Conference Organization, ICO] secretary general, Dr. Hamid al-Ghabid, has appealed to all Afghan leaders, parties, commanders and people to cease all hostilities and scrupulously observe a cease-fire on all fronts from the first of Ramadan al-Mubarak [Holy Ramadan]. Dr. Hamid al-Ghabid, now in Pakistan, renewed the offer of the OIC to assist and facilitate a political process in Afghanistan. He said the OIC is prepared to play a meaningful role in promoting an intra-Afghan peace process without precondition. However, he said effective cessation of hostilities and observance of cease-fire are essential to enable the organization, and friends of Afghanistan, to help Afghan brothers overcome this tragic phase. The OIC Secretary General Dr. Hamid al-Ghabid had a meeting with the president, Sardar Farooq Ahmad Khan Leghari, in Islamabad today. They discussed the major issues of concern to the OIC including Kashmir and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Dr. Hamid al-Ghabid also had a meeting with the NWFP [North West Frontier Province] Governor Major General Retired Khurshid Ali Khan in Peshawar, and discussed with him matters relating to the affairs of Muslim ummah [community] as well as of bilateral interests. |
FBIS3-34761_0 | President Addresses Crowd on Anniversary of Revolution | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Iran's President Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani in his address to the millions strong gathering of the people at Azadi Square said that such a gathering showed that the insinuations by the enemies of the revolution were of no use. "The extensive presence of the people here is a clear proof that the Islamic ummah (nation) is unwilling to ignore the reality of their own lives under the influence of the negativistic and discouraging whispers of the enemies," he told the crowd. He said that the drop in oil prices was meant as measure to deal a severe blow to the Islamic republic. "The global arrogance, by creating the grounds for the drop in oil prices tried to hurt the Islamic Iran but did not succeed," he said, "today we produce the necessary raw material for our factories and foreign specialists (formerly in Iran) have been replaced with our own specialists." He added that today Iranian universities were meeting the needs of the univeristy students and that in the field of telecommunications Iran was depending more and more on the indigenous human and technical resources. He said that Iran was reaching the stage of self-sufficiency in the area of providing foodstuffs. "The farmers, the ranchers, the poultrymen and the fishermen of the Islamic Iran have all been able to meet the nutritional needs of the people to a great extent," he said. Elsewhere in his speech Rafsanjani discussed the legacy of Imam Khomeyni, saying that the legacy of imam served as a blueprint for the success of the revolution in Iran. "The nation of Iran is determined to follow the path of our late imam and will do so with ever-increasing resoluteness," he said. |
FBIS3-34762_0 | Khamene'i Announces Changes | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] His Eminence Ayatollah Khamene'i, the honorable leader of the Islamic revolution and the guardian of the cause of Muslims, today in a decree appointed Dr. 'Ali Larijani, the minister of culture and Islamic guidance, as the head of the Voice and Vision Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran and as a member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution for a term of five years. The full text of the eminent leader's decree is as follows: In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate. Now that through divine blessing the people of Iran are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the glorious revolution with pride and a sense of victory; now that the people and the government -- united and steadfast -- have surpassed a long, adventurous march full of victories as well as difficulties; now that the serving government, through a great struggle and by taking the initiative, has removed the major obstacles in the face of economic progress and national growth and development -- thereby paving the way toward construction and general welfare with a speed suited to the conditions of the revolution, the general conditions of the country require the publicity mechanism of the Voice and Vision to take on new policies in line with the nation's progress in all fields in order to balance the cultural climate of the nation and the accelerating trend of construction and general growth and development with the bases of the revolution and the fundamental principles of Islam. Furthermore, in order to confront the propaganda and cultural onslaught of arrogance and its lackeys, the new policies should widen the scope of the media's struggle in the trench of explaining, deepening, and honoring the glorious principles of the Islamic revolution, as well as in the trench of explaining the self-sacrificing efforts of the country's officials, the three branches of the state, judiciary, executive, legislative, especially the hard working and relentless judicial branch, with new, progressive, and rational methods and through a great and vigilant jihad. Taking into account the aforementioned, and expressing my thanks and gratitude for the relentless and continuous efforts of the esteemed Mohammad Hashemi, who during his term as the official in charge of the Voice and Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran -- particularly during the imposed Iran-Iraq war -- carried out great and all-encompassing efforts in administrating this sensitive |
FBIS3-34775_0 | President, Envoys Meet on Revolution's Anniversary | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] Foreign ambassadors and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations in Iran today were received by President Hashemi-Rafsanjani. Our reporter sent us this report: [Unidentified reporter] During the meeting, the president said that the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on strengthening friendship and cooperation and the establishment of friendly relations with all countries, with the exception of the regime occupying Jerusalem and America. He said: We are strongly against regional crises and wars, and we are prepared to cooperate with international organizations and peace loving nations of the world in order to eliminate centers of crisis. Condemning America's hostile policy toward Iran, Hashemi-Rafsanjani said: America has never been able to comprehend the realities of the Islamic revolution of Iran and is still living in the past when she regarded herself the master of this country. Therefore, the Iranian people will confront America's hostile policies with firmness and strength and will never compromise with that kind of thinking. He described the regime occupying Jerusalem as an illegitimate and imposed regime and added: Israel is not seeking a peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the oppressed Palestinian people. One cannot support the so-called peace talks as long as the destiny of millions of Palestinian refugees is not clarified. The president described the victory of the Islamic revolution of Iran in 1979 as being due to the justice seeking and antityrannical attitude of the Iranian people. He said: If we are witnessing the deterioration of values and principles and of human and international norms in many parts of the world today, this is due to deviations from the pure and peace loving nature of the nations of the world. Enumerating examples of corruption and injustice during the era of Iran's former lackey regime, its collusion with unjust international policies, and its dependent foreign policy, Hashemi-Rafsanjani said: All members of Iranian society--with unprecedented unity and through reliance upon the call of their spiritual nature [fetrat] and by following the wise leadership of their religious leader--rose up against tyranny and injustice. They have paid a very heavy price thus far in order to achieve victory and to safeguard their gains. They are also prepared to continue paying the price of their independence and freedom in the future. Referring to the progress made by the Islamic Republic of Iran during the era of reconstruction, |
FBIS3-34800_1 | Wrapup of Various Reactions to Mosque Attack Implications of Attack on Stability Viewed | regimes on which the opposition depends are also lacking in democracy and freedom of expression. It is perhaps worth noting that the regimes which support some Sudanese groups in their legitimate struggle for democracy are the very same regimes which had plotted against the Sudanese democratic experiment which flourished after the downfall of President Ja'far Numayri's regime in an unprecedented popular uprising. The danger currently threatening Sudan necessitates that both government and opposition face it jointly in one trench because its aim is to tear the country apart and plunge it into devastating wars that would blow away all the positive achievements such as food self-sufficiency, freezing of foreign debts, and elimination of many aspects of corruption. For all to be able to stand in the same trench, there should be dialogue and frankness based on loyalty to the homeland and its territorial integrity, not on the basis of revenge and suspect foreign links. The fact that the United States has been hostile to Sudan and has added its name to the terrorist list is in itself proof that there is something positive in Sudan, something not to the liking of certain Western circles known for not always harboring good intentions toward the Arabs and Muslims. Why is the United States antagonistic to Sudan when there are no common borders, interests, trade exchange, or oil transactions between the two? What really disturbs some Western quarters about Sudan is that in Sudan there is a desire for real independence, self-sufficiency, a complete Islamic program, and equality, and an eagerness to open the country to Arab and Islamic investments and to apply the Islamic Shari'ah. The American rule is subservience of the regimes to the will of the White House and the states in its orbit. The exception is promotion of an Arab Islamic identity outside the framework of U.S. hegemony. When corruption was the only certainty in Sudan and when Western intelligence services were acting freely there under different names such as relief and human rights organizations, Sudan was at the top of the list of states satisfactory to both West and East, but when it tried to steer a different course the picture changed completely. Is it not worth noting that Eritrea, which had received every possible aid and support from Sudan's Islamic regime, is now complaining about its fundamentalism and denying all the aid the Sudanese people extended to |
FBIS3-34803_1 | Rebel Leader Urges UN Intervention in Southern Conflict | towards the Ugandan border. "The deplorable and despicable practices of slavery and slave trade have surfaced," Machar said. Speaking a day after UN Secretary General Butrus Butrus-Ghali expressed concern about the escalation of the war and widespread human rights violations by all sides, Machar accused government forces of kidnapping children and selling them to Sudanese farmers and to Saudi Arabia and Libya. He said the government was "exporting its brand of Iranian Islamic fundamentalism to neighbouring states of Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda." Eritrea has complained of attacks by terrorist groups based in Sudan. Machar urged the United Nations to appoint a peace mediator to negotiate an end to the decades-old conflict between the Arabised north and the largely black south which erupted into full-scale civil war in 1983. Machar, who broke with SPLA leader John Garang in 1991 to form the SPLA-United splinter group, urged the United Nations to impose an oil and arms embargo on Sudan, "establish safe havens for civilians in south Sudan, and put pressure on Khartoum to accept an immediate ceasefire and allow in relief supplies." He said the United Nations should send peacekeepers if Khartoum refused to comply, dismissing suggestions that the world body could not despatch troops without government approval. "There is no government in south Sudan," Machar said. "The government is in the north. We have been fighting one another for the past 40 years. The war is a result of imposed unity and imposed Arabic, Islam, racial hatred and religious intolerance." Western diplomats, however, said the United Nations was unlikely to intervene in Sudan after its debacle in Somalia. They also noted that intervention would be complicated because the conflict was three-sided, as Machar's Nuer tribesmen had often fought Garang's Dinka forces. Machar denied Garang's accusation that his forces had fought on the government's side. The two rebel factions agreed in December to press for a referendum on southern self-determination, a demand rejected by the government which fears secession of the south. The government has banned relief flights to key destinations along the southern border with Uganda while sending warplanes and tens of thousands of troops south in what diplomats said looked like a final push to crush the rebellion. Most foreign relief workers have been forced to leave. Machar accused Khartoum of "using food as a weapon" and trying to "exterminate the civilian population of south Sudan by starvation." |
FBIS3-34806_3 | Political Islam Review: AL-USRAH AL-'ARABIYAH 27 Jan | are "secularists and communists, whose slogan is no to Islam, no to protecting religious and national ethics and values, and yes to permissiveness." Islamic Shari'ah Advocated Dr. al-Sayyid 'Abd-al-Sattar al-Miliji, secretary general of the Scientists Association, in an article entitled "The Fatal Error," contended that Third World governments are moving in a vicious circle because of a fatal error, namely, separating themselves from their people. Noting that Muslim people wish to apply Islamic shari'ah, he pointed out that the "governments in our countries mostly tend to follow a Western mentality, be it American or Russian." He added that these governments are so engrossed in this fatal error that they have become hostile to the desires and the creed of the nation and have made plans to fight religion and religious people. In conclusion, he noted that no social or political change could be brought about unless "free and fair elections" are held that could give real legitimacy to all the winning quarters. Islamic Preacher's Ban Questioned Writer Dr. Faruq 'Abd-al-Salam asked: Why is Shaykh 'Abd-al-Hamid Kishk, a famous Islamic preacher in a Cairo mosque, prevented from giving religious lessons, delivering the Friday prayers, and leading people to prayer. He claimed that there isn't one reasonable explanation for the authority's insistence on preventing Shaykh Kishk from doing his religious duty, although he is one of the ulema of al-Azhar and an articulate orator whose fame is known to Muslims worldwide. He further asked: "On what constitutional and legal basis in Egypt, the seat of al-Azhar, are people like Shaykh Kishk and Shaykh al-Mahallawi denied the right to speak and deliver sermons in God's house and public places, if, as you claim, Egypt is democratic and the oasis of democracy in the region?" He noteed that Shaykh Kishk's sermons are taped and broadcast against the authority's will in public squares, such as "Al-'Atabah Square." Islamic Thinkers on Islam, Extremism Reporters Hani al-Mikkawi and Yasir al-Dukkan noted a recent seminar held at the Islamic Thinking Institution of the Islamic Education Society. Among the attendees were writer Fahmi Huwaydi, Islamic preacher Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali, and Islamic thinker Dr. Muhammad 'Imarah who spoke at the seminar on local and international Islamic affairs. Huwaydi is quoted referring to a cultural "crisis" in the country resulting from Israeli, American, and Western "infiltration of Egyptian universities and culture, while Islam is busy defending itself against attacks by various |
FBIS3-34807_2 | Political Islam Review: 'AQIDATI 1 Feb | Minyat al-Nasr. Most of the discussion is religious, although Chief Editor al-Sayyid 'Abd-al-Ra'uf makes a reference to a particular threat to the country's future. He says: "I am confident that the hostile values [al-qiyam al-mu'adiyah] that do not want Islam to prosper or Egypt to stand on its feet know that Egypt's youths are the basis of its future, so they attempt to deal a fatal blow to those youths through drugs, sex, and extremism." He advises religious education as a way to educate the youth and revive the country's fortunes. Forces of "Modern Islamic Trend" Outlined Islamic writer Muhammad 'Imarah dedicates his 900-word "Islamic Views" column on page seven to a discussion of "The Forces of the Modern Islamic Trend." He notes: "In the year 1368 of the hegira, 1948, the Muslim Brotherhood group in Egypt entered its first, minor, crisis. In 1954, it entered its second, major, crisis." 'Imarah does not elaborate on the difference between the two crises, but he states that the crisis (not specified) "replaced conventional modes of thinking -- particularly among the youths -- with the mentality of tension. Among the ranks of those who lived through it, the crisis (not specified) created claws to protect the Islamic body. The feelings of anger, rejection, and protest found voice in the publication of "Milestone on the Road" by martyr Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966). This was followed by the emergence of factions shunning society and seeking to change it through violent means. These factions were united in judging Islamic societies, regimes, and governments as being atheist and pre-Islamic." 'Imarah adds that the trend for "rejection and anger and protest" spawned three strands: The first strand, which 'Imarah dubs "the claws," is composed of those who believe in violence and jihad. Another strand, which 'Imarah dubs "the brain," comprises those who call for reviving the Islamic tradition. This second or "traditionalist" strand began with Jamal al-Din al-Afghani (1838-1897) and focused on intellectual propagation. A third strand, which is expressed in general popular anger, is what 'Imarah calls "the body." 'Imarah provides no further insight into the positions and tactics or future strategy and prospects of these strands and gives no examples of the main representatives of the three strands on today's Egyptian and Muslim scenes. India's Treatment of Muslims in Kashmir Denounced Writer 'Adil Dayf dedicates a 300-word column on page 20 to denouncing the Indian Government for |
FBIS3-34808_4 | Political Islam Review: 'AQIDATI 8 Feb | A report prepared by the "American Islamic Center" showed how the U.S. media treatment of specific issues tends to exploit these issues to distort the image of Islam. A specific example given in the study refered to the media treatment of the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York. It noted that all reports and analyses on the story had one object in mind; namely, "To convince citizens that Islam is a religion of terrorism and that Muslims are necessarily terrorists." The same study pointed out that the U.S. media advances Islam, rather than Communism, as the West's "enemy" and that Islam is the "green danger that has replaced the red danger." The study added that a cover of "THE NEW YORKER" showed a picture of an Arab boy destroying a city, thus giving the impression that "Muslims are destructive." The study also refered to the cartoon movie "Aladdin," which "presented a monstrous image of Islam and Muslims with the purpose of implanting it in the minds of U.S. children." The report concluded, saying: "Despite this gloomy picture, there are several indicators that promise a change in the way Islam and Muslims will be viewed in the future. This is what makes the American Muslims, who number more than 6 million, pin high hopes on Islamic countries and organizations to prepare an organized and constant plan to present the real image of the noble religion and those who believe in it to the American people." Statistics on American Muslims An unattributed report cited statistics by an American Islamic institute as saying that 11,000 American citizens convert to Islam every year and that the number of Muslims in the United States has reached 5 million. West "Lacks Will" on Bosnia Issue Columnist 'Adil Dayf refered to U.S. President Clinton's notion that the international community lacks the will to stop the fighting in Bosnia and that neither NATO nor the UN secretary general has any desire to use NATO's air power to resolve the crisis. He noted that Clinton's remarks reflect the "international connivance" toward the plight of Muslims in Bosnia- Herzegovina. He urged Muslims to unify their efforts to resolve the Bosnian problem instead of waiting for international efforts that will lead to nothing, in view of the "obvious and blatant international connivance." West's Reporting on Extremism "Exaggerated" Chief Editor al-Sayyid 'Abd-al-Ra'uf crticized the Western media's "extreme and uncalled |
FBIS3-34809_1 | `Necessity' To Safeguard Iraqi Unity Viewed | Territories" by Dr. 'Abd al-Karim 'Abd al-Samad] [Text] The tripartite meeting of the foreign ministers of Syria, Iran, and Turkey that concluded its work yesterday in Istanbul falls within the three countries' joint coordination effort for the sake of bolstering security, peace, and stability in the region. The meeting is a followup to previous efforts that were crystallized at the Tehran meeting of 7 June 1993, which produced important positive results strengthenbing cooperation and mutual understanding and tackling conditions in the border areas with Iraq. In this regard, the conferees attached special importance to the situation in northern and southern Iraq, affirming their countries' commitment to the unity and safety of Iraqi territories for the sake of the region's peace and stability, and also in order to get rid of the negative effects of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, which not only caused great damage to Iraq and Kuwait, but also adversely affected neighboring countries. Iraq, including both the northern and southern parts, is still going through an anomalous, unstable situation due to its invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent burdens -- hence the call of the foreign ministers of the three countries urging the Iraqi Government to cancel all restrictions and measures against Iraqi citizens, which would help the return to a normal situation of security, stability, and peace. It would also help foil all plans and efforts to divide Iraq and disintegrate its unity. It is understood that the unity of Iraqi territories and the necessity to safeguard it from any divisions or disintegration constitute a major factor, in fact, an indispensable condition, for the security, peace, and stability of the region as well as the unity of Iraqi territories. Above all, it is a national and pan- Arab necessity dictated by the interests of the Iraqi people and the entire Arab nation. Disintegration or division, as often affirmed by Syria, has never been the method to resolve any problem no matter how complicated on the regional level. Therefore, the Iraqi people, despite all the circumstances they are going through, are called upon to affirm the unity and integrity of their territories. This is a general popular desire on Iraqi, Arab, and regional levels. As noted in the statement issued by the Istanbul meeting, the future of Iraq will be determined by the free will of the Iraqis on the basis of equality, democracy, and good neighborly relations. |
FBIS3-34820_4 | Islamic Group Spokesman Comments on Plans, Other Issues | satan." 3. To stress to the IG, represented in my person, that the Egyptian Government does not use the U.S. aid reaching Egypt to strike at the Islamic movement. My answer was to refuse a meeting. We do not meet officials from governments. And for us, the United States is the major enemy, just like Israel. [Mubarak] Why has the IG carried out acts of violence against tourism? [Qasim] There are several reasons for the attacks on tourism: First, tourism represents a massive source of illicit [haram] state revenue. This revenue provides the ruling regime with financial resources that help it to stay in power. We believe the regime should be removed. So, we decided to strike at this activity to deprive the regime of this revenue and hasten its demise. According to statistics, the annual income generated by tourism is 3.2 billion pounds [about $1 billion]. The government's own reports admit that a limited number of operations by the Islamic groups, which cost us nothing, have undermined this illicit revenue. Second, tourism in its current form is pure evil. It is an activity through which prostitution and AIDS are being spread, particularly by female Jewish tourists. It is a despicable source of a host of abominations. Tourism is also a way for foreign intelligence services to collect information about the Islamic movement. So, tourism is a certified evil and must be terminated. [Mubarak] But these acts of violence that you committed involved murder. Tourists were killed. What does the government have to do with this? [Qasim] Some tourists should not be killed. The target of our campaign is tourism, not tourists. We have taken several measures to protect the lives of tourists. We have issued several statements warning tourists against coming to Egypt, where their lives will be endangered. We have said that whoever visits Egypt subjects himself to danger because of our campaign against the tourism sector. We have also sent messages to the competent authorities warning them against inviting tourists for these reasons. Having done all this, those tourists who still visit the country are doing so at their own risk. [Mubarak] You said tourism is pure evil and a source of abomination. This is one of the reasons you cite for the attacks against the tourism sector. But AIDS and drugs are not a result of tourism. There are countries that have no tourism but in |
FBIS3-34820_17 | Islamic Group Spokesman Comments on Plans, Other Issues | groups. Generally speaking, there were military people in the al- Jihad case. [Mubarak] The military who left service or were accused in the al-Jihad case were officers, noncommissioned officers, and soldiers. They had no influence. Supposing that what you say about a presence in this sector is true, this does not mean there is any real danger. What do you think? [Qasim] I beg to differ with you. The influential forces are the minor officers and the situation in the military units confirms this. Soldiers do not get their orders from high-ranking officers such as a brigadier general and above. We are convinced of the importance of the lower ranks. This is a lesson from history. They are the motivators. [Mubarak] What are the details of the coup plan you prepared in 1981 and whose spark was the attack on the reviewing stand against President al-Sadat? [Qasim] The plan was based on several axes: Military action to seize control of the main centers, such as the operations room, the Defense Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the television and radio building, and the important bridges. The plan also called for the issuance of fabricated statements attributed to various army units expressing support for the Islamic revolution in order to confuse the Army Command and paralyze its activity. At the same time, armed elements would move to kill some influential state figures or those who would attempt to ride the popular wave. The people would then go down to the streets to prevent foreign intervention. We also had an alternative plan that was to be implemented in an emergency. This is the one that was carried out in 1981 after the arrest of a number of leaders, including myself, during the September campaign. The organization decided to implement the emergency plan for fear that the security service may have learned about the organization after our arrest. The emergency plan was amended after we learned that Khalid al-Islambuli has been selected to participate in the military parade. The leadership was hesitant whether to go ahead with the plan to assassinate al-Sadat or not. The brothers in Cairo decided to carry out the assassination plan, and that the shots to be fired by al-Islambuli would herald the start of the revolution and the movement in Cairo and Asyut. Usamah Hafiz was asked to travel to Upper Egypt to inform the other leaders about the plan. |
FBIS3-34861_4 | Writer Refutes U.S. Human Rights Report | to arrest and detain people without any legal guidelines or constraints, many of us in Jordan do not wish to curtail the power of the police to the extent that many western nations have done at the expense of internal law and order. No nation would want to have criminals loose in the streets and witness the commission of crimes that can be preventable. U.S. President Bill Clinton has made this very issue the theme of his annual address to the Congress earlier this year and called for a more effective policy and judicial measures to combat rampant crime in his country. The most recent U.S. statistics on crime releaved that the prison population in the U.S. has risen threefolded since 1974. No one can deny that the increase of crime in the U.S. is related, inter alia, to the disproportionate increase in legal safeguards offered to suspects. For many of us in Jordan, the choice in favour of a crime-free society is also a priority and we are not prepared to allow marginal legal technicalities stand in the way of keeping criminals off the streets. In this vein, Jordanians do not wish to condone torture or the ill treatment of detainees or prisoners. As a matter of fact, Jordan has ratified the Convention against Torture in 1992 as evidence of its policy against mistreatment of suspects and prisoners. It is also a fitting reminder that Jordan had ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) as far back as 1977. (As a footnote, the U.S. acceded to the ICCPR only two years ago!). So when the report states that "physical abuse of prisoners during interrogation and detention continues to occur," one can only say that this is probably true on limited occasions and needs therefore to be combated. Yet suggesting that such police excesses, when they occur reflect a state policy, makes the report in need of correction. Many nations, including some of the most advanced ones, suffer from police brutality. Most probably, the extent of the problem in Jordan is greater than that in the West. Yet it is also fair to say that this phenomenon in Jordan has more to do with police training and discipline than with any current state policy. What puzzled me most about the report in question, however, is the statement in the fourth paragraph to the effect that "citizens do |
FBIS3-34864_3 | Muslim Brotherhood Official on Dialogue Exclusion | to establish a Christian party. [Al-Hudaybi] The regime's justification is weak and politically motivated. I believe there is no harm in establishing a Christian party vis-a-vis an Islamic party. In 1948, and before the parties law was issued, the Muslim Brotherhood was religiously and politically active without the Copts demonstrating against it. On the contrary, relations with them were very good, and they still are. [Raghib] We all know about the Muslim Brotherhood's activity before the revolution and until it clashed with the regime in 1954, when an edict dissolving it was issued. Why does the group insist on engaging in political activity? [Al-Hudaybi] Political action has always been part of the Muslim Brotherhood's policy. We have no choice here; passages in the Koran and Sunnah [Prophet Muhammad's sayings and deeds] contain many provisions concerning government and politics. Since the group was established in 1928, those of our religion have proved their patriotism at all times. [Raghib] Are you seeking to gain power? [Al-Hudaybi] All political forces and parties seek power; this right is not exclusive to a certain party or group. But this should be done in a legitimate way through genuine democracy and free elections. It is the right of every Egyptian political force to seek power, and we are one of them. [Raghib] The current Muslim Brotherhood is accused of being an extension of the group's prerevolution military wing. What about this? What about the linkage between the Muslim Brotherhood and the acts of violence? [AL-WAFD] Al-Hudaybi forcefully denied this accusation, saying it is intended to discredit the Muslim Brotherhood. He said the current leaders of the group have nothing to do with anything related to a military or underground organization. He added: [Al-Hudaybi] We work publicly, and I reject any linkage between violence and the Brotherhood. It is well known that we condemn terrorism and violence. [Raghib] What about internal differences within the Muslim Brotherhood? [AL-WAFD] Al-Hudaybi denied the existence of any blocs or trends within the group, but he stressed that there is freedom of opinion. He said it is impossible for the whole group to have the same opinion. [Raghib] What about your relations with Muslim Brotherhood groups abroad? [Al-Hudaybi] The Islamic Brotherhood emerged in Egypt. People in various Arab and non-Arab countries then accepted its principles either through books or immigration. They shared the group's thought and policy and established groups in their |
FBIS3-34871_5 | Hasan Al-Turabi Comments on Islamic Movement | also in other countries. The new phenomena in the course of historical change might be acceptable to some old regimes and might be given freedom, in which case they come cleanly and gradually contribute to the positive evolution of realities, and perhaps resort to dialogue about, say, the negative aspects of their views. But if they collide with advocates of old realities seeking to maintain their domination, concepts, and economic interests, pressures might push them underground into secret and private activity that would erupt in a form of jihad or something else, for a government's violence and pressure is met with counterviolence and pressure. I regret to say that most signs of mutual pressures and conflicts were started by old ruling regimes seeking to maintain their power. World events were all like that, in France, Russia, China, America, and Britain. Sometimes, however, the new movements hastily resort to violence to the advantage of nobody or are forced to use violence for lack of other means. That is a mistake. [passage omitted] [Khazim] Does the IAPC advocate dialogue in this connection? [Al-Turabi] One of the IAPC's important characteristics is that it has mostly advocated dialogue and recommended dialogue between the various Islamic countries and between various forces within Islamic countries such as Afghanistan and Yemen, and also between regimes and groups seeking change, as in Algeria. It recommended dialogue and tolerence. [passage omitted] [Khazim] Isayas Afewerki, head of the Eritrean provisional government, has accused you as NIF leader of forming the Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement and has accused you of trying to destabilize his country. He held Sudan responsible for the infiltration of foreign gunmen across the borders to carry out military operations against his forces. What is your reply to these charges? [Al-Turabi] First, Afewerki only left Sudan a few years ago. Perhaps he was talking about the past when Sudan had parties and the NIF and before that. The Islamic trends supported the Eritrean liberation movement for dozens of years. Afewerki himself used to visit it (the NIF) and get media coverage from it. True, the NIF tried to bring together the various (Eritrean) Islamic trends and in fact did so in the Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement at a time when the Eritreans were forming movements for the liberation of their country. [Khazim] Why does he accuse you? [Al-Turabi] Because he was talking about Sudan's old history. The NIF |
FBIS3-34871_6 | Hasan Al-Turabi Comments on Islamic Movement | underground into secret and private activity that would erupt in a form of jihad or something else, for a government's violence and pressure is met with counterviolence and pressure. I regret to say that most signs of mutual pressures and conflicts were started by old ruling regimes seeking to maintain their power. World events were all like that, in France, Russia, China, America, and Britain. Sometimes, however, the new movements hastily resort to violence to the advantage of nobody or are forced to use violence for lack of other means. That is a mistake. [passage omitted] [Khazim] Does the IAPC advocate dialogue in this connection? [Al-Turabi] One of the IAPC's important characteristics is that it has mostly advocated dialogue and recommended dialogue between the various Islamic countries and between various forces within Islamic countries such as Afghanistan and Yemen, and also between regimes and groups seeking change, as in Algeria. It recommended dialogue and tolerence. [passage omitted] [Khazim] Isayas Afewerki, head of the Eritrean provisional government, has accused you as NIF leader of forming the Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement and has accused you of trying to destabilize his country. He held Sudan responsible for the infiltration of foreign gunmen across the borders to carry out military operations against his forces. What is your reply to these charges? [Al-Turabi] First, Afewerki only left Sudan a few years ago. Perhaps he was talking about the past when Sudan had parties and the NIF and before that. The Islamic trends supported the Eritrean liberation movement for dozens of years. Afewerki himself used to visit it (the NIF) and get media coverage from it. True, the NIF tried to bring together the various (Eritrean) Islamic trends and in fact did so in the Eritrean Islamic Jihad Movement at a time when the Eritreans were forming movements for the liberation of their country. [Khazim] Why does he accuse you? [Al-Turabi] Because he was talking about Sudan's old history. The NIF hadsdone him very great services, which he knows very well. I visited him in his home town after he achieved independence and he visited me more than once in my home after becoming president. Perhaps he got angry with the Jihad Movement and judged it on the basis of what he knew about Sudan. Now the Sudanese Government bans all activities of all the Eritrean movements and fronts except the ruling "Popular Front." [passage omitted] |
FBIS3-34876_3 | Editorial on Iraqi Goodwill, Favors Close Ties | certainly play an effective role in restoring Iraq's ties with the rest of the world and it must do so. Normalization of Iraq's ties with the international community will create a sort of stability in the entire region and will help establish and promote international contacts on the basis of mutual respect. Iraq's participation will prove particularly useful in efforts toward achieving the collective objectives of the Islamic countries. Addressing a news conference on his return from Baghdad, Asif Ali Zardari disclosed that the Iraqi Government is pleased with our humanitarian gesture. Iraq was in great need of the medicines we provided. Several people have died in Iraq because of a shortage and nonavailability of medicines and the common people are facing serious difficulties finding food and medicines as a result of restrictions imposed by the United Nations. Asif Ali Zardari said that he had the impression that Iraq would have been destroyed, like Bosnia, as a result of 120,000 tons of bombs that were dropped on that country during the Gulf War, but the Iraqis have rebuilt everything in just two years. It has been confirmed from other sources as well that Iraq has erased all signs of destruction just one year after the war, intentionally leaving a few places in their ruined state as war memorials. No other areas bear any sign of destruction caused by the war. Zardari said that the Government of Iraq has requested that Pakistan send medicines. The request should be considered sympathetically and an appeal should be made to the United Nations to lift restrictions on the supply of medicines and foodstuffs to Iraq on humanitarian grounds. Pakistan's efforts in this context will certainly bear fruit. As for the dispatch of medicines, there is no restriction in this regard. Pakistan and Iraq enjoy age-old ties. They have interacted and cooperated with each other under various agreements and, hence, a close and harmonious relationship must be established between them. Iraq is full of oil wealth and can provide oil to Pakistan on concessional terms. Trade between the two countries can also prove mutually beneficial. Anyhow, as stated by the prime minister, Pakistan's ties with Iraq can be restored only within the limits set by the United Nations. Iraq appreciates Pakistan's humanitarian gesture. Pakistan should also appreciate Iraq's goodwill gesture and thus the two countries should once again become each other's helper and supporter and |
FBIS3-34877_0 | Report Details Terrorist Schemes, Global Connections | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Riyad 'Alam-al-Din in Beirut and Nayil Mukhaybar in Paris] [Text] A few days ago, several West European intelligence agencies received a top-secret report warning of armed squads arriving in some countries and preparing to carry out armed operations in coordination with fundamentalist cells and Iranian-supervised and -financed underground organizations. The report urged the countries concerned to adopt the most stringent precautionary measures in anticipation of an international plot with many scenarios that could be implemented by citizens of different nationalities and cover a large number of European states, headed by Germany and France. The report noted that crucial meetings were held several weeks ago in Tehran for this purpose at the Iranian foreign intelligence headquarters in Firuzi Palace. The meetings were attended by representatives of the world's most dangerous armed factions and movements, including the Fatah-Revolutionary Council led by Abu-Nidal [Sabri al-Banna]; the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command; the Japanese Red Army; the Irish Republican Army; the Armenian Secret Army, represented by a woman close to its leader, Hakopian, who was assassinated in Athens in 1986; the Lebanese Revolutionary Organization established by Murshid Shabu; and the Lebanese Hizballah. These organizations were represented by senior officials who were responding to an invitation by a high-ranking Iranian authority eager to gather in Tehran an assortment of the world's most prominent armed networks. It has been learned that Mohsen Reza'i, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (Pasdaran); Mohammad Musavi, the information official at the Iranian Embassy in Beirut; other leaders of the Iranian hardline trend; and coordinators of international armed squads participated in these meetings. A Unified Command and Commandos The report, abridged copies of which were received by several West European intelligence agencies that follow Iranian moves closely, revealed that the meetings focused on the establishment of a unified command by Iran for these factions and the preparation of a plan to disperse these networks in most countries of the world, where they would be ready to strike at U.S. and European interests and assassinate politicians and diplomats upon receiving a codeword from Iran. This would happen if Iran were to be exposed to any attack or international blockade or threats seeking to tighten the stranglehold on it, increase its political and economic isolation, and provoke disturbances and internal strife that endanger its security and order. In fact, many intelligence agencies had been |
FBIS3-34880_0 | Motives Behind U.S. Foreign Aid Distribution Examined | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Commentary prepared by the News Research and Commentaries Group] [Text] A bill for foreign aid in 1994 amounting to $20.861 billion has been submitted to Congress. The Zionist regime is to receive more than $3 billion, while Egypt is to receive $2.116 billion of this amount. Political observers believe that such so-called financial aid is to pursue objectives that are 100-percent political in nature. The six-point criteria of the U.S. State Department, which is in charge of distributing this aid, does not fully justify the method of distribution, and this signals the existence of other covert motives. The allocation of more than $6 billion of this aid to boost the U.S. economy by expanding commercial ties with East European countries and countries of the former Soviet Union shows that the major objective of the United States behind such aid is to expand its foreign markets by creating dependence. Also, the allocation of about $3 billion of this aid to the defense of democracy on the international scene reveals another truth. The use of this aid by Israel, whose hands are stained with the blood of the Palestinian people, as well as by the Egyptian regime, which imprisons or murders dozens of combatant Muslims on charges of fundamentalism, shows what kind of democracy the United States supports. The allocation of $5.225 billion, or in other words, one-fourth of U.S. foreign aid, to Middle East peace reveals how important the success of the current talks on solving the Middle East crisis is for Washington and the White House rulers. Until now, the Zionist regime has successfully played its role of middleman between the West and part of the Third World and has been able to increase the dependence of these countries on the West. Extensive U.S. investment in making the so-called Middle East peace process successful will decrease the regional differences that Israel and the United States are facing and will pave the way for the infiltration of the Zionist regime in the Arab and Islamic world. Even though U.S. plans for extending financial aid are based on political realities and the extent of cooperation among governments, there are other variants that upset these plans. When the Camp David compromise deal was signed, various agreements in the field of political and economic cooperation and especially in the field of tourism, industry, and agriculture were signed. However, the steely |
FBIS3-34880_1 | Motives Behind U.S. Foreign Aid Distribution Examined | Political observers believe that such so-called financial aid is to pursue objectives that are 100-percent political in nature. The six-point criteria of the U.S. State Department, which is in charge of distributing this aid, does not fully justify the method of distribution, and this signals the existence of other covert motives. The allocation of more than $6 billion of this aid to boost the U.S. economy by expanding commercial ties with East European countries and countries of the former Soviet Union shows that the major objective of the United States behind such aid is to expand its foreign markets by creating dependence. Also, the allocation of about $3 billion of this aid to the defense of democracy on the international scene reveals another truth. The use of this aid by Israel, whose hands are stained with the blood of the Palestinian people, as well as by the Egyptian regime, which imprisons or murders dozens of combatant Muslims on charges of fundamentalism, shows what kind of democracy the United States supports. The allocation of $5.225 billion, or in other words, one-fourth of U.S. foreign aid, to Middle East peace reveals how important the success of the current talks on solving the Middle East crisis is for Washington and the White House rulers. Until now, the Zionist regime has successfully played its role of middleman between the West and part of the Third World and has been able to increase the dependence of these countries on the West. Extensive U.S. investment in making the so-called Middle East peace process successful will decrease the regional differences that Israel and the United States are facing and will pave the way for the infiltration of the Zionist regime in the Arab and Islamic world. Even though U.S. plans for extending financial aid are based on political realities and the extent of cooperation among governments, there are other variants that upset these plans. When the Camp David compromise deal was signed, various agreements in the field of political and economic cooperation and especially in the field of tourism, industry, and agriculture were signed. However, the steely determination of the Egyptian people prevented the implementation of most of these agreements. Now the Zionist regime's industrial and agricultural cooperation with Egypt, as well as tourist exchanges between the two countries, are at the zero level. This reality shows how effective the people are in the outcome of decisions. |
FBIS3-34883_1 | Commentary on Talks With Georgian Foreign Minister | is said to be the expansion and consolidation of Iranian-Georgian relations and cooperation in all fields. In the talks that were held between the officials of Tehran and Tbilisi, the expansion of the two countries' relations, important regional problems, the current crises in the Caucasus, and other topics were discussed. Iranian-Georgian relations are rooted in the two countries' history. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, historic and cultural ties have linked these two countries more than ever before. From the political aspect, the Islamic Republic of Iran supports a peaceful solution of the problems in the Caucasus. Tehran has always stated its readiness to mediate between the conflicting sides in the various areas of the Caucasus. From Tehran's point of view, the continuation of diplomatic efforts between the conflicting sides and the neighboring countries which are playing the role of mediators is necessary in order to end the crises in the Caucasus, especially when the region's political, geographic, and ethnic fabric makes cooperation among neighboring countries for the creation of a political balance necessary. On the level of economic and cultural relations, eight agreements in various fields were signed during past visits by the two countries' officials, and the recent visit by the Georgian foreign minister to our country is actually a continuation of earlier bilateral talks and the implementation of agreements that have been reached. Currently, Iran and Georgia have started extensive cooperation in the field of light industries, machine-building, and mine and metal- ore explorations. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran has extended humanitarian assistance to Georgia at the most sensitive junctures, and this shows the extent of the affection that the Iranian nation and government feel toward the Georgian people. Cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Georgia as well as among other countries in the Caucasus will be better implemented when regional conflicts are solved and when tranquility and stability are reestablished. Moreover, the two countries' joint commissions as well as the joint commissions of other regional countries should become more active, and delegations in various fields be exchanged among the countries. At any rate, with the opening of the Georgian Embassy in the Islamic Republic of Iran and with the upcoming visit of our President Hashemi-Rafsanjani to Tbilisi, fundamental changes are expected in the two countries' relations and the way is expected to be further paved for expanded relations between the two countries. |
FBIS3-34887_0 | Secular Party Leader Urges Clerics To Step Down | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Safa Ha'iri: "Nation of Iran Party Leader Urges Clergy To Abandon Power"] [Excerpts] Paris--Iran yesterday celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Islamic revolution amid calls by its leaders for mobilization against "foreign aggression" and the "economic blockade" imposed on the country. Meanwhile, a prominent Iranian opposition leader has revealed that "new forces and a popular movement in the country are prepared to surge forward to end the repressive dictatorship and replace it with a democratic regime capable of saving Iran from catastrophe." Tens of thousands of people poured onto Tehran's streets in the direction of the great Freedom Square carrying placards proclaiming "No Settlement With Enemies of Revolution," and shouting such slogans as "Death to America" and "Death to Israel." [passage omitted] In an exclusive interview with AL-HAYAH from Tehran, Daryush Foruhar (65 years old), leader of the Nation of Iran Party (the oldest secular organization in the country), painted a gloomy picture of the economic, political, and social situation. He urged the clergy ruling Iran to "to vacate the place quietly and let a democratic popular regime take over power and rescue the country from the abyss it has been in since those who were hungry for power wrested that power, isolated the country, and cast it into the darkest reigns." Foruhar accused the regime of deviating "from the revolution's noble objectives" of turning Iran into a strong, prosperous, and developing country taking its special place in the world. He said that the dictatorial rulers "who have savagely crushed the people's rights to happiness, civil liberties, democracy for the parties and the press, and freedom of publication and expression, have isolated themselves from the people. History will show that a repressive regime rejected by the people cannot survive." Contrary to the claim by Hashemi-Rafsanjani and other Iranian leaders that Iran has made "unparalleled progress in all fields," Foruhar described the situation as "catastrophic." He spoke of "massive unemployment, shortages in almost everything including such fields as health, medicine, and education, corruption, bureacracy, high prices, and an increasing gap between the poor and the new rich, while the authorities turn a deaf ear to the people's grievances." He underscored the "social disturbances and the destruction of industry and agriculture." [passage omitted] Foruhar refused to comment on the alleged assassination attempt [on Hashemi-Rafsanjani], but he warned against "the dangerous game" played by the regime in |
FBIS3-34896_0 | Ambassador to Europe Interviewed on Peace Process | Language: French Article Type:BFN [Interview with Mordekhay Drori, Israeli ambassador to the European Communities, by Olivier Gosset; place and date not given: "Mideast: Development Must Go Hand in Hand With Peace Process" -- first two paragraphs are introduction] [Text] A few days after the agreement on security signed last Wednesday [9 February] in Cairo by PLO Leader Yasir 'Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shim'on Peres, Israelis and Palestinians started a new session of negotiations in Taba (Sinai) yesterday to draw up a comprehensive agreement on the methods of implementing autonomy in Gaza and Jericho. These preliminary talks relate to the composition of the Palestinian police force which will be deployed in the area following the Israeli withdrawal. Other discussions relating in particular to the transfer of civilian powers and the release of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons (almost 9,000 according to the PLO, more according to the United Nations), are also due to start shortly. Mordekhay Drori, ambassador at the Israeli Mission to the European Communities, assesses the development of the peace process in the region. While the impetus of reconciliation does not seem to be waning between the Palestinians and Israelis, he reaffirmed the enormity of the task still to be accomplished. [Gosset] Are you still optimistic about the peace process as a whole? [Drori] Optimistic, but also cautious. People underestimate the difficulty, especially the practical difficulty, of the solutions to be found for the many problems between us and the Arab world. Moreover, it is much more complicated with the Palestinians than with the Syrians. With the Palestinians, we are intertwined with each other, there are no borders. And, in addition to that, there are economic problems. With Syria, the problems are less complicated because there are borders. But the solution to these problems is extremely complicated because we do not really know what the Syrians' real intentions are, whether they agree to sign a peace agreement with all that that involves: Diplomatic and cultural relations, trade. Or whether they just want one agreement without any other purpose. When we have the answer to this very complex question, we can move forward. [Gosset] With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Syrian President Hafiz al-Asad finally had to abandon his dreams of strategic parity with Israel. And he probably realized that he could be seriously outclassed... [Drori] That did have a decisive influence. It is one of the |
FBIS3-34931_1 | MIO Director Reacts to Ekeus Remarks to CNN | to CNN on 15 February 1994. In these statements, Ekeus gave the impression that Iraq continues to withhold part of the information pertaining to chemical weapons. As a matter of fact, Ekeus has made it clear in letters addressed to me that Iraq has provided the required information regarding its previous programs, that this information is credible and comprehensive, and that it is sufficient for the purposes of the UN Special Commission, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Hence, his recent pronouncements and statements to CNN misrepresent facts, and contradict the documents he himself has submitted to the UN Security Council. Lt. Gen. Rashid said: It has become clear to us, particularly after Iraq accepted Resolution 715 in November 1993, that Ambassador Ekeus makes himself part of the U.S. political maneuvers which seek to prolong the unjust blockade imposed on Iraq. Therefore, he makes contradictory statements serving in fact the purpose of U.S. maneuvers. Rashid continued: We ask the chairman of the Special Commission to shoulder his responsibilities in an objective manner, adhere to the Commission's tasks as defined by the UN Security Council resolutions, and dissociate himself from the U.S. anti-Iraq maneuvers and political pressure which has nothing to do with the Security Council resolutions. On Ekeus statements on the effects of the blockade on the Iraqi people and his arbitrary criticism of Iraq for not implementing what he called a mechanism presented to it by the United Nations to sell a fixed amount of oil to buy food and medicine under international supervision, Rashid said: First, this subject is not within the jurisdiction of the chairman of the Special Commission. It is within the jurisdiction of the UN general secretariat. Second, Ekeus wants to dissociate himself from being largely responsible for continuing the blockade imposed on Iraq and hence the continuation of the Iraqi people's suffering. This is because under U.S. pressure, Ekeus is reluctant to tell the truth which he knows only too well; namely, that Iraq has abided by UN resolutions. Had he possessed the courage and objectivity required from an international official, he would have presented his report on this issue to the Security Council, thus, leading to the implementation of Paragraph 22 of Resolution 687 and ending the Iraqi peoples suffering. The blame he levels at Iraq because it rejects arrangements that infringe on its sovereignty and dignity is blatantly ridiculous. |
FBIS3-34943_1 | Turkish Government Urged To Save `Eroding Economy' | was more secure than the other countries because its borders with Iraq were under the control of the central government [in Baghdad]. Such security does not exist at all now because of the miserable situation in northern Iraq. Turkey's attempts to coordinate with the so-called Kurdistan Front as well as its relations with al-Talabani and Barzani did not save it from terrorist operations, explosions, and assassinations. These acts are U.S. and Western commodities that are exported to the closest friends, not out of revenge, but to maintain their subservience. Diplomatic sources said that the Turkish prime minister was serious in presenting its country's problem to the leaders of the UN Security Council permanent states. In fact, she presented Turkey's economic problems and damage resulting from the sanctions on Iraqi oil exportation. It seems, however, that the efforts of the prime minister either cooled down or were confronted by U.S.- Gulf obstacles. Turkish journalists, whom we met in Baghdad, ask the following question: How long will Turkey's hand remain extended to the Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the rulers of Kuwait? Can these emirates feed Turkish citizens and provide them with basic needs and a secure life? The violence that prevails in Turkey, particularly in Anatolia, demonstrates the feeling of humiliation, poverty, and subservience. The Turks, who live along the international highway that leads to the Iraqi borders, are now regretting the time when they were their own masters. They planted their lands and sold their commodities and agricultural products to the neighborly country with dignity and a feeling of reassurance about their future. The Turkish citizens know full well that their country's future lies in a firm trade exchange with Iraq and in common historical interests between the two countries. No donor state can resolve the problem of a country like Turkey because it is an economic-security issue to which Iraq is a direct party. Turkish officials know well that Iraq spares no effort to promote its relations with its neighbors, provided that those neighbors are free in adopting their decisions and take into consideration the interests of their own people, not other objectives that are dictated to them from outside. Mrs. Ciller raised Turkey's suppressed cry regarding the effects of the economic blockade. Others should understand that the entire Turkish people will raise a louder cry if the disregard of Turkey's relations and historical relations with Iraq continues. |
FBIS3-34969_1 | Islamic Front Threatens To Make Envoys `Hostages' | these forces, al-Sanusi unleashed a scathing attack on the so-called global arrogant forces and their Arab and African satellites. One of the Islamic Front militia recruits asked whether the Islamic regime can stand fast to the end in the face of the blockade and its harmful effects on society. The recruit said society is not yet sufficiently conditioned culturally to prevent an all-out popular rebellion, which the opposition forces might exploit to overthrow the regime. Ibrahim al-Sanusi answered: We know very well the strength of the Sudanese opposition and the limits of its strength. In the first days of the "revolution," we offered them samples of the "Islamic" state's methods of dealing with the opponents of the Islamic regime. We hit them hard while we were strong! We then opened the borders to them. They left and became isolated from the society that we are now restructuring according to our Islamic concept. We have not failed in this objective. But we are surprised by a "handful of agents" who are hitting us inside our borders through various forms of conspiracy that threaten to open the door wide to apostasy!! Al-Sanusi added: If the worst happens, as the brother who asked the question warned, it will come as no surprise to us. We have prepared ourselves and have the ability to fire in all arenas. If the signs of this apostasy begin to appear on our land, they must consider their ambassadors and nationals as our "hostages" while we consider that all our brothers residing in their countries are offering sacrifices to God. These brothers know they were born for this purpose, that is, either to be God's servants or strugglers. This speech, which was printed and distributed by the culture and information branch of the popular defense command, has provoked sharp controversy and a crisis between the security departments and the military intelligence department over whether this speech should be withdrawn and the videotape destroyed. The political command was asked to intervene to implement the decision. Minister of Presidential Affairs Ghazi Salah-al-Din intervened and insisted on keeping this speech in the archives of al-Jihad, belittling the possibility of foreign reaction in the event that it is leaked out. In a telephone conversation with the director of military intelligence, Salah-al-Din said: Let them withdraw their nationals and ambassadors. Have they left any relations requiring the presence of these ambassadors and nationals? |
FBIS3-35026_3 | Al-Majali Discusses Peace, Army, Other Issues | of power. We need the United States' assistance to refurbish the armed forces and provide training as it is doing for other states. [Finnigan] What sort of military hardware does Jordan need from the United States? [Al-Majali] Basic things to defend ourselves like ammunition for training and spare parts. [Finnigan] What is the importance of relieving Jordan of its debts, particularly the military debts? [Al-Majali] We owe debts, mostly military, to the United States, Britain, France, and other European countries. We hope to be treated in the same way as other states. We expect a balanced consideration of these matters in order to write off these debts. We do not conceive a stable peace between Israel and Jordan or Israel and the neighboring states in the presence of debts. [Finnigan] Should Jordan be treated the way Israel and Egypt are treated? [Al-Majali] I think so. We are peace partners. The matter is not one of size, but geographic location. It is a matter of confidence. Jordan has built confidence throughout the past years. [Finnigan] How can the U.S. reponse be described thus far? [Al-Majali] Unfortunately, what is given to Jordan is a drop in the ocean when compared with what is given to Israel. It is very little, less than 5 percent of what is given to Israel. [Finnigan] Is there a relaxation in ties with some Gulf states? [Al-Majali] Yes, there has been a change in ties with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar although such a change is still difficult with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. We still say we were misunderstood during the Gulf crisis. We are against occupation by any party, but we sought to end this occupation through the Arabs themselves without any foreign assistance. We were misunderstood and were depicted as if we stood beside the attacking forces although we did not do so. [Finnigan] Saudi Arabia has asked for a public apology. Is this acceptable to Jordan? [Al-Majali] The Jordanian Government would have to make a mistake before it could apologize. We did not undertake any action to harm Saudi Arabia or the other Gulf states. [Finnigan] The Kuwaiti officials say Jordan has not accepted the Kuwait-Iraq borders as delineated by the United Nations. [Al-Majali] We have not at all accepted borders between any other two states. The issue of borders is their own affair. Have we recognized the old borders? This is an |
FBIS3-35034_4 | Al-Qadhdhafi Blames Christians, Jews for Problems | fall into the plot of the Catholics, the Protestants, the Christians, and the Israelis. The issue of Bosnia-Herzegovina is one thing, where as the annihilation of Muslims in Bosnia is another thing. We are against the annihilation of Muslims; we should stand by them in Bosnia-Herzegovina. As for the political war, i.e the independence of Bosnia-Herzegovina, border demarcation, etc., this is another issue that relates to all republics of the former Yugoslavia. [passage omitted] A delegation should go to Somalia to meet Aydid, Ali Mahdi, and the president of the Somali land in the north. We must reach a solution. We should implement on them what has been implemented in Afghanistan. We should send forces, not America. Libya should send forces which fight against the side which rejects reconciliation. [passage omitted] Britain and America are taking revenge against Egypt by dividing it into two or more countries. Where do you think this trend came from? Who told Iraq to invade Kuwait? It was America. America told Iraq that because Iraq waged war against Khomeyni, we [the United States] would give you Kuwait. He [Saddam Husayn] believed this and invaded Kuwait. Once this was done, they came and destroyed Iraq. Who set fire to 100 oil wells? It was not Iraq. It was the West and America, which for imperialist reasons, set fire to the Kuwaiti wells. Because Iraq was defeated, it admitted it did so. He [Saddam Husayn] did not do this. It was America which burned the Kuwaiti oil. We are saying that should the Kuwaiti and the Saudi independence depend on the American forces, then this is a false independence. They would be better off uniting with Iraq, which they are fearing, or Yemen, rather than having their independence dependent on the presence of foreign forces. [passage omitted] We hope that our brothers in Saudi Arabia recover their senses and do not prevent the Libyan pilgrims to go by air to Mecca. This would be a disaster. Last year, the Libyan pilgrims defied them and went to Jerusalem as long as Mecca is occupied. It would have been the same, Jerusalem is occupied and so is Mecca. I am worried a delegation of Libyan pilgrims, if prevented from going to Mecca, would go to the Vatican in defiance of Saudi Arabia or the Arabs. This could happen. [passage omitted] We must announce our sympathy to the Kurdish nation. |
FBIS3-35035_2 | Political Islam Review: AL-USRAH AL-'ARABIYAH 10 Feb | they entered Egypt as U.S. citizens. The minister noted that it is unimportant whether an expert is a Jew or not. The education minister "launched a fierce attack on the Islamists who had exposed the methods used in developing the curricula and obliterating the Islamic identity from the curricula." The minister reportedly threatened to kick "all those who are extremists" out of the education system and to transfer them to administrative jobs. Book Fair Described as "Attack on Islam" The Cairo International Book Fair was noted to have ended with a "blatant attack by secularists on Islam and the Muslims through its books and periodicals." The Books Committee reportedly displayed books banned by "judicial decrees, reports from al-Azhar, and the State Prosecutor." It was also noted: "What is strange is that the committee chairman insisted on displaying obscene and prohibited books under the guise of freedom of thought and enlightenment." The "Islamic role was downplayed" in the fair's seminars and the fair's guests "were full of hatred and abused Islam and defamed its shari'ah, especially the wearing of the veil and religiousness, and accused the Islamists of extremism and terrorism." Jamal al-Ghitani was quoted, saying: "The danger to Egyptian culture is not from abroad; it emanates from the present Islamic trend, which must be uprooted." ROSE AL-YUSUF writer 'Abd-al-Sattar al-Tawilah reportedly raised the serious point that Egypt will not be "religious and will forever remain secular." Prominent writer Muhammad Hasanayn Haykal was also cited as acknowledging that the Islamic trend is "popular everywhere" and that this confirms the success of its propagation. Muslim Marital Relations Treated Writer Dr. Ahmad al-Majdub discussed husband-wife relations and criticized divorced Muslm women who blame their "backward" husbands for the divorce in an article entitled "What Are They Plotting for the Muslim Family?" He said: "Secular and communist men do not waste the chances of the women who fail in their marital life, not because of Islam's divorce system but because of their claim to be liberal and conduct that runs against values and traditions." He also said that he has often asked such women what religion has to do with the failure of their family life, telling them: "Disputes broke out between you and your husband because of reasons that, from your point of view, make it hard to continue the marriage, such as your insistence on having male friends with whom you deal |
FBIS3-35042_0 | Lockerbie Suspects: West Is `Settling Scores' | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Report by Ashraf al-Faqiyy: "Fahimah al-Miqrahi Tells AL-HAYAH: Lockerbie Is a Settling of Scores"] [Text] Tripoli -- Al-Amin Khalifah Fahimah and 'Abd-al-Basit al-Miqrahi, the two Libyans suspected of involvement in blowing up the PanAm plane over Scotland five years ago, have said that they are tired of waiting to stand trial for a "crime we did not commit and knew nothing about" until after they were accused of it. In an interview in Tripoli, Fahimah and al-Miqrahi told AL-HAYAH that they are tired of the restrictions imposed on their movement. They stressed their wish to live a normal life, "instead of being stared at wherever we go and instead of our news dominating all world news bulletins." Al-Miqrahi said: "Our only crime is that we hold Libyan nationality.... We are victims of the West's desire to politicize the case and try Libya for a crime it did not commit in the context of settling scores in other issues." It appeared from the interview that al-Amin Fahimah and al-Miqrahi were in a bad mental state, but they tried to look composed. Al-Miqrahi pointed out that he was not in Malta during the period in which the accusation was leveled at Libya, and that he never met the owner of the timing device (timer) factory. Al-Miqrahi added that he and al-Amin Fahimah placed their full confidence in lawyer Ibrahim al-Ghuwayl the moment he was assigned to defend them, and that they support any decision he takes. He pointed out that they were not subjected to any pressures to hand themselves over, that the decision is theirs, and that they are willing to appear before "any court that enjoys the elements of fairness, not one that convicts people before the trial begins." He said that "the accusations have affected all my relatives, especially my children, who used to convey to me questions from their colleagues about this incident. I had to move them to another school...and change their family name to their mother's in order to alleviate their suffering." Having stressed that he does not fear for himself, he said that he now wants "the days to pass quickly so that I can get the innocent verdict." He stressed that "I will never sell myself to any quarter in the world, whatever the reward." And "I have never been an officer in the Libyan intelligence service." He added that |
FBIS3-35061_0 | Allocates 15 Million Dinars for Karkuk | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Text] President leader Saddam Husayn has ordered the allocation of 15 million dinars to promote services in the city of Karkuk. Al-Ta'mim Governor Hisham Sabah Fakhri announced this to the IRAQI NEWS AGENCY correspondent in the al-Ta'mim Governorate. The governor added that the amount of money allotted by President leader Saddam Husayn's new noble gesture, which his excellency made public during his visit to the governorate yesterday, Wednesday, was disbursed as follows: Six million dinars to promote the Karkuk municipality's projects; three million dinars to build an Olympic playground in the governorate's center, which was damaged during the 30-state aggression; three million dinars to build the al-Andalus bridge, the third bridge in the city; and three million dinars to enhance the projects of the Water and Sewage Directorate and promote its services. In the name of the governorate's masses and clans, the governor pledged to President leader Saddam Husayn that the governorate will remain proud, thanks to the president's leadership and generous paternal care. He also pledged that the governorate's sons will be faithful men who will defend great Iraq and the achievements of the glorious 17-30 July revolution. |
FBIS3-35067_0 | Columnist: Put `Espionage' Satellites Under UN Control | Language: Arabic Article Type:BFN [Article by Mazhar 'Arif: "Toward International Control of Earth Satellites"] [Text] It is time the earth satellites of a military and intelligence nature are placed under international control. For it is inconceivable for the big powers, headed by the United States, to continue violating the national independence and sovereignty of world nations for decades. International control means restricting the activity of these satellites under an international treaty so that it does not extend beyond the borders of the states concered. No doubt, the Third World countries are the main target of the hostile satellite activity conducted by the major states, especially the big capitalist powers. Therefore, they must either find the necessary means to counter the dangers of these satellites by taking the initiative to call an international conference to be attended by all states concerned in order to discuss this issue, or raise the matter with the UN General Assembly or Security Council, despite the hardships they might expect from the United States and its Western allies in the United Nations. By stressing the danger of the espionage satellites to the Third World countries, we are not excluding their danger to some European and Asian states which are allies of the United States. But this alliance has not protected, and will not protect, the national independence and sovereignty of those states or their underground resources; nor will it protect telephone conversations between government officials, company owners, board directors, and, in fact, anything in those states which is considered vital to the United States. Perhaps, it is important when seriously discussing the drafting of a treaty or an agreement on earth satellites to take into consideration the scores of satellites which have been orbiting the earth for several years carrying out intelligence and military missions for their states. These satellites must be destroyed. The data they have collected so far must be placed at the disposal of the United Nations through an elected special commission, which would decide what to do with this data for the sake of protecting other nations' independence and sovereignty. There must be a complete ban on the use of outer space for military purposes. Furthermore, the United Nations should be informed about the programs of satellites which are used for non- military purposes. It would be useful if the programs of the United Nations and its cultural and social agencies, which |
FBIS3-35071_1 | Fatah Officials Comment on Situation in Gaza Al-Zuray'i Notes Gazans' `Frustration' | into categories. There are those who are beyond reform and have crossed the point of no return, and there are those who got involved inadvertently or were wronged. Some of the latter could be returned to the national ranks or neutralized. At any rate, the situation in the Gaza Strip is difficult, like the other occupied areas. The cause of the difficulty is the Palestinian masses' frustration resulting from the Israeli procrastination on the implementation of the Palestinian-Israeli agreement. [Khashanah] What is your estimate of the number of the Gaza Strip detainees? [Al-Zuray'i] The general estimate is over 10,000 detainees including 6,000 detainees from Gaza. That affects the people of the Strip. In our meeting with the Palestinian leadership in Tunis we concentrated on the need for a clear timetable and deadline for the release of the Palestinian revolution's detainees regardless of their organizations and affiliations because the PLO embraces all sectors of the Palestinian people. Without fulfillment of that objective there can be no meaningful agreement. [Khashanah] What was the leadership's answer? [Al-Zuray'i] There was official response and agreement with that view because the agreement would be worthless without the release of the detainees and prisoners. In fact that would be the only step that would ameliorate the agreement or make it less ugly. [Khashanah] What kind of relations exist between Fatah and the other factions which reject the agreement, in the Gaza Strip? [Al-Zuray'i] We and many cadres and leaderships of these factions in the Strip have the long struggle in common and we have had dialogues with them in prison and outside. We always maintained that the homeland is above all organizations. There is cooperation now in all fields, apart from the differences of opinion. There is field coordination at a level higher than the level of coordination outside the occupied territory. It is enhanced by the sense of responsibility demonstrated by all factions. [Khashanah] How would friction and conflict be avoided when Fatah becomes a ruling party and assumes power? [Al-Zuray'i] We have discussed these matters as Palestinian citizens with the parties concerned, especially the Islamic parties, at an early stage. There can be no doubt that many brother leaders and members of the factions at home have a clear vision. Now the common vision leans toward finding a clear national program that would answer all questions in the next phase. But so far there is |
FBIS3-35101_1 | Editorial: Pakistan `Lever' for U.S. Pressure on Delhi | Pressler amendment, at least for the time being, would, without doubt, prompt questions about the U.S. policy. Indications that the Clinton administration was increasingly in favour of repealing the amendment on grounds that it no longer advances U.S. non- proliferation goals put a strain on Indo-U.S. relations. The more so in view of the puzzling shifts in U.S. postures that seem to alternately confirm and deny a definite pro-Pakistani tilt. Such an Indian feeling was reinforced by the vigorous diplomatic exercise launched by Pakistan to convince Washington of the need to exclude Islamabad from the Pressler law on grounds that it was one-sided and that it damages Pakistan's conventional military capability, or in other words, gives India a strategic edge. With many in the administration buying such an argument, Delhi had compelling reasons to see the move to have the Pressler amendment repealed as yet another anti-India stratagem of the Clinton administration. The latest decision to retain the amendment must surely have come as a severe jolt to Ms. Benazir Bhutto's government, though she must have received other placatory assurances from the U.S.. And while Delhi has reason to be pleased with the decision, it would be imprudent on its part to take the decision as final. The move, in any case, is not inspired by a new-found enlightenment in the Clinton administration about the merits of following a more even-handed approach towards the subcontinent. Rather, as admitted by the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Mr. Brian Atwood, the move is purely tactical, with a view not to rub Congressmen the wrong way. Besides, in the interim before the current legislation on foreign aid presented to the U.S. Congress becomes law, the Clinton administration is likely to continue its search for a two-way deal on the nuclear issue whereby in return for some nuclear concessions from Pakistan, the Congress can be goaded to lift an amendment the administration wants repealed. Above all, our relief over the retention of the amendment should be tempered with the fact that Pakistan already has a nuclear weapons programme in place. Nevertheless, the decision to retain the amendment signals that nuclear non-proliferation remains a major aim of U.S. policy, however, it is pursued. U.S. relations with Pakistan are complicated by what Washington wants to impose on India -- by making use of Pakistan as the lever of American pressure on this country. |
FBIS3-35119_1 | Editorial: Islamic Iran Has No Identity Crisis | was forced out of the country. His crime? Among all the evidence of injustice during the shah's rule and the lawlessness of his family members, the king's unquestionable subservience to Washington can be singled out as the stalk that broke the camel's back. Save the direct bombing of Iranian cities by U.S. fighter planes, (the U.S. did shoot down one of our passenger planes in 1988 killing all 300 civilians on board) the Carter, Reagan, Bush and Clinton White House did everything to first bring the Islamic state to its knees and then wipe out its name from the world's geographical map. For a decade and a half the U.S., closely followed by Britain, has spared no opportunity to sustain its Iran-bashing strategy. Engineering Saddam Husayn's full-fledged military invasion of Iran to sponsoring resolutions against "Tehran's human rights violations" at world forums are among the long-list of known plots of the great satan. We absolutely do not want to convey that the Washington-London offensives failed at every turn. Our people know that these two hostile powers have on and off succeeded in making life difficult for the U.S. [as published] Depressing oil prices, difficulties in procuring technology for peaceful purposes, encouraging today's kings, sheikhs, presidents-for-life and military dictators to silence their peoples' calls for Islamic justice... are plots that temporarily disturb our lofty mission. On hindsight we realize that from time immemorial everything has had a price. Today the stakes are much higher. Ours is basically a Muslim society that has unfathomable belief in justice of the kind practiced by our Imam 'Ali (A.S.) [as published]. Islamic Iran has, in the recent past, displayed some unprecedented levels of zeal, and resistance to arrogance and aggression. May be the U.S.-engineered war, sanctions, isolation and condemnation after the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution were a blessing in disguise. The majority of our people have learnt to endure and this is something what the loud-mouthed American and British leaders can't take away by a stroke of their hand. We do not need to run away from the truth. Yes, our country has some problems. Which country doesn't? From the islands of Mindanao to the desert dwellings in Morocco nations are grappling with social, economic and political problems. And mind you, very few of these (governments) are on the U.S. black list. Iran is a thorn in the eyes of American leaders who |
FBIS3-35120_0 | Nazarbayev's Reaction to Clinton's Comments Cited | Language: Persian Article Type:BFN [Text] The Kazakh president has said that during his recent meeting with the U.S. President, Clinton asked him to distance himself from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Nursultan Nazarbayev told correspondents in New York yesterday: Unfortunately the U.S. Administration's attitude toward the Iranian Government is negative. But Kazakhstan oes not believe in isolating Iran, which enjoys special importance in northern and central Asian affairs. The Kazakh president pointed out that Almaty's relations with Tehran are extremely good and constructive and that despite all the bad propaganda by enemies, the two countries are expanding their relations. Nazarbayev rejected allegations of a threat from Islamic fundamentalism in the Central Asian republics and stressed: We are all Muslims and respect Islamic beliefs. After having lived through the antireligious years in the former Soviet Union, the people in the Central Asian republics are extremely interested in returning to their religious beliefs. Nevertheless, he added, in Kazakhstan religion and politics are kept separate. The Kazakh president described the Economic Cooperation Organization, ECO, as a good example of successful regional cooperation for the world. Referring to the agreements between Washington and Almaty, he said that the two countries have concluded agreements in the political, economic, scientific, technological, and defense fields as well as in the joint use of Kazakhstan's space center, and that the United States has promised $300 million in aid to Kazakhstan. |
FBIS3-35130_0 | Officials, Radio Comment on Rushdie Fatwa Anniversary `No Relation' to Bosnian Crisis | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Belgrade, Feb. 16, IRNA -- The decree pronounced five years ago by the father of the Islamic revolution, the late Imam Khomeyni, against the apostate author of The Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie, bears no relation whatsoever to the Bosnian crisis, the Iranian Embassy in Belgrade has pointed out to Serbian state news agency TANJUG. TANJUG, in a recent article, tried to distort facts by saying the Serbs were being threatened with bombs and missiles by what it called the "progressive world public which reacted so strongly in defence of Rushdie", only because they do not fit into the vision contained in the "Islamic declaration" of Bosnian Muslim leader Alija Izetbegovic. Bosnian Serbs face NATO air strikes if they do not withdraw their artillery from around Sarajevo which they have been pounding for 22 months now. Bosnian President Izetbegovic was imprisoned following an infamous trial of Bosnian Muslims by the former Yugoslav communist regime, because of his work, the "Islamic declaration". In a letter to TANJUG's editor-in-chief, the Iranian Embassy said the author of the text had in a very surprising manner distinctly related the decree, later confirmed and supported by the organization of the Islamic countries, to the situation in Bosnia. "The author's accusation of `Iranian fundamentalism' is improper and does not help him in the description of the current situation in Bosnia and political action taken in this respect," the letter said. The embassy looked forward to correction of the article and expected TANJUG to publish rational and fact-based comments, the letter concluded. |
FBIS3-35131_0 | Officials, Radio Comment on Rushdie Fatwa Anniversary Rushdie Verdict To Stand | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] Tehran, Feb. 17, IRNA -- An Iranian parliament deputy has recommended the West not to base its relations with Iran on a single person but rather view the situation realistically. Interviewed by the English daily TEHRAN TIMES Wednesday [16 February] Jalal Sa'Adatian commented on the recent uproar the Western world made on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the death verdict on apostate Rushdie issued by the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran the late Imam Khomeyni and advised Western leaders, particularly British Premier John Major, to study Islam. He said that the verdict, issued by imam only to observe one of the basic Islamic principles, could neither be withdrawn nor altered. Referring to Major's remarks on Feb. 14 on relations with Iran, Sa'Adatian noted that Iran had time and again declared it had no intention of sending commandos to kill Rushdie. The deputy further urged the west to note that Tehran-Britain ties should be based on bilateral ties not on a single person. |
FBIS3-35135_2 | Rebel Radio Views Political Developments | the Majles not only did not strengthen Hashemi-Rafsanjani but worked to the benefit of the conservatives inside the leadership. Hashemi-Rafsanjani had assumed that if the extremists inside the leadership were set aside and especially did not participate in the Majles, the rest of the opponents could be tamed by giving them some benefits and that he could then do as he pleased. However, obviously Hashemi-Rafsanjani was wrong in his calculations. Meanwhile, the intensification of the people's dissatisfaction during the past couple of years and the explosive nature of these feelings in several cities in the country made the clerical regime shudder with fear, and during the people's uprising and demonstrations, the clergymen heard the bases of their rule cracking and disintegrating. Thus, Khamene'i used the pretext of the West's cultural onslaught and once again called on the Hezbollah ummah to return to the scene, to revive the Basij Organization, and to return the regime's suppressive forces to the political scene. Thus, the political atmosphere that was created by Khamene'i was not to the benefit of Hashemi-Rafsanjani and his situation, and once again it became obvious that the regime's main problem is the continuation of the Islamic Republic and how to preserve it. Long-lasting differences inside the regime increased and new differences emerged. It seems that the long-lasting differences between Khamene'i and Hashemi-Rafsanjani which emerged after Khomeyni's death have become more acute. In this conflict, a large number of Hashemi-Rafsanjani's opponents consider the main problems that the Islamic Republic faces to stem from Hashemi-Rafsanjani's policies and actions. In the middle of all this, a large part of the power centers has been placed under Khamene'i's authority and the balance of power has shifted to Hashemi-Rafsanjani's detriment. These differences have continued and the dismissal of Mohammad Hashemi from his position as VVIRI director is yet another sign of the process that is weakening Hashemi-Rafsanjani. The question is: What will Hashemi-Rafsanjani do to free himself from this situation? Clearly, if he places himself under Khamene'i's cloak, he will join the ranks of other clergymen who work under Khamene'i's shadow without having any special authority or programs; and if he does not do so, then he will have no support of any size to confront his opponents, some of whom are standing behind Khamene'i and are trying to thwart his efforts in one way or another. Under the current situation, Hashemi-Rafsanjani thinks that it |
FBIS3-35139_0 | Minister Hails `Good Relations' With Iran | Language: English Article Type:BFN [Text] London, Feb. 17, IRNA -- Kuwaiti Minister of Information Shaykh Sa'ud al-Sabah says that Iran is a key ally for peace in the Persian Gulf, but he did not think there can be real security in the region while the Iraqi President Saddam Husayn remains in power. Speaking at a London press conference Thursday, he said that Kuwait had "good relations" with Iran and that his government was working as much as it can as a "partner" with Tehran. The Islamic Republic was a "major power" and had an important role to play in security of the Persian Gulf, the Kuwaiti minister told foreign journalists. Iran and Kuwait were fellow victims of Iraqi aggression and the former ambassador to London and Washington said that his government had "respect" for Iran's policy of neutrality during the 1991 allied war to end Iraqi's occupation of Kuwait. Still feeling bitterness, he believed that the Persian Gulf region would not be able to enjoy security while Saddam was in power. His equal conviction was that UN sanctions against Baghdad would not be lifted, either partially or fully, until he was replaced. The minister emphasised that he had sympathy with the Iraqi people suffering the effects of more than three years of sanctions, who he said were also victims of the Iraqi regime since Saddam's 1980-88 war against Iran. With regard to the declining price of oil, he suggested that producing nations should seriously reassess the value of oil in the world and that OPEC and non-OPEC countries needed to cooperate together. Kuwait was not liberated for crude rates of 10 dlrs. [dollars] per barrel, which were "not helpful" to anyone. |
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