In This Issue

News - Region

US AGREES TO SEEK NEW UN RESOLUTION ON IRAQ
"The United States said for the first time on [Apr 1] it expects a new U.N. resolution over Iraq before a sovereignty handover in response to Western allies' pressure for Washington to seek a U.N. mandate. Countries such as France and Spain have said they did not want to be involved in Iraq after the July 1 handover without a new U.N. resolution underpinning the international community's presence there.. ..Secretary of State Colin Powell said the United States now expected the measure to be passed before it formally transfers power to an Iraqi government.." Complete report..
Also:
U.S. RELYING ON U.N.'S HELP WITH IRAQ EXIT PLAN

US OFFENSIVE TO 'PACIFY' FALLUJAH
"US troops have launched a big offensive against Iraqi insurgents in the Sunni flashpoint town of Fallujah. They have sealed off the town where four Americans were killed and their bodies mutilated by a mob last week. Unconfirmed reports say several people were killed when a US warplane dropped bombs on a residential area of the town after a mortar attack on troops. The US command has vowed to 'pacify' Fallujah.." Complete report..
Also:
IRAQI CLERIC CONDEMNS MUTILATION OF FOUR SLAIN U.S. CIVILIANS

IRAQI SECURITY OFFICIALS TARGETED
"The police chief of a Baghdad suburb was shot to death Saturday morning after leaving his home in the Iraqi capital, less than 24 hours after another police chief was gunned down in southern Iraq.. ..Later [Apr. 3], six unidentified gunmen attacked a police patrol in Mahmudiyah, killing an officer and wounding three others.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
ASSASSINATION BID ON IRAQI MINISTER - GWD Mar 29, 2004

IRAQ PROTESTS END IN 20 DEATHS
"At least 20 people have been killed and more than 100 injured in clashes between Spanish-led troops and Iraqi demonstrators in the city of Najaf.. ..The crowd was protesting in support of firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr. The US administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, said protesters had 'crossed the line and moved to violence'. The BBC's Barbara Plett in Baghdad says the clashes marked the most serious confrontation between the occupation forces and members of Iraq's Shia majority.." Complete report..
Also:
SHIAS MARCH AGAINST US IN BAGHDAD

PETRAEUS TO GET KEY JOB IN IRAQ
"Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, who spent most of the past year in Iraq as commander of the 101st Airborne Division, is being sent back to that country to oversee the organization and training of all Iraqi military and security forces.. ..Petraeus is being given charge of a major component of the U.S. exit strategy for Iraq -- developing Iraqi forces strong enough to maintain security and thereby permit the withdrawal of U.S. troops.." Complete report..

U.N. NUCLEAR INSPECTOR HEADS TO IRAN
"The chief of the U.N. atomic agency headed to Iran on [Apr 5] for talks with top Iranian officials in a fresh effort to lay to rest lingering suspicions that Tehran is running a nuclear weapons program. Mohamed ElBaradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, traveled to Iran amid indications of continued nuclear cover-ups and signs that even previously reluctant U.S. allies are moving closer to Washington's view that Tehran should be penalized.." Complete report..

IRAN URANIUM PLANT SPARKS NEW ROW
"Iran has hit back after European criticism of its decision to set up a uranium conversion plant near Isfahan. UN ambassador Pirooz Hosseini told Reuter's news agency the plant was not in breach of Iran's commitment to suspend uranium enrichment. On [Mar 31] the UK, Germany and France issued a joint statement saying the plant's creation sent the wrong signal to the international community.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
IRAN STOPS BUILDING CENTRIFUGES - GWD Mar 29, 2004

EMIR TO OPEN DEMOCRACY CONFERENCE
"The Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will inaugurate and address the 4th Qatar Conference on Democracy and Free Trade at the Ritz-Carlton, Doha, [Apr 5].. ..the conference would deal with vital issues related to democracy and free trade in the region.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
QATAR'S 4TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON FREE TRADE AND DEMOCRACY: CONTEXT AND PERSPECTIVE - GWP - Apr. 2, 2004

GULF STATES URGED TO RAISE RETIREMENT AGE OF NATIONALS
"Public pension schemes in the Gulf need a shake-up, experts have warned, while calling for a restructuring of the benefits for nationals who retire early. Social security or pension funds provisions cannot be safeguarded unless there is change to the benefits on early retirement, experts said.. .. The problem arises because in the Gulf's public pension schemes, retirement ages are low.." Complete report..

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News - Bahrain

BAHRAINI ACTIVIST RELEASED, SAYS HE IS BEING FRAMED
"The spokesman for the National Committee for Martyrs and Torture Victims Abdulraoof Abdullah Ahmed Al Shayeb accused the authorities of trying to frame him shortly after he was released.."  Complete report..
Also:
BAHRAIN ACTIVISTS CLOSE RANKS TO DEFEND COMRADE

BAHRAIN ISSUES FOREIGN WORKERS' GUIDE
"A manual aimed at educating expatriate workers on their rights and a leaflet on how to protect them from the exploitation of unscrupulous employers have been issued by the government.. ..The manual is aimed at educating expatriate workers about the legislation and facilities provided by the government to ensure their safety and well-being, said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs public relations head Nasser Al Thawadi.." Complete report..

200 PROFESSIONS TO BE BAHRAINIZED
"Around 200 technical professions will be fully Bahrainized after the implementation of a new vocational education and training (VET) system. Objectives of the proposed VET system are to increase the ability of Bahrainis to obtain work, to enable them to get internationally recognized qualifications.. ..Four phases of the implementation action plan of the VET system would be completed within two years.." Complete report..

BAHRAIN BANS PASSION OF THE CHRIST
"The people of Bahrain will not be able to see the controversial film The 'Passion of the Christ', following a ban the Ministry of Information slapped on its screening here. The decision was taken on the basis of the recommendations of the ministry's censor board representatives who stressed that the film by Mel Gibson depicted Prophet Jesus in an 'un-Islamic manner'.." Complete report..

CENTRAL GOVERNOR, 57 DIES AT HIS OFFICE
"Central Governor Shaikh Abdul Rahman bin Saqr Al Khalifa was found dead early [Apr 1] at his office in Isa Town, apparently of a heart attack.. .. Shaikh Abdul Rahman was appointed Central Governor in March 2002 after serving for two years as Northern Governor. Prior to that he had worked at various Interior Ministry posts for over 25 years.." Complete report..

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News - Kuwait

KUWAIT EXPECTS MILITARY PRIORITY FROM U.S.
"Kuwait expects that its new status as major non-NATO U.S. ally will grant the sheikdom priority in weapons procurement and intelligence exchange. Kuwaiti officials said the Bush administration has accorded greater importance to the Kuwaiti designation than to the 11 other countries deemed major non-NATO allies of the United States.. ..Kuwaiti Chief of Staff Gen. Fahd Al Amir said the status would provide Kuwait priority in a range of military issues. He said the two countries were discussing the potential of the status for expanding strategic relations.." Complete report..

KUWAIT PREMIER STEPS IN TO DEFUSE SHIITE-SUNNI TENSION
"Kuwait's prime minister is due to meet.. ..with the emirate's leading Islamic group as part of efforts to defuse growing tension between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in the wealthy Gulf state.. ..Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah has already held talks with several leading figures of the two denominations after hardliners in both camps appeared to have ignited sectarian tension in the tiny emirate.." Complete report..
Also:
KUWAIT PM TO EASE SHIA-SUNNI ROW

KUWAITI MPS ASK FOR SECURITY COVER
" Members of the National Assembly's Budget Committee have criticized guards of the Parliament and demanded a comprehensive security system to ensure the safety of MPs.. ..members of the committee criticized the recent attack and verbal assault on MP Jassem Al Kandari inside the premises of the Parliament. Convenor of the Committee MP Jamal Al Omar assured the parliamentarians that adequate precautionary measures will be taken to avoid the repetition of such unsavory incidents.." Complete report..

"THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST" STIRS RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSY IN KUWAIT
"A religious scholar in Kuwait issued a fatwa demanding the banning of the film 'The Passion of the Christ', by Mel Gibson from being screened in the Islamic world, in addition to prohibiting Muslims from watching it, saying anyone who has seen the movie must 'repent'.. ..The Muslims regard Jesus as one of the three great prophets of god, along with Mohammed and Moses, and consider it a sin to mimic them. They also consider it a sin to concoct information about a prophet for making a film or a play.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
TOP SHIITE ASKS KUWAIT TO SHOW 'PASSION'- GWD Mar 29, 2003

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News - Oman

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News - Qatar

GERMAN TRAVEL SHOW TO FILM IN QATAR
"Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) is hosting the popular German travel show "Bulthaupt in.." for a filming trip in Qatar.." Complete report..

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News - Saudi Arabia

AUTHORITIES FREE THREE ACTIVISTS
"Authorities have released three of the activists arrested two weeks ago for alleged incitement. They are Muhammad Saeed Tayyeb, Dr. Tawfeeq Al-Qusayer and Suleiman Al-Rashoodi.. ..Police arrested a dozen activists on March 16. Half of them were released within a couple of days, while another three remain in detention. Interior Minister Prince Naif had earlier denied reports that Riyadh released the activists under foreign pressure, adding the activists were held for making provocative statements and contacting 'foreign parties'.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
SAUDI ARABIA DETAINS REFORMERS - GWD Mar 22, 2004

ABDULLAH'S VISIT TO OPEN NEW ERA IN SAUDI-AUSTRIAN TIES
"Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, begins an official visit to Vienna [Mar 31]. 'I am fully confident that Prince Abdullah's visit will herald a new era in the distinguished relations between our two countries,' Austrian President Thomas Klestil said.." Complete report..
Also:
ABDULLAH BEGINS VISIT TO AUSTRIA

INTERVIEW-ARID SAUDI ARABIA STRUGGLING TO CUT WATER USE
"The parched desert kingdom of Saudi Arabia will launch a major water conservation drive this summer aiming to halve consumption in a million homes.. ..Vice Minister of Water and Electricity Abdullah al-Hussayen.. ..said the government is also reviewing price tariffs for its precious water supplies, which are either pumped from reservoirs deep underground or processed at costly desalination plants, and then virtually given away.." Complete report..
~~GulfWire Link~~
WATER TARIFFS TO BE INTRODUCED WITHIN TWO YEARS: GOSAIBI - GWD Mar 10, 2003

HOUSING CRISIS LOOMS IN RIYADH
"A severe housing shortage looms in Riyadh, according to Minister of Planning and Economy Dr. Khaled Al-Gosaibi. The minister said there will be a shortage of 270,000 housing units by the end of the Seventh Five-Year Plan ending next year. Al-Gosaibi said the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund granted loans worth SR135 ($36) billion for the construction of housing units.." Complete report..

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News - UAE

CHEMICAL IMPORT RULES TO BE STRICTER
"Rules governing the arrival of chemicals in the UAE are to be made stricter. 
A two-day workshop will discuss the impact of chemical weapons and the enforcement of stricter rules to control the import of chemicals and other hazardous products in the emirates. The workshop is being organized and patronized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Armed Forces Headquarters and the National Committee for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.." Complete report..

PHILIPPINES TO OPEN CONSULATE IN DUBAI
"The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on [Mar 31] that it will be opening a Consulate General in Dubai.. ..Dubai is home to an estimated 60,559 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), while the total documented OFWs in the UAE is pegged at 165,258.." Complete report..

TRAINING TO KEEP TERROR AT BAY
"The war on terror will be a long one and 'we are well-prepared to counter any attack', said a senior French military officer heading a navy task force on a joint military exercise with UAE forces.. ..The mission dubbed 'Operation Agapanthe' left Toulon, France, on March 1, with the aim of training the naval force for a prolonged period far from its usual bases. 
The operation is also aimed to conduct joint training with the air and naval forces of the Gulf countries.." Complete report..

NCC SEEKS PENSION RULE CHANGES
"Rules governing pension plans and end-of-service benefits for UAE nationals in the private sector are set to be relaxed to encourage more nationals to find jobs with non-government organizations.. ..The council unanimously agreed to approach the Abu Dhabi Retirement, Pension and Benefits Fund to remove any difference between its regulations and the Federal Law No. 2 for 2000 to bring it into line.." Complete report..

UAE TO BAN PUBLIC SMOKING SOON
"Smoking in public places including restaurants, cafes and nightclubs will soon be banned throughout the UAE.. ..In the UAE, the ban has already come into force at many government buildings and is likely to be extended to all other public places by the end of the year. A study is underway to find the best means of imposing the ban in Dubai and Sharjah.." Complete report..

'PASSION' BREAKS BOX OFFICE RECORDS IN UAE
"Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ broke box-office records in the UAE with over 66,321 admissions in three days, shattering the record set by Matrix Reloaded with 59,000. Cinemas in the UAE usually have just 45,000 admissions on weekends.." Complete report..

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Link of the Week / GulfWire Flashback - Four Years of GW

LINK OF THE WEEK

Middle East Policy Council - Resources/Educational Links

     <<ONE YEAR AGO>>
    GULFWIRE DIGEST #191 WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2003

ARABS WARY OF ROLE IN A NEW IRAQ
"Arab nations likely will avoid participation in the postwar administration of Iraq, fearing a link to an eventual U.S. occupation would signal their acceptance of a war broadly opposed by their citizens.. ..Arab leaders now say they are unable to take a public or private role in rebuilding Iraq.."

US CREDIBILITY AT STAKE, SAYS ABDULLAH
"'We told the US secretary of state that Washington should take the initiative to implement President George W. Bush's statement calling for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Palestinian land,' the crown prince said.. ..In a statement after talks with Secretary of State
Colin Powell [in Morocco] on [April 8], the Crown Prince Abdullah said a quick US action to stop the Israeli aggression was necessary to protect Washington's credibility in the Arab and Islamic worlds and its interests in the region.."

BAHRAIN PANEL BEGINS REFORM PROCESS
"Sweeping changes to bring about long awaited political, economic and social changes to take the island into the 21st century are now under way. The process started this week with the committee entrusted with the task of implementing the National Action Charter to bring about these changes deciding  to take up some of the issues.."

WTO ACCESSION TALKS - SAUDI ARABIA
"Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organization was at least two years off according to WTO deputy director general Paul-Henri Ravier in comments cited by AFP on March 28.  Ravier, speaking at an economic conference in the UAE said Saudi Arabia and the WTO were to meet again this week, adding, 'It will certainly not be the last.. ..We have at least two more years to go.'"      
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