Iraq says US continues preparation for war of aggression

By: Ismail Zabeeh

BAGHDAD, Iraq: The Iraqi government said the United States continues gearing up its “war of aggression” against the country despite Baghdad’s co-operation with United Nations weapons inspectors

Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz said on Thursday: “American military deployment has been going on ... They continue their preparation for a war of aggression,” even though UN inspectors, who arrived in Iraq on November 25, have been able to visit all the sites they have wanted to inspect and “will visit whatever sites they want to visit.”

Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that Iraq is co-operating and inspectors, who arrived in Iraq on November 25, are able to do their work in an unimpeded manner and therefore “I don't see an argument for a military action now.”

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Israel halts China arms exports under US pressure

By: Ahmad Hammadi

JERUSALEM: Israel has suspended all its contracts on arms and security equipment exports to China complying with a new American demand.

The Haaretz daily reported in its Thursday editions quoting a defense source as saying that Washington's demand reached Israel three weeks ago and caused some surprise.

“This is simply a new American dictate, and we didn't have any choice in the matter,” the newspaper added.

Meanwhile, the United States, in a 32-page charging letter filed Thursday, has accused two major US companies of illegally transferring intercontinental missile technology to China violating the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Talking to a foreign news agency, a State Department spokesman Louis Fintor said: “Hughes Electronics Corporation and Boeing Satellite Systems took numerous actions in violation of established export controls prohibitions and restrictions and the bilateral agreement between the United States and China.”

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Anti-India demo, sit-in staged in Held Kashmir

By: A. A. Rathor

SRINAGAR, Held Kashmir: Indian security forces have martyred at least two civilians in occupied Kashmir and took several villages in Rajouri and Poonch districts under siege for search operations, reports said Thursday.

Separately, Kashmiri women staged a forceful demonstration in Bahorikadal locality of Srinagar to protest against the arrest of Muzaffar Butt by the Indian troops.

Kashmir Media Service said the demonstrators, chanting anti-India slogans and blocking traffic, held a sit-in strike on the road.

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I Coast govt air raid denounced

By: Special Reporter

IVORY COAST: French army personnel enforcing the ceasefire in Ivory Coast have strongly condemned as “unacceptable” a government attack against a rebel-held village in the center of the country.

The Ivorian Coast government helicopter gunships on Tuesday attacked the lakeside fishing village of Menakro, north of the ceasefire line agreed in October, killing 11 civilians and wounding many others.

It is the first time the French have criticized either side since they agreed to maintain the fragile truce signed by the government and the Ivory Coast Patriotic Movement (MPCI).

Saying “This is a very serious incident,” the French military demanded an explanation from the Ivorian Government of the attack, which it say, would have “inevitable repercussions”.

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Australia reopens embassy in Philippines

By: Special Reporter

MANILA, Philippines: Australia on Thursday has reopened its embassy in Manila with tightened security after closing down for more than a month because of security threats.

“We are back to work,” Australian Ambassador Ruth Pearce told newsmen after holding talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Blas Ople. The ambassadors of Canada and the European Union, whose missions reopened last month, attended the meeting.

In spite of reopening, visa applications were not being accepted with notices posted outside the embassy building advising applicants to wait for further announcements.

The Canadian and Australian embassies closed November 28 because of what they said were credible and specific terrorist threats.

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