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Monday 31 October 2005 |
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MIDDLE EAST: Weekly round-up Number 35 for 12-18 August 2005[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]Key Humanitarian Developments in Iraq IRAQ: Focus on constitutional concerns Every day Mustafa Rawi sits in front of his television set waiting for news confirming when the historical constitution will be finally presented to Iraqis. "For the last month I have been watching closely to see if the constitution will be completed by the deadline 15 August. I cannot see anything new, only the same problems due to the sticking points where agreements have not been reached," said the Baghdad resident. Full report IRAQ: ‘Expired food causing health problems’ A serious rise in food poisoning cases caused by expired and contaminated food in Iraq has been reported by the Ministry of Health. Government hospital directors have alerted our ministry that there is an increase in cases on a daily basis, especially in children, caused by poor food quality in the markets,? to Mustafa al-Aani, a senior official at the ministry said. Full report YEMEN: Arab civil society groups call for greater political participation A regional workshop on the role of civil society groups in democratic change wrapped up on Tuesday in the Yemeni capital Sana, calling for active and equal participation of such groups in decision making in the Arab countries. The event, called "The Role of Civil Society in the Current Democratic Changes" brought together more than 50 representatives of political parties and NGOs from Yemen and other Arab states. Full report JORDAN: Human rights activists denounce deportation deal with UK Jordanian human rights activists echoed concerns of international human rights groups that a memorandum of understanding with Britain had few legal safeguards for a fair trial of future deportees from the UK. Human rights activists have voiced concern about the deportation deal which London says protects deportees from ill treatment and under its terms Jordan would have to guarantee a deportee would not be tortured or otherwise mistreated at home and would not face the death penalty. Full report SYRIA: Efforts to improve conditions for Palestinian refugees The continuing needs of thousands of Palestinian refugees residing in Syria have created new challenges, the Syrian General Authority for Palestine Arab Refugees (GAPAR) said at the opening of its annual conference in the capital, Damascus. Management from GAPAR, along with representatives from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) are attending the conference from 15 to 18 August to review refugee needs and achievements thus far, and to plan ahead. Full report SYRIA: Interview with outspoken writer, Maha Hassan Fearing “threats and increasing repression against Kurdish organisations? Syrian-Kurdish journalist and writer, Maha Hassan, went into exile in France in 2004. In an interview with IRIN, Hassan said despite Syria's accession to the UN Convention Against Torture (CAT), the country still has a long way to go in improving basic human rights. Full report EGYPT: Special report on press freedom With presidential and legislative elections fast approaching, journalists are concerned about current legislation governing the press in Egypt, which they feel could seriously affect reporting during this crucial period. The local press still faces restrictions on several levels, according to local and international media watchdog groups. Full report EGYPT: Focus on election campaigning Egypt’s presidential campaign kicked off on Wednesday with dramatic speeches by the two main candidates outlining not dissimilar programmes to reform the country. The country’s first ever multi-candidate presidential campaign will run for three weeks until election day on 7 September and features the president as well as nine other candidates from opposition parties. Full report [ENDS]
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