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Tuesday 21 February 2006 |
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MIDDLE EAST: Weekly round-up Number 59 for 27 January - 2 February 2006[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]CONTENTS: EGYPT: No deportation for Sudanese detainees, says government The government will not deport Sudanese detainees lacking official status as asylum seekers or refugees, according to an official at the foreign affairs ministry. Full report EGYPT: WHO declares country polio-free Egypt has been declared polio-free for the first time ever by the World Health Organization (WHO). Full report IRAQ: Mixed motivations behind kidnappings Some 300 foreign civilians have been abducted since the US-led war in Iraq started in March 2003, but according to members of Iraq’s government, the identity of those who kidnapped them remains vague. Full report IRAQ: After years of discord, Najaf enjoys record development After years of suppression under the regime of Saddam Hussein and fighting between local militias and occupation forces since 2003, the city of Najaf has finally begun to enjoy the fruits of development. Full report IRAQ: Rights watchdog questions Hussein trial proceedings As the trial of deposed president Saddam Hussein resumed on 29 January, the Iraqi government dismissed accusations that political interference and the rapid turnover of presiding judges threaten the outcome. Full report IRAQ: Government announces plan to fight poverty, create jobs In response to a study released last week revealing an increase in poverty levels by 30 percent since the US-led invasion in April 2003, the government said it was developing plans to combat the problem. Full report IRAQ: Sectarian tensions on the rise Five simultaneous bomb attacks that appear to have targeted churches and the Vatican embassy have raised concerns among Iraqi Christians about rising sectarian tensions. Full report IRAQ: Aid still needed in Anbar governorate, say relief workers Relief workers in Anbar governorate say that humanitarian aid is still badly needed for isolated groups of displaced persons who fled their homes due to recent fighting between insurgents and US troops Full report IRAQ: Despite government scepticism, negotiations with insurgents continue Political leaders are pursuing negotiations with insurgent groups in the hopes of curtailing the violence that has taken the lives of thousands of Iraqis in the past two years Full report IRAQ: First bird flu case confirmed The Ministry of Health has announced that a 15-year-old girl who died on 17 January in the northern town of Raniya, close to Sulaimaniyah, was a victim of the H5N1 strain of bird flu, despite earlier reports to the contrary. Full report IRAQ: Higher education ministry tempts professionals with security, higher salaries After an exodus of professionals from the country in the wake of the US-led invasion, the government has launched a campaign aimed at luring them back with offers of personal security and higher salaries. Full report IRAQ: Doctors warn of shortage for bird flu treatment Doctors in Sulaimaniyah in northern Iraq say they lack medicines to treat recently recorded cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, or “bird flu.? Full report JORDAN: On-line editor prosecuted for publishing articles by opposition Human right activists have called on the government to drop charges filed against the editor of an opposition party website for posting articles written by parliamentarians more than a year ago. Full report LEBANON: UN lawyer’s visit “fruitful,? says government A two-day visit to Lebanon by a UN legal counsel to discuss a proposed international tribunal for suspects in last year’s assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was described as “fruitful? by government officials. Full report LEBANON: Discrimination against children of foreign fathers About 10 years ago, Nadira and Amer Nahhas left the United Stated to settle in Lebanon, not realising that their children would live as foreigners in Nadira’s homeland. Full report YEMEN: Religious decree endorses polio vaccinations A prominent Muslim cleric issued a religious decree, or fatwa, this week advising parents to have their children immunised against polio. Full report MIDDLE EAST: Gulf support for quake likely to continue into reconstruction Sajad Ahmad, 12, found himself an only child after his brother was killed in the earthquake that devastated northern Pakistan last October. Full report [ENDS]
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