NEWS
2003
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NEWS
2003
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Members can also access the message board for discussion of all the latest issues
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28: 12: 2003, BBC, London, UK. Blair's claims to troops that WMD's will be found in Iraq remain unsupported by the head administrator in Iraq - Paul Bremer. Blairs assertions in his Christmas address to troops cut little ice with Paul Bremer, who said it was a "red herring," until he realised it was the British PM quoted, declared that was not what the Iraq Survey Group (ISG) had stated. BBC NEWS | Politics | Bremer 'rejects' Blair WMD claims Statement on the Interim Progress Report on the Activities of the Iraq Survey Group |
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26: 12: 2003. Bam, Iran. Earthquake hits the ancient city of Bam (pop. 80,000). Estimates range from 20,000 to 50,000 dead. United States and United Kingdom immediately offer to send humanitarian aid in the form of sniffer dogs from British International Rescue Dogs (B.I.R.D.), recovery experts (Rapid-UK) search technology and medical teams. The deteriorating political climate between Iran and the West is expected to remain unchanged until agreement can be reached on the Caspian Sea oilfields sovereignty. |
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21:12:2003 London, UK. Following last weeks perfectly timed good news for Blair and Bush with Saddam Husseins arrest, doubt surrounds the circumstances of the media release presented to the world. The confusion surrounding the original reports, which Sky reported at around 10 a.m. as "British SAS, SBS and Kurdish special forces," and the delay before both Bush and Blair raced to the pulpit to espouse Husseins reported arrest by "US forces" leads one to question the validity of the circumstances surrounding the official version of the arrest. Cynics point to the suitably dishevelled Hussein, convenient location (spider hole), timing of the arrest (just before Christmas) and the fact that the arresting "US forces" just happened to have a camera crew with them as a little too photogenic for the occasion (i.e. war). Todays report (21-12-03) by Yvonne Ridley "Saddam Betrayed over Uday's Rape" (Sunday Express, London) should therefore be given a little bit of extra rope in what has become a media intrigue. Ridley states that Hussein was handed over to Kurdish forces in November, after a betrayal by members of the al-Jabour tribe following Udays "defilement" of a relative. Following the history of Hussein and the Kurds, one should admire the Kurds restraint if this story is true, and it would better explain the state of the former Iraqi dictator. The release of the news via the IRNA News agency in Iran (which houses many more Kurds) would also make more sense than through Western sources. The location of the spider hole could then have been a prison rather than somewhere he had been hiding since March, pouring scorn on Western intelligence if he was found virtually in his own birthplace. Meanwhile the "back-up" Christmas cheer for Blair and Bush had been prepared for months with Gaddafi declaring Libya's independence of WMD's to embrace the new world of peace in the Middle East. |
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19: 12: 2003 London, U.K. The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) reveals its new corporate governance policy, revealing how it will recommend its members vote in forthcoming annual general meetings of companies. Protest voting could take place by NAPF members if companies refuse to adopt the Higgs Report recommendations. |
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16: 12: 2003 Santiago, Chile Henry Kissinger supplies Chilean court with evidence "surrounding the circumstances" of the 1973 murder of U.S. journalist Horman. Horman who was investigating the CIA's role in the overthrow of President Allende was alledged to have been murdered in official Chilean custody. (see Condor in Bolivia) |
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16: 12: 2003 Brazil. Oil and gas consortium Comgas, (Shell and BP in Brazil) announce a huge gas find of 40 trillion cubic feet of gas near Santos. The find overshadows the Santa Cruz - San Paolo 3,200 pipeline which has just been built to transport natural gas from one of the poorest countries in Latin America: Bolivia, to a country which uses one of the least amounts of gas: Brazil. The threat to Bolivia's future must worry the new President Mesa of Bolivia, but should reduce any further rioting on the streets, seen under the Losada administration. http://www.mercopress.com/Detalle.asp?NUM=2864 |
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14:12:2003 Tikrit, Iraq. Saddam Hussein is reported captured at Tikrit by Sky News, via an Iranian news agency. The news is marred by yet another car bombing which killed 18 people. Hussein will now be a Prisoner of war under the Geneva Convention |
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12:12:2003 New York, U.S. A major new report from Human Rights Watch criticises the allies for the use of cluster bombing, which caused unnecessary civilian deaths during the Iraq war. "Off Target: The Conduct of the War and Civilian Casualties in Iraq,” This followed earlier HRW research in Afghanistan and Kosovo on combat methods and weaponry used. They further criticised Iraqi troops for using civilians as human shields, use of land mines and military use of hospitals and mosques. |
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12:12:2003 Venezuela President Chavez condemns the attempts to petition him out of office two years early as an "electoral coup" |
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12: 12: 2003 Iran Iran holds up to 130 Al Queda suspects ready for trial or deportation back to their countries of origin. U.S. wants them to be sent to them. |
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12: 12: 2003 Russia Ahead of the EU summit today, Russia and the EU fail to come to agreement on the pipeline transit arrangements when crossing trans national boundaries.. |
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12: 12: 2003 Iraq and Washington, U.S. Kellog, Brown and Root - preferred contractors for the supply of oil to the allied forces in Iraq and a subsidiary of Dick Cheney's old Halliburton face criticism of overcharging. |
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11: 12: 2003 The United States excludes companies from anti war countries for inclusion of the rebuilding contracts in Iraq. Countries such as Germany, France, Russia, China and Canada are furious at the decision, claiming it smacks of cronyism to the U.S. business community. |
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9: 12: 2003. Syria Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) train U.S. special forces for seek and destroy missions in Syria. Borger J (9: 12: 2003) "Israel trains US assassination squads in Iraq, Guardian," London |
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9: 12: 2003 Russia As Putin celebrates his supporters election victories, the OSCE criticizes the election process. In a separate issue, the Kremlin receives a bomb attack that kills 6. http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/field_activities/eom.php?election=2003russia |
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5-7: 12: 2003 Stockholm Over 1 million people sign support for a new "Sustainable Development" award from the Nobel Peace Prize. The Dalai Lama is one of the signatories. If you would like to support this project click here .... |
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2: 12: 2003 Russia Train bomb blasts kills 41, in clear threat to Russian elections on Sunday. Chechen rebels are blamed by Putin. |
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1: 12: 03 Geneva, Switzerland An alternative "Geneva Accord " is presented to the world. Both Palestinians and Israeli's alike condemn what is offered. PRESIDENT ARAFAT (15-10-03):
"Switzerland Agreement" is not official and I backed
any effort particularly those pro peace inside Israel P.M. SHARON blamed Arafat,
"This man is the greatest obstacle to peace. Therefore, Israel
decided to bring about his removal from the political arena,"
and in a thinly disguised attack on Israeli political opposition parties
and striking civil service workers stated; GEORGE W BUSH, while entertaining the King of Jordan (4-12-03), responded to journalist questions on the issue; Q The Geneva Accord, do you think some of these proposals should be included in an overall peace agreement? And why is Secretary Powell meeting with these people? PRESIDENT BUSH: "Everybody knows where I stand. I gave a speech right here in Rose Garden in June of 2002. I laid out what I believe is necessary to achieve peace in the Middle East. It starts with having a Palestinian state that is at peace with Israel, a Palestinian state based upon democratic principles, a Palestinian state which recognizes the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people, and a Palestinian state with leadership which is committed to defeating and dismantling the terrorist organizations who are trying to prevent a Palestinian state from emerging." Bush is still hopeful of getting his own "Peace Plan" in forward motion, while failing to mention Israeli terrorist organisations who are trying to prevent a Palestinian state from emerging. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031204-1.html Other References; Knesset Peace Processes Register |
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30: 11:03 Iraq Seven Spanish Intelligence officers killed in blast
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27: 11: 03 Baghdad Bush visits troops in a surprise visit for the American holiday Thanksgiving Day
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23: 11: 03 Georgia Shevardnadze resigns as Georgian President. Following protestors seizure of the parliamentary buildings and indicators from some of the militaries sympathies with the protestors, leading to Shevardnadze's decision. On resigning, he stated; "I realised what is happening may end with spilled blood if I use my rights. I have never betrayed my people and I decided that I should resign." One of the transit countries of the Baku-Ceyhan-Tbilisi Trans Caspian pipeline - Georgia has seen increasing antagonism over the countries recent elections, which many claimed had been rigged. Shevardnadze becomes yet another victim of the Trans Caspian pipeline. |
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19: 11: 03 London Key defense policy adviser to Rumsfeld; Richard Perle, in a speech to the Institute of Contemporary Arts admits that the war on Iraq was illegal. Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | War critics astonished as US hawk admits invasion was illegal |
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20: 11: 03. London, U.K. 75,000 March Against Bush Demonstrations against Bush took to the streets of London in their tens of thousands BBC NEWS | England | London | Thousands protest against Bush |
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20: 11: 03. Turkey Suicide Bombs shatter Peace in Turkey British envoy; General Roger Short is amongst the victims killed in today's bombings hitting the public target of the British Consulate and the privately owned HSBC bank, which claimed 26 lives and 390 injured. This follows the bombings of Turkish synagogues on Saturday in which 23 lives were claimed. Al Qu'eda and Islamic Great Eastern Raiders Front (IBDA-C) are alleged to have claimed responsibility. |
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15: 11: 03 Jerusalem, Israel Four former leaders of Israel's security service; Shin Bet, Yaakov Perry, Ami Ayalon, Avraham Shalon, Carmi Gilon, have openly mocked Ariel Sharon's policies against the Palestinians. |
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14: 11: 03. London, U.K. London prepares with unprecedented security for the state visit of George W Bush (19th-21st Nov) while campaigners prepare with the same resolution for their protests. |
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13: 11: 03 Baku Highly influential Office for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) criticizes the Azerbaijan elections by concluding; " that the 15 October 2003 presidential election in Azerbaijan failed to meet OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. The report further states that "the overall process reflected a lack of sufficient political commitment to implement a genuine election process." "Overall, the presidential election was a missed opportunity for a credible democratic election process." |
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06:11:03 London, UK The Kingsmill report recommends companies makes better use of "human capital management" as recommended in our Prism feature. |
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06: 11: 03. Afghanistan Former Taliban Foreign Minister is released by the US |
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14: 09: 03 World Trade Organisation meeting, Cancun, Mexico WTO meeting ends in failure for its participants with an ominous warning from the chairperson Derbrez; "Agreement is needed in order to give the world economy a boost," he said, and "if the meeting fails the only winners will be the enemies of the trading system." |
| 12:
09: 03. London, U.K.
The U.K. Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) declare the wording of the original "September document" (which took us to war in Iraq) as "unhelpful." IRAQI
WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION - INTELLIGENCE ASSESSMENTS - 2003 |
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11:09:03 Afghanistan Aid worker claims UN
food supplies encourages white poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, while
in other areas people are starving |
09: 09: 03. London, U.K. A communications review led by Bob Phillis (The Phillis Review) publish their interim conclusions , from the terms of reference; “In the light of the Eighth Report of the House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee, to conduct a radical review of government communications. This will include the examination of different models for organising and managing the government's communication effort, the effectiveness of the current model based on the Government Information and Communication Service, and the roles played by other civil servants including those special advisers who have a responsibility for communications” Cabinet Office: News: GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES INTERIM CONCLUSIONS OF PHILLIS REVIEW |
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08: 09: 03. Washington George W Bush presents a cap to the United States for a further $89 million to continue the "war on terrorism" in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. In Iraq, three strategies have been claimed; 1] "destroying the terrorists, 2] enlisting the support of other nations for a free Iraq and 3] helping Iraqis assume responsiblity for their own defense, and for their own future." |
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06:09:03 UK Former environment minister Michael Meacher speaks out against the war on terrorism Guardian
Unlimited | The Guardian | Michael Meacher: This war on terrorism is
bogus |
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08:09:03 UK Former Environment Minister Michael Meacher criticised the U.K. Government for attacking Iraq for control of oil interests. Guardian
Unlimited | The Guardian | 'Muddle' caused 45 minute claim |
| 05: 09: 03.
Palestine
Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas resigns following a threat of no confidence vote. Rumours suggest Ahmed Qureia will take over Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Palestinians' new hope |
| 25:
08: 03. Mumbai, India
Two car bomb terrorist attacks hit the Gateway of India and a jewellery market in the former Bombay. Over 44 people are feared dead, 150 injured. Suspects for the bombing include Kashmiri rebel forces: Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and Lashkar-e-Tayyabe |
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20: 08: 03. Baghdad, Iraq. Huge car bomb rocks U.N building in Baghdad. It gives me no pleasure to say I told you so, but the record of the U.N in Iraq, by their own admission is dire. Since the Gulf War in 1991, the 'oil for food' programme has killed 500,000 ADDITIONAL children in Iraq according to a report by U.N.I.C.E.F. 1999. The U.N. Security Council failed to deal with either Saddam Hussein or Iraq for the benefit of it's citizens and surrounding states before, during or post 1991. Since the Gulf War II in 2003 the U.N. has continued to fail the Iraqi people by supplying inadequate food, water and medical supplies, not too mention a secure environment. Little wonder then that this action, call it self defense or call it 'terrorism,' has taken place while the seeds of terrorism: poverty and helplessness, have been implanted by the very organisations supposed to have helped them. It is not more troops
that is required in Iraq, it is an efficient governing infrastructure
that is lacking, and the sooner that is delivered, the less likelihood
of major attacks in this country or indeed Afghanistan. |
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15: 08: 03. Baghdad,
Iraq. Estimated cost of its
closure is $7 million per day. |
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14:08:03 Monrovia, Liberia |
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11: 08: 03 London, U.K. |
| 11: 08: 03.
Kabul, Afghanistan N.A.T.O. assumes security command for Afghanistan in an unprecedented move, with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). NATO in Afghanistan |
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11: 08: 03. Liberia |
| 07:08:03
Indonesia
The "smiling bomber" is sentenced to death for killing 202 people in the Bali bombing. BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | Bali bomber sentenced to death |
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07:08:03 Dublin, Ireland Boss of the Real I.R.A. splinter group accused of causing the largest terrorist bombing at Omagh, was jailed for 20 years. |
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London, U.K. Head of M.I.6, Sir Richard Dearlove, resigns The Observer | Special reports | MI6 chief to quit after split on Iraq |
01:08:03 US
Boucher, US spokesperson implies more immunities are planned in
a briefing concerning immunity for peacekeepers in Liberia vs. Security
Council Resolution 1422/1487 that was adopted in June 2003.
In their remarks, Spokesman Boucher makes an implicit reference to the
US effort to seek permanent ICC exemption on a case-by-case basis, saying:
"We certainly think that this language [in the Liberia resolution] is
consistent with those previous UN resolutions. It doesn't detract from
those in any way. And second of all, as you yourself said, that last resolution
applies for a year.
Whether this may or may not go on longer than that I don't know, but we
thought it was appropriate to provide for an appropriate framework for
people to consider these issues in the context of this particular resolution."
ICC press releases
| 01:08:03 ICC NGOs Condemn Broad Immunities in Security Council Resolution on Multinational Deployment to Liberia U.S. Arm-Twisting Leads to Violations of National and International Law, NGOs Say (New York, August 1, 2003) - The UN Security Council today voted 12 - 0 to pass a resolution authorizing the deployment of a multinational stabilization force to Liberia after Council members conceded to U.S. insistence on language providing for broad-ranging immunities. These immunities grant some troop contributing states participating in the multinational force with exclusive jurisdiction over crimes allegedly committed by their personnel, effectively opening the door for permanent immunity from International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Security Council members to abstain from voting in the adoption of Resolution 1497 were France, Germany and Mexico. In a statement to the press immediately following the vote, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said, "Frankly my sentiments are with those countries that abstained." William Pace, convenor of the NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) said, "While we welcome the UN authorization of desperately needed humanitarian intervention in Liberia, we are deeply concerned by the U.S. initiated provision granting exclusive jurisdiction and permanent ICC exemption for its personnel deployed in Liberia." Recent Security Council negotiations regarding U.S. demands for ICC immunity resulted in the renewal of Resolution 1422, which, on July 1, 2002, exempted from ICC jurisdiction for a one year renewable period any personnel on UN peacekeeping or authorized missions from countries not party to the ICC treaty. Resolution 1422 was renewed as Resolution 1487 by a vote of 12 - 0, with France, Germany and Syria abstaining. The new U.S. immunity language in the resolution on Liberia, however, goes well beyond these previous resolutions. International law experts and NGOs have harshly condemned the U.S. proposed immunity language, arguing that it has broad implications for national and international law that go far beyond the ICC. "This language would effectively shelter genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes with impunity," said Yvonne Terlingen, Amnesty International representative at the UN. ICC press releases |
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An international boycott
of Coca Cola products will be launched this Tuesday. Its main aim is
to stop the policy of violent treatment that has left eight Colombian
Coca Cola workers assassinated in recent years. The boycott has been
called by Colombian food and drinks workers union SINALTRAINAL and has
the endorsement of the country's main trade union federation the CUT
as well as the World Social Forum. |
| 22: 07: 03.
Mosul, Iraq Odai and Qusai Hussein killed in a shoot out with U.S. troops Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Photos of Saddam's Sons' Bodies Released |
| 21: 07: 03
10 Downing St, London Lord Hutton Enquiry defined to "urgently to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Dr Kelly". PMOS morning briefing - 21 July Who is Lord Hutton? BBC News | UK | Seven Law Lords hold key to Pinochet's fate |
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20: 7: 03 BBC London BBC confirms Kelly was a source of Andrew Gilligan Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Dead British Arms Adviser Was BBC Source |
| 19:
07: 03 Oxfordshire
David Kelly found dead |
| 15: 07: 03
London David Kelly (Microbiologist and Consultant to the MoD and FCO) gives evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee Oral evidence |
| 12: 07:03.
Liberia The price of peace for the State of Liberia appears to hinge on whether head of state David Taylor receives immunity from a war crimes indictment in Sierra Leone. The U.S. has recently insisted on immunity clauses for all US personnel on peace-keeping duties in the Balkans and Liberia. IHT: News analysis: Immunity question clouds Taylor's departure |
| 03:07: 03 London,
Head of Communications Alistair Campbell reveals some insight into the "dodgy dossier" affair. BBC NEWS | Politics | Letter shows Campbell Iraq role |
| 30: 06: 03.
Colombia President Uribe, after almost one year in office, reveals his new security plan. The plan involves repatriating police back into all areas of Colombia, including where they have been removed by guerrilas. BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Colombia unveils security plan |
| 30:
06: 03 New York, U.S. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Negroponte insists on immunity for U.S. troops involved in "peace-keeping" missions. Germany, France and Mexico abstain in the vote. Ambassador Negroponte: Statement in the Security Council in Explanation of Vote |
| 27:06: 03 London UK Communications Chief, Campbell faces Select Committee Oral evidence |
| 06: 06: 03
New York In the strongest public statement so far by a public official regarding the missing WMDs in Iraq, Executive Chairman of UNMOVIC, Hans Blix noted; "The first point, made in paragraph 8 of the report, is that the Commission has not at any time during the inspections in Iraq found evidence of the continuation or resumption of programmes of weapons of mass destruction or significant quantities of proscribed items whether from pre 1991 or later. I leave aside the Al Samoud 2 missile system, which we concluded was proscribed." Hans Blix (document S/2003/580) is before the Council. It covers the period 1 March to 31 May. The Commission carried out inspections in Iraq up to and including Monday 17 March. The day thereafter, Tuesday 18 March, all international staff were withdrawn and the armed action commenced on 19 March. http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusnewsiraq.asp?NewsID=529&sID=6 |
| 06:06:03
Loi Karez, S. Afghanistan Now the western media and politicians informs us we have "democracy" in Afghanistan (thanks to their intervention) we can assume that the battle which killed 40 yesterday while Karzai lunched with Blair, was nothing more than a rather heated inner city riot ? News |
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03:06:03 Tony Blair and Robin
Cook clash swords over the intelligence used to attack Iraq, claiming
there were Weapons of Mass Destruction in imminent use by Saddam Hussein.
"the Labour
Party and the Labour Government will remain knee deep in dishonour" Speech to the House of
Commons, Shadow P.M. T Blair, 20 Feb 1996 |
| 29: 05: 03
BBC Radio 4, London BBC Diplomatic and defense reporter Andrew Gilligan declares that Downing Street "sexed up" the Iraq dossier. Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction - The assessment of the British Government Andrew Gilligan, Iraqs Most Senior Defector: Document Leaked to Today BBC NEWS | UK | Profile: Andrew Gilligan |
| 23:05: 03
Caspian Sea Trans Caspian Pipeline commenced, confirming U.S. Energy Secretary Bill Richardson's words: "It is no longer 'if' we will have a pipeline from Baku to Ceyhan, but 'when'. Caspian Oil Industry News RIGZONE - Construction Begins on BTC Pipeline |
| 22: 05: 03
Evian, France G8 meeting G8 - Sommet Evian Summit 2003 - News update |
| 22: 05: 03
New York The UN finally lies down for the U.S. / U.K coalition, by lifting sanctions against Iraq, without UNMOVIC's clearance or confirmation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=7162&Cr=iraq&Cr1= SECURITY COUNCIL LIFTS SANCTIONS ON IRAQ, APPROVES UN ROLE, CALLS FOR APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY-GENERALS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE Russia to Gain if UN Lifts Iraq Sanctions - Global Policy Forum - UN Security Council |
| 10:05: 03 Caspian
Sea Open warfare erupted over the huge Caspian resources when the sale of British Gas's 16.67% stake went before auction. Chinese giant oil firms CNOOC and SINOPEC were frozen out of the $615 million stake in the North Caspian Sea Production Sharing Agreement by Eni, Agip,Total, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Inpex who exercised pre-emption rights. Saigol L & Roberts D (10: 05: 03) "Partners Move to Block Chinese," Financial Times, London. |
| 09:
05: 03. Washington D.C., U.S. Green energy groups, businesses and environmental policy interests delivered a "Renewable Energy Legislative Priorities List" to the 108th Congress Renewable Energy Legislative Priorities List |
| 29:04:03
Wales Peaceplangroup has remained apolitical since 2001, but not all Stop the War activists have. Wales will be a showcase for a "referendum against the war." on Thursday, 1st May 2003 Vote 2 Stop the War |
| 28:04:03 UK First Afghanistan refugees sent back to "safe" areas of Afghanistan. |
| 23:04:03 Afghanistan US troops attacked in Afghanistan, 1 dead, 5 injured DefenseLinkNews Index Page |
| 22:04:03 Baghdad Jay Garner, The Pentagon's Officer for Reconstruction of Iraq, is welcomed by the previously persecuted Kurds, whilst the US has expressed reluctance to allow the UN weapons inspectors to return to Iraq. |
| 18:04: 03 Baghdad Iraqi's take their first "democratic" step, and ...demonstrate in thousands against US invasion. Abel Gratis - HOME |
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| 02:04:03 In response to questioning following Donald Rumsfeld's recent remarks on Syria and Iran, Jack Straw, Foreign and Commonwealth Minister retorted; "Iran is a completely different country and situation from Iraq. Iran is an emerging democracy and there would be no case whatsoever for taking any kind of action." Headline news from Sky News - Witness the event |
| 02:04:03
Bosnia President Sarovic resigns following the decision of the High Representative, Lord Ashdown to abolish the Supreme Defence Council, which he had been leader of, for breaches of United Nation Security Council Resolutions in relation to Iraq and Anti-Dayton activities of the security services (VRS). Foreign & Commonwealth Office Press Releases |
30:03:03 Washington
Rumsfeld's "hostile Act" warning to Syria, for supplying weapons to Iraq,
and a similar threat to Iran, after Iranian Badr Corp went across the
Iraqi border were met with derision by their respective countries.
NEWS.scotsman.com
- War with Iraq - Iran and Syria hit back over Rumsfeld threat
| 29:03:03
Bomb blasts a second market at Al Nasser, 58 considered dead. BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | 'Many dead' in Baghdad blast |
| 28:03:03
New York Unanimous agreement (15-0) to approve the restoration of the oil for food programme in Iraq SECURITY COUNCIL APPROVES ADJUSTMENTS TO IRAQ OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAMME, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1472 (2003) |
| 27:03:03 Venezuela Carlos Ortego, one of the leading strike leaders was granted political asylum by Costa Rica after fleeing Venezuela BBC NEWS | World | Americas | Strike leader quits Venezuela |
| 27:03:03 New
York Perle resigns as Chairman of U.S. Defence Policy Board http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Mar2003/b03272003_bt164-03.html |
| 27:03:03
Northern Iraq US paratroopers of the 173rd US airborne sent in to open a fresh front in Iraq, linking with local Kurds News.Scotsman.com |
| 27:03:03
Baghdad Bomb explodes in market place Independent, R Fisk, Baghdad, 27:03:03, Market place bomb |
| 27:03:03 USA Bush warns Turkey against invading Iraq, although Turkey claims to be preventing refugees spilling over the border, Americans fear another complication with a Turko-Kurd war. BBC NEWS | World | Europe | Bush warns Turkey |
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26:03:03 Balkans http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/sci/tech/2844983.stm |
| 26:03:03 Serbia Suspect arrested in Djinjic murder http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/world/europe/2885377.stm |
| 26:03:03
Iraq 2 Desert Rats killed by "friendly fire" http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/1/hi/uk/2886715.stm |
| 23:3:03
Kodak Theatre, Hollywood As American society continues unabashed by war at the Oscars; Michael Moore wins the "Documentary Feature" 75th Annual Academy Awards |
| 22:03:03 Kuwait US 101st Airborne Oficer held in custody after a grenade attack at an army base The Australian: US soldier arrested after attack [March 23, 2003] |
| 22:03:03 Iraq Basra falls Arterial waterway and major oil field at Basra falls from Iraqi control BreakingNews.ie: Basra falls to US/UK troops - report |
| 21: 03:03 Northern
Iraq Turkey allowed to enter Iraq with 1500 men. Kurds fear the worst. Current Affairs |
| 21:03:03 Baghdad Peace Protestors influence Military Planning. The last two nights of "surgical" strategic bombing show a marked contrast from previous Iraq campaigns. Clinton had allowed almost a blank cheque towards bombing campaigns in pursuit of militay objectives during the Gulf War in 1991 BAGHDAD BOMBED The civilian deaths encountered by the illegal "no fly zones" and subsequent bombing there have seen a continuity of CLinton's policy. http://www.afsc.org/iraq/guide/bombfaq.pdf The last two days of bombing in Baghdad must denote a political sensitivity to civilian casualties, and it is largely the Peace campaigners who can cheer themselves for that. U.S. Bombing Watch |
| 21:03:03 World Global protests against the war in Iraq took place in Tokyo, San Francisco, Manchester etc |
| 20:03:03 Afghanistan After war commences in Iraq, the UN announces a 48 hour security alert. AFGHANISTAN: UN announces 48 hours security alert - OCHA IRIN |
| 19:03:03 Iraq Iraq war commences around Basra Guardian Unlimited |
| 19:03:03
EU Commission France, Germany, U.K., Spain, Austria and Italian officials found themselves bugged. BBC NEWS | World | Europe | EU investigates mystery buggings |
| 19:03:03 UK
London Blair gets his wicked way with parliament, approving war in Iraq. Although 139 Labour M.P.'s rebelled, |
| 18:3:03
London Britain commences invasion in Iraq while the British Press Awards takes place. PPG | Culture | Cartoons1 featured cartoonist Steve Bell wins the Walkers Cartoonist of the Year British Press Awards |
| 18:03:03 UK
London 3 Tory party M.P.'s leave over the war on Iraq http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-10-615684,00.html |
| 18:03:03 UK
London More UK ministers resign; John Denham, the former Home Office Minister and a Government "Mr fix-it" resigned today. Health Minister Lord Hunt resigned too, swiftly followed by Anne Campbell P.P.S. to Patricia Hewitt. Later David Kidney, Labour MP for Stafford also resigned. Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Blair hit by second resignation |
| 17:03:03 New
York Pressure mounts as exposee of Richard Perle, Trireme, and U.S. Defense Policy Board hits the news stands. The New Yorker: Fact |
| 17:03:03 Washington Bush gives Saddam Hussein and sons 48 hours to exit Iraq President Says Saddam Hussein Must Leave Iraq Within 48 Hours |
| 17:03:03 UK
London U.K. Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, declares a legal "combined effect" to justify Government declaring action in Iraq. The Times: Attorney-General gives M.P.'s legal basis for war |
| 17:03:03 UK
London Leader of the House, Robin Cook , resigns from the U.K. Government declaring: "I intend to join those tomorrow night who will vote against military action now. It is for that reason, and for that reason alone, and with a heavy heart, that I resign from the government." BBC NEWS | Politics | Cook's resignation speech |
| 17:03:03 US
New York U.K. / U.S. / Spain refuse to pursue a further resolution at the Security Council, denying France and Russia opportunity to veto or the other members of the Security Council the chance to register their votes against. http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=6472&Cr=iraq&Cr1=inspect |
| 16:03:03 In the UN International Year of Freshwater, the Third World Water Forum in Kyoto takes place between 16th-23rd March 2003 Wateraid The 3rd World Water Forum |
| 16:03:03 Libya finally accepts limited responsibility for the Lockerbie terrorist bombing, which killed 270 people in 1988, allowing U.N, sanctions to be lifted and compensation payments to victims families Abel Gratis Home |
| 15:03:03 Azores
Islands U.S. calls emergency summit with Britain and Spain to discuss Iraq. Bush gives the U.N. 24 hours to "break the deadlock" FT.com / Iraq news |
| 14:03:03 US
Washington U.S. President Bush promotes a recent running blueprint for peace in Israel and Palestine. U.K. P.M. Blair supports Bush in later speech. President Discusses Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East |
| 12:03:03 Serbia Post Milosevic leader; Zoran Djindjic is assasinated. FT.com / World / Europe |
| 11:03:03 Koffi Annan warns against Iraqi action without UN backing The Secretary-General Home Page |
| 06:03:03 War in Iraq threatens to have an irreplaceable effect on historic artefacts BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | War risk to Iraqi treasures |
| 04:03:03 Palestine Hamas leader caught by Israeli forces, following a gun battle BBC news| Middle East |
| 04:03:03 D.R.
Congo Civilians alleged to be killed in the hundreds, in the Congo, warranting further investigation BBC news| Africa |
| 01:03:03 Iraq Missiles outside of the UN embargo, and identified by UN Weapons Inspectors, were today readied for destruction. BBC NEWS | Middle East | Iraq 'to begin missile destruction' |
| 27:02:03 Ankara Turkey votes not to allow US troops onto its soil, threatening up to $30 billion in aid, but approved by 95% of its citizens http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-1-593393,00.html |
| 27:02:03 UK Blair manages to obtain Parliaments support, but at the cost of the largest Government rebellion since the 1880's. Almost 200 M.P.'s, 121 Labour, 52 Liberals and 13 Conservatives vote against a war in Iraq. Parliament Vote Puts More Pressure On Blair -- 02/27/2003 |
| 26:02:03 UK Jack Straw offers the case for UK Government strategy in House of Commons Hansard Debates for 26 Feb 2003 (pt 5) |
| 22:2:03 Northern
Ireland Two of the largest Loyalist paramilitary groups called a 12 month cease fire. BBC BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | Cautious welcome for loyalist move NEWS | N Ireland | UDA ceasefire: 1994 - 2001 |
| 17:02:03 Brussels Blair meets Chirac head to head at an emergency EU meeting to discuss the Iraq crisis. A unified statement followed "demanding the disarmament of Iraq, through the UN." Webster P and Watson R, The Times, (18-2-03) "EU gives Saddam a final chance for peace," London. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-8-582408,00.html |
| 17:02:03 Bow
St Magistrates Court, London A Venezuelan man arrested at Heathrow with a grenade, appeared in court under the Terrorism Act. He was bailed in custody to return on February 24th. |
| 15:02:03 London Well over 1 million people attended the largest political rally in London. In Hyde Park, the rally covering numerous political groups heard from Mo Mowlem (Labour) Charles Kennedy (Liberal) Jesse Jackson (U.S.) Trade Unions representatives, Muslim Association Britain and many more. BBC NEWS | UK | 'Million' march against Iraq war Stop the War Coalition Elsewhere, 600 cities across the globe saw similar rallies in New York, Rome, Star Telegram | 02/15/2003 | Peace rallies planned worldwide WorldNews: Australians Protest Possible Iraq War AP Wire | 02/15/2003 | Thousands Worldwide Protest War in Iraq iafrica.com | news | world news Millions expected at anti-war protests Perth News Bangkok News |
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10:02:03 Situation in Turkey
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| 30:01:03
London, UK Defence Contractor BAE Systems received a £2.9 billion boost to build aircraft carriers, and thereby stave off the threat of collapse BAESystems.com |
| 28 - 1 -
03 Israel Sharon holds onto power, in grimly fought election. Click here: Elections in Israel January 2003 - Special Update |
| 28:01:03 Washington
D.C. President Bush presents his annual State of the Union address President Delivers State of the Union Address |
| 27:01:03 United
Nations Hans Blix and El Baradei (Weapons Inspectors) report back to the U.N. Security Council on Iraq. Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Hans Blix's report: world press review |
| 24:01:03 Davos,
Switzerland The prospect of war overshadowed discussion of economics at the prestigious Davos, Switzerland gathering of the global economic and political elite. Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad jolted the opening session, telling the United States that "out terrorising the terrorist would not work." |
| 23:01:03 Germany Current anti war views of France and Germany are strengthened by the "incoming Presidency of the UN Security Council" - Schroeder. Times Online |
| 23:01:03 Davos,
Switzerland Finds the opening of the World Economic Forum which includes some of the most important economic, political and industrial leaders from around the world. |
| 19:01:03 Worldwide Anti war protest marches in the U.S. International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism!) , U.K., Russia, Pravda.RU Anti-War Demonstrations in Portugal, Spain, and USA Japan, France, Portugal, Spain, Pakistan BBC NEWS | World | Middle East | Anti-war protesters take to the streets etc are expected to be the largest mass demonstrations since the Vietnam War. Further rallies are expected in many more countries in February. |
| 07:01:03 London Reserves called up in an explicit show of support for the impending US attack on Iraq by the UK UK Reserves call up |
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