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MIDDLE EAST DAILY BULLETIN 24 MARCH 2016
NO: 2128 1. IRAQ, .................................................................................................................................... 4
ISIS uses modern equipment to attack oil fields in Salahuddin ...................................................4
Two Iraqis sentenced in Finland for posting severed head images online ..................................4
4,500 American and European ISIS militants killed in Syria and Iraq ...........................................4
3 scenarios before Iraqi Premier Ibadi, Observers .......................................................................5
Iraq training mission 'having impact' ...........................................................................................5
Brussels and Iraq: Battlegrounds in terrorists’ global war ...........................................................5
ISIS prepares its forces to attack 2 oilfields in Salahuddin ...........................................................5
Security forces repel suicide car bomb attacks in Iraq's Anbar ....................................................6
NZ Defence Force deployment to Iraq, likely to be below budget on cheaper living costs .........6
OPCW concerned about alleged recent chemical attacks in Iraq ................................................6
8 people killed, wounded in bomb blast in eastern Baghdad ......................................................6
Iraq says it's Launched Offensive to recapture is-Held Mosul .....................................................7
Iraq seeking Iran's non-oil economy feats ....................................................................................7
Iraq: Central government pushes for new oil deal with KRG .......................................................7
S. Korea offers $7 mln in humanitarian aid to Iraq ......................................................................8 2. SYRIA .................................................................................................................................... 8
John Kerry intensifies pressure over Syria ...................................................................................8
N. Korean militia units fighting in Syria – opposition delegate ....................................................8
Russia-Saudi Arabia Summit Planned, Syria to Be Main Topic - Moscow ....................................8
Progress made on humanitarian relief in Syria ............................................................................9
Syria regime forces close in on IS-held Palmyra ...........................................................................9
Mogherini demands progress at Syria talks .................................................................................9
UN chief arrives in Beirut; Syria talks to adjourn in Geneva ........................................................9
Tuberculosis cases decreased in Syria ....................................................................................... 10
Areximbank – Gazprombank Group’s employees collect assistance for Armenian refugees from Syria .......................................................................................................................................... 10
Lavrov says Russia-US equal dialogue on Syria helped to achieve success ............................... 10 3. IRAN .................................................................................................................................... 11
EC Secretary: US Untruthworthy, Seeks to Dismantle IRGC ...................................................... 11
Pakistan to ditch dollar in trade with Iran ................................................................................. 11
Iranian-Amercians condemn GOP candidates' anti-Iran rhetoric ............................................. 11
Greek min.: No impediment to expansion of Iran-Greece relations ......................................... 11
Iran says exporting 3000 MW power to Pakistan possible ....................................................... 12
Implications of Iran’s ballistic missile tests ............................................................................... 12
Italy's Rina Services classifies ships in Iran ................................................................................ 12
Obama pledges to help ensure accountability for 1994 Argentina bombing blamed on Iran regime................................................................................................................................................ 13
Iran unable to boost oil production without foreign investment — Lukoil official .................. 13
De Freige: Iran and Hezbollah Purposely Impair Saudi-Lebanese Affairs ................................. 13 4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE.............................................................................................................. 14
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Israel warned Belgium about airport attack.............................................................................. 14
Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Five Palestinians In Ramallah And Jenin ............................................... 14
Israeli Soldier Wounded in West Bank Stabbing ....................................................................... 14
Israel's Ambassador Asks U.N. to 'Respond' to Nasrallah Threats ............................................ 14
Israeli PM Netanyahu hopes relations with Turkey to be normalized in April.......................... 15
Netanyahu: To defeat terrorism, we must be united ............................................................... 15
Israel, U.S. Working to Block UN Resolution on 'Black List' of Settlement-linked Firms ........... 15
Obama: Israeli-Palestinian peace not possible during my presidency ...................................... 15
Turkey’s TIKA to build housing units in war-battered Gaza ...................................................... 15
Gaza resident appears in court for hacking Israeli drone, family denies charges ..................... 16
UN: Settlements Root Cause of Violations against Palestinians ............................................... 16
Palestinian Syrians: Twice refugees .......................................................................................... 16 5. JORDAN and LEBANON ......................................................................................................... 16
Hariri slams Aoun’s claims on legitimacy of parliament ........................................................... 16
Lebanese Parliament Fails to Elect President ............................................................................ 17
Geagea Says Hizbullah Does Not Want Aoun as President ....................................................... 17
Nohad Machnouk Warns from Security Gaps in Beirut’s Airport ............................................. 17
UK provides additional funding for Lebanese Security Forces .................................................. 18
Ban Arrives in Beirut on Two-Day Visit ...................................................................................... 18
Syrian Refugees in Jordan Blocked From Assessing Health Care Services ................................ 18
Consortium bids for re-Routed Iraq-Jordan oil Export Pipeline: Source ................................... 18
Bou Saab Reveals $100 Million World Bank Assistance for Education Sector .......................... 19
Salam to Tell Ban Lebanon's Rejection of Naturalization of Syrians ......................................... 19 6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA .................................................................... 19
Crown Prince emphasises Bahrain-UK trade, services collaboration ........................................ 19
Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives the US Ambassador to Bahrain ....................................... 20
Mohammad Bin Zayed to visit Moscow on Thursday ............................................................... 20
US official explains what end of Iran sanctions will mean for UAE businesses ......................... 20
Al Zaabi delivers speech in panel discussion on women’s advancement in Arab world .......... 20
Crown Prince receives Ambassadors of Britain and Austria ..................................................... 21
Former Tunisian FM calls for Arab unity to keep security intact – Kuwaiti reiterates condemnation of Brussels attacks .................................................................................................... 21
Kuwait will not mediate between GCC, Iran ............................................................................. 21
Yemen warring parties agree on ceasefire starting Apr 10 ....................................................... 22
GCC confirms importance of Yemeni President's meeting with ambassadors of 18-member transit process sponsoring countries ................................................................................................ 22
7. EGYPT .................................................................................................................................. 22
Egypt expresses concerns over EU-Turkey deal on refugees .................................................... 22
Permanent security experts to be stationed at Egyptian airports: Russian minister................ 22
Ten new ministers sworn-in Wednesday as new Cabinet revealed .......................................... 23
Sisi Meets With Egyptian Intellectuals amid Rising Concerns over Media Freedom ................ 23
Egypt’s Suez Canal Earnings Fall for Third Month in a Row ...................................................... 23
If Egypt wants IMF deal, it needs to get serious about economic reform ................................ 23
Egypt rises after cabinet reshuffle............................................................................................. 24
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Russia not ready yet to resume tourist flow to Egypt ............................................................... 24
Saudi delegation in Cairo to prepare for King salman’s April 4 visit ......................................... 24
Amnesty International criticises 'unprecedented crackdown' on NGOs in Egypt ..................... 24 8. NORTH AFRICA ..................................................................................................................... 25
Five terrorists among six killed Monday in El Oued identified .................................................. 25
Algeria’s counter-terrorism unit arrests wanted militant ......................................................... 25
Medserv results exceed targets by 38% .................................................................................... 25
'Hundreds of thousands' of migrants waiting in Libya .............................................................. 26
Morocco accused of violating UN charter in Western Sahara dispute ..................................... 26
Former Tunisian FM calls for Arab unity to keep security intact – Kuwaiti reiterates condemnation of Brussels attacks .................................................................................................... 26
Ambassador: Tunisia will ensure Russian tourists' safety ......................................................... 26
In chaos of Libya, unity government only adds to disarray ....................................................... 27
US "values" Algeria’s support to UN peace process .................................................................. 27
Security Council response needed in W.Sahara crisis -U.N. official .......................................... 27 9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN .................................................................................................. 28
Taliban commander declare Jihad against the group’s supreme leader in Badghis ................. 28
Several militants killed by own car bomb in Helmand’s Marja district ..................................... 28
Japan Contributes Over $80m To Help Afghanistan ................................................................. 28
Ghani Launches G7+ Summit in Kabul ....................................................................................... 28
Afghan forces seize Haqqani weapons cache near Kabul ......................................................... 29
Did Pakistan Decide to Buy China’s Newest Attack Helicopter? ............................................... 29
More than 130 Pakistanis being held at Moscow airport for over 8 hours: reports ................ 29
Pakistan Day celebrated at UN the first time in history ............................................................ 29
ISI provided huge funds for Headley's 26/11 operation: Ujjwal Nikam .................................... 30
Iranian President to visit Pakistan tomorrow ............................................................................ 30 10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST ............................................................................................ 30
ISIS Aspirant from Japan Arrested In Turkey for Trying To Cross Over To Syria ....................... 30
Netanyahu expects April to bring normalisation to ties with Turkey ....................................... 31
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1. IRAQ,
ISIS uses modern equipment to attack oil fields in Salahuddin
Badr Organization Leader Sadiq al-Husseini revealed, that the so-called ISIS used modern equipment
and weapons made in 2016 during its latest attacks on Alas and Ajil oil fields in Salahuddin Province.
Husseini said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “The latest attacks that were launched on
Ajil and Alas oil fields in Salahuddin Province revealed, that ISIS is using modern equipment made in
2016.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/isis-uses-modern-equipment-made-2016-attack-oil-fields-
salahuddin/
Two Iraqis sentenced in Finland for posting severed head images online
Courts in Finland handed suspended sentences of 16 and 13 months respectively to an Iraqi Shi'ite
militiaman and an Iraqi army sergeant on Wednesday for posting images of them holding severed
heads of enemy fighters on Facebook. The two were arrested after arriving in Finland last year and
were charged with war crimes involving desecration of bodies in incidents in 2014 and 2015 in Iraq,
where Iraqi government forces are embroiled in war with Islamic State (IS) militants.
More Details:
http://english.shafaaq.com/politics/17548-two-iraqis-sentenced-in-finland-for-posting-severed-
head-images-online.html
4,500 American and European ISIS militants killed in Syria and Iraq
A recent report revealed, that 4500 ISIS militants out of ten thousand American and European
Jihadists who joined the so-called ISIS were killed in Iraq and Syria. The report said, “Almost half of
the western jihadists fighting for ISIS have been killed in Syria and Iraq,” noting that, “4500 foreign
fighters, including women and youths, were killed in Iraq and Syria during the battles, aerial
bombardments and artillery shelling conducted in the two countries.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/daily-mirror-4500-isis-militants-us-european-nations-killed-
syria-iraq/
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3 scenarios before Iraqi Premier Ibadi, Observers
By the nearness of the ultimatum given by the Sadrist leader Muqtada al-Sadr to Iraqi Premier Haidar
al-Ibadi for the ministerial reshuffle, political analysts believe that Premier Ibadi has three
alternatives. The ultimatum for the ministerial reshuffle ends by the end of this month, March 2016.
More Details:
http://www.iraqtradelinknews.com/2016/03/3-scenarios-before-iraqi-premier-ibadi.html
Iraq training mission 'having impact'
A government review of New Zealand's training mission in Iraq concludes the deployment is having a
"tangible and positive impact on the ability of the Iraqi Army units to take the fight to ISIL/Daesh". It
said the joint Australia-New Zealand training mission had trained more than 4000 Iraqi army
personnel and conducted three junior leadership courses.
More Details:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/299848/iraq-training-mission-'having-impact'
Brussels and Iraq: Battlegrounds in terrorists’ global war
The Islamist terrorists’ global war on the civilized continues unabated with Brussels, Belgium, the
latest target of an ISIS mass homicide. Belgian authorities report the coordinated terror bomb attacks
on Brussels’ airport and a city metro train station killed at least 31 and wounded almost 200 people.
More Details:
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/opinion/2016/03/23/brussels-iraq-battlegrounds-
terrorists-global-war/82184562/
ISIS prepares its forces to attack 2 oilfields in Salahuddin
An informed source in Kirkuk Province announced on Wednesday, that the so-called ISIS prepared its
fighters in Hawija District to launch attacks on two oil fields in Salahuddin Province, while pointed out
that ISIS is strengthening its presence in Kasabt Bashir area. The source said in a statement received
by IraqiNews.com, “This afternoon, a number of vehicles and dozens of ISIS members were gathered
in Hawija District to launch several attacks on Ajil and Alas oil fields in southern Kirkuk,” adding that,
“ISIS strengthened its presence in Kasabt Bashir to be prepared against its approaching liberation
operations.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/isis-assembles-forces-preparation-attack-oil-fields-salahuddin/
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Security forces repel suicide car bomb attacks in Iraq's Anbar
Iraq security forces on Wednesday repelled four out of five suicide car bomb attacks by Islamic State
(IS) militants on security forces in Iraq's western province of Anbar, leaving all suicide bombers and
six soldiers killed, a provincial security source said. The attacks occurred in the morning when five
suicide bombers drove their explosive-laden vehicles near the positions of the security forces in
Zkhaikha area, near the town of Heet, which located some 160 km west of the Iraqi capital of
Baghdad, the source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/24/c_135217192.htm?
NZ Defence Force deployment to Iraq, likely to be below budget on cheaper living costs
New Zealand's two-year military deployment to Iraq to train security forces fighting Islamic State is
likely to come in below budget because living costs at Camp Taji are tracking at about half the
estimated amount. More than 100 New Zealand troops, including trainers and those providing
security for the trainers, have been deployed to Camp Taji, near the capital city of Baghdad as part of
the Building Partner Capacity training mission with Australia. A review of the first nine months of the
mission has concluded it is performing well and achieving the objectives signed off by the Cabinet in
February 2015, according to papers released by Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.
More Details:
https://nz.finance.yahoo.com/news/nz-defence-force-deployment-iraq-022600017.html?
OPCW concerned about alleged recent chemical attacks in Iraq
Director-General of the Organisaiton for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Ahmet
Uzumcu has expressed serious concerns about recent reports of possible use of chemical weapons by
non-state actors in Iraq including against civilians in Taza city, according to an OPCW press release
issued on Wednesday. "The OPCW has taken serious note of these disturbing reports against the
background of confirmed use of chemical weapons in Iraq. Any use of chemical weapons is abhorrent
and a violation of universally accepted international norms," said the head of the global chemical
arms watchdog.
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/24/c_135217370.htm?
8 people killed, wounded in bomb blast in eastern Baghdad
A source in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday, that eight people had been
either killed or wounded in a bomb blast in eastern Baghdad. The source reported for
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IraqiNews.com, “Yesterday evening, an explosive device exploded near shops in al-Amin area in
eastern Baghdad, killing two people and wounding six others.”
More Details:
http://www.iraqinews.com/iraq-war/8-people-killed-wounded-bomb-blast-east-baghdad-3/
Iraq says it's Launched Offensive to recapture is-Held Mosul
An Iraqi military spokesman says the long-awaited military operation to recapture the northern city
of Mosul from Islamic State militants "has begun." The spokesman for the Joint Military Command,
Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, says Iraqi forces retook several villages on the outskirts of the town of
Makhmour, east of Mosul, on Thursday morning.
More Details:
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISLAMIC_STATE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE
=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-03-24-03-56-39
Iraq seeking Iran's non-oil economy feats
Chairman of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR) Kamal Kharrazi met Iraqi Vice
Speaker Humam Hamoudi during which the senior MP expressed interest in Tehran's achievements
in cutting dependence on oil revenues. Hamoudi welcomed Iran's experience in managing the non-oil
economy saying Iraq is after substitution oil revenues with alternative sources of income.
More Details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82010879/?
Iraq: Central government pushes for new oil deal with KRG
Iraqi Oil Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi on Tuesday called on northern Iraq’s Kurdish Regional
Government (KRG) to sign a new oil deal with Baghdad. In 2014, Baghdad and the KRG signed a deal
under which 17 percent of the federal budget would be allocated to the KRG in exchange for the
export of 550,000 barrels of oil per day to the state-owned Iraqi State Organization for Marketing Oil
(SOMO).
More Details:
http://www.albawaba.com/business/iraq-central-government-pushes-new-oil-deal-krg-820878
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S. Korea offers $7 mln in humanitarian aid to Iraq
South Korea has offered $7 million in aid to help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, Seoul's
Foreign Ministry said Thursday. Iraq has suffered from a deepening humanitarian crisis since the ISIL
militant group began occupying large parts of the country in 2014. According to official estimates, the
number of people requiring humanitarian aid has increased from 5.2 million in January 2015 to 11
million this January. Of the total, 3.2 million people have been internally displaced.
More Details:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/03/120_201064.html
2. SYRIA
John Kerry intensifies pressure over Syria
US Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to press president Vladimir Putin on how Russia sees a
future political transition in Syria and the fate of president Bashar al-Assad. With a fragile truce in
place in Syria and warring sides attending peace talks in Geneva, Kerry wants to “get down to brass
tacks” on the question of Assad’s future, a State Department official said.
More Details:
http://www.irishexaminer.com/world/john-kerry-intensifies-pressure-over-syria-389217.html?
N. Korean militia units fighting in Syria – opposition delegate
Two North Korean militia units are fighting in Syria in support of Bashar Al-Assad’s government in
that country’s civil war, Russian news agency TASS reported Tuesday. Asaad Al-Zoubi, head delegate
of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC) of the Syrian opposition, reported the presence of North
Korean militia units in Syria while attending peace talks at the United Nations European headquarters
in Geneva.
More Details:
https://www.nknews.org/2016/03/n-korean-militia-units-fighting-in-syria-opposition-delegate/?
Russia-Saudi Arabia Summit Planned, Syria to Be Main Topic - Moscow
Russia expects to shortly agree with Saudi Arabia on the dates of a planned bilateral top-level
meeting, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said Thursday. "We hope to hear some
suggestions from the Saudi leadership soon," Bogdanov told reporters, adding that one of the main
topics of discussion at the summit would be Syria.
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More Details:
http://sputniknews.com/russia/20160324/1036877031/russia-saudi-arabia-summit.html?
Progress made on humanitarian relief in Syria
The advisor to the United Nations envoy on Syria Wednesday reported further progress in the
humanitarian relief efforts in the conflict-battered country, with access to more areas, allowing the
delivery of medical kits as well as vaccines for children. Briefing the media in Geneva, Jan Egeland,
the Special Advisor to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, said humanitarian convoys have
already reached or got verbal Government consent to reach most of the 18 besieged areas, except
Darayya and Douma.
More Details:
http://www.china.org.cn/world/2016-03/24/content_38102708.htm?
Syria regime forces close in on IS-held Palmyra
Syrian pro-government forces were poised to launch an assault to retake the Islamic State-held city
of Palmyra, as Washington and Moscow meet on Thursday (March 24) to discuss the fraught peace
talks. The Islamic State (IS) group overran the city dubbed the "Pearl of the Desert" last May, and it
has since blown up Unesco-listed temples and looted relics dating back thousands of years.
More Details:
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/syria-regime-forces-close-in-on-is-held-palmyra?
Mogherini demands progress at Syria talks
The EU’s foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini met with Syria’s regime and opposition yesterday
(23 March) to underscore the urgency of a political solution in the country, especially in the wake of
the Brussels attacks. Mogherini came to Geneva, where peace talks are under way, following a
request from United Nations peace talks mediator Staffan de Mistura, making an EU call to both
sides that the flagging negotiations move forward.
More Details:
http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/mogherini-demands-progress-at-syria-talks/?
UN chief arrives in Beirut; Syria talks to adjourn in Geneva
The U.N. chief has arrived in Lebanon on an official visit that comes as the U.N.-brokered peace talks
in Geneva between the Syrian government and the opposition are to adjourn until later in April. Ban
Ki-moon is to meet top Lebanese officials and discuss regional matters. Lebanon, which has taken in
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over 1 million Syrian refugees, also has a U.N. peacekeeping force that maintains security along the
Lebanese-Israel border.
More Details:
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/mar/24/un-chief-arrives-in-beirut-syria-talks-to-
adjourn-/?
Tuberculosis cases decreased in Syria
The number of Tuberculosis cases in Syria has decreased in 2015 as compared to 2014, Health
Minister Nizar Yazigi has said. Minister Yazigi told SANA, in a statement on the World Tuberculosis
(TB) Day, that the ministry has achieved good results in facing TB adopting procedures for taking care
of the infected people throughout its specialized centers in different provinces.
More Details:
http://sana.sy/en/?p=72719
Areximbank – Gazprombank Group’s employees collect assistance for Armenian refugees from Syria
Gazprombank Group’s employees have collected assistance for Armenian refugees from Syria as part
of the campaign ‘You are Not Alone’ run under the patronage of Russia’s embassy and center for
science and culture in Armenia, the press office of the bank reported on Thursday. Yelena Markova,
advisor to Areximbank – Gazprombank Group CEO, is quoted in the press release as saying that the
bank pay special attention to socially unsecured categories of people, to those who are in extremely
dire straits.
More Details:
http://arka.am/en/news/society/areximbank_gazprombank_group_s_employees_collect_assistance
_for_armenian_refugees_from_syria/?
Lavrov says Russia-US equal dialogue on Syria helped to achieve success
The Russian-US dialogue on Syria on the equal basis allowed the sides to achieve success and more
effort is needed to work on forming a balance of interests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
said at talks with his US counterpart in Moscow on Thursday. "I fully agree with what you said about
the Russian-American interaction and cooperation on Syria," Lavrov told US Secretary of State John
Kerry.
More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/politics/864764?
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3. IRAN
EC Secretary: US Untruthworthy, Seeks to Dismantle IRGC
Secretary of Iran’s Expediency Council (EC) Mohsen Rezayee said President Obama’s Persian New
Year message to the Iranians as well as US threats with regard to Iran’s missile tests show uncertainty
in the ranks of US government officials. Speaking to the state TV on Tuesday, Rezayee said the US
government has no intention to recognize the Islamic Revolution of 1979, arguing that they seek to
restore their previous hegemony and control over Iran.
More Details:
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950104000063
Pakistan to ditch dollar in trade with Iran
Pakistan’s media reported on Thursday that the country is preparing to ditch the dollar and use euros
in trade with Iran. The Express Tribune has quoted an the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as announcing
in a statement that a plan has been prepared to enable Pakistani businessmen to open letters of
credit (L/Cs) for imports from Iran in euros instead of dollars.
More Details:
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2016/03/24/457297/Pakistan-to-ditch-dollar-in-trade-with-Iran
Iranian-Amercians condemn GOP candidates' anti-Iran rhetoric
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) condemned Donald Trump and other GOP presidential
hopefuls’ anti-Iran remarks saying they would be disastrous. “We condemn Donald Trump, Ted Cruz,
and John Kasich for their pledges to undo the diplomatic efforts of President Obama and put the U.S.
back on the path to war with Iran,' NIAC Action Executive Director Jamal Abdi said in a statement
following the GOP presidential candidates' speeches at the pro-Zionist AIPAC Policy Conference.
More Details:
http://www.irna.ir/en/News/82010904/
Greek min.: No impediment to expansion of Iran-Greece relations
Greek Minister of Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean, Theodoros Dritsas, on Thursday
announced that his country wants all-out expansion of relations with Iran, considering no
impediment on the way. Dritsas told Iran's Ambassador to Greece Majid Motalebi Shabestari that
there are abundant capacity for cooperation between the two countries in shipping and Greek
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shipping and ports can play an important role in transfer of Iranian energy and goods to the world
markets, reported by IRNA.
More Details:
http://www.iran-daily.com/News/138619.html
Iran says exporting 3000 MW power to Pakistan possible
Exporting 3000 megawatts(MW) of power to Pakistan is possible, the Deputy Energy Minister
Houshang Falahatian told IRNA on March 22. Without specifying the details, he said that the delayed
debts of Iran's neighbor power clients is about $1.5 billion. He also said that Pakistan hasn't
demonstrated a serious willingness to increase power import from Iran.
More Details:
http://en.trend.az/iran/business/2510234.html
Implications of Iran’s ballistic missile tests
UN Security Council Resolution 1929 (2010) Paragraph 9 states, “Iran shall not undertake any activity
related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using ballistic
missile technology, and that States shall take all necessary measures to prevent the transfer of
technology or technical assistance to Iran related to such activities”. Reports confirm that the IRGC
fired several ballistic missiles of the “Qadr-H” and “Qadr-F” types from underground bunkers in the
mountainous region in northern Iran toward a designated location on Iran’s southern coast 870 miles
away (Beirut, Lebanon is just over 900 miles away while Cairo, Egypt is approximately 1230 miles
away). The Qadr missile class developed in Iran due to sanctions limiting their ability to buy military
technologies from other countries is laser guided and has a range of 2000 km (1243 miles).
More Details:
http://globalriskinsights.com/2016/03/implications-iran-ballistic-missile-tests/?
Italy's Rina Services classifies ships in Iran
Italy-based Rina Services and the Asian Classification Society (ACS) recently classified the first two
general cargo ships owned by Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), a major shipping
company in Iran. Rina is a multi-national group, which delivers verification, certification, conformity
assessment, marine classification, environmental enhancement, product testing, site and vendor
supervision, training and engineering consultancy across a wide range of industries and services.
More Details:
http://www.tradearabia.com/news/IND_303534.html?
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Obama pledges to help ensure accountability for 1994 Argentina bombing blamed on Iran regime
U.S. President Barack Obama said in Argentina on Wednesday that the United States has offered
whatever help it can give to hold accountable those responsible for the deadly 1994 bombing of a
Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. Argentinian investigators have blamed senior figures in
the Iranian regime for the attack, the worst in the country’s history.
More Details:
http://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/terrorism-fundamentalism/20049-obama-pledges-to-help-ensure-
accountability-for-1994-argentina-bombing-blamed-on-iran-regime?
Iran unable to boost oil production without foreign investment — Lukoil official
Iran will not be able to seriously increase oil production without foreign investment, Vice-President
Leonid Fedun said, adding that global producers may take the decision on oil output stabilization
without the country. "This makes no difference as Iran will not be able to seriously increase output
without major foreign investment. Also, Iran’s domestic demand is very high, this is a huge populous
country. Well, they can add 300,000-400,000 barrels to the market, which is minor and more of
speculation," he said when answering the question whether global oil production may be stabilized
without Iran.
More Details:
http://tass.ru/en/economy/864796?
De Freige: Iran and Hezbollah Purposely Impair Saudi-Lebanese Affairs
Lebanese Minister of State of Administrative Reform Nabil de Freige confirmed the government’s
affixed position and the hard efforts spent, especially with the present presidential vacancy. He
emphasized the difficulty and close-to-impossible chances of electing a president under existing
circumstances. “Obstacles remain, and are specifically posed by Hezbollah and MP Michel Aoun,” de
Freige said.
More Details:
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/03/article55348864/de-freige-iran-and-hezbollah-purposely-impair-
saudi-lebanese-affairs?
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4. ISRAEL – PALESTINE
Israel warned Belgium about airport attack
Israel was among those who warned Belgium ahead of the terrorist attack at the Zaventem airport in
Brussels, Channel 2 News reported on Wednesday. According to the report, Israel provided Belgium
with concrete information on security breaches at the airport, where the first of two attacks on the
Belgian capital took place on Tuesday, and claimed that "there are serious security deficiencies at the
airport in Brussels".
More Details:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/209834?#.Vxxt0tKLRkg
Israeli Soldiers Kidnap Five Palestinians In Ramallah And Jenin
Israeli soldiers invaded, on Thursday at dawn, the West Bank districts of Ramallah and Jenin,
searched several homes and kidnapped five Palestinians.
More Details:
http://www.imemc.org/article/75353?
Israeli Soldier Wounded in West Bank Stabbing
An Israeli soldier was wounded in a stabbing attack at a checkpoint in the West Bank city of Hebron
on Thursday morning.
More Details:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.710667
Israel's Ambassador Asks U.N. to 'Respond' to Nasrallah Threats
Israel's Ambassador to the U.N. Danny Danon has asked the Security Council to condemn a warning
made by Hizbullah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah against attacking Lebanon. In a letter he sent to
the Council on Wednesday, Danon said: “The time has come for the Security Council to respond
firmly against Hizbullah’s repeated threats against the citizens of Israel and its ongoing military
buildup.”
More Details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205384-israel-s-ambassador-asks-u-n-to-respond-to-nasrallah-
threats?
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Israeli PM Netanyahu hopes relations with Turkey to be normalized in April
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he hopes relations between
Turkey and Israel will be normalized next month, following diplomatic talks. According to reports,
Netanyahu told a press conference in Jerusalem that Turkish and Israeli representatives will meet in
April, which he said will mend relations between the two countries, which had been damaged
following the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010.
More Details:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.710667
Netanyahu: To defeat terrorism, we must be united
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says recent terrorist attacks around the world are "one
continuous assault on all of us" • Netanyahu speaks with Belgian PM Charles Michel to express
condolences and offer Israeli assistance in combatting terrorism.
More Details:
http://www.israelhayom.com/site/newsletter_article.php?id=32599
Israel, U.S. Working to Block UN Resolution on 'Black List' of Settlement-linked Firms
UN Human Rights Council to vote on Palestinian initiative calling on international companies to avoid
direct or indirect transactions with businesses linked to the West Bank.
More Details:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.710649
Obama: Israeli-Palestinian peace not possible during my presidency
US President Barack Obama admitted on Wednesday that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would not
be solved during his remaining time in the White House.
More Details:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4782472,00.html
Turkey’s TIKA to build housing units in war-battered Gaza
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) on Wednesday announced plans to build
320 housing units for Palestinians affected by Israel’s 2014 military offensive against the Gaza Strip.
The $13-million project will include construction of 20 buildings, TIKA representative Bulent Korkmaz
said at a project signing ceremony on Wednesday.
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More Details:
http://aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-s-tika-to-build-housing-units-in-war-battered-gaza/542599
Gaza resident appears in court for hacking Israeli drone, family denies charges
A Palestinian computer engineer from the Gaza Strip, who played a critical role in acquiring talent for
the TV show “Palestinians Got Talent,” appeared in an Israeli court on Wednesday accused of hacking
into Israeli military drones on behalf of the Islamic Jihad political party, government officials said.
More Details:
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/gaza-resident-appears-court-hacking-israeli-drone-family-
denies-charges-741276369
UN: Settlements Root Cause of Violations against Palestinians
A senior UN rights official says that the continued development of illegal Israeli settlements is the
root cause of a broad spectrum of human rights abuses across the occupied Palestinian territories.
More Details:
http://www.imemc.org/article/75344
Palestinian Syrians: Twice refugees
As refugees continue to flee civil war in Syria, the road to asylum remains difficult for some Syrian-
born Palestinians.
More Details:
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/03/palestinian-syrians-refugees-
160321055107834.html
5. JORDAN and LEBANON
Hariri slams Aoun’s claims on legitimacy of parliament
Mandatory Credit: Photo by RAWAN/REX/Shutterstock (1274634a)Lebanon's caretaker Prime
Minister Saad HaririPrime Minister of Qatar visit to Baabda, Lebanon - 18 Jan 2011Lebanese
politicians, unable to resolve disputes over a tribunal set up to try the assassins of statesman Rafik al-
Hariri, have once again deferred to outside powers to try to douse a slow-burning political crisis.
More Details:
Sayfa 17
http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/lebanon/hariri-slams-aoun-s-claims-on-legitimacy-of-parliament-
1.1696455?
Lebanese Parliament Fails to Elect President
Lebanon will try again on April 18 to elect its president, after failing for the 37th time to do so.
According to former President Michel Sleiman, this situation makes the country 'the laughingstock of
the Arab world'. Due to lack of quorum caused by the deliberate absence of the deputies of the
March 8 alliance, which is led by the Shiite resistance movement Hezbollah, the Speaker of the
Parliament of Lebanon, Nabih Berri, postponed the election.
More Details:
http://www.plenglish.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4724531&Itemid=1
Geagea Says Hizbullah Does Not Want Aoun as President
Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea stressed Wednesday that Hizbullah does not want presidential
elections in the current period or the election as president of its main Christian ally, Free Patriotic
Movement founder MP Michel Aoun. “At the strategic level, Hizbullah cannot coexist with a real
state in Lebanon … and at the tactical level Hizbullah does not want General Aoun as president,
although it cannot afford to lose him, which has pushed it to obstruct the presidential vote,” Geagea
said in an interview with Russia Today TV.
More Details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205390-ban-arrives-in-beirut-on-two-day-visit
Nohad Machnouk Warns from Security Gaps in Beirut’s Airport
Beirut- Lebanese Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk said that security gaps in Beirut’s Rafik Hariri
International Airport are dangerous and grave and may be, according to Western reports, similar to
those that were in the Sharm el-Sheikh Airport and led to the explosion of the Russian plane.
Machnouk, who was giving his statements after meeting with Britain’s International Development
Secretary Justine Greening in London, stated that the Lebanese Cabinet is not taking these dangers
into consideration.
More Details:
http://english.aawsat.com/2016/03/article55348816/nohad-machnouk-warns-from-security-gaps-in-
beiruts-airport?
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UK provides additional funding for Lebanese Security Forces
Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood has announced that the UK intends to provide £13
million of additional funding for the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF). The ISF provides stability
in Lebanon amidst regional insecurities from Daesh and the ongoing conflict in Syria. The
announcement follows a visit from Lebanese Minister of Interior Nouhad Machnouk to enhance ties
between Lebanon and the UK.
More Details:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-provides-additional-funding-for-lebanese-security-
forces?
Ban Arrives in Beirut on Two-Day Visit
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon arrived in Beirut on Thursday on a two-day official visit that is expected to
focus on the issue of Syrian refugees, the third such trip since he came to office in 2006. He was
welcomed at Rafik Hariri International Airport by director-general of the Foreign Ministry Wafiq
Rahimi.
More Details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205390-ban-arrives-in-beirut-on-two-day-visit
Syrian Refugees in Jordan Blocked From Assessing Health Care Services
Syrian refugees in Jordan are prevented from accessing health and other services critical to their
wellbeing, Amnesty International said in a report released on Wednesday.
More Details:
http://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20160323/1036854127/syria-joudan-
refugees.html#ixzz46jISzFcb
Consortium bids for re-Routed Iraq-Jordan oil Export Pipeline: Source
Iraq's oil ministry has received a bid from a Jordanian-Chinese consortium to build and operate a 1
million b/d crude oil export pipeline to the Red Sea port of Aqaba, a source close to the project said
Wednesday. The project is strategically important to Baghdad, providing an alternative export route
to the main Persian Gulf oil terminals, but foundered in 2014 due to security concerns in the west of
the country.
More Details:
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https://www.platts.com/latest-news/oil/dubai/consortium-bids-for-re-routed-iraq-jordan-oil-
26403291?
Bou Saab Reveals $100 Million World Bank Assistance for Education Sector
Education Minister Elias Bou Saab said Thursday that the World Bank has decided to give around
$100 million of assistance for Lebanon's education sector. Bou Saab told al-Liwaa daily that the
World Bank will decide in the next stage on which projects to spend the assistance. “This is the first
tangible decision, which comes as a result of the London conference” that was held in February to
help conflict-hit Syrians, he said.
More Details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205383-bou-saab-reveals-100-million-world-bank-assistance-
for-education-sector?
Salam to Tell Ban Lebanon's Rejection of Naturalization of Syrians
Prime Minister Tammam Salam reiterated his rejection to the naturalization of Syrians after reports
said that U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon's visit to Beirut on Thursday is aimed at pressuring authorities in
Beirut to give the refugees the Lebanese citizenship. In remarks to An Nahar newspaper, Salam ruled
out any naturalization process, saying he would reiterate Lebanon's official stance on its rejection of
such a process.
More Details:
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/205382-salam-to-tell-ban-lebanon-s-rejection-of-
naturalization-of-syrians?
6. ARABIAN PENINSULA AND THE GULF OF BASRA
Crown Prince emphasises Bahrain-UK trade, services collaboration
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander
and First Deputy Prime Minister, today met the Lord Mayor of the City of London, the Right
Honourable Jeffrey Mountevans, at Riffa Palace. During the meeting, the Crown Prince stressed that
Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing trade relations with international partners is a key pillar of the
Kingdom’s sustainable development efforts, which prioritize citizens’ living standards and
opportunities for all.
More Details:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/718018
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives the US Ambassador to Bahrain
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, received this
afternoon (Wednesday, March 23, 2016) H.E the Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of
Bahrain, Mr. William V. Roebuck. The Foreign Minister praised the historical relations between the
two countries and their development at all levels; reviewing means to strengthen coordination and
cooperation in various fields and at all regional and international issues; thus, contributing to further
enhancing relations between the two sides and to safeguarding security and stability in the region
More Details:
http://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=65&language=en-US
Mohammad Bin Zayed to visit Moscow on Thursday
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, will visit Moscow on Thursday. He is on an official visit to
Russia. Shaikh Mohammad will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations
and ways to expand avenues of cooperation between both countries. The two leaders will also
discuss a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/government/mohammad-bin-zayed-to-visit-moscow-on-thursday-
1.1696759
US official explains what end of Iran sanctions will mean for UAE businesses
Business leaders have been briefed on the end of international sanctions against Iran and its
implications for companies in the UAE. Chris Backemeyer, the principal deputy coordinator for
sanctions policy at the US state department, addressed worries the private sector might have after
years of mistrust and embargoes following the revolution in 1979 and questions about the Islamic
republic’s nuclear ambitions.
More Details:
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/us-official-explains-what-end-of-iran-sanctions-will-mean-for-uae-
businesses
Al Zaabi delivers speech in panel discussion on women’s advancement in Arab world
Ambassador Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the United Nations and
other International Organisations in Geneva, has participated in a panel discussion organised by the
Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue in co-operation with UNESCO
office in Geneva on "Advancing the status of women in the Arab World.
Sayfa 21
More Details:
http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates-international/1395293298470.html
Crown Prince receives Ambassadors of Britain and Austria
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior received
separately at the Interior Ministry here today the Ambassador of Britain to the Kingdom Simon Collis
and Austrian Ambassador to the Kingdom Gregor W. Koessler. During the meetings, they discussed a
number of issues of common interest between the Kingdom and the two countries.
More Details:
http://www.mofa.gov.sa/sites/mofaen/ServicesAndInformation/news/statements/Pages/ArticleID20
16323154834742.aspx
Former Tunisian FM calls for Arab unity to keep security intact – Kuwaiti reiterates condemnation of Brussels attacks
Former Tunisian foreign minister Taieb Baccouche called on Arab nations yesterday remain united, to
keep security in the Arab world intact. Delivering a lecture at Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic
Institute, entitled” Development of Regional Events and its Effect on International Relations,”
Baccouche said that “security remains the primary goal, as any threat to one Arab nation is a threat
to all.
More Details:
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/former-tunisian-fm-calls-arab-unity-keep-security-intact/
Kuwait will not mediate between GCC, Iran
A Kuwaiti official has denied any mediation role by his country in the standoff between Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran. Earlier this month, a Kuwaiti daily reported that
Mahmoud Alavi, the Iranian minister of intelligence, visited Kuwait and handed over to leaders there
a written message from President Hassan Rouhani pertaining to relations with the GCC countries and
an earnest desire to reach a settlement on regional issues without any foreign interference.
More Details:
http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/kuwait/kuwait-will-not-mediate-between-gcc-iran-1.1696961
Sayfa 22
Yemen warring parties agree on ceasefire starting Apr 10
Yemen's warring parties have agreed on a ceasefire from April 10 followed by peace talks, a UNenvoy
said Wednesday, March 23, raising hopes of a breakthrough in a conflict that has devastated the
country, AFP reports.
More Details:
http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/208815/?
GCC confirms importance of Yemeni President's meeting with ambassadors of 18-member transit process sponsoring countries
GCC's Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, Dr. Abdul Aziz Hamad
Aluwaisheg has confirmed the importance of periodic meetings with the ambassadors of the 18-
member transit process sponsoring countries to Yemen, which was hosted by Yemeni President Abed
Rabbo Mansour Hadi at his residence in Riyadh yesterday evening.
More Details:
http://www.wam.ae/en/news/international/1395293312190.html?
7. EGYPT
Egypt expresses concerns over EU-Turkey deal on refugees
Egypt expressed its concerns over the EU-Turkey deal related to the migrant crisis and asylum
seekers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said in an official statement issued
by the ministry on Wednesday.
More Details:
http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/03/23/egypt-expresses-concerns-eu-turkey-deal-refugees/
Permanent security experts to be stationed at Egyptian airports: Russian minister
Russian security experts will be permanently stationed at Egyptian airports to follow up on the
enforcement of security measures demanded by Russia in order to resume flights to Egypt, Russian
transportation minister Maksim Sokolov said in a televised interview Monday.
More Details:
http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2016/03/23/permanent-security-experts-stationed-egyptian-
airports-russian-minister/
Sayfa 23
Ten new ministers sworn-in Wednesday as new Cabinet revealed
Ten new ministers were sworn in before President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday, as the
outcome of the long-awaited cabinet reshuffled was finally revealed. The new ministers are those for
transport, justice, civil aviation, finance, water resources and irrigation, business sector, antiquities,
manpower, tourism and investment.
More Details:
http://www.egyptindependent.com//news/ten-new-ministers-sworn-wednesday-new-cabinet-
revealed
Sisi Meets With Egyptian Intellectuals amid Rising Concerns over Media Freedom
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi initiated on Tuesday an open dialogue with more than 20
intellectual figures to discuss various issues of national concern, according to a statement by the
presidency. The participants were requested to form “working groups” to further discuss the various
issues brought up during the national dialogue. Sisi is expected to follow up with the groups’
recommendations a month from now.
More Details:
http://egyptianstreets.com/2016/03/23/sisi-meets-with-egyptian-intellectuals-amid-rising-concerns-
over-media-freedom/
Egypt’s Suez Canal Earnings Fall for Third Month in a Row
For the third consecutive month, revenues from Egypt’s Suez Canal declined, reaching USD 401.4
million, Egyptian state media reports, citing new data released by the Suez Canal Authority. The new
figures showed that the revenues in January and December were USD 411.8 million and USD 429
million, respectively, meaning that the last three months have seen revenues fall by a total of USD
27.6 million.
More Details:
http://egyptianstreets.com/2016/03/23/egypts-suez-canal-earnings-fall-for-third-month-in-a-row/
If Egypt wants IMF deal, it needs to get serious about economic reform
When Egypt’s central bank devalued the pound on March 14, it prompted some economists to
speculate that the government would soon approach the IMF for a loan agreement. But unless there
is a major change in thinking, such an accord seems more out of reach than ever.
More Details:
Sayfa 24
http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/20160323/if-egypt-wants-imf-deal-it-needs-to-get-
serious-about-economic-reform
Egypt rises after cabinet reshuffle
Egypt’s stock market rose on Wednesday after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reshuffled his cabinet,
while Gulf bourses were mixed in the absence of fresh incentives to trade. The sweeping Egyptian
reshuffle appeared to focus on improving economic performance – banking veteran Amr el-Garhy
was appointed finance minister and Dalia Khorshid, formerly an executive of Orascom Construction,
as investment minister.
More Details:
http://thecairopost.youm7.com/news/200697/news/mideast-stocks-egypt-rises-after-cabinet-
reshuffle-gulf-mixed
Russia not ready yet to resume tourist flow to Egypt
Moscow is not ready yet for the resumption of tourist flow from Russia to Egypt in the wake of a
Russian passenger plane catastrophe in the Sinai Peninsula, Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets
said Wednesday.
More Details:
http://sputniknews.com/world/20160323/1036853277/russia-egypt-tourist-flow.html
Saudi delegation in Cairo to prepare for King salman’s April 4 visit
A Saudi delegation arrived in Cairo Wednesday to prepare for Saudi King Salman bin Abdelaziz’s visit
scheduled on April 4, an Egyptian official from Cairo International Airport told.
More Details:
http://thecairopost.youm7.com/news/200636/news/saudi-delegation-in-cairo-to-prepare-for-king-
salmans-april-4-visit
Amnesty International criticises 'unprecedented crackdown' on NGOs in Egypt
Global rights group Amnesty International criticised Egyptian authorities for reopening investigations
into several NGOs for allegedly receiving funds illegally from foreign governments and institutions.
"Egypt’s civil society is being treated like an enemy of the state, rather than a partner for reform and
progress,” Amnesty said in a statement.
More Details:
Sayfa 25
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/195751/Egypt/Politics-/Amnesty-International-
criticises-unprecedented-cra.aspx
8. NORTH AFRICA
Five terrorists among six killed Monday in El Oued identified
"Following the operation conducted by a detachment of the People's National Army on 21 March in
the province of El Oued (4th military region), which resulted in the elimination of six (6) terrorists and
the recovery of a large quantity of arms and ammunitions, it should be pointed out that the
dangerous terrorists are: +H. El Hachem+ alias +Hamza+, +G. Abd-Elmottalib+ alias +Abou
Elhammam+, GH. Ali known as El Soufi, K. Lazhar and A. Younes," the ministry said.
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/11651-five-terrorists-among-six-killed-monday-in-el-oued-identified
Algeria’s counter-terrorism unit arrests wanted militant
A wanted militant was arrested Wednesday in the province of Ouargla by security services as part of
counter-terrorism, the National Defence ministry announced in a communiqué. "As part of
counterterrorism, a terrorist wanted by security services has been arrested today 23 March 2016 in
the province of Ouargla (4th military region)," the same source added.
More Details:
http://www.albawaba.com/news/algeria%E2%80%99s-counter-terrorism-unit-arrests-wanted-
militant-820842
Medserv results exceed targets by 38%
Medserv has reported a profit before tax of €6 million representing an increase of 38 per cent over
forecast. Reported group revenue for the year was €42.2 million. The group said that its performance
in 2015 was attributed to a number of factors, including the strong business flow conducted out of
Malta in support of the ongoing operations offshore Libya, and to the performance of Medserv
(Cyprus) Ltd which continues to service ENI out of the company’s shore base in Larnaca. Finally,
engineering and maintenance services continued to grow in 2015.
More Details:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160324/business-news/Medserv-results-exceed-
targets-by-38.606689?
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'Hundreds of thousands' of migrants waiting in Libya
French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday that some 800,000 migrants are in Libya
hoping to cross to Europe. Le Drian said in an interview with Europe 1 radio that "hundreds of
thousands" of migrants were in Libya, having fled conflict and poverty in the Middle East and
elsewhere, adding that the figure of 800,000 was "about right".
More Details:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/hundreds-of-thousands-of-migrants-waiting-in-
libya/article/460983?
Morocco accused of violating UN charter in Western Sahara dispute
A United Nations official has accused Morocco of violating the UN charter and challenging the UN
Security Council over the closure of a military liaison office in the disputed Western Sahara region.
The UN said it had closed the office in Dakhla on Tuesday at Morocco's request and withdrawn three
military observers posted there.
More Details:
http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/morocco-accused-violating-un-charter-western-sahara-
dispute-1294391601?
Former Tunisian FM calls for Arab unity to keep security intact – Kuwaiti reiterates condemnation of Brussels attacks
Former Tunisian foreign minister Taieb Baccouche called on Arab nations yesterday remain united, to
keep security in the Arab world intact. Delivering a lecture at Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic
Institute, entitled” Development of Regional Events and its Effect on International Relations,”
Baccouche said that “security remains the primary goal, as any threat to one Arab nation is a threat
to all.”
More Details:
http://news.kuwaittimes.net/website/former-tunisian-fm-calls-arab-unity-keep-security-intact/?
Ambassador: Tunisia will ensure Russian tourists' safety
The Tunisian authorities are hoping that the number of tourists arriving in the country from Russia
will increase and pledge to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety, Tunisian Ambassador
to Russia Ali Goutali said Wednesday. "We are in a hurry to provide security for you and do not want
you to be exposed to the slightest danger. We pay special attention to resorts, as well as airports and
tourist routes," he said at a press conference in Moscow.
Sayfa 27
More Details:
http://www.eturbonews.com/69720/ambassador-tunisia-will-ensure-russian-tourists-
safety?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Eturbonews-
TravelAndTourismIndustryNews+%28eTurboNews+-+for+the+global+travel+professional%29
In chaos of Libya, unity government only adds to disarray
It was meant to finally bring an end to Libya's political chaos and unrest, but the creation of a new
UN-backed unity government has only added to the country's disarray. Desperate to resolve years of
political deadlock that has allowed jihadists to gain an important foothold on Europe's doorstep, the
United Nations and Western powers have been pushing hard for the acceptance of a Libyan power-
sharing deal announced in December.
More Details:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/in-chaos-of-libya-unity-government-only-adds-to-
disarray/article/460973?
US "values" Algeria’s support to UN peace process
"Exchanges on this issue are constant between the two countries," said the US diplomat in a news
conference inaugurating the American Week of Culture as part of the event "Constantine, capital of
Arab Culture 2015." The US "is grateful for the advices and the prospects of the Algerian diplomacy,"
said the diplomat.
More Details:
http://www.aps.dz/en/algeria/11653-us-values-algeria%E2%80%99s-support-to-un-peace-process?
Security Council response needed in W.Sahara crisis -U.N. official
The United Nations Security Council must act to ensure Morocco's decision to expel personnel from a
U.N. peacekeeping mission in the disputed territory of Western Sahara does not set a bad precedent
for other missions, a U.N. official said on Wednesday. The controversy over U.N. Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon's use of the word "occupation" during a recent visit to the region is Morocco's worst
dispute with the U.N. since 1991, when the U.N. brokered a ceasefire to end a war over Western
Sahara and established a peacekeeping mission, known as MINURSO.
More Details:
http://af.reuters.com/article/drcNews/idAFL2N16V29Y?feedType=RSS&feedName=drcNews&utm_s
ource=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FAfricadrcNews+%28N
ews+%2F+Africa+%2F+Dem.+Rep.+of+Congo+News%29&rpc=401
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9. AFGHANISTAN – PAKISTAN
Taliban commander declare Jihad against the group’s supreme leader in Badghis
A Taliban group commander affiliated with Mullah Mohammad Rasool has declared Jihad against
Taliban’s self-declared supreme leader Mullah Akhtar Mansoor in northwestern Badghis province of
Afghanistan. The Taliban commander, Mullah Ghafoor Tufan, has accused Mansoor of working for
Pakistan’s Inter Service Intelligence (ISI) and murdering several Taliban leaders.
More Details:
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-commander-declare-jihad-against-the-groups-supreme-leader-in-
badghis-0429?
Several militants killed by own car bomb in Helmand’s Marja district
Several militants have been killed by their own car bomb in Marja district of the restive Helmand
province of Afghanistan. Reports suggest that the insurgents were in the process of making a Vehicle-
Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) which exploded on them at the last stages in ‘Pinzam
Block area’ on Wednesday afternoon.
More Details:
http://www.khaama.com/several-militants-killed-by-won-bomb-in-helmands-marja-district-4758?
Japan Contributes Over $80m To Help Afghanistan
The government of Japan on Thursday announced it recently provided a total of $21.3 million to aid
agencies for humanitarian and emergency assistance in Afghanistan - this in addition to the $63
million USD it gave the Afghan government to improve irrigation systems and rural access across the
country.
More Details:
http://www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/24377-japan-contributes-over-80m-to-help-afghanistan
Ghani Launches G7+ Summit in Kabul
President Ashraf Ghani officially opened the 4th G7+ Ministerial meeting in Kabul on Wednesday and
said Afghanistan has made enormous strides over the past 15 years with the help of the international
community. But he said stability in the country was the responsibility of government and that all
Afghan leaders need to focus on reforms.
More Details:
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http://www.outlookafghanistan.net/national_detail.php?post_id=14786
Afghan forces seize Haqqani weapons cache near Kabul
The Afghan security forces had recovered a weapons cache near the country's capital of Kabul, the
National Directorate of Security (NDS) said on Thursday. The country's national intelligence agency
said in a statement that the cache had been recovered after an operation conducted by the NDS
personnel in Seppas village, outskirts of Pul-e-Alam, capital of eastern Logar province.
More Details:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/24/c_135219878.htm?
Did Pakistan Decide to Buy China’s Newest Attack Helicopter?
Pakistan’s Army has for the first time publicly revealed the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation
(CAIC) Z-10 Thunderboltattack helicopter during this year’s Pakistan Day parade, Defense News
reports. The Z-10 is the first modern attack helicopter designed and produced domestically by the
People’s Republic of China and been in service with the People’s Liberation Army since 2012.
More Details:
http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/did-pakistan-decide-to-buy-chinas-newest-attack-helicopter/?
More than 130 Pakistanis being held at Moscow airport for over 8 hours: reports
According to a video and pictures circulating on social media, a group of over 130 Pakistanis
travelling to Russia is being held at the Moscow airport for the past seven hours. Television reports
say the Pakistanis, who are actually part of a group of traders, were travelling to Russia for an
exhibition when they were detained at the Moscow airport, along with a few people coming from
other countries.
More Details:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1247635/more-than-130-pakistanis-being-held-at-moscow-airport-for-
over-8-hours-reports
Pakistan Day celebrated at UN the first time in history
For the first time in the history, Pakistan Day celebrations were held at the General Assembly hall of
the United Nations. Diplomats from around 140 countries, UN officials, civil society representatives,
media and members of the Pakistani diaspora were present during the celebrations. A concert, titled
“Sufi Night”: Music of Peace was organised by the Pakistan Mission to the UN, and Ustad Rahat Fateh
Ali Khan performed in the concert.
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More Details:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/24-Mar-2016/pakistan-day-celebrated-at-un-the-first-time-
in-history?
ISI provided huge funds for Headley's 26/11 operation: Ujjwal Nikam
Mumbai terror attack operative David Coleman Headley, who had been vehemently denying that he
had not been paid by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, finally made a sensational revelation
before a court today that the ISI had massively funded his entire operation. Speaking to the media
after Headley's cross-examination, Special Prosecutor in the case Ujjwal Nikam said that the
Pakistani-American terrorist had made four major revelations in today's session.
More Details:
http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail2/story257924/isi-provided-huge-funds-for-headley-039-s-26-11-
operation-ujjwal-nikam.html?
Iranian President to visit Pakistan tomorrow
At the invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, president of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hassan
Rouhani, would arrive tomorrow (Friday) on a two-day official visit. This will be Rouhani’s first visit to
Pakistan as the president of Iran. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising
ministers, senior officials and businessmen. During his stay in Islamabad, he will hold meetings with
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz. The leadership will have an exchange of
views on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly after lifting of the sanctions on Iran that has
opened new avenues for enhancing economic interaction. Cooperation on regional and international
issues of mutual concern will also be discussed.
More Details:
http://paktribune.com/news/Iranian-President-to-visit-Pakistan-tomorrow-275990.html
10. TURKEY AND THE MIDDLE EAST
ISIS Aspirant from Japan Arrested In Turkey for Trying To Cross Over To Syria
A Japanese man attempting to join the Islamic State group in Syria was detained by Turkish officials
Tuesday, Turkish media reported Wednesday. The man, identified only as M.M., was caught while
authorities were searching a suspicious car in the Nizip district in southeastern province of Gaziantep.
During the investigation, the Japanese man confessed that he had reached the district hoping to
cross over the border to join the extremist group, also known as ISIS, in Syria, Turkey's Doğan News
Agency reported. He added that he was convinced to join the Sunni militant group after he met a
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Syrian person. ISIS recently claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attacks in Brussels that killed at least
30 people and injured over 200.
More Details:
http://www.ibtimes.com/isis-aspirant-japan-arrested-turkey-trying-cross-over-syria-2342462?
Netanyahu expects April to bring normalisation to ties with Turkey
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday an additional meeting with Turkish
officials will probably be held soon to normalise broken relations with Turkey.Netanyahu said he is
expecting a normalisation in April after Turkish and Israeli officials meet for an additional meeting.
More Details:
http://www.trtworld.com/mea/netanyahu-expects-april-to-bring-normalisation-to-ties-with-turkey-
74459
*This media summary is prepared by ORSAM Middle East Research Assistant Firuze Yağmur Gökler.
It covers news and commentaries as reported by the national media sources publishing in the Middle
Eastern countries. The views expressed are not those of ORSAM and their inclusion does not imply
factual accuracy.
*Bu bülten ORSAM Ortadoğu Uzman Yardımcısı Firuze Yağmur Gökler tarafından hazırlanmaktadır.
Bülten Ortadoğu ülkelerinin yerel haber kaynaklarından derlenmektedir. Belirtilen görüşler bölge
ülkelerinin haber kaynaklarına ve ismi geçen yazarlara ait olup ORSAM’ın görüşünü
yansıtmamaktadır.
