Ain-Al-Yaqeen - December 3, 2004

		December 3, 2004

THE CONFERENCE OF THE INTERIOR MINISTERS OF IRAQ'S NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES DISCUSS IN TEHRAN WAYS OF ACHIEVING SECURITY IN IRAQ.
PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ: WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP TRAIN THE IRAQI POLICE AND WE HOPE THE IRAQIS WILL HAND OVER ANY SAUDI THEY DETAIN.
THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR: THE PRESENT SITUATION IN IRAQ THREATENS THE SECURITY AND STABILITY OF THE REGION.
PRINCE SAUD AL-FAISAL: THE SOVEREIGNTY AND REGIONAL INTEGRITY OF IRAQ WILL NEVER BE REACHED THROUGH FORCE OR NEGLIGENCE OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY.
PRESIDENTS MUBARAK AND AL-ASSAD REVIEW PEACE, THE GOLAN, LEBANON AND PALESTINE.

Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, received a message from Iranian President Mohammad Khatami.

The message was delivered to Crown Prince Abdullah by the Iranian Science, Research and Technology Minister Dr. Ja'far Ahmad Tawfike Aryani during a meeting with the crown prince at Al Yamamah palace in Riyadh.

During the meeting, the Minister conveyed the greetings of Iranian leader Ali Khamenaei and President Mohammed Khatami to Crown Prince Abdullah who, on his part, sent his greetings to the Iranian leadership.

The audience was attended by a number of princes and officials.

Iranian President Mohammed Khatami received Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, and other interior ministers of the countries neighboring Iraq.

Prince Naif conveyed to the Iranian President the greetings of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, and Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard.

Prince Naif expressed appreciation for hosting the meeting of the interior ministers of the countries neighbouring Iraq by Iran, and underlined the importance of helping Iraq in these difficult circumstances.

Meanwhile, Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz welcomed the proposal of the Turkish Interior Minister to hold the second meeting for the interior ministers in Turkey.

The interior ministers of neighboring countries of Iraq conference had began in Tehran. Iraq's neighboring countries are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Iran. Egypt and the United Nations were also represented at the conference.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was leading the Saudi delegation to the conference.

In a speech at the conference, Prince Naif urged all to help Iraq establish security and stability adding that lack of security in Iraq will have negative effect on stability in this sensitive part of the world.

He stated that in addition to closing borders and preventing terrorist infiltration, fighting terrorism should also entail a real understanding of the dimensions of this phenomenon, its intellectual and religious bases, its motives and those who stand behind it. There should also be serious cooperation by all countries, organizations and peoples to fight it.

Prince Naif asserted that Israel's terrorist acts in the Palestinian territories against a defenseless people represent a source of terrorism incitement.

Prince Naif emphasized that "our countries are in the forefront" of countries that exert great efforts to fight terrorism.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, said a meeting of the interior ministers of seven countries neighboring Iraq, scheduled to begin its deliberations in Tehran, will review means of realizing security in Iraq.

In an arrival statement, Prince Naif said the meeting aims at enhancing the pillars of stability in Iraq and containing activities of terrorists there.

He noted that at a recent meeting held in Cairo for the interior ministers of the countries neighboring Iraq, it was agreed to help Iraq in maintaining security and preventing infiltration of terrorists into Iraq from any neighboring country.

Prince Naif regretted the presence of some Saudis in Iraq, and said he would be briefed on this issue by the Iraqi Interior Minister.

"However, these Saudi have not infiltrated into the Iraqi territories through the Saudi borders," he added.

The 2-day meeting was attended by the interior ministers of Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Naif was accompanied by a high-ranking delegation including Under Secretary of the Interior Ministry Dr Ahmad Al-Salim.

Iranian Interior Minister Abdolvahed Moussavi-Lari said that Iraqi security, border control and ways to assist the Iraqi Interior Government were the most important topics discussed in the first session of conference of the interior ministers of Iraq`s neighbors in Tehran.

In the first day, the emphasis was to bring closer the views of the Iraqi neighboring countries, Lari said.

The most important issue discussed were establishing security, carrying-out policies training and issues relating to the scheduled elections in the country. "All the neighboring states held common views on these concerns," Lari underlined.

On the issue of border control all the regional countries should participate, so that security and stability is established in the war-torn country, he added.

Senior experts from Iraq`s neighboring countries gathered at Sadabad complex to exchange views on Iraq crisis. At the meeting chaired by Iran`s Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs Ali Asghar Ahmadi, senior experts from Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq studied the statement issued by Iran on Iraqi issues.

Restoration of stability and security to the war-torn country as well as further controls over its borders are included in the statement, said an Iranian expert.

Ali Asghar Ahmadi noted that the topics for discussion in the meeting will be `Iraq`s situation, control of common borders, assistance to Iraqi border guards as well as cooperation of neighboring countries with the Iraqi government`.

He said the interior ministers of Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt as well as a representative of theUN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will participate in the meeting.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed hopes that the Conference of Interior Ministers of Iraq's neighboring countries in Iran will come out with practical and useful results on Iraq's security and that the neighboring countries assist Iraq.

In a press statement, he said the directives of the Saudi leaders stressed full cooperation and work on achieving Iraq's security so that the Kingdom will be a comfortable source for Iraq.

Prince Naif noted that he was authorized by the Saudi leaders to cooperate with Iran in this regard.

On controlling the situations in Iraq, Prince Naif said that this matter concerns Iraqis and added that we are ready to assist Iraq in achieving its security. We hope that all neighboring countries will do so and no harm will be done to Iraq.

As for infiltrators into Iraq training on terrorist operations and coming back as was the case in Afghanistan, he stressed that no harm will be done to Iraq from our countries and we will assist it as we can.

Prince Naif demanded that Iraqi authorities extradite any arrested Saudi after his interrogation because he was certainly affected by terrorist trends, adding that we will deal with him as we do with others to reach facts and will refer him to justice.

Prince Naif noted that there are some terrorists infiltrating into Iraq, stressing that we are fully prepared to assist Iraq, but we hope that Iraq will not be a place for training terrorists, maybe Saudis, as was the case in Afghanistan.

As for training Iraqi police, Prince Naif expressed his happiness to train them on security, indicating that the Kingdom will provide all kinds of assistance to the Iraqi brothers.

In Iran Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, received at his guest residence Habbib Ibrahim Al Adli, Egyptian Minister of Interior.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed a number of issues of mutual concern in the security field.

Prince Naif met with Abdolvahed Moussavi-Lari, Iranian Minister of Interior, at his office in Tehran.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed a number of issues of mutual concern in the security field. The two meetings were attended by the Saudi ambassador to Iran Dr. Nasser Ibn Ahmad Al-Braik, and Major General Saud Ibn Saleh Al- Daoud, General Director of Prince Naif Office for Studies and Research.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, also received the Iraqi interior minister Falah Al Naqeeb. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister, graced the dinner party hosted by Iranian interior minister Abdolvahed Moussavi-Lari in honor of the interior ministers of neighboring countries of Iraq. The event was attended by the official delegation accompanying the minister.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Minister of Interior, received the Jordanian Minister of Social Development, Riyad Abu Karki. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest.

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul-Aziz, the Minister of Interior, received here today Syria's Minister of Interior Ghazi Kana'an. During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest. The meeting was attended by the delegation accompanying the Prince.

The Conference of the Interior Ministers of Neighboring Countries of Iraq wrapped up its two-day meeting here on Wednesday after issuing a final communique.

The full text of the 9-point final communique of the meeting is as follows:

"In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

"Final Communique of the Conference of the Interior Ministers of Neighboring Countries of Iraq Tehran, 30 November-1 December 2004.

"Upon the invitation extended by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first meeting of the interior ministers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Turkey, Arab Republic of Egypt, Syrian Arab Republic, Republic of Iraq, State of Kuwait and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General was held in Tehran from November 30 to December 1, 2004, in solidarity with the people of Iraq who are now suffering from difficult conditions resulting from the current lack of security and critical economic situation of this country. Based on their consultations and deliberations in this meeting, the interior ministers:

"1. Stressed the provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 1546 and the statements of the previous sessions of the Iraq`s neighboring countries including the recent sessions in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh and stressed also on the sovereignty, political independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Iraq as well as on the right of the people of Iraq to a secure and stable life.

"2. Welcomed all the steps taken by the UN and the Interim Government of Iraq in the direction of preparing the ground for the full participation of all Iraqi groups, parties and all the segments of the people of Iraq in the political process by holding general elections before the end of January 2005, as envisaged in UN Security Council Resolution 1546. They stressed on the leading role of the UN in this regard and expressed their readiness to assist in the electoral process both by encouraging the Iraqis and facilitating the voting by the Iraqi citizens residing in their respective countries in coordination with the UN and the Interim Government of Iraq.

"3. Stressed the need for enhancement of mutual cooperation on border, security, border entrances and cross-border movements, among their respective countries within the framework of the provisions of the existing bilateral agreements.

"4. Supported the fight against illegal movements of capitals supporting the terrorist activities, smuggling of goods, arms and narcotic drugs across their borders.

"5. Condemned the terrorist acts against people, humanitarian institutions, foreign workers and transporters, diplomatic missions and international organizations as well as sacrilege of the religious Holy places in Iraq. They stressed the need for exchange of information and intelligence among their countries with an aim to control and prevent the movement of terrorists, subversive and other illegal elements to and from Iraq.

"6. Stressed the need to end the presence and activities of terrorist groups in Iraq collaborating with the criminal regime of Saddam and now endangering the security of Iraq and its neighboring countries, and asked for an urgent and proper measures in cooperation with the neighboring countries by the Interim Government of Iraq in this respect.

"7. Expressed their readiness to provide training and equipment upon the request of Iraq to the Iraqi police force and border guards to assist the Iraqi government for the restoration of stability in Iraq and play a more effective role in the protection and control of the borders within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

"8. Emphasized the positive impact of economic development and reconstruction of Iraq on the restoration of security and stability in this country and expressed their readiness to play a more substantial role in Iraqi reconstruction process benefitting from the vast economic resources and capabilities inherent in the neighboring countries. They welcomed the commitments taken in this regard by creditors in the Paris Club to reduce Iraq`s debt.

"9. Expressed their sincere appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran for the excellent arrangements and generous hospitality, which assured the success of their first meeting. They welcomed the invitation by the Turkish Minister of Interior to host their next meeting. They will be informed of the mechanism taken and measures provided by neighboring countries to pursue their decisions."

Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior Tehran after heading the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Conference of Interior Ministers of Iraq's Neighboring Countries.

At the airport, Prince Naif and his accompanying delegation were seen off by Iran's Assistant Interior Minister for Security Affairs Ali Asghar Ahmadi, other officials and Saudi Ambassador to Iran Dr. Nasser Ibn Ahmed Al-Braik.

On the other hand the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the results of the joint conference of Iraq's neighboring countries, Group-8 and China which was held in the Egyptian city of Sharm Al Sheikh on the present and future of Iraq.

The Kingdom also reiterated its position calling for the provision of necessary circumstances and guarantees to lead the political process in Iraq towards its projected goals according to the UN Security Council's resolution No. 1546.

This came in a statement read by Prince Saud Al Faisal, the Foreign Minister, at the beginning of his periodical press briefing which he held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh.

He said this goal could only be reached through elections, which aim at maintaining the independence and sovereignty and regional integrity of Iraq, a matter which will never be reached through force or negligence of any political party, he said.

Prince Saud went on to say that comprehensive national reconciliation and expanded popular participation of all political and religious, racial rainbow in Iraq is the guarantee of the success of the current political process in this Arab neighboring country.

He said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is concerned of the growing feeling of upset among an important part of the people of Iraq.

We call, then, for holding a comprehensive national dialogue including all components of the Iraqi entity, including this important sector of the Iraqi body, to evade turning the elections to a factor of sedition rather than a factor of unity and strength which will induce to the emergence of a stable legitimate government based on the principles of justice and fairness among all sects and sons of the Iraqi people without exception.

As for the Palestinian issue, Prince Saud expressed satisfaction over prudent steps taken so far for a peaceful and successful transfer of power in the Palestinian territories.

This could enhance the legitimacy, the role of political establishments, the consolidation of Palestinian people unity in the service of their fair issue and achieving their love to fair and comprehensive peace which safeguard the inalienable rights of establishing their independent state with Alquds as its capital, Prince Saud said.

He added that the Kingdom is also satisfied over the outcome of the International Quartet committee in charge of the peace process file in the Middle East on the fringes of Sharm Al Sheikh conference.

However, any breakthrough in the peace process in the region is mortgaged to the extent of Israel's cooperation and response to the international efforts, he said adding that this necessitates that the Quartet committee and the world community coerce Israel to meet the requirements of the peace process.

Then Prince Saud replied to reporters' questions.

On Kingdom's stand toward Iraq's national reconciliation, he said that our stand is not different from the political statement issued in Sharm Al Sheikh. Force will not be the only one for the success of a peace process in Iraq, he said and added that political dialogue is also necessary for its success.

Replying to another question on the postponement of elections in Iraq, Prince Saud noted that this is an Iraqi affair.

He indicated that if some classes of the Iraqi people do not participate in the peace process, this position will negatively affect the process.

As for the Kingdom's hosting the International Conference for Combating Terrorism, he said that all countries receiving invitations to attend the conference have fully agreed on its necessity and significance at these circumstances, but very few countries want information on the conference and they will be provided with it. Reactions on our invitations are very encouraging and the conference will be held, God willing.

He pointed out that the conference will be held at a specializing, practical and expert level, stressing that we don't want a political stand on terrorism, but we need an effective international cooperation on major issues facing terrorism-fighting countries.

On Iraq's debts, he reiterated that the Kingdom will commit itself to a significant reduction in this regard.

As regards the conference due to be held soon as a result of U.S. initiative for the Middle East, Prince Saud said that the Kingdom will attend the conference which will focus on economic cooperation and political reform. Political reform should be based on the internal situations of each country since every country has its characteristics and each people have their heritage, customs and traditions. As for economic cooperation, it is important for the Middle East which is in need of the Western capitals for building economies and the opening of markets in rich countries.

On the atomic energy in the region, he said that the wise policy which has been pursued by the region's countries lies in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East including Israel.

Responding to a question on municipal elections in the kingdom, he said reforms take into consideration graduation that benefits the citizens without threatening the national unity of the country adding that reforms will continue.

On the representation at the conference on terrorism which will be held in the kingdom in February, he reiterated that it will be at the level of senior officials in charge of agencies concerned with the three themes of the conference including terrorism, money laundering and narcotics.

On the issue of Iraq, he denied reports claiming that the kingdom exerts efforts or makes contacts in the context of the dialogue between the Iraqi government and some opposition groups.

On the possibility of resumption of diplomatic representation between the kingdom and Iraq before formation of the elected government in Iraq, he said that currently there is an Iraqi team restoring the Iraqi embassy in Riyadh and he welcomed an Iraqi ambassador to represent his country in the kingdom.

On the proposal to send an Arab Islamic force to Iraq after the departure of foreign occupation from there to ensure stability until the Iraqi government carries out it role and whether the proposal is still on the table and will be discussed by any future summit, he said the proposal was presented by the kingdom before and is still on the table and no reply has been forthcoming on it.

On the Palestinian issue and whether there is an Arab efforts or summit to boost peace efforts, he said all are waiting Palestinian deliberations to form a leadership and organize their internal issues before dealing with this subject. He added that this is the right thing to do because the issue at its core is Palestinian and consequently it is difficult to proceed with specific steps before Palestinian views are clear in this context.

In Islamabad the Chairman of Shoura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Salih Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid stressed that terrorism is the largest problem facing the world peace nowadays, affirming the need to unify and intensify the efforts to eradicate this dangerous phenomenon.

Addressing the 5th meeting of Asian Parliaments Federation here today, he renewed the Kingdom's stand by the world community to combat terrorism which afflicted the Kingdom, noting that within the framework of these efforts, the Kingdom announced the holding of the International Conference for Combating Terrorism in February, 2005.

Dr. Bin Humaid called for reaching a certain and clear identification of terrorism and for dealing with the reasons that surfaced this phenomenon.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received Dr Salih Bin Humaid, the Chairman of the Saudi Shoura (consultative) Council. Speaking on the occasion, Aziz highlighted the intensive efforts being exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for ensuring the comfort of pilgrims an Umrah (minor pilgrimage) performers.

He also praised the Kingdom's balanced policy in tackling international disputes and conflicts, and said the Kingdom's policy is based on the principles of justice and objectiveness.

Aziz pointed out that the Saudi-Pakistani relations are "deep-rooted and fraternal."

On his part, Dr Bin Humaid underlined the importance of further cementing the Saudi-Pakistani relations.

The meeting was attended by Saudi ambassador to Pakistan Ali Awad Assiri and a number of senior officials.

Pakistan's Acting President and Speaker of Senate Council Mohammed Miam Surour received the Chairman of Saudi Shoura Council Dr Saleh Ibn Abdullah Ibn Humaid who is currently participating in the meetings of Asian Parliaments Federation.

During the meeting, the Acting President expressed his appreciation of the Kingdom for its continuous efforts and keenness on pilgrims and visitors' comfort and ease, noting in this regard the civilization leaps witnessed by Makkah, Madinah and the holy places.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Awadh Assiri and Shoura Council's Member Dr. Hamad Al-Shaghroud.

In Kuwait the 15th session of the GCC Ministers of Culture and Information wrapped up.

Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Dr Fuad Bin Abdulsalam Al-Farsi represented his country to the meeting.

Following the meeting, Kuwait's Minister of Information Mohammed Abul-Hasan told reporters that the ministers approved most of the papers presented by the ministers, including a paper on ways of combating terrorism presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In Cairo President Mubarak's talks Tuesday with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad focused on the latest developments in Palestine and Iraq, presidential spokesman Ambassador Maged Abdel Fattah said.

The two leaders discussed ways for the Palestinians to close ranks, especially after the demise of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, he added.

Mubarak and Bashar underlined the importance of holding Palestinian presidential, legislative and municipal elections, said Abdel Fattah.

They also stressed the need for holding dialogue between all Palestinian factions and groups, he added.

Syria and Egypt are playing a pivotal role in rendering inter-Palestinian dialogue a success, said the presidential spokesman.

This, Abdel Fattah added, aims at paving the way for launching serious political talks.

The Mubarak-Bashar summit also took up the implementation of the roadmap peace plan, the first phase of which includes Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and some West Bank areas, Abdel Fattah said.

This should be followed by other phases of the plan, he said, adding that part of the plan related to negotiations with Syria.

The spokesman recalled that Syria had reiterated readiness for direct and unconditional negotiations with Israel.

He said that Egypt did not propose to mediate between the two sides, asserting that such mediation was not needed because Israel knew very well what was required.

Abdel Fattah ruled out any link between the timing of President Bashar's visit to Egypt and a visit by an Egyptian delegation to Israel Wednesday.

"I never talked before about an Egyptian mediation but the issue of the Syria and Lebanese tracks as well as the others are always raised during political fora because this is part and parcel of the roadmap implementation," he said.

The presidential spokesman said according to the roadmap, an international conference is to be held to discuss negotiations and a final settlement conference.

Asked whether Syria's readiness for unconditional negotiations with Israel would be raised during the Egyptian delegation's visit to Israel, he said the issue has to do with multilateral negotiations but what is more important is raising it at the UN or during talks between Egypt and any other party.

Abdel Fattah stressed, however, that this by no means suggested that the Egyptian delegation was going to Israel for that purpose.

The visit has been scheduled before to push ahead the peacemaking but we cannot exclude the issue could come up during the talks, he added.

The spokesman said the issue of UN Security Council resolution 1559 on the Syrian presence in Lebanon was raised during the Mubarak-Bashar summit.

He denied talks touched on the possibility of including other international parties in the issue, asserting that the file was being dealt with as a UNSC resolution and not a decision from France, the US or any other party.

Asked whether President Bashar had asked President Mubarak to facilitate negotiations with Israel, the presidential spokesman said the Syrian leader did not ask for a specific Egyptian role.

He said Mubarak and Bashar also discussed ways to bring about stability and security in Iraq and recognized the need to implement UN Security Council resolution 1546 and the outcome of the international conference on the future of Iraq, hosted last Tuesday by Egypt in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Abdel Fattah said that the two sides agreed on coordinating stances on the implementation of the conference outcome especially the follow-up mechanism.

He added that both Egypt and Syria committed to the UN resolution, especially with respect to holding elections, the withdrawal of foreign troops and preventing any infiltrations into Iraq.

The presidential spokesman stressed that any delay of the Iraqi elections was up to the UN Security Council and should not just be decided upon a request from the interim government but rather after a thorough study of all political and economic aspects of the electoral process.

He said the Sharm El-Sheikh conference participants remain committed to holding elections as scheduled unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise.

Abdel Fattah said Egypt and Syria have for long been coordinating with respect to dealing with Palestinian factions inside the occupied territories, in Syria and in other places.

The two countries are working to convince the factions to come to the negotiation table and work out a unified political formula leading to political negotiations on the establishment of a Palestinian state, he added.

Syria has denounced what was announced over Damascus's giving up what was called "Rabin's deposit" in which the former Israeli prime minister Yitzahak Rabin vowed in 1994 to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan heights for full normalization of relations with Syria.

The official Syrian news agency SANA quoted the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as confirming that peace negotiations with Israel should be resumed from the point it had stopped at in January 2000.

SANA said that the Syrian President stressed during his telephone call with his Lebanese counterpart Emile Lahoud the unwavering Syrian position regarding a just and comprehensive peace in the region, based on implementing international resolutions especially UN resolutions 242 and 338 and Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Arab lands.

Meantime, the Syrian minister of information, Mahdi Dakhllah, also denied in a statement that Damascus was giving up the deposit which confirms Israel's withdrawal to June 4, 1967 border lines.

He added that Syria has not given up what was achieved in the previous phase.

Meantime, one Syrian official source said that Damascus's position on the issue of resuming peace negotiations with Israel does not imply prior conditions but simultaneously clings to "build on what has been achieved " including the "Rabin deposit."

In a London in his monthly press conference the British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: we want the elections to go ahead, and we hope it will be possible to make sure that everyone gets the chance to participate. The UN is obviously in charge of this process, they are keen for it to happen. For the Sunni parties, what is important to say to the Sunni community is everyone wants your participation in this. Everybody knows that the future lies in all different parts of the community in Iraq coming together and being prepared to share power with each other and be prepared to accept the verdict of the people. And one thing that is very clear, I should say to you, is that when for example in Fallujah control is retaken, it becomes very quickly clear that those people that were running the city before the terrorists and insurgents, it wasn't easy living for people living under that rule. I hope at some later time we will be able to give, once we have collated all the evidence, some of the details of some of the things that were going on in these cities when these terrorists and insurgent groups were actually running the place, because it makes you realise how important it is for the ordinary Iraqi people in these cities to have their city back...

As I have always said, the main thing is actually to build up the Iraqi capability, and there is a lot of that that is coming on-stream in the next couple of months, so we don't have any plans to send additional British forces. But of course it is important that the elections take place, this is the thing that will create a completely different atmosphere inside Iraq and I hope round the rest of the world, since for sure you only have to talk to the people in Iraq to realise, or the people that come and visit here, that whatever the problems of security, and those are real problems, they know perfectly well that if we walk away, if we quit the job and don't see the elections through then we will have simply created another whole period of instability, whereas if the elections can take place, all the lessons from the other experiences we have had, even though there will be difficulties that will continue over a period of time, of course there will be, but the elections are a tremendous galvanising impact on the whole population and they then can see that actually the purpose of our being there is not to suppress the population, or to take Iraq's oil, or to stop people worshipping the Muslim faith, but on the contrary to make sure that instead of a source of huge instability in that region, we have a country that is stable and democratic and a proper partner for other countries in the wider world...

We are putting a lot of work and energy into making sure that Iran complies with the Atomic Energy Authority rules, and we will carry on doing that...

In respect of the issues to do with the Palestinian state, my preoccupation is to make sure that we have a clear way forward for a proper functioning Palestinian state, based on the principles of democracy, transparency, freedom, security, not just for the Palestinians themselves but obviously for Israel too. And I can't say any more about the way we will take this forward at the moment, but the window of opportunity has opened for us - to use the old cliché - over the past few weeks and in my view we would be very foolish to pass up the possibility of going through that, and that will require a lot of attention to the detail of what we are going to do, and that is what I am working on for the moment...

In Washington the United States is confident Iraq's elections will take place as planned on January 30 despite pressure to delay the poll, Secretary of State Colin Powell said last Monday.

Sunni Arabs and secular politicians in Iraq have called for the elections to be delayed by six months. They say violence makes a viable vote impossible, but the country's main Shi'ite Muslim parties say it should go ahead.

Asked if he was optimistic that the elections would take place as planned, Powell said there was no reason why they should not.

"We're working hard on it. The U.N. has increased its presence. There are thousands of Iraqis who are working on registration and getting ready for the elections. We're encouraging all parties to participate in the political process, especially in the Sunni heartland," Powell told reporters.

Speaking after a meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, Powell said elections were the only way forward in Iraq.

"It's the means by which the Iraqi people can say to the world, we want to live in democracy, we want to be able to choose our own leaders, not let these individuals who are using car bombs to murder innocent people, to kill officials, to bring this kind of chaos to our country," he said.