Arabic Media

Novmeber 13, 2007

Source: Addustour (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: Darfur Rebels Release 5 Hostages

• Khalil Ibrahim, head of Justice and Equality Movment, announced the release of 5 oil workers his movement held hostage for the past couple of weeks
• Ibrahim also warned Chinese oil companies to leave Sudan or risk becoming a legitimate military targets for the rebels
• In carrying out the attack and subsequent kidnapping, JEM wanted to send Chinese oil companies a message that oil revenues are funding the Sudanese government and military

Source: Al Khaleej (UAE daily, with over 80,000 in circulation)
Headline: Silva Kiir Talks about “Two Good Neighbors”

• Lack of trust between Sudan’s ruling partners National Congress Party and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement has reached a new high when Silva Kiir told his movment’s members and leaders at a meeting in Washington that “the South and North could become two good neighbors if the two separated”
• He added that keeping Sudan united it the preferred solution, but blamed the National Congress Party if the South voted to secede during the upcoming referendum
• Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir criticized Silva Kiir’s visit to Washington and charged that it was organized by the movement’s bureau in Washington and not because of an invitation from Condoleezza Rice

Source: Al Khaleej (UAE daily, with over 80,000 in circulation)
Headline: Demonstration in Khartoum to Protest France’s “Silence” Regarding L’Arche de Zoe

• Tens of government-friendly organizations’ members demonstrated in front of the French embassy in Khartoum to protest L’Arche de Zoe’s actions. 
• They also handed the embassy a letter protesting the French “silence” regarding the movement’s attempt to transport 103 children to France illegally
• The demonstrators blamed the French authorities of conspiring with the organization to kidnap the children

Source: Al Khaleej (UAE daily, with over 80,000 in circulation)
Headline: Sudanese Defense Minister: Darfur Rebels Are “Tribal Militia”
By: Mohamed Rabah

• Sudanese Minister of Defense Abdul Rahman Mohamed Hussein indicated that African Union is the organization leading peace negotiation in Sudan
• He played down the need for international troops because African pledges exceeded the needs of Darfur hybrid peacekeeping force
• The minister interpreted United States’ interest in Darfur as an indication of Washington’s desire to control the region’s resources
• In addition, the minister denied that Darfur rebels represent the region, and described them as tribal militia

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Sudan Criticized Countries that Support Darfur Rebels and Ban Ki-Moon Warns against Delaying Hybrid Froce Deployment

• UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon expressed concern over last month’s violence in Darfur and warned that delaying hybrid force deployment would lead to more disturbances
• Ki-Moon also urged the Sudanese government to approve the list of hybrid force proposed participating countries
• In addition, the secretary general called on some countries to provide necessary equipment including helicopters
• Meanwhile, Sudan’s minister of defense blamed host countries for not pressuring Darfur rebel leaders to participate in peace negotiations
• The minister mentioned the government’s unilateral ceasefire as an indication of its commitment for peace in the region
• As for the rebels, they announced progress in their internal talks in South Sudan

Source: Okaz (Saudi-owned daily with strong circulation)
Headline: Red Crescent Organization Condemns Failed Kidnapping Operation in Darfur
By: Zine Anbar

• Red Crescent president Abdullah Al Hazzaa condemned attempt to kidnap 103 Chadian and Sudanese children in Darfur region
• He urged the international community to be vigilant and prevent other similar operations
• Al Hazzaa said L’Arche de Zoe’s actions and reasons for attempting to kidnap the children violated all human rights principles

Read the above in Arabic.