Arabic Media

Novmeber 20, 2007

Source: Addustour (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: Sudanese Official Says “Human Organs” to Be the Reason for L’Arche de Zoe’s Actions

• Nafi Ali Nafi said that trafficking in “human organs” might be the reason for L’Arche de Zoe’s actions
• He went on to say that the operation exposed “the moral bankruptcy of those who claim to defend human rights” and added that he was convinced the French government was aware of the operation
• It is interesting to note that the Sudanese government’s reaction to the aborted operation was slow initially, but lately government officials issued many statements condemning the group and the French government

Source: Addustour (Government-friendly, Jordanian daily enjoys wide circulation)
Headline: Kidnapped Oil Workers Freed

• An official in the oil sector announced that the freed 5 oil workers who were kidnapped in Kordufan by Justice and Equality Movement arrived safely in Khartoum
• On Saturday, JEM said that it released the 5 kidnapped oil workers and accused the government of preventing them from returning to their families
• The movement added that it kidnapped the workers as a warning to oil companies working in Sudan and especially to Chinese oil companies, which it accuses of supporting the government’s war efforts

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: New Opposition Front in Sudan
By: Emad Abdul Hadi

• 16 opposition parties and civil associations announced the creation of a new opposition front they named “Popular Committee for Freedom” to fight for the return of democracy and freedom
• The newly formed group was a result of the tense relation between the governing partners and the increased threat of war between the South and North
• The new front includes the Umma Party, Popular Congress Party, Communist Party, Umma – Reform Party, and many labor union groups and civil society associations and organizations
• Sudan People’s Liberation Movement postponed its decision to join the front till after its emergency meeting today
• Meanwhile, 5 Darfur armed groups agreed to continue the political and armed struggle against Khartoum government

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: UN Says Rebel Group Markings Used in Attack against AU Troops

• UN monthly report indicated that the attackers, who killed 10 African Union soldiers, used vehicles marked with Justice and Equality Movement initials.  The UN said the attacker wanted to steal AU forces’ logistical equipment
• The report also stated that preparations for hybrid force deployment were continuing, but expressed concern about absence of peace, and lack of special forces and advanced equipment
• The Justice and Equality Movement denied involvement in the deadly attack on AU forces and blamed a splinter group that still uses its initials and equipment it stole when it split

Source: Asharq Al Awsat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: Sudan Rulers Close to Winning in Darfur
By: Jim Hoagland

• Khartoum government did not content itself with using indiscriminate killings, pillaging, and rape in its terror campaign in Darfur, but also used the ethnic card to prevent foreigners from coming to the rescue of Darfur
• By using lies, trickery, and the ethnic card, the Sudanese government was able to gain the support of Arab and African countries and keep at bay Western countries interested in assisting the civilian population in Darfur
• US reaction was slow and hesitant, and focused on pushing for deployment of international hybrid force. However, a recent meeting of National Security Council decided to pressure African and Middle Eastern allies to send troops and equipment to Darfur
• Meanwhile, UN focused on soliciting participation from non-African countries and was able to secure pledges from Nepal, Thailand, and engineering units from Scandinavian countries
• But Sudanese officials announced their apposition to non-African troops, which exposes Sudan’s true intentions of stalling and sabotaging the hybrid force
• And if President Bush was serious about doing everything possible to save Darfur, he must pressure US allies that have close ties with the Sudanese government in order to convince it to allow the deployment of a strong UN peacekeeping force in Darfur

Read the above in Arabic.