Arab media

March 3 , 2008

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Chad Extends Emergency Measures and New Rebel Coalition Formed  

• Chadian parliament gave President Idriss Deby total authority in extending state of emergency two more weeks.  The state of emergency was declared by the government on February 14th following rebel attack and siege of N’Djamena
• Meanwhile rebel groups announced the formation of a new coalition headed by General Mohamed Nouri who led the rebels’ attack on the capital
• The coalition is made up of Union of Forces for Democracy and Development, Union of forces for Democracy and Development – the foundation faction, and Front to Save the Republic
• Force of Change - rebel group - did not join this coalition but Mohamed Nouri indicated the group to be an essential part of Chadian rebel movement

Source: Asharq Al Awsat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: Khartoum Says Sudan Liberation Movement’s Office in Israel to Be Proof of Jewish Lobby’s Role in Darfur Conflict
By: Isamil Adam and Zin El Abidine Ahmed

• Sudan Liberation Movement leader Abdul Wahid Nour acknowledged that his movement indeed opened an office in Israel
• He said “having an office in Israel is  no different than having one in Cairo, Libya, or Britain, adding the movement has no quarrel with any individual, country, religion, or ethnic group”
• Nafi Ali Nafi condemned the move as proof of foreign and Jewish sinister role in Darfur crisis
• He added the movement’s decision to open an office in Israel shows its willingness to bypass the Jewish lobby in the USA
• Justice and Equality Movement described SLM’s action as “contradictory to all of our principles and convictions” and tarnishes SLM’s record in Darfur
• JEM said it never had nor will it have any ties with Israel and urged SLM to reconsider its move in favor of national and lasting interests over achieving temporary gains

Source: Asharq Al Awsat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: Government Denies Rebel Group Killed 135 of Its Soldiers
By: Ismail Adam

• Sudan Liberation Movement - Union faction announced that its forces attacked a moving military convoy killing 135 soldiers in the area of Minwashi in North Darfur
• The movement also announced that it lost three of its fighters and demanded that UNAMID hybrid force prevent government forces from provoking its fighters in the “liberated areas”
• Meanwhile, the army denied the attack was on a military convoy but on a merchandise convoy protected by reserve police and acknowledged that 6 reserve police were killed during the attack
• It also indicated that the attackers tried to take two tankers but the police managed to recuperate them after a short chase and killed many of the attackers

Source: Al Khaleej (UAE daily, with over 80,000 in circulation)
Headline: President Al Bashir Meets with Richard Williamson and Arko Minnawi Heads to Washington

• Foreign Minister Deng Alor described the meeting between US envoy Richard Williamson and President Omar Al Bashir as successful especially in restoring bilateral relations between the two countries
• He explained that the Sudanese government will study Williamson’s proposal to improve bilateral relations
• Williamson indicted that President Bush was eager to end Darfur civilians’ suffering and to see a return of peace and stability throughout all of Sudan
• Meanwhile, President’s advisor and head of provisional authority in Darfur Arko Minnawi headed to Washington for his second such visit since his group signed Abuja Agreement
• As the same time, Malaysian envoy Dato Fadhil Awaludine arrived in Khartoum to discuss Darfur crisis with government officials
• The envoy visited refugee camps and met with local officials.  The visit takes place a couple of week’s before Islamic Organization Conference meeting in Senegal

Source: Okaz (Government-Friendly, Saudi daily with strong circulation)
Headline: Senegalese President to Mediate between Chad and Sudan

• Senegalese President Abdulaye Wade indicated, at the end of a trip that took him to Libya, Egypt, Jordan, and Iran, that he has the support of Egypt and Libya to mediate between Chad and Sudan
• President Wade said he urged Libya’s involvement and support for his mission while Egyptian president offered his support and help
• President Wade said he was asked to undertake this mission by Chadian President Idriss Deby