CHRISTIAN RELIEF WORKER KIDNAPPED IN SUDAN Dubai Air Show: Third Day Afghanistan: Who will assume the responsiblity for the refugees? $73 million U.S. Assistance to Pakistan for Border Security MONTBLANC UNVEILS NEW BOUTIQUES IN UAE, OMAN Luxury brand launches unique exhibition of writing culture and retrospective series of limited edition collections. Montblanc, renowned worldwide for legendary writing instruments, is forging ahead with the opening of three exclusive new stores in the Middle East, while launching a unique historical exhibition   USA: Seven o'clock shadow - First New Mexico execution since 1960 due; Georgia set to kill mentally ill man .Turkey: Amnesty International calls for investigation intoKüçükarmutlu operation Call Centres Take Centre Stage in Middle East Show Turkmenistan Travel Warning; High security threat for US Citizens   OVER 10,000 FROM 61 COUNTRIES VISIT DUBAI 2001 IN FIRST TWO DAYS OF DUBAI AIRSHOW 2001   UK ARMED FORCES MINISTER DUE KERALAMONITOR SPECIAL   Malayali Brothers Absconding with RO 30,000 from Chit Fund Subscribers   Most of the Victims are ordinary workers   In yet another cheating case large number of ordinary Malayali workers and small scale businessmen in the Al Khuwair area of Oman are duped by a chit fund company run by two brothers who have been absconding with huge amount of money. According to victims, most of them Malayalis, one Mr.N.N.Rajan and his brother N.N. Sathyan, who were running a barber shop in the Al Khuwair area near ONAS liquor shop have been absconding for the last few days with at least Omani Rial 30,000, which is equivalent to Indian Rupees thirty six lakhs.   The victims have already made a complaint to the local police authorities and are estimating the total loss. Many of the victims are ordinary construction workers who earn about RO 45 to RO 60 per month. The culprits used to collect RO 3 per day from some of the victims who could not pay the entire subscription amount in lump sum.(RO 30 equivalent to Indian Rupees 35,00). Babu, one of the victims, has lost RO 1,000 (equivalent to Rs. 1,24000). The elder brother N.N.Rajan has been a resident of the place for the last twelve years and maintained good relation with the Malayali community in the locality. The chit funds which are said to be five schemes of varying amounts up to RO 1,000 - were started four years ago when the second brother reached Oman. The dubious scheme looked attractive to the subscribers as the culprits offered many gifts and lottery scheme to them. 'one such facility was that those who get the lottery will get the full subscription amount and need not pay further installments," said one of the victims. Another person took four number of chits so that he could meet the marriage expenses of his young daughter in Kerala.   Another Malayali who is running a small cafeteria in the adjacent area lost not only his money, but the hard earned money of four of his low salary earning employees who also subscribed to the chit fund. Now the helpless victims are planning to give a formal complaint to the Non Resident Keralites Minister M.M.Hassan to track the brothers from their village in Mala, Thrichur. They have recently started an up market beauty parlour in Thrichur. Hailing from Chathin Kuzhi, Mala, Thrichur, their father is one Mr. Narayanan.   The culprits have left Oman in a pre-planned manner. After coming from last vacation, one of the brother has been absconding for two weeks and the younger brother left only four days back. This is not the first time that ordinary Malayali workers are losing money in such dubious chit schemes. Last month, one Manglorean had absconded from Sohar, leaving large number of Malayalis in trouble. The best solution is to avoid such schemes, which are conducted illegally. Top   MONTBLANC UNVEILS NEW BOUTIQUES IN UAE, OMAN   Luxury brand launches unique exhibition of writing culture and retrospective series of limited edition collections   Dubai, UAE, November 5, 2001: Montblanc, renowned worldwide for legendary writing instruments, is forging ahead with the opening of three exclusive new stores in the Middle East, while launching a unique historical exhibition. The 274 square foot Montblanc shop at Wafi City in Dubai was unveiled today with the opening of a retrospective showcase of writing culture, "Historical Letters."   Montblanc Limited Edition Patron of Art 2001 'Marquise de Pompadour'   Since 1992, Montblanc has honoured outstanding writers and patrons of the arts with two individual limited editions. Over the next two weeks, shoppers in Dubai will be able to take a historical journey through the lives of celebrated writers Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, Alexandre Dumas and Voltaire with a special exhibition of their personal "Limited Edition" writing instruments.   "Historical Letters" showcases each of the five writing instruments, whether a fountain pen, ballpoint or pencil, as well as original hand-written letters from the five writers. Hot on the heels of Dubai, the exhibition will move to Abu Dhabi, followed by Oman next month to mark the opening of the Montblanc boutiques at Abu Dhabi Mall and Muscat City Centre. "This exhibition is a testament of Montblanc's commitment to preserving objects of beauty, cultivating the intellectual, and promoting the artistic," said Ramesh Prabhakar, CEO, The Rivoli Group. "It's a wonderful way to launch a new store, giving our customers a greater understanding of the luxury brand, and I'm confident that the shops in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat will be welcomed by residents and visitors to the region."   "Also on display here, is a retrospective collection of limited edition Montblanc writing instruments which we wanted to share with the local community." The first person to give his name to a Writers Edition was Ernest Hemingway, Nobel Prize winner and master of American short stories. Meanwhile, another literary genius Oscar Wilde, pays tribute to the Montblanc Meisterst?ck Solitaire Royal fountain pen in solid gold and flawless 16-carat diamonds. Created for enthusiasts of exceptionally designed pens, the hand-crafted pen glistens with 4,810 "pavé-set" diamonds representing the height of the famous Mont Blanc snow-capped mountain.   The Royal Collection also includes the Meisterst?ck Reserve de Marche Royal, an 18-carat solid case watch with diamond-studded rim, available in two designs; an onyx face with the hours marked by 12 individual diamonds or with an 18-carat gold face pavé set with 327 diamonds. Additional products in the luxury range are cufflinks and tie chains embellished with diamonds.   This year, Montblanc has dedicated a Meissen porcelain capped pen in the Patron of Arts series to the legendary French Rococo muse Marquise de Pompadour, while the Writers Edition pays tribute to renowned English novelist Charles Dickens with Victorian inspired writing instruments.The limited number of writing instruments produced all have individual serial numbers, and are available as fountain or ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils. Montblanc also has boutiques at the BurJuman Centre, Deira City Centre and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, as well as in Abu Dhabi on Khalifa Street.   Formed in Germany in 1906, Montblanc is one of the world's best known international luxury brands - creators of legendary writing instruments, hand-crafted paper, men's jewellery, sunglasses, watches and leather accessories. It opened its first shop in Hamburg in 1919, and there are now over 125 Montblanc boutiques worldwide. Montblanc's white logo represents the mountain's snow-capped peak, symbolising the brand's dedication and commitment to high quality materials, top master craftsmanship and distinctive design. Montblanc is represented in the UAE by The Rivoli Group, one of the largest importers and retailers of luxury brands in the Middle East offering a wide range of product categories from watches and writing instruments to menswear, accessories, gift items and eyewear.   OVER 10,000 FROM 61 COUNTRIES VISIT DUBAI 2001 IN FIRST TWO DAYS OF DUBAI AIRSHOW 2001   UK ARMED FORCES MINISTER DUE   November 6, 2001   Dubai; Organisers of Dubai 2001 - the 7th international aerospace exhibition - which continues at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates until Thursday night (November 8), say over 10,000 industry visitors from 61 countries visited the show in its first two days. "In addition, during Sunday and Monday this week, we received 151 official delegations from 52 countries, 70 of which were civil aviation focussed," said Virginia Kern, Chairman, Fairs and Exhibitions, which organises the biannual event.     UK Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram is due at Dubai 2001 on Wednesday to back a 35-strong British pavilion at the show. Meanwhile, Dubai 2001, which features 450 companies from 33 countries and 10 national pavilions, is receiving international media coverage from a 590 strong press corps drawn from 36 countries. And the show, the first of the four major international aviation exhibitions to be held in the wake of the September 11th impact and civil airline industry showdown, has been hailed by global media analysts.   "The organisers really deserve an awful lot of credit for pulling off what has been a very worthwhile show. I am very glad we came, there has been plenty to write about and, given the state of the industry, the exhibition has more than exceeded my expectations," said Charles Alcock, Editor, Aviation International News Show Daily. The Editor-in Chief of Russia's leading news agency ITAR-TASS, Dr. Nicolay N. Novichkov, also praised the show's organisation.     "Dubai seems to be the place that will boost this region's civil and military aviation industry, not just for the Gulf but for North Africa and other neighbouring countries. The 30 Russian companies at the show seem to have done quite well. For Russia, this is a very important region," he said. International Inflight Magazine also underscored the show's business importance. "The Dubai air show is a 'must' for anyone who wants to really understand and measure the development of aviation in the Middle East," said Andrew Drwiega, Editor.   Flight International Daily News said the show had worldwide impact. "That Dubai 2001 went ahead as planned is testimony to the commitment of the organisers and sponsors to ensure that the show continues despite the storm clouds of the international crisis and situation. It was worthwhile coming and the occasion of one of the world's most audacious orders in aviation history, by Emirates, was visionary and shows there is still business to be done and relationships to be made for those who attended," said Alan Peaford, Editor.   Over 50 aircraft are on display at Dubai 2001 - 13 taking part in the daily flying display along with aerobatic teams from the UK, France and Italy. "I was very impressed with the static display, the turnout and the effort everyone has put into making it an excellent show. I can't wait for 2003," said John Morris, Publisher, Aviation Week Show News. And on the third day of Dubai 2001, Abu Dhabi's Khalifa bin Zayed Air College and the Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), of the UAE's Higher Colleges of Technology announced a co-operative agreement for the provision of specified training programmes at the Al Ain Air Force cadet facility.   Under the AED 5.6 million agreement, the Air College and CERT will collaborate on the delivery of specialised aeronautical-related instruction programmes. CERT has appointed a staff of experienced trainers and curriculum specialists to conduct the classes at the air college. "Our co-operation with the Khalifa bin Zayed Air College reflects what CERT does best - that is work closely with a client who needs highly complex, innovative training solutions, not off-the-shelf courses," said Dr. Tayeb A. Kamali, CERT's Managing Director. "CERT is assisting the nation in meeting some of its critical manpower needs in a vital sector of the community." Meanwhile, Sicma Aero Seat of France, a world-leading aircraft seat manufacturer, today opened a support facility in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone.     The Zodiac Group subsidiary, considered the world's 7th largest aviation component manufacturer, disclosed news of the US $1 million facility at Dubai 2001 where it is displaying its new first-class Majesty concept seat. "It will supply technical support and spare parts to Middle East airlines through a dedicated technical team," said Christian Novella, President, Sicma Aero Seat. "We have gone ahead with the investment because we believe the industry's downturn is cyclical and will rebound by 2004. There's definitely good business potential in the Middle East and the growth here is expected to be higher than the rest of the world."   The Jebel Ali facility will also offer support to Zodiac, which has a range of aviation products, including, escape lights, fuel systems, aircraft computers and lavatory parts. Novella said Emirates was a major Sicma client. "Emirates is a prime client and we have recently clinched a multi-million dollar deal with them to supply 5,000 seat backs for its A340-500 and B777 aircraft," he said. Novella added that Sicma had 50% of the Middle East market with clients such as Gulf Air, Royal Jordanian and Saudia among its client portfolio.   Investment survey reveals confidence in Jordan   November - Amman: Although the global technology sector has fallen dramatically in the financial markets over the last 18 months, the majority of investors in Jordan's burgeoning IT industry are more than satisfied, according to a new poll. Some 63 per cent regarded their investments as "successful" while 81 per cent of those said they would be willing to increase their funds in the industry.   "Jordan has defied international trends with last year's investment in technology totaling $60 million. Figures for 2001 are expected to be equally impressive," said Karim Kawar, chairman of the Information Technology Association of Jordan, int@j. In the survey, 80 major companies - most of which specialise in IT, were asked for their impressions of doing business in Jordan, and their feelings on investment in the sector. While some espondents seemed extremely happy with the current situation, others called for less bureaucracy, new laws and less restrictions. The results indicate that:   · The majority of investors - 63% - perceive their investments in Jordan's ICT sector as successful, regardless of global trends. · 81% of those who considered their investments successful said they would invest again. · 14% felt that it was premature to determine the full extent of their success. · Of the 21% of respondents who perceived their investments as having failed, 25% of them are ready to invest again · 17% more would consider re-investing in Jordan's ICT sector Total investments in the Jordanian IT sector (at the end of December 2000) stood at almost $60 million, an investment figure which has come about as a result of the efforts of int@j and the REACH initiative.*   This impressive commitment in the Jordanian sector comes at a time when, globally, ICT sector companies are reeling from profit slumps, laying off staff and undergoing severe cost cutting exercises in order to 'weather the storm' of recession. Kawar said: "We need to conduct surveys such as this so that we are never caught resting on our laurels. We cannot move the ICT sector - and the Jordanian economy - forward if we do not take the time to conduct such honest surveys."   "Clearly, there are some areas that need to be worked on at the highest levels if we are to remain competitive both in the region, and the world." While there is an excellent pool of highly qualified, young labour available, one respondent pointed out that some businesses fail due to the lack of good domestic management resources. Only through the long term vision of int@j and the REACH initiative will a change in this situation come about. Jordan's ICT industry will boom over the next five years, with a world-beating nationwide high speed Internet connection, an IT infrastructure scheme, foreign direct investment plans and employment schemes based around making the most of the highly qualified, keen and youthful labour pool.   int@j focuses on the software and IT services sector in particular since this sector comprises one of the most dynamic and fast growing parts of the IT industry in Jordan due to: · Low start up capital requirements · Jordan's favourable position in the regional market · The intensity, cost and expertise of local human resources · A lack of transportation and distance constraints   The Jordanian government and int@j have made enormous strides forward in establishing Jordan as a key regional IT player, providing an ideal business environment with an advanced technological infrastructure, flexible government participation and a strong labour market for large companies wishing to establish regional business units in the country. Ultimately, such a commitment will lead to a cycle of prosperity based around high employment, and a well educated, well paid, happier workforce. *The REACH initiative In July 1999, His Majesty King Abdullah II laid down a visionary challenge for the private sector: prioritise the development of Jordan's IT sector. In response, a core group of Jordanian IT industry players (backed by the AMIR program - Access to Microfinance & Improved Implementation of Policy Reform - United States Agency for International Development) devised a strategy and action plan, known as the REACH initiative, achieved by intensive consultation with domestic IT industry leaders and domestic and international consultants.   The comprehensive framework embraces action in terms of: · Regulatory Framework · Enabling Environment and Infrastructure · Advancement Program · Capital and Finance · Human Resources Development   REACH, therefore, is a national strategy for Jordan to develop a vibrant, export-orientated IT services sector; paving the way for Jordan to become a regional leader and internationally recognised exporter of IT products and services. It has a five year plan, based upon realistic assumptions, to generate: · 30,000 IT and IT-related jobs by 2004 · US$550 million in exports by 2004 · US$150 million in cumulative foreign direct investment by 2004   Since the launch of the REACH initiative, IT-related employment has more than doubled, annual exports have grown to an estimated US$40million (a growth rate of 349% since the launch of REACH), and more than one third (1/3) of the Foreign Direct Investment target has been attracted to Jordan.