War is politics continued by other means - Vajpayee

COMBINED COMMANDERS' CONFERENCE 2002 EXTRACTS OF ADDRESS BY PRIME MINISTER

New Delhi - October 26, 2002. The past year has been one of trials and challenges for the nation and its armed forces. Addressing a Combined Commanders’ Conference, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said that we had already been facing a prolonged period of low intensity proxy war, which took its toll of men and resources. But the brutal terrorist attacks last year on the Jammu & Kashmir State Assembly and our national Parliament compelled us to the decision on mobilisation of troops on the Line of Control and the international border with Pakistan. He said, this has been termed in our media as an exercise in coercive diplomacy. It was, in fact, one prong of a two-pronged thrust. On the diplomatic front, we asked the world to exert pressure on Pakistan to stop its cross border terrorism. The military thrust was to show that we were resolved to take action, if diplomatic efforts did not succeed.

Our military mobilisation sharply focussed international attention on the ravages of terrorism, which India has suffered for over two decades. The international community has now publicly recognised the fact of cross border terrorism and has openly called upon Pakistan to halt it. It has also acknowledged that the brutal killing of men, women and children in Jammu & Kashmir is not a freedom struggle, but naked terrorism driven by Pakistan. He said, with this realisation also came the understanding that we would not talk with Pakistan while the terrorists’ guns are held to our heads. Most countries have accepted the validity of our position that we can have a meaningful dialogue only if cross border terrorism ends.

PM said that our engagement with the international community over the past year has also made it absolutely clear that while the world should come together to persuade or coerce Pakistan to stop cross border terrorism, it is for India and Pakistan to sit together bilaterally to resolve all issues between them, including Jammu & Kashmir. He said that, we cannot underestimate the crucial role of our military deployments in achieving these signal successes. We significantly furthered our political and diplomatic goals by the mobilization, without having to take the final fateful step. To stress this point he quoted the military strategist Clauswitz wrote that War is politics continued by other means. In our case, our military readiness was in continued pursuit of our legitimate security objectives. The nation pays tribute to the professionalism and dedication of our Armed Forces in maintaining full battle readiness continuously for a prolonged period. It was a major test of endurance, which you passed with distinction …

PM said that "The successful conduct of the Jammu & Kashmir elections and the re-deployment of our Armed Forces have generated the speculation that India may now be willing to engage in dialogue with Pakistan. The question posed both within our country and outside is - what will we do next? He said that the sad fact remains that cross border terrorism continues. The physical threat to voters and candidates has now been transformed into death threats against elected representatives. After the J & K elections, even foreign observers have admitted that the residual insurgency in the State is foreign in conception, participation and execution. But we do not see any hint of a genuine desire on the part of Pakistan to substitute terrorism with dialogue.

Mr Vajpayee said that the fresh speculation has now started on the next SAARC Summit to be held in Islamabad. In fact, it has always been India’s position that regional cooperation in South Asia should not be held hostage by bilateral political differences between member countries. We have consistently advocated economic cooperation and cultural exchanges as a means of preparing a climate conducive for political reconciliation. But we have reached a strange situation where every worthwhile proposal for economic cooperation is being systematically sabotaged on irrational fears and political considerations. Then we are told we are dragging our feet on dates for the Summit! SAARC has a potentially historic role to fulfil in the equitable development of the 1.5 billion people of our sub-continent. We do not want to trivialise the Association through a Summit without substantive content. Let us therefore first talk of substance before we start focussing on dates.

The Prime Minister said that threats to our security from terrorism are not only restricted to Jammu & Kashmir, but also elsewhere in the country. We have also seen that virtually every democratic society is vulnerable to this threat. Its targets are varied: from a temple in Gujarat to nightclubs in Bali and a theatre in Moscow. Its methods are unconventional. We have to remain alert, sharpen our intelligence capabilities, build up our defences and anticipate unexpected targets and tactics. The Armed Forces have to be an integral part of this multi-disciplinary effort. Mr. Vajpayee said that we need to strongly counter the increasing activities of insurgent groups in our Northeast. Some of them are receiving sanctuary, finance, training and assistance from some of our neighbours. It is time for us to take firm action on this. As on the western front, we cannot condone foreign sustenance for an insurgency, whose domestic support is dwindling …

The Prime Minister said that last year he had referred to the transformation in offensive and defensive military strategies due to emerging technologies. Information warfare, cyber terrorism, revolution in military affairs, ‘no contact’ war and outer space weaponry are catchwords of the new generation. Technology has also created chemical and biological weapons of great diversity, which are difficult to detect. Many of these techniques and weapons can fall into the hands of non-state actors. These are major challenges for our defence and national security apparatus…

Referring to some important welfare issues raised by servicemen and ex-servicemen Mr. Vajpayee said that nearly two Lakh dwelling units are being built for our servicemen. He said that last week, the CCS has approved a new contributory health scheme, which would cover over 90% of the ex-servicemen in the country. - keralamonitor.com

Sheikh Hamadan Opens Big 5 Construction Show

GCC power grid project to link Al Ain with Oman

October 26, 2002

Sheikh Hamdan visits a stand at Big 5 Exhibition.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, today inaugurated the Big 5 construction show, which runs at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre until Wednesday night. Touring the show, which fills seven DIEC halls, Sheikh Hamdan praised the growth of the exhibition and said Dubai was determined to retain its trade event hub status by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities. And the Minister went on to say that the UAE's industrial sector is set for growth. "The economic and political situation in Dubai is on the right track and we hope it will reflect positively on the industrial sector," he said.

The opening was also attended by the UAE Minister of Water and Electricity, H.E. Humaid bin Nasser Al Owais who announced that the study into the UAE power grid is now complete and is being referred to the Ministerial cabinet for approval. The grid will connect Al Taweelah power station with Al Awir and the main route in Al Dhaid, Sharjah with Fujairah. H.E. Al Owais said the grid, which will cost US $164 million, will take 18 months to complete.

On the GCC power grid project, of which H.E. Al Owais, said the UAE contribution would cost US $150 million, the Minister said the study had been upgraded. The first phase of the project, he said, would link Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The UAE, he said, had already built power stations needed for the grid near the Qatari border, and plans were underway to link Al Ain with Oman. The Minister said that US $2.15 billion worth of power and water projects are on the cards in Abu Dhabi alone up until 2010 while the UAE Federal budget for water and electricity this year is Dhs2 billion.

Al Owais said the Big 5, the region's premier forum for the contracting sector, was positively impacting the GCC industrial sector. "It gives the entire region the chance to update themselves on the very latest technology available," he said. Big 5 2002 is the biggest in the long-running series with 1,048 exhibitors representing 1,610 companies from 52 countries, including 22 national pavilions. For the first time, the show features a Portuguese pavilion and exhibitors from Japan, Latvia and the Ukraine. "The show has recorded over 16% growth in exhibitor numbers on last year," said Bernard Walsh, Managing Director, dmg World Media Dubai Limited. The Big 5 is running daily at the DIEC from 9.30am - 1pm and from 5pm - 9pm.

 

Ezhimala Naval Academy Project on Schedule - Fernandes

New Delhi - October 26, 2002. The Defence Minister, George Fernandes today congratulated the Indian Navy for the manner in which it was mobilised for Op Parakram. While addressing the week long Naval Senior Officers Conference being held at Naval Headquarters, he stated that the speed and the competence displayed by the Navy during the mobilisation was most commendable, and had been taken note of by both friends and enemies.

The Minister underscored that where national security and defence requirements are concerned, the Government’s position has always been that there would be no dearth of money. He said that the 15 year ship building programme of the Navy needs to be expedited by all the agencies dealing with the project. He assured the senior naval officers present that it would be his personal endeavour to see that this project gets underway without any problems.

The Minister expressed satisfaction at the speedy progress of the work on Karwar Project which was ahead of schedule. He also hoped that work on the Naval Academy, Ezhimala would be speeded up and completed on schedule.

The Defence minister emphasised that in view of the developments that have emerged in India’s maritime neighbourhood and the way that the world was going, he believed that India should have at least two operational aircraft carriers and another one as a standby.

Later, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Madhvendra Singh, while delivering the closing address, said that while redeployment of forces was in progress, the Navy must keep its guard up. All the Flag Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the three Naval Commands and the tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command, Principal Staff Officers and other senior officers of the Navy attended the Conference. keralamonitor.com

GCC’S POOR ROAD ACCIDENT RECORD IN GULF TRAFFIC SPOTLIGHT

Dubai -26th October 2002

Gulf Traffic, the region's major vertical conference and exhibition (Confex)
for the Middle East’s traffic and transport industry, was opened today by
Mattar Al Tayer, Assistant Director for Roads & Project Affairs, Dubai
Municipality, as regional officials spoke of the GCC’s increasing road
related casualties.

"Dubai’s road infrastructure has rapidly expanded during the last few years
and today the emirate has a network of 8,000 kms of roads to cater for more
than 375,000 cars," said Al Tayer.

"Increasing traffic has created road congestion which requires new
investments and solutions to alleviate the problem. There are also plans to
improve road safety, including a new navigation system to help drivers avoid
congested roads by taking the best alternative routes. This will be
introduced next year."

At the Gulf Traffic Convention, 26 speakers from 15 countries are thrashing
out a blueprint for improved regional traffic management.

Road safety was at the top of the agenda on Day One. Eng. Abdullah
Al-Mogbel, Deputy Minister of Communications – Roads, Ministry of
Communications, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, presented his paper on
‘Traffic safety in the GCC, the problems and solutions’.

"Road accidents in the GCC are currently ranked ninth as a cause of death,
but they are expected to rise to third place by 2020," said Al Mogbel.

"Each GCC country spends 1% of its total GDP to cover the cost caused by
road deaths and injuries every year. In the UAE, every year 10,708 road
accidents cause 662 deaths and 10,566 injuries.

"In Saudi each year we have more than 305,000 road accidents resulting in an
average of 3,913 deaths and 28,378 injuries. In every 100,000 people 28 are
killed on the Kingdom’s roads every year."

This compares unfavourably with the UK, where there are less than 3,000
road-related deaths every year in a population of 50 million, or just six in
every 100,000 people.

According to Al Mogbel, there are four main reasons for the GCC’s high road
accident toll.

"Social behaviour of drivers, poor road quality and maintenance,
insufficient transport systems and their applications, and slow arrival of
first aid crews to an accident scene, are all to be blamed for the high
number of accidents in the region.

"Many drivers don’t follow the rules and there is minimal awareness of good
road behaviour. Also, there are a lot of under age drivers while some cars
on the roads don’t meet GCC standards and have fake parts and old tyres,"
said Al Mogbel.

Poor signage, the hot climate and even camel crossings are also considered
as serious road accidents causes according to the Deputy Minister.

Al Mogbel said that an educational awareness campaign highlighting the
benefits of safe driving amongst GCC drivers could help to curb the death
toll.

"Investments on road improvements and network expansion are also paramount,
as well as the introduction of sophisticated intelligent transport systems
(I.T.S.) infrastructure."

According to IIR Exhibitions & Conferences, the organisers of Gulf Traffic,
more than US$300 million in I.T.S. investment is in the pipeline across the
GCC for the next five to 10 years.

The Gulf Traffic Convention continues tomorrow. I.T.S. will be the focus of
Day Two, highlights of which include presentations from Dr. Aniceto
Zaragoza, President of European Union Road Federation (ERF), Spain, Baher
Abdulhai, Assistant Professor and Director of ITS Centre, University of
Toronto, Canada and Tareq Abu-Gharbieh, Senior Traffic and Transportation
Engineer, Dubai Municipality.

Over 100 companies from 15 countries are participating in the exhibition,
which will run through October 28th. Amongst them, 10 are I.T.S.
specialists.

At Gulf Traffic, Astucia has launched into the Middle East its innovative
and advanced range of intelligent road studs, including an emergency and
hazard light warning system for motorists, as a replacement for the
conventional triangle.

Global Intelligent Transport Systems (I.T.S.) specialist, 3M, is showcasing
a groundbreaking priority control system enabling emergency vehicles to
request and receive green lights on their way to an incident or accident.

A transport information system which can accurately predict future
transportation needs is also being displayed at the Gulf Traffic stand of
Beirut-based traffic software specialists, Trafx. Detailed information for the Gulf Traffic exhibition and convention is available on www.gulftraffic.com.

"FESTIVAL OF INDIA" OPENED AT CARACAS

A "Festival of India" was inaugurated at Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, on last Thursday evening by the Union Minister of Textiles, Kashiram Rana. In his inaugural address, Rana spoke about the growth of India’s economic relations with Venezuela and the Latin American region. He also said that the Government of India had launched an Integrated Export Promotion Programme called Focus LAC, taking into consideration the tremendous export potential in the region.

The Festival, being organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) with the support of the Ministries of Textiles and Commerce, is the largest festival ever organised in Venezuela and the Latin American region. The festival comprises an exhibition of handicrafts, carpets, and Ayurvedic products in El Recreo, the largest shopping mall of Venezuela; an Indian Food Festival in Hotel Marriott for which Chefs have been taken from Goa; performances by Rajasthani folk dance group led by Gavardhan Kumari; live demonstration of handicrafts by artisans sent by the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts; yoga demonstration; an Indian film festival; and a golf tournament.

The Ambassador of India in Venezuela, R. Viswanathan, in his speech at the inaugural function, mentioned that India’s exports to Venezuela had gone up from $ 32 million in 2000 to $ 52 million in 2001. He was optimistic that it would be possible to achieve the target of increasing the exports to $ 150 million in the next three years.

In the meeting Rana had with the Venezuelan Minister of Trade and Industry, both sides expressed interest in increasing the bilateral trade. They referred to the ongoing discussions for signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries.

Venezuela has emerged as a source of supply of petroleum to India during the last few years. Oil India Limited will be signing a consultancy contract next month with the Venezuelan State Oil Company, PDVSA, for exploration and production of extra heavy crude found in Rajasthan. ONGC Videsh is holding talks with Venezuelan companies for acquisition of oil field for exploration and production. An agreement for cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector has already been finalised and will be signed soon. keralamonitor.com

STATES URGED TO ELIMINATE ELECTRICITY BOARD LOSSES GEETE INAUGURATES POWER UTILITIES WORKSHOP

New Delhi - October 26, 2002. The Power Minister, Anant G. Geete has urged State Governments to implement a definite and effective plan to completely eliminate commercial losses of the Electricity Board within a timeframe. The Minister was delivering his inaugural address at a one-day All India Workshop of Energy, Finance Secretaries and CEOs of State Electricity Boards here today.

Anant Geete stressed the mammoth task ahead for providing electricity to consumers at an affordable price. An ambitious plan for doubling the capacity with an investment of Rs 8,00,000 crore over the next ten years has been drawn up to meet the goal of "Power for all by 2012". In order to realize this dream, the financial viability and restoration of financial health of the State Utility is a key element. Over the last ten years, the losses of the State Utilities have been mounting steadily and it is estimated that the total accumulated losses (without subsidy) is to the tune of Rs 88,000 crore.

The Minister said that in order to restore financial viability of the utilities the Government has placed special emphasis on distribution reforms and an Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (APDRP) has been launched with an outlay of Rs 3500 crore for the current year. The programme aims at narrowing down and ultimately eliminating the gap between the cost of power and revenue realization within a specified time frame. He appreciated the efforts of the Expert Committee headed by Deepak Parekh for suggesting reform templates for State Utilities. He felt that the Workshop can address to the specific difficulties and the reform approaches of each state in an effective manner. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to power sector reforms.

The highlights of the recommendations of the Deepak Parekh Committee are :

q The entitlement of funds to the States would be based on performance

q The incentive shall be given on the basis of the actual gap reduction in the cost of supply and revenue realisation

q The States can choose reform models that are most appropriate to meet challenges of the respective States

q All stakeholders in the power sector have to be given space for participation in the reforms process of each State.

N.K. Singh, Member Planning Commission, in his Presidential Address urged the State Governments to affirm commitment for reforms. He underscored the need to utilise the funds provided in this year’s budget for APDRP. He pointed out that the Government could think of creating a non-lapsable fund for this purpose. He emphasized that the incentives to be provided to the conforming States should co-exist with penalties for the non-conforming States.

R.V. Shahi, Power Secretary, in his Introductory Address expressed satisfaction at the recognition in the States for the need of reforms. He noted that the process of reforms has gathered momentum in most of the States and there is every likelihood that a number of States may witness a financial turnaround in the next 3 to 4 years. He said that the States are being rated by CRISIL and ICRA on the basis of the commitment for and the progress of reforms undertaken by them. He said that benefits from the Center and the CPSUs would depend upon the progress made by the individual States in this regard. Projects for improving the distribution network worth about Rs. 10,000 crore has already been sanctioned by the Government, he added. keralamonitor.com

Mahajan flags off World Computer Literacy Day 2002 campaign

NIIT to make 2,00,000 Indians Computer Literate on Dec 2, 2002

Training in English and four Indian languages--Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Tamil

October 26, 2002, New Delhi: History will be re-written once again on December 2, 2002. An unprecedented computer education event--the world's biggest--will bring together 2 lakh Indians across 2500 locations on a single day. For most of these people, it will be their first brush with computers.

As a tribute to its two-decade long efforts at spreading IT education across the globe, NIIT had commemorated December 2, 2001 as "World Computer Literacy Day".

Welcoming and supporting the World Computer Literacy Day initiative at a function here, today, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Information Technology & Communications, Mr. Pramod Mahajan said, "The definition of literacy-once considered the ability to read and write--is gradually changing. Four to five years from now, people who cannot use computers are likely to be termed illiterate. World Computer Literacy Day will remove the mark of IT ignorance from the face of ordinary people."

The Minister also informed that on December 2, 2002, Computer literacy would also be heralded among Parliamentarians. "A special session should be organized by NIIT for India's policy makers--the MPs -- to show them how computers can help them run their offices and monitor their work."

Commenting on the response to World Computer Literacy Day 2001, that brought out the latent desire of Indians to become computer literate, the NIIT Chairman Mr. Rajendra S Pawar said, "The unprecedented success of World Computer Literacy Day 2001, where we helped over 1,00,000 Indians cross the Digital Divide has further strengthened our commitment to this cause. It is now our aspiration to help at least 2 lakh Indians to become computer literate on December 2 this year."

This year, NIIT will be consolidating the World Computer Literacy Day initiative by introducing more innovations. The World Computer Literacy Day 2002 will be unique with several new features:

For the first time, IT training will be imparted in four languages--Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, and Marathi, apart from English. Learners will also get course material in these languages.

Every participant will receive a free copy of the language software created by an Indian entrepreneurial venture-Web Dunia-for use for a specified period. The mission has the support of national brands from a cross section of industries including Airtel, Cybermedia/Dataquest, NIIT and Web Dunia. NIIT will create and launch a special computer literacy program for World Computer Literacy Day 2002 and put 2,00,000 Indians on computer training path.

NIIT will provide free computer literacy programs for 10,000 principals, teachers and students of government schools across the country. "Making available World Computer Literacy Day course material, software and training in four key regional languages will enable NIIT to broaden its reach and access the non-English speaking community. We expect higher participation from the deep interiors of the country and people in the metros who prefer local languages," added Mr. Pawar.

This year, under the umbrella of WCLD, training will be made available to individuals for two weeks. Learners will have the added advantage of training on regional language software, which they can use free, at home, for a specified period. A signature campaign, targetted at spreading awareness about the need for computer literacy is expected to touch one crore Indians during the WCLD 2002 campaign.This year again, the WCLD campaign will help change the lives of common people by helping them become computer literate.

HLL September quarter performance highlights

October 25, 2002, Mumbai: Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) has registered an operating profit (Profit before interest and taxation) of Rs. 454 crores in the third quarter ended 30th September 2002. This represents an increase of 16.6 % over the corresponding quarter of 2001. Profit After Tax (PAT) was Rs.420 crores which represents an 11.2 % increase over September Quarter 2001. Net Sales for the quarter was Rs 2367 crores.

Commenting on the quarter's performance, Mr.M.S.Banga, Chairman, stated: "Our HPC Power Brands have grown by 6.8 % despite a declining market. Lifebuoy, Lux, Wheel, Fair & Lovely, Ponds, Pears and Lakme, all recorded double digit growth. We achieved this through innovation and activation programs backed by a 24 % increase in brand support, especially media.

"In line with our strategy, the profitability focus in Foods continues. Gross margins have moved up by 3.5 % in Beverages, 3.3 % in Foods and 16 % in Ice Cream. The benefits of this improvement have been partially ploughed back into brand support investments."

Mr Banga added, "Determined implementation of our strategy is yielding good results even in today's challenging market and we remain committed to the same."

FMCG Business
Markets for many of the key categories continued to decline in value during the quarter.

HLL's Soaps and Detergents business grew by 2.8 %, led by a strong Personal Wash growth of 11.1%. Lifebuoy and Lux performed exceptionally well, and grew by 35 % and 11 % respectively. In Fabric wash, market shares were held although sales declined during the quarter.

Personal Products grew strongly by 9.5 % led by a 48.6 % growth in the Skin category. Fair & Lovely, Ponds, and Lakme, all recorded an excellent performance growing by 43 %, 11 % and 16 % respectively. The declining trend in Shampoo sales was reversed by a successful relaunch of Clinic. In Oral Care, market shares were steady although sales declined during the quarter.

The Beverages business improved its profitability with gross margins improving by 3.5 %. However, sales continue to be under pressure due to low commodity prices and intense competition from local players. Bru Coffee recorded strong double digit growth.

Culinary Products continued to grow while consolidating margin improvement. The margin profile of the Branded Staples business was improved further, even at the cost of topline. Oils & Fats volumes were under pressure.

In the Ice Cream business, the benefits of the new strategy are reflected in better performance. Gross margins improved by 16 % with segment results improving significantly by Rs.7 crores.

During the quarter, the Ayush range of herbal health and beauty products was extended nationally. Confectionery sales sustained strong growth.

Plantations
The plantations industry continues to face the brunt of low tea price realisations amidst rising costs.

Exports
In Exports, HLL has discontinued traded exports in line with strategy. However, continuing exports grew by 2.5 %.

Others
Financial Other Income declined by Rs 8 crores because of lower interest rates. Results of the quarter include business restructuring cost of Rs. 10 crores, compared to Rs. 11.25 crores charged in SQ 2001.

The company has divested the Mushroom Exports business to a subsidiary company. This entails a disposal loss of Rs.6.84 crores, being the excess of book value of assets over the consideration, which has been reflected as an exceptional item.

Nine Month Results The highlights of the results for the nine months are :

HLL has registered an operating profit of Rs.1300 crores for the 9 months ended 30th September 2002, an increase of 18.8 % over the first nine months of 2001. Profit After Tax at Rs. 1174 crores reflects an increase of 12.8 %. The EPS (annualised) of Re.1 for the first nine months amounts to Rs. 7.81 (Nine months 2001 : Rs. 7.30)

The company's turnover (net of excise) at Rs. 7320 crores registered a decline of 8.2 %. However, continuing businesses showed only a marginal decline of 1 %, the balance being the effect of divestments and discontinuations. The domestic FMCG business recorded a decline of 0.6 %, while Exports were significantly lower by 34.8 % mainly due to the discontinuation of non-value adding traded exports.

Qatar Airways invests in SITA’S INTRANET Connection Solution

- Airline reduces costs, improves performance and ensures flexibility to add
new applications using a secure, private Internet Protocol (IP) network -

QATAR – 26 October 2002 – Qatar Airways (QR) has selected SITA to implement
Intranet Connect , SITA’s market leading fully managed Internet Protocol
(IP) solution, which provides any-to-any secure IP access worldwide. The
US$4.1 million three year project will transform Qatar Airways’
telecommunications infrastructure, migrating 190 connections in 113
different offices and 60 cities from legacy based protocols to IP. SITA will
provide Qatar Airways with a single global network solution allowing them
to integrate new applications, workstations and offices to help improve
operational efficiency and the services provided to customers.

SITA’s Intranet Connect reaches to 130 countries worldwide providing a
single seamless solution to companies migrating from legacy systems to IP.
New technologies can be integrated with existing applications, with global
connectivity through the SITA network. Qatar Airways will use the IP network
to support new reservations, airfare, ticketing and customer care
applications. The service will also allow them to give priority to business
critical traffic, and has been designed to support future potential
developments such as voice and video services.

Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said: “SITA is the major player in
the telecommunications field and the only company that could meet all our
needs. Qatar Airways have embarked on an IT development programme on a large
scale, which will definitely benefit our customers. New IT applications
linked via an IP network will be used to streamline our business processes
and provide our customers with a seamless service. We are delighted to be
working with SITA, our chosen IT provider, towards the successful completion
of this project.”

Hani El Assaad, SITA’s President Middle East and Africa, said: “Qatar
Airways has a forward thinking and dynamic approach to the use of IT,
clearly understanding the role it has to play in managing their cost base
and service provision. SITA’s IP network will empower their offices and
mobile workers around the world, giving them access to customer management,
financial and general business applications. This will allow them to improve
the quality of services they offer to customers and better control
resources. Through IntranetConnect they will also be able to send and
receive e-mails and access the Internet, uplifting internal and external
communications.”

As the leading supplier of IP solutions to the aviation sector SITA provides
private IP networks for over 350 customers and connects over 230 airlines
and other aviation organizations, via its extranet services, to help them
operate effectively in secure communities. Its network connectivity is
relied upon by 1,800 customers, including 22 of the world’s top 25 airlines
and over 200 major airports. It also links 60,000 travel agents to all the
major global distribution systems (GDSs).
ENDS

SITA is the world’s leading provider of integrated information and
telecommunications solutions to the air transport industry. With over 50
years experience, SITA now has around 740 members and 1,800 customers
including airlines, airports, travel distribution and computer reservation
systems, governmental organizations, aerospace and air-freight companies.
SITA recorded corporate revenues of over US$1.611 billion in 2001.

Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of the State of Qatar. It is one of the
fastest growing airlines in the world due to a well-managed expansion plan.
With the introduction of its new Airbus A330-200 (the second of its kind and
the aircraft number 18 in the fleet), Qatar Airways reconfirmed its decision
to expand its flight coverage to remote locations that were not covered
previously. Today, Qatar Airways fly to Casablanca, Milan and Frankfurt, in
addition to recently inaugurated new services to Riyadh. In 2001, QR carried
around 1.65 Million passengers (29% above the figure of year 2000). In
2002, Qatar Airways expect to carry 40% more passengers than they carried in
2001. In addition to Telecom and messaging services, Qatar Airways uses
SITA's Supercargo, Worldtracer, Flight Briefing, maintenance and Aircraft
VHF/Satellite Aircom services.

Nigeria : Scores killed in clashes between farmers and herders

LAGOS, 25 October (IRIN) - Scores of people have died in central Nigeria’s Plateau State in a series of raids by bandits and clashes between farmers and herders, residents and officials said. In the latest incident, on Tuesday night, a group of gunmen identified by locals as Fulani herdsmen attacked the farming village of Maza, north of the Plateau capital, Jos. At least eight people were killed in the ensuing fighting.

Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye confirmed the incident in a broadcast on Wednesday and appealed for calm. "I want to assure you that this situation is under control as security agents have taken total control," he told residents.

Reports from the Shendam and Langtang districts said more than 35 people were killed in raids on several villages by armed bandits thought to include Fulani herdsmen and bandits from Nigeria’s northern neighbours, Niger and Chad, who have been operating in the region in recent years.

"The attacks have been persistent in the past two weeks and many people have died who remain unaccounted for," Isaac Dabup, a Langtang resident, told IRIN. Plateau State has often experienced violent attacks on remote village communities since September last year when clashes between Muslims and Christians erupted in Jos, resulting in the death of more than 1,000 people.

While the state is predominantly Christian, large communities of Muslim Hausa-speakers, including Fulani herders, reside there. Local people said aggrieved Fulani herdsmen who lost relatives and their cattle herds in the 2001 violence had since been launching reprisal raids on isolated local communities. Dabup said they had lately been joined by bandits. These are remnants of guerrilla armies from rebel wars in Niger and Chad who crossed into Nigeria and have been roaming parts of the central and northeast region in recent years.

Nigerian Legislature passes bill to pacify oil region

LAGOS, 25 October (IRIN) - Nigeria’s federal legislature has passed a presidential bill which abolishes the dichotomy between onshore and offshore oil revenues, thus increasing the revenue which states in the restive Niger Delta region stand to obtain from petroleum-mining activities.

The bill entitles states in the Niger Delta to 13 percent of all oil revenue, whether from onshore or offshore production. Forwarded by President Olusegun Obasanjo early in September, it was passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The Senate followed suit on Thursday. When signed into law by Obasanjo, it will end a dispute between his administration and states in the Niger Delta that followed a Supreme Court ruling in April awarding control of offshore oil revenues to the federal government.

Under the 1999 constitution that brought Obasanjo to power, at least 13 percent of total oil revenue was to go to the impoverished oil region. But Obasanjo, on taking office, limited the allocation to 7.5 percent on the grounds that offshore oil belonged to the federal government.

Following objections by the affected state governments, the federal government last year filed a complaint at the Supreme Court and won a favourable ruling. But the legal victory created serious political problems for Obasanjo. The ruling was viewed adversely in the oil region where the finances of most state governments were hurt. Worst hit were states like Akwa Ibom and Ondo, that lost most of their share of oil revenue since production in their areas was mainly offshore.

In an apparent reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, communities staged a series of protests in the Niger Delta, disrupting the operations of oil transnationals. With Obasanjo seeking re-election next year, his electoral fortunes in the Niger Delta, where he scored a massive victory in 1999, were threatened as resentment against his government grew.

With the new bill Obasanjo has obtained a clever political solution, and started the repair of his political standing in the region - which produces almost all of the oil on which Nigeria's economy depends heavily.

Microsoft introduces automated personal finance service on MSN 8

New MSN Money Plus Brings Easy, Automated Account Management, Budget Tracking, Spending Categorization to Web for First Time.

October 26, 2002, Redmond, Wash: Microsoft Corp. today launched MSN® Money Plus, the exclusive personal finance channel on MSN 8, the innovative new version of MSN that delivers to consumers a comprehensive and useful set of software services. MSN Money Plus combines the award-winning content and tools from MSN Money with additional services that simplify money management.

Completely integrated with MSN 8, MSN Money Plus provides MSN 8 subscribers with automated tools and services, plus bill pay at no additional cost and account access to 3,500 financial institutions -- all in one place. MSN Money Plus is included in MSN 8 Internet Access broadband and narrowband subscriptions and also is available as a separate subscription to consumers who use other ISPs.

"MSN Money Plus acts like a personal accountant, saving you time and effort by automatically organizing and analyzing your finances for you," said Chris Jolley, director of product management for the Financial Products Group at Microsoft. "The new service delivers on the MSN 8 commitment to provide a better Internet experience, offering the quickest, easiest way to manage finances on the go -- at home, at work or anywhere in between."

Building on the award-winning MSN Money site's capabilities, MSN Money Plus automatically aggregates, organizes and analyzes consumers' financial accounts to help them easily see where their money is going. Among the exclusive tools and services of MSN Money Plus are the following:

The dashboard allows consumers to see their important financial information, including alerts, top budget categories, stock quotes and account balances, at all times as they surf the Web.

Online bill pay is available with nearly 950 merchants online for no additional cost to MSN 8 subscribers, along with automatic payment setup.

Comprehensive bill management enables consumers to track all of their bills (online and offline) in one place, and to see paid and upcoming bills at a glance.

More account coverage enables consumers to access 3,500 financial institutions through both Open Financial Exchange and Yodlee Inc. feeds.

Spending Analysis automatically analyzes consumers' transactions and generates easy-to-read charts to help them quickly see where their money goes.

Budget Tracker helps consumers easily set up a realistic budget based on their spending history. The Tracker then automatically monitors actual spending vs. the budget and alerts consumers when they go over in a category.

More storage lets consumers save up to 18 months of their account details. Multiuser access enables family members to share access to their MSN Money Plus data, while retaining separate e-mail addresses, MSN Messenger contact lists, etc. Offline access allows consumers to view and analyze their account information, even when they are not connected to the Web.

Tax Export automatically consolidates relevant banking and brokerage account data in one place, and then allows for quick and easy export into tax preparation software or Microsoft® Excel. MSN has 9 million subscriptions and attracts more than 300 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online.

25 October 2002


WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION INSPECTS RUSSIAN SMALLPOX LABORATORY


GENEVA -- A team of international biosafety experts appointed by the World
Health Organization (WHO) has recently completed an inspection of the
smallpox research laboratory at the State Research Centre of Virology and
Biotechnology (Vector) in Koltsovo, part of the Novosibirsk Region of the
Russian Federation. The inspection team was pleased to note that all
previous recommendations on procedures and safety had been addressed.

The team concluded that the facility can safely be used for work with the
Variola virus (which causes smallpox) provided that current protocols are
strictly applied. The team was also impressed by the dedication and the
competence of the workforce at the facility.

The team was also pleased to see that the building dedicated to work with
Variola virus was being renovated. A follow-up visit is planned when that
work is completed and the laboratories have been validated and are once
again fully operational.

Vector is one of two WHO Collaborating Centres which currently house
stocks of the virus which causes smallpox. The other is at the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States of
America.

Under the terms of a series of resolutions passed by the World Health
Assembly since the eradication of smallpox was officially confirmed in
1980, these facilities are regularly inspected by WHO-appointed biosafety
teams. The most recent resolution, passed in May 2002, specifies that the
purpose of the inspections is to confirm the strict containment of
existing stocks and to ensure a safe research environment for work with
the Variola virus