- WHO wants vigilence against Bio-Terrorrism
- $70 million credit line to Suez Canal Bank
- Kenya: UN alert on Anthrax threat
- Anti-terrorism meeting in Africa
- Aids treatment for African Army
- No immediate plans to increase Petroleum price
- U.S. Postal Service, FBI offer $1 million for information on anthrax
- Andhra Pradesh,Dubai World Trade Centre to Organise Gitex Hyderabad
- Canon launches new projectors in the Middle East
- Oracle ERP System to modernise Salhia operations in Kuwait
- Taliban Seizes U.N. Grain Warehouses in Kabul and Kandahar
- Cash Switch Introduces E-Services for Oman, UAE
- Indian National Sports Policy Approved
- Tech Data --Fujitsu Siemens Computers Deal at Gitex
Gulf Embassies to Computerise passport issue to counter Fake passport racket
keralamonitor.com Dubai/Muscat -In order to face the growing problem of fake passport and visas issued by an international gang which operates from India and various Gulf countries, the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi are implementing a pilot project o computerise consular services in eight Indian embassies in the Gulf. Soon the Consular General of India, Dubai will start issuing computerised passports and visas on a trial basis. Consular General of India, Dubai issues the largest number of passports outside India and provide largest number of consular services per day from the Gulf region
According to sources an international gang active in Kerala Bombay, Dubai, Muscat and other gulf countries and some of the senior officials is said to be running parallel embassies in collaboration with criminal gangs. Getting a fake passport or other documents like marriage certificate for a fees, is not a big problem in the Gulf.
According to senior diplomats, the problem of fake passport and visa has been causing serious problem in providing smooth consular services. Embassies handle hundreds of consular services per day and it is not possible to control fake passports and visas issued by the international gang. According to recent reports some of the senior officials in Kerala are part of the gang. A senior embassy official working in one of the Gulf countries confirmed that the gang operates in major Gulf capitals.
According to senior labour welfare officers who attended the recent conference held in New Delhi, the issue of fake passport and visa was discussed in detail and a pilot project is being implemented in all the embassies and consulates as a solution to the problem.
Similarly the Consulate General in New York will start issuing computerised visas on a trial basis. If the project is successful in the US, the same will be implemented in the Gulf countries where the problem of fake documents is causing serious problems. As per the automation project, applications received in the embassies will be scanned and after making necessary corrections in the entries the data will be fed into the computer system which will automatically print the passport. Same system will be used for issuing visas. The Consulate General Dubai is understood to be implementing the project on a priority basis. "It has got the software for the project and the officials are trying to get hardware for implementing the project," said diplomatic sources.
Dubai is notorious for such crimes as there is a parallel embassy where all embassy services including passports are available for a price. Informally called the 'Kasargodu Embassy', their service is widely used by people who do not have valid travel documents. "There is also a market for buying and selling passports. Some people who come and leave the Gulf using fake passports issued by the gang will have to deposit their passports to them outside the airporrt itself. It is also possible to change passports by changing the photographs --a practice notorious as "thalavettal" (behading).
Gulf embassies are investigating a few cases of fake passport and visa agents who arrange the transport of criminals wanted in the Gulf. Many of the Malayali salesman working in the Gulf who ran away with huge amount of cash from their companies have been able to abscond easily with the help of such gang. Even if their passports are kept in the custody of their Arab sponsors, they run away with cash easily with the help of fake passports. It is not sure whether the practice will be stopped after computerisation.
Shopping
MAJID AL FUTTAIM GROUP OPENS MUSCAT CITY CENTRE
First international venture for the Group's City Centre brandDubai, 19 October 2001: The international strategy of the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim Group took a major step forward today with the announcement of the opening of the Group's first shopping and leisure complex outside the UAE - the spectacular Muscat City Centre, Oman.
On the opening day, more than 50,000 people visited the mall, the first of its kind in Oman, which features a major Carrefour hypermarket as its flagship store and about 60 other retail outlets as well as restaurants, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre and parking for 1500 cars. Total retail space covers a massive 32,250 square metres.
"Although this was a 'soft opening' without any official ceremony, the public interest was, and continues to be, extraordinary", said Rob Fusco, General Manager of Muscat City Centre. "It is an extremely encouraging start and gives an early indication that the Majid Al Futtaim shopping centre concept will be successful in countries throughout the region."
Muscat City Centre, strategically located on the road from the Omani capital to Seeb International Airport, blends with Oman's distinctive architecture combining the best of traditional and modern features and facilities. From the outside, it resembles an oasis caravanserai while the interior reflects Arab styling with wide, brightly-lit walkways. The whole complex is climate controlled.
The Centre is fully let with all the units expected to be ready for business by January. Among the major brands that have contracted space in Muscat City Centre are Woolworth, Mango, Landmark, Areej and Sun & Sand Sports. A Starbucks coffee house is also due to open shortly while the food court will include 10 outlets with seating for 500 people.
Chris Nelson, Majid Al Futtaim Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: "As the capital of our closest neighbouring country at the heart of a major population catchment area, Muscat was the logical location for our first City Centre outside the UAE. We are delighted with its initial impact and we see huge potential which will help us build on the success we have achieved in the UAE.
"We believe that Muscat City Centre will strongly benefit the community, providing real value for money, entertainment for the whole family and encouraging local trade and suppliers.
"While our core market will always be the UAE, our founder, Mr Majid Al Futtaim, envisages the City Centre brand moving into many of the major markets of the Middle East. Our next regional venture will be in Egypt while in the UAE we will shortly be announcing plans for the Souk Al Nakheel site south of Dubai."
The opening of Muscat City Centre comes only two weeks after Majid Al Futtaim Group opened its Sharjah City Centre shopping and leisure mall in the heart of Sharjah, another project where visitor number are well exceeding the Group's expectations. In addition, the Group owns and manages Ajman City Centre, Ajman, and Deira City Centre, Dubai, the region's largest mall.
Through its joint venture with Carrefour, the world's largest food retailer, Majid Al Futtaim Group had already established a presence beyond the UAE, in Doha, Qatar. Further Carrefour hypermarkets are located at Deira City Centre, Ajman City Centre and Sharjah City Centre. Two more are in Abu Dhabi, one in Ras Al Khaimah and another recently opened in Al Ain. Plans have also been announced for a Carrefour to be built at a remodeled Shindagha market.
Muscat City Centre, the first Majid Al Futtaim Group shopping Mall outside the UAE, has opened in Muscat, Oman.
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NO IMMEDIATE PLAN TO INCREASE PETROLEM PRICE
New Delhi; Ram Naik, Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, has said that there was no immediate proposal to increase the prices of petroleum products. Shri Ram Naik said this while addressing the Annual Economic Editors' Conference, here today. Since the Economic Editors' Conference is attended by Editors from all over India, Shri Ram Naik chose to narrate the major initiatives of his Ministry. The major achievements, according to him include liquidation of entire waiting list for LPG connections by releasing nearly 1.95 crore new connections in the last two years.
The country is now self-sufficient in refining crude oil and measures have been stepped up to increase production of oil and gas within the country as also to acquire equity oil abroad. He also referred to initiatives to explore and produce coal bed methane gas and the implementation of pilot projects for production of gasohol by blending five per cent ethanol with petrol.
Shri Ram Naik further informed that the re-development plan for Mumbai High (South) has been finalised involving an investment of Rs. 5200 crore. The re-development plan for Mumbai High (North) was launched in January, 2001 at an estimated cost of about Rs. 2900 crore. This measure is anticipated to bring in an incremental production is 60 Million Tonnes (MMT).
Speaking about the opening up of E &P sector for private participation, the Minister said that it has resulted in oil production of about 16 MMT and gas production of 12.5 BCM, besides netting a total investment of over 1.5 billion dollars (Rs. 7500 crore). Shri Ram Naik also informed the august gathering that 100 Production Sharing Contracts have been signed by the Government for exploration blocks and discovered fields from 1992 onwards. Out of these 60 have been signed since April 2000.
The Conference was also attended by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Vijayendra N. Kaul, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the Officers from the Ministry.Top
U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI offer reward of up to $1 million for information leading to arrest of anthrax mailers
keralamonitor.com
Washington; The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation jointly announced today that an award of up to $1 million is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for mailing letters containing anthrax such as those sent to Tom Brokaw at NBC and to U.S. Senator Tom Daschle. In partnership with America's Most Wanted, confidential telephone calls can be directed to the America's Most Wanted phone bank at 1-800 CRIME TV.
"Postal Inspectors take these mailings very seriously," said Chief Postal Inspector Kenneth Weaver. "We are going to ensure the mail continues to be a welcome visitor in every home and business in the nation. We know there is someone somewhere who saw something or who knows something about these letters. We hope that this reward will demonstrate how serious we are about finding who did this and bringing them to justice."
"Together with the support of our partners in the Postal Inspection Service and the people of this great nation we can track down the culprits behind the anthrax letters and strengthen the safety and security of the mail and our nation," said FBI Deputy Director Thomas J. Pickard.
The public is aware of the service that America's Most Wanted has provided law enforcement over the years and this is a natural progression of that partnership. Thanks to action by the viewing public, AMW programs have led to the arrest of 683 fugitives in 30 different countries. The Postal Inspection Service hopes that, through this important partnership, we'll find the individuals responsible for these acts of terrorism involving the U.S. Mail. According to John Walsh, host of America's Most Wanted, "In these trying and troubling times, the partnership between law enforcement - the Postal Inspection Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation - and America's Most Wanted is more important than ever."
Anyone with information they believe is important to the investigation can call AMW. Callers will remain anonymous, if they choose. The Joint Terrorism Task Force will immediately get any information from viewers for follow-up investigation, said the official statement.TopOctober 17, 2001
Andhra Pradesh,Dubai World Trade Centreto Organise Gitex Hyderabad
keralamonitor.com
Dubai: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the leading exhibition organiser in the Middle East and the Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday (October 17, 2001) to jointly organise Gitex Hyderabad. The MoU follows the announcement of the launch of Gitex Hyderabad in July 2001.
The inaugural edition of Gitex Hyderbad will be held from January 7-9, 2002. The show will mark the beginning of a new era in the history of Gitex and the DWTC because this is for the first time Gitex is organised outside the Middle East. GITEX Dubai, the flagship show of the DWTC is the largest and most successful event of its kind in the Middle East. The immense success of the show had prompted the DWTC to take Gitex to the regional markets in 1999. In addition to Gitex Dubai, there are Gitex exhibitions in Cairo, Egypt and Beirut, Lebanon. And from next year, the show will be staged in Hyderabad, India and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
More than 600 exhibitors from 35 countries are exhibiting at Gitex Dubai 2001, while Gitex Computer Shopper, the retail arm of Gitex 2001 is being held at the Airport Expo with 125 exhibitors from 15 countries. Gitex Hyderabad aims to replicate the huge success of Gitex Dubai. The show will also feature a retail component, the Gitex Hyderabad Shopper, which will run along side the main event and will be held in separate halls.
"The DWTC and the Government of Andhra Pradesh are fully committed to making Gitex Hyderabad a big success. The huge size of the Indian market and the unique comparative advantage India has in IT business will clearly help enhance the popularity of the show," said, Wahid Atalla, General Manager, DWTC.
In addition to the IT companies, Gitex Hyderabad will also feature a number of telecommunications companies including telecom service providers and equipment manufacturers. "The huge growth potential of the Indian Telecommunications Industry is expected to attract a number of Indian and multi-national telecommunications equipment manufacturers to participate in Gitex Hyderabad. We expect the show to become a technology event that caters to domestic and international IT and telecom equipment manufacturers as it will help them explore business potential in India and the region," said Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Corporate Manager - Exhibitions, DWTC.
An Industry run B2B conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will complement GITEX Hyderabad. The conference will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions with prominent personalities, in addition to buyer and seller conclaves.
With the Gitex Hyderabad all set to take off in January 2002, the Dubai World Trade Centre hopes to play the key role of a catalyst in enhancing the business between Dubai and India, especially Hyderabad. DWTC is a member of the World Trade Center's Association and its core activities include organising exhibitions, property management and leasing and hospitality services. It hosts around 70 events and exhibitions annually at the two separate exhibition complexes.Top
17th October 2001
Canon Middle East launches latest projectors
keralamonitor.comDubai: Canon Middle East today announced its latest LCD projectors for the Middle East market, redefining once more what users can expect in image quality and features. Following the successful launch of its LV range of projectors in April, Canon has released the next generation of these devices: the new LV-7345 and LV-7340 have enhanced optics and increased brightness, using the Turbo Bright System which increases image brightness in high ambient light conditions by more than 25%. Canon's range covers the corporate presentation market, as well as great offerings for the home entertainment enthusiast. Canon's new range of projectors can be seen on its stand in Hall 1 in its projectors demonstration booth.Top
October 15, 2001
Oracle ERP System to modernise Salhia operations in Kuwait
keralamonitor.com
Hyperlink a leading provider of business solutions in the Middle East and Kuwait-based Rekaz Systems have signed a joint venture to implement an Oracle-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system at Salhia Real Estate Company (SREC) in Kuwait. The agreement, which was signed on October 14, 2001, the opening day of Gitex Dubai 2001, includes the implementation of Oracle financial modules, HRM Systems and Payroll and Oracle CRM modules at SREC.
"Hyperlink is proud to be associated with a leading Kuwait-based company like SREC, which is well-known in the field of real estate both in and outside Kuwait. We are happy to work with a progressive management, which executes long-term strategies like the Oracle ERP system, in order to get optimum benefits," said Ghassan Jamil, Country Sales Manager, Hyperlink. "For this project, Hyperlink has joined hands with Rekaz Systems of Kuwait to bring together a select team of experts, who will develop a robust system suited to the needs of SREC," he added.
Waleed Al Omar, Chief Operating Officer, Rekaz Systems said, "A company like SREC, which is increasingly targeting the international market, needs the power of an integrated e-business application to run its operations. Rekaz Systems will work closely with Hyperlink to provide end-to-end Oracle solutions for its customers, thus enabling them to streamline their operations."
SREC is a leading Kuwait-based real estate company, which has not only established its operations in the local market but also created a well-diversified geographical distribution of assets with strategic brand positioning and competitive strategy. Its portfolio extends beyond Kuwait to UK, Europe and the United States. SREC owns and manages prestigious Kuwaiti addresses like Salhia Commercial Complex, Al-Sahab Tower, Le Méridien Hotel and Fahad Al-Salem Street Buildings Block. It is the only real estate company in Kuwait to own a five-star hotel property.
"SREC has a vision to position itself as a market leader in the real estate market and has incorporated innovative ideas and systems to facilitate this concept. Hyperlink and Rekaz Systems have coordinated to provide SREC with a well-designed system to update and modernize the existing networks, so that we can leverage the information and knowledge of our professional staff to the optimum," said Hani Abdul Noor, Financial Manager, SREC.
Established in 1999, Rekaz Systems is an Oracle Partner that focuses on delivering Oracle's E-Business suite of applications, providing professional services from implementation, customization and integration, to comprehensive support, maintenance, and upgrade services. It also offers Rekaz Islamic suite, a unique suite of Oracle based applications that are natively built for the Islamic business enterprises worldwide, designed and built to integrate seamlessly with Oracle E-Business suite.
Hyperlink was established in 1997 to provide business solutions to medium and large-scale organizations through the implementation of enterprise-wide applications and decision support systems in the Middle East and North Africa.Top
17 October 2001
Taliban Seizes U.N. Grain Warehouses in Kabul and Kandahar
keralamonitor.com
Washington -- The Taliban seized two warehouses in Afghan cities where the World Food Program (WFP) was storing almost 7,000 tons of grain for distribution throughout the country. WFP Executive Director Catherine Bertini said at a Washington press conference October 17 that the WFP is still transporting more grain into the country where as many as 5 to 7 million people could face starvation during the oncoming winter.
Describing the October 16 incident to reporters, Bertini said, "We regret deeply that we no longer have access to these warehouses because they are critical" to the international humanitarian effort to feed a country suffering from more than 20 years of war and three years of drought. WFP is making plans to provide other warehousing arrangements in the two cities.
The Kabul and Kandahar warehouses seized were two of six major facilities WFP is operating in the country. They contained about 7,000 metric tons (MT) of grain at the time they were taken by the Taliban, more than half of the supply currently in the country. Bertini said supplies are being rapidly replenished, however, with plans in place to move more than 16,000 tons of grain into Afghanistan over the next 10 days. "We'll try again," she said.
Because of serious communication limitations in the region, the WFP has few details of the seizure itself. According to Bertini, Taliban militia members arrived at the warehouses and announced they were taking over the facilities. The aid workers on duty left without being injured or threatened, she said. She had no information on what happened to the grain.
The Taliban's action in Afghanistan came on the same day the U.N. Security Council, meeting in New York, "demanded that the Taliban should stop threatening the safety and security of aid workers, and to cease obstructing aid destined for the Afghan people," according to Council President Ambassador Richard Ryan of Ireland.
"We hope that the Taliban will respect the need of their people to eat," Bertini said as she explained that the WFP will proceed with food distribution plans despite the heightened security risks that now threaten the humanitarian operation.
WFP is currently delivering about 900 MT of commodities a day, up from 200 MT in September, which had become an average monthly level in what has been a longstanding WFP relief campaign in Afghanistan. After the terrorist attacks on the United States, international humanitarian officials increased their estimates of how many Afghans might need assistance as mounting tension and uncertainty created greater instability and lesser reliability of markets and food supplies.
Bertini said WFP has 48,000 MT of grain in the region now, with 165,000 more on the way, most of it from the United States. Those stockpiles put the agency fairly close to achieving its monthly goal to transport 52,000 MT into Afghanistan.
A lack of security for workers and the commodities themselves is certainly an obstacle to that goal, the WFP director said. "We certainly did not foresee," that the Taliban might seize the humanitarian stores.
Poor communication is another major problem, Bertini said, after the Taliban prohibited the use of all telecommunications devices in September. There are only limited public phones available for the WFP workers to use, Bertini said, so international relief workers outside the country have only sporadic contact with the Afghan local staff inside the country.
The United Nations system in Afghanistan evacuated all of its 75 staff members in September due to security concerns. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) withdrew relief workers at the same time.Top
