"Saddam's letter" published on London-based Arabic newspaper
LONDON, April 30 -- A London-based Arabic newspaper published on Wednesday what it believes to be a handwritten letter from ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein calling for Iraqi people's uprising against US occupation.The letter, sent by fax to the Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily newspaper, was dated on April 28, the day of Saddam's 66th birthday.It urged the Iraqi people to rise up against the United States, a country which was described as an "infidel, criminal, murderous and cowardly occupier."The paper's editor, Abdul Bari Atwan, said he believed the message was genuine."We can't verify it because we don't know where he is, he is on the run. I have seen his signature before and it looks like it. I think it is authentic," he said.The letter told the Iraqi people that the only issue currently facing them is that of occupation, and that they should "not trust those who talk about the Sunnis and the Shias."There are "no priorities other than the expulsion of the infidel, criminal, murderous and cowardly occupier," it said.
The US and British coalition victory had only been possible because of "treachery," the letter said.It said the countries around Iraq opposed resistance to the US-led invasion, and warned "those who have stood against Iraq and plotted against it will not enjoy peace at the hands of the United States."
Saddam said in the letter that he abandoned his palaces a long time ago to live in a small house.The newspaper published a letter on Tuesday from a previously unknown group calling itself Iraqi Resistance and Liberation, which said Saddam was still alive and would deliver a message to his country within three days.
The newspaper has in the past received letters and e-mails from Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who Washington said was behind the "September 11" terrorist attacks.Saddam was last possibly heard on April 18, when Abu Dhabi television broadcast footage and a speech by a man it claimed was the former Iraqi leader.
Saudi Arabia forms new cabinet
RIYADH, April 30-- A new cabinet was formed Wednesday by Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Ibn Abdul-Azia, the official SPA news agency reported. It is the third cabinet in Saudi Arabia in about 30 years, SPA said, some former ministries were removed or merged. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul-Aziz retains his post as first deputy prime minister.-keralamonitor.comWHO Iraq Health Brief 30/04/2003
The World Health Organization continues to find many hospitals throughout Iraq in a poor state of repair, with health staff working in extremely difficult circumstances. Ultimately, the WHO is concerned about the care patients can receive in these settings. With the conflict now over, the WHO is concerned about further casualties due to the deteriorating conditions, at a time when there is an opportunity to improve the beleaguered Iraqi health system. Urgent support to kick-start the Iraqi health system can bridge the healthcare gap until a new administration is in place.
Portrait of Kirkuk Azadi Hospital (formerly Saddam hospital):
WHO national staff report the situation at this hospital as "gloomy", and staff were very concerned about the overall conditions. The immediate priorities are re-instating hospital housekeeping, so that sheets and washrooms are cleaned. The sewage system needs to be repaired, as sewage is backing-up, increasing the risks of infection for patients. Limited food stocks – rice, beans and oil – are available for just three months, but there is no other food, including vegetables, fruit or animal protein. The 350 health workers at the hospital were also concerned about transportation, as insecurity and interruptions to the public transport system are making it increasingly difficult simply to go to work. Each of these problems can be solved with an infusion of very little money and some basic equipment: An immediate grant of just $US 1600.00, which would take care of the housekeeping problems. Hiring two passenger buses to pick-up and drop-off staff. This would cost just US$ 1000.000 per month. A pick-up truck for the hospital – necessary for basic maintenance. Cost – just US$ 400 per month
US $1000.00 per month to purchase nurtritious food for the patients Therefore, with an initial infusion of just US$ 4000.00 per month, the Kirkuk Azadi Hospital can re-start its services, and serve the people who are ill, injured, or need other treatment in Kirkuk. The picture is similar for many hospitals throughout Iraq. The WHO believes an infusion of relatively little money into the hospitals that need it, can meet the immediate health needs of the Iraqi people.
30 April 2003
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION LIFTS TORONTO TRAVEL ADVISORY, MAINTAINS ADVICE FOR AREAS OF CHINA
Effective today, the World Health Organization (WHO) is lifting the travel advisory for Toronto, Canada. The advisory recommended considering postponing non-essential travel to Toronto, and was issued as a precautionary measure one week ago in order to minimize the international spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). WHO is lifting this advisory as the situation in Toronto has now improved. Travel advisories are issued following consideration of several factors, including the magnitude of probable SARS cases, the last dates of cases of community transmission, and the last dates of export of cases.
In Toronto, the magnitude of probable SARS cases has decreased; twenty days have now passed since the last cases of community transmission; and, no new confirmed exportation of cases has occurred."We are lifting the travel advice for Toronto, Canada, effective Wednesday, 30 April." stated Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of the WHO. "However, due to continued recent transmission in the hospital setting, Toronto still has an outbreak of SARS, and the lifting of this travel advice does not change Toronto’s status as an "affected" area.The WHO issued exit screening advice for SARS-affected areas on 27 March.
The WHO welcomes the report from Canadian officials that exit screening for SARS will be improved. "To minimize the risk of the export of SARS, we ask that all affected areas implement the recommended pro-active screening measures – by interviewing passengers at the airport check-in," said Dr Brundtland. The WHO has also reviewed the travel advisories for areas of China, including Beijing, Guangdong province, Shanxi province and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The WHO advisories to consider postponing non-essential travel to these areas, remain in place. The WHO reviews travel advisories regularly.
30 April 2003
WHO LAUNCHES PARTNERSHIP OF EUROPEAN, ISRAELI AND PALESTINIAN CITIES
Programme aims at promoting dialogue and improving health
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Solidarity Fund
of Cities against Poverty today launched a new partnership for health and
human development of European, Palestinian and Israeli Cities. This
innovative programme aims at promoting dialogue through enhanced
collaboration in the area of health between local governments and civil
society.
"The partnership will make an invaluable contribution to addressing the
concrete health needs of the municipalities of Israel and the Occupied
Palestinian Territory," said Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of
WHO. "In particular, it will focus on improving the health and social
conditions of vulnerable groups that result from armed conflict on all
sides."
At municipal level in countries around the world, health services often
face similar issues and problems, such as staffing, financial management,
and planning. Exchanging information on challenges faced by health
systems, analysing strategies and new approaches and identifying needed
know-how, has helped health officials and other social sector personnel to
strengthen their services.
WHO has invited representatives from seven European cities - Geneva,
Barcelona, Lyon, The Hague, Brussels, Torino, and Hamar (Norway) - to
launch the initiative. Today, they will decide how cities can best work
together to exchange health care expertise. Representatives are meeting
today in Geneva with the Deputy Director General of the Union of Local
Authorities in Israel (ULAI) and the Executive Director of the Association
of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) to develop concrete next steps
that will speed up the implementation of this promising partnership.
In an initial phase of the programme, European municipalities, including
professionals of the local health and social services, as well as
representatives of the civil society, will invite health officials from
Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to participate in study
tours, training initiatives, and workshops. At a later stage direct
exchange activities between Israeli and Palestinian municipalities will be
arranged. The programme envisages specific collaboration initiatives in
the areas of public health, primary health care and the health and social
conditions of vulnerable groups. WHO will assist in coordinating these
interventions and link them with overall national health policies.
WHO - in the past - catalysed comparable partnerships with cities in the
Balkans. Such programmes can have significant benefits for people living
in conflict affected cities. They can help to foster a culture of dialogue
and tolerance and contribute to reduce social, cultural and professional
isolation. "Such a partnership among municipalities has clear advantages,"
said Dr Brundtland. "It allows concentration on day-to-day needs and
common concerns. It can play an important role in promoting health and
peace-building initiatives."EU to sponsor European Film Festival in Addis Ababa
ADDIS ABABA, 30 April (IRIN) - Ethiopia is to host a European Film Festival aimed at boosting cultural ties, sponsored by the European Union. Starting on Friday, some 19 films will be shown in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, including the award-winning British movie 'Bend it Like Beckham' which depicts Asian life in the UK.
"We are hoping to familiarise the Ethiopian public with the European film culture," EU spokesman Mairegu Bezabih told IRIN. "It can show people here what European culture is like. Film really is the best medium for doing this. We want to boost our cultural ties."The EU is also urging potential Ethiopian filmmakers to contribute to the 2005 pan-African film festival due to be held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It is offering financial support to filmmakers who want to participate in the renowned festival.
Although Ethiopia's film industry is in its infancy, director Haile Gerima has won critical acclaim for his 1994 film 'Sankofa' and 'Adwa - An African victory'. Sankofa, which depicts the horrors of slavery, won the Agip Grand Award in 1993 at the African Film Festival in Milan, Italy. Ambassador Teshome Toga, Ethiopia's Minister for Youth, Culture and Sport, is expected to open the festival which will start with the Greek film 'The Only Journey of His Life'. The EU has long supported cultural ties with the third world and supports the film industry across Africa.
Two logisticians of Télécoms Sans Frontières arrived this morning to the Iraqi capital Baghad. TSF will open telecom centres in the Iraqi capital and, depending on the evolution of the security conditions, deploy mobile telecom teams all over the Iraqi territory. Iraq is currently cut off from the rest of the world, aiming at restoring communications for NGOs, hospitals and the population using Inmarsat mobile satellite communication systems.
TSF team in Baghdad will work in partnership with the JNEPI (Joint NGO Emergency Preparedness Initiative for Iraq), a group of 5 NGOs (Save the Children, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee, World Vision and Mercy Corps). The telecom centre set up with the JNEPI will be open to all organizations working for the reconstruction of the country. It will offer phone, fax, email, internet and Visio conference facilities
Télécoms sans Frontières is member of the United Nations Working Group des Nations Unies sur les on Emergency Telecommunications (WGET), partner of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) and member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), and of the Red Cross. TSF takes part in acts of United Nations by the World Health Organization (OMS) and the Office of the High Commission with the Refugees (UNHCR To contact TSF: contact@tsfi.org - www.tsfi.org
NIGERIA: Oil workers trapped on rigs
LAGOS, 29 April (IRIN) - Scores of oil workers, including expatriates, remained trapped on Tuesday on four offshore oil rigs following a strike by Nigerian workers, petroleum industry sources said. The rigs, operated by U.S-based Transocean Inc, are owned by Royal/Dutch Shell.Shell, the biggest oil industry operator in Nigeria, said on Sunday that unknown "criminal elements" were threatening to blow up one of its offshore oil production vessels.
Joseph Akinlaja, secretary-general of the National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG), said the strike, which has trapped scores of local and foreign workers on rigs 40 km offshores, resulted from a dispute between union members working on the rigs and management.
"It's not a hostage situation but a strike action," he told IRIN, adding that the workers were protesting against disciplinary action taken against five union members. Akinlaja said a meeting had been scheduled for Wednesday between the company and national union leaders to try to end the one-week-old dispute. However, a Shell spokesman told IRIN the "Nigerian workers have prevented the foreign workers from leaving the rigs".
The crisis has also affected the drilling programme of another transnational, TotalFinaElf. The strike is yet another sign of growing unrest in Nigeria's coastal oil region, racked in recent months by ethnic violence and the activities of criminal gangs who siphon crude oil from pipelines.
Shell said on Sunday it had received threats by an unnamed group to blow up one of its rigs. The company said the threats were accompanied by demands for jobs by the group, which claimed to represent the interests of neighbouring communities."Information reaching us reveals that anytime from now, the vessel could be boarded by force of arms and set on fire," the company said in the statement published in local newspapers. It did not offer details on the source of the threats.
In the last decade, impoverished communities in southern Nigeria's Niger Delta, which produces nearly all the oil that is the mainstay of the country's economy, have increased their protests against the partnership between government and oil transnationals which they accuse of depriving them of the wealth produced on their land.Apart from communal protests, armed criminal gangs frequently take hostages in order to hold to ransom the oil transnationals operating in the region.
Canon's new MV600 series of Digital Video Camcorder - with enhanced features and even better looks
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 30 April 2003 – Canon Middle East today launched its
new MV600 series consisting of four models, each bringing users enhanced
specifications, better connectivity and improved performance in a compact
and stylish new design. The new MV600 series contains the following easy-to-use models – the MV650i, the MV630i, the MV600i and the MV600. The new range offers an optimal combination of functionality, affordability and performance. The MV650i is the most advanced and feature-laden. The
series allows everyone from Digital Video (DV) or camcorder beginners,
frequent travellers and families to select a camcorder most suited to their
needs. The new stylish design is based on the popular MV500 series. The Stream
Surface body has been brushed-up and like the MV500 series, utilises
different colours to emphasise the individuality of each model. These new
additions to the MV line-up are superbly designed, and extremely compact -
even with the included high-magnification lens.
All models in the MV600 series utilise IEEE 1394, while the MV650i and
MV630i offer USB and Direct Print to maximise their connectivity to PCs,
printers and video peripherals. “By providing enhanced connectivity and increased lens magnification in an equally compact body, our new MV600 series offers consumers better
cost-performance than ever before,” said Michel Sabbagh, marketing manager
at Canon Middle East.New high-performance lens and CCDs
Each model uses the new 1/6-inch 800,000-pixel CCD, to produce even higher
resolution movies, and dramatic lens magnification while maintaining a
compact size - with the added facility of XGA still images on the MV650i and
MV630i. The range also incorporates the MACS (Multi Architecture Camera
System) to optimise best quality image settings for movies and stills,
depending on whether displayed on TV, PC, or printed via the Direct Print
function (no PC is needed).Each model is also equipped with a high-performance two-sided aspheric Canon
lens, which is new to this series, and combines optical and digital zoom.
The MV650i uses an optical 22x/digital 440x zoom lens for video, and a free
0.6x wide-angle attachment. The MV630i has optical 20x/digital 400x, while
the MV600i and MV600 each utilise an optical 18x/digital 360x lens. These
models can be fitted with wide-angle attachments as an optional extra.Advanced features
The MV650i has an advanced accessory shoe, and features both Night Mode and
Super Night Mode for shooting colour video in almost zero Lux. The remaining
models all feature a regular Night Mode. The MV650i can also capture
Motion-JPEG video clips, while XGA still images taken with progressive photo
can be printed on a bubble jet printer without being attached to a PC using
Direct Print (as can the MV630i). All models also feature a colour LCD and
colour EVF, analogue and DV in/out (MV600 - DV out only), and each can
double as a web cam using Canon's DV Messenger software, which allows you to
take full advantage of Microsoft Windows XP's Messenger programme. Simply
connect the camcorder to the computer's IEEE1394 terminal to create a video
conferencing studio, zoom in for a closer look, adjust focus, and control
the camcorder's playback functions through your computer. The “i” models
also have an Analogue Digital Converter, and in the case of the MV650i and
MV630i, a USB interface.
The MV650i and MV 630i also have Secure Digital (SD)/Multi-Media Card (MMC)
slots to record, store and retrieve still images and provide better PC
affinity. Because it allows simple transfer of these still images to a PC,
using a PC card adapter and card reader, without the necessity of connecting
to a PC by a USB cable or DV cable. They are also capable of digital
animation mix, and the MV650i features illuminated buttons.Hardware & Tools exhibition to preview new ranges of products for the trade
April 29, 2003
Technology will take a leading position at the forthcoming Hardware & Tools
show which will be held from May 17 to 20, 2003 at the Dubai World Trade
Centre. Key industry retailers will showcase a broad selection of products
and services for those in the building industry as well as in the maintenance
business. The Hardware & Tools show will include a major pavilion of German
manufacturers who will exhibit the latest innovations in the hardware and
tools industry."The pace of construction and development within the gulf states is plain
to see to all in the region. It is estimated with projects in the U.A.E.
alone such as the Palm Island Projects, Dubai Marina, Festival City, the
Dubai Airport expansion a many others over 50 Billion U.S. dollars will
be spent on construction within the next four years. The Hardware & Tools
exhibition will provide an excellent opportunity for trade visitors who
are either merchants of such products or professional users to keep up
with the latest equipment from around the world," said Geoff Dickinson,
Managing Partner, EPOC Messe Frankfurt, organisers of the exhibition.The German trade association for hardware and tools (WSM) will be hosting
a major pavilion for the second time in a row, with the support of the
German Federal Ministry of Economics at the Hardware & Tools show. Exhibitors
include Bessey GmbH & Co. KG, a hand tool manufacturer with more than 100
years experience in the manufacturing of clamping technology and also cutting
technology. Bessey has developed the major innovative clamping tools in
the past years. The leading European manufacturer Wera, will offer innovative
solutions for fastening problems with products such as screwdrivers, hand
tools, and tools for power use. With the Kraftform Kompakt® series from
Wera, the user is fully equipped for both kinds of screw driving, (both
manual and power) with only one set of tools.At this year's Hardware & Tools Exhibition, Schulte-Schlagbaum AG (SAG)
will demonstrate how access to industrial, hotel and administrative buildings
can be organized without any keys whatsoever - simply by using a single
card based on touch-free VARIfree transponder technology, which is designed
for all system technologies and security levels, instead of many different
means of identification (e.g. keys, time recording cards or access IDs).Bosch will be returning for their third year with their complete range
of power tools for professional and Perles of Switzerland will be debuting
their range of power tools at this years event.Other exhibitors from Europe will include Flock Development & Research,
leading paint pad manufacturers offering a variety of decorative applicators.
The company is the innovator of flocked mini rollers, which are exceptional
in terms of pick up, area covered, depth and consistency of coating. The
company also offers a DIY range.Garden and landscape product distributors and professionals will find a
host of options, from lawn ornaments and pottery to torches and furniture.
Exhibitors will include Aristo, a Danish manufacturer of high quality garden
torches, candleholders and oil lamps for home and garden. The Aristo idea
is based on the tradition of burning candles and oil lamps in Denmark,
which is also reflected in the collection, which combines Scandinavian
flair for rustic materials with timeless elegance.Fiskars one of the world's most renowned names in Garden tools will once
again be participating with their agents Al Fajer. Central Motors will
be showing a great range of electric tools for the gardening and landscaping
from lawn mowers to hedge cutters.Investment promotion is key to sustainable growth in Middle East emerging markets
ASEZA Chief Commissioner to share broad outline for Jordan's investment strategies and the development of the Aqaba special economic zone at the International Investment Summit in Dubai
Dubai, 29th April 2003
The Middle East is witnessing a surge in investment promotion initiatives, fueled by the growing need to secure long-term foreign investments that can drive economic stability, growth and sustainability in the region. According to Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) chief commissioner, H.E. Akel Biltaji, "Globalization and the move to adopt international free trade provisions has made the development of long-term investment strategies crucial for the Middle East if it is to attract international investor interests, which will ultimately underpin the region's economic future."
Biltaji will be sharing Jordan's vision and roadmap for investment growth and development at the first International Investment Summit in Dubai, being held 3-5 May 2003. "ASEZA is pleased to be a participant at the International Investment Summit and is happy to share its experiences and vision for the development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, which today acts as one of the most viable investment locations in the region."
ASEZA will be sharing experiences on the third day of the event during the session titled 'Corporate Governance: Lessons to be Learnt', focusing on the crucial role of successful governance in ensuring the viability of an investment location, and examining the pitfalls entailed by poor administrative, legislative and judicial processes.
"The Aqaba Special Economic Zone already hosts over 1,050 companies which have taken advantage of the port city's unique investment opportunities. Aqaba Zone continues to build on this success through its ongoing development approach in a number of areas including tourism, services and manufacturing," remarked Louay Khatib, director of business development and marketing at ASEZA. "The Zone has already secured investments across key areas, including over one billion dollars in tourism projects over the next 12 years, and approximately US$ 192.6 million in goods passed through its free zone facility in 2002, an increase of 36 percent over 2001. The Zone has also made tremendous progress in attracting industrial, commercial and warehousing investments."
ASEZA is the statutory institution legally responsible for the organizational, administrative, financial and economic development of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and is committed to maintaining Aqaba at the competitive forefront as an international investment hub. Aqaba offers a unique set of investment opportunities, being strategically located on the Red Sea and acting as a multi-modal freight/logistics hub for the region, and also offering unparalleled investment incentives, where goods originating in Jordan are granted preferential entry into the United States market, duty free, and not subject to the quota system as per the Free Trade Agreement and the Qualifying Industrial Zone (QIZ) agreement.
"We are delighted at the opportunity to share the lessons we have learned and the successful experiences we have enjoyed with the international community attending the summit. The regional and international perspectives being shared at this summit will undoubtedly serve as the foundation for regional cooperation to secure long-term investment growth," said Khatib.
Canon launches the SmartBase MPC200 Photo at GITEX Riyadh- The smallest
Bubble Jet flatbed multifunctional with direct photo print capabilityRiyadh, Saudi Arabia – 29 April 2003 – Canon, a leader in imaging
technology, is pleased to announce in the Middle East the SmartBase MPC200
Photo, the smallest Bubble Jet flatbed multifunctional printer, scanner and
copier with direct photo print capability.
Designed for home and small business use, this new model in the SmartBase
range seen for the first time at GITEX Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
produces crisp copies and prints and can also print full-colour photos
directly from a digital camera memory card, without the need for a PC. This
is Canon's first fully featured All-In-One device to offer direct photo
printing and allows users to print photographs quickly and easily at home or
in the workplace.Photo quality printing
The SmartBase MPC200 Photo delivers outstanding photo prints. Its high print
resolution of 2400 x 1200 dpi ensures high-contrast prints and a broad
colour range, even on plain paper. The SmartBase MPC200 Photo delivers a
fast 14 ppm in monochrome and 10 ppm in colour. It further distinguishes
itself from other models in the SmartBase line up with its borderless
printing and copying capabilities in both A4 and 4"x6" formats.Photo functions
By simply inserting their digital camera's memory card (using an adapter)
into the SmartBase MPC200 Photo, users can print their photos directly from
the card without the need for a computer. The MPC200 Photo is supplied with
a PCMCIA Compact Flash™ card adapter but is also compatible with
SmartMedia™, SD card™ and Sony Memory Stick® providing the appropriate
adapter is used. Additionally adjusting the photo settings is easy with the
user friendly control panel, enabling users to directly print out A4 or 4" ×
6" high-contrast borderless photos on any paper type.The SmartBase MPC200 Photo comes with various software packages to guarantee
excellent quality photos. The innovative Exif Print standard improves the
way digital cameras and printers work together. It allows images to be
printed exactly as the photographer intended at the time they took the
picture and ensures optimised high quality output every time. Furthermore,
Canon's Easy Photo Print software means users can quickly and easily select
and edit images for perfect printed results
The SmartBase MPC 200 Photo uses Canon's Vivid Photo technology. This
enhances photos by using the printer's capabilities to go beyond the colour
limits of a PC monitor and therefore achieve more precise results.Photo-quality copying and scanning
As a digital colour copier, the SmartBase MPC200 Photo has all the features
normally associated with a dedicated high-quality machine with a copy
resolution of 600 x 600 dpi monochrome and 1200 x 1200 dpi colour. At 14
pages per minute in monochrome, and 10 ppm in colour, the SmartBase MPC 200
Photo delivers fast copying speeds. This machine also boasts a 25-400% zoom
function as well as other convenient features such as 2-on-1 copying and a
'Fit to Page' option.
The SmartBase MPC200 Photo is also a high-performance scanner, giving
resolutions of 600 x 1200 dpi optical, up to 9600 dpi enhanced. While colour
reproduction is ensured by 36-bit colour depth, the 256 shades of grey scale
give clear monochrome scans. By using the Multi-Photo scan function,
separate images that were scanned in a single take will be saved as separate
files.Quality
The combination of high-resolution printing capability and Advanced
MicroFine Droplet TechnologyTM means that the SmartBase MPC200 Photo
consistently provides crisp, high-contrast results, even on plain paper.
Canon's Advanced MicroFine Droplet Technology gives the most accurate dot
placement, sharpness and density possible so that print quality is always
consistently high. Twenty five years light fastness* is guaranteed when
using Canon's Photo Paper Pro (PR 101), meaning bright colours, crisp blacks
and sharp-looking documents with no ink-bleed or fading.Surprisingly compact, the high performance SmartBase MPC 200 Photo measures
less than 40 x 55 cm. With an attractively styled metallic lid and the
universal operation panel, this user-friendly All-in-One is ideal for
creative households or small businesses where space is at a premium and high
quality can not be compromised.
The USB Full Speed interface ensures full compatibility with Windows® 98,
ME, 2000 and XP. The SmartBase MPC200 Photo can be installed within minutes,
thanks to the multifunctional concept; just a single cable and one computer
driver is required.
"This is a really exciting new product for us. It builds on the strength of
our new SmartBase range and is the first time Canon has offered a great
looking, compact multifunctional that can also print outstanding quality
photos directly from a digital camera's memory card. We believe that with
such high quality, high speed multifunctionality, the MPC200 Photo will be
an extremely popular model," said Michel Sabbagh, Marketing Manager at Canon
Middle East.
