Saudi Arab arrests suspects allegedly involved in Riyadh bombings

RIYADH, May 28 -- A number of suspects allegedly involved in the Riyadh suicide bombings on May 12 have been arrested by the Saudi authorities, the official Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday. The agency quoted Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Ibn Abdul-Aziz as saying on Tuesday that his government has detained some suspects in connection with the terror bombings some days ago and on Tuesday. Triple suicide bombings at three expatriate residential compounds in the Saudi capital of Riyadh left at least 34 people dead and 194 injured.

According to local press, five people had been arrested in connection with the attack in the holy city of Medina on Tuesday, among them were three alleged al-Qaeda members. The three were arrested in an Internet cafe in Medina, including Ali Abd al-Rahman al-Faqasi al-Ghamdi, who is believed to be the mastermind of the bombings, according to the local daily al-Watan. The paper said there were reports of two other arrests.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reiterated its strong condemnation of terrorist attacks and determination to confront terrorism.

At his weekly briefing, Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal stressed that the kingdom and its people will strongly face up to terrorist and criminal incidents in all forms and will confront those involved and all their supporters, instigators or sympathizers. Saudi officials have detained about 100 people since launching a crackdown on extremists following the attacks.

The embassies of the United States and Britain in Riyadh on Sunday resumed normal duties after closure for a few days in fear of fresh terrorist attacks. The US ambassador to Saudi Arabia Robert Jordan said on Wednesday the threat of further attacks on Western and American interests remains high in Saudi Arabia.

4 US soldiers killed in helicopter crash: Al Jazeera TV

BAGHDAD, May 28 -- Four US soldiers were killed when a helicopter they were taking crashed in a town northwest of Baghdad,Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV reported Wednesday.A correspondent for the Arab Satellite TV quoted local witnessesas saying that the plane came down during exchange of fire following unidentified armed Iraqis had attacked a local police station.The incident took place in the town of Hit, some 150 kmnorthwest of the Iraqi capital, Al Jazeera said.So far there is no official statement from the US militaryconfirming the casualties.

Pakistan not to curtail nuclear power: defense minister

ISLAMABAD, May 28 Pakistani Defense Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal affirmed Wednesday that the country will never curtail its nuclear power. "Pakistan will never try to curtail its nuclear power," he said while addressing a press briefing at his residence here.

All the needs of the defense forces are being met with and in case any further requirements arise these will also be met with accordingly, he said in response to a question that if India increases its defense spending then what the response of Pakistan would be.

"Pakistan in no way will be behind India -- we are well aware of the situation and we will not lag behind in any case," he said. Answering another question, Rao Sikandar Iqbal said, it is in the best interest of the country and nation that President General Pervez Musharraf should remain in uniform. "It is the need of the hour that General Pervez Musharraf should not hang his uniform," he said. On the question as to when Pakistan and India will restore the air link, he said, steps are being taken from the both sides and the decision would be made in the due course.

2 US soldiers killed, 9 wounded in Iraq attack

BAGHDAD, May 27 -- Two US soldiers were killed and nine others wounded on Tuesday when a "hostile force" attacked a US army unit in the Iraqi town of Falluja, US Central Command (Centcom)said. The "hostile force of unknown size" attacked the US troops with rocket-propelled grenades and small arms, killing two soldiers and wounding nine others, Centcom said in a statement.

US troops fired back, killing two of the attackers and capturing six others, according to the statement. Centcom had earlier reported one dead and seven wounded in the fire fight in Falluja, some 50 km west of Baghdad.A US Army Medevac helicopter was damaged during the exchange offire when a Bradley Fighting Vehicle accidentally struck it while manoeuvring into a firing position, Centcom said. The units and identities of the dead and wounded soldiers were being withheld when next of kin were informed, it added.

India should participate in Iraq's reconstruction: US

Mumbai,Wednesday, May 28, 2003: Observing that India's stand on coalition military action against Iraq has not damaged US-India relationship, US ambassador Robert D Blackwill today said Washington has appealed to India to participate in the reconstruction and stabilisation of Iraq.

"The United States has made inquiries with a number of countries, including India, about participation in Iraq's reconstruction", Blackwill told a news conference here.
The Bush administration hopes that India will participate in the crucial endeavour so that people of Iraq could benefit from the technical expertise and historical experience that India would bring to this mission, the US ambassador said.

"I believe that India would also benefit from such a manifestation of its role as an emerging great power in a region critical to its vital national interests", he said.
Stating that currently the challenge before the international community was to help build a stable, democratic and prosperous Iraq, Blackwill said UN security council last week unanimously passed a resolution lifting sanctions and establishing a framework for reconstruction and the restoration of stability inside Iraq. India can help in many ways including extending humanitarian aid and civil works, Blackwill said adding that "however, the decision is entirely upto India".

India to retain edge over China in Russian arms sales: report

Moscow,Wednesday, May 28, 2003: India will retain an edge over China in Moscow's military sales as Beijing was not following the "rules of game in military cooperation," a report said today. China is not following the rules of game in military cooperation and its activities of copying purchased systems are evoking growing concern in Russia, pro-Kremlin daily 'Vremya Novostyei' said.

"Moscow is more inclined to back the 'game according to the rules' played by India", the daily wrote noting that Russia is unhappy at the Chinese practice of copying acquired weapon systems. "If we compare the supplies (to China) with Russian military-technical exports to India, it becomes evident that China is getting not the most advanced technology," it said.

The military, industrial, defence and diplomatic sources have more than once underscored that strategic weapon systems like aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines and other sensitive hardware are not for sale to China," Vremya Novostyei said. Russia has already said 'no' to China on the sale of 300 km supersonic anti-ship missile "Yakhont" currently being produced by Indo-Russian joint venture "Brahmos". Accordingly, Moscow has also made it clear that deadly anti-ship "Basalt" cruise issiles with the range over 500 km will not be sold to Beijing, the daily said. The report came as Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan begins his four-day visit to Russia seeking more sophisticated weapons for modernising Beijing's armed forces.

Dubai invites India's gem, jewellery industry to its FTZ

Mumbai, May 28 (UNI) Dubai is offering a secure commercial centre for India's gem and jewellery industry at its 'free trade zone' with processing facilities and logistic support.
According to a release issued here today by Emirates, representatives of the Dubai based international airline, the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre, security specialist Transguard and the capital city's Airport Free Zone were in Mumbai to interact with the industry here about the business opportunities provided by the combine.

The traditional process for precious goods involves receiving bulk shipments that need to be broken down, segregated and shipped to different global destinations in the shortest possible time, which the combine is trying to address. Emirates is well placed to service the needs of the Indian markets connecting traders to other similar global centres from Dubai, the release added. The airline is proud to offer from its hub one of the world's foremost distribution capacities to the Indian industry, the release quoted Ram Menon, Emirates' Cargo Director as saying.

SHRI RAM NAIK LAUNCHES LANKA IOC TO MARK MAIDEN ENTRY OF INDIAN OIL IN RETAIL MARKETING ABROAD

Shri Ram Naik, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas launched today at Colombo the first venture of the leading Indian PSU, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in marketing operation activities in a foreign country for petrol, diesel, kerosene and other petroleum products like LPG, aviation and bunker fuels. Operating under the umbrella of Lanka IOC (Pvt.) Ltd.(LIOC), a wholly owned subsidiary of IOC, the first retail outlet of LIOC was inaugurated at Colombo by Shri Ram Naik to mark the occasion. This is part of a chain of 250 retail outlets (ROs) proposed to be commissioned by LIOC. Another important initiative being launched during the current visit of Shri Ram Naik is modernizing and operating the petro-product storage tank farms at Trincomalee with 1 million tonne (MMT) capacity. Describing these events historic, Shri Ram Naik said that a new chapter is being added in the annals of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka with this "new energy bridge" between the two countries.

Shri Ram Naik informed that LIOC would invest about US $ 100 million ( approx. Indian Rupees 5 billion/Sri Lankan Rupees 9.5 billion) in upgrading the retail outlets and modernisation and development of the Trincomalee petroleum products storage tank farm. Of the 250 ROs, 100 petrol stations have already been taken over from Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), while the remaining 150 franchisee ROs will be taken over in the month ahead. These retail outlets are being modernised to meet international standards providing value added services like ATM, convenience 'Convenio' stores, automatic car wash, food marts etc. Sri Lanka presently has a little over 1,000 ROs. The entry of IndianOil in retail market abroad is a significant achievement considering the highly competitive segment of hydrocarbon business. Out of an annual demand of about 3.4 million tonne (MMT) products in Sri Lanka, IOC supplies 1 MMT of petroleum products including 0.5 MMT to CPC and similar quantity to LIOC for its operations in Sri Lanka. Thus India serves its neighbour in providing oil security as Sri Lanka in all imports about 1.4 MMT of products.

Shri Ram Naik would lay the foundation-stone for modernisation of China Bay Trincomalee Tank Farm on May 29, the second day of his visit. The tankage of World War II vintage would be upgraded to handle the growing volume of operations. Comprising 99 tanks each with a capacity of 12,250 kilolitres (1 million tonne capacity in all), the first phase of modernisation would be completed by December this year. The upgradation plan would involve an investment of approximately US$ 30 million (Indian Rupees 160 million/ Sri Lankan Rupees 300 million). Presently only 15 tanks are operational.

IndianOil, a Government of India Undertaking, is India's flagship company. The only Indian corporate entity in the Global Fortune - 500 listing of world's mega corporates, it has accumulated immense experience in downstream petroleum business. With 10 operating refineries in India having a combined processing capacity of about 50 MMT per annum, the company has 22,000 sales points, over 7,000 km. long network of petroleum products pipeline and a world class Research & Development (R&D) Centre, ISO 9002 certified Indian Oil Aviation fuels is the market leader in India meeting fuel needs of domestic and international carriers, defence services etc. through its 93 aviation fuelling stations. With world class competitive service, the company owns 83 LPG bottling plants reaching its Indane Brand LP Gas to 35 million homes in India.

Referring to the successful completion of three rounds of global bidding under New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP), Shri Ram Naik emphasised that Sri Lanka could benefit from Indian expertise in harnessing the prospects of exploration for oil and gas. Offering Indian assistance in exploration and production of oil, he said similar geological structure as the Cauvery Basin in India is producing oil and gas. Having awarded 70 blocks in first three rounds, Road-shows are currently on for the 24 blocks offered under fourth round of NELP (NELP-IV).

Earlier in the day, Shri Ram Naik called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and recalled age old friendly relations between the two countries. He re-iterated India's commitment to further strengthening the cordial relations between India and Sri Lanka. The PrimeMinister of Sri Lanka reciprocated the gesture. The visit of Indian Petroleum Minister to Sri Lanka is expected to provide a boost to the bilateral relations between the two countries in general and in hydrocarbon sector in particular. Sri Lankan Petroleum Industry would benefit from Indian experience and expertise resulting in supply of quality fuel and services to the consumers and the further growth of hydrocarbon industry in Sri Lanka.

Shri Naik also inaugurated a conference on "India - Sri Lanka : Unleashing the Growth Potential", organised by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on May 28, on the occasion of "Made In India Show". Showcasing the best of Indian companies, the 'Made in India Show' is being held from 27 to 31 May in collaboration with Indian High Commission in Colombo.

TIGER HABITAT AND POPULATION EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR THE INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT LAUNCHED

The Directorate of Project Tiger in the Ministry of Environment and Forests has just introduced state of the art technology to develop a "Tiger Habitat and Population Evaluation System" in the country. The new initiative coincides with the completion of three eventful decades of the launching of Project Tiger. It would be completed within a time frame of 3-5 years.

The new system will indicate the trend of tiger population in the wild. It will also give an idea as to how these tiger populations are spaced and what is the connectivity among them. The new system will give an indication of the state of tiger habitat – if it is increasing, decreasing or stable. If it is decreasing, which are the areas where the decrease has occurred and why. The system will also study the status of tiger’s wild prey. It will devise safe specific monitoring and estimating protocols for obtaining reliable data from the field. It will store this information maintaining its special attributes in a dynamic form so that it is readily accessible for effective field conservation, policy and management decision making. Above all, this would help in disseminating the census, habitat evaluation and monitoring techniques to field personnel through regional training workshops and manuals.

The methodology broadly involves three layers of activities.

In the first layer there is mopping, data acquisition and Geographical Information System (GIS) Modelling.

At the second layer, for Field Data collection and validation, the actual field sampling sites would be based on the data obtained from the questionnaires. Based on such data, relationships would be developed between actual densities and surrogate variables like prey populations, tiger pugmarks encountered, scats and scraps encountered etc. as indices, habitat quality and disturbance.

And at the third layer, the information as developed above, would be maintained in an interactive usable format for field managers, decision and policy makers and scientists.

The "Tiger Habitat and Population Evaluation System" would not only serve as a monitoring tool for the tiger and its habitats but would also serve to monitor the forests, their extents and threats. In effect, it would monitor the entire wilderness biodiversity resource for which the tiger serves as a flagship.

 

The Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee being received by Chancellor of Germany Mr. Gerhard Schroeder at a Ceremonial Welcome during his visit to Germany on May 28, 2003 (Wednesday).

Much of the Rural Population in the Middle East Suffers from "Information Poverty"

IDC white paper shows lack of telecommunication and Internet infrastructure
is causing? information poverty? in rural Middle East and North African
areas; this, Inmarsat says, can and must be dealt with

Beirut ? 27th May 2003
A study on rural connectivity in the Middle East and North Africa, released
today by Inmarsat, concluded that more than 45% of the MENA population
suffers from "information poverty" - the lack of access to information and
knowledge caused by the limited or non availability of telecommunication
infrastructure. The study, conducted by IDC (International Data
Corporation) in March 2003 and commissioned by Inmarsat, also highlighted
that while fixed line telephony and Internet access is growing in the
region, this growth tends to be biased towards urban areas in the Arab MENA
countries.

Samer Halawi, regional director for Inmarsat in the Middle East explains: ?
The World Bank refers to information poverty as a major contributor to low
rural incomes. Perhaps, segments of the rural life that are most affected by
information poverty are service centers that are vital to building
sustainable economies and income levels such as health and education." He
continues: "For example, students going to schools and universities in an
urban environment will always have the advantage of having received a more
advanced, more technology-based education. This, in turn, would either
widen the wage gap between rural and urban students, or will push for
greater migration of rural communities to the city which could result in the
destruction of these communities. Telecommunications help communities have a
window on the world and gain advantages for their own social and economic
development."

While most of the Gulf States today have the highest fixed line telephony
penetration, the study showed that the majority of other countries in the
region have either an overall low telephony penetration or a worryingly low
one. IDC explains that, while many countries are undertaking initiatives to
address the waiting list for telephony connections, the focus of investment
and planning has been on urban populations, to the detriment of the rural
counterparts. As a result, it is not uncommon to see very high household
penetration rates in the urban centers of these countries, while rural areas
lack the most basic telecommunications infrastructure.

The study also shows that although much of the Arab MENA region?s Internet
access markets are poised for rapid growth in the next years, the expected
growth is not only biased towards the more developed markets of the Gulf
states, but also towards the urban populations, at the expense of the rural
ones. According to IDC, the low Internet penetration among rural communities
is caused by the lack of the communications infrastructure in those
communities.

Halawi said that satellite based voice and data communications present a
cost effective and a quick solution to communities, businesses and
governments in areas where telecommunication infrastructure does not exist,
too costly to deploy, or cannot support the needs of users.

He concluded: ?A lot is being done to bridge the digital divide between us
and the developed world. Eliminating information poverty in rural Middle
East and North Africa is a responsibility that we share with the governments
of this region. This is yet another emerging and pressing issue that will
be the focus of our discussions in the next two days."