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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: CYBERKEN who wrote (563272)	4/12/2004 4:09:34 PM
From: tejek	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 769670

Last Updated on April 12, 2004, 10:36 PM (GMT+02:00) Seven Chinese hostages released in Iraq No word on Japanese hostages and captured US contractor in Iraq Nine Americans unaccounted for in Iraq Paris: Terrorists’ willingness and ability to use chemical weapons greater than suspected, groups detected in several European countries Siberian coal mine explosion disaster leaves 44 dead, some still missing More than one million Shiites trickling out of Karbala after Arbain rites Jerusalem Old City packed with Easter and Passover pilgrims. One million Israeli trippers out in Galilee head for home Seven Chinese hostages captured in Iraq have been released. Iraqi Governing Council member reports 12 abducted foreigners released. Five are unidentified. US Generals Abizaid and Sanchez announce major policy turnaround: former Saddam officers are being recalled, part of reassessment to improve leadership and performance of Iraqi army and police. Two extra US brigades with combat and rapid response capabilities requested for Iraq. Read more on generals’ joint briefing in Baghdad in News Box below Headlines. Unconfirmed reports that police stations and public buildings handed over to Iraqi police in Najef, Karbala and al-Kuf in deal with Moqtada Sadr. His Mehdi Army militiamen still visible at Najef’s shrines. Bush and Mubarak signed off talks in Crawford with strongly nuanced communiqué. They agreed that if Israel decides to withdraw from territory, it doesn’t replace the road map. Bush deemed an Israeli pullout from the Gaza strip “positive.” Mubarek used “appreciated” and said it would not be enough. Both agreed Palestinian statehood plan still stood. Bush said Palestinian state remained in jeopardy if terrorists are willing to kill to interrupt progress - “and that’s what is happening.” Israeli sources report 8-man Hamas-al Aqsa-Jihad Islami terrorist team staged foiled attack on Netzarim in Gaza Strip early Monday. Israeli troops intercepted three in greenhouse, killed them in battle amid Palestinian mortar fire. This was largest terror unit ever to attempt assault on Israel settlement Updated figures of losses in Iraq since beginning of month:76 US troops and at least 700 Iraqis. Three Marines killed in overnight fighting in Anbar Province west of Baghdad. Nine Americans unaccounted for - 7 civilians, 2 soldiers. No word on US contractor Thomas Hamill and three Japanese hostages. British civilian and 8 foreigners were released Sunday. IGC member Al Rubaie: Iraqi authorities considering shutting down al Jazeera, al Arabiya offices accusing them of inciting violence and biased reporting Another US convoy is attacked on Baghdad-Fallujah supply route Monday. US operation continues to loosen insurgent grip at Abu Ghraib key point on route. Sunday, fourth battalion reinforced US Marine strength in besieged city. Iran begins building heavy water reactor June in Arak 200km SW of Tehran, claiming it is for "peaceful research." Diplomats at UN nuclear watchdog in Vienna report plant could produce enough plutonium to make a nuclear weapon every year. FBI will be called to explain to 9/11 commission why 70 different probes did not uncover September 11 plot. Bush said he was satisfied federal agents were top of terrorist threat after reading newly-declassified memo one month before 9/11 attacks warning White House al Qaeda was present in US and FBI detected suspicious activities of preparations for hijackings or other types of attacks. Use of airplanes as weapons and timing were not mentioned. Similar warnings current from 1997. See DEBKAfile’s Updated Special Map now including latest battle arenas and sites where hostages taken. Click here for map and click symbol at map’s right hand corner to enlarge. Dahlan as Arafat’s point man begins talks with Hamas leader Rantisi on Gaza Strip power-sharing and property division after Israel’s withdrawal. Hamas demands larger cut commensurate with its “sacrifices”. As protection against Israeli spy drones, Rantisi attends talks without eyeglasses wearing deerstalker-style metal headgear. Likud election committee confirms April 29 as date for party poll on Sharon's disengagement-evacuation plan. In Nasseriya, Italian troops demolished radical Shiite Sadr’s office on orders left by PM Berlusconi on his visit Saturday DEBKAfile’s Exclusive Sources: US halts offensives on major warfronts and withdraws from Ar Ramadi, Mosul and Sadr City to stem rising casualties. In Mosul, Iraqi security infrastructure breaks down with Iraqi police and security officers surrendering and handing weapons to insurgent militias, including al Qaeda. White flag movement spreads. Abu Ghraib semi-military airport west of Baghdad overrun by Sunni and Shiite militias. Stages leading up to painful US reverses are depicted in DEBKAfile Exclusive Report below. debka.com