In Thursday's Middle East papers

02 July 2009 05:00  [Source: ICIS news]

OMAN TRIBUNE

Front page

Israel deliberately destroyed Gaza, says Amnesty report
Amnesty International said on Thursday Israel inflicted "wanton destruction" in the Gaza Strip in attacks that often targeted Palestinian civilians during an offensive in December and January in the Hamas-run enclave.

Iran demands EU apology before any nuclear talks
Iran, stung by European Union criticism of its handling of post-election unrest, on Wednesday accused the 27-nation bloc of meddling and demanded an apology before any more talks on Teheran’s disputed nuclear programme.

Business

Japan corporate sentiment rises for first time since 2006
Japan’s business executives have become more confident for the first time since 2006, according to the central bank, supporting hopes the worst recession since World War II is easing.

Iraq approves BP oil deal, rejects other bids
Iraq on Wednesday approved a contract for BP Plc and China’s CNPC to develop its massive Rumaila oilfield but rejected other bids for deals it had hoped would revive its struggling oil and gas sector.

KHALEEJ TIMES

Front page

Major military operation under way in Afghanistan
Thousands of US Marines and hundreds of Afghan troops moved into Taliban-infested villages of southern Afghanistan with armour and helicopters on Thursday in the first major operation under President Barack Obama’s strategy to stabilise the country.

Mousavi pledges new rights group in Iran
Iranian presidential election runner up Mir Hossein Mousavi on Wednesday renewed a demand for a complete re-run of the vote and pledged to help set up a new group to defend citizen’s rights.

Business

Flydubai clinches $320m deal
Dubai’s start-up budget airline flydubai has secured $320m in lease financing from GE Capital Aviation Services for four new Boeing aircraft, a deal that will triple the size of its fleet by the end of the year, the carrier announced on Wednesday.

Aramex gets approval to change ownership rules
Dubai-based logistics company Aramex soared nearly 15% on Thursday after regulators gave it the go-ahead to modify its ownership rules, setting a possible precedent for companies eager to attract more foreign investors.

ARAB NEWS

Front page

Gosaibi lauds ALJ efforts to end unemployment
Labor Minister Ghazi Al-Gosaibi commended the efforts of Mohammed Jameel, president of Abdul Latif Jameel Community Services Programs (ALJCSP), in creating job opportunities for Saudis and urged other Saudi businessmen to emulate his example to end the unemployment problem in the country.

EADS wins contract for border security
European aerospace and defense contractor EADS has signed a contract with Saudi Arabia to build a high-tech security fence on 9,000 km of the country’s border, the company said yesterday.

Business

Jeddah’s new container port finally takes shape
The arrival of ten Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) at the Red Sea Gate Terminal recently stamped the seal of authenticity on Jeddah’s new container handling terminal.

IPA, Hadaf forge deal to train Saudi job seekers
The Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) and the Institute of Public Administration signed an agreement on Monday that will see 175 students provided with training in fields required by the Saudi job market.

TEHRAN TIMES

Front page

Over 80 more ancient, historical sites identified in northeastern Iran
An archaeological team identified over 80 additional ancient historical sites during their latest research project in the Maneh-Samalqan region in North Khorasan Province over the past few months.

Iran, Afghanistan sign trade MOU
Commerce ministers of Iran and Afghanistan here on Tuesday signed a 17-article memorandum of understanding to promote bilateral trade.

Business

Iran, Syria hold economic cooperation meeting
A committee meeting for the follow-up and development of Iran and Syria economic cooperation ended in Damascus on Tuesday.

Russia bans all gambling and shuts casinos
Russia closed down its casinos overnight as gambling was banned nationwide, a move the industry says could throw a third of a million people out of work.

ALJAZEERA

Front page

US launches major Afghan assault
US forces have launched a major military operation in southern Afghanistan in the first big push to drive the Taliban out of a key stronghold since Barack Obama became US president.

Honduran coup leaders tighten grip
The Honduran congress has given police expanded powers to move against opponents of the military-backed interim government in the wake of a coup which deposed the elected president.

Business

No news updates

THE DAILY STAR

Front page

Sleiman likely to have tipping vote in cabinet
The upcoming Cabinet formation process will most probably grant President Michel Sleiman the tipping voice, well-informed sources close to Prime Minister- designate Saad Hariri said on Wednesday.

Abducted students released after being stripped of possessions, cars
Four students abducted on Wednesday by a group of gunmen in the mountainous region of Aqoura were released 90 minutes later by their captors in the nearby Homsya town after being stripped of their possessions, according to a security report.

Business

Deficit spending in Lebanon still on rise
Lebanon's budget deficit continued to rise as a result of mounting government spending and amid signs that there is no imminent solution for the country's chronic public debt.

Democracy falls by wayside as US looks to foster ties with Saudi Arabia
US President Barack Obama wants to foster the historic US relationship with Saudi Arabia and defend trade links from competition, without raising questions about democracy in the Gulf Arab ally.

GULF DAILY NEWS

Front page

Court protest over murder trial
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry yesterday to demonstrate against the continuing trial of 19 men accused of murdering a policeman.

Bahrain seeks Egypt's help to free detainees
Bahrain is seeking the assistance of the Egyptian government to negotiate the safe release of five Bahraini activists from Israeli captivity.

Business

Bapco acting chief
Faisal Al Mahroos yesterday formally took office as the new Bapco acting chief executive. He succeeds Abdulkareem Al Sayed, who has retired.

UBS may settle case
UBS can still settle a damaging US tax case even though Washington is pushing ahead with a lawsuit to force the Swiss bank giant to identify offshore clients, the Swiss Finance Minister said.

By: Staff Reporter
+44 20 8652 3214

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