Wednesday, 13 April 2011

Prince Talal offers Egypt land options

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia is the world's wealthiest Arab. (File photo)

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia is the world's wealthiest Arab. (File photo)

The world’s wealthiest Arab, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, has dismissed allegations that he had conceded land that he had bought to anyone.

According to his spokesperson, Mohammed Sami Jamal al-Din, the prince has offered two options for Egyptian authorities to consider. The first is that he be reimbursed the sum he paid for the 100,000 feddan (420 million square-meter) land, in addition to expenditures his company incurred. The second option is that he cedes half the land for LE50 per feddan for the youth of the revolution while he retains the remaining land. Authorities have yet to respond to his offer.

The prince’s purchase of the land in Toshka in 1998 was approved by the then minister of agriculture Youssef Wali. The land serves as part of a project that pumps water from Egypt’s Aswan High Dam reservoir and delivers it via a 30-mile canal to reclaimed farmland 60 kilometers from the Sudan border. This project has long been criticized for failing to create the fertile land that was promised.

Egypt's population is estimated at 85 million.

Since the toppling of President Hosni Mubarak on February 11, Egypt’s prosecutors have been looking into business transactions of former officials often accused of corruption and widely believed to have monopolized the country’s deals for their benefit.

Egypt’s second largest real estate developer, Palm Hills—which has links to Ritz Carlton, India’s Taj Hotels and Dubai’s Jumeirah Holding—is one example of a business that the authorities are investigating for alleged wrongdoings. On Thursday, a judicial panel concluded that Palm Hills’ purchase of a land in Cairo’s suburb was illegal, saying the company paid a sum considerably below market price, adding that the deal should be scrapped.

This is not the only allegation Palm Hills faces. It is accused of selling approximately a 960,000-square-meter parcel of land in New Cairo for a sum below market prices. This deal is said to involve Mr. Mubarak’s son, Alaa and his other son’s brother-in-law.

Palm Hills is believed to have paid $50.27 billion less than the market price for properties measuring 50 million meters in different locations. So far, the government has asked Palm Hills to return 798 million square-meters from its property in Six of October City which represent 1.7 percent of the total land owned by the company.

A financial analyst who wanted to remain anonymous told Alarabiya.net that the government’s decision on Palm Hills had created ripples in the real estate sector. Prices for building material have reduced, and developers are heading to Gulf states.

It is not just real-estate developers that are under authorities’ microscope. Ahmed Ezz, the founder of one of Egypt’s biggest publicly traded steel producers, Ezz Steel, and a close Mubarak ally, was arrested in February for illegally creating a monopoly. Along with 45 other companies, Ezz Steel was also banned from trading in the bourse for failing to meet disclosure supplies on whether they have assets or shareholders under investigation. The company resumed trading on March 24.

(Dina Al-Shibeeb of Al Arabiya can be reached via email at: dina.ibrahim@mbc.net)

Saudi writers suing preacher

Saudi Islamic preacher Mohammed al-Areefi. (File photo)

Saudi Islamic preacher Mohammed al-Areefi. (File photo)

RIYADH—Several Saudi journalists and newspapers are filing a lawsuit against preacher Mohammed al-Areefi for labeling them “collaborators” and “rotten” in a sermon.

Their complaint is being filed with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in this capital city.

In the sermon he gave last Friday, Mr. Areefi said Saudi papers and journalists working in them were unpatriotic and only catered to the needs of foreign powers. He also said that their writings were mainly driven by their whims and instincts.

Mr. Areefi’s accusations are part of his usual desire to be in the limelight, said Turki al-Sudairi, editor-in-chief of al-Riyadh newspaper and head of the Saudi Journalists Association (SJA).

“He wants to be the talk of the town and he actually succeeded in reaching that end, though in a negative way,” he told Al Arabiya.

Jasser al-Jasser, editorial manager of the Saudi newspaper al-Jazirah, said that Islamic preachers should work on uniting the people instead of sowing the seeds of sedition among them like Mr. Areefi had done.

“Areefi divides people into categories and lashes out at those with different ideologies,” he told Al Arabiya. “Hurling accusations at fellow Muslims violates the teachings of Islam. How can a preacher act against what he preaches?”

Mishari al-Thaidi, a writer, said that Mr. Areefi belonged to the hardline al-Sahwa (The Awakening) movement, which specifically targets journalists as part of their alleged battle against whoever they call “liberals.”

“Areefi and other members of the Sahwa act like there is a personal vendetta between them and the media. They like to promote the idea of ‘mercenary writers’ who serve the interests of foreign countries,” he told Al Arabiya.

Mr. Thaidi added that while Mr. Areefi alleged that foreign countries pay Saudi journalists, it was he and other preachers that belonged to the same line who are paid for the lectures they gave. These preachers earned much more than journalists, he said.

“Let us remember the survey by Forbes magazine about the wealth of those new preachers,” Mr. Thaidi said, referring to one of the American magazine’s popular features, lists of the world’s wealthiest people.

Saleh al-Tariki, a writer at the Saudi newspaper Okaz, said in an article that he opposed the use of mosques for inciting hatred against specific sectors of Saudi society.

“Friday sermons cannot be used to serve personal agendas and to tarnish the reputation of other Muslims,” he told Al Arabiya.

While Mr. Areefi was not available to comment, prominent preacher Sheikh Saad al-Suhaimi objected to the principle of generalization to which Areefi resorted in his attack against journalists.

However, Mr. Suhaimi added that some journalists were not patriotic enough when it came to certain crises that the kingdom experienced. He cited the conflict with Houthi rebels on the borders with Yemen, and the March 2011 protests—known as the Hanin Revolution—that demanded political reforms.

“Areefi was right about those journalists who either did not support the nation against sedition or were writing about trivial matters while drastic events were taking place,” he told Al Arabiya.

Mr. Suhaimi said that Mr. Areefi’s accusations were basically related to writers who had connections with foreign embassies, according to statements made by Saudi Interior Ministry Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz.

“Prince Nayef said that some writers were found to have suspicious connections with embassies of foreign countries and this is what inspired Areefi,” he said.

Mr. Suhaimi objected to writers’ reservations about using mosques or Friday sermons to discuss national or political issues.

“Mosques are a venue for discussing all kinds of topics and not only religious sermons. Also the imam has to come up with new topics or else worshippers will be bored,” he said.

Mr. Suhaimi accused writers who lashed out at Mr. Areefi of not practicing what they preached since they did not accept his opinion.

“How can they be promoting freedom of expression while they attack people who disagree with them? If they want to object to what Areefi said, they should do so rationally and not through attacking his person.”

(This article by Khaled al-Shaei of Al Arabiya was translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid, also of Al Arabiya.)

More massacres in Misrata

An injured man evacuated from the besieged Libyan city of Misrata.

An injured man evacuated from the besieged Libyan city of Misrata.

Forces loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi were stepping up attacks on Misrata and firing rockets into the city, protesters said on Wednesday as they appealed for international help ahead of a meeting in Qatar of their representatives with US-led allies.

The opposition’s Interim Transitional National Council called for the United Nations to declare the besieged city an internationally protected zone. It said all necessary measures must be taken to prevent a massacre of men, women and children.

The Council’s leaders will hold talks in Qatar on Wednesday with officials from the US, U.K., France and other countries giving them military support against Muammar Qaddafi.

“What we will seek is the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions about the protection of civilians, and the opening of humanitarian corridors to Misrata and the other cities in the west that are besieged,” Abdel Hafiz Ghogha, deputy head of the council, was quoted by ITV as saying in an interview in Benghazi.

UNICEF has warned that fighting in Misrata was threatening the civilian population in the city, where water and sewer systems are disrupted.

More than 1,000 people have been killed and several thousand wounded in Misrata in the six-week siege, according to Suleiman Fortia, a spokesman for Transitional National Council.

ITV news has reported impartial coverage for the first time from the city of Misrata. The report showed a shadow of a city that was once Libya’s second business hub. In its place is now a city in ruin, buildings, roads and hospitals destroyed.

Hundreds dead, blood stained streets and an overflowing central hospital. Perhaps more devastating were attacks by Colonel Qaddafi’s forces on schools and children’s playgrounds. These attacks have resulted in many children being killed and others seriously injured.

On Tuesday, the interim council said it would accept nothing short of the removal of Colonel Qaddafi and his sons from the country, according to AFP.

Mahmoud Shammam, whose council is seeking international approval, stressed: “We want to move from the de facto recognition of the council to an internationally-recognized legitimacy.”

Such recognition would pave the way for the TNC to receive billions of dollars of desperately needed Libyan funds frozen in the United States and Britain, and the right to obtain credit at sovereign rates.

Colonel Qaddafi’s government vowed to confront anyone trying to get close to Misrata under the pretext of humanitarian aid, Al Arabiya News Channel reported on Tuesday.

(Abeer Tayel of Al Arabiya can be reached via email at: abeer.tayel@mbc.net; Sara Ghasemilee, also of Al Arabiya, can be reached at: sara.ghasemilee@mbc.net)

Tunisia PM optimistic on stability

Mr. Essebsi argued that it seemed to be in the interest of several factions in Tunisia that chaos continues.

Mr. Essebsi argued that it seemed to be in the interest of several factions in Tunisia that chaos continues.

TUNIS—Caretaker Prime Minister Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia expressed his hope to Al Arabiya News Channel that calm will be restored to the country very soon. He stressed the importance of security in ensuring a smooth revival of the economy.

“After a quarter of a century of oppression, the ouster of Ben Ali’s regime has triggered immense joy across the country. However, the accompanying security vacuum weakened Tunisia and it has now become critical to restore calm in order to emerge strong again,” Mr. Essebsi said in an interview with Al Arabiya Tuesday.

Despite stressing that the situation has been changing to the better since he took office in February 2011, Mr. Essebsi argued that it seemed to be in the interest of several factions in Tunisia that chaos continues. However, he refused to name specific parties.

“We will take all the necessary measures against the culprits as soon as we have proof. Until this happens, we cannot accuse anyone,” he said.

When asked about the role of the military in the new government, Mr. Essebsi stressed that Tunisia is a civil country and that no other parties interfere in the government’s decisions.

“My cabinet does not give in to any kind of pressure no matter where it comes from,” the prime minister said.

Mr. Essebsi said that elections would take place on July 24 in order for all involved parties to get ready for the process and to guarantee the required transparency in Tunisia’s first democratic polls since the post-independence elections.

“I am very optimistic about the elections,” he said. “The freedom Tunisia is enjoying now will see the emergence of many parties and although some parties have not been formed yet, I am sure that the closer election time becomes, the more organized political entities will become.”

Mr. Essebsi said that with the security situation gradually improving, the economy is starting to come back to life and factories that were closed are now reopening. He said that national projects to improve living standards in impoverished areas are being launched.

He also stressed the importance of restoring full security in order to bring back foreign investors and to revive tourism.

“We are working on eliminating negative phenomena that might scare foreigners away like praying and giving sermons in the streets,” said.

As for the assets abroad of ousted President Zein el-Abedin Ben Ali, Mr. Essebsi stressed that Tunisia had approached the relevant countries on both the diplomatic and judicial levels.

“These countries will act according to what they see is for the best, yet we cannot force our will on anyone,” he said.

Regarding the possibility of turning to foreign aid to revive the economy, Mr. Essebsi said it would be only accepted when directed toward projects that have clear goals. He also welcomed investments by the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

“We will be grateful to all countries that are willing to help us out,” he said.

However, amid talk of American and French attempts to influence the way things go in Tunisia, Mr. Essebsi said Tunisia would never give up its freedom.

“We cooperate with all countries but without making any concessions as far as Tunisia’s sovereignty is concerned. Tunisia is an independent state,” he said.

(This story by Al Arabiya’s Mohammed al-Hadi al-Hanashi was translated from Arabic by Sonia Farid, also of Al Arabiya.)

Yemen protests lead to violence

A Yemeni anti-regime protester stands in front of a Yemeni flag during demonstration to demand the resignation of President Saleh. (File photo)

A Yemeni anti-regime protester stands in front of a Yemeni flag during demonstration to demand the resignation of President Saleh. (File photo)

One protester was shot dead and four others were wounded in clashes in southern Yemen early Wednesday as police fired shots and protesters hurled rocks at security forces, Al Arabiya correspondent and witnesses said.

Residents told Reuters police fired shots in the southern port town of Aden to break up protests.

The number of injured transferred to al-Naqeeb Hospital in Aden is 8, 2 in critical condition, a medical source in the hospital told Al Arabiya.

Al Arabiya sources earlier said that the sound of bomb explosions and gunfire were heard for 15 minutes in Aden, suggesting it could be a campaign by the Yemeni security forces to end the state of civil disobedience that was called for by protesters Aden.

Sporadic gun fire is still heard in Hay Alreemi near the strike square in al-Mansoura neighborhood in Aden, the sources told Al Arabiya.

The protesters are demanding an end to the 32-year rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A proposal by Gulf Arab states to negotiate a power transition appears to have stalled.

The situation could escalate into more violence in the heavily armed but impoverished Arabian Peninsula state, where half the population of 23 million owns a gun.

An opposition delegation, which initially rejected the plan by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait on Tuesday. They sought clarification of what is meant by a proposed “transfer of power” which does not specify a timeframe for Saleh to step down.

(Abeer Tayel of Al Arabiya can be reached via email at: abeer.tayel@mbc.net)

Mubarak, sons detained for 15 days

A protester defaces a picture of Hosni Mubarak in Alexandria. (File photo)

A protester defaces a picture of Hosni Mubarak in Alexandria. (File photo)

Egypt detained former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak for 15 days pending investigation over corruption and the killing of protesters, the prosecutor said on Wednesday.

In a statement on the public prosecutor's Facebook page, a spokesman said the prosecutor Abdel Maguid Mahmoud authorised the detentions "as part of an inquiry into the use of force against protesters during the unrest in January and February."

Earlier, the state television reported that the former president was still receiving treatment at a hospital in Sharm al-Sheikh as the public prosecutor ordered the detention of his powerful sons, Alaa and Gamal, for 15 days over corruption and abuse of authority.

Detaining Mr. Mubarak and his two influential sons is the most dramatic in a series of investigations against top regime officials. The development comes just hours after the 82-year-old former president was admitted to a hospital with heart problems. He too was being questioned about the killing of protesters in a revolution that toppled him. The inquiry is also focusing on alleged corruption in his administration.

The former president's questioning followed protests by reformists who accused Egypt's military rulers of protecting him from prosecution.

Alaa (L) and Gamal Mubarak
Alaa (L) and Gamal Mubarak

State television said Mr. Mubarak suffered a "heart crisis" during questioning and said he had been taken into intensive care. But Al Arabiya TV quoted a hospital manager as saying that Mubarak was fit enough to be questioned.

The state-owned Al Ahram newspaper reported the former president had been summoned to appear in a Cairo court. Its Website later said the ex-president might not have to travel now because of his illness, according to Reuters.

In a sign that Mr. Mubarak's ailment might not be very serious, however, Justice Minister Mohammed al-Guindi said he was questioned in his hospital suite for his role in the violence against protesters, according to The Associated Press.

Egypt's generals, in charge since Mubarak quit on February 11, have faced increasingly loud calls from protesters in Cairo's Tahrir Square for Mr. Mubarak and his allies to stand trial.

As a police van with drawn curtains took away the two brothers, an angry crowd of 2,000 people pelted it with water bottles, stones and their flip-flops, a sign of disrespect in the Arab world, AP reported.

The increasing role of the younger son Gamal Mubarak, 47, in the government over the last decade and the belief that he might succeed his father helped galvanize Egypt's protest movement.

Gamal Mubarak is also believed to be the architect of Egypt's privatization program and economic liberalization, which has brought in billions in foreign investment but has also widened the gap between rich and poor.

Hosni Mubarak stepped down from the Egyptian presidency on February 11 after three decades in office as nationwide protests erupted on January 25, leaving an estimated 800 people dead over the next several weeks.

On Sunday, Al Arabiya TV aired an audiotape with Mubarak where he denied any wrongdoing and complained that he was the victim of a smear campaign. He said he welcomed the probe of his family’s foreign assets. But his defiance in threatening lawsuits against the media left many Egyptians who had been waiting for his prosecution angry and frustrated.

After he stepped down, Mr. Mubarak and his family moved to a lavish residence in Sharm el-Sheikh. He had vowed to die in Egypt when he addressed the country’s 80 million people shortly before resigning from his post.

Weekly demonstrations demanding his trial have attracted thousands of Egyptians. A protester died last Saturday during clashes with the military in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.

(Abeer Tayel of Al Arabiya can be reached via email at: abeer.tayel@mbc.net; Sara Ghasemilee, also of Al Arabiya, can be reached at: sara.ghasemilee@mbc.net)

Laid off construction workers join Yemen protests


Hundreds of day labourers hope finding day’s work from passing contractors, but many wait all day in vain.

Middle East Online


One million day labourers depend on the construction industry for a living

SANAA - Faris Ubad, 34, is one of hundreds of day labourers who get up at the crack of dawn and make their way - with their shovels, hammers and other construction tools - to the Dar Salm intersection in southern Sana’a in the hope of finding a day’s work from passing contractors.

But many wait all day in vain: Since the political unrest began a few weeks ago, the construction sector has all but come to a standstill.

"It has been more than 35 days since I picked up any work… I was forced to sell our TV set last week to feed my wife and four children, Ubad, who in the past worked as a builder’s mate, told IRIN.

According to recent government statistics, more than one million day labourers depend on the construction industry for a living, with most earning the equivalent of about US$9 a day.

"The construction sector is currently experiencing unprecedented stagnation. As a result, hundreds of thousands of labourers are left without any income," said Mohammed Ayish, an economist in the Ministry of Planning & International Cooperation.

Investors and contractors have either suspended construction projects or are watching and waiting until calm returns.

"Project owners told us to stop until the political crisis ends," Ali Sarari, a Sana’a construction contractor, told IRIN.

The devaluation of the Yemeni riyal over the past couple of months has caused imported construction materials like iron and cement to rise sharply in price, and the riyal has fallen from 214 to 238 to the US dollar in the past month. The Central Bank of Yemen has not made any attempt to stabilize the riyal, Mohammed al-Hadhari, an exchange dealer, told IRIN.

Reduced demand for construction materials

Businessman Hefdhullah al-Ansi said demand for construction materials had declined by 70 percent. "I used to sell more than YR500,000-worth of construction materials a day, but now it is YR200,000 maximum," he told IRIN, adding that he has had to lay off four of his six workers.

Instead of staying idle, many of the unemployed have joined demonstrations organized by the youth movement near Sana’a University. They see the protests as an opportunity to air their grievances.

"We need change. We need to have access to free health care. We need a new government with good economic policies," construction worker Saif Ahmad, currently camping out with the university protesters, told IRIN.

Hundreds of casual workers are now camping out with the young protesters near the university, economist Ayish told IRIN. "They have found somewhere they can get food and express their demands; they spend their time participating in anti-government demonstrations."

© IRIN