Civil war a possibility says minister
(Al-Mashriq) – Interior Minister Falah al-Nakeeb has warned of a possible civil war if Sunni groups do not take part in the elections. He advised all Iraqis to participate in the elections regardless of who they will vote for because it involves the future of Iraq. He said there is a conspiracy against having the elections. The escalation of terrorist operations is proof of that as are calls to boycott the elections.

Bomb targets SCIRI headquarters
(Baghdad) – The spokesman for the Supreme Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) said a bomb car was detonated in front of the group’s headquarters. The explosion left three dead and two wounded. The suicide bomber tried to come closer to the headquarters, located in the Jaderiya area of Karrada. But he exploded it near the barrier, 60 metres from the residence of SCIRI leader, Abdul Aziz al-Hakim.

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Government to restrict travel during elections
(Al-Mada) – Supreme Electoral Commission spokesman Farid Ayar said the land borders with the neighbouring states will be closed from January 29-31. He added that there will be no movement between the provinces inside Iraq from 6.00pm on January 29 until 6.00pm on January 31. He denied having a curfew in Baghdad or other parts of Iraq. There would be no restrictions on the movement of journalists, supervisors, or ambulances on Election Day, he added.

Infiltrators nabbed in Diala
(Azzaman) – The head of borders forces in Diala, Nadhim Sharif, 15 armed infiltrators were arrested on Friday night. Five are suspected of robbery along the Mukdadiya-Khanakeen road. They were arrested with guns and mortar launchers with them. Ten Afghans also tried to infiltrate into Iraq without having official documents. All were sent to specialised authorities for interrogation.

Bush wants status report
(Asharq Al-Awsat) – President George W. Bush telephoned Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to talk with him about the preparations for the elections and the participation of the voters. Bush said he would like to be sure that Iraqis have the proper grounds for the elections. Allawi tried his best to urge Iraqis to take part in the elections. He drew the attention to the fact that it is the first time Iraqis have ever vote.

National Assembly holds final session
(Al-Sabah) – The transitional National Assembly has held its final session in Baghdad. It is worth mentioning that the Assembly held 39 sessions throughout its period of work. Assembly members said it had no full authorities and was unable to deal with important issues or solve them.