Iraq's north oil staff protest new director; Blackwater; - Al-Sharqiyah 2 Jan.

Dubai Al-Sharqiyah Television in Arabic, in its evening newscasts on 2 January, reports on a statement by the Transparency League warning that the project to establish a media city in Baghdad is, in actual fact, a prison for media outlets and personnel, and the employees of the Iraqi North Oil Company staging a sit-in to protest Oil Minister Husayn al-Sharistani's decision to replace the current director of the company. The channel also carries news of security developments.

Political Developments

Within its 1300 gmt newscast, the channel carries the following reports:

- "Libyan national Naji Ahmad Shalgham, the new head of the Arab League's mission to Iraq, has assumed his duties in Baghdad, replacing Hani Khalaf, who resigned his post at the beginning of last year. A source at the Arab League's mission in Baghdad said that Shalgham, who arrived in Baghdad yesterday, carries a letter from Arab League …