Iraqi minister says strict security measures taken to protect voters; update.

Dubai Al-Sharqiyah Television in Arabic highlights in its newscasts carried between 1500 and 2000 gmt on 30 January reports on statements by the Iraqi minister of interior on security measures to protect the electoral process, a statement by Shi'i cleric Qasim al-Ta'i on the elections, and other election related developments. The channel also reports on security developments in some areas in Iraq.

Within its 1500 gmt newscast, the channel carries the following reports:

- "The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has disclosed intelligence information about the intention of the Al-Qa'idah Organization to carry out acts of violence to undermine the provincial council elections in Ninawa and other governorates. During a tour of Basra, Interior Ministry Spokesman Abd-al-Karim Khalaf said that preventive security measures have been taken in these governorates to confront these plans. He said that the 3rd Division of the National Police Command will support the security forces in Ninawa to ensure the security of the governorate. He noted that all security preparations have been completed to ensure the …