NATION/WORLD UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Thursday, April 17, 1997
7A
Overcrowding attributed for high Muslim death toll
MECCA, Saudi Arabia — The 2 million pilgrims who prayed yesterday at Mount Arafat helped explain why the annual Muslim pilgrimage seems destined to be jolted by tragedies like a fatal fire Tuesday that killed 343 people.
Number of pilgrims continually rising
While the Saudi government has worked to keep up with the evergrowing influx, ensuring safety for the pilgrims is a monumental task. The numbers grow each year, and so does the demand for security and services.
Yesterday, an Indian preacher demanded that something be done so that those who make the pilgrimage, or haji, do not have to bring along small gas cooking stoves — believed to be the cause of the fire.
The Associated Press
"The Saudi government should start community kitchens.so that individual hajjis don't have to cook their own meals," said Syed Ahmed Bukhari at the main mosque in New Delhi, India.
Driven by high winds, the blaze tore through the overcrowded encampment of canvas tents in Mina, in the plains of Mecca. Many of the victims were crushed when thousands of pilgrims fled.
The death toll of 343 — reported
by Saudi television yesterday — was expected to climb because many of the hundreds of injured were in serious condition. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef asked guards and teachers assisting with the rituals to help determine the number of missing people.
Saudiis and Europeans were reported among the dead. But the fire centered on a part of the camp housing Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis. The Pilgrims' anguished relatives sought the names of victims.
A brief fax from an Indian diplomat in Saudi Arabia was posted on the walls of the Bombay, India, office of the Central Hajj Committee, crowded by Indian Muslims.
"There appear to be some Indian victims. ... The Indian deaths are in excess of 100," the report stated.
Although the Saudis pride themselves on caring for Islam's holiest shrines, they have been deluged in recent years by worshipers.
In the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, Hashmat Niazi paced outside an emergency center and said he was worried his elderly parents could not move fast enough to escape the fire. He said, too, that they may be lost in the crowds and confusion.
"They don't even know how to use a telephone," he said. "I don't know how they are going to get in touch with anyone."
Fifty years ago, no more than 10,000 pilgrims arrived from around
50 f Pool
13 Beers on tap
1031 Massachusetts, Downtown
The Saudis have spent more than $18.6 billion in the last 10 years to develop Mecca for the pilgrims. But the roads that the pilgrims must travel are narrow and congested, with no extra lane even for ambulances or emergency vehicles. And the tent city of Mina is a fire hazard — as Tuesday's tragedy showed.
The new Muslim republics of Central Asia have joined the ranks of countries sending pilgrims. Growing fervor in the Islamic world also means more want to make the haji.
the world. This year, the Saudi Interior Ministry announced that more than 1.1 million had arrived from abroad, joining about 1 million from inside the kingdom.
The Saudis impose a quota that allows every country one pilgrim for every 1,000 in the Muslim population. Even that hasn't helped control the numbers.
Scandal threatens Israeli peace
Prime Minister waits until state attorney announces indictment
The Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel — In a move that could bring down the Israeli government and snarl the peace process, police have recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breach of trust in an influence-trading scandal.
Police recommendations are not binding or always followed. Yet this one has the potential to break apart Netanyahu's coalition.
Although scandals in Israel are not infrequent, the recommendation police handed to state attorney Edna Arbel yesterday was the harshest ever against an Israeli government official. Arbel was expected to announce by early next week whether to indict Netanyahu.
An indictment would ruin chances of bringing the opposition Labor
Party into the government, a plan Netanyahu has been contemplating as a way of rescuing the disintegrating Middle East peace process.
The scandal started with
Netanyahu's appointment of a political crony as attorney general. Jerus alem lawyer Roni B ar - O n resigned after only a day in office because of criticism that he was a legal lightweight
Netanyahu
chosen for his political connections.
Days later, Israel TV claimed the appointment was part of a conspiracy by senior officials who expected Bar-On to end the corruption trial of Aryeh Deri, leader of the religious Shas Party. Deri, in turn, would ensure the two Shas Cabinet ministers gave Netanyahu the necessary backing for the Israeli troop pullback from most of the West Bank town of Hebron.
Netanyahu denied the allegations and called the inquiry. After 12 weeks and questioning 60 witnesses, including Netanyahu, investigators on Tuesday handed the state attorney their 995-page report.
Police did not make their findings public Tuesday, and news media initially reported that investigators recommended charges against Deri, top Netanyahu aide Avigdor Lieberman and Justice Minister Tsahi Hanegbi.
"Against the prime minister there is enough evidence to submit an indictment," Police Commissioner Assaf Hefetz told Israel TV, after the leaks caused an uproar.
Yesterday, however, both Israeli TV stations reported that police had recommended charging Netanyahu with fraud and breach of trust. Officials confirmed the reports.
The prime minister's attorney, Yaakov Weinroth, said the police findings against his client were ambiguous, and that Netanyahu would be questioned again.
THE HARBOURLIGHTS
!WANTED! PROJECT COORDINATORS
Have you always wanted to make a significant difference in the lives of people? Do you care about social issues such as illiteracy, homelessness, and violence?
Then it's your chance to work with a team of college students that are directly affected by community challenges. The Co-Directors of KU Center for Community Outreach are currently seeking applications for 1997-1998 Project Coordinators.
Applications available at Student Senate Office (410 Kansas Union) Applications due on Mon, April 21 at 5:00 PM to Student Senate Office Questions? Call Amy or Emily at 864-4073
Palestine's Arafat meets with Israeli to resume contact
"If Arafat decides that he is
The Israeli-Palestinian negotiations came to a halt after Israel started building a new Jewish neighborhood in the Israeli-annexed part of Jerusalem that the Palestinians claim as a future capital.
Israeli troops reimposed a full closure of the West Bank yesterday after warms that Islamic militants were plotting new attacks in Israel. The closure bars more than a million Palestinians in the West Bank from entering Israel.
Before meeting with U.S. mediator Dennis Ross, Netanyahu suggested he was willing to make concessions to the Palestinians.
Netanyahu said in an Israel Television interview that he was willing to go on this path with all the risks that were involved.
However, Arafat's representative, Marwan Kanafani, said the Palestinians had not yet resumed direct security cooperation with Israel — a key Netanavahu demand.
ready to take on a similar responsibility, I think that this could lead to a welcome result for both peoples," Netanyahu said.
Zairian army may choose to surrender, fight rebels
Take The EasyWay Out Of College.
- Jubilee Cafe Coordinator
* Peer Mentoring Coordinator
* University Relations Coordinator
* Student Tutor
* Students Tutoring for Literacy
JERUSALEM — President Clinton's envoy began a new effort yesterday to restart Mideast peace talks, and Israeli and Palestinian leaders signaled they were ready to renew contacts frozen since mid-March.
Project Coordinators manage a volunteer program that involves recruiting and training volunteers, coordinating volunteer schedules, and maintaining contact with community groups. Project Coordinators also serve on the Center for Community Outreach Executive Board. Each coordinator have specific program related responsibilities which include the following duties:
STUDENT
SENATE
Arafat met with Israel's foreign minister, David Levy, at a business conference in Malta — the first high-level contact since the talks broke down last month.
10% Off Boxes & Supplies
- Alternative Spring Break Coordinator
* Community Internship Coordinator
* Concern, Aware, and Active Students Coordinator
* Campus Wellness Coordinator
* Financial Coordinator
Your Rental Is Packed With Savings
An indictment would not force Netanyahu's resignation, but could undermine the stability of his ruling coalition.
Wardrobe bows. Displays Kipsa Tubbie. Wrap wrap. You name it, we have it. You'll get discount prices and you'll even back any bows you don't. Which means you'll save more time and trouble, you'll save money two. Call Refleer TPS today and all the grooming supplies you need. That's a smart more
An influence-peddling scandal that could hurt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's authority may, too, affect the peace process. Police have recommended indicting Netanyahu for breach of trust and fraud in the case, his attorney said yesterday.
Despite progress on the diplomatic front, Israel reimposed a full closure of the West Bank amid fears of a new terror attack.
The Palestinian leader said he was ready for more such encounters to save the peace process.
The Associated Press
RYDERTRS
This company has been in the business for over 30 years and provides supply based on building a complete all-in-one solution. In 1997, we developed our first software solution which was built using a C# application that was delivered to customers. We have since continued to build our software solutions using C# and various other programming languages. On December 15, 2007 we completed our second software solution which was built using a C# application that was delivered to customers. We have since continued to build our software solutions using C# and various other programming languages.
The Associated Press
Call 1-800-GO-RYDER
Before the insurgency, Nzuzi commanded his 100-soldier brigade from this army compound. Today he's still in charge because he surrendered the compound and his men to the rebels.
The other huddlers, filthy and barefoot, in a room downstairs. He's a prisoner, after trying to flee last week's rebel attack. His soldiers were left behind to fight for Zaire's largest city — a fight they easily lost to the superior forces of rebel leader Laurent Kabila.
LUBUMBASHI, Zaire — Two former colonels in dictator Mobutu Sese Seko's army sit in the same compound in this rebel-controlled city, separated by a roomful of weapons and the consequences of choice.
"I saw that to fight the alliance would ... kill innocent people," Nzuzi said. "I told my soldiers not to fight."
One is in charge, after surrendering to Zaire's rebels.
Seizing town after town, Kabila urges government troops to give up, promising them freedom if they do. That was the choice of Col. Nsau Nzuzi, whose 21st Brigade joined him in surrender.
As Kabila's fighters continue their triumphant, westward campaign, more and more government soldiers are changing sides.
THE NIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
The Kansan needs U.
The niversity Daily Kansan is looking for Accont Exec tives to fill their mmer advertising staff. If yo want some val able experience, flexible ho rs and a chance to meet some great people, contact Heather Valler at 864-4358 or stop by 119 Sta ffer Flint. Be a part of the nation's best st dent newspaper. Don't let this opport nity pass yo by.