Gog and Magog in the news

[Shammu]

 Restoration of Qaeni Castle underway
Birjand, South Khorasan prov, June 24, IRNA

Iran-Restoration-Monument
Director General of the provincial Cultural Heritage and Tourism Department Hossein Abbaszadeh here Saturday said that restoration of Hossein Qaeni Castle situated three kilometers to the south of the city of Qaen is currently underway.


He said that the castle derives its name from Qaen Mountain and is situated on the heights of Qahestan mountain range.

"Hossein Qaeni Castle was constructed during the Saljuq era upon the order of Judge Hossein Qaeni, who one of the commanders of Hassan Sabbah in Qahestan.

"It is the second largest castle in South Khorasan after Shahdez Castle in Nehbandan," he added.

The cultural heritage official said that a 285-million-rial credit has been earmarked for the restoration of this precious monument, which started last year.

He added that the castle was registered as a national monument in 2001.

Restoration of Qaeni Castle underway

[Shammu]

 Air fleet's capacity increased
Tehran, June 24, IRNA

Iran-Air-Fleet
An official of the aviation industry has said that about 1,200 seats have been added to the capacity of the country's air fleet since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21).

Nourollah Rezaei Niaraki, superintendent of the Civil Aviation Organization (CAO), said on Saturday that following agreements entered into by the industry, eight airplanes have joined the Iranian air fleet since the start of the year.

He was confident all requirements of the air fleet for this year would be met.

Commenting on the proposed increase in ticket prices, he said pertinent officials are still conducting a review and a final decision will be rendered by the cabinet.

Referring to a growing public demand for the launch of an air route to the United States, Niaraki said a reply from the US government was still being awaited to Iran's request, adding that the matter is persistently being followed up by Iranian officials.

"Our representative in the International Air Travel Organization (IATA) is presently following up the request, but have not received an answer from the US so far," he noted.

On flights to Iraq, he said that an Iranian airline company which undertook flights earlier has cancelled them temporarily due to shortage in passengers.

Niaraki said that his organization is currently considering the reopening of flights to Iraq by the Islamic Republic of Iran Airlines (Homa).

Air fleet's capacity increased

[Shammu]

Their purpose for this is not "freedom of thought" it is however their version of "Islamic cooperation". As was said before on here it is their belief that they must give people a chance to convert to their beliefs before they kill them for not doing so.

I don't know if you have heard of Rick Mathes. I got this from somewhere, I don't remember. (okay senior moment)

Jesus or Allah?
by Rick Mathes

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state security clearance During the training session there was a presentation by three representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and  Muslim faiths, who explained each of their belief systems.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great of the basics of Islam, complete with a video. After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to Imam and asked: "Please, correct me if I'm but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] the infidels of the world. And, that by killing an infidel, which is a command to all Muslims, they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case can you give me the definition of an infidel?"

There was no disagreement with my statements without hesitation, he replied, "Non-believers!"

I responded, "So, let me make sure I have straight. All followers of Allah have been to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can go to Heaven. Is that correct?"

The __expression on his face changed from one authority and command to that of a little boy had just gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He sheepishly replied, "Yes."

I then stated, "Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley        ordering Protestants to do the same in order to go to Heaven!"

The Imam was speechless.

I continued, "I also have problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me. Let me ask you a question. Would you rather have your Allah who tells you to kill me in order to go to Heaven or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to Heaven and He wants you to be with me?"

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and /or promoters of the 'Diversification' training seminar were not happy with Rick's way of dealing with the Islamic Imam and exposing the truth about the Muslim's beliefs.

I think everyone in the US should be required to read this, but with the liberal justice system, liberal media, and the ACLU, there is no way this will be widely publicized.

This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well known leader in prison ministry.

[Shammu]

Giant crude producer Iran to ration petrol

Saturday, June 24, 2006 - ©2005 IranMania.com
 
Iran said it will stop importing petrol in September and begin rationing it, ironic for a country that is OPEC's number-two exporter of crude oil, AFP reported.

"As there is nothing provided for petrol imports in the second half of this (Iranian) year's budget ... the imports will naturally stop and petrol will be rationed," Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri Hamaneh said on state television.

LONDON, June 24 (IranMania) - Iran said it will stop importing petrol in September and begin rationing it, ironic for a country that is OPEC's number-two exporter of crude oil, AFP reported.

"As there is nothing provided for petrol imports in the second half of this (Iranian) year's budget ... the imports will naturally stop and petrol will be rationed," Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri Hamaneh said on state television.

The minister said imports will end from September 23, and that the government will decide at a meeting next week when to begin the rationing.

Iran's refineries have a capacity of 40 million litres of petrol a day, but demand is close to 70 million litres.

Petrol is extremely cheap in Iran thanks to massive subsidies.

A litre of regular petrol costs just 800 rials (nine US cents, or 34 cents a gallon). Super costs 1,100 rials (12 cents, or 45 cents a gallon).

A surge in car ownership and petrol smuggling to Iran's neighbours, where prices are far higher, has caused an explosion in demand. Iran loses more than one billion dollars a year because of the smuggling.

The shortfall has up to now been met by spending billions of dollars each year on imported petrol.

In February, Iran's parliament slashed the government's requested four billion dollar budget for petrol imports to 2.5 billion dollars. That lower amount is predicted to have been spent in the first half of the Iranian year, which began March 21, due to higher import prices and increasing consumption.

Parliament subsequently backed a government initiative to put the brakes on domestic petrol consumption by limiting access to subsidised fuel.

The plan was approved during discussions on individual articles of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's budget for the current financial year, but has not yet been implemented.

Hameneh indicated Friday that it would not be put into action, but did not say why.

It stipulated that car owners would be provided with "smart cards" that allow petrol purchases at the subsidised nine cent per litre rates up to a fixed ceiling, above which motorists would have to pay the full price.

The head of the parliamentary energy committee, Kamal Daneshyar, previously said that private cars and taxis would daily receive three litres, and 30 liters, respectively, at a subsidised price.

Analysts have said Iran could prove highly vulnerable to sanctions on its petrol imports, if the United Nations takes tough action over its controversial nuclear programme.

The new decision comes as Iran has been enjoying windfall oil revenues and in September 2005 the conservative parliament agreed to spend more on petrol imports.

A bill was passed allowing the government to use $2.93 billion from the Oil Stabilisation Fund, set up for oil export earnings in excess of budget predictions, to buy petrol refined abroad up to March 2006.

However, it is considered unlikely that parliament will approve such a measure in the current Iranian year.

"Withdrawing cash from the Oil Stabilisation Fund to supply domestic petrol use ... definitely contradicts the macro policies for reducing consumption in the fourth development plan," said a member of the parlaimentary energy committee Javad Saadunzadeh.

"It is ideal that petrol stations be provided with 'smart card' (technology) within the next three months," the student ISNA news agency quoted him as saying Friday.

Despite Iran's huge oil and gas reserves, Ahmadinejad has stressed the importance of exploring alternative energy sources.

"Proper management of resources, turning to substitute fuels ... and allocating objective-oriented subsidies in the energy sector are among ways to make optimum use of the country's energy reserves," he told MPs on Monday.

Giant crude producer Iran to ration petrol

My note; Now to me, that  would be stockpiling fuel........................ for an invasion??

[Shammu]

Jun. 25, 2006 18:16
Al-Qaida group says it killed 4 Russian diplomats
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
CAIRO, Egypt


An al-Qaida-linked group said Sunday it had killed four Russian hostages in Iraq, according to a statement posted on the Internet.

The statement was posted alongside photos of the Russians in captivity, and said a video of the killings was also posted on the Web. The photos were stamped with the logo of al-Qaida.

"God's verdict has been carried out on the Russian diplomats ... in revenge for the torture, killing and expulsion of our brothers and sisters by the infidel Russian government," the statement said.

Four Russian embassy workers were abducted on June 3 after an attack on their car in Baghdad's Mansour neighborhood. A fifth Russian was killed in the incident.

The captives include the embassy's third secretary, Fyodor Zaitsev, and three other staffers, Rinat Agliulin, Anatoly Smirnov and Oleg Fedoseyev.

Al-Qaida group says it killed 4 Russian diplomats

[Shammu]

King Abdullah calls to end extremism
Associated Press, THE JERUSALEM POST    Jun. 24, 2006

Jordan's King Abdullah II called on Saturday for increased efforts to root out terrorism and extremists threatening Islam and the world, according to the official Petra news agency.

"We must move quickly to uproot terrorism, stop accusations in the name of religion, and harness all efforts to find comprehensive solutions for the problems and challenges facing the Islamic world," Abdullah said in a statement to Islamic judges meeting in Amman.

The statement - read by the monarch's special adviser on religious matters, Prince Ghazi bin Mohammed - criticized extremists who "harm nations and civilization" and urged Muslims to uphold "moderate Islam and fatwas issued by recognized Muslim scholars."

"We in Jordan will advance religious dialogue and strengthen collaboration among Muslims worldwide in order to protect Islam, bring unity and fight differences in the faith," the statement said.

In November 2004, Jordan issued the so-called Amman message, a statement calling for religious tolerance and renunciation of extremism as a reflection of the true spirit of Islam.

The king's statement Saturday said Jordan issued the message because "we felt that the Islamic message of tolerance was being subjected to a fierce and unjust attack from some in the West who do not understand Islam's essence, and others who claim to be associated with Islam and hide behind Islam to commit irresponsible deeds."

King Abdullah calls to end extremism

[Shammu]

Jordan's King Abdullah II called on Saturday for increased efforts to root out terrorism and extremists threatening Islam and the world

Excuse me, if I don't hold my breath.

[Shammu]

 Brussels mosques to receive state support
Brussels, June 25, IRNA

Belgium-Mosques
Mosques in the Belgian capital, Brussels, could soon benefit from regional government financial support.

The Brussels Parliament has approved the possibility to assist in renovation and maintenance costs. 350,000 euros have already been set aside in the remainder of the 2006 budget, Flandersnews website reported Saturday.

Certain conditions have been attached to any government funding offered to the capital's mosques.

The recipient must be officially recognized, a minimum of 200 people must worship there and the building must be run by a registered charitable organization that can produce clear financial accounts.

Approximately 70 mosques fall within the Brussels regional government's authority.

Belgium has a complex system of government. It is divided into three communities and three regions: Flemish-speaking community, French-speaking community, and a small German-speaking Community, and the Flemish region, the Walloon region and the Brussels-Capital.

There are about 250 mosques all over Belgium a country which has an estimated 400,000 Muslims mainly from North African states and Turkey.

Brussels mosques to receive state support

[Shammu]

 Presidents of Iran, Sri Lanka discuss ties in phone conversation
Tehran, June 25, IRNA

Iran-Sri Lanka-Ahmadinejad
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad here Sunday in a phone conversation with his Sri Lankan counterpart urged the need to expand bilateral relations in political and economic fields.

According to a report released by the Presidential Media Department, the chief executive referred to the growing trend of Iran-Sri Lanka ties and said that implementation of the agreements signed by the joint cooperation commission will raise the level of such relations.

Talking to President Mahinda RajaPakse, Ahmadinejad declared Iran's support for promotion of peace and tranquility in Sri Lanka and welcomed the upcoming visit of the high ranking Sri Lankan delegation to Tehran.

For his part, President Rajapakse briefed his Iranian counterpart on the latest developments in his country and his government's attempt to establish peace and stability across Sri Lanka and called for expansion of bilateral relations.

Presidents of Iran, Sri Lanka discuss ties in phone conversation

[Shammu]

 Asefi criticizes Russia for not complying with its commitment
Tehran, June 25, IRNA

Iran-Asefi-Russia
Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi here Sunday said that Russia has not fulfilled its commitments properly.

Addressing reporters in his weekly press conference, he made the above remark in response to a question about the Russians delay in completing Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant.

Criticizing the Russian partner working on the project, he hoped that the relevant contractor will comply with its commitments to this end and will make up for the delay.

Replying to a question about the timetable of the project and whether its implementation has been postponed until 2007, he hoped that they will comply with their commitments and compensate for the delay.

Turning to the foreign ministers meeting of 57 Islamic states in Baku and their support for Iran's peaceful nuclear activities, he said that this shows the support of international community for the country's peaceful nuclear program.

Asefi pointed to the talks of Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki with German, Italian and Spanish officials as well as his speech in Geneva as part of Iran's diplomacy.

In response to a question about the concerns of the countries bordering the Persian Gulf over the safety of Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, he said that Iran's nuclear issue was discussed with some of these countries and they were told that there is no cause for concern in this respect.

He referred to the remarks of Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal on the matter as a sign of the accord of the Persian Gulf states with Iran and underlined that Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant has a high safety standard, which has been confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Responding to a question about the precondition offered by the German foreign minister for Iran's uranium enrichment, he said that bringing up the issue of enrichment means turning back.

Asefi referred to Iran's stance based on holding talks with no precondition and said, "By presenting its package of incentives, Europe is moving along the right path. However, any precondition will only limit the atmosphere of talks.

"During talks with EU3, we declared that setting any precondition will be irrational and that understanding can only be reached through talks."
About the outcome of Mottaki's talks with the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, he said that Mottaki briefed Annan on Iran's views.

Asefi said that Iran welcomes the interest of European states in holding talks.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed to the talks of IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei, EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov with Iranian nuclear negotiators and said that such contacts clarify Iran's views and show the right path to reaching understanding.

Asked whether Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul has brought any message for Iran, he said, "To the best of our knowledge, he has no written message and we have not heard any word on it from the visiting Turkish officials."
However, he did not dismiss the possibility of any verbal message.

Asefi pointed to Turkey as a country with a friendly approach to Iran and said that during talks with Gul, bilateral relations and the country's nuclear issue will be discussed.

Asefi criticizes Russia for not complying with its commitment

[Shammu]

Don't meddle in our affairs, Gorbachev warns the West
From Adam LeBor in Venice

MIKHAIL GORBACHEV has called on Western countries to stop interfering in Russia’s domestic affairs.

Putting pressure on President Putin over human rights at next month’s G8 summit in St Petersburg, to be chaired by Russia, would be counterproductive, the last leader of the Soviet Union told The Times in an exclusive interview.

“Russia is not anyone’s domain. Russia will work these things out — together with our partners and friends. The Presidents and Prime Ministers at the G8 can raise whatever they want. But the more it is seen that the West is putting pressure on, the more it will strengthen President Putin, because in essence his position is very close to the aspirations of the people,” he said yesterday.

“I have said myself that Putin has made mistakes. But the principles of democracy are realised in a specific context, and you have to bear in mind the Russian historical, economic and social situation.”

As Soviet leader from 1985, Mr Gorbachev introduced perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness), unleashing forces that led to the collapse in 1989 of the Eastern bloc and, in 1991, of the Soviet Union itself.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 and founded the World Political Forum (WPF) and Green Cross International, an environmental organisation. Now 75, he is unlikely to return to party politics. Yet he remains influential in Moscow, where he often meets Mr Putin, and on the world stage. Especially concerned with the development of civil society and the environment, he nevertheless rejects the idea that the Western agenda must be adopted wholesale. Russia is moving in the right direction steadily and in its own way, he says.

Critics and human rights groups counter with concerns over a law introduced by Mr Putin strictly regulating nongovernmental organisations, and issues such as deaths and disappearances in Chechnya and police and army brutality.

Speaking in Venice at the end of a WPF seminar on “Media between Citizens and Power”, Mr Gorbachev said: “Why should foreign organisations be involved in the Russian political process? The Orange Revolution in Ukraine was mostly of domestic origin, because people were upset about corruption and angry over the Kuchma regime. But there is another factor, that the US Embassy was heavily involved, and of course America has great experience in interfering in the affairs of other countries. Had this same thing been happening in America, I am sure that they would have put an end to outside interference.”

The West’s stated concern with human rights was often hypocritical, he said, citing the recent speech in Lithuania by Dick Cheney, the US Vice-President, in which he had criticised the Russian Government. Mr Cheney had then flown to oil-rich Kazakhstan, where President Nazarbayev had won a third term with a Soviet-style 91 per cent of the vote.

“I don’t think many Western Governments are that concerned about these issues. If someone is ‘our gotcha109’ he is forgiven, but if someone else takes an independent position, they don’t like it. I too have a high opinion of my friend Nursultan Nazarbayev, but in our democratic media he is often criticised for his authoritarian ways. So there are double standards, and triple standards.

“But Russia has not lost a war, Russia is rising and will be rising and some people will find that inconvenient. We have heard a lot in the US about building a new American empire. But that train has left the station. This unipolar approach will not happen. In a multipolar world it is difficult to bring order and governance, but any other approach is dangerous.”

Mr Gorbachev rejects Western concerns that Mr Putin is using energy supplies as a political weapon, especially after Gazprom, the Russian state-owned gas supplier, cut supplies to Ukraine in a price dispute.

“This is not happening, I can assure you, and I am willing to put my head on the block. Russia is no less interested than Europe in having reliable supply and demand for oil and gas. Russia needs to finance its reorganisation — what are the sources for this? First of all, our energy. But I think it is rather strange that the West recommends that we have a free market in our natural gas and, when we start to, the West protests that we are charging market prices. We are damned if we do and damned if we don’t.”

Mr Gorbachev has bought a stake in an independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta, which is famed for anti-corruption investigations and has criticised Mr Putin. The newspaper remains majority-owned by its journalists and its reporting will be as vigorous as ever, Mr Gorbachev pledges. “There is a good time for everything; we do not work according to a calendar set either in the White House or in the European Union. We have our own schedule.”

Don't meddle in our affairs, Gorbachev warns the West

[Shammu]

Russia to Finish Nuclear Plant Construction in Iran on Time

Created: 26.06.2006 13:46 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 13:46 MSK, 13 hours 20 minutes ago

MosNews

Russia will continue building the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran as scheduled, the country’s top nuclear official is quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

“Our Iranian colleagues want it to be built quicker but it will be constructed as planned,” Sergei Kiriyenko said Monday, adding that the plant would be commissioned in 2007.

Russia is helping to build an $800-million plant in Bushehr, 400 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of Tehran, which had been previously scheduled to be operational by the end of 2006.

Iran has come under strong international pressure to reimpose a moratorium on its nuclear research program, which some countries say is being used as cover to develop a nuclear bomb. The Islamic Republic has denied the allegations and says it is interested only in nuclear power for civilian purposes.

Russia to Finish Nuclear Plant Construction in Iran on Time

[Shammu]

Syria sends forces to protect Hamas leader


Khaled Mashaal, Hamas leader living in Syria, told to restrict movements for fear of Israeli assassination; Mashaal reportedly orchestrated Kerem Shalom attack and is preventing release of kidnapped soldier Aaron Klein

The Syrian government has deployed security forces to protect Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal and has advised him to restrict all public activities for the time being, Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip told WorldNetDaily Tuesday.

Mashaal is believed to have called for the operation Sunday in which Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups carried out a well-orchestrated raid on an Israeli military station and kidnapped Israeli soldier Cpl. Gilad Shalit.

In response, Israel has deployed thousands of ground troops at the Gaza border and has threatened a major incursion.

Diplomatic mediators involved in efforts to free the captured soldier told reporters it is Mashaal's reluctance that has been the key obstacle. They said they were told Mashaal was indeed behind the directive to carry out the abduction and that they were hopeful his position against freeing Shalit would change.

In what has been interpreted as a threat to Mashaal, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert yesterday told reporters , "Let it be clear. We will find them all (terrorists), wherever they are, and they know it. Let it be clear that no one will be immune."

He later said: "We will react against each and every terrorist and against each and every terror organization wherever it may be. They know we can reach them even when they believe they are safe. We do not act under pressure and therefore we have weighed our steps with patience. But the time leading towards an extensive, stern and harsh operation is growing shorter."

Mashaal has for years enjoyed the protection of the Syrian government. Israel accuses him of using bases in the country to order terror attacks and raise money for his terror group.

According to Israeli security sources, Syria and Iran has been pressuring Mashaal against releasing Shalit.

"Iran and Syria both want an escalation in the region to distract from the troubles surrounding their regimes," said a diplomatic source. "They want Israel to launch a ground operation. Violence helps them."

Israeli security officials told WorldNetDaily they have information the terrorists who carried out the Hamas raid and Shalit kidnapping were trained by Iranian Revolutionary Guard units and Hezbollah guerillas.

Senior Palestinian security officials linked to Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah party told WND Hamas and other Gaza-based groups have been receiving advanced military training by Iran and Hizbullah in recent months.

The officials said the training included carrying out guerilla attacks such as the one perpetuated this week, methods of intelligence collection, and instructions for the use of advanced missiles. The training, they said, took place in the Egyptian Sinai desert and at special camps set up in Sudan.

Defense officials here called the raid "stunning" and "well-orchestrated." It was the first kidnap-ing of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian terrorists since 1994. The operation went well beyond the scope of sophistication evidenced in recent Palestinian terror attacks.

Syria sends forces to protect Hamas leader

[Shammu]

Iran issues drugs threat
26/06/2006 23:14  - (SA) 

Tehran - Iran has threatened to allow traffickers to flood Europe with narcotics unless its costly border security operation is given a massive hike in United Nations funding.

The Islamic republic's new anti-drugs czar said Iran had asked the United Nations office on drugs and crime (UNODC) for a hefty $500m in order to combat smugglers from neighbouring Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Fada-Hossein Maleki said Iran also wanted to use the half-a-billion dollars in cash to fund substance abuse prevention and treatment projects inside Iran.

"For the moment, we do not allow drugs to transit, but if they do not aid us we will naturally reconsider," he told reporters on Sunday.

"The West should have a lot to fear if Iran changes its policy," Maleki said, adding that Iran "cannot tolerate a selective attitude in contributing financial aid" to the war on drugs.

Tried everything in drug war

The UNODC spent $13m in Iran last year and the anti-drug funding could go as high as $22m in 2006, said a source in their Tehran office.

But, the agency refused to comment on the new Iranian threat, which could see Europe - as well as much of the Middle East - flooded with cheaper heroin and hashish if it was carried out.

Iran says it has tried almost everything in its war on drugs: digging huge trenches along its porous borders with Pakistan and Afghanistan and even using helicopter gunships and tanks against well-armed traffickers.

Dealers are executed and anyone caught consuming drugs risks imprisonment, lashes and heavy fines.

Efforts are 'almost in vain'

In the past two decades, more than 2 650 tons of drugs have been seized in a battle that has cost the lives of about 3 500 members of the Iranian security forces and 10 000 smugglers.

But with a 1 000km border with leading opium producer Afghanistan, Iran argues its efforts to police it are more or less in vain unless Afghan authorities and foreign troops put an end to production.

"All these US and British forces could stop poppy cultivation in Afghanistan if they wanted to," said Maleki.

[Shammu]

‘Army of Islam’ wants Islamic Palestinian state
(AFP)

27 June 2006

PARIS - The “Army of Islam,” which was involved in a brazen raid by Palestinian militants on an Israeli army post, vowed Tuesday to continue attacks until an Islamic state is established in the Palestine territories.

“Your brethren in the Army of Islam carried out an operation, along with the (Ezzedine) Al Qassam Brigades (Hamas’s armed wing) and the Al Nasser Salaheddin Brigades (of the Popular Resistance Committees), which heralds other operations ... aimed at establishing an Islamic caliphate,” an Internet statement said.

The statement was posted on several Islamist websites, including one used by Al Qaeda’s branch and other armed groups in Iraq.

The statement, in the form of a fax message, carries on top the group’s name with an emblem featuring a globe partially covered by a book that seems to be the Koran and a sword.

The emblem carries the Muslim profession of faith, “There is no God but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God.”

The Army of Islam first appeared in May by distributing leaflets in the Palestinian territories. According to Israeli press reports, the Israeli secret service suspected the group of having links with Al Qaeda.

“We are not waging jihad (holy war) for the sake of (recovering) a plot of land, illusory frontiers or nationalism ... Our jihad is much loftier,” a statement said.

“This religion (Islam) will not be able to triumph through a generation made rotten by (worldly) pleasures or broken by the security services of tyrannical governments,” it said.

“Our jihad is based on a solid foundation and aims to end occupation and tyranny as a prelude to the establishment of an Islamic caliphate” in the Palestine territories, the group added.

It did not define what the borders of the caliphate should be. The standard view among Palestinian Islamists has always included not only the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, but also the territory covered by Israel.

The statement promised to post on the Internet the will of ”Mohammed Farawna,” one of the assailants.

Two Israeli servicemen and two Palestinian fighters were killed in Sunday’s attack on the Gaza Strip border in which an Israeli soldier was captured.

‘Army of Islam’ wants Islamic Palestinian state