1999 : (AFRICA : GABON HALTS EXPORT OF URANIUM) Gabon ceased exports of [unprocessed uranium oxide] after 1999 - reserves at the largest mine, Mounana, had been depleted. - "Iraq 'sought African uranium' Britain says Iraq wanted African uranium, "BBC News World Edition, Tuesday, 24 September, 2002, 10:59 GMT 11:59 UK
1999 : (GERMANY, SCIENTIST KARL-HEINZ SCHAAB CONVICTED OF TREASON FOR SALES OF URANIUM ENRICHMENT TECH TO IRAQ BEFORE GULF WAR) Schaab had spent time in Rio de Janeiro while eluding German authorities. He was captured returning to Germany and convicted of treason in 1999. He had been sought by German authorities since 1990 on charges of selling German uranium enrichment technology to Iraq before the Gulf War.- "Brazil uranium sales to Iraq stir debate ," by Carmen Gentile, United Press International 9/25/02
JANUARY 1999 : (IRAQI AGENT ISMAIL BECOMES LIASON BETWEEN AL QAEDA, TALIBAN & IRAQ) In January 1999, Iraq began reorganizing and mobilizing Iraqi intelligence front operations throughout Europe in support of bin Laden and al Qaeda. Haqi Ismail, believed to be a member of the Iraq's Mukhabarat Secret Service, left Iraq to train in an Afghanistan al Qaeda camp. Ismail was believed to be a liason between Iraq, the Taliban and al Qaeda and was rewarded with a position in the Taliban Foreign Ministry. - Findlaw, Ashton, et al. v. al Qaeda
JANUARY 1999 : (IRAQ TRAINS MORE AL QAEDA OPERATIVES AT ADDITIONAL CAMPS AROUND BAGHDAD) In addition to the al-Nasiriyah and Salman Pak training camps, by January 1999, bin Laden and al Qaeda operatives were being trained by Iraqi intelligence and military officers at other training camps on the outskirts of Baghdad. - Findlaw, Ashton, et al. v. al Qaeda
FEBRUARY 1999 : (IRAQI OFFICIAL ZAHAWIE aka ZAHAWI TRAVELS TO NIGER; IAEA WOULD LATER IN 2003 SAY THAT HE WAS ON A "TRADE MISSION" TO AFRICA ) In this column last week [2003] , I reported that IAEA Senior Information Officer Melissa Fleming, in response to written questions from me, did state that Zahawie was the Iraqi official who went to Niger in 1999. He went, she said , as "a part of a trade mission and also he was accredited to Niger as Ambassador." IAEA, she said, had interviewed him in Baghdad in the presence of Iraqi monitors.- "Iraqi Nuke Hawk Went to Niger," by Terence P. Jeffrey, Human Events , 8/1/03
FEBRUARY 1999 : (AN IRAQI OFFICIAL -ACCORDING TO THE IAEA IT IS AL-ZAHAWIE, IRAQ'S AMBASSADOR TO ROME - WAS IN NIGER AND OTHER AFRICAN COUNTRIES AT THIS TIME, IRAQ WOULD SAY, IN EARLY 2003- AT LEAST ACCORDING TO UN'S EL BARADEI) The head of the U-N nuclear agency ElBaradei [in 2002] said Baghdad suggested the visit by an unidentified Iraqi official to a number of African countries, including Niger, in February 1999, might have given rise to the allegations. " - Source : VOA News Report, VOA Correspondent ALEX BELIDA, 03/07/03, via http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iraq/2003/iraq-030307-2d189eab.htm.
(* Note : The IAEA says the Iraqi ambassador in question is the "Ambassador to Rome, Ambassador Al Zahawie. He retired in August 2000." and it was his name which was on the forged documents) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/951024/posts
FEBRUARY 1999 : (NIGER : IRAQ'S FORMER AMBASSADOR TO THE VATICAN AL-ZAHAWIE VISITS NIAMEY, NIGER'S CAPITOL, WHILE ON A TOUR OF WEST AFRICAN NATIONS, TO INVITE PRESIDENT MAINASSARA TO BAGHDAD) a February 1999 visit to Niamey, Niger's capital, by Wissam al-Zahawie, Iraq's former ambassador to the Vatican. [He later claimed that his] trip had nothing to do with uranium. He was touring four West African nations, he said, and came here to invite Niger's then-President Ibrahim Bare Mainassara to Baghdad. Mainassara was assassinated two months later, and al-Zahawie could not be reached for comment about their talks. - "A look at the U.S.-British claims that Iraq tried to acquire uranium in Africa," AP, SEPT 21, 2003
FEBRUARY 26? +/-, 1999 : (PAKISTANI NUKE SCIENTIST QADEER KHAN'S GROUP TRAVELS TO NIGER, CHAD AND THEN TO SUDAN WHERE THEY VISITED THE SHIFA "ASPIRIN" FACTORY WHICH THE US HAD DESTROYED EARLIER) After spending a couple of days [in Timbuktu] we were on our way back and our first stop was Niamey, capital of Niger." Siddique also writes that after a stopver at N'Djamena, capital of Chad... they we flew to Khartoum. After Khan had attended to "some business", they visited the Shifa factory that was destroyed by American missiles ... - "Khan made trips to Niger, Sudan," CHIDANAND RAJGHATTA, TIMES NEWS NETWORK, THE TIMES OF INDIA, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2004 11:52:23 AM , http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow/497486.cms
1999 early : (VALERIE AND JOE WILSON ATTEND AFRICAN STATE DINNER) Ha! Wilson and his wife showed up at a big African State dinner in 1999, as shown on this guest list published in "Africa Today." Click here and scroll down...guest list is alphabetical, and wife is listed as "Valerie Wilson" Wilson is listed as the President of Wilson International Ventures, and this dinner took place in early 1999. 40 posted on 08/04/2003 5:43 AM PDT by Miss Marple
(* Miss Marple : See above. I wonder if this is when Wilson went to Niger for the CIA?)
MARCH ? 1999 : (FORMER AMBASSADOR WILSON & PLAME DONATE TO AL GORE CAMPAIGN AND TO SENATOR TED KENNEDY) in 1999 he and his wife gave $2,000 to Al Gore and he gave $1,000 to Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA).- (Center For Responsive Politics, www.opensecrets.org , Accessed 9/29/03; Political Money Line, www.tray.com, Accessed 9/30/03; FOX’s “Fox And Friends,” 9/30/03) via - "SAY IT AIN’T SO JOES? Joe Lieberman & Joe Wilson Make Bold Assertions That Facts Don’t Support, "RNC Research, Republican National Committee, October 5, 2003
MARCH 1999 : (AFRICA : LIBERIA & SIERRA LEONE : AL QAEDA : MOHAMMED TOURS DIAMOND FIELDS) Fazul Abdullah Mohammed went on to Liberia and Sierra Leone, touring the Sierra Leone diamond fields in March 1999 as part of a plan to funnel diamonds through West Africa, according to a European investigation into al-Qaida financing. - "U.S. and British troops comb borders in nervous Kenya : Fears of terror attacks heightened ," By EMILY WAX, Washington Post via The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/16/03
MARCH 1, 1999 : (UN REPORTS THAT IRAQ IS NOT DISTRIBUTING ABOUT $275 MILLION WORTH OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND OTHER HUMANITARIAN GOODS; IN SOME CASES THEY WEREN'T EVEN ORDERED) The United Nations has reported that Iraq is not distributing about $275 million worth of medical supplies and a significant quantity of other goods have not been distributed or, in some cases, even ordered under the Security Council program designed to help Iraqi civilians. - "DELAYS KEEP SUPPLIES FROM IRAQI CIVILIANS, UN REPORTS," USIA, Judy Aita 01 March 1999
MARCH 3, 1999 : (US AMBASSADOR SODERBERG SAYS THE US & OTHER MEMBERS OF UNSC WANT TO SEE IRAQI OIL EXPORTS UP AND RUNNING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE) The United States, along with the other members of the Security Council, wants to see Iraqi oil exports under the "oil-for-food" program "up and running as quickly as possible," US Ambassador Nancy Soderberg said. US ANXIOUS TO SEE IRAQ OIL FLOW RESUME USIA 03 March 1999
MARCH 6, 1999 : (FOX NEWS REPORTS THAT FEDERAL AGENTS FAILED TO INFORM TEXAS GOVERNOR W. BUSH'S SECURITY STAFF ABOUT A PLOT TO KILL HIM IN 1997) "…Federal agents failed to tell the security staff for Gov. George W. Bush about a plot by a group of militant separatists to kill him two years ago, The Dallas Morning News reported Saturday. An FBI informant who infiltrated the antigovernment Republic of Texas said he told the agents about two meetings when assassination was discussed. Dudley M. Thomas, director of the state agency that protects the governor, said his officers should have known about the threats. But FBI agents said they didn't confide in the agency because the threats were not considered credible…." - Fox News & Dallas Morning News 3/6/99 via - ALAMO-GIRL'S DOWNSIDE LEGACY AT TWO DEGREES OF PRESIDENT CLINTON ; SECTION: BREACH OF TRUST; SUBSECTION: TERROR; Revised 1/8/01
MARCH 17, 1999 : (VOA REPORTS THAT CLINTON ADMINISTRATION SAYS IRAQ CAN BE ALLOWED TO SELL MORE OIL THROUGH 'OIL FOR FOOD PRORAM' WITHOUT DEPRESSING OIL PRICES OR HURTING US INTERESTS; CONGRESS OPPOSES THIS) THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION IS TELLING CONGRESS IRAQ CAN BE ALLOWED TO SELL MORE OIL FOR FOOD WITHOUT DEPRESSING OIL PRICES OR HURTING U-S INTERESTS. BUT THE IDEA HAS ENCOUNTERED SHARP OPPOSITION FROM LAWMAKERS WHO SAY IT ONLY PROPS UP AN OUTLAW STATE. SENATE-IRAQ OIL Voice of America 17 March 1999
MARCH 17, 1999 : (IRAQ NEWS COMMENTS ON INCOMING NSC DIRECTOR OF THE NEAR EAST AND SOUTH ASIA DIRECTORATE KEN POLLACK : POLLACK HAS DESCRIBED REMOVING SADDAM HUSSEIN AS A 'FANTASY' - DOES THIS SIGNAL CLINTON ADMINISTRATION CHANGE IN IRAQ POLICY?) THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary March 17, 1999 PRESS BRIEFING BY DEPUTY NATIONAL SECRETARY ADVISOR JIM STEINBERG The Briefing Room, 12:45 P.M. EST [Excerpt] Q: Jim, can you tell us -- an Iraq related question -- can you tell us what Ken Pollack is going to be doing for the NSC? And given that he's described removing Saddam Hussein as a fantasy, does that signal the administration is no longer committed to a change in regime in Iraq? STEINBERG: Let me say a couple of things. First, Ken Pollack will be coming as the Director in the -- I guess we call it the Near East and South Asia Directorate -- NESA. Ken is a very distinguished analyst of the region. He's worked the government before, he's worked in the NSC before. We're extremely excited to have him here. He's a powerful intellect and a guy who has tremendous knowledge of the region. I think, first, we very much encourage people, we bring people from both the inside and the outside to work at the NSC. We are not in a position of sort of censoring the writings that they do before or after they come in. The question is whether they have the kind of skills and background to help us do the work. The judgments about policy are the judgments that are ultimately made by the President and his foreign policy team. I also don't agree with your characterization of the particular article. I think the article analyzed some of the difficulties of the various strategies, but let me be perfectly clear that the policy that we have, which is that the only long-term solution to the threat posed by Saddam Hussein is a change of regime, is very much a commitment of this administration. We've been moving forward very aggressively -- the appointment of Frank Ricciardone is just one of the important elements of what we've been doing. We've been working very closely with the groups that are outside of Iraq; we are working closely with the governments in the region and others. And I have absolutely no doubt that Ken will be a terrific asset in helping us pursue that agenda. - Iraq News , by Laurie Mylroie, 17 March 1999, via http://www.fas.org/news/iraq/1999/03/990317_in.htm.
MARCH 17, 1999 : (PICKERING & RICHARDSON TESTIFY THAT THE UN 'OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM' IS AN ''ESSENTIAL" COMPONENT OF THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S IRAQ STRATEGY) Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Pickering and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson testified March 17 that the U.N.'s Oil-For-Food program for Iraq is an essential component of the U.S. Administration's Iraq strategy and is, therefore, key to our national security. RICHARDSON, PICKERING FAVOR EXPANSION OF OIL-FOR-FOOD PROGRAM By William B. Reinckens USIA 17 March 1999
MARCH 18, 1999 : (VOA REPORTS THAT RUSSIA, FRANCE & CHINA ARE CALLING FOR EASING OF SANCTIONS ON IRAQ; UK & US SAY NO, IRAQ HAS NOT MET REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO LIFT SANCTIONS) THE MAIN DIVISION IN THE [UN] COUNCIL IS BETWEEN RUSSIA, FRANCE AND CHINA ON ONE SIDE, CALLING FOR AN EASING OF SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAQ. BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES ARE ON THE OTHER, SAYING IRAQ HAS NOT MET COUNCIL REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR THE LIFTING OR EASING OF SANCTIONS. U-N / SAUDI / IRAQ Voice of America 18 March 1999
MARCH 31, 1999 Wednesday : (STATE DEPT BRIEFING : RUBIN SAYS CLINTON ADMINISTRATION POLICY IS 'CONTAINMENT-UNTIL-REGIME-CHANGE' ) MR. RUBIN: Containment until regime changes is our policy in Iraq. We continue to believe that the containment-until-regime-change policy is working. - "Department of State Daily Press Briefing," WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1999
MARCH 31, 1999 Wednesday : (IRAQ HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUE) -- Max van der Stoel, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iraq, told the Commission on Human Rights this afternoon that there continued to be credible allegations of numerous and systematic arbitrary executions in the country; interference with the independent religious practices of the Shi'ite community; internal deportations of ethnic Kurds; violations of the rights to food and health; and violations of the rights of the child. - "SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON SITUATION IN IRAQ ADDRESSES COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS," UN Information Service 31 March 1999
1999 : (ITALY : NIGER'S AMBASSADOR TO ROME IS ADAMOU SEKOU) Adamou Sekou was Niger's ambassador in Rome - "A look at the U.S.-British claims that Iraq tried to acquire uranium in Africa," AP, SEPT 21, 2003
APRIL 1999 (NIGER : AFTER ALLEGEDLY RECIEVING INVITATION FROM IRAQ TO VISIT BAGDHAD FROM IRAQI DIPLOMAT AL ZAHAWIE MAINASSARA IS ASSASSINATED) Mainassara was assassinated two months later, [in April after feb 1999 visit to Niger by Wissam al-Zahawie]- "A look at the U.S.-British claims that Iraq tried to acquire uranium in Africa," AP, SEPT 21, 2003
APRIL 9, 1999 : (NIGER : PRESIDENT MAINASSARA IS ASSASSINATED) Niger's president, Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, was ambushed and killed by dissident soldiers at the airport in the capital, Niamey, on April 9, 1999 - "1999 year in review," CNN
APRIL 1999 : (NIGER : MILITARY JUNTA LED BY MAJOR DAOUDA WANKE TAKES POWER) A few days after the assassination of Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, a military junta headed by Major Daouda Wanke took power. They pledged to hold civilian elections by the end of the year. - "On this Day 9 April 1999: President of Niger 'killed in ambush,' BBC News
APRIL 9, 1999 : (NIGER : PRESIDENT MAINASSARA IS ASSASSINATED) Niger's president, Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, was ambushed and killed by dissident soldiers at the airport in the capital, Niamey, on April 9, 1999 - "1999 year in review," CNN
APRIL 9, 1999 : (NIGER : ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT MAINASSARA) The president of Niger, Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, has been shot dead in an apparent coup attempt. However, his death has been described as a "tragic accident" by the prime minister [Ibraim Assane Mayaki] of the west African state. But diplomats from Niger, based in the neighbouring country of Burkina Faso, said Mr Mainassara was ambushed and shot by mutinying troops as he tried to flee the country. The diplomats said they had been told by colleagues in Niger that the uprising began shortly after sunrise when soldiers swarmed on to the streets of the capital, Niamey. Troops with tanks are said to have blocked access to the presidential palace and other key locations.
In a radio broadcast Niger's Prime Minister, Ibraim Assane Mayaki , announced the country's parliament had been dissolved and that all political activity had been suspended. A government of national unity would be formed in a few days, Mr Mayaki added. It is still unclear whether forces loyal to the Mr Mayaki, were involved in the president's death.
There has been no explanation for Mr Mainassara's assassination but it follows opposition calls for him to resign after the annulment of regional elections held earlier this week. Mr Mainassara, a former army colonel, seized power in January 1996, ousting the country's first democratically elected president, Mahamane Ousmane. Mr Mainassara said he had staged the coup because Mr Ousmane had failed to address Niger's economic and political problems. Last year his government quashed several army uprisings and mutinies. The United Nations secretary-general, Kofi Annan, has reacted "with dismay" to the killing and called on Niger's leaders to work for "an early return to peace, stability and constitutional order". - "On this Day 9 April 1999: President of Niger 'killed in ambush,' BBC News
APRIL 1999 : (NIGER : MILITARY JUNTA LED BY MAJOR DAOUDA WANKE TAKES POWER) A few days after the assassination of Ibrahim Bare Mainassara, a military junta headed by Major Daouda Wanke took power. They pledged to hold civilian elections by the end of the year. - "On this Day 9 April 1999: President of Niger 'killed in ambush,' BBC News
APRIL 22, 1999 : (WILSON RETURNS $1,000 OF $2,000 HE CONTRIBUTED TO AL GORE BECAUSE IT EXCEEDED LEGAL LIMIT; THE SAME DAY WILSON'S WIFE CONTRIBUTES $1,000 TO AL GORE USING A FICTICIOUS NAME FOR HERSELF, AND NAMES HER EMPLOYER, BREWSTER-JENNINGS & ASSOCIATES, A CIA FRONT COMPANY AS WELL AS LISTS HERSELF AS AN ANALYST) WASHINGTON -- On the same day in 1999 that retired diplomat Joseph Wilson was returned $1,000 of $2,000 he contributed to Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore a month earlier because it exceeded the federal limit, his CIA-employee wife gave $1,000 to Gore using a fictitious identification for herself.In making her April 22, 1999, contribution, Valerie E. Wilson identified herself as an "analyst" with "Brewster-Jennings & Associates." No such firm is listed anywhere, but the late Brewster Jennings was president of Socony-Vacuum oil company a half-century ago. Any CIA employee working under "non-official cover" always is listed with a real firm, but never an imaginary one. - "Novak: The Wilsons for Gore ," by Robert Novak, Townhall.com, 10/05/03
1999 : (ITALY : NIGER'S AMBASSADOR TO ROME IS ADAMOU SEKOU) Adamou Sekou was Niger's ambassador in Rome - "A look at the U.S.-British claims that Iraq tried to acquire uranium in Africa," AP, SEPT 21, 2003
MAY 13, 1999 : (CUBA, CHINA, INTERFERING WITH US AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL) An incident recorded by the Federal Communications Commission in which Cuban electronic-warfare specialists penetrated the NY air-traffic-control system by simulating U.S. AF flight codes. The signals, which seriously threatened to disrupt air traffic, were traced to a 1,500 kilowatt transmitter operating west of Havana....
On the 13th of May at 4:48 p.m., the Chinese sent a communication to the air traffic control in New York, falsely identifying themselves as OPEC21, a U.S. Military C130 plane.
MAY 26, 1999 : (VA : UNKNOWN INDIVIDUAL IS SEEN VISITING TAIMA FAMILY)
MAY 28, 1999 : (VA : TAIMA FAMILY REPORTED MURDERED) Description: The suspect is believed to be a white male of Middle Eastern descent. He is described as being about fifty years of age or older, with black hair and brown eyes. He was reported to be clean-shaven at the time of the visit. He was driving a small white vehicle. Authorities believe the suspect may be in the Middle East. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Case Details: On May 28, 1999, an anonymous caller summoned police to the home of the Taima family of McLean, Virginia. There they found Fuad Taima, his wife Dorothy, and their sixteen-year-old son, Leith, dead of multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. Fuad Taima, an Iraqi-American, was an international business consultant who founded the American Iraqi Foundation during the Gulf War in an effort to improve ties between the U.S. and Iraq. He cooperated closely with the Saddam Hussein regime. His assassin may have been someone known to him, since police found no sign of forcible entry into the Taima home. Police are looking for a suspect seen visiting the Taima family on the evening of May 26th.
Anyone with information concerning this suspect or the murders of Fuad, Dorothy, and Leith Taima, should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Or call the Fairfax County Police, Homicide Unit, Detective Robert Murphy at 1-703-691-2131. Information may also be faxed to 703-273-8568. All reports will be investigated and the identities of all informants will be kept confidential.-- "TAIMA FAMILY MURDER SUSPECT," http://www.ibb.gov/fugitives/taima.htm via 6 posted on 07/09/2003 6:25 PM PDT by Badabing Badaboom
MAY 1999 : (MACLEAN, VA : MURDER OF IRAQI-AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN FAUD TAIMA, HIS WIFE AND 16 YEAR OLD SON - MURDER WOULD LATER BE ATTRIBUTED TO IRAQI INTELLIGENCE) At the 9/11 commission hearing today [July 9, 2003] , [National Defense University's Institute for National Strategic Studies] NDU's Judith Yaphe (who is not sympathetic to the idea that Iraq was involved in the 9/11 strikes) did, however, explain that Iraqi intelligence was behind the slaying of an Iraqi-American businessman, Fuad Taima, his wife and 16-year old son in May 1999 in their home in MacLean, Virginia. Those murders were carried out very professionally. Authorities never even named a suspect, let alone arrested one. Yaphe also said that Iraqi intelligence worked with Syria's Muslim Brotherhood in the late 1970s and early 1980s against the regime of Hafiz al-Assad. That, in fact, is fairly well known and is a demonstration that so-called "secular" regimes can and do work with Islamic militants. -- 5 posted on 07/09/2003 6:22 PM PDT by Badabing Badaboom
JUNE 1999 : (YEMEN : US BEGINS TO REFUEL ITS WARSHIPS IN THE PORT OF ADEN)
JUNE 1999 : (RITTER INTERVIEW WITH LEADERS OF THE FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION, A PEACE ORGANIZATION BASED IN NYACK, NEW YORK) "When you ask the question [does] Iraq possess militarily viable biological or chemical weapons? The answer is 'no.' It is a resounding NO! Can Iraq produce today chemical weapons on a meaningful scale? No! Can Iraq produce biological weapons on a meaningful scale? No! Ballistic missiles? No. It is 'no' across the board. So from a qualitative standpoint, Iraq has been disarmed. Iraq today possesses no meaningful weapons of mass destruction capability." - Scott Ritter, June 1999
(* My note: Ritter went on in that same interview to try to tone down that remark, but it seems something happened between December 1998 and June 1999 that put him over the edge.)
JUNE 1999 : (NIGER : BUSINESSMAN APPROACHES A FORMER NIGERIEN OFFICIAL AND ASKS FOR A MEETING, THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETED IT AS AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS URANIUM SALES, ACCORDING TO TENET IN 2003, CITING A REPORT BY AN OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR THE CIA SENT TO NIGER IN 2002- FORMER AMBASSADOR WILSON WOULD LATER CLAIM TO BE THIS OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR) An outside investigator whom the CIA sent to Niger [in 2002] reported that a former Niger official he spoke with "said that in June 1999 a businessman approached him and insisted that the former official meet with an Iraqi delegation to discuss 'expanding commercial relations' between Iraq and Niger. The former official interpreted the overture as an attempt to discuss uranium sales." This alleged June overture, trying to set up a subsequent Iraq-Niger "commercial relations" meeting, would have taken place four months after what the IAEA described as Zahawi's February 1999 "trade mission."According to a July 11 statement by CIA Director George Tenet )- "Iraqi Nuke Hawk Went to Niger," by Terence P. Jeffrey, Human Events , 8/1/03
(* My note : Note that this report has absolutely NOTHING to do with forged documents, or any documents, but is an interview of real live witnesses. )
JUNE 1999 : (NIGER : A NIGER OFFICIAL ENCOUNTERED A BUSINESSMAN SEEKING TO GET THE OFFICIAL TO MEET WITH AN IRAQI DELEGATION; THE NIGER OFFICIAL INTERPRETED IT AS AN OVERTURE TO DISCUSS URANIUM SALES) - According to CIA outside investogator -allegedly Joe Wilson- via later George Tenet statement - "Iraq's trade mission to Niger, " by Terence Jeffrey, TownHall.com, 7/23/03
JUNE 1999 : (NIGER : BUSINESSMAN APPROACHES A FORMER NIGERIEN OFFICIAL AND ASKS FOR A MEETING, THE OFFICIAL INTERPRETED IT AS AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS URANIUM SALES, ACCORDING TO TENET IN 2003, CITING A REPORT BY AN OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR THE CIA SENT TO NIGER IN 2002- FORMER AMBASSADOR WILSON WOULD LATER CLAIM TO BE THIS OUTSIDE INVESTIGATOR) An outside investigator whom the CIA sent to Niger [in 2002] reported that a former Niger official he spoke with "said that in June 1999 a businessman approached him and insisted that the former official meet with an Iraqi delegation to discuss 'expanding commercial relations' between Iraq and Niger. The former official interpreted the overture as an attempt to discuss uranium sales." This alleged June overture, trying to set up a subsequent Iraq-Niger "commercial relations" meeting, would have taken place four months after what the IAEA described as Zahawi's February 1999 "trade mission.")According to a July 11 statement by CIA Director George Tenet,
- "Iraqi Nuke Hawk Went to Niger," by Terence P. Jeffrey, Human Events , 8/1/03*
JUNE 1999 : ( 'A BUSINESSMAN' APPROACHED A NIGERIEN OFFICIAL IN JUNE 1999 TO DISCUSS 'COMMERCIAL RELATIONS' AND THIS WAS INTERPRETED BY THE NIGERIEN OFFICIAL AS AN ATTEMPT TO DISCUSS URANIUM SALES, ACCORDING TO REPORT MENTIONED BY CIA DIRECTOR TENET IN LATER JUNE 2003 TESTIMONY) According To CIA, Wilson Reported Nigerian Officials Were “Unaware” Of Specific Iraqi Attempt To Obtain Uranium, But That Iraqi Delegation Did Attempt To Meet With Nigerians Regarding “Expanding Commercial Relations.” “There was fragmentary intelligence gathered in late 2001 and early 2002 on the allegations of Saddam’s efforts to obtain additional raw uranium from Africa, beyond the 550 metric tons already in Iraq. In an effort to inquire about certain reports involving Niger, CIA’s counter-proliferation experts, on their own initiative, asked an individual with ties to the region [Joe Wilson] to make a visit to see what he could learn. He reported back to us that one of the former Nigerian officials he met stated that he was unaware of any contract being signed between Niger and rogue states for the sale of uranium during his tenure in office. The same former official also said that in June 1999 a businessman approached him and insisted that the former official meet with an Iraqi delegation to discuss “expanding commercial relations” between Iraq and Niger. The former official interpreted the overture as an attempt to discuss uranium sales.” (Statement By George J. Tenet Director Of Central Intelligence, 7/11/03) via - "SAY IT AIN’T SO JOES? Joe Lieberman & Joe Wilson Make Bold Assertions That Facts Don’t Support, "RNC Research, Republican National Committee, October 5, 2003
JUNE 1999 : (CLINTON ADMINISTRATION ENERGY DEPT REINSTATES BADGES "AFTER HORSE HAS LEFT THE BARN") Now just a few weeks ago, in the wake of all these revelations (in the Cox Report), the Energy Department has reinstated the color-coded badges (in US weapons labs). But during the time that these thefts took place, they were not able to wear these badges. - "THE CLINTON NATIONAL SECURITY SCANDAL AND COVERUP," Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), Senate, June 23, 1999
JUNE 15, 1999 : (N KOREAN VESSELS INVADE S. KOREAN WATERS) At least 17 and as many as 80 N. Korean sailors killed after naval firefight in which one of the North's vessels was sunk and others damaged. Clash followed nine consecutive days of North Korean incursions into South Korean waters. http://asia.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/east/06/29/korea.navy.timeline.reut/
JULY 15, 1999 : (LONDON, UK : SHEIK OMAR BAKRI MUHAMMAD ISSUES OPEN LETTER URGING BIN LADEN TO STRIKE NOW) MR. BODANSKY... Then, on July 15, Sheik Omar Bakri Muhammad, an individual that sits in London and defines himself as the "eyes and ear" of bin Laden, issued an open letter to bin Laden that was read in the mosque the next day, Friday the 16th, in which he urged him to come and strike out now. The letter itself is of extreme importance because of bin Laden's agreement with the Taliban. In accordance with that agreement, bin Laden is not to initiate anything, but as an emir, he is obliged by Islamic law to answer the demand of his disciples to lead them in a jihad if they so wish. So there is this greater justification for him to do something without violating his agreement with the Taliban....." ---NATIONAL PRESS CLUB 8/6/99 "...PRESS CONFERENCE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB MORNING NEWSMAKER WITH YOSSEF BODANSKY, AUTHOR; SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM NATIONAL PRESS CLUB WASHINGTON, D.C. 10:00 A.M. EDT FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 1999 via ALAMO-GIRL'S DOWNSIDE LEGACY AT TWO DEGREES OF PRESIDENT CLINTON ; SECTION: BREACH OF TRUST; SUBSECTION: TERROR; Revised 1/8/01
JULY 1999 : (NORTH KOREA SMUGGLES SPECIALTY STEEL TO EGYPT) North Korea sent specialty steel with missile applications through a Chinese company in Hong Kong to Egypt, which is secretly cooperating with Pyongyang in building Scud missiles. - The Washington Times 10/28/99 Bill Gertz
JULY 1999 Friday : (USA : FBI HEADQUARTERS PUBLIC TOURS HALTED OUT OF CONCERN OF A POSSIBLE AL QAEDA THREAT) "…The FBI halted the popular public tours of its headquarters building Friday for an indefinite period in response to an unconfirmed, nonspecific threat against bureau facilities in this city, a spokesman said. NBC News reported that the threat concerned possible terrorist attacks by followers of Osama bin Laden, the wealthy Islamic radical who is charged in this country with masterminding last August's bombings of U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people, including 12 Americans. Law enforcement officials, requesting anonymity, would say only that ``recent events suggest it's fairly evident Bin Laden's followers would be the prime suspects.''…by Michael Sniffen, AP, 7/23/99 via ALAMO-GIRL'S DOWNSIDE LEGACY AT TWO DEGREES OF PRESIDENT CLINTON ; SECTION: BREACH OF TRUST; SUBSECTION: TERROR; Revised 1/8/01
That caught my eye, too. There was another story about interests Wilson had over in Niger---business interests...hmmmmmmm.