MARCH 2004

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NOTEworthy LOCAL CENTER OPENS TO HELP IRAQIS The Iraqi American Center is an affiliation of Kurdish Human Rights Watch (KHRW.) It is a humanitarian, non-profit community based organization with its main office in Virginia. Michigan’s office in Madison Heights is the 7th office in the U.S. to open. There is also one in Iraq. The organization helps refugees and immigrants achieve successful resettlement. Some of the services and programs include: family and marriage enrichment classes, elderly and youth programs, translation and interpretation services, immigration counseling and orientation on the American and Iraqi cultures. The Iraqi American Center in Michigan opened on February 12. It is headed by Dunya Mikhail. At the event from left to right, Dunya Mikhail with Katrin Michael and Karen Caird (from Congressman Sander Levin’s office) with Anu Mekha. AFTER 10 YEARS, HAIR SALON OWNER GOES SOLO Nadwa Yono is now the sole owner of Salone Nadwa and Day Spa in Novi after 10 years of co-owning the business. The full-service salon and day spa grossed more than $1 million during its first year. Nadwa has been in the business for more than 22 years. KERRY COMES OUT AHEAD Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry won Michigan’s Democratic caucus, capturing 52 percent of the vote and the bulk of the state’s 128 delegates to the party’s nominating convention. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean was in second place with 17 percent, followed by North Carolina Sen. John Edwards at 14 percent. The Rev. Al Sharpton won just over 7 percent, retired Gen. Wesley Clark held just under 7 percent, and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich was at 3 percent. PIANO MAN, CHALDEAN STYLE You may already love Billy Joel and Elton John, but there is a new name to add to your favorites. Musician Steve Acho has released his first original CD called “Politix.” Acho spent years performing in Detroit-area coffee houses and bars. In 2002, he performed his song “United We Stand” in Washington, D.C., during a 9/11 anniversary tribute concert at DAR Constitution Hall. GOVERNOR GRANHOLM’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS OUTLINES PLAN TO CREATE MICHIGAN JOBS Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm outlined her seven-point plan to grow Michigan’s economy and create new jobs for Michigan workers in her second State of the State Address before a joint session of the Michigan Legislature. “The state of the State tonight is one of total determination,” said Granholm. “Michigan will become an economic powerhouse state in the 21st century. We will grow our economy by giving businesses the tools they need to succeed and by improving the quality of life for all of our citizens. To be an economic powerhouse, you can’t have one without the other.” Granholm said that in the coming year, her administration will focus on retaining manufacturers while also attracting new businesses to the state, developing a 21st century workforce, creating “cool cities,” ensuring quality educational opportunities, making health care more accessible and affordable and protecting Michigan natural resources. In addition to growing the economy and improving our quality of life, the Governor also addressed the need to protect our citizens and their hard-earned dollars. FICANO ACKNOWLEDGES CHALDEANS DURING THE STATE OF THE COUNTY SPEECH In his state of the county address, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano focused on regionalism and noted that government must work together and not separately in order to move forward. He also said that government must work with businesses and various groups. He acknowledged the Chaldean Community as a partner in his efforts to move toward regionalism. In the address Executive Ficano said, “We have brought together partners including the Detroit Regional Chamber, the City of Detroit, the Arab American Chamber, the Booker T. Washington Business Association leadership, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, small and Hispanic business and other stakeholders who stand with us in this new direction. This represents a regional approach that will work for all of us.” [National] IRAQI RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS DISCUSSED IN WASHINGTON Senate Republican Conference Chairman Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Chair of the Governmental Affairs Committee, held a press conference to call on the Iraqi Governing Council to protect individual religious freedom and women’s rights. The Senators and outside experts discussed the drafting of Iraq’s constitution, and advocate an Iraqi constitution that supports individual human rights and equality for all Iraqis - men and women, Muslim and non-Muslim. Other speakers at the event included Nina Shea, U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, Joseph Kassab, President, Iraqi Chaldean National Congress, Michigan, Tamara Sarafa Quinn, Women’s Alliance for a Democratic Iraq, Zakia Ismail Hakki, former President, Kurdish Women’s Federation, Dr. Eden Naby, Assyrian scholar, Harvard Divinity School and Dr. Imtihan Jawdat, Chair, Sabean Mandean World Council. It was held at the U.S. Capitol Building on Thursday, Feb. 12. 6 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2004
PRESIDENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FREEDOMS IN THE MIDDLE EAST Last month, President Bush reaffirmed his commitment to greater economic and political freedoms for the people of the Middle East. In a speech at the Library of Congress, he announced greater funding for democratic and economic reforms as well as the creation of a new Middle East television network. President Bush also proclaimed a change in America’s history of foreign policy shortcomings toward the people of the Middle East, stating: “For too long, American policy looked away while men and women were oppressed, their rights ignored and their hopes stifled. That era is over, and we can be confident. As in Germany, and Japan, and Eastern Europe, liberty will overcome oppression in the Middle East.” President Bush Meets With Iraqi Fulbright Scholars President Bush met with the first class of Iraqi Fulbright students to come to the United States in 14 years. The arrival of a new group of Fulbright scholars marks yet another step in Iraq’s journey toward rejoining the international community. PHOTO BY PAUL MORSE/WHITE HOUSE Above: President George W. Bush meets with 25 Iraqi Fulbright Scholars in the Roosevelt Room on Feb. 3. Reestablished in October of 2003, the Fulbright Program offers its scholarship recipients the opportunity to study at American universities. Above left: Senator Santorum (R-PA) speaks at the press conference appealing for individual religious freedom and women's rights in the Iraq constitution. With him in the picture are on the left, Sen. Collins (R-ME), and on the right, Joseph Kassab (President, Iraqi Chaldean National Congress of Michigan) and Zakia Ismail Hakki (former President of the Kurdish Women's Federation). Above right: Center Director Nina Shea (center), Sen. Santorum, left, and Joseph Kassab, right. Mercedes-Benz of Rochester E 320 C 230K ML350 [International] RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS THREATENED IN IRAQ In a letter to Ambassador Paul Bremer, Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum expressed his concerns regarding religious freedoms in Iraq. “Iraq’s new constitution should clearly and unequivocally set forth the right of everyone to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. This is not only consistent with core American values, but it is also internationally accepted language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” wrote Santorum. In the letter, Santorum talked about the Chaldean Church, the history of the Chaldeans and how the population in Iraq has decreased over time with thousands of Chaldeans settling in Michigan and California. In a response, Bremer agreed with the senator’s views regarding religious freedoms. He wrote, “Ensuring human rights, including religious freedom, for all Iraqis is central to the mission of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). The Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) and the CPA have already agreed that Transitional Administration Law will include a Bill of Rights providing for freedom of speech and religion, as well as a statement concerning the equal rights of all Iraqis, regardless of gender, sect or ethnicity. The Bill of Rights will also guarantee due process. The Transitional Administrative Law is scheduled to be approved Feb. 28.” Fax press releases or news items to the Editorial Department at 248-932-9161 SL 500 • Sport-Utility • Convertibles • Coupes • Sedans • All-Wheel Drives SHOWROOM HOURS: Mon & Thurs 8:30-9:00 Tues, Wed, Fri 8:30-6:00 SERVICE &PARTS SERVICE: Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 SLK 32 10 Models under $40,000 595 S. ROCHESTER ROAD • ROCHESTER, MI • 248-652-3800 S 500 Present This And Win! We invite you to test drive the model of your choice and automatically be entered for a chance to win a 42” WIDESCREEN PLASMA TELEVISION! * * Deadline for entry is April 3, 2004. Must register in person at Mercedes-Benz of Rochester. Must be 18 years or older to enter. One entry per family please. MARCH 2004 CHALDEAN NEWS 7
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MARCH 2004

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