"Qatari royal gives Iraq a jumbo jet
November 16, 2000
Web posted at: 3:57 PM EST (2057 GMT)
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Reuters) -- A royal family member from the Gulf state of Qatar gave Iraq a Boeing 747 jumbo jet Thursday, calling it an expression of solidarity with President Saddam Hussein and ordinary Iraqis, the Iraqi News Agency said.
It said the airliner, which landed at Saddam International Airport Thursday, was presented by Sheikh Hamad bin Ali bin Jabr al-Thani, head of the Gulf Falcon air services company.
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"The plane is a modest gift that shows my solidarity with Iraq and its leader," Thani told reporters at the airport.
"It is a gift that expresses my participation as an Arab citizen in boosting the steadfastness of the Iraqi people," he said. "I do not represent any state and the gift has no political indications. ... It reflects my genuine love for Iraq and its leadership.""