We are looking for sales & marketing representatives in different countries. Apply now!

Short Takes:
Marshal Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, the general commandor of Egypt's armed forces and Egyptian minister of defense and military production, is to deliver a statement on Sunday before the joint meeting of the defense, national security, foreign relations and Arab affairs committees in the People's Assembly. Go

In the complete normalization between Algeria and France, preparations are currently being for a visit that will be paid by Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Youcef Yousfi to France. The sources said Yousfi's visit this month will prepare for President Bouteflika's visit, during which Yousfi will meet with French President Jacques Chirac to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and Algerian - European relations, as well as the situation in Algeria in the shadow of the civil rapport law. Go

Bahrain and the Vatican have decided to establish diplomatic relations on the ambassadorial level from the side of Bahrain and the Papal Nuncio from the Vatican. Go

Algerian Minister of Interior Yazid Zerhouni met yesterday with the ambassadors of the Arab states in Algeria in the framework of preparing for the 17th session of the Arab council of ministers of the interior that will be held in Algeria on January 29 - 31. Go

Egyptian Minister of State for Local Development Mustafa Abd al-Qadr decided to form a special committee from the bodies affiliated to the ministry to make a comprehensive economic survey of Al-Kosheh village in Suhag governorate. The committee is to begin its activities today to prepare a complete database aimed at developing the economic, social and human resources in the village to achieve comprehensive development of this area. Go

Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh asserted Jordan's adherence to supporting the peace process and stability in Middle East, referring during his reception yesterday evening of Australian Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock, who is currently visiting Jordan, that his country seeks to establish peace in Middle East to direct all potentials toward the development of the people of the whole area. Go

A 120-member Spanish delegation, comprising members of parliament, of trade unions, of NGOs and intellectuals, is paying a visit to Iraq in solidarity with the Arab state, affected by a nine-year long embargo. Spanish news agency "EFE" says the move is part of a campaign for the lifting of the embargo. Go

Prince Moulay Rachid arrived in Madrid Wednesday to attend the official funerals of the infanta Maria De Las Mercedes of Bourbon and Orleans, late mother of King Juan Carlos I taking place today at the San Lorenzo Del Escuriel Monastery. Go

Sources at the British embassy in Amman said on Wednesday that British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook will arrive in Amman next Tuesday for a short visit to Jordan, after which he will move to Cairo. Go

Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman al-Khalifa received a phone call yesterday evening from Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, the second deputy prime minister and minister of defense and aviation in Saudi Arabia. Go

Firms from Belgium, Ireland, and the United States are being considered for a BOT (build- operate- transfer) contract to build a power station for Dubai's Dubai Investments Park, Gulf News reported. Go

France said that the peace negotiations held between Syria and Israel in the US have realized a progress despite its slow proceeding and that the current phase will be an opportunity for the Israeli and Syrian delegations to think fully and organize their papers in preparations for the forthcoming round of talks to be held on January 19. The spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said Tuesday that France will keep in continuous contact with all sides at the level of ministers and diplomats. Go

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias said his country is grateful to Morocco for the solidarity and assistance extended to his country during the floods that hit his country. Go

Russia's ambassador to Qatar, Nikolay K Tikhomirov, said the Qatari emir's visit to Russia last year helped strengthen bilateral relations and intensify business cooperation between the two states, Gulf Times reported. Go

A 25 year-old Bahraini man, Haider Salman Yousif, was found dead in his bedroom on Wednesday, apparently having been strangled, Gulf Daily News reported. Go

Morocco's Hicham Arazi was ousted at the second round of the $ 535,000 tennis open of Sydney, listed on ATP fixtures. Go

Iraq yesterday attacked aircraft flying as part of Operation Northern Watch, which enforces the northern Iraq "no-fly zone," firing anti-aircraft artillery at "sites near Bashiqah and Mosul," the US European Command said, adding, "Coalition aircraft responded to the Iraqi attack by dropping ordnance on elements of the Iraqi integrated air defense system." Go