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Short Takes:
It was decided to convene the annual meeting of the Arab work ministers in Cairo on March 6 - 13 on the margins of the 26th Arab work conference, in which representatives of business owners' organizations and the Arab Labor Organization in addition to representatives of the Arab League, the public unions for Arab trade, industrial, and agricultural chambers, the international union for the Arab laborers' syndicates, corporations for the joint Arab work, and specialized regional and international organizations are going to participate. Go

The US embassy in Damascus has announced that it will resume its activities on Sunday. US officials stressed that Washington and Damascus have this week reached an agreement ending the consequences of the incident of breaking into the US embassy in Damascus by Syrian demonstrators. According to the agreement, Damascus presented an apology and pledged to pay US $500,000 as compensation for the damages inflicted on the embassy's headquarters and the residence of the ambassador. Go

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has announced Iran's readiness to sign security agreements with the countries of the Gulf region. He asserted that security will be established in the region only when foreign troops leave the area and cooperation is maintained between the countries of this region. Go

Tunisian President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali will pay an official visit to Morocco next march, Moroccan minister in charge of relations with the Parliament told reporters Thursday in Rabat. Go

The Egyptian Ministry of Culture agreed to regulating a world music celebration to mark the beginning of the third millenium since the birth of Christ on December 31, in front of Dahshour's pyramids. An Egyptian tourism company will organize this celebration, which is expected to include 4,000 tourists. The secretary general of the high council for antiquities, Gab Allah Ali Gab Allah said the company will set up an enclosed theater in this region and an area for utilities and services. Go

Egyptian - Danish negotiations are to begin on Tuesday, including the activities of the Danish investment and works day in Egypt, with the participation of a Danish delegation that includes representatives from 30 companies, the Danish industrial union, the Danish industrial fund for investment, and trade chambers in Denmark. Go

Security officials in Turkey asserted on Thursday that the Turkish troops backed by an air-force made an incursion to more than 15 km in Northern Iraq to attack the armored Kurds. The officials said that confrontations erupted near a camp for the Kurdistani Workers Party between Turkish troops whose numbers are estimated at 4,000 and armed Kurds. Turkish military sources said the operation aims at striking a blow against the armed Kurds, who are angered by the capture of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Go

Morocco decided on Thursday to set up an agency that will see to social development. The agency -- which will be made up of delegates from the administration, the private sector and civil society -- will promote literacy, basic education and improve basic infrastructures in rural areas with a special emphasis on drinking water supply. Go

The Egyptian government intends to float a bid to establish seven car parking decks (garages) in Cairo, which will work on the B.O.T. (build-operate-transfer) system. A source in Egyptian government told ArabicNews.com that the work has actually begun in establishing the multi-floor garage at El-Darasa, and it will be completed within 30 months, while the governorate will obtain $90 million dollars as usufruct Go

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) agreed on Thursday to lend Morocco $30 million destined to fund several drinking water projects in northeastern Morocco. Go

The Egyptian international department for markets and fairs has received the approval of 35 countries to participate in the Cairo International Market, which will be held from March 9 to 19, the head of the department told ArabicNews.com adding that the department expects more than 50 countries to participate in the market, which presents this year new facilities for presenters such as customs exemptions on payments and deals that will be held on the margin of this session. Go

Lebanon's Central Bank and Ministry of Transportation are discussing whether to privatize Middle East Airlines, Future News reported. Go

Emirates Bank International is putting some of its projects on hold before it merges with the National Bank of Dubai, Bahrain Tribune reported. Go

Tourists entering Ras Al Khaimah, UAE from cruise ships will not be required to apply for visas or pay to enter, Khaleej Times reported. Go

The establishment of a society to help disabled people in the Gulf Cooperation Council states will be addressed when GCC officials meet on March 18, Gulf Daily News reported. Go

The United Arab Emirates has reduced its copyright piracy rate to around that of European states and should be taken off the US priority watchlist, the International Intellectual Property Alliance said, Gulf News reported. Go

The Iranian capital, Tehran, is going to witnesses during the period from June 21 - 26 a week for Egyptian products and industry, in which 300 companies from different production sectors in Egypt will take part. Go

The number of films from around the world participating in the ninth session of the Cairo children's cinema festival, to be held from March 1 - 9, amounted to 70 films from 30 countries. Go

The international Ahli Bank in London received offers from two British companies to buy the Egyptian Ahli Company for Insurance. A statement released by Ahli Bank of Cairo confirmed that El-Ahli Bank will be the mediator in the buying process, immediately after the Ministry of Public Works begin the process of privatizing the insurance company. Go

Egyptian security forces started Thursday intensive security measures on Turkish interests in Cairo, to head off any possible violent actions by the Kurds who reside in Egypt or extremist Islamic groups, in protest against the arrest of Kurdistani Workers Party leader Abdullah Ocalan, who was captured in Nairobi. Go

Lebanon is ready to sign with Morocco accords for the encouragement and protection of investments. During its weekly meeting, the Lebanese ministers' council approved a law authorizing the government to conclude accords in this regard with Morocco to boost trade exchanges and economic cooperation between the two countries. Go