Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 9/29/1997
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of September 29, 1997
- Israel plays Hamas against Palestinians as Ross arrives
Palestinian official sources said they believe a new political role is being designed for Hamas to play in the region in an attempt to counter-balance the influence of the PNA Palestine, Politics, 10/5/1997 - Full speed ahead for the Nimitz battleship on way Gulf, troubled Iraq
The Nimitz move, which followed a warning from the United States that it would shoot down Iranian planes that invaded the "no-fly zone" in Iraq, was accompanied by a rise of nearly a dollar a barrel in crude oil prices. Iraq, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Hizbullah calls for expulsion of US ambassador
A statement by the Shiite Muslim militant group published Friday said Jones position "was in line with the American's biased policy towards the Zionist entity which intrinsically tends to terrorism, aggression, assault and the usurpation of the territories of others." Lebanon, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Israeli army leader to visit Turkey
After a cancelation of Israel -Turkey - US military exercises, Amono Shahak, the Israeli forces' leader, is expected to visit Turkey this month in a further sign of deepening military cooperation between the two countries an army official said yesterday. Regional, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Hizbullah trains with Hamas militants in Lebanon
In an interview with an weekly magazine, Hizbullah deputy secretary-general Sheik Naem Kassem said the two groups had coordinated in the past. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Indian prime minister signs agreements with his Egyptian counterpart
The Indian Ambassador to Egypt Kanwal Sebal said that the two sides are studying other agreements in shipping, culture, and partnership in the trade and economic fields. Egypt, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Qatari Foreign Minister meets Annan
They discussed issues tabled on the agenda of the 52nd session of the UN General Assembly, including the Middle East peace process, the Middle East and North African Economic Conference (Mena) to be held in Doha next month, UN reforms and situations in some African countries. Qatar, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Mubarak to mark 24th October war anniversary tomorrow
Mubarak's speech will be carried live on Egyptian TV's channel 1 with simultaneous interpretation on channel 2. Egypt, Politics, 10/4/1997 - Lebanese ambassadors meet in Paris
Minister of Foreign Affairs Fares Boueiz stated that Lebanon wouldn't allow any Palestinians to settle in its territory. Lebanon, Politics, 10/4/1997 - SPECIAL REPORT part 3: The downfall of Netanyahu: Mossad's assasination fiasco in Jordan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will on Sunday have to answer many questions on how and why he authorized the Mossad operation in Jordan, which turned out to be a major fiasco, not only with regard to the tense relations between the kingdom and Israel but also to the diplomatic ties between the Jewish state and Canada. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Iranian-Arab crisis due to Iran's attacks against Iraq
Bahrain declared on 3 June 1996 that it stopped a terrorist plot financed by Iran to topple the government in Bahrain, accordingly it decided to reduce the diplomatic representation with Iran to the Charge de Affairs. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Libya confirms its search for Al Kekhya
Libyan sources mentioned that Al Kekhya's wife met with Libyan security officials who informed her that the US report is incorrect and that it is misleading as the USA will not be as interested in this matter as Libya, Al Kekhya is a Libyan not a US citizen. Libya, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Egypt ready to reopen Kekhya file
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa denied yesterday his country's alleged involvement in the disappearance of Libyan dissident Mansour Kikhia, who disappeared in Cairo in 1993. Libya, Politics, 10/3/1997 - US denies that it objected to participation by Kuwaiti MP in meetings with congressmen
Krukar declined to confirm press reports about the US doubts that the member has connections with terrorist groups which was the cause for the US objection, asserting that there is no reference to terrorism and that the reason has to do with the political atmosphere in the USA. Kuwait, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Bahrain to take legal action against citizens residing abroad
The charges that were addressed to eight Bahrainis residing abroad included collaboration with a foreign state to conduct hostile actions against the Gulf state and topple the Bahraini leadership with force. Bahrain, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Iraq reduces food quota for October
Iraq said yesterday it would reduce certain food rations to its sanction-hit people for October. Iraq, Politics, 10/3/1997 - Qatar downgrades status of Mena summit and sends invitations
The name change is an apparent response to the various uneasy reactions of several Arab states over Israel being represented at Mena while peace negotiations remain deadlocked and Tel Aviv is failing to fulfil its obligations under the Oslo accords. Qatar, Politics, 10/2/1997 - Positive developments in the Algerian crisis
One of the Gulf countries played a major role in getting the views of the Algerian government and the ISF closer to stopping violence and adopting the method of negotiations Algeria, Politics, 10/2/1997 - PNA will continue manhunt of Hamas
Palestinian sources said Thursday that the PNA will continue its manhunt of Hamas activists involved in military activities regardless of Israel's release of the spiritual leader of the movement.The sources expressed anger at the way Israel handled the release of Sheikh Yassin Palestine, Politics, 10/2/1997 - Palestinian security chief expects resumption of conflict
Israel's recognition of the existence of the Palestinian people came as a result of the struggle and the strife of this people in its repeated insurrections against the Israeli occupation. Palestine, Politics, 10/2/1997 - Berri versus Hariri
It has been noticed that, since the last cabinet meeting and the refusal of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's economic plan, the connection between Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Hariri has been interrupted. Lebanon, Politics, 10/2/1997 - Arafat-Mubarak meeting in Alexandria
Arafat, ending a tour which included north African countries, said that the Israeli government was challenging the whole world community by refusing to implement agreements signed with the Palestinians. Palestine, Politics, 10/2/1997 - Kofi Annan could open Beirut Escwa building
Boueiz repeated his opposition to any further cuts in the Unrwa budget, saying that he feared this financial issue could switch to a political issue with the host countries forced to integrate Palestinian refugees. Lebanon, Politics, 10/2/1997 - SPECIAL REPORT part 1: The release of Sheikh Yassin
The release of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin by Israel followed an angry telephone call that King Hussein of Jordan made Tuesday evening to Israeli Prime Minsiter Benyamin Netanyahu. Israel not wanting two Mossad agents on trial in Jordan, agrees. Regional, Politics, 10/1/1997 - SPECIAL REPORT part 2: The release of Hamas's spiritual leader, Sheikh Yassin
Many Israeli officials warned that should anything happen to Sheikh Yassin in prison, Israel would be the main party to pay the price. But Israel has repeatedly rejected his release. Regional, Politics, 10/1/1997 - We want a just trial - Libya Urges UN assembly
Libya called for the UN General Assembly yesterday to intervene in the Lockerbie dilemma, that has forced sanction against Tripoli, saying it couldn't receive justice from the Security Council. Libya, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Libya requests US and Britain to extradite two men
Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi requested that the USA and Britain extradite two men officially indicted with murdering two Libyan nationals. Gaddafi also requested to get those who assassinated Emad "Dodi" Al Fayad who was "murdered" with Princes Diana Libya, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Algeria mediates between Syria and the Palestinian Authority
Algerian President Zeroual informed president Arafat of the results of the contacts he made with the President Assad during visit to Syria, which concentrated on the possibility that Arafat could visit Syria to contact the Palestinian factions Regional-Palestine, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Hamas questions suicide bombers' identities
According to a Hamas statement, the four people named by Israel as suicide bombers were not involved in the July 30 and September 4 attacks in Jerusalem. Palestine, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Turkish withdrawal from north Iraq demanded
French foreign ministry spokesman Jaques Rummelhaardt expressed France's anxiety about the foreign military intervention in Iraq, pointing out that this act has dangerous consequences on the stability in northern Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Quiet between Polisario and Morocco regarding election
The leader of the Polisario Front, Mohammed Abdel Aziz, confirmed that the front pledges to respect the results of the Sahara referendum even if it results in getting the Sahara to join Morocco but he linked this acceptance to three conditions. Morocco-West Sahara, Politics, 10/1/1997 - GCC-ASEAN and Primakov annual meetings
The meeting between the Association of South Eastern Asian Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council dealt with political and economic relations between the two groups of nations with an eye toward bolstering them. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Syrian president reviews latest developments with Yemeni parliament speaker
About Turkey's new aggression in Iraqi territories Al Ahmer said, "Had the Arabs been consolidated, Turkey would not have entered north Iraq, and Israel would not have gone to extremes in building further settlements and displacing indigenous Palestinians." Syria-Yemen, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Different views in Algeria, Mary Robinson says
The U.N High Commissioner for human rights, Mary Robinson, said yesterday that the international society had to speak out about savage acts in Algeria even if the government objected. Algeria, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Boueiz: Israeli talks should be restarted from where they left off
Lebanese Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz said that Syria and Lebanon will not agree on the resumption of peace talks except from the point they stopped at last year. Lebanon, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Jordan-Kuwait ties improving
"These relations are constantly improving and there are contacts and exchanges of visits by the two countries' officials," Majali said during a news conference. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Saudi aids former Yemen president
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided a plane to transport former Yemeni president Ali Nasser Mohammed to London, in order to continue the medical treatment he was receiving at the American University Hospital in Beirut. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Islamic conference on Jerusalem in Cairo today
Cairo hosts today the annual Islamic conference for calling relief for the economic aid arm of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Egypt, Politics, 10/1/1997 - Talks to resume next week. Obstacles remain
Next week, the talks will concentrate on the Israeli army redeployment in the West Bank. At a later stage, on October 13, the two sides will hold a meeting in Washington to discuss a process for the final-status talks. Palestine, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Hamas condemns Palestinian Authority operations
Hamas condemned the Palestinian Authority's operation in Gaza and Naples in the West Bank in which members of Hamas were arrested and 16 institutions that are offshoots of Hamas were closed. Palestine, Politics, 9/30/1997 - GCC justice ministers to work on unified criminal code
One of the most important points on the agenda of this meeting is a draft to unified criminal law, and enhancing cooperation among GCC countries in legal and judicial domains. Gulf Region, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Resolving the crisis of Al Ansar in Sudan
Ahmed Al Mahdi held meetings with a number of the elderly and young men of Al Ansar and declared that they agreed on disregarding all differences and to work on activating the Al Ansar Affairs Association and the Committee of Al Imam Abdul Rahman Al Mahdi Mosque. Sudan, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Jordanian prince makes sudden visit to US
King Hussein of Jordan sent his brother, Crown Prince Hassan, to Washington yesterday on a surpise mission to deliver an undisclosed message to US President Bill Clinton, a palace source said. Jordan, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Netanyahu: We are ready to listen Syrian demands
Netanyahu, who marked the Jewish new year which begins on Wednesday evening, is on record as opposing an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights, Syria's main demand in peace talks. Syria-Israel, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Arabs condemn Turkish aggression against Iraq
Many demanded that Turkey withdraw immediately and unconditionally from Iraqi lands .The statement came as part of widespread Arab condemnation of the Turkish actions. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Syrian foreign minister discusses ME peace process with Albright
The role of the U.S. as one of the peace process sponsors, the resumption of talks from the point at which they had stopped, and the confirmation of the commitments reached during peace talks were discussed. Syria, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Syrian vice president reviews developments with Yemen MPs
The Yemeni Parliament Speaker reiterated pride in Syria's stand, adding that the government and people of Yemen back such a stand. Syria, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Nation's Party official: Sudanese people want freedom, democracy and multiparty system
The latest Khartoum Peace Agreement means halting fire, ending the military operations, and starting the implementation of steps to establish peace. Sudan, Politics, 9/30/1997 - Azam Azam case not over -Israelis talk of military options
The Israeli officials used strong words in criticizing the sentence and the Egyptian judiciary system together with the future of the Egyptian-Israeli relations. While Some Israeli newspapers suggested the "use of the military option to liberate the hostages in Egypt." Egypt, Politics, 9/29/1997 - New settlement plans near Jerusalem on eve of peace talks in US
Israel plans to take over areas of Arab land in the village of Abu Dis, on the southeastern plains of Jerusalem, and use them for agricultural purposes. Few are aware that this plan is scheduled for consideration in the next few days. Palestine, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Jordan admitts threat to Hamas leader while calls to sever ties with Israel increase
Jordan admitted that Mishal was subject to an attempt on his life. King Hussein of Jordan asked a US specialist to come to Amman and supervise the medical care that is being accorded to Mishal Jordan, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Saddam: peace with Iran and others with sword at hand
Analysts said that the Iraqi government is ready to turn a new page in relations with its neighbor Iran based on goodwill and cooperation, so long as Tehran takes concrete initiatives to meet its commitments. Iraq, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Unity and Reform Movement to participate in Moroccan election
The Head of the Islamic-oriented Moroccan Unity and Reform Movement, Dr. Ahmed Al Raysony, disclosed the movement's determination to participate in legislative elections due to be held in the coming weeks. Morocco, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Hariri projects while hospital owners refuse to treat patients
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri announced that new development projects, including the $100 million allocated for the impoverished in Hermel (Bekaa) and Akkar, have been postponed for an undetermined length of time. Lebanon, Politics, 9/29/1997 - No peace progress without active US role, Mubarak, Weizman
Referring to a meeting to be hosted today by US Secretary of State Madeline Albright in New York between Israeli and Palestinian officials to try resume their peace talks, Egypt-Israel, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Germany supports Qatar in MENA
Germany's support for Qatar was expressed during a conference held by the German Economic Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa in cooperation with Federation of German chambers of commerce and industry. Qatar, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Netanyahu sees no possibility of a Syrian surprise-attack
Israeli President Ezer Weizman said in press conference held with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Alexandria, that the agreement with Syria is the only way to solve the Lebanese issue. Regional, Politics, 9/29/1997 - 1210 factories exempted from customs duties in Gulf
A factory is exempted from the customs duty if 40% of the material used in producing the commodities and products are produced locally, and a Certificate of Origin is attached to the product or commodity. Gulf Region, Politics, 9/29/1997 - United Arab Emirates will not host any conference in which Israel participates
An official source at the Foreign Ministry of the United Arab Emirates denied his country's alleged willingness to host the next conference of the international law experts committee, which will be joined by representatives from Israel. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Israeli settlement policy defies peace principles
The Arab Parliamentary Union called on Turkey to withdraw its forces immediately from Iraq's lands and to respect Iraq's sovereignty, independence and unity. Regional, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Syrian speaker confers with Yemeni counterpart
Sheikh al Ahmar praised Syria's firm stance. Qadora affirmed the depth of the relation between Syria and Yemen, lauding the strong parliamentary relations. Syria-Yemen, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Sudan welcomes US diplomats back
Sudanese officials were quoted as saying a US decision to return American diplomats to Khartoum was the first step towards better relations between the two countries Sudan, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Eritria's Afwerki postpones visit to Egypt
Because of a recent operation, Eritrian President Assias Afwerki has delayed his visit to Egypt which was scheduled to start last Saturday. Egypt, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Berri in Damascus meets with Assad
Berri insisted on his refusal of any increases. The meeting also confirmed the fact that no changes in the cabinet will take place Lebanon, Politics, 9/29/1997 - Held for 5 years without trial
Ahmad Qatamesh has become the oldest adminstrative detainee held in Israel, after "achieving" a five-year record of being held in jail without trial. Palestine, Politics, 9/29/1997