Today's Headlines
- Bashar al-Assad: I have nominated qualified persons for the new government, Baath congress this year
On the eve of forming a new government in Syria, Col. Bashar al-Assad said that his country "more than any time before needs a change." He remarked that the general conference of the Baath Party will be held this year, "but the date has not fixed yet," stressing, "My ambition is to serve my country and not to be a president." Syria, Politics, 3/7/2000
- El-Bashir arrives in Algeria
Sudanese President Omar Hassan El-Bashir arrived today in Algeria on a three-day official visit, during which he is meeting with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Algeria-Sudan, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Algerian president receives message from Tunisian peer
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika received Monday Tunisian Foreign Minister Habib Benyahia, who handed him a message from Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Algeria-Tunisia, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Bahraini emir starts visit to Oman
Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa arrived in Oman and held talks with Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman. Oman-Bahrain, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Mediterranean Development Forum in Cairo
The Third Mediterranean forum for development opened doors in Cairo Monday under the topic "voices of change, partners for prosperity." Regional, Economics, 3/7/2000
- Meetings of Sudanese Democratic National Alliance start
Meetings of the general leader organization of the Sudanese opposition, the Democratic National Alliance, started in Asmara today amid a pessimistic atmosphere. Sudan, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Omani ambassador meets with Egyptian FM
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received today Abd El-Aziz Bin Abdullah El-Hanaee, the ambassador of Oman, who delivered a copy of his accreditation papers. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Tunisian president gets a message from Blair
Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on Monday received a message from British Prime Minister Tony Blair on bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern. Tunisia-UK, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Iranian to participate in meetings of Arab foreign ministers in Beirut
The Arab states agreed on Iran's participation in meetings of the Arab League council on level of the Arab foreign ministers that will be held in Beirut on Saturday. Regional-Iran, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Rabat hosts Sahara Sahel Observatory general assembly
The works of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) extraordinary general assembly opened in Rabat Monday under the chairmanship of Moroccan Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Sea-Fisheries Habib El Malki. Regional-Morocco-Africa, Environment, 3/7/2000
- International center for human rights training to be set up in Morocco
Morocco is poised to set up an international center for human rights training that will provide adequate training to those in charge of law enforcement and to NGO members. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Syria's PNF reviews current developments
Chaired by Vice President Muhammad Zuheir Masharqa, the Syrian Progressive National Front (PNF) central leadership held a meeting on Monday evening. Syria, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Morocco's odds to host World Cup are strong, Algeria says
"Morocco has strong odds to win the bid to host the World Cup, and Algeria backs this historic initiative by the Moroccans," Algerian Youth and Sports Minister Abdelmalek Sellal told the press before leaving Morocco. Morocco-Algeria, Sports, 3/7/2000
- Opening the first forum for the Egyptian - Australian businessmen
Egyptian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Yousef Boutros Ghali is opening today the first forum for businessmen in Egypt and Australia that was recently established for developing trade between the two countries during the coming period. Egypt-Australia, Business, 3/7/2000
- Morocco briefs UN meeting on women promotion actions
Moroccan Secretary of State for Social Protection, Family and Children Mohamed-Said Saadi told a UN meeting on women's conditions that the inception of his department in March 98 was meant to promote and coordinate actions and policies for women. Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Mubarak to open African - European summit in April
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will open on April 3 in Cairo the African - European summit in the attendance of 67 heads of countries and governments in Africa and the European Union in the largest assembly for a regional summit conference to be held on this level. Regional-Africa, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Supreme Egyptian - UAE committee to meet in April
The joint supreme Egyptian - United Arab Emirates committee will be convened during April, said Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid following his meeting yesterday with UAE Minister of Planning Ahmed El-Maali. Egypt-United Arab Emirates, Economics, 3/7/2000
- Arab League secretary general on visit to UK
The deadlocked peace process in the Middle East, the situations in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran will be among the main issues of discussions during the Arab League Secretary General, Esmat Abdul Meguid's visit to the UK, official sources said. Regional-UK, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Fish, tomatoes are totally independent issues, Posada says
There will be no swapping of fish for tomatoes, there are only "very important" global relations between Spain and the European Union on one hand and Morocco on the other, said Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Jesus Posada. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Jordanian message of backing to Lebanese president
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut received a message from Jordanian King Abdullah II, which stressed Jordan's backing for Lebanon and its right to resist the Israeli aggression in order to liberate its lands. Lebanon-Jordan, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Oman - Qatari parliamentary relations reviewed
The chairman of Oman's state council, Sheikh Hamoud Bin Abdullah al-Harithi, received a message on Monday in Muscat from the speaker of the Indian parliament connected to an invitation extended to him to visit India. Qatar-Oman, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Vedrine confirms France's firm attitude to al-Hoss
Lebanese Premier Salim al-Hoss on Monday received a telephone call from French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine in which the latter stressed France's unwavering stand concerning Lebanon. Lebanon-France, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Saudi crown prince gets telephone call from emir of Bahrain
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz received a telephone call on Monday in Riyadh from Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa. Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Italy for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday at Baabda palace received the speaker of the Italian Parliament, Costiano Fabolensi. The two sides discussed bilateral relations andthe latest developments in the Middle East. Lebanon-Italy, Politics, 3/7/2000
- International conference for investment in Bahrain
The incternational Euromoney corporation is organizing in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bahrain its annual conference in Bahrain on April 2 - 4. Regional-Bahrain, Economics, 3/7/2000
- Starting moving Hepes Temple in the Egyptian oasis
The executive steps started for moving Hepes Temple in Kharga city in the Egyptian area of Wadi El-Gedeed. Egypt, Culture, 3/7/2000
- Lebanese gets Iranian message of backing
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut received a message from Iranian President Muhammad Khatami, conveyed by the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Muhammad al-Sader. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Ivoirian envoy in Morocco
Minister of external relations of Cote d'Ivoire, M'boua Christophe, arrived in Rabat Monday with a message from President Robert Guei to King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Turkey to invest its waters among the Middle East states
In a report published on Monday, AFP said that Turkey, which enjoys a vast water wealth, seeks to attain large revenues through exporting this valuable wealth. Regional-Turkey, Economics, 3/7/2000
- A new Middle East peace tour for Ross
The Israeli daily Jerusalem Post said on Monday that the US Middle East peace process coordinator Dennis Ross will arrive today in Tel Aviv in a new attempt to break the stalemate in the negotiations between the Palestinian government and Israel. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Syria and Israel's decision to withdraw from south Lebanon
The Monte Carlo Radio correspondent in Damascus on Monday quoted well-informed Syrian sources as saying that the decision of the Israeli government to withdraw from south Lebanon represents a means of pressure on Damascus towards changing its negotiation position. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Israel refuses appeals by SLA officers for political asylum
Israeli Radio said on Monday that the supreme court of justice had refused an appeal submitted by three members of the South Lebanon Army (SLA) militia, in which they asked for political asylum in Israel or to be given Israeli citizenship. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Report: Attempts to convene the meetings of the Damascus Declaration
The Kuwaiti daily al-Anbaa on Monday quoted Egyptian political sources in Cairo as asserting that the Egyptian Foreign Ministry had refused a proposal made by Syria and certain countries among the Damascus Declaration signatory states on the possibility of convening the next session of the declaration's member states on the sidelines of the meetings of the Arab League Council, due to start its work on Saturday. Regional, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Morocco's foreign trade increases by 5.4% in 1999
Morocco's foreign trade increased by 5.4% in 1999, going up from $16.7 billion (167.2 billion DH) in 1998 to $17.62 billion (176.6 billion DH) in 1999, says the exchange office. Morocco, Economics, 3/7/2000
- SLA militias and Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon
One of the officials in the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Army militia, Col. Nabih Abu Rafe, on Monday expressed the satisfaction of the militia over the decision taken by Israel to withdraw from south Lebanon before next July. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2000
- German foreign minister visits Iran
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer arrived in Tehran and met his Iranian counterpart, Kamal Kharazi, with whom he discussed making the final touches for the visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to Germany next month. Iran-Germany, Politics, 3/7/2000
- Israel continues aggressions against south Lebanon
On Monday morning the Israeli artillery bombarded the outskirts of Hadatha and Eita al-Jabal towns in occupied south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Military, 3/7/2000
Short Takes
- Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday in Sharm El-Sheikh received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. The two sides discussed developments on the Palestinian track in light of Israeli's non-commitment to implementing agreements signed with the Palestinians. Go
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa asserted that Egypt was able during the recent years to develop its relations with the major economic blocs, saying that the Egyptian - US partnership, relations with the European Union and the Asian countries assembly, Egypt's membership in the COMESA assembly and establishing a large free Arab trade zone come in the framework of this policy. Go
- Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi left Casablanca Monday afternoon heading for Colombia, the first leg of a Latin American tour to take him to Chile and Argentina. Go
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa returned to Cairo yesterday evening from Libya after a short visit to Syrte city that took 24 hours, during which he met with Colonel Moammar Gaddafi, leader of the Libyan revolution, for more than three hours. Go
- Egyptian Minister of Public Enterprise Mokhtar Khatab said in his address in the privatization symposium in Egypt that the government is exerting great efforts to encourage investments through many facilities to investors, adding that the privatization program in Egypt this year includes the privatization of 91 companies. He added that the program forms a chance for foreign investors to invest in Egypt in many sectors, including fabrics, the engineering industry, mining, chemical and food industries, as well as construction. Go
- Libya has voiced backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. The backing was voiced by Saadi Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and head of the Libyan football federation. Go
- Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni agreed on choosing 800 ancient pieces to be displayed inside the halls of the new Alexandria Library, the first stage of which will be opened at the end of this year. Adel Mokhtar, chairman of the museum sector in the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, told ArabicNews.com that Alexandria Library comprises a museum built on 1,000 square meters, and the museum will include ancient pieces from the Pharonic, Roman, Greek, Coptic and Islamic ages, as this museum expresses the prosperity of Egypt's civilization through history. Go
- An Iranian economic delegation started a visit to Cairo under the chairmanship of Mohmoud Toub, head of the Iranian national industries, to discuss establishing joint investment projects between Egypt and Iran to benefit from the current improvement in Egyptian - Iranian relations on the political level. Go
- King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has underlined the importance of mobilizing Arab efforts and unity of words. He urged the international community to shoulder its responsibility according to UN resolutions concerned, noting that drastic developments in the Middle East peace process resulting from the Israeli practices in refusing to abide by all efforts exerted to reset the peace process into its right path. Go
- The speaker of the Italian Senate, M. Nicola Mancino, left here Monday after a three-day official visit to the kingdom. Mancino conferred with the speakers of the two houses of the parliament and minister of industry, trade and handicraft on ways to bolster cooperation ties between the two countries as well as Morocco-EU relations. Go
- Several Moroccan envoys are still touring a number of African countries to deliver messages from King Mohammed VI to these countries' leaders. On Monday, a royal envoy was in Windhoek where he handed a royal message to President Sam Nujoma of Namibia on bilateral cooperation and ways to enhance inter-African cooperation. Go
- The separate discussions between the conflicted powers in Afghanistan are to be concluded tomorrow in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia under the auspices of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Go
- Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmad Bin Abdullah al-Mahmoud on Monday in Doha met with British Minister of State for Defense Procurement Baroness Symons and members of her accompanying delegation, currently visiting Doha. The Gulf News Agency said the two sides discussed bilateral relations and several issues of mutual concern. Go
- Tunisia on Monday received a 13 million euro grant from the European Union to finance a program to support the private sector. The program aims at enhancing the capacities of privately-owned Tunisian enterprises and generating new jobs within the framework of the free exchange area that was established between Tunisia and the European Union. Go
- The executive committee of the Arab sports and school sports union will hold three meetings in Marrakesh this March 10-13. Go
- The Moroccan Royal Navy seized in the Mediterranean four Europe-bound boats loaded with more than 1 ton of cannabis extract, locally known as chira. Two Spanish drug dealers were arrested and brought to court. Go
- A bomb dating back to World War II was discovered Sunday near the city of Kenitra (50 km north of Rabat). Go
- Morocco's Younes Al-Aynaoui qualified Monday to the $350,000 open of Bogota, Colombia. The Moroccan booked qualification ticket after a two straight set win over French Jean-Lisnard, 6-4, 6-2. Go
- Moroccan racer, Brahim Lahlafi, won over the weekend the French cross-country championships. Lahlafi crossed the 12,000 meters in 35:44, ahead of Moroccan-born French champ Abdellah Behar and Hassan Lahsani, another Moroccan athlete. Go
- Morocco's boxing team is currently warming up in Algeria for an African preliminary tournament for the 2000 Olympic games of Sydney, Australia. Go
- Morocco will celebrate the Aid Al-Adha (immolation feast) on March 17, the Moroccan endowments and Islamic affairs ministry announced. The Islamic Lunar month of Zou Al-Hijja will start on March 8 in Morocco and the Immolation feast, which falls on the 10th day of Zou Al-Hijja, will be March 17. Go
- Water stored in dams reached by end of last January 47.8% of the total capacity while the rate stood at 58.3% in the same period of last year, according to the equipment ministry. Go
- Qatari Minister of Information Sheikh Hamad Ben Tamer Al-Thani, arrived in Rabat Monday evening with a message from ruler of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al-Thani, to King Mohammed VI. Go
- Israel's deputy foreign minister Nawaf Masalha said that even if "talks are stumbled" with Syria, the Israeli Army will withdraw to the international borders with Lebanon, unilaterally in a date not to exceed next July. Go
- Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid on Monday in Cairo received the minister of trade and industry in South Africa, Alec Erwin. The two sides discussed trade exchange relations between the two countries and means of boosting economic cooperation among the African continent's states. Go
More Headlines · Previous Edition · Politics · Business and Economics · Local · Algeria · Bahrain · Comoros · Djibouti · Egypt · Iraq · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Oman · Palestine · Qatar · Syria · Saudi Arabia · Somalia · Sudan · Tunisia · United Arab Emirates · Yemen
