Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 10/13/1997
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of October 13, 1997
- UN delegation ends visit to Morocco
Refugee committee members who accompanied the UN delegation had long discussions with the Menoroso delegation in the area of Al Oyoon and visited some other areas in addition to the headquarters of the Polisario in Tendouf. Morocco-West Sahara, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Amnesty International criticizes human rights violations in Lebanon
A 38-page report by the London-based international human rights organization said the government was carrying out arbitrary political arrests, torture and ill-treatment of suspects in Lebanon and named three detainees who allegedly died under torture in 1994. Lebanon, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Egypt's views unchanged on MENA despite US statement
The official spokesman of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that what was said by a US official regarding Egypt's agreement to participate in the Middle East-North Africa Conference which is due to be held in Qatar next month is baseless and untrue. Egypt, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Lebanese government hits back at Amnesty report of abuses
"The report's content is the imagination of some Lebanese who are in contact with this organization, giving it false information that is adopted without checking its accuracy," Interior Minister Michel Murr told reporters. Lebanon, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Sudanese students appeal to international community
A statement issued by the students called for the freedom of prisoners and detainees. The statement also called for the abandonment of terror and violence against students, inside and outside campuses, and the election of student unions. Sudan, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Lockerbie victims' families Libya, Politics, 10/18/1997
- Yemeni-Egyptian cooperation to track down Egyptian terrorists in Yemen
The Egyptian Ambassador in Yemen said that a high ranking delegation from the Yemeni Interior Ministry will visit Egypt at the end of this month to discuss the implementation of security agreements signed by the two countries. Yemen-Egypt, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Baghdad between the hammer of Turkey and the hatchet of Iran
A spokesman of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said the continuation of the air embargo on Iraq is a threat to the sovereignty of Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Human rights groups call for action on Algeria
Four leading human rights organizationa called on the world to stop turning a blind eye to the crisis in Algeria where more than 60,000 people have died in almost six years of violence. Algeria, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Libya requests a number of US citizens to appear before a Libyan court
The Libyan request also said that men named are charged with the crimes of premeditated manslaughter and endangering the Libyan public safety in both Beni Ghazi and Tripoli. Libya, Politics, 10/18/1997 - Shafi says Palestinian Council is undemocratic as he resigns
Former chief Palestinian negotiator Dr. Haidar Abdul Shafi said he wanted the Palestinians who voted in the elections for the current PLC to know "how impotent those members are and how the PLC cannot be blamed for what is taking place, neither socially nor politically." Palestine, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Hizbullah offers to reconcile Arab governments with their Islamic foes
"We are ready to welcome in Hezbollah any person, regardless of their religious, sectarian or political affiliations," Nasrallah said., adding that Iran does not dictate policy to Hezbollah. "There is close cooperation but we do not take instructions from anybody. We are totally independent." Lebanon, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Egyptian security forces crack down on terrorists
The Egyptian Interior Ministry continued its efforts in tracking the perpetrators of the two terrorist attacks which occurred in Al Minia governerate, south of Egypt which resulted in the death of 11 police officers. Egypt, Politics, 10/17/1997 - PA, Hamas to discuss reopening social organizations
Relations between the PNA and Hamas had deteriorated when signs started to come out indicating that Hamas was involved in the two suicide bombings, contrary to Hamas commitment not to carry out any suicide attacks out of the PNA areas. Palestine, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Mahdi refuses to meet Bashir
An official source at the Ummah Party denied the presence of any meetings with the envoys of the ruling National Islamic Front and downplayed the news about meetings between Al Sadiq Al Mahdi the UP leader and senior officials from NIF during the meetings of the ministerial council of Arab League. Sudan, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Sudan to declare formation of constitutional and political institution
The government will announce next Thursday the formation of political and constitutional institutions in the Sudanese South according to the Agreement of Khartoum Sudan, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Mubarak participates in Summit of the 15 Countries in Malaysia
The summit will concentrate on the economic and trade cooperation between the member countries and also on boosting development. Egypt, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Lebanon's cabinet: Just call me mister
Cabinet abolishes grandiose titles for top officials.The ministers also decided to hold an exceptional meeting next Tuesday to study new proposals by Interior Minister Michel Murr concerning municipal and mayoral elections. Lebanon, Politics, 10/17/1997 - Saudi Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/17/1997
- Iraq - UN Iraq, Politics, 10/17/1997
- Mandela in Libya Libya, Politics, 10/17/1997
- Bahrain gets UNSC seat Bahrain, Politics, 10/17/1997
- Hizbullah gets radio up and revelations of advanced weapons
However, the guerrillas are rumored to have acquired the more-advanced Spigot anti-tank missiles which are capable of knocking out Merkavas Hizbullah has consistently refused to confirm whether the fighters have obtained the missiles. Lebanon, Politics, 10/16/1997 - Anti-hostage bill is approved
MP Najah Wakim, who was the first to speak, demanded a no-confidence vote against the cabinet. Speaker Nabih Berri intervened between the deputies' speeches to explain that no troika was formed during Baabda's meeting Lebanon, Politics, 10/16/1997 - Kuwaiti-Russian ties deep-rooted
He said that among our priorities is to call on Iraq to release all POWs still being detained in Iraqi jails, since it's a humanitarian issue, in addition to returning all stolen Kuwaiti properties and documents during the occupation. Kuwait, Politics, 10/16/1997 - Medical supplies to Iraq
30 tons of medical supplies bought with proceeds from Iraq's oil-for-food deal with the United Nations were airlifted to Iraq on Sunday. Iraq, Politics, 10/16/1997 - Somali mediation to be heightened
Egypt's new envoy in Addis Ababa, Marwan Badr, met the Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Ministry Undersecretary on the current efforts to achieve national reconciliation among Somali warlords. Egypt, Politics, 10/16/1997 - Jordanian assurances to Syria
During the meeting of the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Committee in Amman, the Jordanian side assured the Syrian side that Jordan is committed to the implementation of the Union Dam on the Yarmouk river signed in 1987 in cooperation with Syria. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Last meeting yields agreement and specific results
Berri and Hariri held a press conference announcing the reconciliation and stating the six points that were agreed upon during the meeting. These six points, put in writing, include: Lebanon, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Gulf summit in Kuwait to draw up future plans for Gulf
Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of establishing the Gulf Common Market in which all barriers and obstacles are removed in order to apply the Unified Economic Agreement. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/15/1997 - The other side of conflict: a tale of three girls
"Everything was clean and neat. I could not believe my ears when I was told they were Arab," the woman said. Surprised at her failure to hide that part of racism deep in her sub-conscience, the woman later apologized saying she did not mean to be racist but that was the kind of stereotype impression she had of Arabs. Israel, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Hanan Ashrawi on latest developments
In a speech before the Arab American Forum, Hanan Ashrawi shared some of her views on the latest developments that have engulfed the Palestinians as they try to move forward in their development stage. Palestine, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Israeli nuclear reactor endangers neighboring countries, Arab League reports
The report stated that the Arab countries face four additional dangers: the constant increase of the size of the deserts, destruction of sea resources, pollution of river and sea waters, and illegal fishing, in addition to the problem of the sewage system. Regional, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Egypt warns against offering assistance to terrorists
13 organizations in the Middle East managed to get substantial financial assistance and deposit it in US banks to be allocated for undermining the stability of the Arab countries. The report also said that the US managed to freeze the accounts of these organizations. Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Algeria: We do not need mediation
"When you speak of mediation you speak of civil war. In Algeria, there is no civil war at all," ambassador Mohamed Salah Dembri said. Algeria, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Human rights group condemns Israeli detention of Lebanese
An international human rights watchdog organization has denounced Israel for holding 21 Lebanese in what it described as "illegal detention." Regional-Israel, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Israel's man in south Lebanon urges Israeli troops to stay
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he would withdraw from the south, only of the Lebanese army promised to secure the border and incorporate Lahd's men into its ranks. Lebanon, Politics, 10/15/1997 - A message to Amr Moussa in preperation for Moroccan-Egyptian joint
The message focused on preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Moroccan-Egyptian joint committee which will be headed by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Morocco's King Hassan. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Russian foreign minister to visit Lebanon on tour of region
The Russian ambassador to Lebanon said, "We are in complete cooperation with the French with regard to European and Middle Eastern affairs." Lebanon, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Iraqis arrested for illegally entering Kuwait
They said they were ready to take any job because there was no work in Iraq, and life had become so unbearable there. Kuwait, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Prisoners to be released Jordan, Politics, 10/15/1997
- Hariri to visit Iran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Hizbullah's secretary general Hassan Nasrallah to enlarge the Resistance's basis by allowing Christians and Druze to join it, and by "rearing intellectuals and ideologists as well as fighters." Lebanon, Politics, 10/15/1997 - Planned mutiny the only way to topple authorities says Toufeili
Toufeili described the Lebanese leaders as "carnivorous vampires and criminals who rob the people's money," and asked citizens not to pay taxes or water and electricity bills. Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Israeli warplanes blast Hizbullah radio station in eastern Lebanon
Israeli fighter-bombers on Tuesday blasted a Hezbollah radio station in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa valley, few hours after guerrillas wounded two Israeli soldiers in south Lebanon, Lebanese security sources said. Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Meguid Flies to Britain and Italy to discuss the crisis of Lockerbie
Diplomatic efforts exerted by the Arab League aim to lift the embargo imposed on the Libyan people and to provide a just trial to the Libyans suspected of being involved in exploding the US plane over Lockerbie in 1988. Libya, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Iraq sends critical memo regarding Turkish allegations
The memo added that 50% of the water needed by the Arab world comes from outside areas and if each country claims its sole possession of the water, all countries will face great problems in the future. Fertile Crescent Region, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Shiite cleric blames foreign and local powers for Lebanon's woes
Fadlallah warned of a situation in the region that might "turn the future upside down for Lebanon." Fadlallah argued that foreign forces influenced different Lebanese sects which resulted in the Lebanese feeling more loyalty to the sect than to their country. Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Mishal-Gate inquiry panel as Israel tries better relations with Jordan
Critics had charged the inquiry panel appointed by Netanyahu will be a white-wash. Opposition leaders complained it would lack the "teeth" of an independent inquiry headed by a judge. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Saddam Hussein executes 15, opposition claims
Opposition forces in Al Basra killed Colonel Adnan Abdel Latif, the former chief of the naval forces and member of the Iraqi parliament, as he was responsible for killing many innocent citizens while held his position. Iraq, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Famine warning from Bekaa MP
Ibrahim Bayan also criticized Solidere's decision to sell shares to non Lebanese. He said this would open the way for Israelis and Americans to buy shares. Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997 - 17 female candidates as election application time expires
The total number of candidates is 571, 17 of whom are female. The candidates will compete for 80 seats in 21 polling sections in the different areas of Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Assad reviews Middle East developments with Swedish FM, stresses peace option
"There are several elements that require a bigger role for Europe to play in the peace process," President Assad said. Syria, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Levy to head Israeli economic delegation to MENA Qatar-Israel, Politics, 10/14/1997
- Ex-Norwegian prime minister in Cairo today Egypt, Politics, 10/14/1997
- Third Baabda meeting adjourns without apparent progress
The minister of the interior Michel Murr had predicted, in the previous morning to the session, that if the leaders didn't have any comments, that it would mean the conflict isn't settled. Lebanon, Politics, 10/14/1997 - Kuwaiti-Iranian crisis over Kuwati congressman's remarks against the USA
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador on the request of the Kuwaiti deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabahh and asked him to submit an explanation for attending a meeting held by the Kuwaiti member of parliament Hassan Gohar. Kuwait, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Khartoum might seek Arab League intervention in differences with Egypt
The Sudanese government called on Egypt to hold talks in order to solve the differences which erupted between the nations after Egypt accused Sudan of being involved in an attempt to assassinate President Mubarak in Addis Abba more than two years ago. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Jordan denies halting security coordination with Israel
The Jordanian Minister of State for Information Affairs denied Jordan's intention to halt security coordination with Israel despite the Mossad's attempt to assassinate the chief of Hamas' political bureau. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Lebanon's leaders meet in effort to end conflict
The five-hour meeting, which started with mutual blaming, didn't resolve the problem but opened the way for further talks. Lebanon, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Abou Rizk calls for public protests
He said that the GLC had warned that the country would reach this state if the government continued squandering money and incurring more public debt. Lebanon, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Unification of the tariff structures in GCC ports meeting
The conferees will discuss the unified marine system endorsed by the ministers of transport and communications during their latest meeting. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/13/1997 - short take Libya, Politics, 10/13/1997
- Moussa: Palestinian-Israeli meeting makes no progress
Moussa added that the main peace obstacles were not discussed during the meeting, the top Egyptian diplomat urged "a real and serious" progress. Egypt, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Syrian-Jordanian committee meets
The committee discussed means of promoting work progress procedures at the Wihad dam, and cooperation to protect the surface and underground water sources at the Yarmouk river basin. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Assad confers with EU official on Middle East peace, stresses Syria's adherence to process
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Farouk al Shara'a and the head of the European Union mission in Damascus, Alan Waddams, as well. Syria, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Nelson Mandela in Cairo Next Month
President Mandela is also expected to meet with John Garang, the Sudanese opposition leader who will be visiting Cairo during the same period. Egypt, Politics, 10/13/1997 - Group to reopen files of prisoners of war in Israel
The head of the EHRO said that the organization issued a general report titled "Crime and Punishment," which contained documented information about the mass killing operations that targeted Egyptian civilians and prisoners of war during the 1956 and 1967 Wars. Egypt, Politics, 10/13/1997