Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 10/27/1997
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of October 27, 1997
- Iraq is ready to face US
"We are not looking for a confrontation with the United States, but if this country wants to undertake an action, Iraq is ready," said the chairman of the Iraqi Parliament's Legal Committee. Iraq, Politics, 11/1/1997 - Syria will not yield to blackmail
Syrian Chief of Staff Colonel Hekmat Al Shahaby stated that Syria is able to vanquish any aggression or attack carried out by Israel or its allies against Syria. Syria, Politics, 11/1/1997 - More pressure on Egyptian government against MENA
The Egyptian opposition increased its pressure on the Egyptian government to declare its boycott of the Middle East-North Africa economic conference, which is due to be held in Qatar during this month. Egypt, Politics, 11/1/1997 - Algeria refuses international intervention but needs help
Algerian Minister of Trade Bakhty Al Ayd stated that Algeria refuses any international intervention in the Algerian crisis. He said that the Algerian people will not accept such intervention for any reason Algeria, Politics, 11/1/1997 - Saudis raid shops and homes in sweeps on illegals
Saudi authorities have been raiding businesses and housing blocks in a crackdown on illegal foreign workers after a grace period for their departure expired Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/1/1997 - French president to visit UAE next month
Chirac visited Qatar and Saudi Arabia last June. Chirac's visit to the UAE is looked upon as very important by political circles in the UAE due to the strong ties between Paris and Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 11/1/1997 - The press conference of Moussa and Primakov
Russia is concerned and worried about the future of the peace process and that the discussions between the two countries are essential and will continue to decide the future steps needed to activate the peace process. Egypt, Politics, 11/1/1997 - King Hussein: Netanyahu betrayed trust Jordan, Politics, 11/1/1997
- Hamas threatens major attack Palestine, Politics, 11/1/1997
- Antonovich visits Lebanese leaders
Antonovitsh assured his country's support for the 425 decree. He invited the prime minister for an official visit to Bellarussia. Lebanon, Politics, 11/1/1997 - Algerian-European dialgoue
Algerian sources said that the Algerian Parliament responded positively to the idea of holding direct dialogue with the European Parliament to study the possibility of finding means of cooperation to help ending the bloody situation in Algeria. Algeria, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Political relaxation after the cabinet's decisions
Prime Minister Rafik Hariri said, during the opening of the new Arab Cultural Forum, "Lebanon is facing grave challenges--I'm not saying dangers--as a result of the Israeli operations in the South." Lebanon, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Meguid postpones visit to UK and warns of tension with Arabs
A high official at the Arab League stated that its Secretary-General Dr. Esmat Abel Meguid decided to postpone his visit to the UK because of the British stance towards the Lockerbie crisis Regional, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Somalian unity is our purpose
Hussein Fareh Adieed, the Somalian National Alliance's leader, told reporters after a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Amr Moussa that the interim Somalian government received support from Egypt along with other Arab and African states. North Africa Region, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Sudanese official visits Cairo
Sudan's leader Omar Bashir said in a parliamentary speech earlier this month that his country was looking for improve battered relations with neighboring states "and especially Egypt." Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 10/31/1997 - PLO urges all Arabs to boycott Mena
"We see it is necessary to boycott this conference and to work in order to foil it," a PLO statement said. The statement was signed by the eight main PLO factions, including Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's Fatah group. Palestine, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Arafat defends his health Palestine, Politics, 10/31/1997
- Anjouan plans government Comoros, Politics, 10/31/1997
- British foreign minister to visit Cairo in mid November
The British government informed Cairo that the proposal of the former Conservative government to form a Middle East Organization for Security and Cooperation similar to the European Organization for Security and Cooperation is not feasible at the present time. Egypt, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Sudan peace talks Sudan, Politics, 10/31/1997
- Monitors arrive for Jordan elections Jordan, Politics, 10/31/1997
- Golan negotiations reported Syria-Israel, Politics, 10/31/1997
- Peace talks Monday Regional, Politics, 10/31/1997
- Egypt to discuss Hanoi meeting
Amr Moussa the foreign affairs minister yesterday received former UN Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Ghali, who was chosen to be president Mubarak's personal envoy to seventh Francophone summit to be held in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. Egypt, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Finnish defense minister in Lebanon
President Elias Hrawi received Finnish Defense Minister Anneli Taina yesterday in Baabda, in the presence of her Lebanese colleague Muhsen Dallul. Lebanon, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Antonovitch in Lebanon
After the meeting, Boueiz stated that Belarus is adopting a new policy that coincides with the political schemes of the Arab countries. Lebanon, Politics, 10/31/1997 - Saddam expels US inspectors
Iraq's UN ambassador in New York said that this decision by the Iraqi government came out of desperation over the international sanctions against Iraq and the tragic situation of the Iraqi people who have been suffering for 7 years now under the sanctions. Iraq, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Protests in the streets against the results of election
The demonstrators accused the government of forging the results, repeated rumors and anti government slogans and requested the Algerian premier and the speaker of the parliament to resign. Algeria, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Gaddafi attacks the UN, Mandela advises not to criticize anybody
Gaddafi rejected the idea that Cairo handed him the former Libyan Foreign Minister Mansour Al Khekhya who had disappeared from Cairo in 1993. The Libyan President accused the CIA of kidnapping the Libyan official in order to create a problem between Egypt and Libya. Libya, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Mahfouz Nehnah wants independent committee to check election results
This has caused great anger within the government circles as it was considered to be a direct call for the world to intervene in the internal affairs of Algerian. Algeria, Politics, 10/30/1997 - PNA denies secret talks with Israel
He said Israel has been lately trying to create the impression that talks are taking place with the PNA “in order to rid itself of some of the diplomatic pressure Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Opposition parties laud Mubarak's rejection to extend water to Israel
A government official stressed the need to pass laws to protect Sinai from Israeli infiltration and to prohibit foreigners from possessing lands in that area to protect the national security of Egypt. Egypt, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Gulf countries culture ministers stress common values
Ministers strongly criticized what they called unjustified hostile media campaigns against GCC countries by international organizations and considered such actions as interference in the internal affairs of each country in the region. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/30/1997 - For the first time, Algeria accuses Europe of supporting terrorism
Algerian Foreign Minister Bakhty Al Ayed accused European countries of assisting and financing what he called the terrorist groups. He added that these countries aim to undermine Algeria by offering these groups the money and arms they need. Algeria, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Jordan press supports Egypt's anti-veto call
A Jordanian newspaper yesterday supported Cairo's demand for the discontinuation of UN Security Council veto power, a power long enjoyed by the council's five permanent members. Jordan, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Doha conference is connected with peace progress, Arab League says
Arab League secretary-general Dr. Esmat Abdl Maguid, yesterday said he was ready to attend a controversial economic conference in Doha, Qatar, if substantial progress was achieved in the Middle East peace process. Regional, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Kuwait and Croatian deal Kuwait, Politics, 10/30/1997
- New draft of the local election law amended
The new draft of the local election law was amended during the cabinet's ordinary meeting, yesterday, in the governmental palace. Lebanon, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Leaders meet
The three leaders examined Russian Foreign Minister Primakov's warning of a major Israeli operation in Lebanon, the new draft of the municipal election law and the results of Hariri's trip to Iran. Lebanon, Politics, 10/30/1997 - Morocco won't attend Doha conference
Morocco's decision to boycott the conference is a clear response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's anti-peace policy in the Middle East. Morocco, Politics, 10/29/1997 - PNA disappointed at US reluctance to pressure Israel
Israeli sources said that US President Bill Clinton is now ready to meet with Netanyahu and that this summit is expected to take place in two weeks in California. Palestine, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Kidnapped Egyptians are expected in Egypt today
The Turkish government informed Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa that the act of the captain of the Turkish oil tankers is an individual act and it confirmed that all the Egyptians on board the ship are in good health. Egypt, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Qatar's immigration authorities issue new restrictions
Qatar's immigration authorities have issued new instructions barring any nationals from ten countries, mostly Arab states, from entering the country whether on a visit, employment or business-basis. Qatar, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Iraqis discuss UN travel ban threat
While the resolution, drafted by the United States and Britain, was adopted by 10 votes to zero, five counties abstained, including permanent Security Council members China, French and Russia. Iraq, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Abdel Meguid Will Receive the Russian Foreign Minister
Abdel Meguid will brief the Russian official on the complete file of the Israeli violations of the Oslo Agreement and the other international resolutions. Regional, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Al Fateh Revolution will end poverty in Libya
Libya implemented the biggest water project in the world, The Great River, which will irrigate millions of hectares to turn them into arable lands producing food and creating job opportunities for Libyan citizens. Libya, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Mandela awards Gaddafi Libya, Politics, 10/29/1997
- Iraq wants US out Iraq, Politics, 10/29/1997
- Algeria election protests Algeria, Politics, 10/29/1997
- Sudan peace talks Sudan, Politics, 10/29/1997
- Kuwait for reactivating Damascus Declaration
Kuwait's crown prince and prime minister has stated that Kuwait will work for reactivation of the Damascus Declaration, stressing commitment to the charter of the Arab League and Arab work in the service of common Arab causes. Kuwait, Politics, 10/29/1997 - King Hassan II to visit Cairo
Moroccan sources confirmed that the Moroccan Monarch King Hassan II will visit Cairo next December to join Egypt's President Mubarak in heading the meetings of the joint committee of the two countries. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Yemeni leader in Cairo
Yemen's President Ali Abdoulla Saleh arrived in Cairo last night on two-day visit for talks with President Hosni Mubarak. Discussions between the two leaders address expansion of bilateral ties and the stalemated peace-making in the Middle East. Yemen-Egypt, Politics, 10/29/1997 - 55 killed and wounded in a massacre in Algeria
10 children including a baby were among the victims, who were members of four families. Algeria, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Korean official in Cairo soon
The South Korean assistant foreign affairs minister will be in Cairo early next week for talks with senior Egyptian officials on expanding bilateral cooperation. Egypt, Politics, 10/29/1997 - I don't like Arabs!
“I’m Jewish. I don't like Arabs.” That is the sentence that was said by a replacement Knesset waiter to Knesset member Ahmed Sa’ad of the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality. Israel, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Mubarak holds Netanyahu responsible for stalemate
Mubarak said that the peace process has stumbled and frozen since Netanyahu came to power, due to his completely different concept ,which deepens hatred. Egypt, Politics, 10/29/1997 - Hariri returns home after successful visit to Iran
Three bilateral agreements were signed between the two countries Monday covering trade, commercial maritime and land transport. Lebanon, Politics, 10/29/1997 - A.L. stand on Doha conference to be announced
Arab League Secretary General Ismat Abdul Maguid said the AL stand towards the Doha economic conference will be defined within the coming two weeks. Regional, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Algerian government says election results are just
Reactions towards the results of the Algerian election varied as some accused the Algerian government of forging them, while others cited this election as a haven through which Algeria will get out of its crisis. Algeria, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Lebanon, Syria cooperation highlighted by General Lahoud
Lebanese Army commander Lt. Gen. Emil Lahoud said that Israel is still trying to single out Lebanon through dismantling the Lebanese-Syrian track, but these attempts were deemed to failure. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Algeria desires good relations with Morocco
Contacts were resumed between the two countries as the Moroccan ambassador to Algeria met with Algerian officials in many fields which indicates that the two counties' relations will revive again. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Yemeni president meets with Egyptian foreign minister in Cairo
The discussion dealt with bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East in addition to some of the issues of mutual interest to the two countries and to the Arab world. Egypt-Yemen, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Families of imprisioned Palestinians pressuring Israel
The PNA had tried to negotiate their release, but Israel said it won't discuss the matter until after the PNA drops its hunt for collaborators who worked closely with the Israeli occupation authorities prior to 1994. Palestine, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Italian president to visit Beirut Nov. 5
Oscar Luigi Scalfaro will be the second western president to visit Lebanon since the end of the civil war. The only other head of state is French president Jacques Chirac, who in 1996 twice visited Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Boueiz stresses unconditional Israeli withdrawal
Lebanese Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz stressed that the United Nations organization shoulders the responsibility of reimproving its credibility and regaining its freedom and independence. Lebanon, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Islamic national conference opens in Beirut
One of the aspects of political resistance is the stand rejecting participation in the Doha economic conference and calling for renewing the boycott and setting up the Arab common market. Regional, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Libyan envoy decorated with Syrian order
At a celebration held at the Foreign Ministry and in the presence of senior ministry officials and heads of Arab and foreign missions in Damascus, Deputy Foreign Minister Adnan Omran decorated Mr. Jalloud with the Order of Merit. Syria-Libya, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Saudi Arabia for Middle East peace process resumption
Saudi Arabia expressed the hope that efforts calling for resuming the Middle East peace process are continued in a way that regains the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/28/1997 - New Egypt-Germany industrial agreement
The agreement signed within the framework of the Mubarak-Kohl training program, gives the private sector in Egypt the chance to understand the needs of the international administration methods and adhere to international standards. Egypt, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Demonstration in Khartoum
Eye-witnesses said that a woman was killed during the demonstration. This demonstration is a one of a series of demonstrations that started in Khartoum during last week as a protest against the conscription of students. Sudan, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Palestinian advisor warns of open conflict ahead for region
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, special advisor to PNA President Yasser Arafat, warned that the whole region is heading towards an open confrontation if no progress is achieved in the peace making efforts. Palestine, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Hariri's third day in Teheran
Hariri is expected to meet today with the leader of the Islamic revolution Ali Khamenii, the former president Hashimi Rafsanjani and the minister of foreign affairs Kamal Kharazi. Lebanon, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Educational protocol between Kuwait and Morocco
The two sides also discussed means of boosting educational relations between the two nations and touched on an expected visit by the Moroccan minister of education to Kuwait next month. Kuwait-Morocco, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Murr speaks about the municipal and mayoral elections
Murr said that one third of the municipal assembly members will be appointed, and appointments will be total in the occupied areas of the South. Murr said that the election law will be studied and voted on during tomorrow's cabinet meeting. Lebanon, Politics, 10/28/1997 - Algerian opposition doubtful about election results
Terrorism affected the election process in Algeria as voters were trembling while they were entering the balloting rooms in spite of the security presence in all the regions of election. Algeria, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Israeli internal problems delay Washington talks
Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy had announced he would not be ready to go to Washington unless a clear authorization is given to him with regard to how far should he go in his talks with Palestinian officials. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Qatar and UAE agree to statement condemning European Parliament's stance
It was agreed to issue a statement to condemn the European Parliament's statement as it included outrageous intervention in the internal affairs of the GCC countries and in a court sentence based on the religious rules. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Qatar expects more Arab countries to participate in Mena
Speaking today, a spokesman from Qatari Foreign Ministry focused on the economic importance of the conference, noting that such an international meeting in which major companies are to participate should attract all Arab countries to take benefits from it for their own economic progress and growth. Regional, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Sahara self-rule referendum set for December 1998
A mission of the Menoroso visited the Polisario centers in Tenedouf in order to study the possibility of opening new offices to register the people of Saharan origin. West Sahara, Politics, 10/27/1997 - SPLA aborts a goverment attempt to move in Touriet
The Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) said that it defeated National Islamic Front (NIF) troops in the vicinity of Touriet, to the east of Equatoria, and captured many of weapons and ammunition. Sudan, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Toufeili's disobedience ends peacefully in the Bekaa
Breakaway Sheikh Sobhi Toufeili's call for disobedience was peacefully controlled by the army's security forces, in Hermel (Bekaa) yesterday. Citizens from 75 villages blocked the streets at 6:00 a.m. with rocks, cars, agricultural bulldozers and burning tires. Lebanon, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Prisoner's mother angry at pervasive Israeli discrimination
"Why would Jewish terrorists be allowed out of their prison and granted permission even to get married behind bars while Palestinian prisoners are totally denied this previlege," she exclaimed Palestine, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Assad reviews peace process with Russia's Primakov
Russia, being a peace process cosponsor is interested in this process and in getting it achieve its goal which embodies the real interests of all parties and in the international community. Syria, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Kuwait, Zimbabwe initial agreement Kuwait, Politics, 10/27/1997
- Israel still far from peace
"Netanyahu with these practices and ideas doesn't want peace, and Israel's occupation policy in south Lebanon is failure which places Israel in a quagmire," Boueiz said. Lebanon, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Tunisia PUP chief supports Syria's stance
Belhaj Omar said that Syria's battle for a just and comprehensive peace is not less important than the military battles which Syria has launched to regain the nation's dignity. Syria-Tunisia, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Conference on Gulf security agenda
The discussions dealt with topics such as military trends in the Gulf, conflict and cooperation in the region, fiscal challenges and changing markets, political trends and opposition and the necessity of reassessing the changing security in the Gulf. Gulf Region, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Israeli minister in Jordan next Wednesday
The Israeli official will hold talks on dividing water between Jordan and Israel. The two countries had agreed last Monday to set up a joint economic authority for the development of the Valley of Jordan. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Kidnapping negotiations in Yemen Yemen, Politics, 10/27/1997
- Iraqi parliament recommends freeze in contacts Iraq, Politics, 10/27/1997
- 10,000 Indonesians deported from Saudi Arabia
Some 7,000 people are now in the Indonesian consulate in Jeddah, some 2,900 people are in temporary shelters, and around 100 people are in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Israel releases 22 Palestinian prisoners
Israel took strict security measures over the past few days in anticipation of Palestinian commando attacks marking the second anniversary of Islamic Jihad leader Fat'hi Sheqaqi's assassination. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Mahdi commends relation with Egypt
El Mahdi said that the Sudanese regime has no right to argue about foreign intervention in the Sudan because it opened the door for foreign intervention to forward its interests and relied on subsidies from Iran, Iraq and Afghan Arabs. Sudan, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Purchasing votes in Sudan
Delegations from the National, Islamic Front set out for El Gaziera, Kassala, Port Sudan, Darfur and new Halfa to persuade the lawyers to vote for the NIF list in the second round of voting for the bar union. Sudan, Politics, 10/27/1997 - Arab-European forum starts Regional, Politics, 10/27/1997
- Italian president to visit Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 10/27/1997
- Hariri's second day in Teheran
Iranian officials proposed the return of direct Iranian flights to Beirut International Airport while Hariri raised the issue of selling discounted petroleum to Lebanon, an issue on which Khatami seems to agree. Lebanon, Politics, 10/27/1997