Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 11/10/1997

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of November 10, 1997

• Sahhaf calls for in-depth discussion to deal with crisis
  Sahhaf said Iraqi claims that the US is trying to maintain sanctions against Iraq indefinitely in order to "topple the... political system of Iraq and replace it with an American puppet regime." Diplomatic negotiation is the "right way" to resolve the crisis, Sahhaf added. Iraq, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Heavy participation in Moroccan election
  The three Saharan provinces are participating in this election to nominate their representatives to the parliament while they are preparing for the referendum which will be held under the UN auspices in December 1998. Morocco, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Organization works to end kidnappings and murders by tribesmen
  The Yemeni Arbitration Organization which is a non-governmental organization founded on July 20 this year is preparing a charter of honor which will be signed by all Yemeni tribes to decrease the number of wars between them and to decrease the retaliatory accidents. Yemen, Politics, 11/15/1997
• EU president calls for Israeli withdrawal, security
  "We are in favor of an Israeli withdrawal as long as security guarantees are provided and there is complete control of the Lebanese territories by the army to prohibit any operation outside the borders in the south," Poos said. Lebanon, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Palestinian demonstrations support Saddam Hussein
  Hundreds of Palestinians demonstrated in the Gaza Strip, expressing their support for Iraq. They repeated slogans insulting Israel and the USA and called on the Iraqi President to pound Tel Aviv with missiles. Palestine-Iraq, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Gulf ministers of interior discuss terrorism and extremism
  The ministers will discuss the recommendations made during their previous meetings last week which dealt with facilitating the procedures for the movement of citizens and cargo among the six GCC countries and also facilitating customs procedures at the ports. Gulf Region, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Egypt ambassador returns to Qatar Qatar-Egypt, Politics, 11/15/1997
• King Hussein meets Clinton Jordan, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Albright - Netanyahu Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Moroccan elections tied Morocco, Politics, 11/15/1997
• The Army in the Bekaa
  Army soldiers deployed, this morning, in the Baalbek-Hermel area, at the cabinet's demand, in an attempt to shut down Sheikh Sobhi Toufeili's "Hunger revolution." Lebanon, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Hariri's Speech in Hanoi
  Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri demanded Lebanon's Francophone partners to help him liberate his territories from Israeli occupation, at the opening of the Francophone summit in Hanoi yesterday. Lebanon, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Hezbollah chief to run for third term
  Hizbullah leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah announced on Friday his decision to run for a third term for the position of secretary-general. Lebanon, Politics, 11/15/1997
• Sudan paper and new bid for thaw with Egypt Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 11/15/1997
• UN inspectors out of Iraq
  In light of the expulsion of American weapons inspectors who were driven from Iraq to Amman, Jordan, the UN pulled its weapons inspectors out of Iraq, flying the team to Bahrain. Iraq, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Netanyahu warns Iraq: Israel will strike
  In the long run, Hemi Shalev muses, the Americans might grow weary of trying to persuade Arab states that there is in fact a difference between Saddam Hussein and Binyamin Netanyahu. Israel, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Algeria denies involvement of government forces in massacres
  The Algerian authorities denied allegations in some of the European press reports that government security forces are involved in the horrendous massacres against civilians in Algeria. Algeria, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Meetings of Egyptian-Turkish committee in Ankara postponed
  The 7th round of the meetings between the joint Egyptian-Turkish Committee was postponed to an undetermined date. Egypt, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Levy puzzled by Qatari foreign minister's remarks
  Israeli Industry and Trade Minister Natan Sharansky has been chosen to be Israel's most senior representative at the Mena international economic conference, due to start Sunday in Doha, Qatar, while the foreign minister, David Levy, decided to stay away from the conference. Regional, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Final talks between Sharon and prince Hassan
  Israeli Infrastructure Minister Ariel Sharon yesterday ended talks with Jordan's crown prince on ways of pushing ahead common development projects to cement their peace accord. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Israel informs Jordan of ideas to reach final settlement with Palestinians
  Jordanian sources had stated before that Sharon had informed Jordan of new ideas for reaching a final settlement with the Palestinians and that he was carrying a map which he used in explaining his ideas. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Tunisian to host Arab interior ministers
  The projected meetings are expected to review means of fostering security in the Arab world. Regional, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Algeria criticizes France for consolidation day with Algeria
  The Algerian Government criticized what it considered an official assent with the demonstrations held in France within the Consolidation Day with Algeria. Algeria, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Algerian government bans demonstrations
  The General Syndicates Union rejected the call for a general strike and stressed the importance of maintaining order in the country. Algeria, Politics, 11/14/1997
• No West Bank withdrawal Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Beatrice talks in Cairo
  Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands will start immediate talks with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak when she arrives in Egypt on November 17 for a three-day visit. Egypt, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Arab parties appeal to boycott Doha conference
  Arab political parties urged yesterday that Arab governments and businessmen boycott the Middle East and North Africa economic conference. Regional, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Labor strike fails Lebanon, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Jones visits Hrawi, Berri Lebanon, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Hariri meets Ghali in Hanoi
  After the meeting, Ghali announced his desire to visit Lebanon in the coming months and said he supported Hariri's proposal to host the 2001 Francophone summit in Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Hrawi brings up increase in petrol prices
  Deputies who visited Baabda yesterday reported that president Elias Hrawi clearly mentioned his support for the increase in petrol prices. Lebanon, Politics, 11/14/1997
• Clinton said that the Iraqi reaction Iraq, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Ministers to address drug problem Regional, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Iran - Bahrain relations Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Israel - Syria hotline Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/13/1997
• GCC states preparatory meeting
  The ministerial council of the Gulf Cooperation Council states is due to hold its preparatory meetings on November 25-26. Gulf Region, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Bashir plans to enhance relations with Cairo
  President Omar Bashir of Sudan plans a thaw in his country's Arab ties, particularly with Egypt, said a Sudanese minister. Sudan, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Bahrain underlines good ties with Egypt Bahrain, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Iraq orders US inspectors out
  Updated: UN's Richard Buttler said that the UN inspection team is leaving Iraq tomorrow except for a small number that will stay in the headquarters to maintain the UN building. Iraq, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Queen of the Netherlands in Cairo next Monday
  A source in the Embassy of the Netherlands in Cairo stated that the itineraries of the visit include visiting tourist sites and the Institute of Water in Al Qanater Al Khayria. Egypt, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Arab League boycotts Doha conference
  The decision to boycott the conference was based on the decision taken by the Arab Foreign Ministers in their session held on September 20 which linked the participation with a substantial and tangible progress in the peace process. Regional, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Election of Algerian Ouma council in Mid-December; Presidential party loses 266 seats due to petitions
  Each of the 48 Algerian provinces nominates two members for the Ouma Council. The Constitution gives the President the right to appoint the remaining third of the members of the Ouma Council. Algeria, Politics, 11/13/1997
• The cabinet's decides: the army will act , and radio shut-down
  While asking his followers to avoid confrontation with the army, he described the country's politicians as "enemies of God and humanity, who must not set foot in our region." Lebanon, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Violent confrontations between nominees in Moroccan elections
  Sources in the opposition Independence Party stated that the Moroccan authorities arrested supporters of the Front Party in the city of Araish north of Morocco as they were distributing leaflets calling on the people to boycott the election. Morocco, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Political and security escalation; opposition questions Algerian premier
  presented to the Algerian Premier on the incident where members of the parliament were attacked during the recent elections and also to answer their claim that the election was tampered with. Algeria, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Representatives of secular parties in Islamic parties' headquarters in Algeria
  For the first time in Algeria, members of secular parties met with members of Islamic parties in the latter's party headquarters. Algeria, Politics, 11/13/1997
• US objects to Arab participation in Islamic summit in Tehran
  US Assistant Secretary of State Martin Indyk expressed his country's surprise regarding the Arab countries' decision to send high profile delegations to attend the Islamic Summit in Tehran and their decision to boycott or send low-profile delegations to the MENA conference in Qatar. Regional, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Morocco ready for elections - opposition excited
  For the first time in decades, opposition leaders in the Union Party are preparing themselves to move from their opposition seats to the government seats. Morocco, Politics, 11/13/1997
• Low-level Kuwaiti delegation to Mena conference Kuwait, Politics, 11/13/1997
• AL regrets renewed sanctions on Libya
  The Arab League yesterday expressed its "deep regret" over the United Nations Security Council's decision on Friday to renew sanctions on Libya Libya, Politics, 11/13/1997
• UN Security Council passes resolution on Iraq
  The United Nations Security Council passed a watered-down US-backed resolution calling for Iraq to back down from its threat to expel American members of UN weapons inspection teams. Iraq, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Organisation of the Islamic Conference calls for no military action against Iraq
  For the ninth time in ten days Iraq turned away UN weapons inspection teams that included American members. The Iraqis continued to bar the inspectors despite a Security Council vote to be held today. Iraq, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Government gives army free hand in eastern Bekaa
  The Lebanese cabinet on Wednesday gave the go-ahead for the army to take full control over eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, where a Shiite Muslim cleric has been leading a "hunger revolt" and challenging government authority. Lebanon, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Islamic party allowed to participate in Moroccan election
  For the first time in the history of Moroccan elections, the Islamic voice will be heard in the election due to be held on November 14, as the Constitutional Popular Movement has been allowed to participate in that election. Morocco, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Copts tell US to butt out of Egypt's internal affairs
  Many voices had been heard in the US Congress calling for the US intervention in Egypt to protect the Copts under the pretext that they are subjected to coercion because of their religious beliefs. Egypt, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Moroccans use computers in election campaigns for first time
  Nominees used statistics to know the areas where they enjoy a majority. They contacted the voters in these areas through the computer devices to learn the voters' views of their election programs. Morocco, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Yemeni president declares formation of higher election committee
  The opposition parties which were not represented in the committee criticized this step and considered it a political agreement between the People's Conference and the Reform which ignored the other parties. Yemen, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Canadian foreign to Beirut, Prime minister next?
  Axworthy stated that his discussions with Lebanese officials will focus on the economic situation and what Canada can do to support the Lebanese reconstruction process, especially in the field of telecommunications. Lebanon, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Netanyahu: Palestinian airport pact soon
  Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators were on the verge of completing long-waited agreements on opening a Palestinian airport and a joint industrial zone in the Gaza Strip. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Palestinians brief Arab countries on Washington negotiations
  The head of the Palestinian negotiators, Saeb Erikat, said that in order to achieve progress, tangible application of the agreements must be done. Palestine, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Sudanese ministerial reshuffle
  The most distinct feature of the reshuffle is merging the Ministry of Presidential Affairs with the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs into one ministry that will also include the Ministry of Relations of the Confederation. Sudan, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Sudan government says no confederation Sudan, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Algeria strike Algeria, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Syria Syria, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Lebanon welcomes Clinton's decision on drugs
  Lebanese authorities have welcomed a decision by the United States to remove Lebanon and Syria from a list of major-drug producing countries. Lebanon, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Lebanon and Syria off the list of drug producers Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Kuwaiti foreign minister in Cairo soon
  Kuwaiti foreign minister Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will visit Egypt this week for talks with Egyptian officials on the controversial Mena economic regional conference in Doha. Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 11/12/1997
• Sheikh Zayed: Our weakness is our main problem
  Sheikh Zayed stated that Arab leaders should agree if they want their nation to be dignified and honored and if they want to protect the future and stability of the Arab peoples. Regional, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Arab League accuses Netanyahu of undermining peace
  The Arab League called on all the international powers, the co-sponsors of the peace process, the USA, Russia, and the European Union to adopt decisive actions toward the Israeli policies. Regional, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Newspapers join protest against Blushat arrest
  Algerian newspapers issued a joint statement in which they protested the arrest of Omar Blushat, the Editor-in-Chief of the Watan Daily, and in which they also expressed their worry about the disappearance of the journalist Bin Meloud. Algeria, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Meguid calls for coordination in confronting Israel
  Abdel Meguid called on all Arab countries to confront the Israeli attempts in the international venues to achieve political and economic targets which harm Arab interests. Regional, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Sudan divided over relations with Egypt
  A group of the top brass and their civilian supporters see that improved relations with Cairo would lead the way to easing strains in Khartoum's ties with other Arab countries. Sudan, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Arafat sees no progress as he prepares for Albright
  Albright's talks are expected to focus on winning an Israeli "time out" in settlement construction and implementation of long-promised troop withdrawals in the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Palestinian-Lebanese discussions
  Kaddumi said that the boycott of the Mena conference to be held in Qatar isn't specifically against Qatar but because of the conference's connotations. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Qatari delegation embarks on tour of 12 African nations
  In a pre-departure statement to Qatar News Agency, al-Attiyah said his tour was aimed at shoring up relations between Qatar and the African states. Qatar, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Jordan parliament to meet at the beginning of next month Jordan, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Egypt to boycott Mena Egypt, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Kuwait Mena acceptance Kuwait, Politics, 11/11/1997
• GCC undersecretaries talk crime Gulf Region, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Peace talks in Europe Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Sudan peace talks Sudan, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Egyptian people's assembly to convene this Wednesday Egypt, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Baghdad hails Chirac remarks
  Iraq hailed yesterday what it said were positive remarks by French President Jacques Chirac in which he affirmed France's rejection of the use of force against Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Libya: I don't succumb to pressure
  Libya said yesterday the United States was behind "unjust" UN Security Council sanctions imposed on Tripoli. Libya, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Thursday's strike confirmed
  Thursday's laborer strike was confirmed, yesterday, despite the session that brought the General Labor Confederation together with the Industrialists Syndicate, yesterday. Lebanon, Politics, 11/11/1997
• Hariri at opening of conference on Reconstruction of War-Destroyed Cities
  Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri confirmed Lebanon's insistence on reconstruction and resistance until a total and fair peace is achieved. Lebanon, Politics, 11/11/1997
• U-2 flies in Iraq
  American U-2 spy planes resumed flights over Iraq earlier today, out of the range of Iraqi anti-aircraft guns. Iraq, Politics, 11/10/1997
• New diplomatic crisis between Qatar and Egypt
  Although Egypt recalled its ambassador Mohamed Mohamed Menisi for what it termed as mere "consultations," the move has been described as having given a new turn to diplomatic ties between the two countries. Regional, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Kuwait will attend Mena
  Dukheil said the government, while deciding to take part, stressed Kuwait's commitment to the necessary conditions for achieving a just and global peace in the Middle East. Kuwait, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Algeria forbids demonstrations, even by parliament !
  In response to the ban on demonstrations, the Coordination Office of the six parties protesting the recent election organized a meeting of the six parties yesterday in which they decided to organize a rally next Thursday. Algeria, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Libyan demonstration against UN sanctions cross to Tunisia
  A Libyan rally headed to Tunisia to support unity among the Arab peoples and to condemn toughening the sanctions against Libya for its refusal to hand over two Libyan citizens. Libya, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Yemen criticizes American security warning to US citizens
  A source in the Yemeni Foreign Ministry accused the USA of pressuring Yemen in order to participate in the Middle East and North Africa Conference, which is due to be held in Qatar this month. Yemen, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Heated confrontations expected among Moroccan parties
  Bu Zwe'a said that the programs of the parties which have formed the government during the past decades are responsible for the crisis faced by Morocco at the present time Morocco, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Canadian - Egyptian Meeting
  Two agreements were signed by the two sides after the meeting; the first has to do with consular affairs and cooperation in this regard, while the second has to do with legal affairs. Egypt, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Developments concerning the Bekaa issue
  After new demonstrations in the Hermel area yesterday, the Bekaa issue will be discussed during the cabinet's meeting tomorrow, according to governmental sources. Lebanon, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Syria, Iran focus on region and Islamic conference
  Kharrazi also discussed yesterday with Syrian Vice President Turkey military zone in northern Iraq and Ankara's military alliance with Israel. Syria-Iran, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Sudan protests US sanctions Sudan, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Jihad leader Regional, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Aziz, Hassan meet Iraq, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Algerian upper house elections set Algeria, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Sudan peace talks address confederation Sudan, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Bahrain amnesty Bahrain, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Kissinger: Palestinian state inevitable Palestine, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Israeli politicians group for Lebanon withdrawal Jordan, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Illegal aliens asked to leave Kuwait
  Kuwait, following the lead of other Arab Gulf states, has given illegal aliens until December 15 to leave the country. Kuwait, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Hashimoto in Riyadh
  Prime Minister Hashimoto arrived in Riyadh yesterday for talks aimed at establishing a new partnership with Saudi Arabia, the second largest supplier of crude oil to Japan. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Military observers from OAU to Comoros
  The Organization of African Unity (OAU) said yesterday that it would deploy military observers on the Comoros Islands despite objections form secessionists on Anjouan. Comoros, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Tunisia, Egypt to sign a joint foreign trade area
  A Tunisian diplomat yesterday said his country had given top priority to developing relations with Cairo "in view of Egypt's distinguished political weight." Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 11/10/1997
• Somalia's faction leaders in Cairo for talks North Africa Region, Politics, 11/10/1997
• De Charette claims the Resistance's right to face Israel Lebanon, Politics, 11/10/1997

Previous Week · 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