Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 12/22/1997
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of December 22, 1997
- Moroccan parties call for democracy
The secretary general of the Moroccan Socialist and Advancement Party said that Morocco needs a democratic exchange of power, in reference to the possibility of the formation of a coalition government by the opposition parties. Morocco, Politics, 12/26/1997 - King Hussein seeks Saudi oil
The message will tackle the relations between the two countries and the changes that the region is witnessing, especially in regard to Iraq and the peace process in the Middle East. Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Protesting, the Palestinian Legislative Council suspends sessions
The PLC formed a committee to investigate reports of financial violations and illicit relationships with women on the part of some ministers. Palestine, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Peres: Rabin committed himself to full withdrawal from the Golan
Former Israeli Premier Shimon Peres stated that former Israeli prime minister Yitzak Rabin showed readiness to fully withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Louis Farrakhan: Clinton is surrounded with agents of Israel
Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the US based Nation of Islam, condemned American foreign policy in the Middle East and said that President Clinton is surrounded by counselors "who work as agents for Israel." Libya, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Jordanian Parliamentarian happy to visit Israel
Raafat added to the newspaper that his visit to Israel is not a sin, rather, "It was for the sake of the God," adding in his next visit to Israel he will call on the Israelis to convert to Islam. Jordan, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Kurdish leader Barazani calls for mediation
Kurdistan Radio, run by the Kurdistan Democratic Party, quoted KDP leader Massud Barazani as saying that it has been a long time since Western countries have done any great work to forward the peace process between his faction and the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of Jalal Talabani. Iraq, Politics, 12/26/1997 - New Moroccan parliament opens today
The king's speech is expected to include entrusting the Prime Ministry to a politician who will be authorized to form the expected new government during January. Morocco, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Damascus refuses to renegotiate without conditions
Damascus refused Israeli Foreign Minister David Levi's suggestion of renegotiating without preconditions. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/26/1997 - US group sends aid to Iraq Iraq, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Qian - Iraq Iraq, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Iran - Palestine, Sudan relations Iran, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Hamas rally Palestine, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Arafat peace plan Palestine, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Algeria election results Algeria, Politics, 12/26/1997
- OAU team to Comoros Comoros, Politics, 12/26/1997
- Israeli troops escalate aggressions
Lebanese security sources said that heavy Israeli artillery shelled several villages and towns in the Western sector and al-Tuffah district. Lebanon, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Moussa: Iran's involvement in Luxor incident groundless
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on Thursday refuted claims raised by Israel on Iran's involvement in the terrorist attack that occurred in Luxor last November. Egypt, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Labor Party official warns of great danger
A member of the Israeli opposition Labor party stated that he is afraid the situation might explode at any moment if Israel and the Palestinian Authority refused to continue the last phase of negotiations. Israel, Politics, 12/26/1997 - Election of Algerian Umma council starts today
each step taken by Algeria on the road of democracy will remove one of the shields for terrorism and will remove all political covers which the terrorists had worn during the past years Algeria, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Moroccan socialist union will participate in government
Answering the statements of the Independence Party calling for holding a new election, a member of the political executive office of the SUP questioned how it could be ensured that the new election would not be worse. Morocco, Politics, 12/25/1997 - King Hassan II will inaugurate Moroccan parliament tomorrow
Political circles expect the speech will tackle the course that will be taken by the country in the future especially in regards to the responsibilities of the Premier who will be entrusted Morocco, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Israeli leaders hope Jordan or Palestine will disappear
Hiam Ramon, who is one of the strongest candidates to head the Labor party, said that it is inevitable that Jordan will turn into a Palestinian state in about ten years. Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Iran is Ready to Negotiate with the United Arab Emirates
The Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated the Iranian position regarding the three isles saying they are Iranian, however it stressed the fact that negotiation is the only way to settle all differences. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Socialist Union rejects joint nomination
Hours before the inauguration of the first session of the Moroccan Parliament and before the Moroccan Monarch delivers his speech, Mohamed Al Dewery, stated that for internal reasons, he could not accept the idea of joint nominations Morocco, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Omani reshuffle
Oman yesterday reshuffled its cabinet, appointing a new oil minister and creating a separate Justice Ministry, official sources said. Oman, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Damascus Declaration states to meet
Sabah El-Ahmed El-Jabir, the Kuwaiti deputy prime minister and foreign minister, stated that the Damascus Declaration is still in effect and that the declaration countries will meet next month in Cairo. Gulf-Kuwait, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Lively debate in Tunisian Parliament tackles many issues
Member of parliament Omar Al Shakmany called for an end to the discrimination in dealing with the different parties according to their political persuasions Tunisia, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Arab League efforts appreciated by Comoros
The speaker of the Comoran parliament thanked the AL for appointing a special envoy to his country to follow up conditions there in the hopes of preserving its unity and sovereignty. Comoros, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Hariri on Wednesday denied news of Khaddam's visit Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 12/25/1997
- Israel bombards south Lebanon houses, violates April Understanding
Lebanese civilian killed by Israel. In retaliation, the Lebanese national resistance attacked an Israeli patrol in the surroundings of Haula positions and scored direct hits Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Kharazi: Iran seeks to restore diplomatic relations with Egypt
Iran's foreign minister, Kamal Kharazi has stressed that his country seeks to restore diplomatic relations with Egypt in the service of mutual interests. Egypt-Iran, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Iraq delivered a list of 66 Jordanians jailed in Iraq
Iraq's embassy in Amman answering a Jordanian government request delivered a list containing the names of 66 Jordanians jailed in Iraq, Foreign Minister Fayez al-Taraunah told reporters. Jordan, Politics, 12/25/1997 - Egyptian - Qatari problems
Egyptian-Qatari relations have started to worsen again after a seeming improvement was made through a Saudi-brokered reconciliation last month. Egypt-Qatar, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Joint Gulf-Iranian efforts to promote bilateral relations
Iran on Tuesday welcomed the call advocated by leaders of the GCC states during their recent summit in Kuwait for building trust with Tehran, adding that such a process is the only guarantee to ensure stability in the region. Iran-Gulf, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Somali groups reconciled in Cairo
Warring Somali groups on Monday signed a reconciliation agreement at Arab League headquarters in Cairo, including rebuilding the country's institutions which were destroyed by clan fighting. North Africa, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Kuwait: Gulf-Iranian relations are good
The GCC Summit crystallized the method of reacting and responding to Iranian initiatives. Kuwait, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Sudanese envoy delivers message to Iranian president
The speaker of the Sudanese Parliament criticized the US strongly and said that the Sudanese opposition is carrying out a conspiracy masterminded by the US to divide Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Hrawi: local polls are great event
Lebanese President Elias Hrawi described the decision endorsed by the Lebanese parliament to pass a municipal elections bill and the process of local polls as "a big event and a great achievement" Lebanon, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Khaddam to visit Lebanon before end of year Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Iran - Egypt Iran-Egypt, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Iran - UAE dispute Iran-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Iran - US relations Iran, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Palestine legislature - Arafat Palestine, Politics, 12/24/1997
- A member of the Iraqi leadership council visits Sudan
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Hamza al-Zubaydi arrived at El-Khartoum within his tour of Arab countries as Saddam Hussein's special envoy. Iraq-Sudan, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Sudanese foreign minister finishes Moscow visit
The Sudanese foreign minister said that the statements of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright during her meeting with John Garang in Kampala were part of the US anti-Sudan policy. Sudan, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Qatari - Syrian relations are good, says Emir Qatar, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Italy for the implementation of 425
Following his Tuesday's meeting in Beirut with the secretary of the Lebanese Foreign Ministry the Italian official said he discussed with Lebanese officials means to bolster cooperation. Lebanon, Politics, 12/24/1997 - Damascus a market for Lebanese products Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 12/24/1997
- Syrian Journalists Union holds second session
Afternoon deliberations discussed the draft budget for 1998 and approved it. Syrian information Minister Muhammad Salman made a comprehensive political review. Syria, Politics, 12/24/1997 - GCC leaders send positive signal to Iran
They expressed concern over the situation in North Iraq, referring to the "Turkish incursion" Gulf-Iran, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Algeria criticizes the European Union
The newspaper added that relations between Algeria and the European Union has never reached such a low level at a time when Algeria is getting ready to establish democratic rule that is more inclusive of all factions. Algeria, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Algerian president consults political parties
President Zeroual renewed during the meeting his commitment to protecting the political alliance which comprises the National Democratic Assembly, the Liberation Front and the Peaceful Society Movement on which he depends. Algeria, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Dahlan : We reject any changes on the security understanding
The meeting was supposed to witness the final signing of the joint security understanding, which explicitly speaks of Israel's commitment to fight Jewish terror against Arabs by the same token with which it demands the Palestine to fight Islamic militants. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/23/1997 - 140 Jordanians in Iraqi jails
Jordanian Foreign Minister Fayez al-Taraunah received a list of 140 Jordanians being jailed in Iraq. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Romanian official astonished at response to Luxor attack
Ewan Donka, the Romanian deputy foreign minister, was astonished by some countries' response to the recent terrorist attack in Luxor, Egypt. Egypt, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Sudanese official calls for conversation with the West
Ambassador Abdel El-Rahman El-Haj Mokhar stated that the US intends to topple the Sudanese government. Sudan, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Tunisian Constitutional Party to hold fourth conference next July
Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali cited women's participation in the constitutional organizations, which has grown from 6% - 16%. Tunisia, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Qatar - Egypt entry visas Qatar-Egypt, Politics, 12/23/1997
- Lebanon local elections Lebanon, Politics, 12/23/1997
- Qurei': Israeli security maps aim to devour Palestinian lands
Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker Ahmad Qurei’ denied reports in the Israeli press saying that he had met with Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure Ariel Sharon and that he expressed his acceptance of Israel's security claims in the West Bank. Palestine, Politics, 12/23/1997 - Foreign Minister: No military pact with Israel
Jordanian Foreign Minister Fayez al-Taraunah said that the inflexibility of Israeli policy has resulted in dissatisfaction in the Islamic world, since there has not been any positive developments in the peace process on the Israeli side. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 12/23/1997 - GCC summit: focus on security, relations with Iran
Oman's Foreign Affairs Minister said the GCC summit is convened amid key regional and international changes, especially the deadlocked Middle East peace process, the new drives and positive overtures of the Iranian policy, the Iraqi situation and the proposal for a united Arab Gulf army. Gulf, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Bahrain expresses hopes for enhanced relationship with Qatar
Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Amir of Bahrain, called for convening an Arab summit to enhance solidarity for the good of all Arab states, including Iraq which is passing through difficult circumstances Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/22/1997 - 20 parties compete for 96 seats in Algeria
552 candidates applied to participate in the election of the Algerian Nation's Council ( the parliament ) which is due to be held through indirect balloting on Dec. 25 Algeria, Politics, 12/22/1997 - President Assad reviews peace development with Qian
Syrian Prime Minister al-Zou'bi discussed with Qian trade and economic cooperation relations between the two countries and means of bolstering them in all fields. Syria, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Hamas criticizes Netanyahu statements on West Bank
In a statement he made yesterday Hamas spokesman Ibrahim Ghoseh said that Netanyahu's statements reflect the ideological conviction of the Likud party. Palestine, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Saharan chiefs accuse Morocco of obstructing registration
The Tribal chiefs in Western Sahara informed the Moroccan Minister of Interior Idris Al Basry that some persons are being registered as of Saharan origin while they are not from the Western Sahara Morocco-West Sahara, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Sudanese foreign minister expected in Egypt soon
The sources added that the official would prepare for an expected visit to Cairo by Sudan's president Omar Bashir. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Iran - UAE island talks United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 12/22/1997
- Arafat - peace Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/22/1997
- Farrakhan - Gaddafi Libya, Politics, 12/22/1997
- Arafat - West Bank Palestine, Politics, 12/22/1997
- Yemen opposition Yemen, Politics, 12/22/1997
- Al-Mahdi: Khartoum harbors extremists, interferes in neighbors' affairs
Sudanese oposition leader Sadiq Al-Mahdi yesterday urged the international community to mount pressure on the Islamic government in Khartoum to "meet the demands of the Sudanese people." Sudan, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Israeli occupation forces break into Palestinian naval site
Israeli military units broke into a Palestinian naval site in the area of Rafah and tried to break into another site in the area of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Hrawi: local election legislation to be held in due time Lebanon, Politics, 12/22/1997
- No big decisions from Arafat-Netanyahu meeting, US says
The American administration does not expect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to take important decisions before their meeting with US President Bill Clinton. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/22/1997 - Majority of Israelis support removal of settlements for peace
An opinion poll conducted by the Israeli Dahav establishment showed a majority of Israelis support the removal of the settlements in West Bank and Gaza Strip against reaching a peace agreement with Palestinians. Israel, Politics, 12/22/1997