Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/30/1998
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 30, 1998
- Copts hold conference in Egypt to reply to US allegations
Egyptian Copts will hold a conference this evening that will be attended by the parties' leaders, political forces, the representatives of the government and Islamic scientists to announce that they oppose US policies that interfere in Egyptian affairs. Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/4/1998 - Israel violated a 7-month ceasefire with Hamas
In addition to President Arafat's direct call on Hamas not to retaliate for Sharif's death, US officials also said they believe the Palestinian government is working to prevent any retaliatory attacks by Hamas against Israel. But Israeli officials continued to blame the Palestinian government for any potential suicide attack Hamas might carry out. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Iraq, Iran exchange war prisoners
The spokesman said the exchange process started as of Thursday, and the agreement states that Iraq is to set free 380 Iranian prisoners whereas Iran is to free 5, 239 Iraqi prisoners. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Annan to visit Khartoum at month's end
The Sudanese government announced that the secretary general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, will visit Khartoum at the end of this month to discuss a number of issues, including the civil war in the south and the aid presented by the United Nations and volunteer organizations. Sudan, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Mubarak warns against violence as an alternative to peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday warned against the consequences of freezing the Middle East peace process, stating, "The alternative will be violence, which no one will escape." Regional-Egypt, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Algerian committee investigates election forgery
The United States refused Algeria's demand that it expel Anwar Hadam, one of the banned Islamic Salvation Front's leaders, from its lands. An Algerian court recently sentenced Hadam to death. Algeria, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Syrian President confers with Lebanese parliament speaker
The Lebanese Cabinet announced its rejection of the Israeli withdrawal proposal because it relates Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon to preconditions. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Kuwait, Morocco MP's meet
In a meeting yesterday with a visiting parliamentary delegation from Kuwait, headed by Ahmed El-Saadoon the head of the Kuwaiti Nation's Council, Radi said Arab solidarity demands the existence of a place for reconciliation aimed at fulfilling Arab people's hopes. Morocco-Kuwait, Politics, 4/3/1998 - New step from Sudan toward democracy
In a new Sudanese move toward democracy in Sudan, yesterday Abdul Aziz Sedo, the deputy head of the Sudanese parliament, confirmed that the National Conference, the sole political party in Sudan, will be converted to a party like other parties. Sudan, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Tourabi calls for wider Sudanese political participation
The head of Sudanese parliament, Dr. Hassan El-Tourabi called for a political dialogue between all political forces to end disputes in the political arena, stop violence and fanaticism and accelerate the realization of national unity. Sudan, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Hrawi continues visit to UAE Lebanon-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Bishara to lecture in Damascus on Arab-Israeli conflict
During his visit to Damascus in l997, Bishara met with Syrian Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Hamas: Military action necessary to solve Palestinian issue
Abu Marzouk, a leader in Hamas' political bureau, added that the Palestinian government has to announce frankly that its sacred duty is to protect Palestinian security, not Israeli security. Palestine, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Syria - Iraq relations continue to improve
Malki delivered a communique from Iraqi President Saddam Hussien to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, which is the second message in two months between the two countries. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Delegation leaves Cairo to attend international parliamentary conference Regional-Egypt, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Hizbullah leader opposes Israeli withdrawal proposal Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Oman opens entry points for GCC expatriates Oman, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Iraq - Iran POW's Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Mordechai: Syrian pullout not a precondition to south Lebanon withdrawal Israel-Lebanon, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Arab ministers to sign anti-terrorism agreement this month
A security source in the ministers' council, said that, when ratified, this agreement will play an important role in helping Arab security forces put an end to terrorism in Arab states. Regional, Politics, 4/3/1998 - Egypt FM: Arab summit not out of consideration Regional, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Mubarak confers with Uruguay counterpart Egypt-Uruguay, Politics, 4/3/1998
- King Fahd: We are optimistic about future of relations with Syria, Egypt Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 4/3/1998
- Saudi prince: Relations with Iran are good
Saudi Minister of the Interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz on Monday expressed satisfaction over the developing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and he denied news that Iranian pilgrims were harassed in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/2/1998 - International Court moves on Lockerbie, Qatar - Bahrain disputes
The court said that after the written proceedings are filed, it will set a date for hearings on the dispute, after which a final decision will be made. Libya-Qatar, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Varied international response to Israeli decision on Lebanon pullout
The Arab League announced today its refusal of the conditional Israeli proposal, saying it carries bad intentions. Ambassador Ahmed Ben Hali the official dealing with the Lebanese situation at the Arab League, said Israel is trying to draw attention away from its obstinate policy. Lebanon, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Iranian minister on regional issues after positive Syrian trip
Concerning Iranian-US relations, Kharazi denied any progress, noting that there is no change in the US policy towards Iran. He added, "As far long Washington does not give up its current policies towards Iran no progress will be attained." Regional-Iran, Politics, 4/2/1998 - El-Naseri party boycotts elections for Egyptian Consultation Council
The secretary-general of the party, Diaa El-Daood, confirmed that the trusteeship will boycott the coming election to protest the government's lack of response to the opposition's suggestions on modifying laws and procedures that prevent any forgery during elections. Egypt, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Libya calls for Algeria-Morocco summit to settle disputes
Libya suggested that Morocco's King Hassan II and Algerian President Liamine Zeroual meet in a summit, a Libya diplomatic source said, adding that the Algerian and Moroccan leaders accepted the summit at first, but called for holding preliminary meetings at the experts' level. Libya-Morocco, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Arab League calls for funding of May Somali reconciliation
An AL official source said the organization is exerting efforts to ensure the material support to cover the expenditures of Bedawa conference, estimated at US $4 million. North Africa-Somalia, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Summit delayed Regional, Politics, 4/2/1998
- Naveh criticizes Arafat Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/2/1998
- Iranian FM invited to Jordan
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi received a formal invitation from Jordanian Foreign Minister Jawad al-Anani to visit Jordan to discussing methods of improving relations between Iran and Jordan. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Syrian President, vice- President confer with Hariri
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Wednesday received Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Lebanese FM arrives in Rome Lebanon-Italy, Politics, 4/2/1998
- Iraqi justice minister arrives in Damascus Iraq-Syria, Politics, 4/2/1998
- Jordan reacts to Israeli proposal to withdraw from southern Lebanon
"Israel's seriousness is to be tested regarding its withdrawal proposal from southern Lebanon," Jordanian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Jawad Anani said. "Progress should not occur on one track of negotiations at the expense of another track." Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/2/1998 - Three-way summit includes Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia
A small Arab summit will be held during the coming hours comprising Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, and Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdel Aziz to discuss the results of the latest efforts to revive the peace process. Regional, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Iranian president is to visit UAE to close case of three islands
Iranian sources in Cairo said that Iranian President Mohammed Khatami will visit the United Arab Emirates very soon. No specific date was set for the visit, but he preferred to hold it within the current month, the sources said. Iran-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Lebanon opposes conditional withdrawal: Hariri
Israel's Cabinet formally accepted UN resolution 425 today, stating that Israeli troops would withdraw if Lebanon provides security measures Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Iranian Foreign Ministry sends communique to Arab League
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi sent a written communique to the secretary-general of the Arab League in which he talked about Iran's desire to cooperate with the Arab league and said Iran supports Islamic and Arab issues. Regional-Iran, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Prince of Qatar will visit France soon
French - Arab relations are witnessing development because of French support for Arab positions, including its views toward the peace process, changing its attitude toward the Lockerbie crisis and its support for diplomatic endeavors to solve the recent Iraq crisis peacefully. Qatar-France, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Iran voices support for Lebanon
Nasrallah warned against the Israeli proposals, describing them as a maneuver targeting Lebanon and the Lebanese people. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Sudanese President to sign constitution in June
Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir will ratify the African state's new constitution on June 30, exactly nine years following his assumption of power in a military coup. Sudan, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Arab League will move to implement foreign ministers' resolutions
The Sudanese deputy said the deputies will hold a meeting after the greater Bairam to assess the current situation, saying that these moves reflect the seriousness of the AL to prepare the council's resolutions for implementation. Regional, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Egyptian assistant foreign minister meets with Israeli ambassador Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/1/1998
- Abdel Meguid to visit Algeria
During his visit, Abdel Meguid will meet with Prime Minister Ahmed Oyehiah, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf and high-ranking Algerian officials to discuss the latest developments in the area, and to urge Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to hold an Arab summit. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 4/1/1998 - Hamas - student elections Palestine, Politics, 4/1/1998
- Arafat makes surprise visit to Egypt for talks with Mubarak
US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that the peace process "is in dire straits," due to the fact that "there hasn't been any movement for nearly a year now, that there is no direct negotiation, there's no progress on the multilateral track, there's no progress on the Syrian track." Palestine-Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Saudi, Syrian, Egyptian, foreign ministers meet on Arab issues
Arab diplomatic sources in Riyadh said the three foreign ministers held a closed-door meeting, during which they have discussed means "to draw a plan for an Arab move to come up against the collapse of the peace process as a result of the Israeli government's position." Regional, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Disputes unresolved between Kuwaiti government and representatives
In spite of the Kuwaiti government's statement that it would improve its relations with the People's Council, the representatives expressed their lack of relief during a session of the council labeled as a session of reconciliation and openness between the two authorities. Kuwait, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Palestinians in Syria mark Land Day
A Palestinian mass rally was held on Monday at al-Yarmouk camp in Damascus in celebration of Land Day, which falls March 30. The secretary of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement's central committee, Abu Mousa, condemned Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab territories. Regional-Syria, Politics, 3/31/1998 - No peace in Middle East without Syria, Annan, Primakov say
The UN chief said that Iraq so far has abided by the agreement. "The inspectors have been able to continue their work unimpeded and currently they are inspecting the eight presidential sites which were at the center of the controversy," Annan said. Syria-Iraq-Russia, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Jordanian young men will be able to vote
Jordanian Interior Minister Nathir Rashid during the press conference told reporters that Jordan's government sought to modernize the electoral law after seeing many loopholes in the current law. Jordan, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Lebanese President confers with Iranian FM
Kharazzi warned against the Israeli attempt to undermine Lebanon, noting that the strength of the Lebanese stand stems from Lebanese-Syrian coordination. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Libya, Pakistan, sign joint cooperation agreement Libya-Pakistan, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Saudi crown prince meets with Kuwaiti interior minister Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Iranian-Jordanian foreign ministers review developments in the region Jordan-Iran, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Israel - south Lebanon withdrawal Israel-Lebanon, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Netanyahu - redeployment Israel-USA, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Qatar dissolves Information Ministry Qatar, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Moroccan prime minister urges his government earnest efort Morocco, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Arab League welcomes Egyptian - Saudi - Syrian consultations
Arab League Secretary-General Esmat Abdel Meguid welcomed the consultations underway between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria, saying that the consultations are good and greatly needed at this time. Regional, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Indonesian president to visit Cairo in May
Indonesia's President Suharto will visit Cairo in May. During Suharto's visit, President Mubarak will discuss improving relations between Egypt and Indonesia, methods of activating talks between the southeast Asian countries. Egypt-Indonesia, Politics, 3/31/1998 - British prime minister to visit holy places Regional-UK, Politics, 3/31/1998
- A message to UAE President from Suhartu United Arab Emirates-Indonesia, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Mubarak confers with AL secretary
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Monday Sharm el-Sheikh received Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, who presented a report on results of the 109th session of Arab foreign ministers, held last week at AL headquarters. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 3/31/1998 - UAE President for inter-Arab tolerance, dialogue United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/31/1998
- Iranian president to visit UAE next month
It is expected that the issue of three disputed Gulf islands will be at the top of the agenda during the possible visit. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Jordan's King talks to Egyptian President
The king is eager to resume direct contacts between the Iraqi government and the US administration, a proposal refused by the White House. Jordan-Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/31/1998 - Uncertainty about next step as Ross leaves
It is not clear yet whether Netanyahu failed to respond positively to the US ideas because he simply disagrees with them or because of strong opposition within his government. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Consultation Council members blast Egyptian government
The head of the Liberal Party, Mostafa Kamel Morad, accused the government of failing in its external investment policy and in reducing general and local debts. He said the government does not consult the opposition, and called for the government's resignation. Egypt, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Land Day remembered
Land Day, rain was falling heavily throughout Monday as thousands of Palestinians living in Israel and in Palestinian areas took to the streets to mark the Land Day which falls every 30 March Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Syrian Vice-President confers with Iranian Foreign Minister
When asked about Iran's views on disarming of the Lebanese resistance if Israel withdraws from south Lebanon Kharazzi said, "this... is exclusively a Lebanese issue and Lebanon has to decide this issue in case of Israel's withdrawal." Syria-Iran, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Khaddam: Israeli proposal on 425 is part of expansionist policy
"They want security arrangements and guarantees which mean ending the state of war between Israel and Lebanon and consequently making peace according to the Israeli conception, because peace means to them security as it was defined by Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu," Khaddam said. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Tantawi: Egypt and Sudan are twins
The Sudanese foreign minister asked Tantawi to supply Sudan with Azharian delegations and religious awareness' tribes, and to provide opportunities for the Sudanese to join the higher studies in Al-Azhar University. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 3/30/1998 - President Mubark will head to Paris in May
President Mubarak is to pay a visit to the French capital Paris in May where he will hold a joint meeting between Egyptian businessmen and a representative of French companies to discussing methods of activating economic and commercial cooperation. Egypt-France, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Chief Palestinian negotiator visits Jordan
"The Palestinian authorities made contacts with Arab leaders concerning the possibility of holding an Arab summit to discuss the outcome of the current efforts to salvage the peace process." Ureiqat told the press," the peace negotiations can only be resumed when Israel implements signed agreements and stops its unilateral actions." Ureiqat confirmed. Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Diplomatic relations between Yemen, Vatican
The mutual agreement was reached during the visit of a Vatican delegation to Yemen which was concluded on Sunday, adding that it was signed by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Foreign Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani. The agreement is to be enforced by the end of the current year. Yemen-Vatican, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Israeli Arab delegation visits Jordan
Jordan's Acting Prime Minister stressed the need to resume the Middle East peace process on all tracks, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian track. He emphasized Jordan's attitude supporting the Palestinian people. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/30/1998 - The first Syrian minister in Iraq for 18 years Syria-Iraq, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Saudi defense minister meet Kuwaiti Minister of the Interior Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Syrian teachers in Golan commit to homeland
In a public show of resolve, teachers in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Sunday reiterated their commitment to Syria and readiness to make sacrifices in defense of their country's "steadfastness, liberation and pride." Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Saadeh fifth reelection as Lebanese Phalange Party head
For the fifth consecutive term George Saadeh was reelected as chairman of the Lebanese Phalange party. Lebanon, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Jordanian municipality heads cancel visit to Israel Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Afro-Asian peoples support the Palestinians
The Afro-Asian peoples Solidarity Organization AAPSO has called for solidarity with the Palestinian Arab people in their struggle to establish their own independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/30/1998 - Palestinians in Syria mark Land Day Syria-Palestine, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Mubarak confers with Ross Regional-Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Bahrain, UAE talk on bilateral issues Bahrain-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Oman, Mauritius signed two agreements on avoiding double taxation Oman-Mauritius, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Saudi crown prince visits Hamas founder in hospital Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/30/1998
- UAE - Iran United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Sudan constitution Sudan, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Mubarak - Ross Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Algerian state of emergency continues Algeria, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Moussa - Somalia Egypt-Somalia, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Moussa Israel Egypt, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Moussa praises churches' council statement Egypt, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Syrian Vice-President confers with Iranian Foreign Minister Syria-Iran, Politics, 3/30/1998
- A communique from Burundi's president to Gaddafi Libya-Burundi, Politics, 3/30/1998
- Moussa to meet with Vatican, Italian officials
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa will head to the Vatican on Thursday, carrying a message from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to Pope John Paul II. Egypt, Politics, 3/30/1998