Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 10/19/1998
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of October 19, 1998
- Egypt refuses to release Azam Azam Egypt, Politics, 10/24/1998
- THE WYE RIVER MEMORANDUM full text
THE WYE RIVER MEMORANDUM full text, not very long ! Palestine, Politics, 10/24/1998 - French minister of defense to visit Kuwait on Sunday Kuwait-France, Politics, 10/24/1998
- Australian organization defends human rights of south Lebanon's children Lebanon-Australia, Politics, 10/24/1998
- Moussa describes Palestinan-Israeli agreement as a step in the right direction
Moussa described the agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis that was signed yesterday as a step in the right direction toward regaining Palestinian territories and moving toward the negotiation about the main issues Egypt-France, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Hamas and El-Jihad oppose peace agreement
The Palestinian Hamas and El-Jihad movements asserted their opposition to the Israeli - Palestinian agreement signed yesterday at the Wye Plantation, near Washington DC in the United States. Palestine, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Pentagon: US not required to fund Iraqi opposition
The legislation also allows the US to send surplus tanks and other weapons to Iraq and to supply training and military education if the US government decides to utilize the funding. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/24/1998 - France urges Iraq to cooperate with UN
France has reiterated its call for Iraq to resume cooperation with the UN and to cancel the decision it had taken on August 5 to prevent UNSCOM from carrying out new inspection operations. Iraq-France, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Sudanese opposition factions resume participation in multiple-party system
The secretary-general of the Sudanese Democratic Party, El-Sherif Zein El-Abidin El-Hemdi returned to Sudan yesterday and announced that large groups of the Sudanese political opposition living abroad are on their way back to Sudan to participate in discussions on the political multiplicity draft law in the Sudanese National Council this week. Sudan, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Saudi, Japanese joint statement on Saudi crown prince's visit to Japan
The statement welcomed and supported Iran's policy led by President Muhammad Khatami, a policy which resulted in improving relations between Iran and its neighbors and other countries in the international community. Saudi Arabia-Regional-Japan, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Iranian FM postpones visits to Ankara, Damascus
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi postponed visits he intended to make to Ankara and Damascus to continue Iranian efforts to bridge the gap between Syria and Turkey following the agreement recently signed between the two countries. Iran, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Relations between Lebanon and Iraq to resume soon
Official sources in the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said that governmental relations between Lebanon and Iraq will be soon resumed on a non-diplomatic level. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Arab League to convene symposium on organized crime across Arab borders
In the headquarters of the general trusteeship of the Arab League, a symposium on orgnized crime across Arab borders will convene at the beginning of November for two days. Regional, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Decision by King Hassan to close human rights record praised
Secretary General of Amnesty International, Pierre Sane, praised Friday here the wise decision made lately by King Hassan II for closing once for all the human rights records in Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 10/24/1998 - UN mission on Sahara referendum gets $32 million to finish work
The UN General Assembly Administrative and Budgetary Committee adopted friday a resolution recommending the allocation of an additional loan worth $37.2 Million to ensure the functioning of the MINURSO (UN mission for the holding of the referendum in the Sahara). Morocco, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Morocco and China to step up cooperation ties
Speaker of the Moroccan Chamber of advisors, Mohamed Jalal Essaid, conferred Thursday here with visiting Chinese MPs (members of Parliament) delegation on ways of enhancing further cooperation ties between the two countries legislative bodies. Morocco-China, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Arab League calls for prominent UN role in maintaining world peace, security
The Arab League noted the role played by the UN in preserving world peace and security and settling disputes and problems facing the world. It stressed the importance of dismantling weapons of mass destruction, foremost being nuclear weapons. Regional, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Yilmaz: Moscow admits that Oclan is in its territory
Turkish Prime Minister Mesout Yilmaz has asserted in a statement quoted by the Turkish Anadolu News Agency on Friday that Russia has admitted that the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party, Abdul Oclan, is in Moscow. Turkey-Russia, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Damascus Declaration conference coming on November 11 Regional, Politics, 10/24/1998
- International Social Welfare Association meets in Morocco
The International Social Welfare Association opened Friday its 26th General Assembly in southern Moroccan city of Marrakesh to look into ways of improving social coverage, medicare and working procedures. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Qatar mediates between Sudan and Eritrea Qatar, Politics, 10/24/1998
- Saudi - South Korean talks in Seoul Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/24/1998
- Unemployed persons ask Moroccan government to attach them to the public sector Morocco, Politics, 10/24/1998
- Algerian judges continue strike
As a protest against the information campaign which was targeted at the judicial authority, Algerian judges decided to remain on strike for three days starting on Monday. Algeria, Politics, 10/24/1998 - Yemeni foreign minister to visit Egypt and Syria Yemen-Regional, Politics, 10/24/1998
- President Mubarak will visit Paris at the end of the coming month Egypt-France, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Wye Plantation Israeli demand threatened finished agreement
The Pollard issue was seemingly going to blow up the whole deal that US President Bill Clinton has worked earnestly to reach between the Palestinian government and Israel, and that will be signed in Washington this afternoon. Palestine, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Al-Assad communicates with Mubarak on the Syrian-Turkish agreement
The Syrian Foreign Minister added, "We, from our side, will follow up the implementation of what had been agreed upon in the recent meeting." He called on Turkey to "follow up and abide by" what had been agreed upon as well. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Mubarak, Crown Prince Hassan discuss Palestinian - Israeli negotiations
Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan Bin Talal on Thursday received a telephone call from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak relating to Palestinian - Israeli negotiations at the Wye Plantation and inter-Arab relation Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Saudi crown prince: Arabs will not give up a grain of their rights
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has held Israel responsible for obstructing the Middle East peace process due to "its intransigent stances." The Gulf News Agency quoted the Saudi crown prince as saying on Thursday upon receiving the Ambassadors of Arab and Islamic states accredited in Tokyo that the Arabs had asserted that peace is their strategic option. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Jordan denies report that King Hussein has only three months to live
Jordan has categorically denied a report by the British "Foreign Report" intelligence bulletin that King Hussein of Jordan, who has been undergoing chemotherpay in the US for Lymph cancer, is in his last days and may die within three months. Jordan, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Habash meets with Khaddam, denounces Wye Plantation talks
A statement released by the official spokesman for the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine has said that Syrian Vice-President Abdul Halim Khaddam received on Thursday morning in Damascus a delegation representing the front led by the PLFP's secretary-general, George Habash. Palestine-Iran, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Leaders of opposition parties can be active inside Sudan
Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir announced that the leaders of opposition parties can resume their activity inside Sudan after ratifying a law to allow factional multiplicity. Sudan, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Moussa calls for economic, commercial cooperation with Russian Commonwealth
At the inauguration of the first conference enhancing economic cooperation with the Russian Commonwealth countries, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed the great importance of enhancing economic cooperation between Egypt and the Russian Commonwealth countries. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Most Americans support Palestinian state
A majority of US citizens support the creation of an independent Palestinian state, and more think Al-Quds (Jerusalem) should be a shared city. Palestine-USA, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Gulf States agree on unified customs tariffs
The Gulf cooperation council (GCC) member states agreed on unifying customs tariff Gulf, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Cairo symposium for Egypt and COMESA on coming Monday
The symposium on "Egypt and COMESA: new horizons for trade and investment" will begin in Cairo, on Monday and last for three days, inaugurated by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Lebanese embassy in Iraq opens on administrative level
A Lebanese official source in Amman said on Thursday that Lebanese administrative employee Elias Numnum arrived in the Jordanian capital, Amman, on his way to Baghdad to assume his duty at his country's embassy there. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 10/23/1998 - European Union, Algeria to continue partnership negotiations
The European Union and Algeria have agreed to proceed with negotiations to help Algeria join a partnership association with the EU. Algeria-European Union, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Korean energy minister will visit Saudi Arabia in November
The South Korean minister of industry and trade will head to Saudi Arabia in the coming month, heading a large delegation of businessmen to discuss developing economic cooperation between the two countries as well as encouraging tourism between them. Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Lebanon - Iran sign three cooperation agreements
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on Thursday met with Iranian Housing Minister Ali Abdul Ali Zada. Talks dealt with a transportation agreement to be signed between the two countries. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Tunisia renews solidarity with Libya
Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Benali renewed Thursday his country's solidarity with Libya and attachment to a negotiated and honorable solution to the Lockerbie issue. Tunisia-Libya, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Lebanese Premier: Lebanon commits to unconditional implementation of 425
Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has asserted Lebanon's unconditional adherence to the implementation of UN resolution 425. Lebanon, Politics, 10/23/1998 - International campaign to remove 20 million mines from Egyptian lands
20 civil centers and organizations started an international campaign for the removal of 20 million mines planted in Egyptian lands. The campaign aims at pressuring the European countries to present financial and technical aid for removing the mines. Egypt, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Clinton gets Palestinian - Israeli interim agreement signed
"After some very difficult negotiations... the Israelis and Palestinians here have reached an agreement on issues over which they have been divided for more than 17 months" Clinton announced Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Sinn Fein leader to visit Middle East Palestine-Ireland, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Hamas leaders summoned, warned against launching new attacks Palestine, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Qatari foreign minister: Our relationship with Israel is halted Qatar-Israel, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Morocco decries aggression acts targeting Moroccans in Italy
The Moroccan Embassy in Italy condemned thursday the violence acts and aggressions targeting the Moroccan community living in that European country. Morocco, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Interior minister meets with Moroccan observers in voters' identification operation
Moroccan interior minister, Driss Basri, met Thursday here with Morocco's shioukh and observers, who participated in the identification of would-be voters in the self-determination referendum that the United Nations plan to hold in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 10/23/1998 - King Hassan receives Jordanian interior minister Morocco-Jordan, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Diplomatic relations between Palestine and Malawi
The republic of Malawi and the state of Palestine have exchanged diplomatic relations, following years of hesitation by the government of Malawi, which is linked to firm relations of friendship with the Israeli government. Palestine-Malawi, Politics, 10/23/1998 - Cypriot FM criticizes Turkish threats against Syria Egypt-Cyprus, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Yemeni Premier meets with commander of the fifth fleet
A Yemeni official source said on Thursday that Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani held talks on Thursday with the commander of the US Fifth Fleet in the Arab Gulf region, Charles Moore, who is currently visiting Sanaa. Yemen-USA, Politics, 10/23/1998 - European Union and democracy in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 10/23/1998
- A message from Egyptian premier for his Tunisian counterpart Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 10/23/1998
- Turkey and the security agreement signed with Syria
The Turkish Foreign Ministry has welcomed the agreement reached with Syria. It expressed hope that if Syria would start the implementation of the items of the agreement, the door will be open for advancing bilateral relations between the two countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Eighth day of Palestinian-Israeli talks focus on implementation
Palestinian skepticism remains about the amount of progress being made in negotiations with the Israelis, as opposed to the Israeli side which is portraying a sense that progress is being made today. Palestine, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Moussa: Palestinians - Israelis agreement should be acceptable and balanced
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said yesterday that the current peace negotiations in Washington could possibly reach an agreement, adding that Egypt is enhancing this agreement, regarding its great importance and that it should be acceptable, logical and balanced Egypt-Regional, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Strong disagreement between Egyptian government and opposition on economic liberalization law
Strong disagreement between the Egyptian government and opposition parties appeared after the opposition came out against the new draft law concerning economic liberalization policies. Egypt, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Qatar refuses Israel's participation in bone surgery conference Qatar-Israel, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Maghreban labor class renews attachment to unified Maghreban entity
The secretariat general of the union of Maghreban Trade Unions renewed the Maghreban working class' attachment to a unified regional entity. Maghreb, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Syrian parliamentary elections at the end of the coming month
Damascus, which is the biggest electoral district, is represented by 29 deputies in comparison to 5 for al-Qunaytira governorate, the smallest district, whose Golan Heights is occupied by Israel. Syria, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Saudi Crown Prince to visit South Korea on Friday
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz is to pay a three-day visit to South Korea starting on Friday. Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Social sector uses 44 percent of state budget with poor results
The social sector absorbs nearly 44 percent of the state budget, but the results reached at the practical level remain below the expectations, said Moroccan minister of social development and solidarity, Khalid Alioua. Morocco, Politics, 10/22/1998 - UN peacekeeping official expected in Morocco
The United Nations assistant secretary general for peace keeping operations, Bernard Miyet, who is visiting the Maghreb for talks on the Sahara issue, is expected in Morocco, part of a tour in the north African region. Morocco-Mauritania-UN, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Yilmaz asks Moscow to hand over Oclan
Turkish Prime Minister Mesout Yilmaz on Wednesday summoned the Russian ambassador to Turkey and asked him to inform his country the need to hand over leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party Abdullah Oclan to Turkey. The Turkish daily al-Sabah said on Wednesday that Yilmaz told the ambassador that the place where Oclan exists is in an area to the west of Moscow. Turkey-Russia, Politics, 10/22/1998 - French defense minister to visit Kuwait
French Foreign Minister Allen Richard will arrive in Kuwait on Sunday for a short visit to Kuwait during which he will hold talks with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Salem al-Sabah. Kuwait-France, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Egypt, Arab League welcome Syrian-Turkish agreement
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on Wednesday welcomed the results of Syrian-Turkish talks in alleviating tensions in the region. In statements to reporters he expressed his happiness over his country's participation in the process of defusing the crisis between Syria and Turkey. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Sudanese president: Political party law aims at achieving national reconciliation
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir told the Sudanese National Council yesterday that his government seeks to achieve comprehensive peace and national reconciliation. Sudan, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Taleban representative to meet US officials Regional, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Morocco signs cooperation accord with International Labor Office
Morocco and the International Labor Office signed wednesday here a cooperation accord providing for the promotion of employment and the development of human resources in Morocco's micro-businesses. Morocco, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Morocco renews reconciliation call on Algeria
Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi renewed a call for Algeria to reopen its land borders, closed since 1994. Morocco's call on "our Algerian brethren" to reopen the borders is still valid, Youssoufi said. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Report: German embassy to reopen in Baghdad Iraq-Germany, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Security campaign in Kuwait checked the violators' situations
An official source in the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior confirmed that the campaign to confront illegal residents in Kuwaiti has succeeded in modifying the status of more than 20,000 expatriates, some of whom left the country, while others legalized their residence status. Kuwait, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Amr Moussa will head tomorrow to Jordan
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is heading tomorrow to Jordan for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with high-ranking Jordanian officials. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 10/22/1998 - El-Baz asks Khartoum to rectify atmospheres with Egypt Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 10/22/1998
- An ambassador for Bahrain will be appointed in Tehran Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 10/22/1998
- A message to Prince Saud from Sheikh Hamad Qatar-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/22/1998
- A message from Khatami to Hrawi Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Saudi Arabia, UK discuss bilateral issues Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 10/22/1998
- A message from Blair to Bahrain's Emir Bahrain-UK, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Saudi Arabia - Japan increased cooperation
Saudi Arabia and Japan have asserted the need of continuing the Middle East peace process on the basis of international legitimacy resolutions and the land for peace formula. Saudi Arabia-Japan, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Egypt, Cyprus call for resuming Middle East peace talks
Both Egypt and Cyprus underlined the importance of resuming peace talks on the Lebanese and Syrian peace tracks from the points at which they had broken off. Egypt-Regional-Cyprus, Politics, 10/22/1998 - Syrian-Iranian relations highlighted Syria-Iran, Politics, 10/22/1998
- Only a comprehensive Palestinian - Israeli agreement will be accepted
Palestinian minister of information Yasser Abed Rabbo said the Palestinian government would under no circumstances agree to sign an agreement with Israel if it were not a comprehensive agreement Palestine, Politics, 10/21/1998 - What does security mean to Palestinian Salim Shawamreh?
Salim said "I am here to tell the American that with billions of dollars that they are giving to the Israelis in Palestine, they are making there settlements and destroying our houses with this money." Palestine, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Mubarak: Peace is key to stability in the region
President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has asserted that just and comprehensive peace based on implementing UN resolutions is the key to achieving security and stability in the region. Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Ankara announces that accord with Damascus meets Turkish security demands
Following three weeks of regional disputes, Damascus and Ankara have reached a security agreement according to which the former pledges to close camps of the Kuridtsni Workers Party in the Bekaa and Syria. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Turkish defense minister notes very important results in talks with Syria
Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin has announced that positive indications have emerged in the talks with Syria concerning the two neighborly countries disputes on Ankara's claims that Damascus supports Kurdish armed groups. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Kharazi contacted his Syrian and Turkish counterparts on tensions
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has made separate telephone calls to Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem. Iran-Regional, Politics, 10/21/1998 - US plan to topple Saddam by Iraqi opposition
An Egyptian daily reported that US Secretary of Defense William Cohen briefed several Arab Gulf states he recently visited on the content of the US plan to topple Saddam Hussein through Iraqi opposition elements. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Algerian president's advisor resigns
Mohammed Betshin, the advisor of Algerian President Liamine Zeroual, presented his resignation suddenly. Algeria, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Arab Lawyers support Morocco's right to retrieve Sebta and Melillia
The Arab Lawyers Union renewed its backing to Morocco's right to retrieve its northern cities, Sebta and Mellilia, and the neighboring Jaafarine Islands, which are still under Spanish rule. Morocco-Regional-Spain, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Sudanese minister of irrigation resigns to protest accusations of corruption
Sudanese Minister of Irrigation Sherif Tuhami presented his resignation yesterday from the government in protest over accusations directed against him of exploiting his influence Sudan, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Egypt informs Oman of mediation in Syrian - Turkish disputes
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa sent an oral message yesterday to Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf Bin Alawi that was conveyed by Kheir El-Din Abdul-Latif, the Egyptian ambassador in Oman. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Hussein Aideed in Qatar
An official source in Qatar said that Somali leader Hussein Muhammad Aideed arrived on Monday night in Doha for a two-day visit to Qatar during which he will discuss the crisis taking place in his country with officials in Qatar. Somalia-Qatar, Politics, 10/21/1998 - UN peacekeeping official meets Mauritanian president over Sahara issue
The United Nations' assistant secretary general for peacekeeping operations, Bernard Miyet, who is visiting the Maghreb for talks on the Sahara issue, met Tuesday in Nouakchott with Mauritanian President Mouaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya. Mauritania-West Sahara, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Islamic group in Egypt denies relations with Bin Laden
The Islamic Group in Egypt, considered to be the main armed extremist organization in the country, denied any sort of relations with the organization established last February by Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden. Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Lebanese Parliament back to work on publis wage scale Lebanon, Politics, 10/21/1998
- New Moroccan consuls in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf
Abdeljebbar Brahime and Ahboul Brahim were appointed as Morocco's general consuls in Frankfurt and Dusseldorf, respectively. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 10/21/1998 - King Hassan congratulates Sultan Qabous on international peace award Oman-Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1998
- Portuguese and Moroccan cities update twinning accord
The Portuguese city of Sintra and the Moroccan town of El-Jadida, 200 km south of Rabat, agreed to update a twinning accord dating back to 1988. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Moroccan - Chinese bilateral cooperation reviewed
A Chinese MP delegation is currently visiting Morocco where it conferred with several Moroccan officials, including Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi, on ways to promote bilateral relations. Morocco-China, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Palestinian minister of health threatens to resign Palestine, Politics, 10/21/1998
- Tunisia voices support for Libya Tunisia-Libya, Politics, 10/21/1998
- Israel conducts military maneuvers in occupied Golan Israel, Politics, 10/21/1998
- French concern over Turkish threats against Syria
France has expressed its hope that unresolved issues between Syria and Turkey will be settled through direct dialogue. Syria-Turkey-France, Politics, 10/21/1998 - Cairo invites Syria and Turkey for bilateral dialogue in Cairo Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1998
- Yemen to officially restore Hanish islands on November 1 Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 10/21/1998
- Moussa: Syrian - Turkish meeting in Cairo possible Egypt, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Clinton to pull a rabbit out of Palestinian-Israeli talks Palestine, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Demirel in al-Iskandaroun: the last warning to Syria
Turkish officials on Monday pressured Syria in the security negotiations that started between the two countries' high-ranking security officials on the Turkish side of the border in the first meeting between the two sides since the beginning of the crisis. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Pessimist Palestinians expect no breakthrough in talks with Israel
The sudden arrival of King Hussein of Jordan to Washington on Tuesday evening has pushed some fresh blood into Palestinian hopes but the overall assessment so far is that the talks in Whye Plantation between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu will end with a complete failure. Palestine, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Egyptian FM: Peace process deadlock creates atmosphere of frustration
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa announced today that the frustration that resulted from the peace process deadlock is behind the attack in which two explosions took place in a main bus station in Beersheba city in southern Israel, due to which 64 Israeli citizens were injured. Egypt, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Hawatemah warns of a Palestinian civil war
The chief of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Naif Hawatemah, who resides in Damascus, warned of a civil war in the occupied lands if the Palestinian Authority agrees to the security conditions posed by Israel. Palestine, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Nominations for Syrian People's Assembly elections underway
Syrian Minister of the Interior Muhammad Harba declared that nominations for the PA elections are open as of yesterday, until October 28. In a press statement, the minister described the PA elections as "a further step on the road to democracy and consolidation of the political, economic and social structure set up in the country." Syria, Politics, 10/20/1998 - King Hassan calls for consolidation of decentralization, creation of audit courts
King Hassan II called on Monday for the consolidation of decentralization and for the strengthening of the role of local councils in the management of provincial and regional affairs. Morocco, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Saudi Arabia concerned over events in the Islamic world
Saudi Arabia has expressed concern and regret over the events taking place in the Islamic world and called for unifying Islamic ranks for the interests of Islamic communities. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Jerusalem governor urges Arabs and Muslims to support holy city
Jamil Othmane Nasser told the ongoing 7th Moroccan colloquy on local councils that the Israeli maneuvers aimed at erasing the identity of the city of Jerusalem reached "intolerable" levels. Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Future laws announced to update local councils structures and powers
Moroccan Interior Minister, Driss Basri, announced that some major draft laws will be submitted shortly to the parliament to rev-up the economic initiative of local councils. Morocco, Politics, 10/20/1998 - President Mubarak received communique from the Russian president
President Hosni Mubarak received a communique from Russian President Boris Yeltsin whose envoy, Ogadif, currently visiting Cairo, delivered the communique to Amr Moussa on Tuesday. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Jordanian efforts for releasing political Jordanian detainees in Syria
The Jordanian weekly al-Bilad said that independent Jordanian figures intend to visit Syria where they will meet with Syrian officials to ask for the release of several Jordanian political detainees. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Saudi crown prince visits Korea
Saudi, deputy premier and chairman of the national guard, Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, will begin a three-day official visit on Friday to South Korea. Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/20/1998 - King Hussein deteriorated health reports denied
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Sunday spoke on the telephone with Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan in Amman and denieda report in the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot on Sunday on the deteriorated health conditions of the Jordanian King Jordan, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Jordanian - Yemeni committee to convene in Amman next week
The Jordanian-Yemeni joint high committee will convene its seventh session in Amman on October 25 under the chairmanship of Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani and his Jordanian counterpart Fayez Tarawneh. Jordan-Yemen, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Damascus Declaration signatory states' FMs meet in Doha
Foreign Ministers of the Damascus Declaration signatory states will hold a two-day meeting in Doha on November 11. Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998 - UAE - GCC summit United Arab Emirates-Gulf, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Welch - Kurd agreement Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Rubin - Wye peace talks Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Eritrea expels Israeli experts Eritrea-Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Kuwaiti MP delegation meets Moroccan premier
Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi conferred in Casablanca on Monday with a visiting Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation on ways of boosting bilateral relations and consolidating inter-Arab solidarity. Morocco-Kuwait, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Tunisian president stresses need to resume Maghreb building process
Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali stressed Monday the need to resume the Maghreb building process and activate structures of the Arab Maghreb Union. Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Kurdish sources deny Oclan's presence in Damascus Syria-Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Seven Somali people died in Yemen
Seven Somali citizens died yesterday off the coast of Bir Ali, in the Yemeni governorate of Shebwah, while the coast guard was boarding a ship that entered regional waters illegally. Yemen-Somalia, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Egyptian minister of interior assures terminating the terrorism nests
Egyptian Minister of Interior Habib El-Adli announced yesterday that security bodies are about to root out terrorist nests, adding that what has been achieved recently came as the result of collective police work. Egypt, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Lebanese solidarity rally in support of Syria against Turkish threats
A large rally set out from the UNRWA Center in the al-Barid river camp in northern Lebanon on Monday. The rally was led by representatives of Palestinian factions, the region's dignitaries and prominent political, regional and social figures, and a large number of people participated. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Syrian President talks with Mubarak, Hrawi Syria-Egypt, Politics, 10/20/1998
- New Lebanese complaint lodged against Israel
Lebanon lodged through the April Understanding Monitoring Committee, another complaint against Israel's violation of the provisions of the agreement, which prohibits attacks on civilians and populated areas. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Kuwait, Senegal for boosting bilateral relations Kuwait-Senegal, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Arab policemen and security leaders wind up meetings Regional, Politics, 10/20/1998
- A message from Demirel to Qaboos Oman-Turkey, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Emir of Kuwait confers with GCC culture ministers Gulf-Kuwait, Politics, 10/20/1998
- Turkey continues escalation of tensions with Syria
The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus said that Syrian sources did not comment on the security meeting that may be held by high-ranking security officials from both Syria and Turkey to discuss the Turkish security requirements on the grounds of which Ankara continues a military buildup. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/20/1998 - Starting talks between Turkey and Syria
Syrian sources today told ArabicNews.com that Syria and Turkey are preparing to start talks to solve the conflict between them concerning the allegation that Syria supports the Kurdish Workers Party. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Message to President Mubarak from Pope John Paul II Egypt-Regional-Vatican, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Mubarak presides over ministerial meeting to discuss Syrian-Turkish crisis
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak presided over a ministerial meeting during which the crisis between Turkey and Syria was reviewed. Also reviewed were the continued efforts to reach a diplomatic solution to all unresolved problems between the two countries. Egypt, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Report: Damascus challenges Amman to give proof
High-ranking Syrian officials circles defied Amman a single name "for a Jordanian official that had disappeared in the Syrian territories." The circles added that it "audits" names submitted by Jordanian officials for persons, most of them are Palestinians arrested in Syria. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 10/19/1998 - France to sign defense contracts with Doha
The source indicated that French - Qatari military maneuvers will be carried out on October 21 - 22 in which some 600 French soldiers are taking part in the course of defense agreements between the two countries. Qatar-France, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Bahrain, Iran to resume diplomatic relations on ambassadorial level
Diplomatic sources in Manama said that Bahrain will appoint Salman al-Sabbagh as its ambassador in Tehran in the course of restoring diplomatic relations between the two countries to ambassadorial level before bilateral relations deteriorated between the two countries in 1996. Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 10/19/1998 - New Iraqi ambassador in Ankara
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has nominated one of the prominent leaders of the Iraqi intelligence to be Iraqi's ambassador in Ankara, and thereby to succeed former Iraqi Ambassador Rafe Dahham al-Takriti. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Aziz: UN sanctions on Iraq prove to be a failure
Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz said on Sunday that the UN sanctions imposed on Iraq for eight years will be lifted after they are proved futile. Iraq-UN, Politics, 10/19/1998 - First center for Algerian women raped by terrorists opens
The first center for Algerian women raped by terrorists opened Sunday in Algiers, it was officially announced. Algeria, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Vatican foreign minister voices concern over Israeli measures in Jerusalem
Vatican Foreign Minister Jean-Louis Tauran voiced serious concern on Sunday over Israeli measures destined to alter the genuine identity of the holy city of Jerusalem. Regional-Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Sudanese opposition rejects government call to discuss legalizing political parties
The Sudanese opposition refused yesterday the government's call to discuss a draft law that would allow the establishment of political parties. Sudan, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Saudi Arabia, China reiterate need for just Middle East peace
Both China and Saudi Arabia have expressed deep concern over the continuinf deadlock in the Middle East peace process. The two countries called on the international community to move immediately and effectively to establish a just and comprehensive peace. They also called for resuming negotiations on the Syrian peace track and for carrying out UN Security Council resolution 425 pertaining to Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon. Saudi Arabia-Regional-China, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Cyprus' foreign minister to Cairo tomorrow
The foreign minister of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, is to arrive in Cairo tomorrow carrying a communique from Cyprus' President Glafcos Clerides to President Mubarak, concerning bilateral relations, and a number of international and regional issues within the consultations between the two countries. Egypt, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Intensified security measures in Sanaa
The Yemeni security bodies in have recently undertaken a concentrated security campaign to arrest those responsible for placing explosives in the trash inside a plastic package to deceive workers in one of the northeast districts of Sanaa. Yemen, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Arab - Israeli representatives to visit Syria and Jordan
The eleven Arab Israeli members of the knesset (Israeli parliament) will visit Damascus to express support to Syria in the Turkish-Israeli threat Regional, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Lahoud - Hariri consultations coming Lebanon, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Omani FM meets with Arafat in US Oman-Palestine, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Jeddah hosts preparatory meeting of a seminar on human rights
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Azzedine Laraki opened i nJeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday a preparatory meeting of a seminar sponsored by the United Nations High Commission for human rights due in Geneva next November 19, reported the Kuwaiti news agency, KUNA. Regional-OIC, Politics, 10/19/1998 - A message from Russian president to Mubarak
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a message from Russian President Boris Yeltsen that tackled bilateral relations between Egyptian and Russia, methods of enhancing and developing them in all fields. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Turkey does not care for invitations of world media to visit the Bekaa Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Gaddafi reiterates readiness to hand over Lockerbie suspects to Netherlands Libya, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Sheikh Zayed congratulates Yemeni President on restoration of Hanish Islands
President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, in a telephone call on Sunday congratulated Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on the decision of the International Court of Justice to restore Yemen's sovereignty over the islands. United Arab Emirates-Yemen, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Algerian justice minister's resignation accepted Algeria, Politics, 10/19/1998
- GCC culture ministers meet in Kuwait
Culture ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states will hold their seventh meeting on Monday in Kuwait to discuss several cultural issues which help supporting the march of cooperation and integration in various areas among the GCC member states. Gulf-Kuwait, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Report: A Syrian gift to Lahoud Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Egyptian mediation efforts to contain Syrian - Turkish crisis meet obstacles Egypt, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Jordanian publishers deny visit to Israel
Jordanian Publishers Federation on Sunday denied Israeli claims that several Jordanian publishers recently visited Israel and participated in a book exhibition there. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1998 - Message to Kuwaiti president from Turkish counterpart Kuwait-Turkey, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Congo president makes sudden visit to Sudan Sudan-Congo, Politics, 10/19/1998
- Britain refuses Libyan request on Lockerbie incident suspects Libya-UK, Politics, 10/19/1998