Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/4/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 4, 1999

• Syrian, Egyptian joint press conference in Damascus
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sahraa said the two presidents discussed the Arab situation, especially the Iraqi crisis and means of adopting a unified Arab position on January 24, when the Arab foreign ministers will meet in Cairo. Regional-Syria, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Presidents Mubarak, al-Assad hold Damascus summit
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Friday made a one-day visit to Damascus. After his arrival from the airport with President Hafez al-Assad at the Damascus's People's Palace, the Presidents held a meeting. Regional-Syria, Politics, 1/9/1999
• GCC foreign minister meet tomorrow in Jeddah Gulf, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Hizbullah party condemns Israeli bulldozing of Lebanese houses Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Saudi daily strongly criticizes Saddam
  The Saudi daily al-Jazira on Friday criticized strongly the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and described him as that he only learnt "killing even people who are the most kinship links to him." Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Moussa to meet with Sharon tomorrow for the first time
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is heading tomorrow to Israel to participate in a conference regarding peace in Tel Aviv. On the margin of his participation, he will meet his Israeli counterpart, Ariel Sharon. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Quorum completed to convene Arab foreign ministers
  14 Arab countries agreed to participate in the Arab foreign ministers' meeting to be held on January 24. Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid denied any movement among the Arab countries to delay the meeting. Regional, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Saudi and South African Envoys to Visit Libya
  The United Nations on Friday announced that Saudi Arabian and South African envoys will visit Libya next week for talks on the Lockerbie issue. Libya, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Japanese foreign minsiter concludes two-day visit to Damascus
  Concerning Japan's aid to the countries of the region, Komura said: "We shall continue to render aid but there is nothing fixed, especially in regard to economic cooperation between Japan and the region's states." Syria-Japan, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Crown Prince receives US congressional delegation
  Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed received in Rabat on Friday a US congressional delegation, currently paying a courtesy visit to Morocco. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/9/1999
• German foreign minister to visit Egypt on Wednesday
  German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer is to arrive in Egypt on a two-day formal visit beginning on Wednesday, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Report: Iran strengthens presence on disputed islands with Emirates Iran-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/9/1999
• On the Kurdish meeting on Northern Iraq Iraq, Politics, 1/9/1999
• British prime minister visits Kuwait today
  British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived today in Kuwait in an official visit during which he will meet with Kuwaiti Emir Jabir al-Ahmed al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdallah al-Sabah and senior officials. Kuwait-UK, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Israeli plans to build new Jewish settlement in Palestine
  The Israeli government has given the green light to construct a new Jewish settlement in the heart of the city of Al-Khalil (Hebron) Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Saudi Arabia donates military equipment to Lebanese army
  Saudi Arabia has donated military equipment to the Lebanese army, it was officially announced in Beirut on Friday. Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Lebanese premier confers with PLO political department chairman Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Jordanian opposition parties urge the media to not promote statements of the US, UK in Amman Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Abu Nidal escapes to Iraq Regional, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Lebanese Presidents confers with Japanese FM Lebanon, Politics, 1/9/1999
• Mubarak visits Syria today to discuss Middle East peace process developments
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has announced that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will visit Syria today and that he will during this visit hold talks with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad dealing with several key issues. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 1/8/1999
• A critical decision for the Iraqi national council, tomorrow
  Well-informed Iraqi sources in Amman said that the Iraqi national council (Parliament) will hold an emergency session tomorrow (Saturday) at the invitation of the Iraqi leadership in order to derive "public support" for a political decision aiming at "legalizing" retaliation to any sources of threats "launched from neighboring countries." Iraq, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Arab League supports Morocco's territorial integrity
  Secretary general of the Arab League, Esmat Abdul Meguid, said the organization supports Morocco's territorial integrity in the Sahara issue. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Syrian Baath Party regional leadership unanimously nominates President al-Assad for fifth term
  The Baath party regional leadership met on Wednesday, January 6, 1999 and adopted a unanimous decision to nominate President al-Assad for a new term of office Syria, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Talibani and Barzani meet on Friday in Kurdistani Iraq Iraq, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Asfour opposes delaying announcement of Palestinian state
  The director of the negotiation department in the Palestinian government, Hassan Asfour, opposed the postponement of announcing the Palestinian state until after May 4, to await the results of the early Israeli elections. Palestine, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Lebanese president denounces new Israeli act of piracy
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Thursday denounced the Israeli destruction of Lebanese homes in Arnoun, saying, "It falls in the course of an Israeli plan of daily aggressions against Lebanon's security and sovereignty." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Egypt voices strong support to Lebanon in fighting Israeli aggressions
  Moussa added that aggression against civilians in Lebanon has become the main characteristics of the Israeli aggression. Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Special meeting for the GCC foreign ministers to unite position on Iraq
  Foreign ministers from the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council states will hold a meeting on Saturday at the headquarters of the general secretariat of the GCC in Riyadh. Gulf, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Moroccan and Egyptian foreign ministers hold phone talks Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Six Arab states agree to attend consultative meeting
  Syria, Yemen, and Oman informed the Arab League on Thursday of their consent to take part in the consultation meeting of the Arab foreign ministers due to be held on January 24, under the chairmanship of Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa, as Syria is the current President of the Arab League council. Regional, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Sanaa: U.S-British investigators to inform on Yemeni investigation only
  Yemen has stated that investigators from the US Fedral Bureau of Investigation and from the British police came to Sanaa only to learn about the outcomes of Yemeni interrogations on an incident in which 16 Western tourists were kidnapped and four were killed. Yemen, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Chirac: Peace on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks needs the implementation of land for peace formula
  French President Jacques Chirac has asserted the need for serious work in order to implement the land-for-peace principle in the Middle East peace process as of this year in order to attain peace on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Regional-France, Politics, 1/8/1999
• A new investment fund in Egypt next week
  During the coming week the international Egyptian Delta Bank is to tackle the files and paperwork of its first investment fund with a capital amounting to $50 million. Egypt, Politics, 1/8/1999
• French, German officials in Amman
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illahj al-Khatib on Thursday held detailed talks with two high ranking officials at the German and French Foreign ministries concerning peace in the Middle East and means of strengthening bilateral relations between each of Berlin and Paris. Jordan-Germany, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Egypt insists on Israeli nuclear disarmament
  Once again, Egypt renewed its insistence on inserting the issue of "removing the nuclear weapons" on the agenda of the negotiation priorities during the meeting of the disarmament conference which is to be held in the current month at Geneva. Egypt, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Zinni - Iraq damage Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Morocco and Poland to step up mining research cooperation Morocco, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Japanese foreign minister in Egypt
  A session for formal talks between Egypt and Japan was held yesterday at the head quarter of the Egyptian foreign ministry the Egyptian delegation was chaired by Egyptian FM Amr Mousa while the Japanese side chaired by the Japanese FM Masahiku Komura. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Sudan: seven parties licensed for the first time since 1989
  The process of registering political parties started on Wednesday in Khartoum, recalling the political life Sudan witnessed for the last time during the third democratic phase in 1986-1989. Sudan, Politics, 1/8/1999
• Kuwaiti Arab League delegate: Iraq is a danger to the region
  Kuwait's permanent delegate at the Arab League, ambassador Abdul al-Kenaei, stated that Iraq still threatens the area and not only Kuwait Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Kuwaiti parliamentarians call for punishments based on Islamic Sharia
  Kuwaiti dailies on Wednesday reported that Islamist parliamentarians have reiterated their demands to have against the penalty of cutting the hand or stoning in the Kuwaiti law. Kuwait, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Group of organizations calls for fighting corruption in Morocco
  A group of Moroccan non-governmental associations called for promoting the values of honesty, transparency and integrity in society and support all measures meant to establish a genuine system of good governance. Morocco, Politics, 1/7/1999
• President al-Assad confers with Hariri Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/7/1999
• US planes continue flights through Iraqi airspace
  US and British warplanes on Wednesday flew in Iraqi airspace in northern and southern Iraq. No new incidents were reported. Iraq, Politics, 1/7/1999
• British-Japanese agreement on the need to implement Wye river agreement
  Britain and Japan on Wednesday underlined the importance of implementing the Wye River agreement between the Palestinians and the Israelis without imposing any new conditions. Regional-International, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Arab FMs to meet on January 24
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said on Wednesday in Cairo that there are a common agreement and similar views between the Arab states toward convening the consultation meeting of the Arab foreign ministers on January 24. Regional, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Ethiopia threatens military act to settle border disputes with Eritrea
  Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin has appealed in a meeting held on Tuesday with diplomats accredited in Addis Ababa and representatives of international organizations for the international organizations to take an active and decisive position against Eritrea Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Lahoud: Lebanon's interest lies in cohesion of Syrian, Lebanese tracks
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has asserted that Lebanon's national interest lies in the inseparability of the Syrian and Lebanese tracks, regardless of conditions and considerations. Lebanon, Politics, 1/7/1999
• 23 persons killed, 19 wounded in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Communist official arrested in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Rebel awaits government's answer to return to Khartoum
  The southern Sudanese rebel Karbino Kwanin returned back to the lines of the southern forces which are allied with the Sudanese government after he split from the Khartoum peace agreement and conducted a rebellion in Bahr al-Gazelle province. Sudan, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Iranian daily: Kuwaiti police tortured Iranian workers
  The Iranian daily Iran reported on Wednesday that 26 Iranian workers were exposed to torture by Kuwaiti policemen before they were deported to Iran. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Blair in Kuwait on Saturday
  A news bulletin by the British embassy in Kuwait said on Wednesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair will visit Kuwait on Saturday where he will meet with the Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah and high-ranking Kuwaiti officials. Kuwait-UK, Politics, 1/7/1999
• A billion pounds is the cost of restructuring San Stefano Hotel
  The total investment cost for the project of restructuring San Stefano Hotel in Alexandria was estimated at nearly one billion Egyptian pounds. Egypt, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Khartoum: medicine factory issue is precondition for dialogue with Washington
  The Sudanese ambassador in Washington, Mahdi Ibrahim, has asserted the importance of dialogue to settle disputes between his country and the United States. Sudan-USA, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Iraqi opposition member wants a Monarchy in Iraq
  Member of the Iraqi constitutional royal movement al-Sharif Ali Bin al-Hussein has said that 98% of the Iraqi people want the royal system because monarchy is the best system to settle the crisis caused by the era under the Republican govenment. Iraq, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Britain sends carrier to Gulf Gulf-UK, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Annan denies US media reports on UNSCOM spying
  United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan released a statement yesterday replying to US media reports that he believed that UNSCOM was spying for the US in Iraq, saying, "We not only have no convincing evidence of these allegations; we have no evidence of any kind." Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Yemen refuses to join British commonwealth Yemen-UK, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Prince Bandar to mediate in Lockerbie incident Saudi Arabia-Libya-USA, Politics, 1/7/1999
• A message from Khatami to Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/7/1999
• Middle East resumes flights to Tehran in March Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 1/7/1999
• France: Israeli Knesset decision on Golan and Jerusalem is against peace
  France on Tuesday deplored the Israeli Knesset proposal to approve a law rejecting any withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and from Jerusalem without Knesset and popular votes. Israel-France, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Sudan: Islamic costumes for women, including tourists
  The Sudanese government said that foreign women who are visiting Sudan should wear a scarf and cover their legs and thighs according to the Islamic practice. Sudan, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Egyptian parliament opens issue of those who disappeared in Iraq
  The Egyptian People's Assembly decided to open the issue of Egyptian citizens who disappeared in Iraq. Egypt, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Report: Netanyahu prepares military - political plan to strike Syria, Lebanon
  An Egyptian paper has said that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his senior aides to prepare a military and political plan to launch a quick war against Syria and Lebanon with the objective of convincing the Israeli voters that he (Netanyahu) is the best choice for preserving Israeli security. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Butler: I did not spy on Iraq for the US
  UNSCOM chief Richard Butler responded with strong denials today to US media reports that the UN organization for investigating Iraqi weapons of mass destruction spied on the Iraqi government and gave the information to the United States. Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Arab personality visited Baghdad to stop information attack campaign
  Iraqi official sources said that an Arab personality confidentially visited Baghdad few days ago and asked to meet Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to stop criticizing Arab governments. Iraq, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Kuwaiti foreign minister to visit Cairo Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Shbeilat in Iraq Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Talks between prince Hassan and al-Dakhil restore warmth between Jordan and Kuwait
  The governments of Jordan and Kuwait have started on Monday a real step toward bringing about political closeness, easing tensions that came up in 1990-1991, during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait when Jordan supported Iraq. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Iraq accuses Saudi Arabia and Egypt of approving recent US military attack
  Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz accused in an article published on Tuesday by the Iraqi daily al-Jouhmouriyah both Saudi Arabia and Egypt of being told beforehand about the US-British attacks against Iraq and agreeing to the attacks out of their belief that these attacks would lead to the collapse of the Iraqi government. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Palestinian-Egyptian-Jordanian meeting to coincide with Ross' return
  A Palestinian source told ArabicNews.com that a Jordanian - Egyptian - Palestinian meeting is to be convened on a high-ranking level in Amman during the coming week, coinciding with the return of US peace process envoy Dennis Ross to the region on January 10. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Moroccan government renews will to alleviate debt burden
  The Moroccan government will spare no effort to alleviate the burden of external and internal debt, the minister of economic forecast and planning said. Morocco, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Syrian President meets with Lebanese Prime Minister
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday at al-Chaab palace in Damascus received Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Moroccan minister announces new international cooperation strategy
  Aicha Belarbi told al-Ittihad al-Ichtiraki daily that Morocco will be cooperating with regions other than Europe and that Moroccan economic operators have actually started to prospect other countries. She explained that cooperation goes beyond the political dimension to encompass economy, culture, finances and investments. Morocco, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Clinton meets with King Hussein
  US President Bill Clinton on Tuesday discussed with Jordanian King Hussein the crisis with Iraq and the Middle East peace process during a meeting they held at the White House. Jordan-USA, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Egyptian minister of agriculture defends technology - sharing with Israel
  Egypt's deputy prime minister and minister of agriculture, Yousef Wali, defended benefiting from Israel technology in agriculture to help develop his country's productivity. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Pope to join Bethlehem 2000 celebration in Palestine
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received a communique from Pope John Paul II in answer to a message sent by Arafat during last November. In the communique Pope Pope John Paul II accepted the invitation of Arafat to join the international committee on Bethlem 2000. Palestine-Vatican, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Iraq: confrontation between Iraqi, US warplanes
  An Iraqi military source said on Tuesday that a confrontation took place between Iraqi and American warplanes. The Iraqi source said that their planes returned safely to their base. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Kuwait consults with Saudi Arabia on Arab summit
  Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah has asserted that his country does not oppose the convening of an Arab summit as long as such a summit is prepared for very well. Kuwait, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Israel army oficial: Withdrawal from south Lebanon a top priority
  The Israeli Army's coordinator in the occupied part of south Lebanon, Uri Lubrani said that the question of the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon is today one of the top priorities in Israel. He added this question will be in the "limelight of the current election campaign," claiming this matter can be only settled only after the formation of the new Israeli Cabinet. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/6/1999
• AL chief, German official discuss Mideast peace
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Tuesday in Cairo discussed with German Deputy Foreign Minister Von Huslen the Middle East peace process and the sufferings of the Iraqi people as a result of the embargo. Regional-Germany, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Kahalani asks to meet with President al-Assad
  Israeli Minister of the Interior Avigdor Kahalani said that "if President Hafez al-Assad understands the Hebrew, he has to ask me to meet with him, and I am ready to meet with him the second day." Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Two humanitarian organization workers killed in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Bahrain PM meets with British PM Bahrain-UK, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Morocco increases sugar beet cultivated areas by 27% Morocco, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Post, telecom workers go on strike
  Moroccan postal and telecom workers will go strike on January 14-15 to protest the deterioration of their financial situation and work conditions. Morocco, Politics, 1/6/1999
• 5,000 Iranian women are to be nominated in the first municipal elections Iran, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Arafat to Blair: We implemented our commitments in Wye accord Palestine-UK, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Egyptian human rights organization concern over official statements
  The Egyptia Organization forn Human Rights has reacted to statements made by Egyptian Minister of the Interior Habib al-Adli and viewed these statements as "defaming the reputation of Egypt and contradicting statements made by the Foreign Ministry and its obligations in international circles." Egypt, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Rabat: file of the Sahara will be closed this year Politics, 1/6/1999
• Khatami to visit Syria this year Syria-Iran, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Jordan, Kuwait for boosting bilateral relations
  Jordan's Crown Prince Hassan on Tuesday received a message from Kuwaiti Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Salem al-Sabah pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 1/6/1999
• A message from Clinton to Crown Prince Abdullah Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/6/1999
• A message from Qatari Emir to Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-Qatar, Politics, 1/6/1999
• US denies news that Albright refuses to meet with Sharon Israel-USA, Politics, 1/6/1999
• Israeli law draft to prevent return of occupied lands passes first vote
  The Israeli Knesset ratified the first reading of a draft law that would require an absolute majority in votes on any withdrawal from the occupied Arab territories held by Israel including the Syrian Golan Heights and East Jerusalem. Israel, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Moussa: Egyptian moves to activate the Arab role
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that the current period will witness an intensive Arabian movement to discuss and study the current situations in the Arab world. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Iraqi - Kuwaiti talks on missing Kuwaitis postponed
  The regional representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Bernard Beverly, who supervises talks between Kuwait and Iraq said on Monday in Kuwait that the meeting scheduled to be held on Monday to discuss the Kuwaitis who have been missing since the Iraqi - Kuwaiti war was postponed for an indefinite period. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/5/1999
• A message for Mubarak from Chinese president
  Egyptian television reported on Monday that President Hosni Mubarak has accepted an invitation to make an official visit to China in April. The invitation was extended during Mubarak's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan in Cairo. Egypt-China, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Report: Al-Ghardaqa meeting commits to Iraq's unity
  A Lebanese daily quoted high-ranking Arab diplomatic sources as saying that the al-Ghardaqa meeting which was held two days ago in Egypt to study the Arab position concerning the Iraqi crisis, had concluded three Arab principles which will be on top of the agenda of the Arab ministerial meeting due to be held in Cairo on January 24. Regional, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Egyptian ambassador in Jordan meets with Iraqi reconciliation movement delegation
  The Egyptian ambassador in Amman, Hani Riyadh, has met with a delegation representing the "Iraqi National Reconciliation" opposition movement, which has Jordan as its headquarters. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Kuwaiti minister in Amman to prepare for detente in relations
  Kuwait Deputy Premier and Minister of State for Cabinet affairs Abdul Aziz al-Dakhil will arrive in Amman today in preparation for a major detente in relations between the two countries. Kuwait-Jordan, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Mubarak to visit Syria for further coordination and consultation
  Arab diplomatic sources stated that a visit to be carried out by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to Damascus will be made within the few coming days in the course of continued coordination and consultation between the two countries. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Khatami stresses cooperation with Arab Gulf states
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has asserted the need of cooperation among countries overlooking the Gulf region in order to achieve security and stability in this "sensitive part of the world." Gulf-Iran, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Cuban president praises Syrian president
  President Fidel Castro of Cuba has praised Syrian President Hafez al-Assad's "wise and courageous leadership and his farsightedness towards the Middle East situation." Regional-Cuba, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Saudi crown prince, King Fahd confer with Sultan of Brunei
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz met on Monday in Riyadh with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and members of his accompanying delegation currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Brunei, Politics, 1/5/1999
• On the declaration of the Palestinian state
  Israeli political sources said on Monday that a request made by Egypt and Jordan to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to abstain from declaring the establishment of a Palestinian state in May aims at not interfering in the elections in Israel. Palestine, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Lebanon lodges strong appeal, makes contacts against Israeli aggressions
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has announced that Lebanon has started making contacts at the highest level through diplomatic channels, fearing the escalation of further Israeli attacks against Lebanese citizens. Lebanon, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Five Muslim Brotherhood members arrested in Egypt Egypt, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Blair in Kuwait on Saturday Kuwait-UK, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Kuwaiti President meets with Baqr al-Hakim Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/5/1999
• President Mubarak confers with Francophonic organization chief
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday in Cairo received the secretary general of the international Francophonic organization, Boutros Boutros Ghali. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Egypt: Habib El-Adli warns of chaotic actions Egypt, Politics, 1/5/1999
• South African Muslim group to protest Blair's visit
  A Muslim group called "the Muslims are against world persecution" announced on Monday in Cape Town that they are planning a protest during the visit to be made by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to South Africa. Regional-International, Politics, 1/5/1999
• New instructions by the US embassy in Damascus
  The US embassy in Damascus as of today will start to offer certain emigration visas and services for United States citizens, whereas other non-migration visas services including tourism, work and study visas are to continue to be suspended for an indefinite time. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Report: Britain planned to topple governments in Jordan, Saudi Arabia in 1967
  A London-based Arabic daily said on Monday that records of the British Foreign Office for 1967 unveiled a detailed plan to topple the governments in Jordan and Saudi Arabia which was known among Arab and Western officials and diplomats in Riyadh, Baghdad and London by the name of the "Ramadan Plan." Regional-UK, Politics, 1/5/1999
• AL chief meets with Chinese FM Regional-China, Politics, 1/5/1999
• Formal discussions with China start today
  Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan arrived yesterday in Cairo to hold discussions on increasing the economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries. Egypt-China, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Mubarak: Iraqi government wasted Iraq's future, as war of words by Iraq continues
  President Mubarak added in his statement to Al-Ahram "At times of crisis, it would be wiser to mark your words and to rise to the level of responsibility. Now, has the Iraqi regime been able to patch things up with the Arabs; has it abandoned its ambitious schemes? Do Iraqi officials know how to conduct a dialogue? Do they know how to differ with the others? " Iraq-Egypt, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Israeli official for negotiation with Syria Israel, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Relations between Amman and Baghdad very tense
  A Jordanian source described relations between Amman and Baghdad as "very critical and difficult" following the open Iraqi criticism of a political speech read by Jordanian Crown Prince Hassan at the inauguration of the meetings of the Arab Parliamentary Union in Amman last Sunday. Iraq-Jordan, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Memo of understanding to be signed between Arab League, China
  Arab League Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Muhammad Zakaraya Ismail has asserted the importance of a pending memo of understanding in boosting Arab-Chinese relations, noting that it will be signed today. Regional-China, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Tehran: aggression on Iraq is a unilateral act
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has asserted that the recent round of US-British attacks on Iraq was a separatist step taken unilaterally, adding that the attacks were not accepted internationally. Iran, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Kidnapping in Yemen a revenge for striking Iraq Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/4/1999
• AL for further cooperation with Franophonic countries
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid and the chief of the Organization of Francophonic States, Boutros Boutros Ghali reiterated their utmost desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in serving common interests. Regional, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Disobedience among pro-Israeli militias in S. Lebanon
  The Lebanese resistance has asserted that it has a right to retaliate to violations of the April Understanding agreement by the Israeli occupation troops through the raids carried out against Nahla and Jenta towns in north Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Sabah al-Ahmad invites Jordanian FM to visit Kuwait and end problems
  Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah said on Sunday that he extended an invitation for his Jordanian counterpart, Abdul Illah al-Khatib, to visit Kuwait and "eliminate all problems" between the two countries. Kuwait-Jordan, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Egypt to host delayed meeting of Arab FMs
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has asserted that the Arab foreign ministers' emergency and consultative meeting will be held on January 24 Cairo. Regional, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Diplomatic dialogue continues regarding US embassy in Damascus
  US diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that "diplomatic dialogue is continuing on a daily basis" between US ambassador in Damascus Ryan Crocker and the Syrian Foreign Ministry concerning the results of the demonstrations which took place two weeks ago in protest against the US - British military strikes on Iraq. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/4/1999
• German envoy to tour the Middle East
  The German official in charge of Foreign Affairs, Andreas Won Hosli, will visit the Middle East and several Arab Gulf countries on January 3 - 12, delegated by German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, according to a statement made by the German Foreign Ministry on Saturday. Regional-Germany, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Mubarak to meet King Hassan II in March
  Egyptian sources confirmed to the ArabicNews.com that the high joint committee between Egypt and Morocco is going to convene next march under the chairmanship of the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak and his Moroccan counterpart, King Hassan II. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Partnership agreement to be signed between Egypt and the European Union
  Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Fathi El-Shazeli stated that he expects a partnership agreement to be signed between Egypt and the European Union during the coming few weeks. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Japanese FM to start visit to the Middle East
  Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura will start a tour next Tuesday including Britain and the Middle East within the framework of Japan's endeavors to give the Middle East peace process a push forward. Regional-Japan, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Report: Two Iraqis seek asylum in Egypt
  A young man and his wife asked for political asylum in Egypt after they arrived in Alexandria airport on Saturday in an Egyptian plane which arrived from Amman. Iraq-Egypt, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Arab interior ministers' meeting is to be held at end of January
  For the first time the Jordanian capital Amman is going to host the meetings of the 16th session of Arab interior ministers, where Egyptian Minister of Interior Habib El-Adli is going to chair his country's delegation to the meetings. Regional, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Sahara issue in decisive turning point says Moroccan minister
  The Sahara issue is currently going through a decisive turning point, despite some positive aspects, a Moroccan minister said. Morocco, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Iranian protest against normalization with the US
  The Iranian capital, Tehran on Sunday witnessed a large demonstration in which thousands of Iranian university students participated in protest against the US practices against peoples of the world, especially against the people of Iraq. Iran, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Morocco will not oppose return of Moroccan Jews living in Israel
  Morocco will not oppose the return of Moroccan Jews living in Israel who wish to, speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Abdelouahed Radi, told an Arab daily. Morocco, Politics, 1/4/1999
• UK appoints new ambassador to Oman Oman-UK, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Bahrain Cabinet agrees to weapons law change Bahrain, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Netanyahu demands that Palestinians find shooters Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Switzerland demands compensation from Cairo
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a written communique from the foreign minister of Switzerland, Flavio Cotti, in which Switzerland is calling on Egypt to make financial reparations to families of the victims of the 35 persons from Switzerland who died in the 1997 Luxor incident. Egypt-Switzerland, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Algerian government confirms commitment to pure elections
  In its first meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Ismael Hamdani, the new Algerian government determined and set up its program, which will be submitted to the parliament on January 7. Algeria, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Blair will ask Mandela to convince Gaddafi to hand over the two Libyans Libya-UK, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Jordanian, Egyptian, and Palestinian FMs to meet on developments Regional, Politics, 1/4/1999
• A new Israeli party established Israel, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Ross to make new tour of the region Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Israei arms exports increase Israel-Turkey, Politics, 1/4/1999
• Yemeni President, Hamas official review developments in the region Yemen, Politics, 1/4/1999
• New Lebanese complaint against Israel Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/4/1999

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