Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/11/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 11, 1999

• Gulf sources: GCC opposed to Iraqi participation in any summit
  Gulf diplomatic informed sources stated that countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council will not attend an Iraqi summit if it is attended by the Iraqi government. Gulf, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Palestinian president hails position of Moroccan King in favor of Palestinian people
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, has expressed esteem for the constant positions of King Hassan II supporting the Palestinian people's rights. Palestine-Morocco, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Government and rebels extend cease-fire in Sudan for three months
  The Sudanese government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army decided yesterday to extend a cease-fire for three months in part of southern Sudan in order to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians suffering from famine and floods. Sudan-UN, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Arab Parliamentary Union opposes Baghdad withdrawing its recognition of Kuwait
  The Arab Parliamentary Union (APU) urged Iraq to positively handle international resolutions and opposed Baghdad's threats to withdraw its recognition of the Kuwaiti state Regional-Iraq, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Saudi and South African mediation achieved progress in Lockerbie crisis Libya-International, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Garang, El-Mahdi agree on convening general conference of Sudanese opposition
  The chief of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, John Garang, and former Sudanese prime minister and Ummah party chief El-Sadeq El-Mahdi agreed to host the general conference of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance Sudan, Politics, 1/16/1999
• German foreign minister to visit Lebanon on a Middle Eastern tour
  German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer will visit Lebanon in the middle of February as part of a Middle Eastern tour on the occasion of Germany's assuming the rotating chairmanship of the European Union. Lebanon-Regional-Germany, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Arab interior ministers to meet in Amman on January 29
  The general trusteeship of the Arab interior ministers' council announced that Jordan's King Hussien is to inaugurate the 16th session of the Arab interior ministers' council, which is to start in the Jordanian capital on January 29 and last for three days. Regional, Politics, 1/16/1999
• UN Security Council - Iraq Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Al Aqsa sermon - peace agreements Palestine, Politics, 1/16/1999
• UN executive for women's development hold talks in Rabat
  Executive manager of the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), Noeleen Heyzer, who is visiting Morocco this January 14-18, reviewed in Rabat on Friday with Moroccan secretary of state for social protection, family and children, Said Saadi, the Moroccan experience regarding the promotion of women. Morocco, Politics, 1/16/1999
• US president says Morocco and US are old partners seeking peace in the world Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Palestinian leadership supports Lebanese resolution to solve travel problem of refugees
  The Palestinian leadership supported the Lebanese government's decision last week to solve the problem of the travel and residency of Palestinian refugees who live in Lebanon by reconsidering travel documents issued by the Lebanese government to the refugees in its land. Palestine-Lebanon, Politics, 1/16/1999
• International envoy in Morocco for talks regarding the Sahara
  The envoy of the United Nations' secretary general to the Sahara, Charles Dunbar, held talks yesterday with Moroccan officials -- the first since United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan's tour to the African Horn area. Morocco-West Sahara, Politics, 1/16/1999
• Israel held responsible for its brutal aggression against innocent civilians
  On Thursday, The April Understanding Monitoring Committee (which includes the USA and France) in charge of monitoring "the understanding that civilians should not be target of military strikes" stressed that Israel has violated items of the understanding through its strikes on Lebanese civilian populated areas in its repeated attacks against south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Arab League condemns Israel's policy in Arab territories
  the Arab League asserted that the Israeli practices exceeded those acts of atrocity carried out by Nazis during the 1940s. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Shroeder asserts importance of implementing Wye Plantation accord
  German Chancellor Gerhard Shroeder asserted on Thursday the importance of implementing the Wye plantation accord that was mediated by Washington between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, reported the Kuwaiti news agency. Palestine-Israel-Germany, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Five-member Arab FMs meeting discusses Middle East peace, Iraqi crisis
  The foreign ministers of Syria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Oman discussed in their meeting held in Cairo on Wednesday night means of salvaging the Middle East peace process. Regional, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Parliamentarians speak on their unanimous vote for al-Assad's nomination for Presidency
  Citizen Nahi Bahsas told ArabicNews.com that nominating President al-Assad for a new constitutional term means more development projects, factories, universities and hospitals and renovation of agriculture and industry. Syria, Politics, 1/15/1999
• February 8, the date of referendum in Syria on electing al-Assad
  According to the Syrian constitution, the President has to be elected at least one month before the end of his term of office. President al-Assad's current term of office ends on March 12. Al-Assad ascended to power following the "Correction Movement" held in 1970, and he became president for the first time in 1971. Syria, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Agreement in Baghdad between Iraqi government and opposition factions
  Diplomatic sources and Iraqi opposition sources announced that an important agreement was ratified in Baghdad on Wednesday between the Iraqi government and eight opposition factions who made a two-day visit to Iraq to hold talks that were described as "urgent" after the agreement of President Saddam Hussein to meet with the representatives. Iraq, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Arab sources: Albright will visit Egypt and Saudi Arabia at the end of the current month
  Arab diplomatic sources told ArabicNews.com that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will pay quick visits to Egypt and Saudi Arabia after the conclusion of the meetings of Arab foreign ministers, which will start on January 24, to discuss the status of Iraq and the strike directed by US and British forces against Iraq last month. Egypt-Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Libyan mediation between Khartoum and rebels
  Diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the visit of Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael and Sudanese Vice President Riak Mashar on Tuesday to Libya pertains to an initiative proposed by Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi in order to establish peace in Southern Sudan. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Jordanian foreign minister to visit Kuwait at month's end
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Illah al-Khatib is due to visit Kuwait during the last week of the current month, in which al-Khatib will meet with his Kuwaiti counterpart and high-ranking Kuwaiti officials. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Khatami's envoy leaves Baghdad
  Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Foreign Affairs Muhammad Sader, the envoy of President Khatami, left Baghdad on Wednesday concluding a three-day official visit to Iraq. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Public freedoms, audio-visual press and education to top government's action in 1999, prime minister says
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi said his government's action in 1999 will revolve around the consolidation of public freedom and the reform of the audiovisual and education sectors. Morocco, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Warning issued against executing Yemeni Islamist kidnapper
  The Imam of Finsbury Park mosque in London, Sheikh Abu Hamzeh al-Masri, said that Westerners in Yemen will be killed if the leader of the kidnappers of 16 western tourists in Yemen is executed. Yemen, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Jordanian trade unions call for resisting normalization
  Jordanian vocational trade unions called for establishing a central committee to resist normalization with Israel. Jordan, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Israeli FM says that West Bank will be annexed
  Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has announced that Israel will annex the occupied West Bank's lands, which will not be given over to the Palestinian Authority PA if the PA would announce the establishment of an independent state. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Israeli Knesset prepares list of Jewish properties in Arab states
  An Israeli parliamentary committee has decided to prepare a list of the Jewish property in the Arab states that can be demanded to be restored. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Three eastern african countries set up common passport Regional, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Moroccan development plan to reduce social gaps, minister says
  One of the major targets of the 1999-2003 five-year development plan is to reduce social gaps, the Moroccan minister of economic forecasts and planning said. Morocco, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Head of Japan's overseas cooperation agency to visit Morocco
  Chairman of the Japanese Agency of Overseas Cooperation, Fujita Kimio, is expected in Rabat this weekend for talks with Moroccan officials on ways of boosting partnership between the two countries in matters of fishing, technical training and scientific research. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 1/15/1999
• France for strengthening relations with Lebanon Lebanon-France, Politics, 1/15/1999
• King Hussein to arrive in Amman on Tuesday Jordan, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Syrian Baath Party official meets with Bitterlin Syria-France, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Iran calls for Arab-Islamic solidarity Regional-Iran, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Syrian people of the Golan highlight the president's nomination
  The Syrian people in the occupied Golan Heights have voiced support for the decision adopted unanimously by the PA in nominating President al-Assad for a new term of office. Syria, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Lebanese premier condemns Israeli aggression on south Lebanon
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has condemned the continued Israeli aggressions against the Lebanese areas and the expulsion of Lebanese families from the towns and villages of south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 1/15/1999
• Egypt supports Iraq more than any other country Egypt, Politics, 1/14/1999
• French ideas to settle the Iraqi crisis
  France proposed to members of the UN Security Council on Tuesday the main outline for a new monitoring system in order to eliminate Iraqi weapons of mass destruction and at the same time lift the international sanctions imposed on Iraq. Iraq-France, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Quorum to convene Arab foreign ministers completed
  The quorum to convene the Arab foreign ministers' meeting that is to be held on January 24 under the chairmanship of Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa has been completed. Regional, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Syrian PA unanimously supports al-Assad nomination for new term of office
  The Syrian People's Assembly chaired by Speaker Abdul Qader Qaddoura on Wednesday resumed discussions on the PA special committee's report concerning the message of the Baath Party regional leadership about its unanimous decision regarding the nomination of President Hafez al-Assad for a new constitutional term of office. Syria, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Handling of Missing Persons' Issue by Human Rights Council avoids politicization
  The Moroccan Minister of human rights on Wednesday said that submitting the issue of missing persons to the Human Rights Advisory Council (CCDH) helped avoid politicization of this issue. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Iraq and the postponement of Arab ministers meeting
  The Iraqi daily Babel has said that the moves to convene marginal ministerial meetings are aiming at foiling the Arab summit, asserting that the US seeks to prevent such a summit. Iraq, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Libya announces tangible practical steps in Lockerbie issue
  An official source at the people's general committee for foreign communications and international cooperation (Libya's Foreign Ministry) has announced that important and practical steps have been reached toward dissolving the Lockerbie crisis. Libya, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Al-Mihdar at Abyan court: Yes, I am the leader of the kidnappers
  Commander of the group which kidnapped the Western tourists in Abeen, Yemen, Zein al-Abidin al-Mihdar (Abu al-Hassan) admitted before the court on Wednesday that he is the "managing mind" for the kidnapping operation and that he had ordered his men to kill the tourists if the security forces approached the place where the tourists were being held. Yemen, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Sharon rebuffed by Europeans
  The Israeli embassy in Paris said that French President Jacques Chirac informed them that he will not receive Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon who will arrive in Paris on Wednesday. Israel, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Youssoufi hails anti-corruption fight
  Some 35 civil society associations joined together to stage a week-long campaign to foster awareness on the dangers of corruption. The week was sponsored by "Transparency Maroc" association. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Turkish steps to improve relations with Syria
  A Turkish daily reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem intends to take steps that would help improve relations between Syria and Turkey. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Morocco devises plan to promote rural world
  Some 63 percent of the countryside population live without potable water, 93 percent have no access to health services and 87 percent of rural households have no electricity. Illiteracy reaches 67 percent and 46 percent of children at schooling age are out of school. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Seven candidates announced their nomination in Algerian presidential elections
  The Algerian political arena is currently viewing intensive activity among all powers, movements and political parties due to the approach of early Algerian presidential elections in April. Algeria, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Parliament's fall session marked by responsibility and dialogue
  Abdelouahed Radi said "we are called to make more efforts to better control the government's actions and be up to the citizen's concerns." Morocco, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Albright stresses US commitment to peace process
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has asserted US President Bill Clinton's administration's commitment to the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace for the people of the Middle East. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Qaddoumi: Netanyahu is a criminal
  The head of the PLO political department, Farouk Qaddoumi described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a criminal who doesn't respect the international will, international law, the United States and denies all signed agreements. Palestine, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Trials start for Yemenis accused of kidnapping foreigners
  The trials of three Yemenis started on Wednesday in the Yemeni city of Zanjibar. The three men are accused of kidnapping 16 foreigners during December. Yemen, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Terrorism victims families demonstrate in front of Algerian parliament
  Families of Algerian terrorism victims staged a strike yesterday in front of the headquarters of the Algerian parliament in protest against a text mentioned in the program of Prime Minister Ismael Hamdany's government that would treat the widows and orphans of these families in the same way as the families of the terrorists. Algeria, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Kurdish party calls for expansion of no-fly zones in Iraq
  The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, one of the largest Iraqi Kurdish factions, asked for the expansion of the "no-fly zones" in Iraq to include more of the Kurdish south. Iraq, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Bahrain - UNSCOM probe Bahrain-Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/14/1999
• US - Lockerbie Libya-USA, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Call to celebrate january 17 as solidarity day with Iraq
  The Moroccan group of action for the support of Iraq has decided to celebrate January 17 as a national solidarity day with Iraq. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/1999
• National assemblage calls for solidarity with Sudanese people
  The Sudanese Democratic National Alliance's leadership confirmed yesterday in its meeting with the Egyptian committee for solidarity its support for and solidarity with all people in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Iran reiterates support for the Palestinians
  Iran's ambassador in Damascus, Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, has stressed that the Islamic revolution in Iran gave its full support to the Palestinian revolution and considered risks which threaten the Arab and Palestinian people as a threat to Islamic security Palestine-Iran, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Abdullah Ocalan still Turkey's main problem Turkey, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Sudanese officials arrive in Libya Sudan-Libya, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Bin Laden calls for Jihad against Americans, Jews
  The Billionaire Osama Bin laden, who is accused by Washington of being behind the two attacks that targeted the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam has called for al-Jihad against Americans, Jews and Christians. Regional, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Jordanian foreign minister to visit Kuwait this month Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Pakistani prime minister Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Training camps for al-Sharia Partisans in Britain Regional-UK, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Israel tries to assassinate Hassan Nasrullah Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/14/1999
• Iraqi official threatens to withdraw recognition of UN resolutions
  Chairman of the Iraqi National Council (Parliament) Sadoun Hammadi said on Monday that the council has the right to call for withdrawing recognition of UN Security Council resolutions because the Security Council did not abide itself to its commitments concerning Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Shuttle tour for US envoy between Arafat and Netanyahu
  US peace process envoy Dennis Ross made a shuttle tour between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in an attempt to motivate the peace process in the Middle East. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Arab ministers of the interior to meet in Amman
  A statement issued on Tuesday by the council's general secretariat said the agenda of the session includes a set of important topics, such as the report of the council's general secretary on the secretariat's activities between the 15th and 16th sessions and the report submitted by Saudi Minister of the Interior Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz on the activities carried out by " Nayef Arab Academy for Security sciences." Regional, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Five-way Arab ministerial meeting postponed
  The five-member meetings of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Oman and Yemen, scheduled to have been held in Cairo on Tuesday were postponed awaiting the crystallization of the positoin of the foreign ministers of the GCC in dealing with the Iraqi file when they resume their meetings on Thursday in Jeddah. Regional, Politics, 1/13/1999
• El-Bashir hopes Cairo approves his initiative
  Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir expressed his deep concern with restoring relations with Egypt. Despite the Sudanese opposition's presence in Egypt and the Halauib triangle's issue, El-Beshir told reporters, "We hope the Egyptian government will approve my initiative calling for halting any hostile activity toward Egypt from Sudan and restoring Egyptian confiscated possessions." Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Khaddam meets with Hawatemah
  The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine has announced that Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam received its secretary general, Nayef Hawatmeh, and discussed with him the situation in the Arab states and Iraq and inter-Arab relations. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Baghdad calls the opposition to a democratic discussion
  The Iraqi government called today eight opposition factions to a new discussion with it in Baghdad, as an Iraqi official whose identity was not revealed escorted the representatives of these factions in an urgent visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, to hold an important discussion. Iraq, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Sudan denies involvement in assassination attempt against President Mubarak
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has denied reports that his country sheltered or cooperated with the three men who are accused of the assassination attempt against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa in 1995. Sudan-Egypt-Ethiopia, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Saud al-Faisal visits Cairo today
  Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal will head for Cairo today for further consultations with Egyptian officials on efforts currently exerted on the Arab level to support the Iraqi people and eliminate their sufferings. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Saudi, South Africa mediation efforts to settle Lockerbie issue
  The South African president's envoy to Libya has asserted that the question of Lockerbie is in its final stages Libya-Saudi Arabia-South Africa, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Report: Iraqi consul in Prague fled to a western country
  The main Czech dailies on Tuesday published a report circulated by the Czech news agency which said that the Iraqi consul in Prague, Jaber Saleem, and his family fled to a Western country, supposedly Britain or Germany. Iraq-Czech Republic, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Syrian PA continues deliberations on nominating President al-Assad for new term of office
  The Syrian People's Assembly on Tuesday continued the deliberations of its special session to debate the Baath Party regional leadership's proposal on the nomination of President Hafez al-Assad for a new constitutional term of office. Syria, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Limited ministerial reshuffle in Qatar
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Tuesday made a limited ministerial reshuffle in his government. Qatar, Politics, 1/13/1999
• On the terrorist acts in Yemen
  The official for Ansaar al-Sharia (Sharia partisans) Mustafa Kamel, better known as Abu Hamzeh al-Masri, on Tuesday denied having sent a group of British Islamists to carry out terrorist operations in Yemen. Yemen-UK, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Moroccan political alliance calls for lifting embargo imposed on Iraq
  The Democratic Koutla, the bloc gathering four major Moroccan political parties, has called for lifting the embargo imposed on Iraq since 1991. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Qatari Emir will visit seven countries in April
  Qatari sources in Cairo stated Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamed Bin Khalifa al-Thani will make an expanded Asian tour that comprises 7 countries in the coming April. Qatar-International, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Russia opposes Iraqi parliament's recommendation to refuse implementation of UN resolutions
  The Russian ambassador to Kuwait, Vladimir Shishouv, has asserted that his country opposes the recommendation of the Iraqi Parliament that Iraq withdraw its recognition of UN Security Council resolutions, especially UN resolution 833 concerning Iraqi - Kuwaiti border demarcation. Regional-Iraq-Russia, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Works of the Arab round table conclude regarding European partnership
  Meetings of the Arab round table will be concluded today regarding partnership agreements with the European Union, which were held over two days in the headquarters of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The meetings were attended by heads and representatives of negotiating bodies in the Arab Mediterranean counties. Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Abu Mazen: Declaration of a state on May 4 is the Palestinian people's right
  The secretary general of the executive committee of the PLO, Mahmoud Abass (Abu Mazen), confirmed the adherence of the Palestinian government to the date of May 4 for announcing the establishment of a Palestinian state Palestine, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Former members of al-Jihad and al-Gamaa groups seek to establish Egyptian party
  Former members in the banned al-Jihad and Islamic Group (al-Gamaa) armed groups in Egypt announced their determination to establish a new political party. Egypt, Politics, 1/13/1999
• French equestrian in Palmyra to tour countries on his horse Tack
  French equestrian Frank Akraz has visited the city of Palmyra on his Arabian horse, Tack, on which he will hold a world tour starting from Syria, through Cyprus, Greece, Yugoslavia and Italy to France, during which he will cover a distance of 5,000 km. Regional-France, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Posts-telecom workers observe two-day strike
  Moroccan Posts and Telecom Workers will start Thursday a two-day strike to protest the deterioration of their financial situation. Morocco, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Chief of UN development fund on women to visit Morocco Morocco-UN, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Morocco determined to consolidate relations with African countries
  Morocco is determined to enhance relations with African countries, a Moroccan minister in Rabat told the chamber of advisors on Tuesday. Morocco-Africa, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Issue of international supervisors for Algerian presidential election has not been raised Algeria, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Sudanese rebel force speaks of confrontation in Blue Nile province Sudan, Politics, 1/13/1999
• So as not to forget Jerusalem: symposium to open today in Damascus
  Under the patronage of Syrian Information Minister Muhammad Salman, the Iranian Cultural consulate in Damascus is holding at 6 p.m. Wednesday evening a symposium under the title "So as not to forget Jerusalem." Syria-Iran, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Khatami visits Saudi Arabia before al-Haj season Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Iraqi foreign minister confers with Iranian delegate Iraq-Iran, Politics, 1/13/1999
• Kuwaiti security source denies news on Iraqi cell against Kuwait Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/13/1999
• On the nomination of President al-Assad for a new term of office
  The Syrian People's Assembly on Monday at noon convened an extraordinary session to consider the message sent by the Baath Arab Socialist Party regional leadership concerning its unanimous decision to nominate Syrian President Hafez al-Assad for a fifth consecutive term. Syria, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Five-member Arab foreign minister meeting in Cairo today
  The foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Yemen and Oman will resume today in Cairo the meetings they held in al-Ghardaqa ten days ago in preparation for the consultative Arab ministerial meeting on January 24. Regional, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Abdul Meguid refuses Iraqi accusations
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid said that the last declarations issued by Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz asserting that Kuwait is a state inside the Iraqi borders are declarations that completely contradict Iraq's approval of United Nations resolutions concerning this matter. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Moroccan party welcomes Moroccans unanimous rejection of US aggression against Iraq
  The political bureau of the Party for Progress and Socialism, a member of the governmental coalition, hailed the Moroccan people's "unanimous rejection of the US aggression against Iraq." Morocco, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Iraq denies any arrests or hangings
  Iraqi formal sources denied today news reports stating that there are arrests and hangings taking place in southern Iraq, asserting that the direct causes of the damage brought about by US and British planes in the "no-fly zones" over southern and northern Iraq are Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Egyptian foreign minister: Saudi Arabia and Cairo present aid to Iraq
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that all Arab countries, at the top of which comes Saudi Arabia, are working on helping and supporting the Iraqi people. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Pope says wars do not solve crises Iraq-Vatican, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Kuwaiti forces on alert to counter Iraqi threats
  Kuwait has put some of its military units on maximum alert to counter Iraqi threats. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Report: Iraqi leaders issue second call for urgent meeting with eight opposition factions
  A Jordanian daily reported on Monday that the Iraqi leadership has extended a second urgent invitation to eight opposition factions abroad to visit Iraq and hold rounds of dialogue with Iraqi officials, following the first round made by the United Iraqi Organization delegation in Baghdad, recently. Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Iraq criticizes Saudi initiative to alleviate embargo
  The Iraqi daily "Babel" on Monday criticized the Saudi initiative to alleviate the embargo imposed on Iraq and described it as a political maneuver aimed at absorbing the anger of the Arab masses following the US and British attacks in December on Iraq. Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Arabs in Kuwait plot to provoke riots
  Kuwaiti security forces arrested some 25 persons of an Arab nationality and confiscated from them publications urging a revolution against the United States and against the ruling regime in Kuwait. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Egyptian foreign minister calls for Saddam Hussein to quit office
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has called for the resignation of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in a statement Moussa made to the German daily "The Berliner Kurier." Egypt, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Jordan for convening Arab summit
  A high-ranking Jordanian governmental source on Monday stressed Jordan's support of all potentials for the Arab foreign ministers at the consultative meeting on January 24. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Egyptian Shoura council approves fourth term of office for President Mubarak
  The Egyptian Shoura council on Monday approved nominating President Mubarak for a fourth term of office. Egypt, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Lebanese president stresses efforts to return the displaced
  Al-Hoss added that Lebanon cannot accept the logic of a double-standard policy for the region's destiny and problems. "At the same time, thousands of Lebanese families are still forced to stay away from their homes and other families have to pay a high price for the continued Israeli attacks, while other UN Security Council resolutions are applied strictly on other states in the region and wars are launched for the sake of applying these resolutions." Lebanon, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Chirac will not receive Sharon
  President Jacques Chirac of France has decided not to receive Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon during his forthcoming visit to Paris at the end of next week. Israel-France, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Secret committee surveys properties of Israelis in the Golan
  Al-Ayam daily issued in the occupied Arab territories reported that a special committee is secretly surveying and estimating the properties of the Israelis in the occupied Golan Heights to compensate the Israelis who live there if Israel withdraws from the occupied Syrian territories. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Report: Mishal meets in Damascus with high-ranking Syrian officials
  A Jordanian weekly said that chairman of the political party of the Hamas movement Khaled Mishal who arrived in Damascus last Wednesday held a series of meetings and political consultations with several Syrian and Palestinian leaders there. Palestine, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Egyptian official attacks Agence France Press for Abu Nidal story
  An Egyptian official has criticized a report broadcasted by Agence France Press that Egypt hosted the Palestinian coordinador Sabri El-Banna, better known as Abu Nidal. Egypt, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Report: Two Jordanian union officials visit Damascus
  The Jordanian weekly al-Majd said that the secretary general of the Arab Physicians Union, Dr. Hassan Khreis, and the chairman of the Jordanian Bar Association, Hussein Majli, left for Damascus on Sunday on a two-day working visit. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Palestinian sources: Declaration of state is to take place on May 4
  Palestinian sources denied that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has agreed to postpone the declaration of an independent Palestinian state on the specified date of May 4. Palestine, Politics, 1/12/1999
• South African envoy to discuss Lockerbie crisis
  A South African presidential envoy is visiting Libya for talks with Libyan officials on ways of defusing the Lockerbie crisis opposing Tripoli to the USA and Britain. Libya-South Africa, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior withdraws Bu Yabes passport
  Well informed sources in Kuwait told the Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas on Monday that the Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior had withdrawn the passport of Kuwaiti journalist Hamed Bu Yabes and that the Journalist is to be investigated at the public court after the Kuwaiti Cabinet submitted his case to the Ministry of the Interior. Kuwait, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Arab states participating in European partnership convene today in Cairo
  The Arab countries participating in the European - Mediterranean partnership are convening today in Cairo to discuss methods of Arab coordination in the issue of liberating trade in order to raise a joint vision during the coming meeting of the 27 member states. Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Queen Noor - honor killings Jordan, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Albright to visit Egypt, Saudi Arabia Egypt-Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Cook - Hague Libya-UK, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Severe stresses on Algerian Democratic National Assembly
  El-Taher Ben Baebeish, the secretary general of the Algerian Democratic National Assembly party revealed in a press conference yesterday strong pressure that was placed by some members of the Nations Council for the party to sign a document recommending Former Prime Minister Abdul Aziz Boutaflika for Algeria's presidency. Algeria, Politics, 1/12/1999
• April Understanding committee discusses Lebanese complaints Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/12/1999
• US worried of a large- scale Israeli aggression on South Lebanon
  The Israeli daily Haartez reported that the US is worried over the impact of the Israeli elections, expected on May 17, may prompt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch a new large-scale attack against Lebanon in order to raise his popularity which has been deteriorating according to Israeli opinion polls. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Arafat confers with Kissinger Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Komura, Netanyahu discuss Middle East peace process Israel-Japan, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Sudan, Ethiopia for improving bilateral relations Sudan-Ethiopia, Politics, 1/12/1999
• Meeting of the gulf ministers fails to reach a settlement to Iraq's issue
  The foreign ministers of the six Gulf Cooperation Council states -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- concluded meetings yesterday aimed at reaching a joint vision toward the status of Iraq. Gulf, Politics, 1/11/1999
• News about convening an Arab mini-summit next month Regional-Egypt, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Report: Syrian-Jordanian closeness
  Jordanian sources expressed optimism to a Lebanese weekly over the possibility of opening a new page in the Syrian-Jordanian relations after the nearby arrival of King Hussein from Washington. Regional-Syria, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Syrian parliament meets today on President al-Assad's nomination for new term
  The Syrian People's Assembly (Parliament) office on Sunday held a meeting chaired by Speaker Abdul Qader Qaddoura. All the office's members attended the meeting, where they discussed the agenda of the PA special session summoned by Qaddoura today. Syria, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Egypt pursues communication to hold urgent meeting of Arab foreign ministers
  Egypt is pursuing condensed communications with different Arab countries within the context of coordinating Arab positions before holding a consultative meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers, which is scheduled to be held on January 24 at the headquarters of the Arab League's general trusteeship. Regional, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Tariq Aziz: Who will apologize to who?
  Iraqi Deputy Premier Tareq Aziz said that Kuwait was set up as an entity by Britain in order to besiege Iraq and deprive it from its coast which had been historically an integrated part of it since Sumerian times Iraq, Politics, 1/11/1999
• On the meeting between Hariri and Bashar al-Assad
  A meeting held between Syrian Col. Bashar al-Assad and former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on Saturday night dealt with current conditions and local, regional and international developments. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/11/1999
• King Hassan II amnesties 1,043 detainees
  King Hassan II amnestied on Sunday 1,043 detainees on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the Independence Manifesto, the justice ministry said on Sunday. Morocco, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Report: New Arab reaction towards Iraq
  A Lebanese magazine has quoted sources it described as well-informed and authentic as saying that Arab countries concerned with the situation in Iraq have started for the first time to take the initiative and carry out an effective role to find out an Arab solution for the situation in Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Sarid: Meretz party with Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Israel-Regional, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Further investigations in Yemen on terrorist acts
  The British consul in Aden, David Purse, announced that he met on Sunday with a fourth British citizen who was arrested by the Lebanese authorities over being suspected of carrying out activities described as "terrorist." Yemen-UK, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Egyptian committee for solidarity to meet with Sudanese opposition leaders
  The Egyptian solidarity committee is to hold a meeting tomorrow morning with leaders of the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance to discuss the current political developments in Sudan and the project of the alliance to reach a peaceful democratic solution for Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Palestinian study on Israeli land confiscation since Oslo
  A recent Palestinian study estimated that the total area of land confiscated by Israel since the Oslo agreement in 1993 through the end of November 1997 reached 384,089 dunums, representing 6.6% of the total area of the West Bank and that some 60.819 trees were uprooted and 694 houses were destroyed. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Arafat confers with Japanese foreign minister
  The Japanese foreign minister declared that his government would allocate US $200 million over the coming two years for Gaza Airport, stressing Tokyo's continuation of financial and economic support for the Palestinians. Palestine-Japan, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Arafat to meet with Ross tomorrow
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is to receive US Middle East peace process envoy Dennis Ross on Tuesday after meeting with European Union peace process envoy Miguel Moratinos. Palestine-International, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Moroccan NGOs call for boycotting U.S., British products and missions
  A group of Moroccan non-governmental organizations on Saturday called on the Moroccan people to boycott all American and British products and missions. Morocco, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Kuwaiti journalists oppose relations with Israel
  The Kuwaiti Journalists Union has denounced the visit made by Kuwaiti Journalist Hamed Bu Yabes to Israel and his meetings with several Israeli leaders, foremost Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kuwait, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Japan urges Lebanon handing over elements of the Red Army Lebanon-Japan, Politics, 1/11/1999
• Israel the only beneficiary from striking Iraq, Palestinian intellectual says Israel, Politics, 1/11/1999

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