Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/18/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 18, 1999
- Arab figures believe Arab disputes will increase Israeli obstinacy
A poll of 55 Arab cultural and political figures from Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Palestine, Emirates, Yemen, Tunisia, Libya and Saudi Arabia conducted by El-Ahram newspaper found that 76% said "we are living in the worst Arabian conditions," while 46% said that the Arab summit will not be convened. Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Syrian FM confers with AL chief to insure success of Cairo meeting
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa today in Cairo received the Secretary General of the Arab League Esmat Abdul Meguid.Talks dealt on means of providing the meeting a success and to conclude results serving common Arab interests. Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Consultative meeting tomorrow by 16 foreign ministers, four Arab League delegates
The expanded consultative ministerial meeting for the Arab states is to be held tomorrow in Cairo to discuss the Iraqi crisis and its repercussions in the presence of 16 foreign ministers and four permanent delegates to the Arab League. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Albright to visit Saudi Arabia Tuesday for consultations on Iraq sanctions
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on a brief Middle East tour during which she will hold important discussions with the Saudi leaders that focus on bilateral ties between the two countries. Regional-Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Iraq calls Arab states to lift embargo
Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz called on the Arab states to open a new page in their relations with Iraq and urged Arab foreign ministers to lift the embargo imposed on Baghdad during their meeting scheduled this weekend in Cairo. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Sultan Qaboos to visit Cairo soon Oman-Egypt, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Arab FMs meeting will not call for lifting sanctions off Iraq
The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am said today ( Saturday) quoting Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo as saying that the final statement of the Arab FM s consultation meeting will not call for lifting the embargo imposed on Iraq Regional-Iraq, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Iraqi dailies expect failure of Cairo meeting
The Iraqi daily Babel issued today expected the failure of Cairo meeting which will be dedicated to Iraq due to stances taken by certain Arab states. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Albright starts new measures to topple Saddam Hussein
The Turkish daily "Hurriet" reported on Friday that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has initiated new steps to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Iraqi buildup on border with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Well-informed sources in Dubai said the Higher Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq stressed on Friday that Iraq had built up its troops on the border with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Iraq, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Iraq repairs establishments damaged in December attacks Iraq, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Istiqlal party leader renews Morocco's resolve to peacefully settle Sebta-Mellilia issue
Secretary General of the Moroccan Istiqlal Party, a member of the Socialist-led coalition government, renewed Morocco's desire to peacefully settle the issue of the two northern Moroccan cities of Sebta and Mellilia which are still controlled by Spain. Morocco, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Sudanese foreign minister: 1999 a year for resuming relations with Arab states
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael announced that 1999 will be a year that represents the full return of Sudanese - Arab relations and normalization with the Arab states. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Revolutionary committee movement withdraws from ruling National Conference in Sudan
Akoud Abdul Qader, an official in the revolutionary committees movement, expressed his intention to declare war on the political parties, saying that the law allows the formation of political organizations instead of parties. Sudan, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Israeli defense minister to visit Egypt tomorrow
It was announced today in Cairo that Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai will visit Egypt on Sunday for a few hours, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Defense Minister Hussein Tantawi. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Saudi Arabia - foreign relations Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/23/1999
- King Hussein expected to announce choice of elder son as crown prince on Monday
Jordan's King Hussein is to direct a speech to his people on Monday in which he is expected to announce his anticipated to appoint his oldest son, Prince Abdullah as crown prince, succeeding Prince Hassan, the king's brother, who occupied this post for 33 years. Jordan, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Louisa Hanoun: first woman to be nominated in Algeria presidential elections
Louisa Hanoun, the head of the Labor Party in Algeria, announced her candidacy in the presidential elections in Algeria which are to be held in the coming April. Algeria, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Palestine calls for boycott of Jewish settlement products
The Palestinian government called on Russia, Japan and European Union to boycott products made in Jewish settlements planted by Israel in Palestinian lands. Palestine, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Vedrine to visit Tunisia within weeks, France express support to Palestine
Tunisian Minister for Foreign Affairs Saeed Bin Mustafa and his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine agreed to postpone the official visits scheduled to be made by the French minister to Tunisia on Thursday until the coming weeks. Tunisia-France, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Saudi Arabia celebrates its foundation's centenary
Saudi Arabia started on Friday its officials and people's celebrations on the one hundredth anniversary of its foundation by King Abdul Aziz al-Saud. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Israeli youth delegation in Jordan Jordan-Israel, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Lebanese scholar confers with US ambassador
Chairman of the Higher Shiite Islamic council in Lebanon Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine on Friday in Beirut received the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield, and the charge d'affairs David Hale. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Ministerial meeting to discuss convening an Arab summit Regional, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Fatchett - regional tour Gulf-UK, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Aziz - attacks Iraq, Politics, 1/23/1999
- Netanyahu to meet with King Hussein soon
A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that Netanyahu and Jordan's King Hussein have decided to meet soon, but they have not specified a date. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 1/23/1999 - Morocco refutes statements on Sahara ascribed to Austrian official
Morocco refuted as "counter-truth" statements ascribed by the "Polisario" to Austrian secretary of state, Ferrero-Waldner, that Morocco was seeking to delay the referendum process in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Albright is to Cairo on coming Wednesday Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Arab FMs to meet on Sunday amid different stances toward Iraq
Well-informed sources in Cairo said that the Arab foreign ministers will hold their meeting on Sunday at the headquarters of the Arab league amid differences in their stances in dealing with Iraq. Regional, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Khatami to visit France Iran-France, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Al-Sharaa discusses with al-Hoss, Moussa issues on coming Cairo meeting
A telephone call was made on Thursday between Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Lebanese Prime Minster and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss during which consultations and coordination were made on issues to be debated on the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers due to be held in Cairo on January 24. Regional, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Yemeni president discussed with King Hussein preparations for the Arab summit
The Yemeni news agency has stated that Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned home on Tuesday night after his meeting with King Hussein of Jordan on the occasion of the King's arrival in Jordan following lengthy medical treatment for cancer in the United States. Yemen-Regional, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Poland's premier visits Morocco next week Morocco-Poland, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Hamzeh and Abdullah mentioned as potential crown prince to Jordan
The main British dailies issued in London on Thursday said that Jordan's King Hussein in his statements on Wednesday raised his intention to nominate one of his five sons as his crown prince. Jordan, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Sources: King Hussein informed Crown Prince Hassan that he is releived
Well-informed sources in Amman asserted on Thursday that Jordan's King Hussein has informed his brother, Crown Prince Hassan, of his decision to releive him from his post as crown prince, in preparation for choosing one of his five sons to succeed him to the throne. Jordan, Politics, 1/22/1999 - UN Secretary General delays report on Sahara pending outcome of consultations
UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has delayed his report on the Sahara issue, which was slated to be submitted this Friday to the security council, until next week, pending the outcome of ongoing consultations, an informed source said. Morocco, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Arafat starts tomorrow Arab European tour
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will meet in Cairo on Saturday to hold talks which, according to Palestinian sources, and will deal with the Middle East peace process in light of Israeli's freezing of the implementation of agreements signed with the Palestinian government. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Tunisia, Qatar for an Arab summit following good preparations
Tunisia, and Qatar have asserted their support for convening an Arab summit to discuss "the Iraqi crisis." But the two countries asserted the need for "good preparation for the said summit so as to conclude good results for supporting the Arab ranks and eliminating the sufferings of the Iraqi people." Tunisia-Qatar, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Sanaa: Negotiations continue on release of Western hostages
Diplomatic and tribal sources in Sanaa announced that the Yemeni authorities are still negotiating with the kidnappers of six Westerners to win their release. Yemen, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Ocalan arrives in Karabakh
Kurdish reliable sources did not deny nor confirm to the London-based al-Hayat daily news on arrival of leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan to Karabahk district in Azerbaijan. Regional-International, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Primakov: Comprehensive development needs active work on all tracks
Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov has asserted the Russian Middle East peace process cosponsor will continue its efforts to revive peace negotiations. Regional-Israel-Russia, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Speaker of Colombia's house of representatives in Morocco
Speaker of the Colombian House of Representatives, Emilio Martinez Rosales, will visit Morocco this weekend for talks with Moroccan Mps on ways of boosting cooperation between the two countries' legislative bodies. Morocco-Colombia, Politics, 1/22/1999 - Al-Sahaf to head Iraq's delegation to Cairo foreign ministers meeting Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Two Qatari ministers in Beirut Lebanon-Qatar, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Israel continues expansionist settlement measures in the Golan Syria, Politics, 1/22/1999
- Mubarak, Arafat to meet shortly in Cairo as Israel freeze Wye accord
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will arrive in Cairo within the coming days to hold talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the current status of the Palestinian peace track on light of the Israeli government freezing of its implementation of the Wye River accord and the European ideas to give the Middle East peace process a push forward. Egypt, Politics, 1/21/1999 - Qatari Emir visits Tunisia after visiting Jordan
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani started a visit to Tunisia after participating in celebrations of the return of Jordan's King Hussein to Jordan. Tunisia-Qatar, Politics, 1/21/1999 - Mubarak to take part in Davos Forum
Cairo announced on Wednesday that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will take part in the international economic forum to be held in the Switzerland city of Davos on February 28. Egypt, Politics, 1/21/1999 - Israel closes coastal road to Gaza, as Palestine refuse postponing statehood
The mini Israeli Cabinet on Wednesday morning discussed the current security conditions in Hebron following confrontations that took place in the city, as well as the tense conditions near Gush Katif settlement near Gaza. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/21/1999 - US official: Pressure on sanctions helped lead to Lockerbie trial offer
"Pressure" on the Libya sanctions were a contributing factor to the United States offering to try the two Libyan suspects in the 1988 bombing of a US passenger jet over Lockerbie, Scotland in a third country, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs Ronald Newman said. Libya-USA, Politics, 1/21/1999 - Algeria to begin collection of signatures for nominees tomorrow
The process of collecting signatures for nominees in the early presidential elections, which are to be held in April, in Algeria is to begin today. Algeria, Politics, 1/21/1999 - US continues extended a state of emergency on assets citing terrorist threats
US President Bill Clinton extended a state of emergency originally imposed in 1995 due to "grave acts of violence committed by foreign terrorists that threaten to disrupt the Middle East peace process." Regional-USA, Politics, 1/21/1999 - Peres meets with Cook today in London Israel-UK, Politics, 1/21/1999
- Annan calls for uniting UN Security Council, alleviating Iraqi people's suffering Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/21/1999
- Syrian foreign minister receives a telephone call from his Tunisian counterpart Syria-Tunisia, Politics, 1/21/1999
- Meeting of Arab foreign ministers to be convened on time
Egyptian diplomatic official sources stated that consultations regarding convening the consultative meeting of Arab foreign ministers will continue during the vacation of the lesser Bairam in order to ensure the success of the meeting. Regional, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Sharon in Moscow discusses settlers immigration, Romanian-Israeli military talks
The Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has reiterated his government's continued measures to strengthen the process of Jewish immigration from Russia and the Commonwealth states to settle in Israel. Israel, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Iraqi foreign minister to participate in Cairo ministerial meeting
Sultan El-Shawi, Iraq's delegate to the Arab League, announced yesterday the participation of Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf in the meeting of Arab foreign ministers on Sunday at the league's headquarters. Iraq, Politics, 1/20/1999 - King Hussein returns home
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday made a telephone call to King Hussein of Jordan in which he congratulated the Jordanian ruler on his return home and over the success of the medical treatment the King underwent in the United States. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Sahrawi dignitaries renew allegiance to King of Morocco, warn against civil war
Heads of Sahrawi tribes renewed their allegiance to King Hassan II of Morocco, stressing that the same bonds united their ancestors to the king of Morocco and argued that as a result the Sahara is a Moroccan territory and they have the right to take part in the UN-projected referendum on self-determination in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 1/20/1999 - New disputes looming over Western Sahara referendum
Moroccan sources described figures adopted by the UN mission in the Western Sahara concerning numbers of those who have the right to take part in the referendum as "mere estimates which do not give a full idea about the real number of persons who are ascended from Sahara origins, who have the right to take part in the referendum." Morocco, Politics, 1/20/1999 - King Hussein: Reports on succession mere forecasts
King Hussein of Jordan said on Tuesday that reports on his succession will remain mere forecasting. Jordan, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Baghdad studies French and Russian ideas on lifting sanctions
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said the UN Security Council has to restore its unity concerning its position toward Iraq in eliminating weapons and alleviate the sufferings of the Iraqi people. Iraq-International, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Israel calls on Palestinians to suppress resistance, strengthen security cooperation
Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai on Tuesday reiterated his call for strengthening military and intelligence cooperation between the Israeli military and intelligence systems and specialized bodies in the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Morocco renews adherence to UN peace plan in the Sahara
Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri said Morocco supports the continuation of the UN referendum process and deems that it is necessary that the process moves forward. Morocco, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Ould Daddah calls for investigation of Israeli nuclear dumping in Mauritania
Chairman of the opposition Union of Democratic Forces-New Era in Mauritania Ahmad Ould Daddah has called for investigations into the issue of dumping Israeli nuclear waste in Mauritania. Mauritania, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Iraq and Saudi Arabia fight it out through the press
The Iraqi daily al-Thawra (Iraqi papers reflect the government position) has continued its campaign in criticizing Saudi Arabia. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Kuwait: Iraqi threats do not form a danger
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Salim al-Sabah confirmed that Iraqi military reinforcements in southern Iraq do not constitute any danger to Kuwait at the current time. Kuwait, Politics, 1/20/1999 - New party formed in Israel
Member of the Israeli Knesset for the Likud party Benny Begin has announced the formation of a new party under his chairmanship known as "Herut: the national movement." Israel, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Report: Zvilli to withdraw from Israeli Labor Party
An Israeli daily has reported that Israeli Knesset member Nissim Zvilli will withdraw from the Labor Party within the next two days in order to join prime minister candidate Amnon Shahak. Israel, Politics, 1/20/1999 - Al-Sharaa receives message from his Kuwaiti counterpart Syria-Kuwait, Politics, 1/20/1999
- A message from King Fahd to President al-Assad Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/20/1999
- OIC official underlines the importance of Arab FMs' forthcoming meeting Regional, Politics, 1/20/1999
- Arab FMs meeting on 24 of current month may have low level representation Iraq, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Lebanese figures stress cooperation with Syria as Lebanon's choice
Lebanese Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Rashid Qabbani has asserted Lebanon's adherence to its relations with "sisterly Syria" and to the unity of Syrian-Lebanese peace tracks and destiny. Lebanon, Politics, 1/19/1999 - French Foreign Minister in Tunisia on Thursday
French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine on Thursday and Friday will visit Tunisia where France had always played an important role in the Arab Maghreb region. Tunisia-France, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Lebanon lifts visa requirements for Palestinians
According to the source, embassies and border posts have been informed that Palestinians registered in Lebanon are now exempted from visa requirements following a decision by Prime Minister Salim Hoss. Lebanon, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Ocalan regrets bad treatment he received in Italy
Chairman of the Kurdistani Workers Party Abdullah Ocalan expressed his regrets the bad treatment he received in Italy. He stressed that there is "no alternative but to resume armed struggle." Regional-Italy, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Turkey will not give up chasing Ocalan
The Turkish daily al-Sabah said on Monday that Turkey will not give up chasing leader of the Kurdistani workers organization Abdullah Ocalan. Turkey, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Human rights organization calls for halt of media campaigns between Egypt and Iraq
The Arab Organization for Human Rights called for an immediate halt to the media campaigns between Egypt and Iraq. Regional, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Mordechai, Weizman congratulate Muslims on Eid al-Fitr
Israeli Radio said on Monday that Israeli President Ezer Weizman on Monday extended his congratulations to all Muslims in Israel and the neighboring Arab states on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr. Israel, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Meguid: Arab FM meeting expresses League position towards Iraq
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has stressed that the forthcoming consultation meeting of the Arab Foreign Ministers to be held in Cairo on Sunday will embody the position of the Arab League toward Iraq. Regional, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Testimony of Kuwaiti chief editor Bu Yabes visit to Israel
Chief editor of the Kuwaiti daily al-Seyasah Ahmad al-Jarullah has given his testimony before the Kuwaiti general court on the visit of journalist Ahmad Bu Yabes to Israel last month. Kuwait, Politics, 1/19/1999 - UN executive for women's development holds talks in Rabat
Cooperation between Morocco and the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) topped talks held here last week by Moroccan officials and UNIFEM executive manager Noeleen Heyzer, who visited Morocco this January 14-18. Morocco-UN, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Morocco and Egypt coordinate stances on Euro-Mediterranean partnership
Morocco and Egypt have started talks to coordinate their stances on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership prior to the informal meeting to be held this January 28-29 in Valencia (Spain). Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 1/19/1999 - US embassy denies Albright's visit to Morocco
The US embassy in Morocco denied on Monday news that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright would visit Morocco next week. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Joint association of businessmen between Egypt and Congo
Establishing the first joint association for businessmen between Egypt and Congo is currently taking place to enhance the commercial and economic ties between the two countries and enjoy the customs reductions agreed upon in the COMESA agreement. Egypt-Congo, Politics, 1/19/1999 - US $ 750 million, cost of US-British recent strikes on Iraq Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Netanyahu for resuming negotiations with Syria Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Arab Islamic movement not to take part in Knesset elections Israel, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Irish Premier, Romania's defense minister arrive in Israel
Ireland's Prime Minister Bertie Ahern will arrive in Israel today in the first visit of its kind to Israel. The visit, which will last for two days, will be made in the course of the Irish official's tour of the region. Israel-Regional-Ireland, Politics, 1/19/1999 - Arab officials to receive King Hussein upon arriving in Amman Jordan, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Israel discusses releasing 30 - 40 Palestinian prisoners Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/19/1999
- A message from Al Gore to UAE President United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Sharon heads today for Russia, Ukraine Israel-Russia, Politics, 1/19/1999
- Egyptian foreign minister discusses with Abdul Meguid the outcomes of coordination
Moussa said they agreed upon holding intensive efforts on Saturday between the ministers to guarantee the success of the consultative meeting, which Moussa described as a success for Arab coordination and solidarity and the Arab League. Egypt, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Ramadan holiday: a feast without joy to many Palestinians
The whole world saw President Clinton wiping a tear in his eye and then passing his own handkerchief to Nihad to wipe out hers, promising her that her father would be released before the Ramadan feast. Palestine, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Kuwaiti Red Crescent refuses Iraqi call to participate in youth camp
Official sources in the Red Crescent Society announced today that the organization refused an invitation directed by the Iraqi Red Crescent Society to participate in a youth camp in Baghdad during February. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Saudi Arabia: Convening an Arab summit is impossible in current conditions
A Saudi official source asserted on Saturday the impossibility of convening an Arab summit in the current conditions, especially following the recent statements made by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Mini Arab summit to be held in Jordan on Wednesday
Diplomatic sources in Cairo expected today that a small summit meeting will be convened in Jordan on Wednesday and Thursday in which Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen are going to take part, in addition to Jordan. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/18/1999 - New US military operations are expected against Iraq
King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Saudi crown prince have asserted Riyadh's non-intervention in the internal affairs of "others," in reference to Iraq. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/18/1999 - US secretary of state to visit Morocco next week
The visit to the Kingdom is part of the tour she will conduct as of January 26 and that will successively lead her to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Kuwaiti government condemns new Iraqi claims
The Kuwaiti government has stressed its categorical rejection and condemnation of recent Iraqi claims and measures, especially those pertaining to its retreat from recognizing the state of Kuwait and the decision on border demarcation between Kuwait and Iraq. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/18/1999 - US - Palestinian - Israeli meeting in Washington on Wye implementation
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has announced that a Palestinian - US - Israeli meeting will be held at the beginning of February to review the implementation of the Wye River agreement. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/18/1999 - More than 1.8 million Iraqis died since 1990 because of the embargo
More than 1.8 million Iraqis have died since 1990 because of the gulf war and the embargo imposed on Iraq, said Iraqi minister of health, Oumid Medhat Mubarak. Iraq, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Syrian Interior, local administration ministers meet to prepare for referendum
Syrian Minister of the Interior Muhammad Harba and the minister of local administration on Saturday held a meeting for the governors of all Syrian 14 provinces to discuss measures relating to the referendum on electing President Hafez al-Assad for a new constitutional term on February 8. Syria, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Jospin to visit Egypt in May
A well-informed source in Paris told the London-based al-Hayat daily that French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin will hold an official visit to Egypt on May 2, the first visit for the Socialist official to a country in the Middle East since he assumed office more than one year ago. Egypt-France, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Yemen, Oman FMs visited Jordan
The Jordanian daily al-Disour has reported that the Foreign ministers of Yemen and Oman, Abdul Qader Bajmal and Youssef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, respectively, paid a short visit to Jordan last Thursday, where they met with Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib and other Jordanian officials. Regional-Jordan, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Six more foreigners kidnapped in Yemen
Four Dutch and two British citizens were kidnapped in Yemen on Sunday on the road between Saadah and Sanaa. The Dutch citizens are a family with two children, and the British citizens a are a man and his wife. Yemen, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Palestine state proclamation might be postponed
The proclamation of the Palestinian State might be delayed to the end of the year, in exchange for increased support by the USA and Europe to the Palestinians' right to self-rule, "AFP" news agency reports quoting Palestinian and diplomatic sources, MAP reported. Palestine, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Baghdad urges for establishing an eastern alliance Iraq, Politics, 1/18/1999
- Zeroual confirms neutrality toward all nominees for Algerian presidency
Algerian President Liamine Zeroual confirmed his neutrality toward all those who are nominated for the presidential elections which are to be held in April, saying that he will work for respecting and guaranteeing the purity of the elections being a fair judge between the nominees, calling on Algerian political factions to help this election succeed. Algeria, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Egypt's statement to conference of preventing crime in Vienna
The United Nations committee for preventing crime is to hold a conference tomorrow in Vienna, Austria to discuss an international draft agreement for preventing organized and international crime, to last until January 29. Egypt-International, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Qatari ruler receives messages from King Fahd, Afworki Qatar-Saudi Arabia-Eritrea, Politics, 1/18/1999
- Eritrean president to hold a tour of Arab Gulf states
A US delegate, who is also a former national security advisor, Antoine Leak, arrived in Asmara from Addis Ababa in a fourth visit of its sort to the region in an attempt to end the Ethiopian - Eritrean conflict. Regional, Politics, 1/18/1999 - Arafat to visit Jordan next week Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 1/18/1999
- A message from Iranian President to Kuwaiti counterpart Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 1/18/1999
- Report: Iraqi security delegation in Moscow Iraq, Politics, 1/18/1999