Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/1/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 1, 1999
- Jordan: Crown prince assumes power due to King Hussein's condition
Jordan's Crown Prince Abdullah assumed power as the regent of the king after he took the oath before the Cabinet, as the deteriorated health state of King Hussein makes him incapable of ruling the country. Jordan, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Al-Sharaa: We won't threaten Jordan's security
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa said that neither Syria nor any other Arab country can ever try to threaten or shake the stability of Jordan. Syria, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Confrontation continues between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Ethiopia on Friday accused Eritrea of bombarding an Ethiopian town close to the borders under disputes between the two countries. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Strengthening tourism between Egypt and Tunis Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 2/6/1999
- UN considers holding a Geneva Convention on Israel practices
The continuation yesterday of the General Assembly's special session on illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the other occupied Palestinian territories Palestine-Israel-UN, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Donors to give Palestinians $770 mln this year
International donors Friday pledged to donate $770 million this year to support Palestinian development and investment and shore up the Middle East peace process. Palestine, Politics, 2/6/1999 - New round of negotiations for Egyptian partnership with Europe
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Partnership Affairs Gamal Bayoumi will leave to Brussels on Sunday to head an Egyptian delegation to a new round of partnership negotiations with the European Union. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Khatami to visit Saudi Arabia
Iranian sources stated that Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz directed an invitation to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami for the pilgrimage this year. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Moroccan justice minister notes considerable progress in Moroccan prisons
"We explain to the guards that imprisonment does not mean the loss of the right to be respected." Although he did not deny the existence of abuses and blunders, Azziman insisted on the considerable progress achieved. Morocco, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Iran denies Palestinian accusations on support to Hamas
Iran has dismissed Palestinian accusations that Iran has presented financial support worth one million dollars to the Hamas movement and its military wing to implement armed attacks against interests in Israel that aim at presenting indirect service for the Israeli prime minister's sake and helping him to be reelected. Palestine-Iran, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Moroccan interior minister: Alternation in power should succeed
"Alternation in power, wished by King Hassan II, should be successful," Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri told a French daily. Morocco, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Canadian economic delegation visits Alexandria
A Canadian economic delegation is to arrive tomorrow in Alexandria under the chairmanship of Deputy Tourism, Trade and Industry Minister James Downey. Egypt-Canada, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Economic group of Mediterranean forum meets in Portugal
The economic group of the Mediterranean forum met in Lisbon on Friday to ponder on association agreements for the creation of a free-trade zone between the European Union and southern Mediterranean countries. Regional, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Morocco expresses readiness to support inter-African cooperation
Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi expressed Friday Morocco's readiness to support the creation of sound structures for cooperation among African states. Morocco-Africa, Politics, 2/6/1999 - Eriteria to seek Yemeni support on Ethopia problem Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 2/6/1999
- Yemeni interior minister: two Egyptians involved in kidnapping, killing foreign tourists
Yemeni Minister of Interior General Hussein Arab stated that two Egyptian suspects were involved in events that took place recently in Yemen aimed at kidnapping and killing a group of tourists. Yemen, Politics, 2/6/1999 - On Netanyahu's visit to Jordan Jordan, Politics, 2/6/1999
- London closes its council in Yemen
London has closed the British counsulate in Yemen and its staff started to leave the country after British citizens have been exposed to kidnappings, and several of them were killed in an incident at the end of December 1998. Yemen had indicated that Britain is involved in terrorist activities in Yemen to destabilize the country. Yemen, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Ethiopia, Eritrea exchange fire
A government statement in Ethiopia said on Thursday that continued bombardment started on Thursday at dawn between the Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along Badmi front, in northwest Ethiopia. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Israel increases settlement budget
The head of the government coalition at the Israeli Knesset, Meir Sheetrit, said that Israel's draft budget for next year, which is currently being discussed, calls for the allocation of 250 million shekels to finance settlement activities in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Israel, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Al-Sharaa holds fruitful talks in London
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa met on Thursday in London with Arab ambassadors accredited in Britain. Talks dealt with discussions and meetings the minister held in London with British officials and means of reactivating Arab media and diplomatic activities in the service of Arab causes. Syria-UK, Politics, 2/5/1999 - El-Baz: Egypt prevented Bush from entering Baghdad, arresting Saddam
The Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, said that the "Iraqi government failed in dealing with the mistakes committed by UNSCOM chairman Richard Butler, who was in charge of eliminating the Iraqi mass destruction weapons." Egypt, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Communications underway to defuse Libya crisis
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that there are current communications with the United Nations to reach a solution to the Lockerbie crisis. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Morocco renews wish to see Sahara referendum held
Morocco on Thursday renewed its will to see the self-determination referendum in the Sahara held as soon as possible. Morocco, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Qatari women's municipal election, a new experience to the region
Women in Qatar are preparing to take part in the municipal elections set for March 8. It will be the first general election in an Arab Gulf state in which women are permitted to take part as candidates or voters. Qatar, Politics, 2/5/1999 - On al-Sharaa's visit to London
A Kuwaiti daily said on Thursday that the spokesman for the British Foreign Ministry refrained from answering a question asked by the paper on whether there was a Syrian - British consensus concerning Iraq and whether Syria accepts the US and British strikes against Iraqi sites in the two no-fly zones. Syria-UK, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Hussein Ayat Ahmad a candidate for the Algerian presidency
The extraordinary conference of the Socialist Forces Front in Algeria on Thursday announced that the front's chairman, Hussein Ayat Ahmad, will be nominated for the early presidential elections in April. Algeria, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Bahrain hosts Gulf conference on water issues
Manama, Bahrain, is to host on February 13 the water conference in the Gulf states and the challenges posed by the coming century, in which officials dealing with water and electricity in the Gulf Cooperation Council states as well as a number of Arab, regional and international experts and the International Atomic Energy Agency are to take part. Gulf, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Fatchett opposes intervention in Jordan
British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett described his visits to the UAE, Qatar and Egypt as a "complete success." He stressed that London will continue imposing no-fly zone in the northern and southern parts of Iraq. Regional-UK, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Ali Saleh stresses the importance of strategic dialogue with Washington
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has asserted his country's desire to develop its relations with the US. This was expressed on Thursday during the meeting he held with the US assistant under secretary of state, Ronald Newman. Yemen-Eritrea-USA, Politics, 2/5/1999 - A message from Iraq to AL chief
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has asserted that the final statement of the Arab foreign ministers meeting, recently held in Cairo, adopted positive points in favor of Iraq, stressing the AL's desire to maintain Iraq's territorial integrity. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Bashar al-Assad asserts readiness to take any responsibility given to him
Colonel Bashar al-Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, assured that he is ready to take any responsibility that is authorized to him. Syria, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Sharon decides to remove Israel's ambassador in Germany
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon decided to remove the Israeli ambassador in Germany, Abi Breimour, from his post this summer. Israel, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Syrian ambassador in Washington denies statement broadcast by Israeli radio
Israel Radio broadcast on Thursday what it said it was a statement by the Syrian ambassador in Washington, Walid al-Mu'allim in which he stressed his country's readiness to rapidly resume peace negotiations with Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/5/1999 - British, US workers withdrawal will not affect UN food program
Spokesman for the UN World Food Program, George Somerwill, said that the withdrawal of the US and British citizens working in the program in Iraq will not affect the work performance of the UN humanitarian agency. Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/5/1999 - EU - Palestinian, Israeli aid Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Israel opposes Palestian plan to convene Geneva Convention Palestine-Israel-UN, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Moroccan political parties hold rally in solidarity with muslim Kosovars
Two Moroccan political parties, the National Popular Movement "MNP" and the Party for Justice and Development "PJD," are holding next Sunday a rally in solidarity with the Muslim people of Kosovo. Regional, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Egyptian tourism sector holds merchandise campaigns in Europe Egypt, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Clark: Abd El-Rahman did not want to take revenge on US Regional-Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Kuwaiti foreign minister in Moscow on Sunday Kuwait-Russia, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Tel Aviv reduces judgments against Israelis who killed Palestinians
The Israeli government reduced prison sentences for Israelis who were jailed for killing Palestinians. Israel, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Israel to release elderly Egyptian prisoner who killed an Israeli soldier
The Israeli authorities decided to release in the coming hours Mahmoud Soliman El-Sawarka, the elderly Egyptian prisoner of Israel, after a recommendation made by the committee responsible for releasing prisoners, which is comprised of the prison service, general security bodies, the Ministry of Justice and the Egyptian and Israeli general prosecution. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/5/1999 - Egypt: Warm welcome for Qaboos Egypt-Oman, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Djibouti President gives up politics Djibouti, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Rabat hosts Arab electricity ministers' executive bureau meeting Regional, Politics, 2/5/1999
- One Tunisian arrested in Pakistan Tunisia-Pakistan, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Iraqi ambassador presented his credentials to Annan Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/5/1999
- Syrian FM discusses Middle East peace process with British officials
A round of talks was held in London on Wednesday between Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook. The talks dealt with the situation in the Middle East Syria-UK, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Yemen accuses Britain of terrorism against it
Yemeni Minister of the Interior Hussein Arab has accused Britain of being involved in terrorist schemes in Yemen and that it had provided two "reserve British passports for the detained groups in Yemen," adding that this group was assigned to carry out this scheme in Yemen. Yemen, Politics, 2/4/1999 - UAE minister: Toppling the government in Iraq would lead to partition
The United Arab Emirates' defense minister, who is also Dubai's crown prince, Sheikh Muhammad Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, has warned that any change from abroad of the Iraqi government would lead to a civil war and to the partition of Iraq. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Moroccan-German talks will focus on Mideast peace and Morocco's role
Speaker of the Bundestag, lower chamber of the German parliament, Wolfgang Thierse, will focus in his talks with Moroccan officials during his visit this February 10 on peace in the Middle East and Morocco's role in promoting rapprochement between peoples of the region. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 2/4/1999 - El-Baz: Egypt will do its utmost to prevent division of Iraq
In a symposium at the Cairo International Book fair yesterday evening the Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, stated that Egypt is against the division of Iraq and is going to use all its power in all countries to prevent this division. Egypt, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Omani - Egyptian summit in Egypt today Egypt-Oman, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Al-Chahin: Kuwait's relations with Jordan are proceeding forward
Acting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Suleiman Majid al-Chahin has stated that Kuwait will not give bases in its territories to train the Iraqi opposition or provide radio stations for the opposition because Kuwait has "other channels to help the Iraqi people." Kuwait, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Mubarak: The Egyptian people will not forgive me if I visit Israel now
Egyptian dailies on Wednesday quoted President Mubarak as saying that the Egyptian people "will not forgive him" a visit to Israel at the current time. Egypt, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Japanese emperor wants relations with Morocco be enhanced Morocco-Japan, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Arafat arrives in US
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat arrived in Washington on early Wednesday for a three-day official visit to the USA. Arafat is scheduled to meet with US President Bill Clinton and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to discuss Israel's suspension of the implementation of the Wye River agreement signed in October between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Bashar al-Assad visits Lebanon, renews Syria's support
Col. Bashar al-Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, has renewed Damascus' support for the Lebanese president and government. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Arab League secretary general in Morocco in late February
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, will visit Morocco at the end of this month to attend an international colloquy on the future of Jerusalem on February 23-25. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Yemen abrogates granting visas to British
A Yemeni official source said that facilities used to be offered to the British upon arriving into the Yemeni territories have been recently abrogated. The Yemeni source attributed this measure to the recent security developments that took place in Yemen following arrest of terrorists carrying "British passports, who arrived into the Yemeni territories from London." Yemen, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of mobilizing its forces on the borders
Ethiopia accused Eritrea today of mobilizing its forces on the borders, setting up for an attack on northern Ethiopia. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Syrian television covers Europe, America, information minister says
Syrian telvision transmissions to Europe and America started on Wednesday via four satellites. In a press conference he held on Wednesday in Damascus, Syrian Information Minister Muhammad Salman announced that this step came to "reflect the important national role played by Syria and to make its stances known to the whole world." Syria-International, Politics, 2/4/1999 - US official arrives in Yemen
US Assistant Undersecretary of State for the Middle East affairs Roland Newman arrived in Sanaa on Thursday for a visit to Yemen. Yemen-USA, Politics, 2/4/1999 - OAU views on Sahara issue would have been ideal had OAU maintained neutrality
Morocco said the backing that the Organization of African Unity expressed for efforts made by the United Nations to settle the Sahara issue would have been ideal, had the OAU maintained neutrality in the issue. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/1999 - US official meets with Taleban official
The US official in charge of southern Asia affairs at the US State Department, Carl Inderfurth, met in Islamabad on Wednesday with the delegation representing the Taleban movement led by Deputy Foreign Minister Jalil Akhound. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Iraqi parliament denounces strikes on positions out of the no-fly zone
The Iraqi National Council (Parliament) has denounced US and British air strikes of positions outside the no-fly zones in northern and souther Iraq and described these strikes as part of a conspiracy aimed at undermining the unity of Iraq and its territorial integrity. Iraq, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Morocco has not requested to return to pan-African body
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) said Morocco has not made any request to return to its fold. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Tensions escalate between Hamas, Palestinian Authority
Relations between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have witnessed a rise in tensions in light of accusations exchanged between them following the killing of a Palestinian officer and detention of 27 members of the military wing of Hamas in Gaza. Palestine, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Visit of Canada's general governor to Morocco
The official visit that Canada's governor general, Romeo Le Blanc, will pay to Morocco this February 25-27 will mark a strong moment in friendship between the two countries, said Wednesday Moroccan ambassador to Canada, Abdelkader Lacheheb. Morocco-Canada, Politics, 2/4/1999 - Afworki sends communique to Yemeni president Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Tunisian - Qatari company for food industries established Tunisia-Qatar, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Iran against ties with Israel Iran, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Al-Assad confers with former AL chief Syria, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Palestinian plans official meeting with Hungarian official Palestine-Hungary, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Bush said Likud made problems during Madrid conference Regional-USA, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Russia denies Ocalan returned back to Moscow Regional, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Germany for reactivating EU role in the ME peace Jordan-European Union, Politics, 2/4/1999
- Six foreign hostages released in Yemen
One of them, Hans Koolstra, announced that the tribesmen who kidnapped them intended to kidnap the US ambassador or one of the officials from the US embassy, but they continued to detain the Dutch and British families after they learned that they were not American. Yemen, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Iraqi file on top of al-Sharaa's talks today with Fatchett
The Iraqi issue is expected to be on top of the agenda of talks to be held today between Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and his British counterpart, Robin Cook, in London today. Syria-UK, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Saudi, Kuwaiti FM s to visit Moscow shortly
It was announced in Moscow on Tuesday that Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah will arrive in Moscow at the beginning of next week. Kuwait-Saudi Arabia-Russia, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Jordan and Kuwait agree to open embassies
The director of the economic department in the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, Nabil El-Talhoni, announced that the coming week will witnesses an agreement to open the Jordanian embassy in Kuwait. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Morocco, U.N. continue negotiations on MINURSO and refugee issue, says UN spokesman
Morocco and the United Nations continued on Tuesday negotiations on draft protocols related to the accords on the status of the forces of the MINURSO (U.N. mission for the referendum in the Sahara) and the repatriation of refugees, the U.N. secretary-general's spokesman said. Morocco, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Riyadh denies Iraqi claim of Saudi participation in air strike
Riyadh on Tuesday denied reports that two Saudi pilots took part in a raid which targeted a food distribution center in Iraq. A source at the Saudi ministry of Defense and Aviation said that, "The whole report is totally fabricated and such an incident would never happen." Saudi Arabia-Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Egyptian position regarding a solution to the Iraqi problem
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for International Affairs Sayed Kassem confirmed that the position of Egypt is fixed, committed to ending the suffering of the Iraqi people and allowing a new system for inspection and supervision of Iraqi weapons. Egypt, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Eritrea commits to political solution for its crisis with Ethiopia
Eritrean President Assyas Afworki has asserted his country's commitment to the peace process plan proposed by the Organization of the African Unity. He added that "Eritrea will not fire the first bullet against Ethiopia." Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 2/3/1999 - More Iraqi accusations against the Arab states
Iraqi dailies issued on Tuesday accused the Arab countries, especially Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, of taking part in the US plan to topple the Iraqi government. Iraq, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Italy says it is high time to lift anti-Libya embargo
Italy said it is high time to make efforts to obtain the lifting of the embargo implemented against Libya in 1992. Libya-Italy, Politics, 2/3/1999 - French ambassador says Morocco's festival in France is above all a political happening
The French ambassador in Morocco, Michel de Bonnecorse, said Morocco's year-long festival in France is above all "a political happening." Morocco-France, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Gaddafi calls for convening an African summit
Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi expressed his hope of convening an African summit to discuss the cloudy situation in Africa and to set serious goals for a united Africa in the coming century. Libya-Africa, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Further Turkish-Israeli cooperation relations
The paper quoted diplomatic sources in Ankara as saying that the US will give full backing to a "free trade agreement" between Turkey and Israel. The paper continued that following the Istanbul seminar contacts were made between Turkish and Israeli companies with the objective of selling commodities to the United States. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Mishal discusses recent Arab developments in Damascus
Chairman of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Khaled Mishal, said on Tuesday that his recent meetings with officials in Syria fell in the context of contacts between Hamas and the Syrian leadershi Palestine-Syria, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Iraqi opposition reports killings and arrests in al-Nasereyah
A press statement released by the Higher Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, an Iraqi opposition Shiite faction, said that five persons were killed, another 11 wounded and 300 arrested in al-Nasereyah city on January 15. Iraq, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Arabs seek to clear Mideast from weapons of mass destruction
An Arab weapons committee called Tuesday on Arab countries to coordinate to ensure the listing of removal of weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East in the preparatory committee of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty's Conference. Regional, Politics, 2/3/1999 - On Algeria's presidential elections
Former Algerian Foreign Minister Abdul Aziz Butaflika has asserted that the objective behind nominating himself for the Presidential elections in Algeria is to rebuild the state's institutions and restore confidence. Algeria, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Sheikh Yassin continues hunger strike
Founder of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, on Tuesday continued for the second day running his open hunger strike in assertion of his solidarity with the Palestinian political detainees held in Israeli and Palestinian Authority jails. Palestine, Politics, 2/3/1999 - Algeria to participate in Jamaica G-15 meetings Algeria, Politics, 2/3/1999
- AL chief stresses Arab states' safety and sovereignty
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Tuesday asserted that it is the duty of the Arab League to stress the safety and sovereignty of the Arab states. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/3/1999 - AL chief to visit Khartoum this month Sudan-Regional, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Iraq bans importation of products bearing the American flag Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Mubarak, Chirac refuse intervention in Iraq's affairs Egypt-France, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Arab Gulf anti-normalization committee to convene first conference in Kuwait Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Qatar's President receives a message from Chirac Qatar-France, Politics, 2/3/1999
- UAE official meets with US undersecretary of state United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Sharon to visit the Vatican Israel-Vatican, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Iraq appoints new ambassadors Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/3/1999
- Asharq Al-Awsat interview with Moroccan premier was made five month ago, says youssoufi's office Morocco, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Malawi's president violates the air embargo imposed on Libya Libya-Malawi, Politics, 2/2/1999
- German foreign minister visits Egypt, Israel, several Arab states
The spokesman of the German embassy in Cairo, Christian Rusimiliar, said that German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer's coming visit to Egypt constitutes part of his tour of the region that is to begin on February 10 and include Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza and Israel. Regional-Germany, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Ramsey Clark starts campaign in Cairo to free Omar Abd El-Rahman
Former US Attorney Generral Ramsey Clark, who defends the chief of the Egyptian Islamic Group, Sheikh Omar Abd El-Rahman who is jailed in America, is starting a visit to Cairo aimed at releasing the blind Sheikh. Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Yemen accuses Arab states of being behind kidnapping the foreigners
Yemeni Minister of Interior General Hussein Mohammed Arab said that kidnappings of foreigners in his country are punishable crimes and contradictory to the Yemeni people's character. Yemen, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Jordan says no danger from Syria on Israeli accusations to destabilize country
Jordan on Monday denied Israeli statements which implied accusations addressed at Syria in attempting to destabilize conditions in Jordan following the appointment of Crown Prince Abdullah as heir to the Jordanian throne. Jordan, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Syrian PNF discuss Arab conditions
Chaired by Syrian Vice President Muhammad Zuheir Masharqa, the Progressive National Front in Syria held a meeting. Members of the PNF listened to a comprehensive political report read by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa which dealt with a number of questions raised in the Arab, regional and international arenas. Syria-Regional, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Visas to the US to be shortly granted from Beirut
The political advisor at the US embassy in Beirut, David Hale, said on Monday that, "Preparations to grant Lebanese citizens entry visas to the US from Beirut are about to be completed." Lebanon-USA, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Sudan to join IGAD meetings with peace in south and Somalia on agenda
The Sudanese government announced that it will participate in the meetings of the 18th session of the ministerial council of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, to be held in Djibouti on February 6 Sudan-North Africa, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Al-Sharaa confers with EU Middle East peace envoy
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Monday in Damascus received the European Union EU ME peace process special envoy Miguel Moratinos and members of his accompanying delegation. Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/2/1999 - King Hassan II meets Luxembourg's deputy premier
Cooperation prospects in matters of agriculture, vocational training, handicraft and the investment opportunities offered in Morocco were also tackled during the talks. Morocco-Luxembourg, Politics, 2/2/1999 - UN assembly holds another session on Israel's illegal settlements
The General Assembly may reconvene as early as this Friday an emergency special session on illegal Israeli practices in the Occupied Palestinian territory, diplomats said on Monday. Regional, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Lebanese premier comments on Israeli FM remarks on negotiations
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has asserted that Israel's repeated attempts to separate the Lebanese and Syrian tracks in the Middle East peace process will eventually fail because the "unity of the two tracks is a political decision supported by a unanimous Lebanese will." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Sudanese minister of information calls for coalition government
Sudanese Minister of Information Ghazi Salah al-Din called for forming a coalition government that would work within the framework of the Sudanese political multiplicity law. Sudan, Politics, 2/2/1999 - PLO official for coordination with Syria
Chairman of the PLO political department Farouk Qaddoumi has asserted in Amman the need for coordination with Syria concerning the Middle East peace process and a united Arab position toward Israel's position. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Prominent French official the first to visit Algeria in four years
Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf received yesterday Loiweek Henkin the French Foreign Ministry's secretary general, who is the first prominent French official to visit Algeria in nearly four years. Algeria-France, Politics, 2/2/1999 - European Union humanitarian aid for Palestinian refugees in Syria
The delegation will visit a Palestinian hospital in Yarmouk, Damascus and a refugee camp in Homs. Apart from its member states' bilateral contribution, the European Union is the largest provider of assistance to the Palestinian population with some EURO 625 million committed since 1994 Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Cook describes Syrian-British relations as good
Cook said that discussions made in all meetings with Syrian officials were comprehensive and held in a friendly atmosphere, "We are building an understanding that guarantees a long-term partnership." Syria-UK, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Libyan Leader Denies to Security Council the Right to Re-consider Sanctions
Libyan leader, Muammar Gadhafi, denied Monday to the UN Security Council the right to reconsider sanctions enforced against his country since 1992 for its alleged involvement in the downing of a Pan Am plane, according to the Libyan media. Libya, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Canterbury archbishop meets Lebanese officials
chairman of the Lebanese Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Adnan al-Qassar, said that the newly-established center will be the "reference in settling disputes." Lebanon-UK, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Iraq condemns U.S. official in charge of coordinating the opposition
Iraq has greatly condemned the tour of US diplomat Frank Ricciardone, who is responsible for coordination between the US administration and Iraqi opposition abroad. Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Lebanese Prime Minister to visit Saudi Arabia
The Saudi ambassador in Beirut, Ahmad al-Kuheimi, has announced that Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss will visit Saudi Arabia at a date no later than Sunday. Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Saudi paper criticizes Saddam Hussein
The Saudi daily al-Madina on Monday criticized the Iraqi government and denounced its refusal of the initiative submitted by the UN Security Council to form three committees to reevaluate the UN's policies toward Iraq. Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Jordanian anti-normalization committee prepares to convene general conference
The Jordanian committee in charge of confronting normalization with Israel is preparing to convene a general conference which is to discuss the achievements of the anti-normalization committees in various parts of Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Holland refuses Ocalan in Rotterdam
Holland has refused to permit leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party, Abdullah Ocalan, to land at Rotterdam airport on Sunday night. Regional-International, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Moroccan parliamentary delegation meets Japanese officials
The Moroccan parliamentary delegation which is currently visiting Japan had Sunday in Tokyo talks with several Japanese officials on cooperation prospects between the two countries in the economic, cultural and political fields. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Iraq offers $14,000 reward for downing of any US or British jets Iraq, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Syria rejects any change in Iraq that comes from outside
Syrian Minister of Information Mohammed Salman stated yesterday that Damascus is against any change in Iraq that comes from outside. Syria, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Two Israeli spies sentenced to three year imprisonment in Cyprus Israel, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Iraq accuses Saudi Arabia of taking its share of oil Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/2/1999
- US for preserving Iraq's unity after toppling Saddam Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Shaath calls for peaceful solution to Iraq crisis
The minister for international planning and cooperation in the Palestinian government, Nabil Shaath, has expressed his hope of reaching a peaceful settlement to the Iraq crisis. Palestine, Politics, 2/2/1999 - Olmert appointed defense minister's ME and Arab citizens affairs advisor Israel, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Egypt, Kuwait for boosting information and cultural relations Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/1999
- Mubarak: Israel destroyed the peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has held the Israeli government responsible for destroying the Middle East peace process on its various tracks. Egypt, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Mauritanian Authorities Cancel Rigged Municipal Vote in Nouakchott Mauritania, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Al-Assad confers with Anglican Church Archbishop George Carey
Archbishop George Carey added, "I have been greatly impressed by the way in which Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully together in this country. I counted it as an enormous privilege to visit Abul Nour Mosque in Damascus two days ago and to be invited by the Grand Mufti (Sheikh Ahmad Kiftaro) to address the worshipers there. I believe that there are lessons that the rest of the world would do well to learn from the way in which members of both faiths respect each other." Syria-Syria-UK, Politics, 2/1/1999 - AL chief views Iraqi FM's call for a dialogue with Arab states as good initiative
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has described the call made by Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf to open a dialogue with the Arab states as "a good initiative" from Baghdad in support of Arab joint action and Arab interests. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/1/1999 - German foreign minister to discuss Mubarak's visit to Germany Egypt-Germany, Politics, 2/1/1999
- UAE Deputy Premier calls for finding an Arab solution to the Iraqi problem
United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan on Sunday in Abu Dhabi asserted the need for Arab and international moves to lift the sufferings of the Iraqi people as a result of the imposed embargo. United Arab Emirates-UK, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Iraqi leadership refuses UN Security Council suggestion
The Iraqi leadership announced its absolute refusal to three suggestions recently ratified by the United Nations Security Council that include removing the Iraqi prohibited weapons, the human status in Iraq, and the war captives' dossier of 1991. Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Moroccan PM says support to his government is beyond parliamentary considerations
The Prime minister, first secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces "USFP," called the international community to bring to Morocco's democratic process more than speeches and engage in investments, facilities and guarantees for the financing of new projects likely to generate jobs and economic development. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Arab ministers of the interior conclude meetings in Amman
The participating ministers adopted important recommendations and made decisions that constitute a move forward in the process of joint Arab security actions and adopted the report of the secretary general of the Arab interior ministers' council. Regional, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Arafat to meet with Clinton tomorrow
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is meeting during his visit to Washington which will start tomorrow and last for three days, with the US president while attending with other leaders the national prayers held by the congress. Palestine, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Arafat adheres to announcing Palestinian state on May 4
In his meeting with journalists in Davos on the sidelines of the world economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat stressed his adherence to May 4 as a "sacred" date for the declaration of the Palestinian state. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Nigerian delegation breaks air embargo on Libya
Libyan television broadcast that a formal delegation from Nigeria arrived yesterday in Tripoli and penetrated the air embargo imposed on Libya by UN since 1992. Libya-Nigeria, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Iraqi newspapers resume campaign against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
Iraqi newspapers resumed yesterday their attacks on the Arab League, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Tunisian-Egyptian higher committee meets next month
The Tunisian-Egyptian higher committee will meet next month in Tunisia under the chairmanship of Tunisian Prime Minister Hamid al-Qurawi and his Egyptian counterpart, Kamal al-Ganzouri. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 2/1/1999 - A message from al-Bashir to Gaddafi
The sources added that Libya will witness within the few coming days intensive meetings among sides concerned in Sudan with the objective of achieving reconciliation and putting an end to the conflict in southern Sudan. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Mubarak to visit Paris tomorrow
French diplomatic sources in Cairo told ArabicNews.com that tomorrow President Mubarak is going to meet the chief of the representative council for Jewish corporations in France, Hendi Had Gienberg, to tackle reconciliation between Arabs and Jews by the means of Jews residing in France. Egypt-France, Politics, 2/1/1999 - King Hussein's sister and brother offer to donate bone marrow for transplant
King Hussein's morale is high before the beginning of the second phase of his treatment for cancer at the Mayo Clinic hospital in the United States and that he is in firm contact with his son, Crown Prince Abdullah. Jordan, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Egyptian Mufti criticizes Egyptian law
Egyptian Mufti Nasr Farid Wasel said that exempting the rapist from his crime if he gets married to the raped girl is an error in Islamic legislation. Egypt, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Qatari FM confers with US state official Indyk
Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jabar al-Thani met on Sunday in Doha with US Undersecretary of State Martin Indyk, currently visiting Qatar in the course of his Arab Gulf tour. Qatar-USA, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Peres: Establishment of Palestinian state is inevitable
Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres has asserted that the establishment of a Palestinian state is an inevitable matter which will be achieved very soon in the interests of the two sides. Palestine, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Yemen's damage from tourist kidnappings is $250 million and is intentional
A Yemeni official estimated that prior economic losses resulting from kidnappings of western tourists and the recent death of four hostages in a rescue operation amounted to $250 million through last month. Yemen, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Israeli minister admits pollution of Jordanian areas
Former director general of the Israeli Environment Ministry Nujama Ronin has asserted that sewage waters in Israel which reaches Eilat district caused pollution in vast areas of Jordan. She added that these sewage waters also polluted the groundwater in areas surrounding the Jordanian city of al-Aqaba. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Greek foreign minister in Rabat in march Morocco-Greece, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Morocco deplores Algeria's failure to respond to its reconciliation call
Morocco has deplored Algeria's failure to positively respond to the calls made by Rabat to re-consider bilateral relations Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/1/1999 - King Hassan sends message to King Hussein of Jordan Morocco-Jordan, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Sudanese foreign minister urges Sudanese press to objectively tackle relations with Egypt Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 2/1/1999
- German foreign minister to discuss Mubarak's visit to Germany Egypt-Germany, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Palestine's permanent delegate in the Arab league: Egypt's role is essential and pivotal in the peace process
Mohammed Sabaih, Palestine's permanent delegate at the Arab League, said at the Cairo International Book Fair that Israel established its state in 1948 and the Palestinian side is getting ready to establish its state according to United Nations General Assembly resolution N 181 in 1947. Palestine, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Ramon: Netanyahu is the worst Premier for Israel Israel, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Italian sources rule out Ocalan presence in Italy Regional-Italy, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Sharon: Security for negotiations with the Palestinians
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has reiterated his government's commitment to what he called the security interests of Israel as a precondition to achieving a progress in negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Kuwaiti foreign minister to visit Moscow Kuwait-Russia, Politics, 2/1/1999
- A message to Qatar's ruler from Iranian counterpart Qatar-Iran, Politics, 2/1/1999
- Arab parties in Israel raise funds for Knesset elections
Israeli Army Radio said on Sunday that the Arab parties in Israel have started a campaign in the Arab Gulf states and in Jordan to raise funds to be used in the Israeli Knesset election campaign. Israel, Politics, 2/1/1999 - Jordan: No change in foreign policy Jordan, Politics, 2/1/1999