Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/8/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 8, 1999

• Special: Khaddam outlines Syria's foreign policy Syria, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Syrian minister of the interior announces referendum results
  Syrian Minister of the Interior Mohammad Harba on Thursday handed the speaker of the Syrian People's Assembly, Abdul Qader Qaddoura, a message providing the final result of the people's referendum held on Wednesday for President al-Assad's election to a new constitutional term. Syria, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Iranian foreign minister in Libya Libya-Iran, Politics, 2/13/1999
• King Abdullah II congratulated al-Assad on reelection
  A statement by the Jordanian royal court announced on Friday that King Abdullah II had congratulated President Hafez al-Assad in a telephone call on his election to a new constitutional term. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 2/13/1999
• King Abdullah to visit Egypt soon Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 2/13/1999
• On al-Sharaa's visit to Russia
  the visit of Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa to Russia on Tuesday may be in preparation for the visit to be paid by President Hafez al-Assad to Moscow in the near future. Syria-Russia, Politics, 2/13/1999
• India's premier arrives in Morocco
  Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vijpayee arrived Saturday in Rabat on a two-day working visit destined to give a new impetus to partnership between the two countries in various sectors of common concern. Morocco-India, Politics, 2/13/1999
• On the Syrian -Lebanese summit
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud held a meeting on Friday at Tishreen palace in Damascus, immediately following President Lahoud's arrival in Damascus, where he was welcomed at the western entrance of Damascus by President al-Assad. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/13/1999
• King Hassan II receives Iraqi foreign minister and Bundestag chief
  King Hassan II received separately in Marrakesh (southern Morocco) on Friday Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Said al-Sahaf and the speaker of the German Bundestag, Thierse Wolfgang. Morocco-Iraq-European Union, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Arab Maghreb Union marks 10th anniversary
  The Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) is celebrating this February its 10th anniversary. Maghreb, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Yemeni Ministry of Interior seized 62 cases of explosives in Aden in 1998
  Yemeni Minister of Interior General Hussein Arab announced that security bodies have been able to seize 62 cases of explosives in Aden alone last year that targeted Yemen's security and stability. Yemen, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Palestinians ask US to move to save the peace process Palestine, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Arab-Russian dialogue to open in Cairo tomorrow
  The works of the fifth session of Arab - Russian dialogue held by the Egyptian committee for solidarity and the Russian assembly for solidarity and Afro-Asian cooperation will open tomorrow and last for two days in Cairo. Egypt-Regional-Russia, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Projected Sahara referendum will probably be postponed, UN chief says
  The Referendum which the United Nations is planning to hold in the Sahara next December will be probably postponed, the UN secretary general said Friday. Morocco-UN, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Arab members of Israeli Knesset will visit Damascus
  Member of the Israeli Knesset Abdul Malim al-Dahamesha said on Friday that a delegation of Arab members of the Israeli Knesset will visit Syria within the coming weeks. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Morocco seeks German backing at European Union
  The Moroccan government called Germany to endeavor to consolidate Morocco's ties and partnership with the European Union mainly in matters of trade and economy. Morocco, Politics, 2/13/1999
• King Abdullah receives message from Iran's president Jordan-Iran, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Israeli officials failed to meet with President al-Assad Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Egypt gets UN depository library Egypt-UN, Politics, 2/13/1999
• British minister of trade to visit Cairo on Tuesday Egypt-UK, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Jordan: We will not be a part of any attempt to topple Saddam Hussein Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 2/13/1999
• Damascus: Arafat's policy does not serve Palestinian cause
  Syrian VP Khaddam said: The PLO's first mistake was that, "It dropped the national dimension of the Palestinian cause and considered that the cause of Palestine is an independent decision, which means that it is a decision of a person and if that persons goes up or down this cause will also go up and down." Syria-Palestine, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Yemen, Britain try to repair their rift
  Yemen and Britain seek to restore relations between them as well as to alleviate tensions that resulted from the deaths of British tourists after they were kidnapped by extremists in Yemen. Yemen-UK, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Morocco renews to Germany adherence to human rights principles
  Moroccan human rights minister, Ahmed Aujjar, renewed in a meeting Thursday here with visiting speaker of the German Bundestag, Thierse Woldfgang, Morocco's adherence to human rights principles and the priority granted by the Moroccan government to the defense and promotion of human rights culture Morocco, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Reconciliation between Ode Saddam Hussein and al-Takriti
  Well-informed Iraqi sources asserted that a meeting was held in Baghdad between Ode, the oldest son of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his uncle, the former Iraqi ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Barazan al-Takriti, during the past few days. Iraq, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Morocco, U.N. sign accord on MINURSO forces status, Security Council extends mission
  Morocco and the United Nations concluded on Thursday an accord on the status of the forces of the MINURSO (U.N. mission for the holding of a self-determination referendum in the Sahara), the spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general announced. Morocco, Politics, 2/12/1999
• El-Baz: Egyptian - Sudanese relations are historic
  The Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, confirmed that Egyptian - Sudanese relations are very confidential, in addition to the strong relations that have tied the two countries' peoples through different ages. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Damascus did not approve inspection mechanism in Adanah agreement
  The Syrian charge d'affairs to Turkey, Mamdouh Haidar, denied any new position for Syria concerning its refusal of a Turkish proposal that provides for setting up a security system to follow up on and supervise efforts to fight "terrorism" concerning the banned Kurdistani Workers Party. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/12/1999
• US military statements conflict with reports on bombed medical factory in Sudan
  The owner of the Sudanese medicinal factory which was hit by US missiles in August, 1998 said that he has no relations with Osama Bin Laden, who is held responsible by the US for bomb attacks against two US embassies in eastern Africa last year. Sudan-USA, Politics, 2/12/1999
• A collective tomb in Algeria
  Several Algerian dailies issued on Thursday said that the Algerian security forces discovered a collective tomb in a deserted "well" in Welad Allal in al-Mateija plane, southeast of the capital, Algiers. Algeria, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Taleban: Any US strikes against Bin Laden will be unforgettable mistake
  The Afghan Taleban movement said on Thursday that any new US air strikes against exiled Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden will be an "unforgettable mistake." Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Iraq to ask Turkey to stop US forces from using airbase
  Iraqi Deputy Premier Tariq Aziz told Journalists in Baghdad on Thursday that his country will continue confrontation for these two aresa regardless of sacrifices and results. Iraq-Turkey-USA, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Israel criticize European position, refuses to meet German foreign minister
  Amid strong Israeli criticism for the European Union's position, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled a meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, without explanation. Germany holds the current presidency of the European Union. Israel-European Union, Politics, 2/12/1999
• New Jordanian government to be expected very soon
  The Jordanian government led by Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh announced on the third and last day of receiving condolences on the death of King Hussein its determination to resign, according to tradition, perhaps as soon as today, while the Jordanian dailies started to talk about expectations concerning the new government which will be assigned by King Abdullah II. Jordan, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Algerian president to specify final date for presidential elections today
  Algerian official sources announced today that Algerian President Liamine Zeroual will deliver a speech tonight in which he will formally announce the date of the presidential elections in April. Algeria, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Al-Sharaa to visit Moscow on February 16
  Moscow said on Thursday that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa will pay a working visit to Russia on February 16 and 17. Syria-Russia, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Boosting cooperation in fields of labor with Saudi Arabia
  Egyptian Minister of Manpower Ahmed El-Amawi will begin a week-long visit to Saudi Arabia tomorrow according to the invitation of the Saudi minister of labor and social affairs, Musaid bin Muhammad al-Sinani. Egypt-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Cohen defends US policy toward Iraq
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen has asserted the continued US policy toward Iraq. In a statement to BBC television, Cohen, currently visiting South Africa, said the US will continue its military operations in the two no-fly zones in the northern and southern parts of Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Ethiopia, Eritrea reject UN call to maintain control
  Ethiopia and Eritrea both refused on Thursday the call addressed to them by the UN Security Council on Wednesday to end the war between them. Ethiopia-Eritrea-UN, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Tunisian president due to Morocco on coming month
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin bin Ali is expected to pay a formal visit to Morocco in the second half of March at the invitation of King Hassan II, the first visit of its sort in 10 years. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Egyptian - Moroccan electricity committee to meet
  The Egyptian - Moroccan committee for electricity and energy is to hold its meetings on February 19 - 20 under the chairmanship of Egyptian Minister of Electricity and Energy Maher Abaza and Moroccan Minister of Energy and Minerals Youssef Tahiri. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Abdullah and his wife, Rania, to be crowned in May
  Official sources at the royal palace in Amman told the AFP that official protocols will be organized for the investiture of Jordan's King Abdullah as of the middle of next May, when the three-month mourning period on the death of the late King Hussein will end. Jordan, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Iraqi Foreign Minister in Morocco
  Iraqi Foreign Minister, Mohamed Said Essahaf, arrived in Marrakesh on Thursday, for a visit to Morocco, part of an Arab tour. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 2/12/1999
• US citizens leave warring Eritrea and Ethiopia
  The US asked its working but not main staff in its embassy and agencies to leave Ethiopia and Eritrea together with their families. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/12/1999
• French MP group will visit southern Moroccan provinces
  A French MP delegation will visit shortly the Moroccan southern provinces to learn about the achievements accomplished by Morocco in the social, economic, medical and educational sectors. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Al-Sharaa discusses with Neisser conditions in the region, Syrian-Austrian relations Syria-Austria, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Lahoud arrives in Damascus today Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Arafat, Peres meet on developments in the region
  Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat discussed in Gaza on Thursday the latest developments in the region and the status of negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian government, which were frozen recently by the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under the pretext of the Israeli elections. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Baghdad: Iraq will be a supporter to Jordan Iraq-Jordan, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Sharon cancels meeting with Fischer Israel-European Union, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Jordanian FM describes al-Assad's meeting with Tarawneh as positive Jordan-Syria, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Gaddafi calls for African summit Libya-Africa, Politics, 2/12/1999
• Khaddam outlines Syria's policy
  After Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam cast his vote on Wednesday, he said in a statement to reporters that the Syrian people's consensus on saying "yes" to the President express their love for their leader whose "wise policy and principled stances realized stability in the country, maintained Arab dignity and insisted on liberating the occupied Arab lands." Syria, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Mubarak says, Syria, Lebanon refuse concessions Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Syrian FM describes meeting with Jordanian King as fruitful
  Al-Sharaa talked about the challenges facing President al-Assad during his fifth constitutional term. He said the challenges have been incessant, and they have been the most difficult in the past few years Syria, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Nawaz Sharif concludes visit to UAE United Arab Emirates-Pakistan, Politics, 2/11/1999
• UAE protests Iran's attempt to perpetuate occupation of islands
  The United Arab Emirates has protested against Iran's attempts to consolidate its occupation of Greater Tanb, Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa islands. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Syria's referendum ends with confirmation for al-Assad
  Syrian Minister of the Interior Muhammad Harba said in a press conference at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior in Damascus that some 8.6 million out of 8.9 million eligible voters cast their votes Syria, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Vedrine: Embargo on Iraq proves ineffective and harsh
  Vedrine added that the recent French thoughts "permit the realization of progress through lifting the embargo which has proven today its futility and harshness and at the same time establish a monitor system on any possible armament and any financial revenues from lifting the embargo." Iraq-France, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Bahrain's defense minister stresses his country's refusal to use its lands for striking Iraq
  Bahrain's defense minister and deputy commander in chief of the Bahraini Army, Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Ahmad al-Khaleifa, has said that his country opposes striking Iraq or changing its current government. Bahrain-UK, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Arafat, Hawatemah meet in Amman
  A Palestinian official said on Wednesday that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and chairman of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine Nayef Hawatemah met on Monday in Amman for the first time in five years. Palestine, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Libya: Lockerbie suspects will be imprisoned only in Libya
  Libyan Foreign Minister Omar El-Montasser stated that Libya will not accept any alternative to jailing the two Libyan suspects in the Lockerbie case in a Libyan prison should they be convicted. Libya, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Contacts to convene Damascus meeting on Iraq very soon
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid explained on Wednesday that the representative of the Arab Maghreb states in the Arab ministerial committee to follow up moves with the UN Security Council to lift sanctions imposed on Iraq did not withdraw from the committee. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Iraq's Aziz to visit Turkey in the mid of this month
  Turkey said on Wednesday that Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz will visit Ankara for 24 hours at the beginning of next week in order to discuss bilateral relations. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Morocco plays important role in settling Gulf War problems
  The Moroccan minister in charge of relations with the Parliament and the Iraqi ambassador to Morocco underlined Wednesday in Rabat the important role played by Morocco for the settlement of the problems that arouse after the Gulf War. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Netanyahu and peace with Syria
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a government under his chairmanship will reach a peace agreement with Syria or with Lebanon by the year 2000. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Palestinian delegation to visit Damascus
  The advisor to the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Ahmad al-Teibi has said that, "During our meeting with President Hafez al-Assad in Amman on Monday, President al-Assad and his foreign minister, Farouk al-Sharaa, extended to us an invitation to visit Damascus." Palestine-Syria, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Fighting continues between Ethiopia and Eritrea
  Fighting continued on Wednesday between Ethiopia and Eritrea near the borders between the two countries for the fifth running day. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/11/1999
• German FM arrives in Israel
  German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer arrived in Israel on Wednesday for a three-day visit during which he will head for the Palestinian territories. Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Jordanian appreciation for al-Assad's visit to Amman
  Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament Abdul Hadi al-Majali has expressed Jordan's appreciation for the visit paid by President Hafez al-Assad to Amman where he offered condolences on the death of King Hussein. Jordan, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Palestinian delegation wants to know the charges against prisoners in Israeli jails
  A delegation representing the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday met with Israeli President Ezer Weizman to call for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails who have been detained for tens of years. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/11/1999
• MEDA program is the major financial instrument of Euro-Mediterranean partnership, EU official
  He further stressed that the MEDA-Morocco program comprises two major axes: socioeconomic balance and economic transition. Socioeconomic balance addresses projects of rural infrastructure, water, sanitation and roads, in addition to the Mediterranean bypass that links Tangiers (northern Morocco) and Saidia (northeastern Morocco), part of which will be financed by the European Commission (80 million euro). This axis also comprises projects in basic education, health, rural development for a needed investment of 320 million euros. Regional-Morocco-European Union, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Abdul Megid due in Sudan on Wednesday
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, is to begin a three-day visit the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, on Wednesday, during which he will meet with Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir, Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael, and the head of the Sudanese National Council, Hassan Turabi. Regional-Sudan, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Jordan - Prince Hassan Jordan, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Speaker of German Bundestag starts visit to Morocco
  Speaker of the Bundestag, the lower chamber of the German Parliament, Wolfgang Thierse, met on Wednesday with his Moroccan peer, Abdelouahed Radi, on the first day of a three-day visit to Morocco. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Moroccan, French Senates agree to step up cooperation
  The Moroccan Chamber of Advisors (upper house of the parliament) signed a cooperation accord Wednesday in Paris with the French Senate. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Morocco hails Paris' backing to Rabat's efforts to settle Sahara issue Morocco, Politics, 2/11/1999
• India's Premier in Morocco this weekend
  India's prime minister, Atal Bihari Vijpayee, is expected in Morocco this Feb.13-14 for talks with Moroccan officials on ways of boosting partnership between the two countries in various sectors of common concern. Morocco-India, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Diplomatic relations between Syria and Angola Syria-Angola, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Austrian parliamentarian arrives in Damascus
  The second speaker of the Austrian Parliament, Heinrich Neisser, and members of the accompanying delegation arrived in Damascus on Tuesday for a six-day official visit to Syria. Syria-Austria, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Israel opposes UN Geneva Convention conference on its practices
  The UN General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution calling for convening a conference on July 15 in Geneva to consider Israel's continued violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention in the occupied Arab lands, particularly the ban on settlements. Palestine-Israel-UN, Politics, 2/11/1999
• Portuguese - Egyptian discussions Egypt-Portugal, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Today is referendum day in Syria
  The Syrian people this morning headed to the polls in order to cast their votes for the election of President Hafez al-Assad for a fifth constitutional term. Syria, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Palestinian government discusses delay in announcing independent state
  Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath announced yesterday that the Palestinian Authority is examining the suggestions that it delay the declaration of the Palestinian independent state. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/10/1999
• El-Baz: We saved Iraq in Feb 98
  The Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, confirmed that Egypt will remove the gap of technology with Israel during the coming years, referring to the astonishing progress in the sciences of technology. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Libya: progress in finding peaceful solution for crisis
  Libyan Foreign Minister Omar El-Montaser assured yesterday that progress had been made on the method of settling the Lockerie case. Libya-Tunisia-USA, Politics, 2/10/1999
• New Jordanian government expected very soon
  Well-informed Jordanian sources expected that King Abdullah, of Jordan will within the two coming weeks assign one of the prominent political figures who used to be close to his father, to assemble a new Cabinet. Jordan, Politics, 2/10/1999
• On the meeting of President al-Assad with Arab Israeli Knesset members
  Israeli Knesset member Talab al-Sane said that he and Knesset member Abdul Malik Dahameshah and leader of the Israeli Arab Change Party, Ahmad al-Teibi, met on Monday with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on the sidelines of King Hussein's funeral. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Netanyahu promises to make peace with Syria, Lebanon before the year 2,000 Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/10/1999
• South African arms sales to Saudi Arabia suspended
  South African Defense Minister Joe Modis stressed on Tuesday that his country proposed arms sales of artillery and warplanes at a cost of US $1.7 billion to Saudi Arabia, which have been suspended for two years due to expenditure restrictions in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-South Africa, Politics, 2/10/1999
• UNHCR hails formalization of its presence in Sahara
  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hailed the formalization of its presence in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 2/10/1999
• High-ranking Turkish army officer visits Syria
  The Turkish daily Milliyet on Tuesday stressed that the commander of the Turkish second army Gen. Aytac Yalman will pay a visit to Syria in the second half of February. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Libya sees Israeli threat in Africa
  Libya has warned against "Zionist intervention" in the internal affairs of the African continent and the attempt to escalate conflicts and disputes and to destabilize the region. Libya-Africa, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Saudi-British military talks in Riyadh
  Saudi Arabia's second deputy premier and defense and civil aviation minister, Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, met on Tuesday in Riyadh with British Defense Minister George Robertson and members of his accompanying delegation, who arrived in Riyadh on Monday night. Saudi Arabia-Gulf-UK, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Iraqi opposition faction denies reported assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein
  The Higher Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, an Iraqi Shiite Muslim opposition group, said it knows nothing of what had been reported of an assassination attempt against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Baghdad: King Abdullah seeks to develop Jordanian - Iraqi relations
  The Iraqi News Agency said on Tuesday that Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein has asserted to Baghdad his desire to develop Jordanian - Iraqi relations, which have had ups and downs during the recent years. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 2/10/1999
• King Abdullah accepts Chirac's invitation to visit France
  A Western diplomatic source in Amman said on Tuesday that French President Jacques Chirac had extended an invitation to the new Jordanian King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein to visit France, and the King has accepted the invitation. Jordan-France, Politics, 2/10/1999
• UN General Assembly votes to hold Geneva Convention conference
  Israel has come out in opposition to a United Nations General Assembly decision yesterday to convene a meeting of the Geneva Convention signatory states to discuss the Israeli settlement policy in the occupied territories. Palestine-Israel-UN, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Jordanian ambassador in Tehran: No one summoned me to any protest
  The Jordanian ambassador in Tehran, Sheikh Nouh Ali, stated that he was not summoned to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry to provide information on an official Iranian protest regarding reported statements in a speech by Jordan's King Abdullah. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Lebanese president meets with al-Hoss to address Saudi Arabia visit
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud met on Tuesday with Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss following the PM's arrival in Beirut after a visit to Saudi Arabia. Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/10/1999
• UNRWA discusses financial, administrative corruption issues
  Donor countries of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the near east (UNRWA) will discuss issues of corruption in some of its foundations in Lebanon, Palestinian sources said on Tuesday. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 2/10/1999
• France calls for end of fighting as Eritrea ambassador is ejected from Ethiopia
  France has called upon Eritrea and Ethiopia to put an immediate end to the fighting between the two sides. It expressed regret over the renewed fighting between the two countries. Eritrea-Ethiopia-France, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Qatar - OPEC Qatar-OPEC, Politics, 2/10/1999
• A week for Egyptian cinema in Sarajevo
  An Egyptian cinema week will be held in the coming March in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia - Herzegovina. Egypt-Bosnia, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Libyan anxiety over 20 atomic bombs in Italy Libya-Italy, Politics, 2/10/1999
• European Union delegation to visit Jordan on Saturday
  A delegation from the European Union is to visit Amman, Jordan on Saturday in the framework of the regional tour of German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency Jordan-European Union, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Beirut conference to tackle land mines Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Morocco and France Senates sign cooperation accord Morocco-France, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Speaker of German Bundestag starts visit to Morocco
  Speaker of the Bundestag, lower chamber of the German parliament, Wolfgang Thierse, started this Wednesday a three-day visit for talks with Moroccan officials on peace in the Middle East and Morocco's role in promoting rapprochement between peoples of the region. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 2/10/1999
• UAE president confers with Pakistani premier United Arab Emirates-Pakistan, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Al-Assad talks on telephone with Lahoud on bilateral issues Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/10/1999
• US ambassador speaks about al-Assad - Clinton meeting
  The US ambassador in Tel Aviv, Edward Walker, has described the meeting between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad with US President Bill Clinton in Amman on Monday, on the sidelines of the two presidents' participation in King Hussein's funeral, as "very important." Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 2/10/1999
• Arafat praised new Jordanian King Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 2/10/1999
• King Hassan sends message to president Yeltsin on Sahara issue
  King Hassan II sent Russian President Boris Yeltsin a message on the implementation of the United Nations settlement plan in the Sahara, Russian official sources say. Morocco-Russia, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Referendum tomorrow on fifth presidential term for al-Assad
  The Syrian people will head tomorrow to ballot boxes to elect Syrian President Hafez al-Assad for a fifth presidential term of seven years starting in March. Syria, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Al-Assad attends King Hussein's funeral, meets with several heads of state
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad last night returned home after a visit to Amman, where he took part in the funeral of King Hussein Bin Talal and offered condolences to King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein of Jordan and to the Jordanian royal family and high-ranking officials. Syria-International, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Sudanese parliament chief attacks Egypt
  Hassan El-Turabi, the head of the Sudanese parliament, launched a severe attack on Egypt's government. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Iran to join the satellite club
  Tehran confirmed today its intent to enter the space race by means of Iranian satellites, and defended its right to possess the essential technology to join the satellite club. Iran, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Fischer to start regional tour tomorrow to gauge conditions
  Spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said that the aim of Fischer's tour is to hold talks to come up with a true picture about the current situation in the region and evaluating means of resetting the peace talks into its track. Regional-European Union, Politics, 2/9/1999
• El-Baz: al-Assad adheres to just peace and strategic vision
  The Egyptian president's political advisor, Osama El-Baz, stated that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad is still adhering to the achievement of just peace in the Middle East. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Britain's Robertson in Kuwait after Qatar, determined to contain Iraq
  British Defense minister George Robertson arrived in Kuwait on Monday from Qatar in the course of his tour on the Arab Gulf states. Spokesman for the British embassy in Kuwait said that Robertson will "discuss the latest developments in the region with military officials at the Kuwaiti Ali al-Salem air base." Kuwait-Gulf-UK, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Endorsing Egyptian - European partnership agreement in April
  German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer is to arrive in Cairo on February 17, after the end of Egyptian - European partnership talks. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Moroccan and French interior ministers examine bilateral cooperation Morocco-France, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Hawatemah shakes hands with Weizman in Jordan
  The director general of the Israeli Presidency Ariel Shoumer said that the Israeli President Ezer Weizman shook hands with chairman of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, on the sidelines of King Hussein's funeral yesterday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Hawatmeh tells the story of his meeting with Weizman
  Israel Radio on Monday quoted an official in Israel as saying that the funeral of King Hussein witnessed a meeting between the secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemeh, and Israeli President Ezer Weizman. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/9/1999
• US has invested $13.5 billion in Egyptian petroleum sector
  Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Hamdi El-Banbi said that the United States' investments in exploring and drilling for petroleum in Egypt have reached so far $13.5 billion. Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Eritrea: 1500 Ethiopian soldiers killed
  Fighting continues between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the disputed border areas. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Security Council Libya committee anounces Haj flight guidelines under sanctions
  The United Nations Security Council committee that administers the flight ban against Libya yesterday laid out the conditions on which it would allow flights for Libyan pilgrims who wish to perform the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Libya-UN, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Saudi Arabia transfers 8 million riyals to the PLO
  Saudi Arabia transferred on Monday some 8,198,513 million riyals from revenues of the people's committee in support of the Palestine Liberation Organization. Saudi Arabia-Palestine, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Iran upset with comments attributed to new Jordanian monarch
  Jordanian sources denied statements attributed to King Abdullah, over which Iran has officially protested, that accused Iran of threatening the security of the Gulf states. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Baghdad keen to expand trade with Arab states
  Ambassadors of the Arab political committee in charge of following up on the Iraqi crisis on Monday held a meeting in Cairo at the headquarters of the Arab League. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Tunisian president meets visiting Libyan FM
  Al-Montassir told reporters after the meeting that he discussed with the president the latest developments on the Arab and African arena, and reached consensus on many Maghreban and Arab issues. Tunisia-Libya, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Iran rejects partition of Iraq, US military interference
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi stated that his country opposes the partition of Iraq and believes that Iraq's current problems should be solved by political means, because military intervention exposes the security of the region to danger, as the region contains the bulk of the world's energy is and greatly related to the national security of Egypt and Iran. Iran, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Britain expresses readiness to try an extremist
  Yemeni Deputy Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Aedi has announced that Britain expressed its readiness to try the extremist Abu Hamzeh al-Masri if it would be proven that he is involved in acts of violence carried out in Yemen. Yemen-UK, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Russian prime minister confers with Kuwaiti FM on Iraq
  Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov has called for "reactivating military and economic cooperation" with Kuwait. He stressed that relations between the two countries are "very good." Kuwait-Russia, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Second Austrian parliament speaker arrives in Damascus
  The second speaker for the Austrian Parliament Heinrich Nicer will arrive in Damascus on Wednesday for a five-day official visit to Syria at the invitation of the speaker of the Syrian People's Assembly, Abdul Qader Qaddoura. Syria-Austria, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Israeli group: Israeli settlement activities on the rise
  An official from the Israeli Peace Now movement said that settlement activities have continued to grow in the West Bank following the appointment of Moshe Arens as defense minister two weeks ago. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Greece denies having had Ocalan in its territories
  Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos on Monday denied reports that the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) was in Greece this year. Regional-Greece, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Oman - Iran cooperation Oman-Iran, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Israel - EU Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Morocco elected vice-chairman of the Hague population forum
  Morocco was elected here Monday vice-chairman of the Hague Forum on population held this February 8-12 to follow up recommendations of the world conference on population and development held in Cairo in 1994. Morocco, Politics, 2/9/1999
• King Fahd: Israel obstructs peace
  King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has urged the international community to exert more efforts in order to give the Middle East peace process a push forward, asserting that Israel stands as a bulwark against every positive stride towards this end. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Albright stresses Middle East peace process Regional-USA, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Al-Hoss continues visit to Saudi Arabia
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss described his meeting on Sunday with Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz as very positive and useful. Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/9/1999
• Qatari Emir confers with British defense minister Qatar-UK, Politics, 2/9/1999
• World leaders in Amman to take part in Hussein's funeral
  King Hussein of Jordan's funeral was held today in Amman following the afternoon prayers at the royal palaces in Amman. Jordan, Politics, 2/8/1999
• AL paper to lift economic sanctions imposed on Iraq
  The Arab paper on lifting UN sanctions against Iraq will be discussed by the ministerial committee in its forthcoming meeting to be held in Damascus shortly, chaired by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Officials sources in Cairo said that the AL secretary general handed Iraqi envoy Nabil Nejm a copy of this Arab paper. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Syria announces mourning on King Hussein's death, postpones referendum Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Reactions to Iran's opening of municipal council in Abu Mousa island
  United Arab Emirates dailies on Sunday denounced Iran's opening of a municipal house on one of the three islands disputed between the two countries and viewed this Iranian act as a "new provocation" through imposing its de facto rule. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Confrontations escalated between Eritrea, Ethiopia
  Diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa said that Sahnoun has the feeling that Asmara will agree the peace plan proposed by the OAU. Ethiopia approved the plan which calls for the withdrawal of Eritrea's troops to their previous positions before the eruption of the conflict on May 6, 1998. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Pakistan renewed rejection for relations with Israel Regional, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Tunisian president to visit Washington soon
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali will visit Washington soon to fulfill the invitation presented by US President Bill Clinton. Tunisia-USA, Politics, 2/8/1999
• UN chief asks Eritrea, Ethiopia to stop hostilities
  UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Saturday urged both Ethiopia and Eritrea to halt hostilities between them immediately and to give diplomacy a chance to reach a political solution to their border dispute. Ethiopia-Eritrea-UN, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Mubarak refuses to meet with Netanyahu
  A Kuwaiti daily said on Sunday that President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak of Egypt refused to meet with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the request of the latter. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Lebanese Premier
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz met on Sunday in Riyadh with Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss. Bilateral relations between the two countries and conditions in the Arab, Islamic and international arenas were reviewed. Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Qaddoumi denies existence of Iranian conspiracy Palestine, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Moroccan wants to increase poor trade levels with Gulf states
  Morocco's economic relations with the UAE are stagnant and the Gulf state ranks in the 65th position in terms of buying Moroccan exports and 57th in terms of selling to Morocco. Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Spanish census in Sahara was incomplete, the census author says
  Emilio Cuevas, a Spanish official who was in charge of the 1974 Spanish census in the Sahara, said "the census was incomplete." Morocco, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Lebanon to lodge more complaints against Israeli aggressions
  Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss said that Lebanon will lodge a complaint to the April Understanding Monitoring Committee on the Israeli attacks during the two past days against south Lebanon and the western Bekaa. Lebanon, Politics, 2/8/1999
• British commerce and investment committee meets with industrial union members
  The members of the Egyptian Industrial Union met yesterday evening with a British delegation for investment and commerce which started a three-day visit to Cairo yesterday, comprises heads and managers of 40 British international companies searching for new opportunities for investment in the region. Egypt-UK, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Egyptian opposition parties sympathize with the Jordanian people
  The political organizations and parties in Egypt expressed sorrow over the death of Jordan's King Hussein, asserting that the Arab and Islamic states have lost a great man who treated his people with all love, care and stability through 47 years. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Robertson - Qatar Qatar-Gulf-UK, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Moroccan MP delegation ends visit to Japan
  Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives Abdelouahed Radi returned home over the weekend after a several-day working visit to Japan where he had intensive talks with Japanese officials on ways of boosting partnership between the two countries in all sectors. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Mediterranean foreign ministers forum meets in Malta next month
  The Mediterranean forum, an informal group comprising foreign ministers of the region, will hold its 6th session next March 4-6 in Malta. Regional, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Mohammed V square to be dedicated in Paris in few coming months
  The French capital, Paris, will solemnly name one of its squares after the great late Moroccan King Mohammed V in the coming months, it was officially announced in Paris over the weekend. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Arab Journalists Union to discuss Arab developments tomorrow
  The meetings of the general trustees of the Arab Journalists Union are to start tomorrow in Cairo under the chairmanship of Ibrahim Nafa, editor-in-chief Egypt's al-Ahram newspaper and chairman of the Arab Journalists Union. Regional, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Hamas leader: King Hussein's death a great loss for Jordan, the Arab region Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Syrian products exhibited in Libya Syria-Libya, Politics, 2/8/1999
• South Korean premier arrives in Israel
  South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Chong-pil arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday for a three-day official visit to Israel. Palestine-Israel-South Korea, Politics, 2/8/1999
• Ocalan calls for international conference on the Kurdish question
  Leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan called in a message issued today in Athens, Greece to interfere in seeking to convene an international conference to discuss the situation of Kurds in Greece. Regional, Politics, 2/8/1999

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