Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/22/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 22, 1999

• Lebanese university students free Arnoun village from Israel's naked aggression
  Hundreds of Lebanese university students on Friday broke through the barbed wire fences planted around the Lebanese town of Arnoun and restored it to Lebanese sovereignty. Lebanon, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Lebanese president hails the liberation of Arnoun
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Friday stressed that the battle launched in liberating the town of Arnoun from the Israeli occupation forces "is part of the greater battle of liberation." Lebanon, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Draft law in Egypt's parliament for canceling peace treaty with Israel
  An independent deputy in the Egyptian parliament, Ahmed Yehia, said that he will present with deputies from El-Tagamoa, Wafd, Amal, and El-Naseri (opposition parties inside the parliament) a draft law that calls for canceling the peace treaty with Israel. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/27/1999
• UAE lodges complaints against Iran
  The United Arab Emirates has lodged protests against Iran to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan over Iran's inauguration of a municipality center on Abu Mousa island at the beginning of February. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/27/1999
• GCC supports UAE over island issue
  The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Jamil al-Hujeilan, has expressed his support for the protest expressed by the United Arab Emirates against Iran's opening of a municipality headquarters on Abu Mousa island and in viewing this Iranian act as a perpetuation of its occupation of the island. Gulf-Iran, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Clinton reaffirms commitment to Mideast peace Regional-USA, Politics, 2/27/1999
• UN Security Council gives Libya 30 days to make Lockerbie decision
  UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said on Friday 30 days is "a reasonable period" for Libya to make a decision on the Lockerbie bombing, which took place more than ten years ago. Libya-UN, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Sudan and Morocco conclude three cooperation agreements
  The two Arab states also agreed to foster cooperation in geology, mining, equipment, public works, housing, post and communication as well as in culture, sciences, information, youth, health, social issues and Islamic affairs. Sudan-Morocco, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Fighting continues between Ethiopia, Eritrea
  Ethiopia has announced that its warplanes downed a second Eritrean MiG plane near the western front of Padmi, which has been the focal point of fierce air and land battles between the Ethiopian and Eritrean forces since last Tuesday. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/27/1999
• PLO accuses Israel of stealing water
  the Arab League's general trusteeship under the title "Policies and the Palestinian water positions under occupation" stated that Israel persisted to use water as a weapon to exert political pressure and that it continues to steal and threaten the basins in Jordan, Yarmouk, Golan and in the occupied West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Morocco and Canada agree on quality management project
  Morocco and Canada signed in Rabat on Friday an agreement on a quality management project as part of the "Fund for the private sector development." Morocco-Canada, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Egyptian - Tunisian high committee look for tangible accomplishments
  The meetings of the Egyptian - Tunisian high committee are to begin on Wednesday in Tunis for four days, under the chairmanship of Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzoury and his Tunisian counterpart, Hamed Karoui to discuss upgrading and enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, especially business relations. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Iraq urges Arab states to pressure Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
  The Iraqi daily al-Thawra on Friday called upon the Arab states to pressure the Saudis and the Kuwaitis, whom Iraq accuses of working to guarantee continued US and British raids against Iraq from their territories. Iraq, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Symbolic women's parliament to be held in Rabat next April
  A symbolic women's parliament will be held in Rabat next April 17-18. The symbolic legislative forum is meant to consolidate women's political, juridical, economic and cultural rights. Morocco, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Arab states discuss peaceful uses for atomic energy
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid along with the head of International Atomic Energy Agency, Mahmed El-Baradey, are to inaugurate on Tuesday a conference on nuclear energy and its peaceful use in the coming century. Regional, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Afghan source: Taleban did not impose restrictions on Bin Laden
  The Afghan ambassador in Cairo, Fadlallah Fadel, said today that Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden cannot leave the territories subjected to Taleban's domination without informing it, especially in light of the affinity that relates him to the chief of the Taleban movement, Mulla Mohammed Omar. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Patriarch Sfeir is visiting France today
  Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir is arriving today in Paris for a five-day visit, during which he will meet with French President Jacques Chirac. Lebanon-France, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Morocco home minister meets group of French representatives
  He explained that Moroccan officials believe that the emigration issue has three dimensions. First of all there is a concern to protect the identity and dignity of its community settled abroad. Second, he went on, Morocco adheres to the principle of free movement between the two countries, and this freedom is consolidated by old friendship relations. He called for promoting legal emigration and lifting all obstacles hindering the legal flow of emigrants. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Algerian presidential nominations to be completed tomorrow
  The period of nominations for the April 15 presidential elections in Algeria will be ending tomorrow. Algeria, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Morocco's 1999-2003 strategy targets four million tourists
  Morocco's strategy in tourism for the 1999-2003 period aims to attract four million visitors, said Moroccan Tourism Minister Hassan Sebbar. Morocco, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Netanyahu fears Jordanian - Iraqi alliance
  Jordan described yesterday the declarations made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he referred to the possible establishment of a Jordanian - Iraqi alliance against Israel, as surprising and asked for clarifications. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Continued cooperation between Turkish, Israeli intelligence
  The London-based "Foreign Report" weekly news bulletin which is distributed to embassies and diplomatic missions said in its most recent issue that the Israeli intelligence, the Mossad, had expanded greatly its base in Turkey and opened branches in Turkey for other two departments stationed in Tel Aviv. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Anti-incitement committee meets Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Two aides from Ocalan given asylum in Greece Regional, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Qatari FM confers with Albright Qatar-USA, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Ocalan wife gave her order in assassinating Olaf Palmeh Regional, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Al-Sane chairs Arab Democratic Party in Knesset elections Israel, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Head of international migration organization to visit Morocco
  General Director of the International Organization of Migration "IOM," Brunson Mckinley, will pay an official visit to Morocco this February 28 through March 4. Morocco, Politics, 2/27/1999
• El-Bashir denies the existence of disputes inside Sudanese ruling party
  Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir emphasized today that there are currently no disputes inside the national ruling conference and that they are settled through consultation if they exist and that disagreements that take place are about the public interest. Sudan, Politics, 2/27/1999
• Arafat due to visit Washington next month
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is to due to visit Washington at the end of Marchto meet with US President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Maedeline Albright and the US president's high-ranking assistants. Palestine-USA, Politics, 2/26/1999
• AL condemns continued US, British aggression in Iraq
  The general secretariat of the Arab League has condemned the continued US and British aggressions against Iraq. Regional-Iraq-International, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Cairo denies any Egyptian role in arresting Ocalan
  Egypt has strongly denied having played any role in the arrest of the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Participants in colloquy on Jerusalem back Palestinian statehood
  The participants in the international colloquy on "the future of Arab Jerusalem" held in Casablanca have voiced total support for the proclamation of the state of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital and rejected any alternative or manipulation to the detriment of the future of the holy city. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Al-Sahaf accuses Washington of preparing land attack on Iraq
  Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf said the US administration is preparing to launch a "land attack" against Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Report: Trial in absentia for Libyan accused of bombing UTA plane
  The London based al-Hayat daily quoted well-informed judicial sources in Paris that the in-absentia trial for the four Libyans accused of bombing a French UTA plane will start on March 8 and last for less than one week. Libya-France, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Lebanese premier urges further contacts on Arnoun occupation
  Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss has asked Lebanon's permanent representative at the UN to intensify his contacts with UN Security Council members, especially the five permanent states, the UN Secretary General and the representative of the Arab group at the UN in order to listen to their views concerning the question of Arnoun. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Morocco and Brazil agree to hold permanent political dialogue
  Morocco and Brazil have signed a memorandum of understanding providing for setting up mechanisms for regular and permanent political consultation between the two countries. Morocco-Brazil, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Indian business delegation due to visit Egypt in April Egypt-India, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Belgian crown prince starts visit to Egypt Egypt-Belgium, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Israeli Defense Minister Arens: The Key is in Damascus
  Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens has reiterated his opposition to the idea of unilateral withdrawal of Israeli forces from south Lebanon, asserting that such a withdrawal woudl endanger the lives of the citizens of cities and villages in northern Israel. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Report: Jordan studies relations with Arab states
  The Jordanian daily al-Arab al-Youm (Arab today) on Wednesday highlighted political debates in Jordan on talks that the Jordanian royal court had assigned former Jordanian premiers to study certain issues. Jordan, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Bishara expects large-scale Israeli military operation against south Lebanon
  Arab Israeli Knesset member from Hadash-Balad, Azmi Bishara, said he expected the Israeli occupation forces to carry out a large-scale military operation against Lebanon with the objective of raising support for the ruling Likud party in Israel in the forthcoming Israeli elections. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Algeria refuses US call to invite UN observers to supervise presidential elections
  Algeria has refused a call advocated by the US to invite international observers to follow up on the Presidential election to be held in the North African country in April. This was expressed on Thursday by Algerian Information Minister Abdul Aziz al-Rehabi. Algeria-UN, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Moroccan and Tunisian parties sign cooperation agreement
  Moroccan Istiqlal party (PI) and the Tunisian ruling Democratic Constitutional rally (RCD) signed here on Wednesday an agreement to coordinate actions in political, social and information fields. Maghreb, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Morocco hosts international colloquy on water and environment
  An International colloquy opened Thursday in the Moroccan southern Atlantic coastal city of Agadir to review the latest innovations in water recycling and the struggle against sea and land pollution. Morocco-International, Politics, 2/26/1999
• UN committee postpones debates on MINURSO financing
  The UN consultative committee In charge of administrative and budgetary issues has decided to postpone to a later date studying the financing of the MINURSO (the UN Mission for the referendum in the Sahara). Morocco-UN, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Britain to detain al-Masri Regional-UK, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Fatchett - Oman Oman-UK, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Al-Masri - terror threat Regional-UK, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Libya - sanctions Libya-UN, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Al-Refai denies resignation of Tarawneh government Jordan, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Bashar al-Assad in Amman to offer condolences to King Abdullah on the death of King Hussein
  Bashar al-Assad arrived in Amman on Thursday to offer his condolences to King Abdullah on the death of his father, the late Jordanian King Hussein Bin Talal. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/26/1999
• US says it foiled seven attacks planned by Bin Laden
  The US daily USA Today reported on Wednesday that US intelligence agencies prevented the occurrence of at least seven attacks against US institutions abroad planned by the exiled Saudi billionaire Osama Bin Laden, since the two explosions that took place at the US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya last summer. Regional-USA, Politics, 2/26/1999
• Bulgaria cancels entry visa requirement for Qataris
  Qatar's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Qataris who desire to travel to Bulgaria can do so without having an entry visa. Qatar-Regional-Bulgaria, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Natenyahu to visit Jordan on Sunday
  A high-ranking Jordanian official said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to visit Amman on Sunday to hold talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Mubarak calls upon Europe for greater role in Mideast peace
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has called upon the European countries, especially the Germans, to play a grater role in the Middle East peace process. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Lebanese president confers with US ambassador, UNIFIL chief
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud met on Wednesday with the US ambassador in Beirut, David Satterfield. Lebanon, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Bashar al-Assad in Amman today
  Col. Bashaar al-Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, arrives today in Amman to offer condolences to King Abdullah and members of the Jordanian royal family over the death of the late Jordanian King Hussein Bin Talal. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Last 8 Jordanians arrested in Kuwait freed
  The wife of one of the Jordanians who was detained in Kuwait said that Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah issued a pardon to eight Jordanians, who are the last Jordanians to ramain jailed in Kuwait since the Gulf War in 1991. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Wide condemnation for the annexation of village of Arnoun Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Mubarak receives Norwegian prime minister today
  El-Shazely described the visit of Bondevik as an important visit, as it is the first formal one for the Norwegian prime minister to Cairo, as well as because of its economic goal in order to upgrade economic relations between the two countries, especially in the domains of trade and investment. Egypt-Norway, Politics, 2/25/1999
• USA supports UN efforts to hold referendum in Sahara
  The United States of America supports efforts of the United Nations Organization to hold a referendum in the Sahara, said Martin Indyk, US under-secretary for the middle East. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/25/1999
• King Hassan II receives Palestinian president
  "We shall exercise our sovereignty after May 4th and Israel has not the right to interfere in our internal affairs in the West Bank and Gaza," Kaddoumi said. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Moroccan foreign minister in Argentina
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation Abdellatif Filali paid an official visit to Argentina this February 21-23, first leg of a Latin American tour that will also lead him to Brazil and Paraguay. Morocco, Politics, 2/25/1999
• European parliament's committee calls for integrating Libya in Stuttgart conference Libya-European Union, Politics, 2/25/1999
• International union for terrorism victims holds constituent symposium in Algeria
  The works of the symposium for the international union of victims of terrorism's constituent organizations began yesterday in Algeria, in which representatives of these organizations in Spain, Ireland, Italy, and France and representatives of five Algerian organizations for the families of terrorism victims will attend. Regional-Algeria-International, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Qatar for convening an international conference on Iraq
  Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber al-Thani has proposed convening a UN conference to settle the Iraqi crisis and to pave the way for the gradual lifting of the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq. Qatar-Iraq, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Sudanese opposition welcomes Libyan initiative
  The secretary general of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance, Mubarak El-Mahdi, confirmed today that the Sudanese opposition welcomed the call of the Libyan leadership to solve the Sudanese crisis peacefully. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Khartoum confirms progress in issue of Egyptian possessions
  High-profile official sources said that both Sudan and Egypt reached in the national ruling conference held in Sudan a primary agreement for treating disputes concerning the issue of Egyptian possessions in Sudan that were confiscated by Khartoum during the crisis in the two countries' relations. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 2/25/1999
• El-Bashir's approval for south Sudan's dissention shows lack of loyalty says official
  Farouk Abu Isah, the official spokesman of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Assembly accused Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir of not being loyal to his nation due to Bashir's statements suggesting his approval of a separate south Sudan Sudan, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Syrian-Turkish security committee concludes meeting in positive atmospheres
  The talks of the Syrian-Turkish security committee were concluded in "positive atmospheres," according to well-informed sources. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Palestinian official calls Arab and Muslim countries to purchase property in Jerusalem
  The Palestinian official in charge of the dossier of Jerusalem, Faysal Al-Husseini, called on Arab and Islamic countries to purchase real estate in the holy city. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Belarus wants to enhance cooperation with Arab states
  Belarussian President Alexander lkashenko said Wednesday his country was ready to develop cooperation with the Arab world and guarantee interests of Arabs inside Europe. Regional-Belarus, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Iranian president ready to cooperate with Morocco to defend Jerusalem
  The Iranian official underlined President Khatami's will to enhance consultation with King Hassan II, chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, and with all the member countries of the Organization of Islamic conference, in order to uphold the Palestinian cause and defend Holy Al-Quds. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Saudi minister of trade visits European Union countries
  Saudi Minister of Trade Usama Jafer Fakeh arrived in Brussels today leading a commercial and economic delegation to convene with Leon Brinan, the deputy chairman of the European Commission, at the beginning of the delegation's tour of the countries of the European Union. Saudi Arabia-European Union, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Jordanian foreign minister: Jordan is open on peace with Israel
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib told al-Ahram weekly newspaper today that Jordanian policy is steadfast on the Arab and international levels following the death of King Hussein last month. Jordan, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Kurds demonstrate in protest of Ocalan's arrest
  Thousands of Kurds who live in various parts of Europe demonstrated in Rome on Wednesday in protest against the arrest of the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, in Kenya last week. Regional-International, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Iraq demands the cancellation of no-fly zones
  The Iraqi daily al-Joumhureyah said that moral duty and legal responsibility necessitate that the Arab League has to take a clear stand toward this flagrant daily aggression against the Iraqi people, a stand stemming from the AL charter and the joint Arab defense treaty. Iraq, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Khatami confers with Kuwaiti information minister
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Tuesday night in Tehran received Kuwaiti Information Minister Youssef al-Sammit, currently visiting Iran. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 2/25/1999
• US embassy in Damascus resumes issuance of visas
  The US embassy in Damascus has announced that it will resume issuing non-migration visas as of next Sunday, February 28. Syria-USA, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Saudi company protests over paying 65 million dollars to U.S navy Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Malaysia denies participating in Ocalan's arrest
  Malaysia on Wednesday denied news that it had participated with Turkey in the kidnapping of the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, despite news reports which said that he was taken to Turkey on board a plane bearing the Malaysian flag. Regional-Malaysia, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Qatar - elections Qatar, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Palestinian advisor, Israeli MK plan Iraq visit Iraq-Israel, Politics, 2/25/1999
• NATO member-countries and south mediterranean countries meet in Spain
  Morocco is taking part this Thursday and Friday in a conference on the future of the NATO Mediterranean initiative opened by Spanish prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar and NATO's secretary general, Javier Solana. Morocco, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Canada's general governor starts three-day state visit to Morocco Morocco-Canada, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Morocco hosts meeting of African countries bordering the Atlantic
  The exchange of experiences in fish farming and processing, the improvement of seamen skills and coordination between African fish professionals will also be tackled during the encounter. North Africa, Politics, 2/25/1999
• European envoy briefs Moroccan premier on mideast peace Morocco-European Union, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Morocco hopes presidential elections in Algeria would restore stability Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/25/1999
• King Hassan holds talks with Arab League secretary general Morocco, Politics, 2/25/1999
• King Abdullah refuses any intervention in his country's affairs Jordan, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Cairo meeting of AL FMs to be held on March 17-18
  The Arab League said the council of Arab foreign ministers will hold a two-day meeting for its 111th session on March 17 and 18. A well-informed source at the AL's General Secretariat said on Wednesday that the new date for the session was fixed as a result of consultations with Syria, the current chairman of the AL council. Regional, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Arab lawyers call for fair trial for Ocalan Regional, Politics, 2/25/1999
• US, British warplanes destroyed 20% of Iraqi anti-aircraft missiles Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Lebanese FM receives a message from Kuwaiti counterpart Lebanon-Kuwait, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Iraq calls for halting Turkish incursions
  Iraq on Wednesday asked the UN to intervene to halt the Turkish attacks on the northern part of the country as well as for an immediate withdrawal of the invading Turkish troops. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 2/25/1999
• Lebanon complains to Understanding Committee
  Lebanese parties and national forces have condemned the annexation of the town of Arnoun to the occupied strip of south Lebanon by the Israeli occupation forces. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Syrian-Turkish security committee started positive, successful meetings
  The Turkish ambassador in Damascus has announced that the meetings of the Syrian-Turkish security committee which started its works in Damascus on Tuesday were "positive and successful" and were held in "positive atmospheres." Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/24/1999
• New Lebanese move to explain Israeli practices Lebanon, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraqis demonstrate in Iran in protest of assassinating Muhammad al-Sader
  Hundreds of Iraqis who reside in Iran tried to occupy the Iraqi embassy in Tehran in protest against the assassination of Shiite cleric Muhammad Sadeq al-Sader. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Al-Sahaf: US may have assassinated al-Sader
  At the conclusion of his visit to Beirut yesterday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf said he does not exclude US involvement in the assassination of prominent Shiite man of relagion Ayatollah Mohammed Sadek al-Sader to create a disturbance that serves US goals. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraqi opposition calls for sending international fact-finding commission to Baghdad
  Iraqi opposition circles taking Iran as a headquarters reported the continuation of disorder in Iraqi cities and governerates due to the assassination of Shiite Imam Ayatollah Mohammed al-Sader in al-Najaf last Friday. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraqi opposition parties hold government responsible for al-Sader's assassination
  The Iraqi opposition parties have held the Iraqi authorities responsible for assassinating Ayatollah Muhammad Sadeq al-Sader and his two sons in al- Najaf. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraq denies acts of violence in al-Nasereyah
  The governor of the Iraqi province of Dhi Qar, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Abdullah Saleh, has denied reports of acts of violence and arrests in al-Nasereyah city, which is situated in Dhi Qar. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Gaddafi seeks to reconcile with the US
  Leader of the Libyan revolution Col. Moammar Gaddafi has asserted his desire to maintain reconciliation with the US concerning the question of Lockerbie. Libya, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Cairo concerned by possible intensification of sanctions against Libya
  Cairo expressed its concerns toward the endeavors of the U.S administration to intensify sanctions against Libya on February 26, when the UN Security Council is to reexamine the sanctions imposed upon Libya since April 1992. Libya-Egypt-UN, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Norwegian prime minister visits Cairo today
  Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik arrived today in Cairo for a two-day official visit, during which will hold talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri and high-ranking Egyptian politicians. Egypt-Norway, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Sources: King Hussein, Arafat agreed to confederation
  Well-informed diplomatic sources in Abu Dhabi said that Jordan's King Hussein agreed before his death with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to establish a confederation between Jordan and the Palestinian state, when the latter is declared. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 2/24/1999
• On the changes in Jordan
  The British daily "The Times" said on Tuesday that the changes King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein made in Jordan "flexed his political muscle" by making changes in the Jordanian Army's leadership. Jordan, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Ritter admits the interference of CIA in Iraq and UNSCOM
  One of UNSCOM's former inspectors in Iraq, Scott Ritter, has written that the US Central Intelligence Agency has since 1992 planted its spies among members assigned by the UN to monitor the Iraqi armament program. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Moroccan-Sudanese cooperation commission meets in Khartoum
  The Moroccan-Sudanese cooperation commission opened Monday in Khartoum its fourth session to look into ways of enhancing partnership between the two countries in various industrial and commercial sectors. Morocco-Sudan, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Jordan seeks improvement in relations with Iran and Iraq
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib said yesterday that his country adheres to establishing good relations with all Muslims and Arab states. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Sudan protests over convening an opposition conference in Uganda
  The Sudanese government protested yesterday over Uganda hosting a conference for the Sudanese armed opposition as aimed at topping the legitimate government of Sudan by the use of violence. Sudan, Politics, 2/24/1999
• 18 American companies discuss establishing environmental projects in Egypt
  A delegation comprised of 18 American companies' representatives is currently visiting Cairo to hold commercial discussions with Egyptian industrial companies to provide the Egyptian firms with modern technology that limits environmental pollution. Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraq calls for discussion of no-fly zones at Arab foreign ministers meeting
  Iraq call for the subject of the air embargo imposed by the United States and Britain without the specific agreement of the UN Security Council over southern and northern Iraq to be inserted into the agenda of 111th session of the Arab League foreign ministers' meeting in the middle of next month. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Report: Taleban delegation meets with Bin Laden in Jalaal Abad
  Well-informed Afghan sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that a delegation from the leadership of the Taleban met several days ago with Osama Bin Laden in Jalaal Abad, east Afghanistan. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Tunis protests over Qatari al-Jazeera guest
  Tunisian sources in Cairo said that Tunis protested over a program on Qatar's satellite station, al-Jezira, which hosted last Saturday Mohamed Mazaly, the former Tunisian prime minister on a sports program, in which the latter spoke on the issue of bribery leveled recently at officials on the International Olympic Committee, of which Mezaly is a member. Tunisia-Qatar, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iran, Kuwait sign cultural cooperation agreements
  Former Iranian President Hashami Rafsanjani met on Monday night in Tehran with Kuwaiti Minister of Information Youssef al-Sammit, currently visiting Iran. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Kahalani threatens to strike Lebanese infrastructure
  Israeli Minister of the Interior Avigdor Kahalani has threatened that the Israeli occupation forces will strike the infrastructure in Lebanon, especially the electricity grid network, in retaliation for the attacks of the Lebanese resistance. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Sultan Qaboos meets with Shelton Oman-USA, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Berri confers with US ambassador Lebanon-USA, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Iraq bans the import of Japanese, Swiss products
  The Iraqi authorities have decided to prevent the importation of Japanese and Swiss products, in the course of the oil-for-food program. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Saudi Arabia for supporting Jordan's economy
  Jordanian Minister of State for Development Taher Kanaan, who led his country's ministerial delegation in their visit to Saudi Arabia, has asserted that the Saudi officials expressed real support and backing for the Jordanian economy. Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Yemen denies arresting British lawyer
  A Yemeni security official said on Monday that the British lawyer was summoned in order to make sure his stay in Yemen is legal after the authorities received reports indicating that he stays illegally in Yemen because his visa has terminated. Yemen, Politics, 2/24/1999
• A message to Kuwaiti ruler from his Tunisian counterpart Kuwait-Tunisia, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Netanyahu to visit Jordan on Sunday Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Canadian message to Saudi crown prince
  Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on Tuesday received a message from Canada's prime minister sent to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi Arabia-Canada, Politics, 2/24/1999
• Jordan for better relations with Syria Jordan, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Syrian - Turkish security committee meets today in Damascus
  Meetings of the Syrian - Turkish Security Committee chaired by chairman of the political security system in Syria, Lt. Gen. Adnan Badr Hassan, and the commander of the Turkish second army start today Tuesday in Damascus. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Arnoun's people call for a solidarity meeting today
  Citizens of the Lebanese town of Arnoun, annexed by the Israeli occupation forces five days ago into the occupied part of south Lebanon, have called for a solidarity meeting today with local, Arab and foreign media. This solidarity meeting aims at following up on the issue of Arnoun being occupied and declaring a program of action in this respect. Lebanon, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Some 25 Somalis die of starvation in three days Somalia, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Turkey closes off borders with Iran, investigations continue with Ocalan
  Turkish security forces intensified their fortifications in Mudania province which overlooks the Marmarh Sea, as Turkish investigators continue to question leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party, Abdullah Ocalan. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Iraq denies Shiite disorder as a result of al-Sader's death
  Iraq has categorically denied that there is any disorder following the assassination of the prominent Shiite man of religion Muhammad Sadeq al-Sader and his two sons. Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Mubarak says Israel will not get Nile water
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has asserted that delivering the water of the Nile to Israel is "impossible," noting that there are international agreements which ban giving the waters of the Nile to any other side. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Report: Bloody confrontations in Iraq
  The Higher Council of the Islamic Revolution said that a large number of Iraqi government forces were killed in the confrontations that took place in the Iraqi cities, whereas some 18 citizens were shot to death by the guns of the Iraqi security forces. Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Assassination of Iraq's al-Sader causes protest demonstration in Damascus Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Lahoud receives al-Sahaf
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut received Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf, currently visiting Lebanon. Al-Sahaf conveyed to the Lebanese president a message from Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Turkish army commander to visit Damascus today
  The Turkish Daily News reported on Monday that the commander of the Turkish Second Army, Gen. Etach Suleiman, will visit Syria today to meet with the chairman of Syrian political intelligence, Lt. Gen. Adnan Bader Hassan and with Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/23/1999
• President al-Assad confers with Maltese FM
  President Hafez al-Assad on Monday at the Damascus al-Chaab palace received Maltese Foreign Minister Guido De Marco and members of his accompanying delegation. Syria-Malta, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Capital of first Egyptian - British company worth 500 million pounds
  The Egyptian - British works' council approved the establishment of the first bilateral holding company for investment with a capital of 500 million pounds, where the capital is equally distributed among the two countries' businessmen. Egypt-UK, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Tunisian prime minister in Portugal today to enhance cooperation
  Tunisian Prime Minister Hamed Karoui is heading today for a two-day official visit to Portugal to fulfill an invitation from his Portuguese counterpart. Tunisia-Portugal, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Nahnah nominates himself for Algerian presidential elections
  Chairman of the Peaceful Society Movement in Algeria, Sheikh Mahmoud Nahnah, has announced his nomination for the presidential elections to be held on April 15. Algeria, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Palestinian government reassures commitment to agreements signed with Israel
  Advisor of the chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Omar, on Monday reiterated the Palestinian commitment to implementing agreements signed with Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Saudi Arabia reassert desire to establish security in Gulf area
  Saudi Minister of Information Fuad Abdul Salam al-Farisi said that King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, who presided over the meeting, stressed Saudi Arabia's continued desire and relentless efforts to unify Arab ranks, to give up inter-Arab disputes Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Iraqi civilians killed or wounded in US air strikes
  One Iraqi citizen was killed and others were wounded in raids launched by US warplanes on areas in the northern and southern parts of Iraq on Monday. Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Babel's Patriarch in Iraq to lead delegation to thank the pope
  Iraq has decided to send a delegation representing Christian and Muslim men of religion to the Vatican to convey the thanks of the Iraqi people to Pope John Paul II over the efforts he exerts to end the humanitarian sufferings of the Iraqi people. Iraq, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Algerian Army denies supporting any candidate in presidential elections
  In its address column the Algerian Army newspaper reported yesterday that the army does not interfere in any election issue except for setting out the conditions to secure the purity of the process. Algeria, Politics, 2/23/1999
• El-Mahdi to visit Libya soon
  Sudanese opposition sources in Cairo said that former Sudanese prime minister and head of the Sudanese Ummah Party, El-Sadek El-Mahdi, is going to visit Libya at the end of the current month to hold talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 2/23/1999
• European-Palestinian cooperation not limited to economy, Schroeder Says
  German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Monday that cooperation between the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and the European Union was not restricted to the economic sector. Palestine-European Union, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Saudi, Jordanian contacts
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on Monday received a message from Jordanian Crown Prince Hamzeh Bin al-Hussein. The message was delivered by the Jordanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia during his meeting with the Saudi crown prince in Riyadh on Tuesday. Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Egyptian authorities refuse to allow Hassan El-Banna anniversary revival
  The Egyptian authorities refused to grant the family of the Muslim Brotherhood group's founder and its first leader, Hassan El-Banna, permission to revive his 50th death anniversary which was on February 12. Egypt, Politics, 2/23/1999
• President Arafat renews determination to proclaim state this year
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat renewed the Palestinians' determination to proclaim the Palestinian State in the course of the current year. Palestine, Politics, 2/23/1999
• King Hassan calls international community to denounce Israel's extremism
  King Hassan II denounced the intransigence of the current Israeli government which he said evades its commitments and thinks that it will impose on the Palestinian people a capitulation in the shape of peace. Morocco, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Tunisia Supports Portugal's Euro-African Summit Initiative Regional-Tunisia, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Morocco Attends Preparatory Meeting of Parliament Speakers Conference Morocco-Austria, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Morocco's socialist party attends meeting on democracy in India
  Moroccan party "L'Union Socialiste Des Forces Populaires," whose leader, Adberrahmane Youssoufi is also Morocco's prime minister, attended last week a meeting of the World Alliance For Democracy in India. Morocco, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Canada's general governor starts three-day state visit to Morocco Morocco-Canada, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Israeli premier, president meet with Norwegian FM
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his warnings to the Palestinian Authority against the consequences of announcing the Palestinian state on May 4, stressing his efforts to prevent the establishment of such a state. Israel-Norway, Politics, 2/23/1999
• African efforts to settle disputes between Ethiopia and Eritrea
  A delegation representing the Organization of the African Unity will visit Eritrea today in an attempt to encourage the settling of disputes between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/23/1999
• US, Qatar reviewed bilateral relations Qatar-USA, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Yemeni groups have no relations with bin Laden Yemen, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Mubarak arrives in Rome Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Kuwait for boosting relations with Belarus, Lithuania Kuwait-International, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Kuwait, Iran for boosting parliamentary relations
  Chairman of the Iranian Shoura council Sheikh Nateq Nouri on Monday in Tehran received Kuwaiti Minister of Information Youssef Muhammad al-Sammit, currently visiting Iran. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 2/23/1999
• Jordanian king carries out first army reshuffle
  Jordanian King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein started his first reform decision by exempting several senior army officers from their posts, including four generals who were aides to the army's chief of staff. Jordan, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Bahrain, Qatar border dispute may be closer to resolution
  Manama stated on Sunday that the International Court of Justice has given the government of Qatar a grace period until May 30 in order to provide documents that back its claims in its border dispute with Bahrain. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 2/22/1999
• UAE voices strong objection to Iranian measures in Abu Mousa island
  The government of the United Arab Emirates has submitted a strong objection to the Iranian government for opening a municipality house in Abu Mousa island, one of three islands which the UAE wants restored, at the entrance of the Gulf. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Moussa: We did not advise Arafat to delay the state's declaration
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that Egypt did not offer advice or use pressure in order to change or impose any decision on Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to postpone the declaration of an independent Palestinian state. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Kuwait preparing to resume diplomatic relations with Jordan, Yemen Kuwait, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Sudanese president prefers peaceful separation of the south to forced unity
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has announced that the Sudanese government will exert all efforts and ensure all means in order to achieve national unity in the country and achieve security and peace. Sudan, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Meguid and al-Sharaa discuss committee meeting on Iraq sanctions
  Abdul Meguid commented that Iraq's objection "is not on the objective of the committee, but rather because it is not a member of it." Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Al-Assad meets with Iraqi Foreign Minister
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad met on Sunday at Damascus' al-Chaab palace with Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf and the two undersecretaries of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, Riyadh al-Qayse and Nabil Nejm. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Polisario front too weak to choose between peace and war, Sahrawi defector says
  A Polisario military officer, who defected the separatists' ranks and returned to Morocco lately, said the front is too weak to make a choice between peace and war. Morocco, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Mubarak confers with Lebanese Premier
  Following the meeting, al-Hoss said that Mubarak has asserted his support for the Lebanese position which calls for Israel's complete withdrawal from the Lebanese territories, unconditionally, in implementation of UN Security Council resolution 425. Lebanon-Egypt, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Denmark symposium attended by Israelis and Iranians
  A symposium was held at the Danish university of Odessa on the Middle East, attended by four professors from Tehran University and an Israeli professor, David Menashereh. Iran-Israel, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Report: Damascus to be King Abdullah's first stop on Arab tour
  The United Arab Emirates al-Bayan daily, issued in Dubai on Saturday, quoted Syrian sources as saying that Damascus will be the first stop on the tour King Abdullah of Jordan intends to conduct of the Arab states. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/22/1999
• On the annexation of the town of Arnoun
  The citizens of the town are still refusing to cross the checkpoint at Kafr Tabnit manned by the Israeli troops, and they insist that the main road of the town be opened. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Internal Maghreban problems weigh on Maghreban Union march, Moroccan diplomat says
  The Moroccan ambassador to Tunisia deplored the fact that internal problems have weighed on the march of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), which has been paralyzed since 1994 because of political differences. Maghreb, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Opposition: Iraqi forces strike residential areas
  The Iraqi opposition asserted on Sunday that the Iraqi Army bombarded residential areas it had lost control over in al-Nasereyah city, southern Iraq, as citizens broke into state-run offices. Iraq, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Ocalan to be tried in April
  The Turkish dailies confirmed on Saturday that the trial of Kurdistan Workers Party chairman Abdullah Ocalan is to start early in April and that Ocalan might be sentenced in May. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Iraq pledges to suspend media fighting with certain Arab states
  A source close to the Yemeni Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that Iraq has pledged to halt media campaigns against certain Arab states. Yemen-Iraq, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Mubarak confers with Maltese FM
  On Saturday the Maltese minister and Moussa signed three agreements in the areas of culture, investment and prevention of double-taxation. Egypt-Malta, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Maltese foreign minister in Damascus
  In an arrival statements at the airport, where he was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sahraa and senior Foreign Ministry officials, the Maltese minister expressed happiness over visiting Syria "at the invitation of al-Sharaa." Syria-Malta, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Palestinian Democratic Front stresses commitment to Palestinians in diaspora
  A member of the central committee of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Ali Badwan, said the front will be always committed to the Palestinians on the diaspora. He expressed hope that the leadership of the front will be available in the Palestinian territories. Palestine, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Libya attacks Clinton's call for development in Africa
  Libya attacked statements by US President Bill Clinton that the United States seeks to establish a center for developing democracy and peace in the African continent. Libya-USA, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Gaddafi attacks countries that helped arrest Ocalan
  Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi attacked yesterday the countries that helped to arrest Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, and he urged on severing relations with these countries. Libya, Politics, 2/22/1999
• President Yasser Arafat in Morocco on Tuesday
  President of Palestine Yasser Arafat, who is currently in Germany, is expected in Morocco on Tuesday for a visit during which he would brief King Hassan II about the latest developments of the Palestinian issue and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process prospects Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 2/22/1999
• New mass grave discovered in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Husseini says Netanyahu's intentions are clear and not good
  He added that setting up the Israeli elections on May 17 proves that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want to implement his commitments in the Wye River accord Palestine, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Arab League declares its full support to Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Arab lawyers denounce annexation of Lebanese village to Israeli occupation Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 2/22/1999
• A message from Tunisian president to Qatari Emir Qatar-Tunisia, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Arafat confers with Norwegian premier Palestine-Norway, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Iran hosts symposium on the Gulf's current status and future prospects Gulf-Iran, Politics, 2/22/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Kuwaiti counterpart Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 2/22/1999

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