Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/1/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 1, 1999
- President of Bahrain dies at 65, Sheikh Hamad assumes power
The Emir's palace in Manama announced today that the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa died today, naturally at 65. Bahrain, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Libyan - Egyptian summit today
The works of the Libyan - Egyptian summit started today between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Colonel Moammar Gaddafi, leader of the Libyan revolution. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Syria is persistent in considering Iskandaroun Sanjak as it own Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/6/1999
- Jordanian monarch to visit Egypt during March Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/6/1999
- Iran accuses Gulf Cooperation Council countries of interfering in its internal affairs
The Iranian foreign ministry has described the request made by the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC from Iran to halt the maneuvers it is carrying out in the Gulf as "flagrant intervention in the internal affairs of Iran." Gulf-Iran, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Discussions between Mubarak and Arafat regarding declaration of Palestinian state on Monday
A Palestinian - Egyptian summit is expected to he held in Cairo on Monday between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to discuss the issue of declaring a Palestinian state on May 4. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 3/6/1999 - UAE president confers with French foreign minister
United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Rashid Abdullah al-Nuemi held talks in Abu Dhabi with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, who began a formal visit to the UAE yesterday evening. United Arab Emirates-France, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Hilary Clinton in Tunisia soon
Tunisian sources confirmed that US first lady Hillary Clinton is to visit Tunisia soon to learn about its experience in the field of woman's rights, but the sources did not specify the date of the visit. Tunisia-USA, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Syrian FM official: Syria to continue contacts to alleviate sufferings of the Iraqis
an official source at the Syrian foreign ministry said on Friday, that in its capacity as chairman of the consultation meeting of Arab Foreign ministers, Syria, in coordination with the secretary general of the Arab League, has had intensive discussions in order to convene a meeting for the committee that would help in lifting economic sanctions imposed on Iraq. Syria, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Kuwait released prisoners arrive in Jordan Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 3/6/1999
- Oman sill maintains close relations with Israel
Chairman of the Arab Gulf department at the Israeli Foreign Ministry David Roger has unveiled that representatives from Oman has participated in symposiums recently held in the city of Eilat to discuss issues pertaining to waters desert agriculture and irrigating areas suffering from law rainfall. Oman-Israel, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Israeli sources commented on Lebanese Premier statements
The Israeli radio said today that well-informed political sources at the court of the Israeli Prime Minister commented on what had been said by the Lebanese prime Minister Salim al Hoss to the BBC that "he will seek to prevent attacks to be made by the Hizbullah Party on Israel from the Lebanese territories if Israel will withdraw from South Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Large German business delegation in Cairo on Monday
A German business delegation that includes 38 members representing a group of major German companies will arrive on Monday in Cairo. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 3/6/1999 - AL envoy conveys a message to the Iraqi leadership
The Arab league AL assistant Secretary General Ahmad Bin Hali today conveyed a message to the Iraqi leadership. Iraq, Politics, 3/6/1999 - OIC chief calls for dialogue to settle Iraq crisis
Secretary general of the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Azeddine Laraki, called for dialogue between Iraq and the United Nations to get out of the present deadlock. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Mediterranean forum supports Palestinian statehood
The eleven countries of the Mediterranean forum, which met here, supported the creation of a Palestinian state and stressed, at the same time, Israel's right to "live in peace." Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/6/1999 - Kuwait's crown prince arrives in Tehran Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 3/6/1999
- UAE' s crown prince arrives in Amman Jordan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/6/1999
- Sudanese government does not want cease fire in the south Sudan, Politics, 3/6/1999
- 14 civilians killed in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 3/6/1999
- Moroccan parliamentary delegation attends first congress of Mediterranean speakers
The congress importance lies in its adoption of a draft declaration on legislative cooperation which reflects the interest granted by lawmakers of the northern and southern banks of the Mediterranean to cooperation Regional, Politics, 3/6/1999 - GCC condemns Iranian provocation in the UAE islands
At the conclusion of its emergency meeting concluded on Thursday in Abu Dhabi the ministerial council of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the "Iranian provocative military maneuvers" carried out on the three disputed Gulf islands of Greater Tanb, Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa. Gulf-Iran, Politics, 3/5/1999 - King Abdullah: Jordan will remain an active part of the Arab nation, New government formed
A royal decree was issued in Amman on Thursday on forming the new Jordanian government under the chairmanship of Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh (60). Jordan, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Border crossing to be opened between Syria and Turkey
The correspondent of the Lebanese daily al-Nahar in Damascus was told that a crossing will be opened shortly on the Syrian-Turkish border in Raas al-Ein district, 500 km northeast of Damascus, to provide for permitting citizens to cross borders between the two sides with an identity card. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Libya - Egypt meeting
Sources in the Egyptian presidency said that Gaddafi will arrived at the two states' border on Friday morning. He will perform Friday prayers and spend the night in the coastal city of Marsa Matrouh before he heads to Cairo on Saturday. Libya, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Maghreb obstacles hinder Arab follow-up committee
Well informed Syrian sources in Damascus said that preparations for the meeting of the follow-up committee of the Arab League ministerial council to be held on Sunday in Damascus had been continued until Thursday, despite doubts raised by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on convening the meeting. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Netanyahu and withdrawal from the Golan
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that he is not ready to pay the price demanded by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Netanyahu said there are very "expensive and dear positions" on the Syrian front including "Jabal al-Sheikh, positions stand against occupying Israel." Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Mediterranean forum foreign minister meetings begin
The meetings of foreign ministers from the countries of the Mediterranean forum started yesterday in the Maltese capital, Valetta, which includes France, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Spain, Tunisia, Malta, Turkey, Greece and Egypt. Regional, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Meetings of Egyptian - Tunisian committee begin today
The seventh session of the Egyptian - Tunisian joint higher committee starts today in Tunis and lasts until tomorrow to discuss joint cooperation between the two countries. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/5/1999 - King Hassan II presides over allegiance ceremony in Marrakesh
King Hassan II presided on Thursday in Marrakesh over the allegiance ceremony crowning the festivities of Throne Day (March 3), which marks this year the 38th anniversary of the king's enthronement. Morocco, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Peres says involvement in Lebanon cannot be solved by force
Former Israeli Army Chief of Staff Amnon Shahak said that the Israelis must search for a way to halt military acts in south Lebanon. Shahak, who is also the founder of the Israeli al-Wasat Party, added that if he is elected as Israel's next prime minister, he will work to resume negotiations between Israel and Syria. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Arafat to ask Clinton for US recognition of Palestinian right to self-determination
The secretary general of the Palestinian president's office, Al-Tayeb Abdul Rahim, has stated that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will ask during his meeting with US President Bill Clinton on March 23 for official US recognition of the right of the Palestinians to self-determination. Palestine, Politics, 3/5/1999 - AL continues efforts to clear Arab - Iraqi problem
Arab League Assistant Secretary General Ahmad Bin Hali has asserted continued efforts made by the Arab League and the Arab states to purify Arab atmospheres and restore reconciliation between all Arab states. He asserted the need to continue efforts in order to lift the siege imposed on the people of Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/5/1999 - French foreign minister to visit Arab Gulf states
French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine will start today a tour of three Arab Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait, in order to explain French ideas concerning finding a diplomatic solution to the Iraqi crisis. Gulf-France, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Taleban denies confrontation with Bin Laden's guards
Chief spokesman for the Afghan Taleban movement, al-Mawlawi Wakeel Ahmad Mutawakil, on Thursday denied reports of a confrontation between the Arab guards of Osama bin Laden, and his ten guards from the Taleban movement. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Three Egyptian films submitted for inclusion in Cannes festival
The national center for cinema in Egypt has sent requests for the participation of three Egyptian films, "The Land of Fear," "The Paradise of Devils" and "90 and 91," in the French film festival in Cannes, which will be held in May. Egypt, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Iraq resumes pumping oil into Turkey
Iraq on Thursday succeeded in repairing the pipelines which transport oil to Turkey, accusing the US of striking this line in order to topple the government in Baghdad through preventing Iraq from exporting oil, which is the only outlet to ensure food for the Iraqi people. Iraq, Politics, 3/5/1999 - Ethiopian President: No intention to occupy lands from Eritrea Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 3/5/1999
- Seven persons killed in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 3/5/1999
- Lebanon denies contacts with Israel through the US and France
Lebanese governmental sources have categorically denied news reported by Israeli Army radio on Thursday morning that contacts are being carried out between Israel and Lebanon through the US and France concerning the south Lebanon town of Arnoun. Lebanon, Politics, 3/5/1999 - US spies on Iraq
In its Tuesday issue, the Washington Post reported that for three years US intelligence implanted puppets and equipment in UNSCOM in order to spy on Iraq and its armed forces, but not with the knowledge of the committee. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/5/1999 - UAE postpones GCC emergency meeting until today
The United Arab Emirates has postponed the emergency meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council states, convening to discuss Iranian military exercises near three islands which are under dispute, until today after having been scheduled for Wednesday. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Crisis between AL and Iranian interest commission
The head of the Iranian interests' commission in Cairo, Ali Akbar Hashemy, has refused to meet with Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid to discuss the Arab League and Arab states' opposition to Iran's policy toward three disputed Gulf islands, Greater and Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa. Regional-Iran, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Iraq is determined to resist US, British strikes Iraq, Politics, 3/4/1999
- Report: Iraqi opposition attacks in southern Iraq
On Wednesday, chairman of the Higher Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, Ayatollah Muhammad Baqer al-Hakim, said his fighters waged on Saturday a successful military operation that targeted intelligence and party positions in Karbala, south of Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Kuwaiti Parliament speaker refuses to meet with Jordanian FM
A Kuwaiti daily said that speaker of the Kuwaiti nation's council Ahmad Abdul Aziz al-Sadoun refused to receive Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib in the course of the latter's meeting with high-ranking Kuwaiti officials during his current visit to Kuwait. Kuwait-Jordan, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Khatami to visit Saudi Arabia, successful Saudi - Iranian talks
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz said on Wednesday that the Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia, his first since he assumed power in Iran, to perform al-Haj rituals. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Khatami to visit Damascus very soon
Iranian diplomatic sources told the Lebanese Arabic daily al-Nahar that contacts are under way between Damascus and Tehran in preparation for an upcoming visit to be made by Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to Syria. Syria-Iran, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Ten agreements for supporting Egyptian commercial cooperation with Belgium
Ten agreements were signed yesterday between Belgium and Egypt in the attendance of Belgian Crown Prince Philip, the Belgian prime minister and minister of economy and Egyptian Minister of Trade and Supply Ahmed Goweili. Egypt-Belgium, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Report: 14 Palestinian leading figures from Abu Nidal group return to Palestinian areas
An Arabic daily was told that some 14 leading figures from the "Fatah-revolutionary council" organization of Sabri al-Banna (Abu Nidal) returned just one month ago to the Palestinian Authority areas. Palestine, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Arab health ministers voice backing for Lebanon
The council of the Arab health ministers has voiced its full backing and support for the Lebanese people, government and resistance forces against the Israeli occupation. Regional, Politics, 3/4/1999 - On eve of Cohen tour, Saudi Arabia says opposes intervention in Iraqi affairs
With the beginning of a tour by US Defense Secretary William Cohen to the region, Saudi Arabia has expressed its strong opposition to any intervention in the internal affairs of Iraq. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Kuwait boycotts meetings of Arab health ministers over Iraqi presidency
Kuwaiti Minister of Health Dr. Adel al-Sabeeh boycotted the inaugural session of the 23rd meeting of the council of Arab health ministers held on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League, because Iraqi Health Minister Dr. Omid Medhat presided over the meeting. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Education, justice, administration and employment are top priorities for Morocco, King Hassan II says
In a speech to the nation on the occasion of Throne Day (March 3), which marks this year the 38th anniversary of the sovereign's enthronement, King Hassan II called on the nation to set itself with determination to reform the education sector. Morocco, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Lahoud, al-Hoss meet on Arnoun issue
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday discussed with Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss political and diplomatic contacts held by Lebanon in order to halt the Israeli air attacks which targeted areas deep in the Lebanese territories. Lebanon-Germany, Politics, 3/4/1999 - AL chief confers with Belgian crown prince
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Wednesday in Cairo discussed with the Belgium's Crown Prince Philip the latest developments in the Middle East, its current stalemate and the conditions in south Lebanon. Regional-Belgium, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Yemen denies al-Iryani met with Israeli official
The Yemeni government denied that Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani met with the general manager of the Israeli Foreign Ministry last week. Yemen-Israel, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Hamas denies coordination with the PKK
The official spokesman for the Palestinian Hamas movement in Jordan, Ibrahim Ghousheh, has denied any coordination between his movement and the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) in order to carry out operations against Israeli targets and work for the release of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, currently held in Turkey. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Israel objects to French statements
The Israeli ambassador to France, Elyahu Bin Elisar, has submitted an objection to the French Foreign Ministry over statements made by the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bernard Pouliti, in which the French official held Israel responsible for the stumbled Middle East peace process. Israel-France, Politics, 3/4/1999 - AL welcomes Libya's stand toward Lockerbie
During the recently-held people's meeting held in Benghazi, Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi welcomed the Saudi - South African mediation effort in the Lockerbie crisis. Libya-UN, Politics, 3/4/1999 - New Jordanian government appointed
The government of Jordanian Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh submitted its resignation to King Abdullah and the king asked parliament member Abd al-Raouf al-Rawabdeh to form the new government. Jordan, Politics, 3/4/1999 - U.N. counts on Morocco's attachment to U.N. world peace mission, Annan says
"I know I can continue to count on Morocco's attachment to our world mission of peace in the richest sense of this term," United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said. Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/4/1999 - US petroleum company threatens to freeze its activities in Yemen
Yemeni official sources said an American company, whose name he did not mention, working in the field of petroleum in Yemen threatened to freeze its activities in Yemen if the necessary security protection is not available for its workers and establishments. Yemen-USA, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Lebanon - EU meet on association agreement
Lebanese -European Union talks were held on Wednesday at the Lebanese Finance Ministry's headquarters to eliminate obstacles impeding the signing of a new Lebanese - EU Association agreement. Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Fatchett arrives in Oman Oman-UK, Politics, 3/4/1999
- Peres: Syrian and Lebanese tracks are cohesive Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/4/1999
- Jordanian flag hoisted in Kuwait
Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib on Wednesday hoisted the Jordanian flag in front of Safir International Hotel in the Kuwaiti capital to mark the resumption of full diplomatic relations between Jordan and Kuwait, ceased following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 3/4/1999 - April Understanding committee hold emergency session
The April Understanding Monitoring Committee on Wednesday at dawn concluded its emergency meeting by calling upon all sides concerned to abide by the provisions of the understanding. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Syrian president confers with former Lebanese president Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/4/1999
- Hizbullah Secretary confers with Russian ambassador in Beirut
The secretary general of the Hizbullah Party, Hassan Nasrullah, on Wednesday received the Russian ambassador to Lebanon. During the meeting, talks dealt with latest developments in south Lebanon and its western Bekaa in light of Israeli threats. Lebanon-Russia, Politics, 3/4/1999 - Urgent GCC meeting regarding Emirates - Iran tensions Gulf-Iran, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Moussa to arrive in Saudi Arabia today Egypt-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Morocco's alternation experience has become a model, King Hassan II says
King Hassan II :"Without this opposition there will be no alternation, no pluralism and no genuine democracy," King Hassan II said, explaining that the opposition's task "is to follow the government's action through earnest and alert criticism without falling into tendentious bias." Morocco, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Kuwait, Jordan: Formal normalization of relations
Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib on Tuesday started a visit to Kuwait with a meeting with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah during which he handed him a message from Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Gaddafi in Cairo on Friday
Libyan sources in Cairo told ArabicNews.com today that Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi will visit Cairo on Friday for two days to fulfil the invitation made by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Libya-Egypt, Politics, 3/3/1999 - El-Baz: Israeli military mastery encourages it to commit unjustified aggressions
Osama El-Baz, the political advisor for Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, stressed that Israel must abandon its weapons of mass destruction and implement the peace initiatives in the Middle East. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999 - AL follow-up committee to meet in Damascus
The Arab ministerial committee responsible for following up on the UN Security Council's arrangements to eliminate the economic sanctions on Iraq is to meet in Damascus on March 7. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Damascus investigates information on British financing for Turkish dam
Well-informed sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the Syrian government is following up "closely" news reports which say that Britain intends to finance the establishment of a new Turkish dam on the Tigris river. Regional-Turkey-UK, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Omani FM: We are exerting efforts to end tensions between Iraq, Gulf states
Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Youssef bin Alawi confirmed that Oman is pursuing its utmost to end the tensions between Iraq and its Gulf neighbors, saying that Iraq is a legitimate government and has a great role in this respect. Oman-Regional, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Italian senate foreign committee calls for lifting embargo against Iraq
The Foreign committee at the Italian Senate approved on Tuesday a resolution calling the Italian government to endeavor for an immediate lifting of the embargo imposed against Iraq and to examine the possibility to reopen the Italian embassy in Baghdad in consultation with the other member countries of the European Union. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Kuwaiti FM says the government cannot investigate the crown prince
Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sabah al-Ahmed said that no one constitutionally or legally could investigate the crown prince. Kuwait, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Shaath: Tactical reasons behind Jordanian and Egyptian requests for delaying declaring the Palestinian state
Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath said that Egypt and Jordan asked Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to delay the plans to announce a Palestinian state on May 4, joining the US and European positions that call for delaying the state's declaration. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Reports: Secret documents lost at the office of Israeli general
A spokesman for the Israeli military police said that secret military documents were missing from the office of commander of the northern district in the Israeli Army, Gabi Ishkinazi. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Cairo denies Egyptians were exposed to torture or killing
Cairo denied yesterday that there are any traces of torture on the corpses of Egyptians returning from Iraq, and confirmed that there is no evidence proving that the Iraqi government used torture or killed several thousand Egyptian workers there after the nine-year war between Iraq and Iran ended. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Jordan Information minister stresses Israel withdrawal from the Golan
Jordanian Information Minister Nasser Joudeh has demanded Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and south Lebanon and called for the realization of just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/3/1999 - French FM to visit Arab Gulf states Gulf-France, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Barak admits the failure of war against Lebanon
Chairman of the Israeli Labor Party Ehud Barak has admitted the failure of the Israeli occupation forces in dealing with security conditions in south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999 - France anxious over conditions in Iraq, Lebanon
France on Tuesday expressed deep anxiety over the escalated tensions in Iraq. It has asserted its readiness to help settle the Iraqi issue. Regional-France, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Netanyahu proposes to ways for withdrawal from south Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there might be a way for the Israeli Army to leave south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Barak's plan to withdraw from south Lebanon
Chairman of the Israeli Labor Party Ehud Barak said he knows the reality of conditions in Lebanon and developments that may happen in future. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Free trade exchange between Yemen and Jordan
Yemen and Jordan have agreed to activate a memorandum of understanding endorsed last year concerning the establishment of a free trade exchange region between the two countries. Jordan-Yemen, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Lebanese president, premier confer with UN official on economic status
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Tuesday in Beirut received the deputy secretary general of the United Nations, Louise Frechette. Talks dealt with conditions in the region and relations between UN institutions and Lebanon. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Crown Prince Abdullah receives a message from Khatami
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Tuesday received a message from Iranian President Muhammad Khatami, conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi during his meeting on Tuesday with the Saudi crown prince in al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Calm on Ethiopian, Eritrean borders
The chairman of the Eritrean presidential office has announced that the situation is calm on the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia since Tuesday morning and no fighting was reported. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 3/3/1999 - New Zealand's fisheries minister to visit Morocco Morocco-New Zealand, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Moroccan Government's Program is Revolutionary, Jordanian Minister Says
Visiting Jordanian parliamentary affairs and administrative development minister, Bassam Ammouch, described as "revolutionary" the program of the Moroccan center-left coalition government. Jordan-Morocco, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Morocco sees no other option to referendum in Sahara, King Hassan says
King Hassan II said on Wednesday that "Morocco sees no other option to the referendum" in the Sahara and remains attached to the United Nations settlement plan. Morocco, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Gaddafi: We are responding to mediation efforts
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi has made a clear response to the mediations and good offices exerted in order to reach a just solution to the Lockerbie question. Libya, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Mediterranean forum meetings to be held in Malta
The French Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the sixth ministerial council of the Mediterranean Forum will be held in Malta on March 4 and 5. Spokeswoman for the French Foreign Ministry, Anne Gazeau-Secret, said the meetings of the forum are informal, so the timetable will be open and there is great freedom in debating issues. Regional-European Union, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Shahak: Syrian and Lebanese tracks are inseparable Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Israeli Foreign Ministry secretary to visit Turkey tomorrow Israel-Turkey, Politics, 3/3/1999
- China for boosting Arab-Chinese relations
Chairman of the information office of the Chinese State Council has asserted the deep Chinese-Arab relations that have been witnessing in rapid growth in recent years. Regional-China, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Pakistan denies any relations with Israel Regional-Pakistan, Politics, 3/3/1999
- Sudan calls for removing mines
The Sudanese government urged the United Nations to support it in removing land mines in southern and eastern parts of the country, where battles between governmental forces and rebels are taking place. Sudan-UN, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Gulf foreign ministers to discuss Iraq crisis
The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are to convene the meetings of their usual session N 70 at GCC headquarters in Riyadh on March 16 - 17. Gulf, Politics, 3/3/1999 - Syrian PNF hails Lebanese resistance, reviews Middle East developments
The Syrian Progressive National Front held a meeting on Monday night in Damascus, chaired by Syrian Vice President Muhammad Zuheir Masharqa where Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa gave a comprehensive political report dealing with issues relating to Arab, regional and international conditions Syria, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Lebanese contacts to calm down the situation in south Lebanon
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut said that Lebanon "will never fall into any trap so long as it follows the same track as Syria." Lebanon, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Kharazi visits Saudi Arabia today Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Mordechai calls for a settlement in Lebanon in the presence of Syria
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai said that no solution will be found for Israel's plight in Lebanon without entering into the Syrian court and without direct US intervention, which will be conducive to settling conditions there. Israel-Regional, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Moroccan human rights minister meets head of international migration organization
Moroccan Human Rights Minister Mohamed Aujjar met in Rabat on Monday with the general director of the International Organization of Migration (IOM), Brunson McKinley. Morocco, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Report: Netanyahu studies Sharon's plan to strike Lebanon
The Israeli daily Maariv reported on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will decide within the coming days whether he will act in accordance with a plan set out by Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon on Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Iran regrets Arab League statements over Gulf islands
Iran has expressed regret over the recent statement released by the Arab League which criticized Iranian military maneuvers underway in the waters of the Arab Gulf and its assertion of control and sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates on the three islands of Greater Tanb, Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/2/1999 - UAE hands over a memorandum of protest to the Arab League against Iran
The United Arab Emirates on Monday submitted a second memorandum of protest in which it accused Iran of threatening the security of the Gulf and perpetuating its occupation of the three UAE islands of Greater Tanb, Lesser Tanb and Abu Mousa. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/2/1999 - A message from Algerian president to UAE Algeria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/2/1999
- British-Syrian disputes over Iraq
The British ambassador in Damascus, Basil Eastwood, has expressed hope to reach with Britain's "Arab friends a means of avoiding us the use of power in Iraq." Syria-Iraq-UK, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Arafat's tour to US focus on state declaration
Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat told ArabicNews.com that Arafat will meet with Clinton "to discuss the issue of the Palestinian state's declaration" in a U.S. attempt to persuade Arafat to delay it from May 4. Palestine, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Kuwaiti crown prince due to visit Iran on Saturday
Kuwaiti Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah is starting a two-day official visit to Tehran on Saturday, during which he will hold talks with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, Vice President Hassan Habibi, and the head of the parliament, Ali Akhbar Nateq Nouri. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 3/2/1999 - El-Nemairi's followers request to form political party in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Libya criticizes the US over human rights
The Libyan official news agency, JANA, has strongly criticized the annual report prepared by the US State Department on human rights in the world, asserting that the US is that last one who has the right to talk about "human rights." Libya-USA, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Jordanian foreign minister arrives in Kuwait today
Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib arrives today on the first visit by a Jordanian foreign minister the since liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation in 1991. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Syrian president amends antiquities law to preserve country's heritage
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Monday issued law no. 1 for 1999 on the amendment of the law of the antiquities. Syria, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Peres for reaching understanding with Syria concerning Lebanon
In an interview with Israeli Army radio on Monday, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres said unless an understanding is reached with Syria concerning several issues on south Lebanon the same situation will be perpetuated. Israel-Regional, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Sahara issue poisons regional relations, former Mauritanian president says
The "painful conflict" in the Sahara, which has lasted nearly 25 years, "poisons regional relations" in North Africa, former Mauritanian President Mokhtar Ould Daddah said. Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Jordan wishes to benefit from Morocco's administrative experience
Jordan voiced a wish to benefit from Morocco's experience in administrative fields. Jordan-Morocco, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Cairo appoints lawyer to defend Bin Laden's asistant
The Supreme Military Court in Cairo decided to appoint a lawyer to defend Ali Amin El-Rachidi, who is known as Abu Obida El-Banshidi, whose name was stated in the list of those accused in the issue of those who returned from Albaina despite statements that confirmed the death of Abu Obida by drowning in Lake Victoria in Kenya in 1996. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Arab League discusses using of nuclear energy in coming century
The works of the informative symposium organized by the Arab League in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency began today at the headquarters of the Arab League. Regional, Politics, 3/2/1999 - British minister starts Gulf tour
British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett will arrive today at Muscat for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with Oman's Sultan Qaboos and Omani officials. Gulf-UK, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Emirate protests over Iranian measures in the occupied Islands Regional-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Acts of violence continue in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Bahraini Emir confers with Sudanese, German officials
the Sudanese minister said conditions in his country are heading towards stability after the issuance of the permanent constitution, for Sudan which will enhance constitutional conditions in the country. The Sudanese minister added that economic conditions are getting better as the country is preparing to export oil. Bahrain-Sudan-Germany, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Solidarity rally with Iraq condemns Arab official stances
The Arab solidarity rally with Iraq has condemned at the conclusion of its works the Arab official stances which constitute a cover for the US and Zionism to continue their aggressions against Iraq and the continuation of sanctions on Iraq. Iraq-Iraq, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Kuwaiti Emir confers with deputy speaker of Norwegian parliament Kuwait-Norway, Politics, 3/2/1999
- US for a peace-loving Iraq
The Turkish daily Joumhureyet said on Monday that the American diplomat at the US embassy in Ankara, Frank Ricciardone, has expressed the desire of the United States to see a new Iraq, "stable and peace loving." Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/2/1999 - Bahraini FM receives message from speaker of Kuwaiti parliament Kuwait-Bahrain, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Syrian president speaks by phone with Lahoud Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/2/1999
- UNIFIL on maximum alert Lebanon, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Israeli mini-cabinet to meet on political and security affairs Israel, Politics, 3/2/1999
- Khalani asks for publishing the protocol of his secret talks with Netanyahu Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/1/1999
- AL praises Lebanese students' liberation of Arnoun
The Arab League has praised the Lebanese people's uprising led by the students who liberated the Lebanese town of Arnoun from Israeli occupation. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Moussa: Egypt against military strikes on Iraq
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has asserted that the Arab states do not support the military strikes against Iraq and that the Arab states are for a political and diplomatic solution and non- intervention in the internal affairs of Iraq, the interests of its people, its unity and lifting the embargo imposed on it. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Iranian maneuvers near Abu Mousa island
Iranian naval forces began military training exercises in the waters of the gulf near Abu Mousa, an island whose sovereignty is the subject of a dispute between Iran and the United Arab Emirates, along with two other Gulf islands. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Italian Premier: Ocalan refused an Italian choice for asylum Regional-Italy, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Iran regrets GCC statement over UAE islands
Iran has expressed its regret over statements made by the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Kuwaiti foreign minister in which they voiced their support for the protest expressed by the United Arab Emirates over Iran's opening of a municipality council on Abu Mousa island, which is under conflict between the UAE and Iran. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Final endorsment of Egyptian - European partnership on April 16
Egyptian diplomatic sources said that Foreign Ministry is currently framing the final articles and contexts for Egyptian partnership with the European Union as a preliminary step to submitting it to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Egypt-European Union, Politics, 3/1/1999 - AL chief asks Iraq to release Kuwaiti prisoners
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Sunday congratulated the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, on the eighth anniversary of Kuwait's liberation. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Saudi military delegation visits Algiers today Saudi Arabia-Algeria, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Morocco and Egypt adopt cooperation program in communication
Morocco and Egypt have adopted a program of action to enhance cooperation between their media institutions. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Habash discusses Palestinian opposition activities with Syrian official
A delegation representing the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine led by the front's secretary general, George Habash, held talks on Sunday in Damascus with the assistance secretary general of Syria's ruling Baath Arab Socialist Party on the activities of the Palestinian opposition. Syria, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Jordanian FM in Kuwait today
Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib will pay an official visit today to Kuwait in order to restore relations to normalcy between the two countries. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Three cooperation agreements between Egypt and Belgium
Both Egypt and Belgium endorsed yesterday three agreements, including an agreement to encourage investment and protect capital in Brussels and Cairo. Egypt-Belgium, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Jordanian king confers with Netanyahu
Amid Jordanian criticism and in an attempt to eliminate the consequences of his recent statements on relations between Jordan and other states, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday arrived in Amman and met with the Jordanian King Abdullah. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Joint higher committee meetings begin between Egypt and Tunis
Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri leaves Cairo today for Tunisia, heading a large ministerial delegation to represent Egypt at the meetings of the sixth session of the higher joint committee between Egypt and Tunisia. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/1/1999 - King Abdullah of Jordan Sends Message to King Hassan II
Jordanian Administrative Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bassam Ammouch arrived in Casablanca on Sunday with a message from Jordan's King Abdullah bin al-Hussein to King Hassan II. Morocco-Jordan, Politics, 3/1/1999 - US-British deadline to Libya criticized by victims' families, Libya and Arab League
Families of victims of the 1988 Lockerbie catastrophe criticized Saturday the US and British decision to give Libya 30 days to hand over two Libyan nationals, accused of masterminding the bombing of a Pan-Am plane over a Scottish village. Libya-Regional, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Referendum in Sahara is a political rather than a juridical issue, Moroccan minister says
The Moroccan communication minister said the referendum in the Sahara is a "political and not a juridical question." Morocco, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Canada's governor general ends visit to Morocco
Canada's Governor General, Romeo Le Blanc, left Rabat on Sunday at the end of a state visit to Morocco, where he met with King Hassan II. Morocco-Canada, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Ethiopia restores Padmi from Eritrea
Ethiopia announced on Sunday that it had restored Padmi, the city under conflict with Eritrea on the Western front, noting that all of Padmi has come under the control of the Ethiopian army. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Netanyahu tries to justify his statements against Jordan
Israeli political circles expected the failure of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon to Jordan on Sunday, following the recent statements Netanyahu made about Jordan, which were viewed as an intervention in the internal affairs of Jordan. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Bahrain - India, US relations Bahrain-International, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Cohen to visit Cairo this month
Cairo said on Sunday, that US Secretary of Defense William Cohen will hold a visit to Egypt in the second week of this month, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Hussein Tantawi to discuss military cooperation between the two countries within the context of the Egyptian plan for military modernization. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Saudi FM receives a message from his Dutch counterpart Saudi Arabia-Netherlands, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Arens praises performance of the Palestinian government Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Kurds in Paris demonstrate for Ocalan's release Regional-France, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Qatar, France for boosting military relations Qatar-France, Politics, 3/1/1999
- A message to Saudi crown prince from President Chirac Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 3/1/1999
- An attack on Iranian embassy in Holland
A group identifying itself as the "Revolutionary communists in Europe" on Saturday announced responsibility for attacking the Iranian embassy in Holland. Iran-Regional, Politics, 3/1/1999 - Iraq calls on Arab League to ask the UN to end the no fly zones Iraq-UN, Politics, 3/1/1999
- President Mubarak confers with two European officials Egypt-Belgium, Politics, 3/1/1999
- Belgian minister holds Israel responsible for Middle East peace deadlock Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/1/1999