Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/8/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 8, 1999

• Iraqi president: invasion of Kuwait was a mistake, paper says Iraq, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Iraq criticises the Arab League
  Iraq on Friday strongly criticized the Arab league (AL) for not distributing the Iraqi memorandum on reasons why Iraq asked for enrolling the question of the Iraqi, Kuwaiti and Saudi missing on the agenda of the 111th session of the Arab League AL council due to be held on Wednesday. Iraq, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Baghdad ready to approve final accord with Kurds
  Iraqi Baath Party member Saad Kassem announced that Iraq is ready to reach a final accord with Iraqi Kurds away from foreign intervention, specifically American and British intervention. Iraq, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Yemen to re-mediate for halting media campaign between Iraq and Arab states
  Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal has stated that his country will once again try to mediate for halting media campaigns between Iraq and several Arab states. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Kuwaiti official warns of civil war in Iraq if Saddam Hussein is toppled
  Kuwaiti Minister of Petroleum Saud Naser al-Sabah warned of the risk of starting out a civil war in Iraq if the government of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is toppled. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 3/13/1999
• President Ben Ali starts first official visit to Morocco
  The creation of a bilateral free trade area will be one of the major topics to be discussed during Ben Ali's visit. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Egyptian - Jordanian - Palestinian summit soon
  ArabicNews.com learned that there is an intention to convene an Egyptian - Jordanian - Palestinian summit on the margin of the Arab foreign ministers' meeting this week in order to unite efforts to support the Palestinian stance and pave the way for the visit of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to the United States and his meeting with US President Bill Clinton on March 23. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Indyk assures continuation of international sanctions on Iraq
  US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk, who is currently visiting Turkey, urged the Turkish government for more coordination and cooperation with the United States to hande the Iraqi crisis and said this crisis will not end except after getting rid of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Regional-Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Jordanian Cabinet agrees on resignation of communications company chief
  The Jordanian Cabinet agreed yesterday on the resignation of Ali Shourki, chairman of the board of directors for the Jordanian Communication Company, following a dispute between him and the minister of communications, Gamal El-Sarayera. Jordan, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Lebanon revives tomorrow the 21st anniversary of the Israeli invasion of the south
  Lebanon is reviving tomorrow the 21st anniversary of the first Israeli invasion of south Lebanon in 1978, and the issue of Security Council resolution 425, which calls for Israel's withdrawal. Lebanon, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Moroccan-Iranian legislative cooperation examined
  Ways to enhance Moroccan-Iranian cooperation in legislative fields topped talks held in Rabat on Friday between speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives (lower house), Abdelouahed Radi, and vice-speaker of the Iranian Shoura Council, Hassan Rouhani. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Yemeni official speaks about border demarcation with Saudi Arabia
  The Yemeni foreign Ministry secretary Ghaleb Ali Jamil has asserted that several Yemeni-Saudi committees are working for border demarcation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/13/1999
• A cultural festival for Hamas in Bethlehem
  The Palestinian Hamas movement held yesterday in Bethlehem city in the West Bank a festival on the first anniversary of the assassination of the leader of its military body, Mohie El-Din El-Sherif. Palestine, Politics, 3/13/1999
• GCC foreign ministers meet tomorrow
  Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will hold on Sunday their 70th periodical meeting at the headquarters of the GCC in al-Riyadh. Gulf, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Gaddafi discusses establishing a front for southern people
  Libyan Leader Moammer Gaddafi met yesterday with the representatives of the Afro-Asian Organization for Solidarity, whose conference was hosted by Cairo last week, under the title "The international situation and problems of the south." Libya-International, Politics, 3/13/1999
• GCC Secretary pleased over visit to France Gulf-France, Politics, 3/13/1999
• King Abdullah confers with Indyk Jordan-USA, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Idex '99 - US United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Khatroum refused to receive Ocalan due to Turkey's desire Sudan, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Morocco, Andorra to sign accord on inmates repatriation Morocco-Andorra, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Andalucia parliament speaker in Morocco Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Call for improving situation of African war veterans
  The standing commission of African affairs stemming from the world federation of former resisters has called for the improvement of the precarious situation of African war veterans, especially those who served in European armies during World War II. North Africa, Politics, 3/13/1999
• Second economic conference for Arab businesswomen concludes tomorrow
  The second economic conference for Arab businesswomen will conclude tomorrow morning in Cairo on the margins of the 32nd session of the Cairo International Fair. Regional, Politics, 3/12/1999
• President al-Assad's address on taking oath of office: Peace with Israel will not be made before settling inter-Arab disputes
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Thursday took the oath of office at the people's assembly on the occasion of the start of his fifth, seven-year constitutional term. Syria, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Free trade agreement to start between Egypt and Tunisia
  Implementation of the free trade agreement between Egypt and Tunisia is to start next week, after the exchange of special documents between the two countries. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/12/1999
• President Mubarak confers with Cohen Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Jordanian health minister refuses normalization with Israel
  Jordanian Health Dr. Minister Yitzhak Maraqa has asserted his refusal to meet with any Israeli official, regardless of his post. "I will not accept normalization under any condition, even if I will be obliged to leave the ministry." Jordan, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Iraq persistent about discussing the missing during Cairo meeting
  Iraq is determined to include the issue of the Iraqi and Kuwaiti missing on the agenda of the forthcoming session of the AL council. It opposed Kuwaiti reservations to submitting this issue to the Arab foreign ministers meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 17 in Cairo. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Damascus seeks to prevent Europe from financing US $1.6 billion Turkish dam
  Well-informed diplomatic sources in Damascus said that Damascus held official contacts with Britain and other European countries over news reports that European private and governmental institutions intend to participate in financing a new Turkish dam at a cost of US $1.6 billion on the Tigris, whose waters are shared by Syria, Iraq and Turkey Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/12/1999
• EU stresses the Arab identity of Jerusalem
  The European Union has rejected claims raised by Israel that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and falls under the Israeli supremacy. Regional-European Union, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Israeli rabbi and the Golan Heights
  Jewish rabbi Ariel Daree has said, "Since we had returned Sinai to Egypt, why has the Golan not been returned to the Syrians for the sake of peace?" Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Algerian presidential candidates' programs
  Candidates for the Algerian presidency asserted in their election programs the need to give priority to the question of restoring peace and security to Algeria. Algeria, Politics, 3/12/1999
• US official denies visit to US State Department by president of self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic
  A US official source denied Thursday that Mohamed Abdelaziz, president of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic, would be received at the US State Department. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Meeting between Clinton, Arafat postponed
  A well-informed US source said that the meeting scheduled to be held after two weeks between US President Bill Clinton and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has been postponed to a time which has not been fixed yet. Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• The new heirs in the Arab states
  The paper said it is mere coincidence that three young rulers in the region, Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein, the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, had graduated from military academies in Britain and they spent most of their practical years in the army. Regional, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Indyk will not seek Damascus to amend April Understanding
  In its Thursday report on the visit of the US Undersecretary of State Martin Indyk to Syria, the BBC said this visit is the first by a US official of such a rank during 1999. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Turkey refuses to resume works of the tripartite committee
  The Turkish television news channel NTF reported that a high-ranking Turkish official refused on Thursday an invitation extended by Iraqi Irrigation Minister Ahmad Diab to resume works of the tripartite technical committee concerning the water issue between Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 3/12/1999
• US Senate opposes unilateral declaration of Palestinian state
  The United States Senate yesterday passed by a vote of 98-1 a non-binding (expression of opinion not legally binding) resolution stating the Senate's opposition to the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state and calling on the US president to clearly state US opposition to such a declaration. Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Israel continues bombardment against south Lebanon
  Lebanese security sources that the occupation artillery positioned in al-Zafata and al-Rayhan on Thursday bombarded the areas of Aqmata and Rafee mountain in the heights of al-Tuffah district, using heavy artillery. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/12/1999
• New Kurdish group claims responsibility for two explosions in Istanbul
  A group which was not known before calling itself the "National Kurdish Revenge Group" announced on Thursday responsibility for two explosions that took place in Istanbul on Wednesday. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Morocco does not want referendum delay, says government spokesman
  The Moroccan government spokesman told reporters after the Cabinet's weekly meeting that setting the referendum date depends on the implementation of the UN settlement process in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Iranian president and Salman Rushdie
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has expressed strong regret over the awarding of British writer Salman Rushdie who wrote "The Satanic Verses" of a prize from the University of Torino, Italy on Wednesday. Iran, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Cohen - Lockerbie Libya-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• US lawmaker calls for humanitarian aid to south Sudan, criticizes Sudanese government Sudan-USA, Politics, 3/12/1999
• President of Senegal to pay official visit to Morocco shortly, press
  Senegalese weekly "Le Temoin" published in its latest release a story on Moroccan-Senegalese "privileged" relations wherein it said that President Abdou Diouf would pay an official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Morocco wishes Thailand to withdraw from race to WTO top post Regional, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Islamic bank loans Morocco's water board $28.4 million
  The Jeddah-based Islamic Development Bank has granted to the Moroccan water board "ONEP" a loan of $28.4 million (273 million dh) to finance a drinking water project in Taza (318 km east of Rabat). Morocco, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Egyptian - Italian parliamentary working group to be formed
  An Egyptian - Italian parliamentary joint working group will be formed to meet at least once a year in Egypt of Italy, Egyptian People's Assembly Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour said yesterday. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Lebanese President confers with IAEA Lebanon, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Mubarak, Gaddafi hold final talks Egypt-Libya, Politics, 3/12/1999
• Mubarak, Gaddafi tackle Sudan issue
  The Sudanese daily al-Rai al-Am in its Wednesday issue expected that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi discussed the Sudanese problem between the government and the opposition during Gaddafi's current visit to Cairo. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Syrian president takes oath today Syria, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Chirac calls for adopting the French ideas to settle the Iraqi crisis
  Assistant spokesperson for the French Presidential Palace Fredrik Denranyu said on Wednesday in Paris that during his meeting with the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the French president called for taking into account the French ideas which are based on the three principles of monitoring the Iraqi armament, financial monitoring of Iraqi resources and partial lifting of the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq. Gulf-Iraq-France, Politics, 3/11/1999
• French and US position on Iraq and Gulf states' double-speak
  The French daily "Liberation" said on Tuesday that the Arab Gulf states are in a real mess. They criticize the US raids on Iraq and at the same time are still linked to Washington. Regional-Iraq-France, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Palestinian woman nominated for European Parliament Palestine-European Union, Politics, 3/11/1999
• European MP's to visit Syria tomorrow Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Report: New phase in relations between Syria and Turkey
  Syrian Minister of Information Muhammad Salman stressed the need to treat disputes over water between Syria and Turkey after questions relating to the PKK and security matters were settled and the minister's statements that Damascus wants to sign a new agreement on the distribution of water. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Saudi -Kuwaiti opposition to inserting Iraqi captives issue in Arab foreign ministers meetings
  The Saudi permanent deputy at the Arab League Fouad Sadek said "We have notified our total objection to Iraq's attempt to convert the captive's issue into the issue of the missing," during the meeting of the permanent deputies for Arab states at the Arab League on Wednesday. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Gaddafi calls on Arab states to remove barriers and shackles
  In his meeting with students and professors from Egyptian universities, Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi confirmed that the Arab states have failed to reach a national patriotic unity or even the economic integrity achieved in many regions of the world, citing the example of the European Union. Regional, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Report: On the future of Syrian-Jordanian relations
  A Jordanian daily quoted well-informed political sources in Amman as expecting further good atmospheres between Syria and Jordan within the coming days. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Abdul Meguid expects written message from Saddam Hussein
  About whether Iraq may withdraw its objections over the follow-up committee concerned with lifting the economic sanctions from Iraq, Abdul Meguid said Iraq did not retreat Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Eritrea ready to withdraw from all border areas
  Director of the Middle East department at the Eritrean Foreign Ministry, Hamid Hamad, said his country has approved the proposals of the Organization of African Unity to settle the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Morocco and Iran for enhanced economic and cultural relations
  Morocco and Iran expressed hope that their relations in the fields of economy, finance and culture would be enhanced Morocco-Iran, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Referendum in Sahara will be held in march 2000, minister says
  The Moroccan minister of the interior said the referendum in the Sahara will be held in March 2000 "Morocco will go to the referendum at any cost," Morocco, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Lebanese president stresses cohesion between Syrian-Lebanese tracks
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday warned against Israeli traps and maneuvers aimed at separating the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in the Middle East peace process. Lebanon, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Jordanian parliament refuses al-Rawabdeh resignation from parliament
  The Jordanian Parliament on Wednesday refused the written resignation submitted by Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh from the membership of the parliament following his selection to head the new Jordanian government. Jordan, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Khatami calls for halting international terrorism
  Iranian President Mohammed Khatami urged on the second day of his visit to Italy the establishment of democracy and halting terrorism. Iran-Italy, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Palestinian - Egyptian committee to discuss peace, economic cooperation
  The third session of the Palestinian - Egyptian high joint committee is to be convened on Sunday at the headquarters of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry and last for two days. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Syrian defense minister meets with US air war team
  Syrian Deputy Commander in Chief, Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass on Wednesday received a delegation from the US air war Academy led by Col. Jones Allen, currently visiting Syria. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Yemeni group threatens war against government, threatens US and UK to leave
  A Yemeni extremist group released a statement yesterday in which it called itself the new leader of the Aden - Abyan Islamic Army Yemen, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Life imprisonment sentences for six Libyans over bombed plane incident
  The Attorney General in charge of terrorism cases at Paris' general court demanded on Wednesday life imprisonment sentences for six members of Libyan intelligence who are accused of being involved in the explosion of a DC-10 plane from the French UTA company. Libya-France, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Sudan refutes US accusations over terrorism
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has stated that the US is mistaken when accusing Sudan of cooperation with or sponsoring terrorism. He called upon the US administration to dispatch an investigation team to Sudan to find out if such claims are correct. Sudan, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Iraqi opposition says Baghdad involved in assassinating al-Sader
  Sources in the Iraqi opposition said today that the Iraqi government is the only one to be blamed for assassinating Ayatollah Muhammad Baqer al-Hakim and his two sons. Iraq, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Arafat in Jordan to discuss the peace process
  Jordan's King Abdullah discussed with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who is visiting Amman for the first time since his participation in the funeral of the late King Hussein last month, means of activating the peace process. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Israel threatens to resume attacks on Hizbullah
  Israel stated that it will resume its raids on Hizbullah sites all over Lebanon even in areas subjected to Syrian forces. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Moroccan political parties denounce sanctions against Iraqi people as unfair decision
  Four Moroccan political parties have denounced the embargo decreed against Iraq as an unfair decision and contrary to human values and called for lifting the sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Cetin discusses in Israel means of strengthening security and military relations
  Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Hekmet Cetin has asserted his country's continued consolidation of its relations with Israel in all areas, especially in fostering the military and security cooperation agreement between the two sides. Israel-Turkey, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Cohen concludes visit to Kuwait, says US is free to strike Iraq
  Cohen continued that the US and British war planes have the total freedom to launch their operations in the Iraqi airspace in the northern and southern parts of Iraq. Kuwait-USA, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Morocco and WB draw plan to promote women's participation in sustained development Morocco, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Jerusalem Fund tutorship committee calls for raising funds for holy city
  The tutorship committee of the Bait Mal Al-Quds (Jerusalem Fund) wound up Wednesday its first meeting in Rabat with calls on Islamic countries to organize fundraising campaigns to safeguard the holy city against Judaization attempts Regional, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Moussa: Egypt will follow up on current contacts to solve Lockerbie issue
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa announced that his country is following up the current contacts between the United Nations and Libya concerning the Lockerbie crisis, stating that Libya is concerned with a nearby solution to the crisis. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Hillary Clinton to visit Egypt Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Gulf coordination before meetings of the Arab foreign ministers
  The Gulf Cooperation Council countries' foreign ministers will convene a meeting on Sunday in Riyadh to discuss many issues, like the Gulf - Iranian relations and Iran's occupation of three Gulf islands under dispute with the United Arab Emirates in addition to the Iraqi file, the peace process in the Middle East, economic cooperation among the GCC states and environmental issues. Gulf, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Gaddafi tours Cairo's media production city Libya-Egypt, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Iraq urges AL ministerial council to ask for halting strikes against it
  Iraq has called on the Arab states, when they will discuss the question of the no-fly zones imposed on northern and southern Iraq, at the Arab foreign ministers' meeting on March 17 and 18 to take a clear-cut stand which provides for asking the US and Britain to halt the use of force against Iraq and to hold the two countries responsible in this respect. Iraq, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Washington holds Taleban responsible for Bin Laden
  US Undersecretary of State Karl Inderfurth has held the Afghan Taleban movement responsible for the acts carried out by Osama Bin Laden in the areas which fall under its control. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Jordan stresses unwavering policy Jordan, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Netanyahu to visit Moscow Israel-Russia, Politics, 3/11/1999
• Jordanian King meets with Cohen Jordan-USA, Politics, 3/11/1999
• King al-Hassan II of Morocco discusses with Indyk conditions in the Gulf, Sahara peace
  Moroccan King Hassan II on Tuesday held with the US Under Secretary of State Martin Indyk, currently visiting Morocco in the course of a tour on Turkey, Jordan and Syria. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Qatar calls for halting US air strikes against Iraq
  Qatar on Tuesday called for suspending the air strikes carried out by the US and British warplanes repeatedly and on daily basis against Iraq. Qatar-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Iraqi dailies call upon the Arab states to follow France's steps in supporting it
  Iraqi dailies issued in Baghdad on Tuesday called upon the Arab states to receive US Defense Secretary William Cohen and to adopt a one united position which can challenge the US position, which they called a flagrant violation of the UN charter, international law, the Arab League Charter and the common Arab defense treaty. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Khatami due to visit Saudi Arabia at the end of March
  A Saudi diplomatic source in Cairo stated that Iranian President Mohammed Khatami will visit Saudi Arabia at the end of the current month to hold official talks as well as perform the Haj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Lebanese premier describes Israeli statements on south Lebanon as maneuvers
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has asserted that statements made by the Israeli officials concerning Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon are mere maneuvers for serving the election campaigns in Israel. Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Two Iraqi proposals on the agenda of Arab foreign ministers
  Two Iraqi items be on the agenda of the meetings of the Arab foreign ministers in their 111st session that starts on March 17 under the chairmanship of Somalia. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Morocco's diplomacy was not active enough to explain Morocco's position on Sahara, minister says
  A Moroccan minister said the Moroccan diplomacy was not active enough to explain Morocco's position regarding its southern provinces. Morocco, Politics, 3/10/1999
• GCC secretary, Vedrine discuss Arab Gulf-French relations
  Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Sheikh Jamil al-Hujeilan met on Monday night with French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine. A statement released by al-Hujeilan's office said that talks "dealt with relations between the GCC member states and France and asserted the development of bilateral relations in various fields." Gulf-France, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Libya lodges complaint against Israel
  Libya has lodged a complaint to the UN Security Council over two Israeli helicopters flying near a Libyan ship in international territorial waters off the coast of Beirut on January 2, a matter which is considered as a violation of international law by the Israeli side. Libya-Israel, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Jordanian King says: Syria wants peace
  King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein of Jordan has expressed confidence that Syria wishes to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, which the people of the region desire. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Two nobel prize winners visit Iraq
  In their statements, they also said their visit to hospitals and schools confirmed the fact to which statistics spoke, adding that they have seen the horrible pain of children and the anxiety of their parents, and they urged UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to seek an end to the US - British strikes on Iraq. Iraq-International, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Emir of Bahrain appoints his son as his heir
  Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa on Tuesday appointed his oldest son, Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, as the crown prince of Bahrain. Bahrain, Politics, 3/10/1999
• French Jewish delegation in Amman
  The delegation from the Jewish institutions in France met on Tuesday in Amman with Jordan's King Abdullah. The delegation, headed by the chairman of the representative council, Henry Hagendburg, is on a "peace mission" in the Middle East, and it arrived in Jordan on Monday night from Egypt. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Morocco and U.S will boost bilateral cooperation, U.S diplomat says
  Morocco and the USA will devise a program to boost their bilateral cooperation and protect their joint interests, the U.S ambassador to Morocco said. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Next Algerian president shall address relations with Morocco, minister says
  The Algerian president to be elected next April shall have to address Algiers' relations with Morocco and with the other Maghreban countries, a Moroccan minister said. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Arafat refuses to postpone declaration of a Palestinian state
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on Tuesday said that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Tuesday refused during his meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to delay the declaration of the Palestinian state set for May 4. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Ocalan's brother announces continued armed struggle
  Othman Ocalan, brother of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) has announced the party's continued armed struggle in Turkey. Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Conference for Mediterranean - European parliaments in Cairo in 2000
  The conference of European - Mediterranean parliament leaders will hold its coming conference in 2000 in Cairo. Regional-European Union, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Two Israeli views of Indyk's tour
  The media advisor for the Israeli prime minister, David Bar Ilan has asserted that Israel has no intention to carry out a military invasion of Lebanon. He stressed that Israeli diplomatic contacts in this regard are made via French and American channels. Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Israeli official continues hostile statements against Lebanon
  Israeli Minister of Internal Security Avigdor Kahalani had asserted the refusal of the current Israeli government to link the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in the Middle East peace process. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Mordechai is not ready to attack Syria to win the Israeli elections
  Chairman of the Israeli al-Wasat (middle) party Yitzhak Mordechai has said that during the recent session of the security and political team in which he took part, he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he is not ready to launch a war against Syria in order to win the elections. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Chinese ambassador
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz met on Tuesday in Riyadh with the Chinese ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Moroccan-French cooperation discussed at follow-up meeting in Rabat
  Various aspects of Moroccan-French cooperation will be discussed this wednesday in Rabat by the two countries' senior officials. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Iranian parliamentary delegation in Rabat
  Vice-speaker of the Iranian parliament, Hassan Rouhani, arrived in Rabat on Tuesday for a four-day visit to Morocco. The Iranian MP, who is also chairman of the foreign affairs committee, told reporters that his visit is mainly aimed at consolidating solidarity among Islamic countries. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Italy to host forum of women lawmakers from Euro-Mediterranean region
  Italy will host by mid 1999 a forum of women lawmakers from Euro-Mediterranean countries. Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• US - Bin Laden Regional-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Cohen visits Amman
  Cohen indicated US support for Jordan, saying, "The United States stands strongly behind Jordan and... we are moving forward with an economic package going through Congress of $300 million." Jordan-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• US ambassador in Cairo: We are waiting for Gaddafi's decision
  Daniel Kurtzer, the United States' ambassador in Cairo, said that the US and the whole world are waiting for the decision of Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi concerning delivering the two Libyan suspects in the Lockerbie incident for trial. Libya-USA, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Jerusalem fund opens constituent assembly today in Rabat Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Moroccan crown prince in Bahrain to convey condolences Bahrain-Morocco, Politics, 3/10/1999
• GCC foreign ministers to meet on March 14
  An Arab Gulf official who refused to be identified has announced that the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold their periodic meeting on March 14 in Riyadh to discuss mainly the Iraqi issue. Gulf, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Speaker of Turkish Parliament arrives in Israel Turkey-Israel, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Ocalan appoints lawyers to defend him
  Leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan, currently detained in Turkey, has appointed two lawyers to defend him against accusations addressed to him. Regional, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Some 11 persons killed by a land mine in southern Sudan Sudan, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Arab movements agree to united list for Israeli Knesset elections Israel, Politics, 3/10/1999
• A message to Qaboos from Pakistani prime minister
  Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman received a message on Tuesday from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. No information was reported on the content of the message. Oman-Pakistan, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Austrian invitation for Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-Austria, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Mubarak confers with Arafat Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 3/10/1999
• Cohen for providing early warning systems services to the Gulf states
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen on Monday proposed to provide early warning information on missile launches (by Iraq or Iran) and equipment to the Gulf states. United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Opposition members to be tried in Mauritania
  Mauritania judicial sources have said that opposition leader Ahmad Ould Dada will be presented before the court under charges of destabilizing the government and provoking against it. Mauritania, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Mubarak advises Gaddafi to solve Lockerbie impasse
  An Egyptian diplomatic source said today that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak advised Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi, with whom he has met twice in Cairo since Gaddafi's arrival on Friday, to take the opportunity to settle the Lockerbie impasse. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Mubarak confers with AL chief
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Monday in Cairo received Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid. Following the meeting the AL chief said he briefed President Mubarak on the development of current conditions in the Arab states and to inclination towards further Arab solidarity and purification of Arab atmospheres. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Sheikh Zayed confers with Cohen United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• A draft project to cancel the Camp David peace treaty between Egypt and Israel
  Seven members at the Egyptian parliament has prepared a draft law provides for canceling the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel signed in April 1979 together with its appendixes. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/9/1999
• US assistant secretary of state expected in Morocco today
  US assistant secretary of state for the Middle East, Martin Indyk, is expected this Tuesday in Morocco, a US authorized source announced. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Jordanian king praises relations with Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Syrian FM confers with IAEA official Syria, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Kurds demonstrate in Australia
  Hundreds of Kurds demonstrated outside the Australian Parliament in Canberra calling upon Turkey to conduct a fair trial for the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party, Abdullah Ocalan. Regional-Australia, Politics, 3/9/1999
• French Jewish delegation meets with Mubarak and Moussa
  The chairman of the representative council of the Jewish organizations in France, Henry Hangdburg, met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo on Monday. Egypt-France, Politics, 3/9/1999
• On the municipal elections in Qatar
  The first municipal elections in Qatar started on Monday with the participation of women for the first time in the history of Qatar. Qatar, Politics, 3/9/1999
• On Indyk's visit to Syria and Israel
  The correspondent from al-Sharq radio in Washington on Monday said that the objective of the visit to be held by US Undersecretary of State Martin Indyk is to convey a certain message to both Syria and Lebanon, confirming President Clinton's assertions of wanting to resume negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks before the end of the forthcoming Israeli elections. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• King Fahd urges Israel to abide by international legitimacy resolutions
  King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has asserted the need to pressure Israel in order to implement UN resolutions relevant to the occupied Arab territories, especially resolution 425, which provides for Israel's unconditional withdrawal from south Lebanon. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Efforts to convene a meeting between Arafat and Barzani
  A well-informed Palestinian source said on Monday that efforts are being exerted to arrange for a meeting between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and the chairman of the Kurdistani Democratic Party in Iraq, Masoud Barzani. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Iran, Pakistan discuss developments in Pakistan
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday night received the speaker of the Pakistani Parliament, Alhi Najash Sumoro, currently visiting Iran. Iran-UN, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Cooperation protocol between Sudan and Turkey
  The governments of Turkey and Sudan signed a cooperation protocol on Monday in Ankara to carry out a series of annual political consultations. Sudan-Turkey, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Khatami in Rome today
  Iranian President Sayed Khatami will arrive today in Italy for a three-day visit, the first by an Iranian president to any European country since the Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979. Iran-Italy, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Morocco seeks civilized settlement to Spanish-controlled cities issue, Moroccan speaker says
  Morocco seeks a "civilized" settlement to the issue of Sebta and Mellilia, two Moroccan northern cities under Spanish rule, the speaker of the Moroccan chamber of advisors (upper house) said. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Sudan agrees with rebels on cease fire
  The Sudanese minister of state in the national development institution in Southern Sudan, Makwaj Tang Youk, who is also the spokesman for the United Democratic Salvation Front, said on Monday that the front signed on Sunday an agreement with southern rebels providing for a cease fire in all parts of southern Sudan, to be valid as of April. Sudan, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Lebanon refuses amendment of April Understanding, denies contacts with Israel
  Lebanon has categorically denied Israeli claims of contacts through a third party in order to facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied Lebanese territories in the south and the western Bekaa. Lebanon, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Hizbullah: Israel faces a severe crisis in Lebanon
  The secretary general of Hizbullah, Hassan Nasrallah, stated that Israel is facing a severe crisis due to the successful strikes of the Lebanese resistance. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Jordanian monarch due to visit Egypt on Arab tour following the Greater Bairam
  Jordanian official sources said that the Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah bin al-Hussein is due to pay an official visit to Egypt following the vacation of the Greater Bairam in his tour of Arab countries to pay thanks to their leaders for their support for Jordan following the death of King Hussein bin Talal. Jordan, Politics, 3/9/1999
• French, US disputes over Iraq
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen on Monday continued his tour of the Arab Gulf at a time when disputes have surfaced between the US and France over the policy to be pursued toward Iraq. Iraq-Regional-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Libya ready for unity with Egypt, Ghadhafi
  Libyan Leader Muammar Al-Ghadhafi said in Cairo Monday his country was ready to declare unity with Egypt Libya-Egypt, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Bahraini opposition calls for opening a new page
  The Bahraini opposition on Monday called on the new Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa to open a new page and maintain reconciliation with the opposition. Bahrain, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Fire breaks in a gas station in Bahrain
  Three masked men on Monday set fire in a gas station in Manama on Monday at dawn, in an attack similar to those usually carried out by extremist Shiites, who started an anti-government campaign to get further political rights. Bahrain, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Iranian president speaks on the telephone with Saudi crown prince
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday night received a telephone call from Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, during which conversations dealt with means of boosting bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Iranian delegation expected in Morocco
  An Iranian delegation, led by vice-speaker of the "Shoura" council (parliament) and chairman of the council's foreign committee, Hassan Rouhani, is expected in Morocco this March 9-13, it was officially announced in Rabat. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Declaration on Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary cooperation adopted
  The first conference of speakers of Euro-Mediterranean parliaments held in Palma de Majorca, Spain, wound up its two-day proceedings on Monday by the adoption of a declaration on Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary cooperation. Regional, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Polisario leaders skim international assistance, Spanish daily
  A Spanish wide-circulation daily reported that the Polisario has skimmed 64 million Pesetas in aid, initially extended to buy female camels. Morocco, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Moroccan house speaker renews Rabat's adherence to resuming brotherly ties with Algeria Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Kuwaiti mediation between UAE and Iran, denies preventing Iraq meeting Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Eizenstat calls for economic benefits from peace Regional-USA, Politics, 3/9/1999
• Mubarak, El-Gaddafi tackle Lockerbie impasse, to increase trade to one billion Egypt-Libya, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Qatar empower its men and women in first municipal elections today
  In a first step of its kind since the independence of Qatar in 1971, Qataris who are of voting age will cast their votes to choose 29 members for the central municipal council out of some 227 candidates, including six women. Qatar, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Al-Assad in Bahrain offers condolences on the death of its Emir Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Tunis: Ben Ali invited to visit Egypt Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Palestinian official: No retreat in Palestinian state's declaration
  Palestinian Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Nabeel Omar said the Palestinian Authority will not retreat in its commitment declaring the establishment of the independent state. Palestine, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Kuwaiti ideas to settle the question of the three Gulf islands
  Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah spoke about Kuwaiti efforts for mediation between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over three disputed Gulf islands, especially following the maneuvers recently carried out by Tehran. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Gaddafi confers with Arab League chief
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi received at his residence (a tent installed at al-Qubah palace) in Cairo on Sunday, the secretary general of the Arab League, Esmat Abdul Meguid. Libya-Regional, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Arafat in Cairo today Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 3/8/1999
• On his visit to Bahrain, King Abdullah appoints his elder uncle, Muhammad, as his deputy
  Jordanian King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein upon leaving for Bahrain on Sunday to take part in the condolences on the death of the late Emir of Bahrain Issa Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa appointed his elder uncle, Prince Muhammad Bin Talal, as his deputy (a position that had been occupied by Prince Hassan during the absence of the late King Hussein). Jordan, Politics, 3/8/1999
• France denies visit of Netenyahu's advisor to Paris
  A French official refused to confirm reports broadcast by Israeli Army Radio regarding the arrival of Uzi Arad, the diplomatic advisor of the Israeli prime minister, in Paris to hold talks regarding conditions for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon with French officials. Regional-France, Politics, 3/8/1999
• There are no political prisoners in Morocco, Minister
  "There are no longer any political detainees in Moroccan prisons," after "the release of a group of persons proposed by the Human Rights Consultative Council," said Moroccan minister in charge of relations with the parliament, Mohamed Bouzoubaa. Morocco, Politics, 3/8/1999
• New Bahraini Emir to continue his father's policy
  The new Bahraini Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa, said on Sunday that his country will keep the same policy pursued by his father, Sheikh Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa, who died on Saturday. Bahrain, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Tunisian president's coming visit to Morocco will positively impact Arab Maghreb, diplomat
  The diplomat recalled that the two states are projecting to sign an agreement setting up a free trade area, pointing out that the agreement will be a basis for free trade exchanges between all the states of the Arab Maghreb. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Moroccan house speaker calls for Mediterranean charter to avert wars in the region
  Speaker of the Moroccan House of representatives (Lower house), Abdelouahed Radi, called for the elaboration of a Mediterranean charter to avert wars in the Mediterranean region. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 3/8/1999
• America builds its biggest weapons store in Qatar
  Qatar put out reports that were repeated in the last year that the United States is building on Qatari territories its biggest base for storing military equipment outside the US. Qatar-USA, Politics, 3/8/1999
• AL envoy confers with Iraqi president
  Arab League Assistant Secretary General Ahmad Bin Hali left Baghdad on Sunday following a three-day visit to Iraq, during which he met with Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and handed him a message from Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Cohen seeks a plan to partition Iraq, report says
  The US Defense Secretary William Cohen currently making a tour of the Gulf region is attempting to obtain the support of the Gulf states for a plan to partition Iraq, a report said. United Arab Emirates-Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Cohen
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday at al-Yamamah palace in Riyadh met with US Secretary of Defense William Cohen and members of his accompanying delegation, who have completed a visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Qrei elected head of Palestinian Legislative Council
  The Palestinian Legislative Council elected Ahmed Qrei yesterday evening as the councl's head for the coming session, Ibrahiem Musa Abu Al-Naja as the first deputy, Ghazi Hanania as second deputy. Palestine, Politics, 3/8/1999
• El-Ganzouri refuses to exchange Israeli spy for Egyptian prisoners in Tel Aviv
  Egyptian Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri excluded Egypt's acceptance of the offer Israel repeated the day before yesterday through President Ezer Weizman concerning exchanging convicted Israeli spy Azam Azam for Arab detainees in Israel. Egypt, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Hoss says Lebanon will not discuss Israeli pullout terms
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has said that an Israeli pullout from the occupied strip of south Lebanon would lead to security and stability along the international borders and revive the 1949 truce agreement, noting at the same time Lebanon's refusal to discuss any security arrangements with Israel. Lebanon, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Al-Rawabdeh pledges to deal with critical issues
  The new Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh on Saturday pledged to pursue a new policy in monitoring the country's issues in order to deal with its economic problems. Jordan, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Arab League permanent representatives to meet on Wednesday
  The meeting aims at reviving the agenda of the 111st session of the AL council on the level of the Arab foreign ministers, due to be held on March 17 and 18 under the chairmanship of Somalia. Regional, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Five Egyptians arrested for joining Muslim Brotherhood group
  The Egyptian police in Kafr El-Sheik governorate north of Cairo have arrested five persons on accusations of joining the Muslim Brotherhood group as they found in in the five detainees houses books including the group's ideas and leaflets. Egypt, Politics, 3/8/1999
• OIC security team meets in Riyadh
  The third meeting for the team of governmental experts in charge of the security and solidarity of the Islamic states was convened on Sunday in Riyadh at the headquarters of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Regional, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Yemen refuses to release eight persons accused of terrorism Yemen, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Syrian people of the Golan celebrate March revolution anniversary Syria, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Iranian official discusses Afghan issues with UN envoy Iran-UN, Politics, 3/8/1999
• French FM continues his Gulf tour Bahrain-Regional-France, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Acts of violence continues in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Iraqi daily cites Cohen as reason for Bahrain's Emir death Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Kuwaiti crown prince postpones visits to Iran, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon Kuwait, Politics, 3/8/1999
• Saudi - Japanese oil cooperation Saudi Arabia-Japan, Politics, 3/8/1999

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