Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/22/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 22, 1999
- Senegalese communication minister winds up visit to Morocco
Senegalese minister of communication, Aissata Tall Sall, wound up on Thursday a four-day working visit to Morocco, that she described as "very fruitful." Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Italian premier in Morocco next April
Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'alema is expected in Morocco next April 1-2 for talks with Moroccan officials on ways to enhance economic cooperation and trade exchange. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Mordechai presents election promises for Arab votes Israel, Politics, 3/26/1999
- Lebanese deputy calls for resisting governmental corruption
Gamil Shamass, a member of the Lebanese Parliament challenged Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Michel Moussa to reveal officials in the ministries of work and social affairs who are accused of corruption and squandering public resources. Lebanon, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Jordan, Qatar back rights of Palestinians to establish their state
Ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani left Amman on Wednesday following a two day visit to Jordan during which he discussed with King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein bilateral relations, the Iraq issue and joint Arab work. Jordan-Qatar, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Moroccan minister says freedom of expression is major problem facing journalism in the Arab states
Moroccan minister of territory development, environment, town planning and housing and head of leftist daily "Liberation," Ahmed El Yazghi, said the major problem facing journalism in the Arab world is the lack of freedom of expression. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Moroccan-Canadian talks on environment protection
Mayor of Montreal, Pierre Bourque, held a series of talks with Moroccan officials over cooperation in environment protection, sanitation and local administration. Morocco-Canada, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Israel criticizes EU support for Palestinian state
Israel yesterday criticized the statement of support from the European Union for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Morocco deplores Mauritanian official's statements on Sahara
Morocco has expressed amazement at the statements made by the secretary general of the Mauritanian Foreign Ministry who asserted during a meeting of the Organization of African Unity that the "Sahrawi Republic" was "a constituted state" and that "there was no need to reconsider the OAU stand regarding it." Morocco-Mauritania-OAU, Politics, 3/26/1999 - US: Iraqi skies quiet Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/26/1999
- Japan calls on Israel to carry out peace accord
Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura called Israel to implement its peace accords with the Palestinians until Israeli general elections are completed in May, the Japanese minister said in press statements. Israel-Japan, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Arab independent listed in Israeli elections
The National Democratic Assemblychaired by Israeli Arab Knesset member Azmi Bishara is to enter the coming Israeli elections on an independent list. Israel, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Morocco underlines positive tone of UN secretary general's latest report on Sahara
Morocco has underlined that the tone of the latest report on the Sahara submitted by the U.N secretary general to the Security Council was "positive." Morocco, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Morocco hopes NATO military operations against Yugoslavia would lead to peace
The spokesman for the Moroccan government regretted that Yugoslavia failed to respond favorably to the peace appeals and offers made by the international community, namely by the OSCE (Organisation of Security and Cooperation In Europe), France and Great Britain. Morocco, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Azam's two brothers visit him on Greater Bairam
The two brothers of convicted Israeli spy Azam Azam arrived in Cairo today to visit Azam in Tora prison on Saturday, the first day of the Greater Bairam. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Days on Moroccan-Romanian relations held in Tangiers
The northern Moroccan city of Tangier is hosting days on Moroccan - Romanian relations that are meant to explore ways of enhancing trade and economic exchange between the two countries. Morocco-Romania, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Spanish consulate denies Moroccan artist entry visa
Spain's consulate in the northern Moroccan town of Tetuan has denied Moroccan painter Mustapha Ben Alahmar an entry visa to go to Spain where he was invited by an association of Moroccan emigrants to take part in a cultural event. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/26/1999 - Arens: Proclaiming Palestinian state will frustrate peace process Israel, Politics, 3/26/1999
- International union for Arab workers calls for continuing struggle against Israel Regional, Politics, 3/26/1999
- UN: developments in the Lockerbie case are considered very sensitive Libya-UN, Politics, 3/26/1999
- Algerian government bans party's march Algeria, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Jordan rejects establishment of Israeli consulate in Irbid Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Syrian-Turkish statement on Yassin's visit in Ankara
A joint press statement was issued in Ankara on Wednesday on the two-day visit recently made by Syrian Deputy Premier Salim Yassin to Turkey on March 22 and 23. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/25/1999 - AL delegate to Kuwait over an Arab mechanism to settle prisoners issue
Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Salem al-Sabah, the official in charge of the Kuwaiti prisoners file, said that Baghdad has not informed the AL yet about the existence of those prisoners in the Iraqi jails. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 3/25/1999 - No improvement in Iraqi human rights record
A report released by the UN rapporteur Max Van der Stoel on the occasion of convening the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva that the situation of human rights in Iraqi has not improved. Iraq-UN, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Tunisian delegate to revive Arab Maghreb Union
Official sources in Tunis said that Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali has, on Wednesday asked his Foreign Minister Saeed Bin Mustafa to send messages to his counterparts in Libya, Algeria and Mauritania in order to revitalize the Arab Maghreb Union. Tunisia, Politics, 3/25/1999 - AL welcomes UN Security Council's new decision on Libya
The Arab League has welcomed the announcement made by the UN Security council to approve the suspension of sanctions imposed on Libya as soon as the two Libyan suspects are handed over for trial in Holland. Regional-Libya, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Al-Sharaa in Tokyo
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa arrived in Tokyo for a three-day official visit to Japan, during which he will hold talks with his Japanese counterpart, the prime minister and the parliament speaker, as well as chairman of the foreign relations committee at the Japanese Parliament. Syria-Japan, Politics, 3/25/1999 - In King Abdullah's amnesty, 700 Jordanian prisoners freed Jordan, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Gabonese FM deems referring self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic issue to African summit positive
Gabonese Foreign Minister, Jean Ping, has described as "positive" the African foreign ministers' decision to refer the "Sahrawi Republic" membership status to the coming summit of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Morocco-OAU, Politics, 3/25/1999 - AL chief sends message to international circles on Iraq, Lockerbie
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Wednesday sent letters to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity and the Non-Aligned Movement including decisions adopted by the AL council in its recent session, especially concerning the questions of Iraq and Lockerbie. Regional, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Gambian President Starts Private Visit to Morocco Morocco-Gambia, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Iraq, Libya condemns air raids on Yugoslavia
Both Iraq and Libya denounced yesterday evening NATO air strikes on Yugoslavia. Iraqi official sources said that Iraq condemns using force against Yugoslavia, saying that these strikes are not related to any international legitimacy. Iraq-Libya-International, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Sudan: Combating slavery sets for a new invasion
The Sudanese government considered the current campaign to combat slavery in Sudan as a preliminary step for launching a Western invasion of Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Turkish official carries message to Mubarak
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Corman Hactan who arrived yesterday at Cairo, carrying a communique from Turkish President Suleiman Demirel to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak discussing cooperation between the two countries. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Lawyers' group of Yemeni explosives' case withdrew
One of the lawyers, Sheikh Tarek Abdullah, said that the lawyers withdrew because the court did not conduct its measures according to the principals of the law and the constitution. Yemen, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Qatari prince concludes his visit to Jordan
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani left Amman yesterday for his country after a formal two-day visit to Jordan. Jordan-Qatar, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Israeli Cabinet studies plan to expand the city of Jerusalem
The Israeli Cabinet on Wednesday held its weekly meeting for the first time at the headquarters of Jerusalem municipality. Israel, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Jordan denies reports it will establish water desalination project with Israel, Palestine
A Jordanian official source on Wednesday denied claims made by the Israeli media that it is making arrangements pertaining to the establishment a project for desalination of sea water. Jordan, Politics, 3/25/1999 - US congressmen set up Friends of Morocco in the United States congress
In a "statement of friendship," the 110 republican and democrat signatory congressmen, including the speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Dennis Hastert say "under the leadership of His Majesty King Hassan II, Morocco has repeatedly demonstrated its resolve to foster the advancement of justice, democracy and human rights nationally and through its role in the international community." Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Religious relations discussed between Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan Saudi Arabia-Egypt-Pakistan, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Bishara nominated for the post of prime minister in Israel
Arab Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara has asserted his intention to nominate himself for the post of the prime minister in Israel to be the first Arab candidate for such a post. Israel, Politics, 3/25/1999 - New Phalange chairman for strengthening relations with Syria
Lawyer Munir al-Haj, the new chairman for the Lebanese Phalange Party said in a statement to a United Arab Emirates daily that, "Christian forces are determined to participate in restrengthening relations with Syria." Lebanon, Politics, 3/25/1999 - A proposal to ban arms sale to Eritrea, Ethiopia
The British Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said the European Union has adopted a British proposal to ban the exportation of weapons to Ethiopia and Eritrea due to the continued military struggle between the two sides in the African Horn. Eritrea-Ethiopia-European Union, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Morocco's approach to sustained development inspires Sub-Saharan African countries
Morocco has become a model for many sub-Saharan African countries in the development policy combining the notion of sustained development to environment protection and preservation of life quality. Morocco-Regional-France, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Tunisian deputies' council approves draft law allowing party leaders to be nominated for presidency Tunisia, Politics, 3/25/1999
- A message to Annan from Abdul Meguid
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid called on the United Nations and the UN Security Council to include the issue of Iran's occupation of three Gulf islands also claimed by the United Arab Emirates within the problems raised in the US Security Council until Iran ends its occupation of the three islands, Abu Mousa, and Greater and Lesser Tanb. Regional-Iran-UN, Politics, 3/25/1999 - Eritrean trade minister arrives in Damascus Syria-Eritrea, Politics, 3/25/1999
- New demonstration by the Kurds over Ocalan's arrest Turkey-Poland, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Mubarak receives message from Ugandan President Egypt-Uganda, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Yassin's talks in Ankara did not tackle water issue Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/25/1999
- Arab, Egyptian condensed contacts Regional, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Al-Sahaf admits there are Kuwaiti prisoners in Iraq Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Syrian - Jordanian undeclared talks Jordan-Syria, Politics, 3/24/1999
- OAU ministerial council debates status of self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic
The 69th session of the ministerial council of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is debating the statute of the self-proclaimed "Sahrawi republic," as was decided by the OAU summit last June in Burkina Faso. Morocco-OAU, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Message from Senegalese president to King Hassan II Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 3/24/1999
- US land mine experts come back to Yemen
A US diplomatic source said on Tuesday that US experts in the area of land-mine dismantling have recently returned to Yemen following a three-month absence after they received threats. Yemen-USA, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Moussa submits a report to Mubarak on O.A.U meetings
The council approved on convening African/European summit on 2000 and the council decided to authorize an experts' committee to meet in Algeria North Africa, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Arafat asks for implementing agreements signed at the White House
Following his meeting with Annan, Arafat reminded the world that "the UN resolution which calls for the establishment of the state of Israel was no 181, which at the very beginning indicated the state of Palestine and then a Jewish state," which was called later Israel, "as well as UN resolution 194." Palestine, Politics, 3/24/1999 - US wants an extension of Palestinian-Israeli talks beyond May 4th Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Ethiopian statement to the UN Security Council on Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Egypt concerned with Sudan's Unity Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Lebanese militia officer surrenders to Lebanese Army
The SLA could not confirm that Marwan Khalil Nabaa, described as a liaison officer with Israel Mossad secret service, had quit the militia which helps Israel patrol its south Lebanon occupation zone Lebanon, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Russian parliament head meets President Mubarak
The speaker of the Russian parliament expressed his country's desire to enhance bilateral relations between Russia and Egypt and confirmed that there are large opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation, especially economic cooperation and trade exchange, between Egypt and Russia. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Syrian deputy premier concludes fruitful visit to Turkey
Yassin later expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his companions were accorded with during their visit to Turkey. He asserted that talks conducted with Turkish officials unveil the open possibility of developing trade and economic ties with a view to serving interests of the two peoples in the two neighboring states. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/24/1999 - General pardon in Jordan for 1,200 prisoners
It is expected in Amman that some 1,200 Jordanians will be freed today according to the general pardon announced by King Abdullah on the occasion the passing of 40 days since King Hussein's death. Jordan, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Fatchett meets with Palestinian, Lebanese who observed a sit in
British Minister of state for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett on Tuesday and following his meeting with the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss met a delegation representing Lebanese and Palestinians who observed a sit-in in solidarity with the Lebanese young woman Samar al-Alamai, and the Palestinian Jawad al-Batmeh who were sentenced for 20 year imprisonment in Britain under charges of conspiring to explode the British embassy and Ballfour building in London. Lebanon-UK, Politics, 3/24/1999 - On the British decision to close down the Kurdish TV Regional-Turkey-UK, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Report: Qusai Saddam Hussein to be named the second man in Iraq
A London-based daily said that according to statements to leading cadres in the ruling Baath Party in Iraq and the regional leadership of the Baath Party and its branches in the Iraqi provinces the party discussed during two-day deliberations the Nomination of Qusai, the second son of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, as the second man in the Iraqi leadership. Iraq, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Regular air flights between Gaza and the UAE shortly
Palestine's Consul in Dubai, Salim Abu Sultan, on Tuesday said that the Palestinian air line company will as of next Friday start flights to Dubai airport in the United Arab Emirates. United Arab Emirates-Palestine, Politics, 3/24/1999 - US First Lady Clinton visits Luxor
US First Lady Hillary Clinton arrived in Luxor today, the third day of her visit to Egypt, to visit the antiquities. She was received by hundreds of tourists from different nations at Luxor temple with welcomes and clapping. Egypt, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Mopping up operations in Algeria
Algerian army and security forces have killed 50 members of the Armed Islamic Group during mopping-up operations currently taking place in al-Buweira province. Algeria, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Pope's visit to holy places is not assured yet
A diplomatic source in the Vatican's embassy in Cairo confirmed today that a visit from Pope John Paul II to holy places in Palestinian and Israeli areas is not yet certain. The Pope desires to pay such a visit in light of celebrations of the new millennium. Regional-Vatican, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Lebanese premier gets message from Blair
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss on Tuesday received a message from his British counterpart, Tony Blair, conveyed by British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett, in which Blair expressed best wishes for the success of the new Lebanese government. Lebanon-UK, Politics, 3/24/1999 - UN Secretary General recommends one-month extension of MINURSO mandate
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended on Tuesday to the Security Council a one-month extension of the MINURSO, the U.N mission supervising preparations for the holding of a referendum in the Sahara. Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/24/1999 - PKK claims responsibility of exploding the Iraqi pipeline in Turkey
The Turkish News agency "Deem" quoted a statement issued by the military wing of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) led by Abdullah Ocalan as saying that the party's fighters carried out the explosion operation in the Turkish part of the Iraqi oil pipeline last Sunday. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Yemen decides on new measures to combat terrorism
The Yemeni government adopted yesterday a series of suppressive measures to maintain peace, security and stability. Yemen, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Security Council welcomes Lockerbie hand over pledge
Members of the United Nations Security Council welcomed yesterday Libya's letter to the United Nations' secretary general that said the two Libyan suspects in the Lockerbie case would be handed over on April 6 or earlier. Libya-UN, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Moroccan-Indian commission to meet end of this year in Rabat
The Moroccan-Indian joint commission will meet in the last three months of this year, it was officially announced in Rabat. Morocco-India, Politics, 3/24/1999 - US names Iraqi opposition factions to receive US aid
The Jordanian weekly al-Sabeel said that the US administration has determined the names of opposition Iraqi factions which will benefit from the $ 97 million in aid to be provided in the context of toppling the Iraqi regime. Iraq, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Eritrean statement to the UN Security Council on Ethiopia-Eritrea conflict Eritrea-Ethiopia-UN, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Moussa discusses problem of Egyptian possessions in Sudan
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed that Egyptian - Sudanese contacts are pursued to put an end to the problem of the Sudanese south and all problems facing Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Eritrea, Ethiopia exchange accusations
Eritrea's Foreign Minister Haile Weldensae expressed his country's readiness to cease fire but he warned against any revision for the proposals of the African Unity organization, because such a revision will be conducive to canceling of the whole plan. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 3/24/1999 - World Food Program says more food needed to avert summer famine in Sudan
Catherine Bertini, Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) said yesterday that southern Sudan is at risk for a repeat of last year's famine. Sudan-UN, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Iraq - pipeline Iraq, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Moroccan-Egyptian infrastructure commission holds first meeting
The commission called for the consolidation of partnership and exchange of experiences and data in road and dam construction, irrigation techniques, hydraulic resources management and greening. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 3/24/1999 - Yemeni delegation describes Morocco's political experience as unique in the Arab states
A delegation from the Yemeni Socialist Party (opposition) which is currently on a visit to Morocco has described the political experience where the opposition gained control of the government in Morocco as unique in the Arab world. Morocco-Yemen, Politics, 3/24/1999 - King Hassan II receives message from Saudi crown prince Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Kuwaiti FM confers with AL representative at the UN Kuwait, Politics, 3/24/1999
- PLO central council to meet on the issue of declaring the Palestinian state Palestine, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Jordan denies US mediation to settle disputes with Israel on waters Jordan, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Message to Yemeni President from Eritrean counterpart Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Mandela: Libya's handing over of the two suspects, unconditional Libya-South Africa, Politics, 3/24/1999
- Algerian national council head: The government secures guarantees for pre elections
The head of the Algerian National Council, Beshir Bu Meaza, announced that the government secured all guarantees that the parties asked for to hold the presidential elections in April in an atmosphere of freedom, fairness and transparency. Algeria, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Morocco calls UN to draw genuine voters' lists for referendum in Sahara
Youssoufi said it is up to the U.N. to draw genuine lists, far from any maneuvers or opposition schemes hatched by those who want to hamper the process. Morocco, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Israel arrests three of their allied SLA officers suspecting spy penetration
The arrests fall in the course of intensive investigations carried out by Israeli intelligence following the death of Gerstein on February 18. The investigation centered on the possibility of cooperation between SLA officers and the Hizbullah, including the transfer of precise information on Gerstein's movements. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Mubarak receives Hillary Clinton Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Suzanne Mubarak, Hillary Clinton to visit Luxor tomorrow after meeting President Mubarak
US First Lady Hillary Clinton expressed her appreciation to President Mubarak for his role in the peace process and achieving development and expressed her admiration of Egypt's efforts in the field of family planning and motherhood sponsorship. "Earlier today, when I met with President Mubarak, I mentioned that the conference that was held here in Cairo in 1994 was a very important conference in the world because it linked girls' education and reproductive health with development and economic progress. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Hassaka governor confers with Turkish counterpart
The governor of Hassaka, a province in northern Syria, on Monday received the governor of the Turkish Mardin district, Fikrat Koufan, who is currently visiting Hassaka in order to boost ties between the two neighboring states. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Egyptian Shura council denounces Israel's disavowal of pacts signed with Arabs
The committee for Arab and foreign affairs and national security in the Egyptian Shura council denounced Israeli disavowal of the pacts it endorsed with Arab countries and its attempts to pressure Arab peoples. Egypt, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Syrian deputy prime minister holds constructive talks in Ankara
n a press statement to reporters following his meeting with Yassin, Turkish Deputy Premier Hikmet Ulugbay said that Yassin's visit will be a good opportunity for the two sides to study all aspects of bilateral cooperation and that through these talks the two countries will be able to develop and strengthen bilateral economic cooperation in the forthcoming phase. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Libyan court delays trial of nine US officials
A Libyan court postponed yesterday the trial of 9 US officials it considers responsible for planning and implementing the US raids on Tripoli and Ben Gazi in 1986, leading to the deaths of 41 and the injury of 226 others, as well as the damage caused to buildings, such as the residence of Libyan leader Moammar Gadaffi in Tripoli. Libya-USA, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Vatican envoy in the Palestinian territories
Vatican envoy Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, who is also the chairman of the millennium committee, on Monday started a four-day visit to the holy lands in order to prepare for celebration to mark the second millennium since the birth of the Christ. Palestine-Israel-Vatican, Politics, 3/23/1999 - King Abdullah describes Syrian - Jordanian relations as remarkable
On the Israeli position concerning Jordan's share of waters, King Abdullah said, "It is clear that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to challenge us in this phase, and we, in our turn, tell him we accept this challenge." Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Iranian source denies Israeli claims
A well-informed Iranian source categorically denied on Sunday reports that Iranian companies signed trade contracts with an Israeli company during Cologne's international exposition in Germany, according to a report on Sunday by the Israeli daily Maariv. Iran-Israel, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Jordanian premier: If you love Syria, I adore it
The Jordanian weekly al-Majd has quoted Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh as saying in an interview: "If you love Syria, I do adore it. If you are the advocates of openness with Syria and maintaining alliance with it I am the advocate of strategic integration with it in all political fields and on various economic levels." Jordan-Syria, Politics, 3/23/1999 - British minister of state confers with GCC secretary Gulf-UK, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Four armed men killed in Algeria
An Algerian daily said on Monday that Algerian security forces killed 4 armed men in the Farroush woods in the province of Jejiel during mopping-up operations the security forces carried out in the area. Algeria, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Russia, Israel to establish a joint commission to monitor aid to Iran, Iraq
Israel and Russia have reached a bilateral agreement providing for establishing a joint commission to monitor the volume and quality of the military aid provided by Russia to Iran. Israel-Russia, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Netanyahu, Sharon fail to convince Russia to stop nuclear aid to Iran
Israeli Radio's correspondent in Moscow said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon failed to convince the Russian government to stop providing aid to Iran in the nuclear field and in missiles. Israel-Iran-Russia, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Khatami to visit Riyadh following pilgrimage
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami will head to Saudi Arabia after the end of the Haj pilgrimage, and he sent a communique to Saudi King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz in this regard. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Qatari emir visits Jordan today
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani is to arrive in Amman today for a three-day official visit, during which he is to hold talks with Jordan's King Abdullah on the Arab situation, bilateral relations and means of upgrading them. Qatar-Jordan, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Israel, Ukraine sign memorandum of understanding
A memorandum of understanding covering military and intelligence cooperation was signed on Sunday between Ukraine and Israel. Israel-Ukraine, Politics, 3/23/1999 - King Abdullah: We will defend our nation's causes, No country is to intervene in our internal affairs
Following 40 days since the late monarch King Hussein Bin Talal's death, his son, Jordanian King Abdullah directed a message to the Jordanian people and the Arab nation, in which he confirmed that Jordan will still be a non-partial part of the Arab nation as it was always before, defending its just issues and seeking to unify its words and its stands. Jordan, Politics, 3/23/1999 - EU envoy to visit Damascus, discusses peace developments in April
On the other hand, the Syrian newspaper al-Baath warned yesterday of the possibility that Israel could take action to get out of its deadlock and called on Arabs to be alert. Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/23/1999 - UAE president confers with Lebanese prime minister
The two sides reviewed Arab and international developments, the continued Israeli attacks against south Lebanon, the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations between the two countries and means of fostering them. Lebanon-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Egypt denies British allegations of mistreating Swiss balloon
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism released a strongly-worded statement in which it denied what was published by the British newspapers such as the Daily Telegraph about Egypt mistreating the Swiss balloon that completed an around-the-world flight this week. Egypt-UK, Politics, 3/23/1999 - On Chirac - Arafat meeting in Paris
Arafat said, "The Oslo agreement was signed at the White House under the supervision of Clinton. It was signed by Russia, the US, Norway, Egypt, and Jordan, in the presence of the Japanese foreign minister and the representative of the UN secretary general," adding, "On this ground this decision (of establishing the Palestinian state) is not a Palestinian - Israeli decision, rather an international decision." Palestine-France, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Volume of trade expected to reach $1 billion US between Syria, Turkey Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/23/1999
- 11 Arab states participate in Beirut tourism fair
The international Arab fair for tourism and travel "OT99" is currently being held in Beirut. 11 Arab countries are taking part in the event, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Bahrain, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon, the organizer of the fair. Regional, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Queen Noor travels to USA
Queen Mother Noor El-Hussien, the widow of the late Jordanian monarch King Hussien Ben Talal, headed to the United States accompanied by her sons Hashem, Raya and Emam to resume the studies to which they were attached last year when their father was undergoing medical treatement in the US. Jordan, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Former UN special representative in the Sahara hails Morocco's efforts for MINURSO success
Special representative of the United Nations secretary general in charge of the Sahara mission, Charles Dunbar, who resigned from his position last week, hailed Morocco's efforts to ensure the success of MINURSO. Morocco, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Eritrea downs Ethiopian plane
Eritrea said that it shot down an Ethiopian warplane on Sunday on the western front on the borders between the two countries. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Albright - Arafat Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Hamas expects new Israeli raids against its members Palestine, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Baghdad allows Arab citizens possessing estates Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Moroccan interior minister meets US diplomat
Moroccan Minister of the Interior Driss Basri met in Rabat Monday with the United States delegate to the UN for special political affairs, Nancy Sodeberg. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Senegalese communication minister in Morocco
Senegalese Communication Minister Aissata Tall Sall started on Monday a working visit to Morocco at the invitation of her Moroccan counterpart, Larbi Messari. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Arab Israeli political movements merging Israel, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Israel evacuates Egyptian tribe to Sinai Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Iraqi Communist Party accuses authorities of executing 100 persons
The Iraqi opposition Communist Party has asserted that the Iraqi authorities executed some 100 Iraqis, the majority of them political detainees from a prison located south of Baghdad, during November 1998. Iraq, Politics, 3/23/1999 - Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia gets message from Iranian president Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/23/1999
- EU commission humanitarian aids for Sudan Sudan, Politics, 3/23/1999
- One Yemeni executed under deliberate killing charge Yemen, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Jordanian medical team visit Asqalan prison Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Collective funeral for Iraqi children Iraq, Politics, 3/23/1999
- Kuwait says Iraq should provide security for all Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 3/22/1999
- President Mubarak's visit to Kuwait
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has asserted that the "Arab atmosphere" has become better now. He noted that he discussed with the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, means of Arab moves in the future, and exchanged views on ways to resolve the differences. Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 3/22/1999 - AL envoy to Kuwait to discuss resolving the captives issue
Arab League envoy Hussien Hassouna headed to Kuwait to discuss with the Kuwaiti leadership the issues of Kuwaiti and Saudi captives and missing. Regional, Politics, 3/22/1999 - King Hassan II Expresses Satisfaction over Moroccan-Tunisian Relations Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Sheikh Yassin denies agreement with Palestinian Authority
Sheikh Yassin said: "We have to see first what sort of state we will get and what sort of state we can talk about, while the Israelis control our borders, entrances, economy and life," adding the Hamas will never agree to the establishment of a state under occupation. Palestine, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Emir of Bahrain appoints his son as defense force general commander
Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa on Saturday appointed his oldest son, Crown Prince, Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa, as commander general of the Bahraini defense force. Bahrain, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Jordan calls on Israel to carry out pacts of water shares
Jordanian Foreign Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib confirmed yesterday his country's adherence to receiving its share of water from Israel. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Arab Maghreb Union, implement for progress and prosperity, Tunisian president says
The Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) is today the best implement to win the battle of progress and prosperity in the region and to help the region take up the challenges of the third millennium, said Tunisia's president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Maghreb, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Clinton failed to organize a meeting in Amman between President al-Assad, Peres Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Ruler of Qatar confers with Lebanese Prime Minister Lebanon-Qatar, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Russian ambassador: Russia calls for delaying declaration of Palestinian state Palestine-Russia, Politics, 3/22/1999
- OIC denounces Serbs aggression on Kosovo
Azeddine Laraki, secretary general of the organization which groups 56 nations extending from the far east to Latin America, said in a letter to the Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic "I express to you the feelings of anger and discontent of the 56 OIC member states towards the Serbian oppression against the ethnic Albanians." Regional, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Lockerbie and expected surprises Libya-Iran-USA, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Moussa in meetings of ministers of Organization of African Unity
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa delivered Egypt's address today before the ministerial meeting of the Organization of African Unity. Egypt-Africa, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Hillary Clinton in Egypt
On the other hand, she is going to deliver a speech in the American University of Cairo tomorrow, in which she will focus on religious tolerance, in addition to the rights of women and children, the enhancement of democracy and the importance of removing exchanged suspicion between the Arab and Western world. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Sheikh Hamad of Qatar to visit Jordan on Tuesday Qatar-Jordan, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Saudi dailies criticize Iraq
The Saudi dailies Okaz and al-Madina have criticized a decision taken by the Iraqi government to withdraw Iraqi pilgrims who entered the Saudi territories on Friday and stressed that the "Iraqi government alone runs the risk of such behavior and its religious and humanitarian risks." Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Al-Hoss and the Lebanese judicial system file
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has denied any rejection by Syria of bringing the issue of corruption in his country before the courts. Lebanon, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Palestinian diplomat opposes creation of a micro-state in Morocco's southern provinces
Representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization in Beirut, Chafik Al-Houte, voiced opposition to the creation of "a Sahrawi micro-state" in Morocco's southern provinces and said the Arab world does not need non-viable entities that only increase its dismemberment. Morocco, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Bishara to nominate himself for Israeli Cabinet Israel, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Moroccan draft laws to consolidate press freedom
The Moroccan government will submit in the coming weeks draft laws meant to consolidate press freedom, said Moroccan communication minister, Larbi Messari. Morocco, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Turkish-Syrian relations for the better
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem has asserted that Syrian-Turkish relations are developing for the better, stressing Turkey's desire to develop its relations with Syria on all levels. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Jordan celebrates the 31st anniversary of al-Karamah battle
Jordan on Sunday celebrated the 31st anniversary of al-Karamah battle, which took place between the Jordanian Army and the Israeli Army in 1968. Jordan, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Libya notifies AL on agreement with the UN on Lockerbie
Libya has notified the Arab League about the details of the agreement concluded between Libya and the UN regarding the trial of the Lockerbie suspects. Libya-UN, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Palestinian groups boycott Palestinian Democratic Front festival
The Monte Carlo correspondent in Damascus said that all Palestinian factions opposing the Oslo agreement on Friday boycotted the Democratic Front Festival which was held in Damascus on Friday on the occasion of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine's 30th anniversary. Palestine, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Understanding committee blames Israel for violations
Following a two-day meeting, the group stressed that the raid launched by Israeli warplanes against the towns has resulted in the injury of one Lebanese citizen and destroyed houses. The April Understanding committee also held Israel responsible for the destruction of houses in the town of Arnoun by the Israeli troops. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Annan accepts with regret resignation of special representative in Sahara
Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan has "accepted with regret" the resignation of his special representative in the Sahara, Charles F. Dunbar, a UN spokesman said. Morocco, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Report: Iraqi diplomat flees from India to the US
An Indian daily said on Saturday that the second secretary at the Iraqi embassy in India, Muhammad al-Deni, recently fled to the US before ending his term of office in New Delhi. Iraq-India, Politics, 3/22/1999 - United Arab list for Israeli elections
It was agreed on Saturday to form a plenary united list comprising Arab parties in Israel in order to take part in the forthcoming Knesset elections. Israel, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Morocco withdraws Abouyoub's candidacy to WTO top post
"After it assessed the nomination process of the future Director General of the World Trade Organization in light of the latest developments, the government of the Kingdom of Morocco has noted that the conditions of transparency and fairness on the basis of which a democratic consensus was to emerge, are no longer gathered," the spokesman said in a statement. Morocco, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Report: Bin Laden is in eastern Afghanistan
The paper said western intelligence reports stated that Bin Laden is staying in an area near the border with Pakistan and that Bin Laden still enjoys the protection of the Afghan Taleban movement. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Jordan: King Abdallah meets Moslem Brotherhood leaders
The general supervisor of Moslem Brotherhood in Jordan, Abd El-Magid El-Nebias, revealed a recent meeting with the Jordanian monarch, King Abdullah, where following the meeting a decision was issued to free 12 detainees from the Islamic front of work, which is considered a relaxation in the relations between the government and opposition in Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 3/22/1999 - Jordanian monarch names his wife as queen Jordan, Politics, 3/22/1999
- King Abdullah issues royal pardon Jordan, Politics, 3/22/1999
- Iraqi dailies denounce Saudi Arabia
The Iraqi daily al-Joumhurieyah on Sunday denounced Saudi Arabia and held it responsible for preventing some 18,000 Iraqis from performing al-Haj rituals for this year, on the sidelines of what the papers referred to as Saudi Arabia's implementation of US schemes. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/22/1999