Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/12/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 12, 1999
- Abdel Aziz Bouteflika a president-elect for Algeria
The Algerian foreign ministers Abd El-Malek Salal said yesterday that Abdel Aziz Bouteflika, 62, won the presidential elections in Algeria after obtaining 73,69% of the votes reaching 7.5 million voters out of 10 million. Algeria, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Three candidates for Algerian presidency reject results of elections
Three candidates for the Algerian Presidency who withdrew before the beginning of the elections have announced that the results do not express the people's will of the Algerian people. Algeria, Politics, 4/17/1999 - New Algerian president-elect says settlement of Sahara issue must conform to U.N plan
the president-elect pleaded for "neighborliness relations," adding that he underlined the importance of the role which Algeria should play within the Maghreban community. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Tunisian president agrees on international supervisors for presidential elections Tunisia, Politics, 4/17/1999
- Algeria: French stance of election is a rejected interference in our affairs
Algeria considered the French official reaction to the Algerian presidential elections an unacceptable interference in its internal affairs. Algeria-France, Politics, 4/17/1999 - UK bishops want Iraq sanctions replaced Iraq-UK, Politics, 4/17/1999
- US: Events surrounding Algerian elections disappointing, Arab League supports election results
US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that the United States is disappointed with the withdrawal of six of seven candidates in the Algerian elections, won by sole remaining candidate Abdul Aziz Bouteflika, and concerned by low voter turnout and allegations of fraud surrounding the elections. Algeria-USA, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Yemeni presidential elections on September 26
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has decided to hold Yemen's presidential elections on September 26, according to the changes made by the Yemeni deputies council recently to some of the items governing the general elections process. Yemen, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Israel reoccupies Arnoun, al-Hoss call for expelling Israel by all possible means
The Israeli occupation forces today, for the second running day, continued annexation of the town of Arnoun to the occupied part of south Lebanon and imposing a siege on it by erecting barbed wires and earth mounds. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Distribution of geographic atlas of Arab states in universities suspended
Border disputes between the Arab states surfaced in an academic exercise that publishes a map of the Arab states. Regional, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Yemeni meditation between Iran and United Arab Emirates
Yemeni sources stated today that Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajamal delivered to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami a written message from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh that tackled Yemen's readiness to mediate between the United Arab Emirates and Iran regarding the disputed Gulf islands Yemen-Regional, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Arafat arrives in Libya
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat stopped yesterday evening at Egypt's Sharm El-Sheik airport on his way to Libya and Senegal. Palestine-Kazakhstan, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Round of Sudan peace talks coming in Kenya
Representatives of the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army are starting a new round of negotiations and peace talks in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Sudan-Kenya, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Morocco's government, employers and trade unions agree to promote employment and low-cost lodgings
The Moroccan government, employers and major trade unions agreed Friday here to promote employment, low-cost lodgings and create the appropriate atmosphere for the encouragement of investment. Morocco, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Detailed report for President Mubarak regarding Barcelona 3
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa presented a detailed report to President Mubarak regarding the results of the meetings he held with heads of the participating delegations in meeting of the Mediterranean - European partnership, which concluded its works yesterday in the German city of Stuttgart. Egypt, Politics, 4/17/1999 - King Hassan stresses that human rights stem from attachment to rule of law
the royal message stated adding that "this struggle constitutes a doctrine, that must be the pillar of our internal and external policy, and that must be based on attachment to legality and to the rule of the law, without any interference in states' internal affairs." Morocco, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Sharon and negotiations with Syria
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon said that he "personally" rejects any withdrawal from the Golan. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Gadaffi confers with Bashir, Afworki to end tensions between Sudan and Eriteria
Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi met with Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir and Eriteriean President Assyas Afworki. Libya, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Iraq opens fire on allied aircraft
An Iraqi spokesman said Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery opened fire yesterday evening on British and American jets that were conducting patrols above the no-fly zone in southern Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Morocco calls for genuine Euro-Mediterranean partnership
Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa called Friday in Stuttgart for the launching of a genuine and balanced Euro-Mediterranean partnership serving the interests of all peoples of the region. Morocco, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Morocco, UN endeavor for resumption of identification operation in Sahara
Morocco and the United Nations are working together for the resumption of the identification operation of contested tribes by June 1, Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri told the BBC. Morocco, Politics, 4/17/1999 - Monitors to meet on Arnoun Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/17/1999
- Algerians cast their votes for the only candidate for the presidency
In a statement he made to reporters on Thursday after he cast his vote, the Algerian president expressed regret for the stand taken by the six candidates who withdrew from the elections, adding that this initiative violated the law. Algeria, Politics, 4/16/1999 - US and Israel on the verge of major rift over settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu expects to receive this week a strongly-worded letter from US President Bill Clinton expressing his dissatisfaction with the continued construction of Jewish settlements. Palestine, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Al-Sharaa address at the European -Mediterranean conference
In his capacity as chairman of the Arab group to the conference, Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa reviewed what has been achieved since the launching of the Barcelona conference and reiterated Syria's position regarding peace settlement. Regional-International, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Egyptian FM: All the world admits the right of the Palestinians for a state
In statements to reporters in Stuttgart on Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the deadlocked Middle East peace process cannot control the "Barcelona process." Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Mauritanian opposition rejects education project for minimizing Arabization
In separate statements Mauritanian opposition parties rejected the draft project "of educational reform" which brings back strongly the French language to the country's teaching curricula and considered this project as "an evidence of the failure of the authorities." Mauritania, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Indyk warns Iraq
US Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk has said that there "are red lines that Iraq has not to exceed, otherwise it will be vulnerable to an answer by the US." Bahrain-USA, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Ethiopian warplanes bombard Eritrean positions
The Eritrean authorities announced that Ethiopian warplanes on Thursday afternoon bombarded Adi Kaieh city, 185 km north of the capital, Asmara, Forto town in western Eritrea and the outskirts of Mendefera city. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Tunisian president cites signs of UMA reactivation
Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali said there are clear signs heralding the reactivation of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) and the overcoming of the inactive phase that marked the union. Tunisia-Maghreb, Politics, 4/16/1999 - King Abdullah in Libya tomorrow Jordan-Libya, Politics, 4/16/1999
- Morocco's prime minister calls Arab states to weld ranks
Moroccan Prime Minister Aderrahmane Youssoufi called Thursday in Rabat for Arab countries to weld ranks and enhance unity. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Hamas and Kosovo
Commenting on a statement made by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Victor Posovaluke that members "of organizations including Hamas have moved to Kosovo," the Hamas movement said, "What has been stated by the Russian deputy foreign minister is null and groundless." Palestine, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Lebanon arrests network of spies for Israel
A Lebanese security source said in a statement on Thursday that the directorate of intelligence in the Lebanese army continues to dismember other spy networks with Israel, adding that efforts made in this respect resulted in discovering and suspending a networking which works for the Israeli intelligence and its elements and their department 504. Lebanon, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Mayor of Riyadh to start Asian tour
The mayor of Riyadh, Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz is to head toChina for a formal seven-day visit at the invitation of Beijing, at the beginning of Prince Salman's tour to Asia, which is to include South Korea. Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Moroccan-UN talks on referendum preparations
Morocco and the United Nations held in New York on Wednesday two meetings on amendments proposed by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to speed up the referendum process in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Riyadh hosts OIC experts
A team of governmental experts from the Organisation of the Islamic Conference member states has recommended collective Islamic efforts to enable Muslim minorities and communities in non-OIC states to retain their religious and cultural identity. Regional, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Yemen to host summit on democracy Yemen-International, Politics, 4/16/1999
- An adventurist Netanyahu made transparent on television
More details have been coming out, gradually, on the military adventures that Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu had contemplated over the past three years of his tenure. Israel-Regional, Politics, 4/16/1999 - Khatami to visit Riyadh in the middle of May Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/16/1999
- Russian initiative to resolve the Iraq issue Iraq-Russia, Politics, 4/16/1999
- US $150,000 for Kosovoans by OIC Regional-Albania, Politics, 4/16/1999
- Saleh calls for convening an Arab summit soon
He called for solving border problems among "brothers and neighbors" with understanding on the basis of doing no harm to anyone, referring to Yemen's understanding regarding borders with Oman and solving the conflict with Eritrea regarding Hanish Island. Yemen-Regional, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Alitalia starts its first flight to Libya Libya-Italy, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Yemeni president calls for democratic elections
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has called upon the Yemeni opposition to nominate its candidate for the direct voting presidential elections due to be held in Yemen in October. Yemen, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Boutifliqa the only candidate for Algerian elections
Great questions were put on the fate of the Presidential elections in Algeria due to convene today after six of the seven candidates announced their withdrawal from the elections. Algeria, Politics, 4/15/1999 - UAE congratulates Libya over Lockerbie United Arab Emirates-Libya, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Algerian president: Presidential elections to start today despite withdrawals
Earlier six candidates for the Algerian Presidency had announced their collective withdrawal from taking part in the elections due to the ignorance of the Algerian presidency of their collective request to meet with President Zeroual to explain their protest over the elections held for the special and mobile offices, the "honesty" of which the said six candidates doubt. Algeria, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Israeli may maintain partial withdrawal from south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Egyptian - UAE initiative for rectifying the Arab atmospheres
Gulf sources told ArabicNews.com that Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are getting ready to starting a new joint initiative to rectify the Arab atmosphere. Regional-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Al-Sharaa to Stuttgart to attend Euro-Mediterranean ministerial conference
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa left Damascus on Wednesday for Stuttgart to take part in the third ministerial meeting of the European - Mediterranean conference in which some 15 European states and 12sSouthern Mediterranean states are taking part. Regional-Regional-European Union, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Cairo is to host conference of human rights and development
The secretary general of the organization, Mohamed Fayek, told ArabicNews.com that for the first time the conference will discuss the relation between human rights and development, considering that development is now included among human rights. Regional, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Morocco will not reintegrate OAU as long as legitimacy is violated
Morocco will not reintegrate the Organization of African Unity (OAU) as long as legitimacy is violated within the organization, said Moroccan roving ambassador, Ibrahim Hakim. Morocco, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Arafat heads for China
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat stopped in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday on his way to China for an official visit to win international support for announcing the Palestinian state. Palestine, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Vatican warns Israel against permitting the building of a mosque in al-Nasera
The Vatican on Wednesday warned the Israeli authorities against permitting the construction of a mosque near al-Beshara Church (the church of the Annunciation) in al-Nasera (Nazareth), northern Israel. Israel-Vatican, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Iraqi-Iranian talks for exchanging remains of war victims
A source at the Iranian embassy in Baghdad said on Wednesday that Iraqi and Iranian officials discussed on Wednesday in Baghdad the latest measures before exchanging remains of victims of their war (1980 - 1988). Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Saudi crown prince, Prince Sultan in Bahrain today
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz will today start a short visit to Bahrain, during which he will meet with Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa and Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad. Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Organizations remind Tunisian president of human rights
Non-governmental organizations asked Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali to "lift accusations and restrictions" imposed on the activist Tunisian layer working in the area of human rights, Radia al-Nasrawi. Tunisia, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Emir of Bahrain receives Indyk Bahrain-USA, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Declaring Port Sudan a military operations zone
The Sudanese opposition escalated its military operations and said that El-Khartoum - Port Sudan road on the Red Sea has become a military operations zone. Sudan, Politics, 4/15/1999 - On Sharon's diplomatic campaign
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has asserted that the diplomatic activities carried out by Israel in Russia and other countries in Asia and Europe are being carried out through high-level coordination with the US administration. Israel-Regional, Politics, 4/15/1999 - In Sahel-Saharan summit - discussing cooperation between African countries and solving the rifts erupted between them
The summit of the Sahel-Saharan countries was held yesterday evening at the Libyan city of Syrte in the attendance of six African leaders. Libya-Africa, Politics, 4/15/1999 - Arab anti-terrorism pact to be valid as of May Regional, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Kuwaiti donation to the Lebanese army Kuwait-Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/1999
- Ivanov to visit the region shortly Regional-Lebanon-Russia, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Tripartite Arab summit in Abu Dhabi Regional, Politics, 4/14/1999
- President Mubarak and Sheikh Zayed meet, enjoy a day at the races
A session of formal talks was convened today between the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan at El-Moshref palace in Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates-Egypt, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Gadaffi confers with Sudanese opposition leaders today
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi is going to meet today in Tripoli with former Sudanese prime minister and head of the opposition Ummah party, El-Sadeq El-Mahdi, who headed to Libya to take part in the meetings of the Sudanese opposition to discuss means of achieving reconciliation with Khartoum and ending the war in Sudan. Libya, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Sharon, Netanyahu deny Russian mediation with Syria
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has denied news published by the Israeli daily Haaretz on Tuesday that he asked the Russian leadership to convey a verbal message to Syria including a proposal to resume negotiations between Syria and Israel. Syria-Israel-Russia, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Iranian invitation for an Iraqi minister
Iran has extended an official invitation to Iraqi Minister of Industry and Minerals Adnan Abdul Miguid to visit Tehran and hold talks on industrial cooperation between the two countries. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Israel waiting for final plans to minimize troops in south Lebanon
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens is now waiting for the final army plans to minimize down to one thousand soldiers the number of Israeli troops in occupied south Lebanon, sources said Tuesday. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Stuttgart meetings convened tomorrow, AL refuses Florence mayor's stand
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has asserted that the third ministerial meeting of the countries of the European-Mediterranean partnership due to be held tomorrow in Stuttgart, Germany will also discuss in particular the Middle East peace process and stability in the Middle East. Regional-European Union, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Jordanian Premier: Syria is a dear neighbor Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Morocco, Belgium sign agreement on investments promotion
Youssoufi lauded Belgium's cooperation with Morocco, mainly in matters of water supply and sanitation pointing out that this cooperation matches perfectly Morocco's social programs, especially the rural world oriented programs. Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Rabat: Meeting of the executive bureau for the Arab Lawyers' Union
The meeting of the executive bureau for the Arab Lawyers' Union starts today under the auspices of Morocco's King Hassan II and will last for a week. Regional, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Sheikh Khaleifa confers with King Abdullah Jordan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/14/1999
- April Understanding Committee meets today Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Iranian president confers with Saudi foreign minister
Talks dealt with bilateral relations between the two countries and the importance of developing and strengthening them as well as cooperation between Tehran and Riyadh on means of increasing oil prices in world markets, regional and international issues of mutual concern including the situations in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Arafat concludes Arab and international tour, prepares for a decision on declaration
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has asserted that statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday that Israel will continue Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territories violate all signed agreements between the two sides. Palestine, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Egypt backs Palestinian right to declare state
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed that Egypt will back up Palestinian President Yasser Arafat whether he decides to declare the independent Palestinian state on May 4 or to delay it. Egypt, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Iran, Britain to restore full diplomatic relations
The British daily the Guardian on Tuesday said that Britain and Iran will restore shortly their full diplomatic relations on the level of ambassadors following long cessation. Iran-UK, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Hariri - Berri meeting Lebanon, Politics, 4/14/1999
- UN allows animal vaccine to be sold to Iraq Iraq-UN, Politics, 4/14/1999
- UN denies allegations on UNSCOM office use Bahrain-UN, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Mubarak confirms his Asian tour produced positive results
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak described his Asian tour as significant and said it will lead to useful results for Egypt and the countries he had visited -- China, South Korea and Japan -- in light of the various agreements signed in the three countries. Egypt, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Kuwaiti crown prince confers with British minister Kuwait-UK, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Unrest among Lahd militia Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Ruler of Bahrain receives a message from Lebanese Premier Bahrain-Lebanon, Politics, 4/14/1999
- King Abdullah to visit Kuwait Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 4/14/1999
- Report: The US positioned near Afghan border hoping to capture Bin Laden
The US daily New York Times said on Tuesday that US commandos forces are positioned near the Afghani border on the hope of arresting Osama Bin Laden. Regional-USA, Politics, 4/14/1999 - Israel displaces Lebanese children Lebanon, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Mubarak in Emirates to discuss improving Arab states relations
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will arrive today in the United Arab Emirates for a three-day visit, during which he will hold talks with UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan addressing bilateral relations and means of developing them, the situations in the Gulf and Iraq, and developments in the Middle East peace process. United Arab Emirates-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Iraq opposes new conditions to lifting the sanctions
In a key opening statement published by al-Thawra newspaper, the mouthpiece of Iraq's ruling socialist Baath Party, Iraq opposed yesterday drafting any new conditions by the UN including removal of weapons of mass destruction, which Iraq asserted were completely destroyed under the supervision of UNSCOM. Iraq, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Syria's President al-Assad receives message from UAE counterpart Syria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Barak reiterates his proposal on making a referendum on the Golan Israel, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Saudi Cabinet reviews current events and economic measures
Chaired by King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Cabinet on Monday held a meeting during which several Arab, international and local issues were discussed. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/13/1999 - On postponing President al-Assad's visit to Russia
A correspondent of the Jordanian daily al-Dostour in Damascus quoted Russian diplomatic sources as saying that the unstable health conditions of Russian President Boris Yeltsin may be behind the postponement of President Hafez al-Assad's visit to Moscow. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/13/1999 - The Jordanian monarch to visit Libya
Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein will head to Libya in coming week to fulfill an official invitation from Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi to discuss bilateral relations, the current Arab situation and regional, international and Arab issues. Libya-Jordan, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Mauritanian parliament to vote on giving up Arabization
It is expected that the Mauritania's parliament will today ratify a draft law proposed by the government that provides for giving up Arabization in teaching. Mauritania, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Intensifying settlements in Palestinian lands
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Jewish settlement activities in the West Bank have been intensified in light of his government, which assumed power in June 1996. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/13/1999 - UN to submit revised protocols on referendum for signature
The revised protocols related to the identification of potential voters in the UN-projected referendum in the Sahara and to the procedure for applicants to lodge appeals will be submitted to Morocco and the Polisario this week. Morocco, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Nigeria, Libya to find peaceful solution to Sierra Leonean crisis
Nigerian Vice President-Elect Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi agreed over the weekend that their countries, which support different sides in the Sierra Leone crisis, should work together to restore peace in that country. Libya-Africa, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Middle East - EU partnership meetings to start tomorrow
Meetings on the Middle East - European partnership will start tomorrow in Stuttgart, Germany on the experts level to pave the way for the meetings of the Arab foreign ministers on Thrusday under the chairmanship of Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid. Regional-European Union, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Preparations for Algerian elections underway
Voting operations started on Monday for the Algerian presidential elections at mobile balloting boxes dedicated to the people of the Sahara in the southern Algerian states. The balloting boxes numbered 631. Algeria, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Consequences of al-Nasera incidents
The Israeli Religious Affairs Ministry has warned against the international consequences resulting from the possibility of the Israeli government's acceptance of the demands set by the Muslims of al-Nasera with the approach of the third millennium. Israel, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Libya hosts Sahel-Saharan states summit Libya-Africa, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Algerian elections to be held on Thursday
The electoral campaigns ended today in Algeria, waiting for the vote on Thursday to select a new president from among seven nominees. Algeria, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Egypt, Japan for delay in Palestinian state declaration, resuming deadlocked peace talks
The statement said that Mubarak made the statement during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, said the Japanese foreign ministry official. "President Mubarak said Mr Arafat should not declare independence on the fourth of May," when an interim period of autonomy under the 1993 Oslo accords expires, the official said. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Saudi foreign minister in Tehran to defend Muslims' rights in the world
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal arrived in Tehran on Monday for a two-day visit to Iran. In an arrival statement at Tehran International Airport, the Saudi FM said he is carrying a message from King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to Iranian President Muhammad Khatami. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/13/1999 - On Sharon's visit to Moscow
Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon has announced that his current visit to Israel had been decided several weeks ago and was agreed upon during Netanyahu's recent visit to Russia. Israel-Russia, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Contradictory information of the fate of Barazan al-Takreiti
Iraqi official sources tried on Monday to deny information that has been recently leaked of the success of the two sons of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in alienating his half brother, Barazan al-Takreiti, from political life in Iraq and putting him under house arrest. Iraq, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Sudanese president confers with Arafat
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir met on Sunday night with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat when Arafat's plane stopped in Khartoum following a visit to Yemen. Palestine-Sudan, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Belgian premier starts visit to Morocco
Morocco's inclusion among the recipient countries of non-reimbursable assistance, enlarging the scope of financial cooperation, and granting loans to small and medium-sized enterprises will be among the topics discussed at the Moroccan-Belgian meetings. Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Al-Fahoum: Campaigns halted between democratic front, Fatah- Intifada
Chairman of the Palestinian National Salvation Front, Khaled al-Fahoum, has announced that an agreement was signed to "halt media campaigns" between Fatah-Intifada, led by Col. Abu Mousa, and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine led by Nayef Hawatemah, after the cultural club in the al-Beddawl camp in Beirut was handed over to the democratic front on Monday. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Egypt to host Mediterranean forum
15 organizations and international Arab research corporations, 600 business sector leaders in the Arab states and non-governmental organizations will participate in the meeting. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Polisario is doomed to disappear, former Polisario leader says
The Polisario that was set up at a time the world was divided in two blocs is doomed to disappear, said Brahim Hakim, a former leader of the Polisario. Morocco, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Confrontations and killings in Somalia
Some 12 persons were killed and another 17 reported wounded in confrontations between warring factions during the 24 past hours in Makadishu and in southern Somalia. Somalia, Politics, 4/13/1999 - AL mediates between Somalia and Ethiopia
At the request of Somali leaders, the Arab League is preparing to interfere to convince Ethiopia to withdraw its forces from the southern Somali province of Gedo, where bloody confrontations recently took place between members of a Somali faction. Somalia-Ethiopia, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Increase of 7% in volume of trade between Egypt and European Union
Trade between Egypt and European Union countries achieved an increase of 7% during the last year where trade in 1997 amounted to $6.6 billion and rose to $7.2 billion in 1998. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Sudanese protest over British humanitarian organization..
Sudanese Minister of Justice Ali Othman Mohammed Yassin expressed his relief toward the role played by the Sudanese delegation in the 55th session of the human rights organization in Geneva, saying that his country decided to lodge a claim against the Organization of Christian Solidarity International for deforming the image of Sudan by claiming that there is a slavery trade in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Egypt: Operation of electric link Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Turkey in December
Commercial operation of the second stage of the electric network project linking the eastern Arab states was for the end of December after linking the European network with Syrian network, which is currently linked with the Turkish network, is completed. Regional, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Turkish forces besiege the Kurds
Turkish land forces supported by jets and helicopters resumed expanded attacks against the Kurdish area in northern Iraq. Turkey-Iraq, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Tunisia hosts seminar on labor laws in Arab states Regional, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Moroccan premier hails Mandela's role in settlement of Lockerbie issue
Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi hailed on Monday the role played by South African President Nelson Mandela in coordination with Saudi Arabia in the settlement of the Lockerbie issue. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Arab lawyers meet in Morocco Regional, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Belgium considers Sahara issue should be settled through political solutions
The Sahara issue should be settled through negotiated political solutions where mediators can play a leading role, said Belgian prime minister, Jean-Luc Dehaene, who started this Tuesday a visit to Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 4/13/1999 - Israel to minimize military presence in south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/13/1999
- Jordanian king confers with UAE president, premier Jordan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/13/1999
- UAE President and King Abdullah discuss current Arab conditions
President of the United Arab Emirates UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Sunday in Abu Dhabi received the Jordanian King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein. United Arab Emirates-Jordan, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Morocco's crown prince in France to promote Moroccan events
Moroccan Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed and Princess Lalla Meriem started on Sunday a visit to France where they will dedicate a series of events, held part of the Moroccan year-long festival "Le Temps du Maroc en France." Morocco, Politics, 4/12/1999 - President al-Assad's visit to Moscow postponed
The Russian news agency Interfax on Sunday received the following news that the press bureau of the Russian President Boris Yeltsin said the official visit which was scheduled by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to Moscow on April 12 and 13 was postponed for unlimited period of time. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Al-Assad receives a message from Blair Syria-UK, Politics, 4/12/1999
- Mauritania's justifications for giving up Arabization
Analysts view the decision as having foreign and local political implications. They expect that the decision will change the political map, as sought by the authorities. Analysts say the alliance rallied under the opposition parties front will not agree on a common united stand, a matter which put Ould Dada in an embarrassing situation. Mauritania, Politics, 4/12/1999 - King Abdullah postpones visit to Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/12/1999
- Egypt, South Korea sign military agreement Egypt-South Korea, Politics, 4/12/1999
- The Turkish incursion in northern Iraq Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 4/12/1999
- On the Inter-Palestinian conflict in north Lebanon
The secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, spoke about the real reasons that pushed opposition Palestinian groups to attack the headquarters of his front in al-Beddawi camp in north Lebanon. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Al-Sharaa to visit Jordan Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/12/1999
- Saudi FM to visit Iran Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/12/1999
- Syrian Parliamentary delegation arrives in Brussels
Speaker of the Syrian People's Assembly Abdul Qader Qaddoura arrived in Brussels on Saturday night to take part in the deliberations of the 101st conference of the International Parliamentary Union. Regional-Syria, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Jordanian FM to visit Damascus
A Jordanian weekly quoted well-informed sources in Amman as saying that Jordanian Prime Minister Abd al-Ilah al-Khatib will visit Damascus during the current month to meet with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/12/1999 - U.S congress staffers visit moroccan southern city of Laayoun
During the talks they held in Laayoun, the U.S staffers also heard testimonies by persons who defected the Polisario camps, in southwestern Algeria, back to their homeland, Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Maronite patriarch to visit Damascus
In its most recent issue, the Lebanese magazine al-Shera said Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Nasrullah Sfeir will soon visit Damascus, as asserted by political circles which follow up on the course of contacts currently being made between the Maronite patriarchy and Damascus. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Jordanian measures to deal with water shortages
Jordanian Water Minister Karnel Mahadin has announced short and long-term programs to deal with all water challenges in order withstand drought. Jordan, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Somali refugees arrive in Ethiopia
More than 20,000 Somali refugees have crossed the borders into Ethiopia from southern Somalia, during the two past months. Somalia, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Israeli high court holds hearing on revocation of residency from Jerusalem for Palestinians
The Israeli High Court of Justice will hear this April 22 a petition tabled by five human rights organizations on the legality of Israel's policies regarding residency rights of Palestinians of East Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Jordan prepares for anti-normalization conference
The anti-normalization executive committee decided to convene the second Jordanian conference to protect the homeland and confront normalization on April 29, after all necessary documents have been prepared for this issue. Jordan, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Spanish official concludes visit to Iraq
The chairman of the foreign relations committee at the Spanish Parliament left Baghdad on Sunday following a four-day official visit during which he held talks with high-ranking Iraqi officials. Iraq-Spain, Politics, 4/12/1999 - German bank opens representation bureau in Cairo
Korean Darweesh, manager of the bureau, told ArabicNews.com that inaugurating the bureau is considered one of the positive results of the visit paid by Egyptian President Hosni Muabarak recently to Germany. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Jordan denies that Israel asked to open consulate in Irbed Jordan, Politics, 4/12/1999
- Jarayseh holds Israeli government responsible for Nazareth unrest
Chairman of the municipality of al-Nasera, Ramez Jarayseh, on Sunday held the Israeli government responsible for the Christian-Muslim disputes currently taking place in al-Nasera. Israel, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Sharon arrives in Moscow Israel-Russia, Politics, 4/12/1999
- GCC leaders exchange messages
Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalelfa on Sunday received a message from United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan concerning bilateral relations between the two countries and current developments in the region. United Arab Emirates-Gulf, Politics, 4/12/1999 - Indyk in Israel Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/12/1999