Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/19/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 19, 1999
- Mubarak, Russian FM discuss situation in Kosovo, Egypt sends aid
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met today with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov who is visiting in Cairo within the framework of his Middle East tour. Egypt, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Ivanov says Moscow defensive weapons to Damascus don't threaten neighbors
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that the meeting held between president Mubarak and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov tackled the development of the situations in Kosovo and the Middle East peace process, as well as the situation in Iraq and Russian - Egyptian bilateral ties. Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Mubarak and King Abdullah review summit with Syria
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a phone call last night from Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein, during which King Abdullah informed Mubarak about the results of talks he held with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, his son Bashar al-Assad, and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 4/24/1999 - UN human rights commission passes resolutions on occupied Arab territories
The United Nations Human Rights Commission, currently meeting in Geneva, passed a resolution condemning human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. Regional-UN, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Indyk: peace process indicators mixed
US Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk said Thursday in a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations on US policy in the Middle East that there are mixed indicators toward whether the Middle East will head toward "a future of greater peace, stability, prosperity, and popular participation." Regional-USA, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Tunisian business delegation is due to visit Cairo in June
It is expected that Tunisian President Zein El-Abedin Ben Ali will visit Cairo before the end of this year, according to the invitation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, to discuss bilateral relations between Tunisia and Egypt, and means of enhancing them, as well as to examine international and Arab issues of joint interest. Tunisia-Egypt, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Russian, European support for Bouteflika
European Union confirmed that they will give a great interest to the initiatives of the president-elect, referring to the enhancement of reforms in Algeria, as well as Mediterranean cooperation, adding that through pursuing social and economic reforms, democracy and rule of law, Algeria will be able to get out of its crisis Algeria, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Confidential Libyan - British communications
Libyan sources told ArabicNews.con that Britain has renewed its communications with the Libyan government and that it released the Libyan balances that were frozen in 1993. Libya, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Egyptian ministerial delegation visits Libya
Egyptian Minister of Information Safwat El-Sherif left Cairo, heading to Libyan capital Tripoli, at the top of a delegation comprising Minister of Health Ismael Salam, carrying a message of congratulations from President Mubarak to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, Libya's leadership and the Libyan people, on the occasion of the suspension of the international sanctions against Libya. Libya-Egypt, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Communique from Russian president to Arafat
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received a communique from Russian President Boris Yeltsin concerning talks with the Israeli side and the date of the Palestinian statehood proclamation. Palestine, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Report before Egyptian foreign minister regarding Israeli elections
Mohammed Bassiouni, Egypt's ambassador in Israel, stated that declaring the Palestinian state is a purely Palestinian matter and that they have the right of self-determination and establishing their country. Egypt, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Weizman criticizes decision to close Arafat's headquarters in Jerusalem
Israeli President Ezer Weizman denounced the Israeli government's decision to close the unofficial headquarters of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Jerusalem as being and election maneuver that might increase tensions. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/24/1999 - Yemeni minister of interior expected detaining the terrorist Abu Hamza El-Masri soon
Yemeni Minister of Interior Hussein Arab said there are signs that Abu Hamza El-Masri, accused of being involved in terrorism operations, due to which British and Australian tourists were killed during December will be arrested soon. Yemen, Politics, 4/24/1999 - South Lebanon militia member killed in Hizbullah ambush Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/24/1999
- UN urges release of Somali aid worker Somalia-UN, Politics, 4/24/1999
- Al-Assad, King Abdullah conclude talks in Damascus
King Abdullah sent the following cable to President al-Assad: "It is of great pride for me at the conclusion of our successful visit to your dear country to express our utmost thanks and appreciation as well as gratitude over the warm hospitality we received during our visit to Damascus, the city of civilization and glorious history. Our joys were great over what we felt of care from your side to strengthen fraternal relations link our two countries Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/23/1999 - On al-Assad - King Abdullah summit
The meeting held between Bashar al-Assad (Son of President al-Assad) and the Jordanian King Abdullah has added an extra dimension to the Syrian-Jordanian comprehensive meetings which were presided over by President al-Assad and King Abdullah, during which two close-door meetings were held. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Pickering calls on Israel to struggle for peace Israel-Palestine-USA, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Emir of Qatar concludes Asian tour
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani arrived in Doha on Thursday in conclusion of a tour on Asia that covered seven countries Qatar, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Israeli president in Egypt: There are mistakes from the Israeli side since the beginning of the peace process
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has refused the release of the Israeli spy Azzam Azam who is sentences to 15 year imprisonment at charges of spying for the Israeli intelligence the Mossad. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Mubarak, Saleh discuss bilateral relations Egypt-Yemen, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Saudi minister of defense to visit Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan
Saudi second deputy prime minister and minster of defense and aviation, Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, is to start an official visit to Tunisia, Iran and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Moussa comments on Iraq, Libya and Weizman's visit
Moussa: "The relations between the two countries are fraternal and neighborly ones and are expected to be activated in the light of openness," adding that the sanctions have nothing to do with Egyptian - Libyan relations, "which are much deeper than this." Egypt, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Libyan-brokered peace for Congo welcomed by Security Council Libya-International, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Tunisia, Mauritania examine ways to boost Maghreban union
Means of boosting the activities of the Arab Maghreb Union topped talks held Tuesday in Nouakchott between Mauritanian President Mouaouya Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya and Tunisian Premier Hamed Karoui. Tunisia-Mauritania, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Russia calls for resuming peace talks with Israeli from point at which they broke off
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on Thursday called upon Israel to resume peace talks with Syria from the point at which they broke off three years ago. Regional-Israel-Russia, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Russian FM's talks with the Israelis Israel-Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Tunisia and Mauritania to set up joint business council Tunisia-Mauritania, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Gaddafi agreed to resume US investment and relations
Western sources in Cairo said today that a discussion has commenced between the US and Libya through unofficial diplomatic channels. Libya-USA, Politics, 4/23/1999 - OIC, EU share views and approach for settlement of Kosovo crisis
The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) and the European Union said Thursday in Bonn that they share the same views and approach for the settlement of the Kosovo crisis. Regional-Yugoslavia, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Egyptian assistant FM discusses positions on Kosovo with British ambassador
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Mohammed Fathi El-Shazli convened with David Blatherwick, Britain's ambassador in Cairo. Egypt-UK, Politics, 4/23/1999 - UN committee meets in Beirut on regional water issues
The meeting, opened by Lebanese Minister of Oil, Water Resources and Electricity and Hazem El-Beblawi, is reviewing "the progress of individual states and the region as a whole in improving water-resource knowledge, including shared sources, water availability, potential and demand Regional, Politics, 4/23/1999 - UN Compensation Commission on Iraq makes new payment to victims
The United Nations Compensation Commission yesterday made a total of $101,967,360.03 available from a 30% share of Iraqi petroleum revenues to parties suffering losses due to the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Iraq-UN, Politics, 4/23/1999 - El-Husseini meets the international ambassadors in Jerusalem
The official dealing with the Jerusalem issue in the Palestinian Authority, Faisel El-Husseini, met with foreign consuls accredited in Jerusalem at Beit El-Shark in the occupied eastern Jerusalem to in form them with the latest developments regarding the cause of withdrawing the identities of the Palestinians reside in Jerusalem by Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/23/1999 - African meeting for supporting Palestinian rights
The first plenary session of the United Nations African Meeting in Support of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People took place this week in Windhoek, Namibia, chaired by Namibia's ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Andjaba, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Special Envoy of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Palestine-Africa, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Morocco determined to cooperate with the UN for effective referendum on Sahara
Basri also dealt with economic and social issues and announced that an additional budget of more than $4 million (40 Million DH) has been allocated to the municipality of Smara and neighboring localities. He also expounded a housing program under which lodgings will be provided to the persons sequestered by the Polisario in the Tindouf camps (in southwestern Algeria) after their repatriation to their birthplace in the Saharan provinces for participation in the referendum. Morocco, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Expulsion of Sahrawi republic from OAU, a position of principle for Senegal
He said his country will back the future conclusion of an association accord between Morocco and the West African Economic and Monetary Union which gathers eight nations, including Senegal. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Several African countries deplore Morocco's withdrawal from OAU
Youssoufi hailed Mali's stand on the Sahara issue and on the kingdom's territorial integrity, stating that this stand is based on reality and conforms to U.N. resolutions. Morocco-Mali, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Bouteflika to take constitutional oath on Sunday Algeria, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Jordanian detainees in Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Istiqlal Party leader winds up visit to Spain
The secretary general of the Moroccan nationalist "Istiqlal Party" (PI/in the government), Abbes El-Fassi, wound up on Thursday a five-day visit to Spain that was marked by talks with several Spanish officials and political leaders. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Moroccan delegation confers with Libyan foreign minister Morocco-Libya, Politics, 4/23/1999
- UN human rights commissioner hails Morocco's human rights achievements
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, hailed on Thursday the achievements and the progress made by Morocco in matters of human rights protection. Morocco, Politics, 4/23/1999 - Princess Ann to visit Egypt next Wednesday Egypt-UK, Politics, 4/23/1999
- Qatar makes preperations for Khatami's visit Qatar-Iran, Politics, 4/23/1999
- US Kosovo funding request includes funding for Iraq air patrols Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/23/1999
- President Al-Assad, King Abdallah discuss water, security issues
Syrian sources announced today that the first summit between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Jordan's King Abdullah in Damascus has witnessed an agreement on treating the basic issues in the two countries' relations on different levels. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Syrian - Jordanian summit
President Hafez al-Assad and King Abdullah Bin Hussein on Wednesday reviewed the general international, regional and Arab situations in the light of recent developments and their impact on national Arab matters. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Egyptian president in Morocco by end of May
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will pay a visit to Morocco by end of May to co-chair with King Hassan II the meeting of the Moroccan-Egyptian high joint commission. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Beirut's national Arab forum Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 4/22/1999
- Mubarak confers with Arafat
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday in Cairo received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Talks, during the meeting, dealt with developments on the Palestinian track and the Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Palestine hails Egypt's position concerning state's declaration
Qrei said that the Palestinians view Egypt's position as a central and important position in all their moves at the international and Arab levels, because Egypt has influence in the international, Arab and Palestinian arenas. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 4/22/1999 - El Salvador no longer recognizes Polisario separatists
"We recognize that it was a mistake of our diplomacy. It (Polisario) is not a country and it is not recognized as a country. So we cannot have relations with it," he added. Morocco-El Salvador, Politics, 4/22/1999 - President Abdou Diouf of Senegal starts visit to Morocco friday
President Abdou Diouf of Senegal is to pay as of Friday a five-day visit to Morocco, it was officially announced in Dakar on Wednesday. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Consultations between Egypt and the Vatican on Kosovo, Mideast peace
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday with the Vatican's delegation with the chairmanship of Selshino, the deputy foreign minister who is currently visiting Cairo. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 4/22/1999 - A sit-in in the Golan in solidarity with prisoners
Families and friends of prisoners from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, currently held in the Israeli jails, on Wednesday staged a sit-in at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Damascus, marking the day of solidarity with the Syrian prisoners. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/22/1999 - US, British planes launch an attack on Iraq
US and British planes attacked an Iraqi service and radar building near Mosul, the largest city in north Iraq, while US and British planes soared over the two no-fly zones imposed by Washington and London on northern and southern Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Arafat says Netanyahu does not honor agreements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that peace negotiations on the Palestinian track will resume after the Israeli elections to be held on May 17 regardless of who wins. Palestine, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Israel issues closure orders for Orient House for the Palestinian government
The Israeli Cabinet decided today to issue orders the closure of offices in the Orient House which it said are operating illegally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's media advisor said today. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Arens to visit US Israel-USA, Politics, 4/22/1999
- US lets personnel back into Addis Ababa
The United States has lifted its evacuation order for non-essential personnel in Ethiopia, and the return of personnel to Eritrea will be assessed in one month, Eritrean News Agency reported. Ethiopia-Eritrea-USA, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Egyptian commercial delegation to visit Turkey in May Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 4/22/1999
- Morocco is ready to bolster cooperation ties with El Salvador
Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi voiced Wednesday in Rabat Morocco's resolve to bolster political, economic and cultural cooperation with El Salvador and with all Latin American countries. Morocco-El Salvador, Politics, 4/22/1999 - Moroccan delegation congratulates Libya for victory in Lockerbie issue
A Moroccan delegation extended to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi the congratulations of the Moroccan people for Libya's victory in the Lockerbie issue. Morocco-Libya, Politics, 4/22/1999 - AL voices support for Lebanon Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 4/22/1999
- King Abdullah confers with Dr. Bashar Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/22/1999
- Amman hosts UNRWA coordination meeting Palestine-Regional, Politics, 4/22/1999
- Ivanov starts his Middle East tour today Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/22/1999
- On Iranian president's visit to Damascus Syria, Politics, 4/22/1999
- Damascus: We seek comprehensive coordination with Amman, not new axis
A high-ranking Syrian officials has expressed his hope that the Syrian-Jordanian summit between King Abdullah and President Hafez al-Assad will result in "full coordination" between the two states. He stressed that Damascus seeks to "restore matters back to normalcy," rather than formulating "new axes" in the region. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Russia, OIC cooperate to settle Kosovo crisis
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov has announced that Russia hopes to cooperate with other countries including the Islamic states in its efforts to settle the crisis in Kosovo. Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/21/1999 - On King Abdullah's visit to Syria
Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein arrived in Syria this morning for an official visit as part of an Arab tour that has included Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Libya. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Mubarak, Arafat to discuss establishment of Palestinian state
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received today Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who was ending his North African and African tour. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Khatami to visit Syria on May 10
Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will start his Arab tour on May 10. His first stop will be Syria, from which he will head to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Regional-Iran, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Portuguese foreign minister to visit Egypt on April 28 Egypt-Portugal, Politics, 4/21/1999
- GCC: Occupation of Gulf islands the only obstacle before improving Gulf-Iranian relations
The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the consultative meeting for leaders of the GCC member states which will be held in Riyadh in the first half of May "will be free from protocols and will be convened for one day without a schedule, and they will debate matters they find necessary to debate under the current conditions." Gulf, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Khartoum asserts importance of Egypt's role in Sudanese peace
The Sudanese president's assistant and the head of the council for coordinating Sudan's southern provinces, Ryak Mashar, confirmed the importance of Egypt's role in peace in Sudan and what Egypt does to promote a dialogue between the Sudanese government and opposition. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Syrian PA speaker to visit Iraq
The Iraqi daily al-Itihad issued on Tuesday said that the speaker of the Syrian People's Assembly, Abdul Qader Qaddoura, will pay a visit to Baghdad at the invitation of the Iraqi National Assembly. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 4/21/1999 - President Arafat satisfied over visit to Morocco
President Yasser Arafat termed as "positive and constructive" the outcome of the visit he paid to Morocco on Tuesday and during which he was received by King Hassan II. Palestine-Morocco, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Algerian president receives Maghreban union chief
President Liamine Zeroual of Algeria received on Tuesday here Mohamed Amamou, secretary-general of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), who is visiting Algeria to reactivate the union's structures. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 4/21/1999 - French prime minister to visit Cairo on May 1
French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin is due to arrive in Cairo on May 1 to resume strategic consultations between the two countries. Egypt-France, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Moscow ready to resume Syrian - Israeli negotiations
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov sent a communique to Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid, in which he informed the latter that there is no choice left for ratifying peace in Middle East, unless the Palestinian independent state is established, confirming Russia's recognition of this state since the Palestinian National Council in Algeria announced it in 1988, adding that there is an embassy for Palestine in Moscow. Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Britain reconsiders preventing their subjects from visiting Yemen
Yemeni Minister of Interior General Hussein Arab said that Britain decided to reconsider a decision issued at the end of last year, preventing its subjects from visiting Yemen after a kidnapping incident and the deaths of four British tourists. Yemen-UK, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Egypt takes part in UN's committee for fighting torture
The Egyptian assistant foreign minister for international affairs, Sayed Kassem El-Masri, is to leave Cairo on April 25 for Geneva to supervise the implementation of resisting and combating torture affiliated to the UN human rights committee Egypt-International, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Speaker of Mali's Parliament in Morocco
Speaker of Mali's Parliament, Ali Nouhoum, is expected this Wednesday in Morocco on a two-day working visit to give a new momentum to partnership between the two countries' legislative bodies. Morocco-Mali, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Egypt's supports UN's initiative concerning Kosovo
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa confirmed that Egypt supports the initiative of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to solve Kosovo issue, adding that it is necessary to rally support for this initiative, referring to the possibility of activating it. Egypt, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Iraq warns US, British pilots
An Iraqi military official on Tuesday warned the US and British pilots who fly within the " two no fly zones" of the consequences of violating Iraqi airspace. Iraq, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Occupied Golan strikes in solidarity with Arab prisoners in Israel
The relatives of Syrian prisoners in Israel are to strike today in front of the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Damascus in solidarity with the prisoners from the occupied Syrian Golan. Syria-Regional, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Iraq asks the Arab league to stop the Turkish aggression on its lands
Iraq condemned the repeated Turkish invasions of Iraqi lands as a severe violation of the United Nations charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Yemen, Ethiopia for strengthening bilateral relations
Ethiopia announced on Tuesday that it had agreed with Yemen to strengthen bilateral relations in various economic fields. Yemen-Ethiopia, Politics, 4/21/1999 - UK - Israeli demolitions, settlements
The UK Foreign Office released a statement today expressing concern over increasing Israeli demolitions of Palestinian houses and settlement activities. Palestine-Israel-UK, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Abdul Meguid assures Lebanese prime minister al-Hoss of efforts on Arnoun
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid sent a written message today to Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss which explained the details of communications Abdul Meguid made with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, the head of the UN Security Council, the US and Russia to support Lebanon's stance in the international circles toward Israel's occupation of Arnoun village in south Lebanon. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Hizbullah criticizes April Understanding statement
Lebanese Parliamentarian Muhammad Raad, who is also chairman of the political council of the Hizbullah party, has strongly regretted the content of the statements released on Tuesday by the April Understanding Monitoring Committee. Lebanon, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Britain, France condemn Israel's reoccupation of Arnoun
Britain has condemned Israeli forces' reoccupation of Arnoun. British ambassador David Ross McLennan expressed his country's regret for the Israeli occupation of Arnoun following his meeting with the Lebanese Foreign Ministry's secretary general, Zafer al-Hassan, on Tuesday in Beirut. Lebanon-International, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Lebanese clarification on occupied town of Arnoun
Lebanese governmental sources on Tuesday commented on the statements of the April Understanding Monitoring Committee on the issue of Arnoun that it is "in the interest of all sides to seek a solution to the issue of Arnoun and that, to this end, the issue should be further examined on an urgent basis, both by the parties and in bilateral channels." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Morocco calls for appointing special rapporteur on expatriate workers' rights
A Moroccan diplomat taking part in the 55th session of the UN human rights commission currently held in Geneva deplored the persistence of xenophobia and racism against migrant workers in some host countries Regional, Politics, 4/21/1999 - Morocco and El Salvador enhance cooperation ties Morocco, Politics, 4/21/1999
- Understanding committee condemns Israel Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/21/1999
- New UAE Foreign Ministry secretary United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/21/1999
- Bouteflika announced new Algerian president Algeria, Politics, 4/21/1999
- Message from Bin Ali to King Abdullah Jordan-Tunisia, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Jordanian king in Damascus tomorrow
King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein of Jordan starts an official visit to Syria tomorrow in the context of an Arab tour which will cover Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman, UAE and Libya. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Iraqi education minister in Riyadh
Iraqi dailies published on Monday said that Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdul Jabbar Tawfiq Muhammad met in Riyadh with his Saudi counterpart, Khaled Nin Muhammad al-Anqari. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Russian foreign minister arrives at Cairo on Friday
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov will arrive in Cairo Friday to hold talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Amr Moussa, that will tackle the peace process, the Kosovo crisis and relations between the two countries. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 4/20/1999 - EU to suspend trade sanctions on Libya tomorrow
A well-informed source told the London based al-Hayat daily that the European Union will release a decision tomorrow to suspend EU trade sanctions on Libya. Libya-European Union, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Yemeni president ratifies law for presidential elections
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh ratified yesterday a new law to adjust provisions of an election law that includes organizing requests and procedures for nomination for the Yemeni presidential elections, which are to be held in October. Yemen, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Morocco calls for Arab reconciliation summit
the prime minister noted that the latest Arab summit was held several years ago, while the European Union is holding two summits a year. Regional, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Arafat in Morocco to consult with King Hassan
The accord does not only commit Palestinians and Israelis, it is rather an international covenant that Israel should respect, Arafat said. This is not unfortunately the case with the present Israeli government, he said. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Saudi Arabia warns against displacing Kosovo's Albanians Saudi Arabia-Yugoslavia, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Saudi defense minister visits Iran
Saudi Arabia's Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz said on Monday that he will visit Iran at the beginning of May. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/20/1999 - US official visits Libya
Former US Undersecretary of State Herman Cohen arrived in Tripoli on Sunday night on a visit to Libya that will last for several days. Libya-USA, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Israel and Nayef Hawatemah Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Yemen wants to normalize relations with Kuwait
Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal has voiced Yemen's backing for the call advocated by United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan to convene an Arab summit in order to restore Arab solidarity. Yemen, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Gulf summit to be held shortly
Press sources in the Gulf region said that leaders of the Arab Gulf states will convene a one-day meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss political and economic developments in the region. Gulf, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Lebanese president rejects arrangements with Israel Lebanon, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Delaying talks between the government and rebels in Sudan
Sudanese sources confirmed yesterday that the Sudanese government delayed indefinitely talks that were scheduled for today with southern Sudanese rebels and that the government took the decision when four Sudanese people working with the Red Cross were killed last month and their bodies were not delivered. Sudan, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Bouteflika to take constitutional oath as seventh Algerian president since independence
The constitutional council announced today the formal final results of Algerian presidential elections in which Abdul Aziz Bouteflika won with 73.3% of vote last Thursday. Algeria, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Head of the Algerian opposing labor party urges president to convene a conference for reconciliation
Louisa Hanoun, head of the Algerian new opposition party, urged the new president to use his constitutional powers to convene a national conference for peace and reconciliation. Algeria, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Yemeni party backs the opposition
Yemeni President All Abdullah Saleh on last Tuesday called upon the opposition to nominate their candidates for the forthcoming presidential elections. These will be the first elections to be made through direct voting in the country. Yemen, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Syrian PNF reviews current developments
The participants in the meeting discussed a comprehensive report submitted by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on a number of issues relating to the conditions in the Arab region and on the international arenas. Syria, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Egyptian human rights center holds international conference in Morocco
The Cairo Center of Human Rights is holding this April 23-25 in Casablanca the first international conference of the Arab human rights movement, with the collaboration of the Moroccan human rights organization (OMDH). Regional, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Lebanon calls on US, France to force Israel out of Arnoun
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has denied that Lebanon was told by the US about Israel's refusal to withdraw from the Lebanese town of Arnoun. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Gaddafi and the mini African summit
Gaddafi stated: "Our brothers, the African leaders who attended the summit, could avert the African continent, through their strong will, conflicts and crises when the spirit of African brotherhood and supreme African interests defeated the imperialist conspiracies aiming at undermining Africa's unity." Libya-Africa, Politics, 4/20/1999 - King Hassan II pays tribute to former foreign minister
The King stressed that the reception was hosted "in recognition of the services rendered by the man, the citizen, the statesman, the minister and the companion." Morocco, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Moroccan Sahara issue is no obstacle to Maghreban integration, minister says
A Moroccan senior minister said the issue of the Moroccan Sahara is not at all a stumbling block to the construction of a united Arab Maghreb. Morocco, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Algerian minister removed
Algerian President Liamine Zeroual on Monday removed the Algerian secretary of state for fishing, Abdul Qader Hamito. This measure by the Algerian president was made at the request of Algerian Prime Minister Ismael Hamadani. Algeria, Politics, 4/20/1999 - More Iraqis executed in Baghdad
The Iraqi Communist Party asserted on Monday that more than 100 Iraqis charged with taking part in the Shiite acts of disturbances in 1991, were executed in January this year in Abu Gharib prison near Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Report: Netanyahu plans electoral surprises
A Jordanian weekly said in a special report from Cairo that European diplomatic sources warned of one surprise or more that Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to launch on the eve of the forthcoming Israeli elections with the objective of change the balance in his favor and that of his party. Regional-Israel, Politics, 4/20/1999 - OIC calls for end to forced exodus of Kosovars
Secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference, Azzedine Laraki, called for an end to the forced exodus of Kosovars and for additional assistance to the refugees. Regional-Yugoslavia, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Afworki: an understanding with Sudan to settle disputes
Eritrea's President Assyas Afworki has asserted that his meeting with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir resulted in reaching a Sudanese -Eritrean understanding to eliminate all causes behind disputes and to restore relations, severed between the two countries since 1994. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Arresting reporters in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Ecevit presents resignation to Dimerel Turkey, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Gaddafi meets with Liberian leader Libya-Liberia, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Report: Israel and the waters of Tigris and the Euphrates
An Egyptian magazine has stated that a delegation representing what is called the commission of the "Kurdish Legislature in Exile" currently visiting Egypt, revealed very grave events in that Turkey had sold parts of the northern area of Turkistan district in southeastern Turkey to Israel and that Israel has set up several settlements on these lands. Turkey-Regional, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Israeli president to visit Cairo Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Jordan denies having approved Barak's visit Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/20/1999
- Libyan mediation resulted in cease fire in Democratic Congo
A spokesman for the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expected that President Laurent Kabila would make a statement on Monday on a report that a cease-fire was reached through Libyan mediation in the conflict arising in his country. Libya-Congo, Politics, 4/20/1999 - Egyptian president congratulates Algerian president-elect on winning election Algeria-Egypt, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Lebanese president: Israel is erecting another Berlin wall among the Lebanese
Lebanese President on Sunday received the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield. The two sides discussed conditions in Lebanon, especially the recent Israeli aggressive acts in annexing Arnoun to the occupied part of south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Arafat in Mali on an African tour
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat headed today to Mali after his visit to Senegal on his current tour that includes some African countries and aims at collecting international support for declaring the independent Palestinian state on May 4. Palestine-International, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Damascus: Lt. Gen. Nassif retires
Well-informed sources in Damascus said on Sunday that the chairman of the internal security branch at the general intelligence department, Lt. Gen. Muhammad Nassif, was recently retired at "the power of the law which governs the service of officers in the Syrian army and armed forces," which means that Nassif has reached retirement age and had used all years of service permitted under his rank. Syria, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Report: Issue of Jordanian detainees to be settled in Syria
A Lebanese weekly said in its most recent issue that the special issue of the Jordanian detainees in Syrian prisons will be sorted out. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Three Palestinian committees to be formed on state's declaration
A Palestinian source confirmed that the central council will not take a final decision in this meeting to either go ahead with or delay the declaration of a Palestinian state, which will give the three committees the permanent form till after May 17, the date of holding Israeli elections, when the situation will become clear for the Palestinians concerning who will lead the Israeli government. Palestine, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Ecevit's party wins largest number of votes in Turkey
The Democratic Left Party in Turkey chaired by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit won 23.8% of the total votes in the outcomes of Turkish elections. Turkey, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Egypt calls for repatriating Kosovo refugees
Egypt called yesterday for the repatriation of Kosovo refugees immediately to Kosovo. Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the problem of refugees can be solved only by repatriating them, adding that accommodating them, even temporally, is considered a grave danger. Egypt, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Yemen, Iran for closer cooperation
During his talks with Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal, Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday called for regional cooperation in order to ensure security and stability in the Gulf region. Yemen-Iran, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Morocco voices readiness to consolidate ties with Algeria Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Algeria: Al-Ibrahimi announces founding of a new political party
The Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram reported today that Ahmed Taleb El-Ibrahim, one of the Algerian candidates who withdrew from the presidential elections in which former Foreign Minister Abdul Aziz Bouteflika was elected president, is seriously attempting to establish a new party. Algeria, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Moroccan political leader hopes new Algerian president will prove Algeria non-involvement in Sahara issue
Leader of the Moroccan nationalist Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi hoped that the new Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, will "produce evidence that his country is not involved in the issue of Morocco's territorial integrity. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Arab lawyers back territorial integrity of Arab states
The permanent Bureau of the Arab Lawyers Union voiced full-backing to Morocco's territorial integrity and legitimate right to exercise its sovereignty in its southern provinces, support for Lebanese resistance against Israel, and removal of the sanctions against Iraq, and defending accused Libyans. Regional, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Emir of Kuwait confers with GCC secretary on leaders coming meeting
Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Sunday in Kuwait met with the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jamil Ibrahim al-Hujellan. Talks during the meeting dealt with recent contacts pertaining to current contacts and preparations to convene the consultation meeting of leaders of the GCC member states to be held in the middle of next May. Gulf-Kuwait, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Message from Clinton to Arafat to postpone Palestinian statehood
Well-informed Palestinian sources in Ramallah have said that US President Bill Clinton will send a message to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, pushing him to postpone the declaration of the Palestinian state on May 4. Palestine, Politics, 4/19/1999 - British parliamentarians welcome the establishment of a Palestinian state
More than 60 British parliamentarians at the House of Commons have recently signed a patent addressed to the British government in which they expressed their welcome for the support expressed by the European Union to establishing an independent Palestinian state. Palestine-UK, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Lockerbie, Kosovo, terrorism debated by OIC foreign ministers
The Organisation of the Islamic Conference has called for carrying out a practical plan that brings the refugee people of Kosovo back to their homeland very soon. Regional, Politics, 4/19/1999 - On Arafat's health condition
A French bulletin reported that several indications stressed the deterioration of Arafat's health, and, as a result, there is escalated conflict over his succession among members of the Palestinian Authority. Palestine, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Senegal backing to Morocco's rights over Sahara is conform to international legitimacy, diplomat says
"We have always been against the admission of this phantom republic to the OAU and stressed that the entity does not meet the criteria of admission," the Senegalese ambassador said. "We don't understand how this so-called republic was admitted." Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Israeli Cabinet discusses the conflict in al-Nasera
In a special meeting, the Israeli cabinet on Sunday discussed a plan submitted by the Israeli minister in charge of Arab affairs over the conflict taking place in the Israeli town of al-Nasera (Nazareth). Israel, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Maghreban union secretary general in Algeria
His visit is part of the moves seeking to "reactivate" the Maghreban unity process, the spokesman for the Algerian foreign ministry, Abdelaziz Sbaa said. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Egyptian economic delegation heads to Turkey
An Egyptian commercial delegation will head to Turkey during May for an official visit to resume discussions of progress reached regarding establishing a free trade zone with Turkey, which concerns of learning about investment opportunities in Egypt, especially in the Toshka project. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 4/19/1999 - OIC contact group on Kosovo to hold talks with Russian officials
A delegation of the Islamic contact group on Kosovo is expected to meet Tuesday here Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov over the situation in Kosovo. Regional, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Iraq continues confrontation of US planes
An Iraqi spokesman stated today that his country will continue its confrontation of any planes penetrating its airspace. Iraq, Politics, 4/19/1999 - Saudi FM confers with South African deputy foreign minister Saudi Arabia-South Africa, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Jordan and Syria continue contacts Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Libyan - Jordanian relations reviewed Jordan-Libya, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Al-Assad congratulates Algerian president-elect Syria-Algeria, Politics, 4/19/1999
- King Abdullah says he will visit Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/19/1999
- Khatami to hold an Arab tour
Governmental sources in Tehran told the Kuwaiti daily Al-Rau Al-Aam on Saturday that the Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will start in the next week of May a tour which will cover Syria, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Regional-Iran, Politics, 4/19/1999