Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 5/3/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of May 3, 1999

• Syrian child killed in the Golan Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Israel buys Kazakhstan complex for Uranium production
  Israel has bought one of the largest uranium factories at a price less than $300,000 US. Uranium is an essential ingredient in the development of nuclear bombs. Israel, Politics, 5/7/1999
• First consultation meeting for the GCC member states on Monday
  Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council will hold on Monday in Jeddah, their first consultation meeting with the objective of following up on the implementation of decisions and recommendations already taken in the annual summit meetings and to discuss latest developments in the Gulf region and international arenas. Gulf, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Military attaches to be exchanged between Iran and Saudi Arabia
  Saudi Arabia and Iran have agreed to exchange military attaches after the visit held by Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz to the Iranian capital. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Maghreban Union follow-up committee to meet in mid-May in Algiers
  The committee, which will assess the march of the Maghreban Union and the difficulties hampering its evolution, will pave the way for other future meetings, especially a Maghreban summit next fall in Algeria, according to the source. Maghreb, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Syrian measures to combat water shortage crisis
  Syrian is cultivating the fruits of the agricultural and water policies pursued by the government throughout the previous decades, during which several dams were built all over the country and efforts were embarked on land-reclamation operations and in achieving food security and exporting cereals surpluses. Syria, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Meetings of Egyptian - Pakistani committee to begin on June 6 Egypt-Pakistan, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Morocco elected chairman of UN Information Committee
  The election was made Thursday during the ongoing 21st session of the UN committee which is looking into several topics germane to ways of promoting contacts and communications between UN member states and UN bodies in addition to the UN information strategy in the next millennium. Morocco-UN, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Bahrain asks the UN for a united stand towards sanctions on Iraq
  Bahrain's representative at the UN, ambassador Jasem Bu Alai has stated that the UN is studying several proposals to review the sanctions decision on Iraq, including the proposal submitted by the Bahraini delegation to the UN Security Council. Iraq-Bahrain-UN, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Bahraini dailies urge Qatar to withdraw border dispute from International court
  In their Wednesday commentaries, the Bahraini dailies highlighted the issue of the border disputes between Bahrain and Qatar. The dailies said that the "amicable solution" needs to definitely give up any means, withdrawing this issue from the International Court of Justice. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Arab Journalists ask governments to increase press freedom
  The Federation of Arab Journalists stated that the press in the Arab states suffers political, legal and administrative harassment that obstructs its perfect performance. Regional, Politics, 5/7/1999
• King Abdullah, Derek Fatchett discuss peace process developments
  Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein held talks yesterday with British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Derek Fatchett regarding the Middle East peace process and means of enhancing bilateral ties. Jordan-UK, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Jordanian journalists renew rejection of normalization
  The Jordanian Journalists' Union (JU) has reiterated its stand in rejecting normalization with Israel. Jordan, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Syrian-Jordanian higher committee agenda
  The Jordanian news agency said in its Thursday report that the joint Syrian-Jordanian higher committee which will convene its meeting in Amman at the beginning of June will discuss means of developing and strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Bangladesh: We will not establish relations with Israel
  Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad has denied reports which spoke about his country's determination to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. Israel-Bangladesh, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Syria and Lebanon mark Martyrs Day
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Thursday, May 6, which marks the Turkish occupation hanging Syrian and Lebanese patriots in Beirut and Damascus on May 6, 1916, simultaneously, visited the martyrs monument at the Damascus Qasyoun mountain, where he laid a wreath. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/7/1999
• AL reiterates Iraq's territorial integrity
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has asserted the desire of the AL to maintain Iraq's unity and territorial integrity and to oppose any attempt made to interfere in the internal affairs of Iraq. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Barak adheres to settlement in the al-Ghour
  Chairman of the Israeli Labor Party Ehud Barak has asserted his commitment to perpetuating the Israeli military, security and settlement presence in the Jordanian al-Ghour region. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 5/7/1999
• New Saudi ambassador presents credentials to UN Saudi Arabia-UN, Politics, 5/7/1999
• Iraqi opposition speak of Baghdad's missiles on borders with Kuwait Iraq, Politics, 5/7/1999
• On dissolving the Kuwaiti parliament
  Kuwaiti parliament members and political forces accused the government of preparing the conditions which were conducive to the decision of the emir of Kuwait,Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, to dissolve the Nation's Council (the Parliament). Kuwait, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Emir of Kuwait: Relations between Nation's Council, government reached a deadlock
  Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Sabah related the dissolution of the Nation's Council (parliament) to practices by deputies who unjustly used constitutional provisions away from the constitution's spirit and society's values. Kuwait, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Mubarak to visit Washington next month Egypt-UN, Politics, 5/6/1999
• El-Baz: Palestinians took the right decision by delaying proclamation of their state
  Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has asserted the need to resume negotiations on the Syrian track from the point at which they broke off. Egypt, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Al-Sharaa confers with al-Qaddoumi
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Damascus received the chairman of the PLO political department, Farouk al-Qaddoumi. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Protest demonstration in Nablus; Canada and Greece and Italy stand with Palestine at the Orient house
  The AP quoted Clinton as saying in a message he addressed to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat that the Palestinians have the right to self-determination and to live free today, tomorrow and forever. Palestine, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Moroccan interior minister in Brussels
  Moroccan minister of the interior, Driss Basri, is paying this May 5-7 a working visit to Brussels at the invitation of Belgian peer Luc Van den Bossche, who is also deputy premier. Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Owner of Al-Shifaa factory: lifting of embargo a recognition of US mistake
  Owner of al-Shifaa factory, Salah Idris, has commended the decision taken by the US to lift the embargo imposed on his bank account in the US. He added that the decision is a recognition by the US administration of its mistake in striking the al-Shifaa factory on August 20, 1998. Sudan, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Bashar al-Assad confers with UAE defense minister, horse race brings friends together
  Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday received in Palmyra Sheikh Muhammad Bin Rashed al-Maktoum, Dubai's crown prince and the minister of defence in the United Arab Emirates, who had arrived in Syria on Tuesday to take part, together with his three sons in the "tolerance and capability" race held in the Palmyran desert in the framework of the seventh al-Badia festival. Syria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Six Lebanese complaints against Israel to April Understanding committee
  The April Understanding Monitoring committee on Wednesday held a meeting at the headquarters of UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Morocco and Bulgaria share will to establish free-trade area
  Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, expressed on Wednesday Moroccan and Bulgarian will to establish a free-trade area to promote trade. Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Egypt mediates to settle the dispute between Eriterea, Ethiopia
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has announced that that an Egyptian mediation is currently being made by President Hosni Mubarak between Eritrea and Ethiopia in order to settle the disputes arising between the two sides. Egypt-Africa, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Israel renews opposition to the establishment of the Palestinian state
  The Israeli government has reiterated its position rejecting any declaration providing for the establishment of the Palestinian state and warned against the consequences of such a declaration. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/6/1999
• The Palestinians and the Israeli elections
  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel rejects the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state that can own missiles, artillery and tanks and seal military pacts with Iran and Iraq. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Algerian diplomat ties opening of borders with Morocco to settlement of bilateral issues
  Algerian ambassador in Washington, Ramtane Laamamra, linked the opening of Algerian land borders with Morocco to the settlement of the existing problems between them. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Message from between Iranian president to the Saudi crown prince
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Wednesday in Jeddah received a message from the Iranian President Muhammad Khatami. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Disputes in Hamas due to Palestinian central council meeting
  There are disputes prevailing in the Hamas movement due to the participation of the movement's spiritual mentor in the meetings of the Palestinian central council held at Gaza last week under the chairmanship of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Palestine, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Speaker of chamber of advisors confers in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian premier
  Speaker of the chamber of advisors (upper house of the Moroccan parliament), Jalal Essaid, who is currently on an official visit to Malaysia conferred with Malaysian premier, Mahatir Mohamed, on bilateral cooperation and international issues of common concern. Morocco-Malaysia, Politics, 5/6/1999
• US keeps mum on content of letter to Arafat
  US State Department deputy spokesman James Foley yesterday refused to comment on reports of the content of the letter sent by US President Bill Clinton to Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, saying the US views the letter as "a private communication." Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Iraqi daily calls for expelling the British, Americans
  The Iraqi daily "Babel "on Monday called for expelling Americans and the British following the new raids against northern Iraq, resulting in killing two Iraqi civilians. Iraq, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Jordan's king to visit Germany next week Jordan-Germany, Politics, 5/6/1999
• OIC chief calls for international relations ruled by moral values
  Secretary general of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Azeddine Laraki, called on Wednesday for a universal civilizational strategy in which moral values would prevail in the drafting of policies, programs, laws and international relations. Regional, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Interparliamentary council chairman winds up visit to Morocco
  The interparliamentary council, set up in 1889, is one of the initiators of what is commonly known as multilateral cooperation. It contributed to the setting up of the Community of Nations, of the UNO and of the Hague-based permanent arbitration court -a framework of parliamentary consultation and diplomacy. Morocco, Politics, 5/6/1999
• March by candidates who withdrew from Algerian presidential elections prevvented Algeria, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Ratifying Arab anti-terrorism agreement
  The validity of the Arab anti-terrorism agreement is to start on May 7, after it was ratified by the council of interior ministers and justice in their joint meeting last month. Regional, Politics, 5/6/1999
• US denies that unfreezing assets calls strike's validity into question Sudan-USA, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Israel and Kosovo Regional-Israel-Yugoslavia, Politics, 5/6/1999
• Mubarak receives a phone call from the Jordanian king
  Jordanian diplomatic sources said that King Abdullah discussed during the two calls the development of the situation in Iraq and the imposed siege on it and the probability of convening an Arab summit during coming month. Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Qatar will raise the case of UAE during Khatami's visit to Doha
  Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Hassem Bin Jabir said that his country will raise the issue of the dispute between the United Arab Emirates and Iran over three Gulf Islands during the discussions to be held during the anticipated visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to Doha next week. Qatar-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Amr Moussa speaks regarding Egyptian - European partnership
  The German - Arab chamber for industry and trade is to organize a symposium on May 20 in which Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Mou will speak about the European - Egyptian partnership in light of the Barcelona process for European - Mediterranean cooperation as well as speaking about the future of economic and political relations between Egypt and Europe. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Arafat confirms that Palestinian state is to be proclaimed soon
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said that the Palestinian state will still exist and its strong pillars will be established on the Palestinian lands. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Preparatory meeting of Moroccan-Egyptian high commission on May 21 Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Ministerial committees to strengthen cooperation between Tehran, Manama
  The governments of Iran and Bahrain on Tuesday announced the establishment of two committees to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Lebanese president to visit Jordan
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud will head at the beginning of next week to Jordan for an official visit, the first since he assumed his post, to answer an invitation presented by Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussien. Lebanon-Jordan, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Egyptian efforts to solve Sudanese problem
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa held a meeting yesterday evening with the leader of the Sudanese Democratic Unionist Party, Mohammed Otham El-Merghany, who said after the meeting that they tackled the Sudanese problem and Egypt's efforts to solve it. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Jordanian king commends relations with Syria Jordan-Regional, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Syrian Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan
  A Jordanian weekly said in its recent issue that a state of "concern" is prevailing among the Syrian Muslim Brotherhood members in Jordan over the consequences of the increased closeness between Amman and Damascus on them. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Kuwaiti Nation's Council to be dissolved for elections following controversy
  Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jabir Ahmed al-Sabah issued a decree to dissolve the Nation's Council. The Kuwaiti news agency said yesterday evening that the decree includes calling on voters to elect a new council on July 3. Kuwait, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Preparations for the Tunisian elections
  The ruling RCD started an early election campaign in the recent weeks by collecting the support of public organizations, vocational, social and cultural associations for its list, seeking to maintain the first position. Tunisia, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Arafat in Dublin
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said the Israeli-Palestinian peace process is passing through a very critical phase. He called on the international community to promote these negotiations and give them a push forward. Palestine-Ireland, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Damascus welcomes Khatami's tour of the region
  Damascus welcomed the coming tour of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to the region which will begin with a visit to Syria. Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Two spies for Israel suspended in Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Solidarity conference with the Iraqi people
  Iraq on Tuesday officially asked the UN not to cut one third of its oil revenues to pay compensation to victims of the Gulf crisis. In a message sent by Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Iraq said: "The government of Iraq assures that the 40% according to which compensations are cut is unfair, and constitutes a violation of the human rights of the Iraqi citizens, especially their right to survive." Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Iranian invitation to Jordanian Parliament
  Speaker of the Jordanian Parliament Abdul Hadi al-Majali on Tuesday received a message from the chairman of the Iranian Shoura council, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Lebanese officials confer with Canadian Middle East peace coordinator Lebanon-Canada, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Iranian spiritual guide meets with Saudi defense minister
  The spiritual guide of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Tuesday received Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz. Talks during the meeting dealt with bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and their positive impact on general conditions in the region and the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Syria denies contacts with Israel over Arnoun
  The Lebanese daily al-Safir said that high-ranking Syrian diplomatic sources have denied having made contacts with Israel, especially concerning the occupied Lebanese town of Arnoun. Syria-Regional, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Eritrean president concludes talks in Sanaa
  Eritrean President Assyas Afworki left Sanaa on Monday following two-day talks with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh centered on means of settling the current disputes between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Yemen-Eritrea, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Interparliamentary head speaks on importance of Parliaments, UN reform
  Angel Martinez said Europe should contribute to the success of this political experience that crowns the efforts for democratization, social justice, and progress and that implies a new dimension for parliamentary life. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Hizbullah: Netanyahu prepares to strike south Lebanon
  Leadership sources in the Hizbullah Party have revealed that there is security data carried through US and French diplomatic channels saying that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to strike against south Lebanon within the coming days. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Bulgarian vice-president in Morocco
  Bulgarian vice-president, Todor Kavaldjiev, arrived in Rabat on Wednesday for a four-day visit to Morocco meant to consolidate the economic and political ties between the two countries. Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Jordanian King confers with Israel's Barak
  King Abdullah Bin Hussein of Jordan on Tuesday in Amman received the chairman of the Israeli Labor Party, Ehud Barak, who is a candidate for Israeli prime minister in Israel's May 17 elections. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1999
• British Jews for peace in the Middle East
  British Jews on Tuesday announced that they are planning several activities on the threshold of the forthcoming Israeli elections. They at the same time expressed their interest in achieving a progress in the Middle East peace process, as an embodiment of the desire of Britain on that matter. Regional-UK, Politics, 5/5/1999
• El-Husseini describes Netenyahu as 'wounded animal' Palestine, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Speaker of chamber of advisors in Malaysia Morocco-Malaysia, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Moroccan Premier in Dakar End of May Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with US ambassador Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Emir of Kuwait confers with Japanese trade minister Kuwait-Japan, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Kull al-Arab daily to be distributed in Jordan Jordan-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Jordan, Israel to resumes water talks Jordan-Israel, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Jordanian trade union councils and normalization with Israel Jordan, Politics, 5/5/1999
• A reply message from Arafat to Clinton Palestine-USA, Politics, 5/5/1999
• Mubarak reviews reports on Egypt's foreign policy
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held a meeting on Monday in Cairo during which reports pertinent to the country's foreign policy were reviewed. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri and the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, information and the interior as well as the director of President Mubarak's office for political affairs. Egypt, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Syrian FM confers with Canadian Foreign Ministry official Syria-Canada, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Moroccan Journalists Union says more openness is needed
  The Union of Moroccan Journalists (UJM) drew on Monday the attention of all concerned parties to the "seriousness" of the situation in the media field in Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Prince Ali: Lahoud to visit Jordan very soon Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Khatami to Prince Sultan: Your visit is a gift for us
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Monday in Tehran received Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz in his visit to Iran. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Iranian news agency talks on President Khatami's tour
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will start an Arab tour on May 13, the first of its kind following his election as president of Iran in May 1997. Iran, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Islamic organization spearheads operation to help Kosovo children
  The Rabat-based Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO, an arm of the OIC) will spearhead an education operation to help children of Kosovo with the collaboration of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Regional, Politics, 5/4/1999
• King Hassan sends message to Tunisian president
  King Hassan II has sent president Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia a message related mainly to the follow-up of the official visit Ben Ali paid to Morocco last March 15-16. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Jospin says France will recognize Palestinian statehood on the proper date
  French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin announced that both his country and European Union will recognize the Palestinian state at the proper time, saying that establishing this state is the right of the Palestinians, as statehood is the perfect way to achieve stability between the Palestinians and Israel. Egypt-France, Politics, 5/4/1999
• New party to be formed in Algeria, statement on liberties
  Former Algerian Prime Minister Mawloud Hamroush, who is also one of the six candidates who withdrew from last month's Algerian presidential elections, is expected to form a new party within the next two weeks under his chairmanship. Algeria, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Arab anti-terrorism pact law to be enforced on Friday
  The secretary general of the Arab ministers of the interior council, Ahmad al-Salem, has said that the Arab agreement to fight terrorism which was ratified by the Arab ministers of the interior in a joint meeting in 1998 will be put into actual realization as of Friday. Regional, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Lebanese Parliament speaker confers with US ambassador on south Lebanon
  Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri on Monday reviewed with the US ambassador in Lebanon, David Satterfield, developments in Lebanon, especially conditions in the south. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Moroccan Jews World Union winds up constituent meeting
  The Moroccan Jews World Union wound up on Monday in Marrakesh a two-day constituent meeting, held under the patronage of King Hassan II. Morocco, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Moroccan king calls Moroccan-born Jews to vote for peace
  King Hassan II on Monday voiced hope that Moroccan-born Jews will vote for peace in the upcoming general elections in Israel. Morocco, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Yemeni party opposes military facilitation for the US Yemen-USA, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Organization of African Unity condemns coup d'etat in Comoros Islands
  The Organization of African Unity condemned the coup d'etat that took place last Friday in the Comoros Islands. Comoros, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Saudi relations with Iran are not contradictory with US relations
  Saudi Defense and Aviation Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted that his country's good relations with the US are not contradictory to its developing relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/4/1999
• OIC chief calls for increase of aid to Kosovo refugees
  Secretary general of the Jeddah-based Organization of the Islamic Conference, Azeddine Laraki, called the 55 OIC member countries to increase and coordinate their aid to the refugees of Kosovo. Regional-OIC, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Burkina Faso presidents visits Ethiopia, Eritrea to end dispute
  The president of Burkina Faso will during this week visit Ethiopia and Eritrea in an attempt to end the border disputes between the two neighboring countries. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Kuwaiti government and National Assembly face off over print of Quran
  The Kuwaiti State's council witnessed a strong debate between Minister of Justice and Endowments Ahmed al-Kolieb and the Islamic members of the parliament due to mistakes in publishing copies of the holy Quran. Kuwait, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Bahrain's premier confers with former US president
  Bush added, laughing, "Here I am and I find myself jobless while Saddam remains Iraq's ruler." Bahrain-USA, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Ankara: Ecevit starts forming his new government
  Bulent Ecevit, head of the Turkish Democratic Left Party, started his consultations with other parties to form a new Turkish government. Turkey, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Detaining 3 elements of Palestinian Hamas Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Qaboos receives Lebanese Mufti Oman-Lebanon, Politics, 5/4/1999
• AL commends UAE - Oman border agreement Oman-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Turkish message to ruler of Qatar Qatar-Turkey, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Oman, Kenya sign memorandum of understanding Oman-Kenya, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Two men executed in Yemen Yemen, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Kuwaiti emir, crown prince confer with Qatari Shoura council chairman Kuwait-Qatar, Politics, 5/4/1999
• AL chief cancels visit to UAE United Arab Emirates-Regional, Politics, 5/4/1999
• Jordanian prince pays tribute to Qana martyrs Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Jordanian contractors for boycotting relations with Israel Jordan, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Sudan, Eritrea sign agreement to restore relations
  Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and President Assyas Afworki of Eritrea on Sunday signed an agreement to settle the crisis between the two countries Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 5/3/1999
• On finalizing border demarcation between Oman, UAE
  Oman announced on Sunday that the border agreement signed between Oman and the United Arab Emirates will open the door before full border demarcation between the two countries. Oman-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/3/1999
• President Mubarak confers with French premier on Mideast, cooperation
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday in Cairo received French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, currently visiting Egypt. The two sides discussed the Middle East peace process, the situation in the Balkans, regional and international matters of mutual concern as well as economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. Egypt-France, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Saudi defense minister to visit Pakistan Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, Politics, 5/3/1999
• PA official calls for normal relations with Syria Palestine, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Moroccan Foreign Minister in France Next Week
  Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa will pay a visit to France next week, a French official source said. Morocco-France, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Saudi defense minister condemns Turkish-Israeli military cooperation pact
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has condemned the Turkish-Israeli military cooperation pact. In a statement he made during his visit to Iran on Saturday, the Saudi minister said the Turkish - Israeli agreement constitutes a threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Syrian waters for Jordan
  The first round of official talks was held in Damascus on Sunday between a Syrian delegation led by Minister of Irrigation Abdul Rahman al-Madani and his Jordanian counterpart, Kamel Mahadin. An agreement was concluded on the building up of al-Wahda dam according to agreements signed between Syria and Jordan. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Saudi minister of defense speaks on military cooperation with Iran
  Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz announced that is early to think of military cooperation between his country and Iran. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Bahrain's FM visits Iran Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Morocco and Yemen sign economic, commercial accords
  The third session of the Moroccan-Yemeni joint commission held in Rabat, April 28-30, was crowned by the signing of 14 accords covering social, economic and cultural cooperation. Morocco-Yemen, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Bouteflika tells Labor that economic reform is a must
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stated that Algeria must face the consequences of applying a policy of reform to a market economy in light of an international economy situation that is witnessing a state of a comprehensive transformation. Algeria, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Cairo: A conference on factional experience
  The works of the conference to be held next Wednesday in Cairo on the future of factional politics in Egypt, in which representatives of the majority of political movements including the ruling national party are participating. The conference will organize the "group for democratic development" which is independent of the government. Egypt, Politics, 5/3/1999
• On Jordanian prisoners in the Arab states Jordan, Politics, 5/3/1999
• On the situation in south Lebanon
  A high-ranking US officials has said that the situation in South Lebanon is very sensitive at this stage due to military tensions and the Israeli elections. He urged Lebanon, Israel and Syria to act in such a way as to avoid repeating the "Grapes of Wrath" aggression conducted in 1996. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Qatar, Eritrea sign minutes of meeting agreement Qatar-Eritrea, Politics, 5/3/1999
• U.N. Security Council extends MINURSO mandate by two weeks
  The United Nations Security Council on Friday extended by two weeks the mandate of the MINURSO, the U.N. Mission supervising preparations for holding a self-determination referendum in the Sahara. Morocco-UN, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Saudi Arabia, Tunisia discuss regional and bilateral issues
  Saudi Arabia and Tunisia have expressed in a joint statement their concern over the stalemate in the Middle East peace process and held Israeli responsible for the stalemate. Saudi Arabia-Tunisia, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Arafat heads to Denmark
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat headed today to Denmark, where he and Danish Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen will hold talks on the Middle East peace process, and where he will meet with Minister of Developmental Aid Poul Nielsen. Palestine-Israel-Denmark, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Mandela to visit Cairo, Islamabad
  President of South Africa Nelson Mandela is to arrive tomorrow in Islamabad, heading a high-ranking delegation on a one-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz al-Sharif. Egypt-South Africa, Politics, 5/3/1999
• US: No evidence of direct Syrian involvement in terrorism
  The US State Department has said that there is no evidence of the involvement of Syrian officials in carrying out or planning international terrorism attacks since 1986. Syria-Regional, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Two major Moroccan unions decry government action on workers grievances
  The present government is adopting the same approach as the previous right-wing governments in dealing with the grievances of the labor class, said Abdelmajid Bouzoubaa, assistant Secretary-General of the General Labor Confederation. Morocco, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Israeli candidate: Peace with Syria requires a price in the Golan
  The candidate for the Israeli Cabinet Tomy Lebeld for Shenwa party has asserted that peace is not attainable with Syria without paying a price in the Golan. Israel, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Bin Laden plans to establish a base in Somalia
  Security sources in Cairo told ArabicNews.com today that Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden is planning to establish a base in Somalia because he sees it as a land without a state. Regional-Somalia, Politics, 5/3/1999
• No incompatibility between US-Maghreb and Euro-Maghreb partnership projects, US official
  U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Stuart Eizenstat, who engineered last year an initiative to establish a U.S-Maghreb partnership, said his project is not incompatible with the Euro-Maghreb partnership plan already underway. Regional, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Moroccan Jews set up world union
  Moroccan Jews coming from all over the world set up over the weekend in Marrakesh a World Union of Moroccan Jews, a body that will strive for peace between Arabs and Jews. Morocco-International, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Iraq calls for halting US-British raids
  Baghdad called on the UN Security Council to halt the continued US-British invasions of Iraqi airspace. Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Gaddafi's initiative on Kosovo
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi has appealed for halting all military operations in Kosovo and for the withdrawal of all the Serbian and NATO troops from the area. Libya-Yugoslavia, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Preparations underway for holding referendum in Sahara, James Baker Says Morocco-USA, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Constitutional monarchy opens wider alternation horizons than republican regimes, Moroccan premier
  "The constitutional monarchies in the Arab world open wider horizons for alternation in power than the republican regimes," Youssoufi told the Egyptian Al-Ahly daily. Morocco, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Sudan and US sanctions changes Sudan-USA, Politics, 5/3/1999
• French sources: Jospin's visit to Cairo confirms strength of Egyptian - French relations Egypt-France, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Ruler of Australia, Omani official to visit Turkey
  The governor general of Australia, William Deane, arrived in Ankara yesterday on a formal visit to Turkey at the invitation of Turkish President Suleiman Demirel. Oman-Turkey, Politics, 5/3/1999
• British ambassador to Iran Iran-UK, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Cairo hosts Arab justice ministers' meeting Regional, Politics, 5/3/1999
• US airplanes strike Iraqi positions Iraq-USA, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Iraqi concern over Iranian weapon arsenal Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/3/1999
• Saudi FM confers with Japanese trade minister Saudi Arabia-Japan, Politics, 5/3/1999

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