Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 5/17/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of May 17, 1999
- Egyptian diplomatic delegation heads to Khartoum
An Egyptian delegation under the chairmanship of Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Foad Yousef arrived in Khartoum yesterday to discuss the delivery of Egyptian establishments that are to be given back by Sudan in a step toward rectifying the atmospheres between the two countries. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 5/22/1999 - International committee visits Golan Syria-Israel-UN, Politics, 5/22/1999
- Israel to withdraw from Lebanon within one year Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/22/1999
- After an absence of 14 years Nimeiri is back in Sudan today
Within the framework of large official and public events, former Sudanese President Jafar Nimeiri returns to his country today after an absence of 14 years, which he spent in Egypt, after he was overthrown in 1985. Sudan, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Sudanese foreign minister confers with Moussa
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mostafa Othman Ismael arrived at Cairo today at the beginning of an Arab - European tour, where he held with his Egyptian counterpart, Amr Moussa, a meeting concerning the normalization of relations between the two countries. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Three economic agreements signed between Syria and Jordan
Syria and Jordan signed yesterday three agreements to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture, electricity and mineral wealth. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/22/1999 - UAE concern over misunderstanding by Iran; relations with Iraq
United Arab Emirates Minister of Information and Culture Abdullah Bin Zayed al-Nahyan in statements to the Kuwaiti News Agency expressed no concern over the improving ties between Iran and the Gulf states in light of the continuing occupation by Iran of three Islands in dispute between the two countries, but expressed concern that Iran may misunderstand the Gulf states’ position. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Libya, Mali release joint statement
Libya and Mali have expressed their concern over the continued armed conflicts in several African areas Libya, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Palestinian - Syrian summit to be held in Damascus in two weeks Palestine-Syria, Politics, 5/22/1999
- On resuming Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations
Sources close to the decision taking circles in Damascus said that the Syrian President Hafez al-Assad may, in a short period of time, assign a new official post to former Syrian army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Hikmat al-Shehabi who has been retired by the beginning of this year because he reached the retirement age. Syria, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Al-Hoss heads to Kuwait and meets with Kuwait's emir
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss arrived in Kuwait today at the invitation of Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah in a visit during which he will meet with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah. Lebanon-Kuwait, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Kuwait refuses to take part in the Arab sport tournament
Kuwait has reiterated its rejection to take part in the 9th Arab sport games which Jordan will host on June 12 through 31. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Moussa receives Yemeni ambassador to Cairo
Following the meeting, the Yemeni official said he delivered a communique to Moussa from Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal concerning means of upgrading the relations between the two countries. Egypt-Yemen, Politics, 5/22/1999 - UN Security Council extends oil-for-food program
The United Nations Security Council has extended the current phase of the oil-for-food program with Iraq for 180 days, during which Iraq will be able to sell up to $5.26 billion total for the current phase of petroleum and petroleum products. Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Algerian ambassador in Cairo confirms Arab leadership's concern with the return of occupied territories
The Algerian ambassador in Cairo, Mostafa El-Sherif, stated that the Arabs are committed to peace as a strategic choice, especially since the most recent Arab summit that was held in Cairo, in which the Arab leaders confirmed their concern with achieving just and comprehensive peace in the region. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Egyptian human rights group fears new law as aimed against it
The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights held a press conference today, in which it announced its opposition to the new "law of assembly" that was presented to the Egyptian People's Assembly (parliament) by the government last week and which is expected to be ratified on Tuesday. Egypt, Politics, 5/22/1999 - France moves toward authorizing Arab League office Regional-France, Politics, 5/22/1999
- Rubin: US invited Iraqi opposition
US State Department Spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that a delegation of the Iraqi National Congress interim leadership has been invited to visit the United States to "exchange views on how to relieve the suffering of the Iraqi people by promoting the transition to a democratic and pluralistic Iraq at peace with itself and its neighbors." Iraq-USA, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Head of Lebanese parliament to visit Tunisia
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri will head to Tunisia on June 8 on an official visit, during which he will hold talks with high-ranking Tunisian officials. Lebanon-Tunisia, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Palestinian demands are stopping the settlement operation
The Palestinian leadership called today on Israel to stop its settlement operations started during the election campaign in Israel in the last month that included Ras al-Amoud, Gebel Abu Ghneim, Jerusalem and Nablus. Palestine, Politics, 5/22/1999 - An emergency meeting for OIC foreign ministers to discuss Kosovo impasse
Egypt stated its approval for the Turkish government attending an emergency meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference's foreign ministers, for which Ankara has called. Regional-Turkey-Yugoslavia, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Moroccan-born French writer runs for European elections
Moroccan-born French writer, Tahar Benjelloun, will run for the European elections under the banner of the Italian "Democrats' Movement" of Romano Prodi, former Italian prime minister and new chairman of the European Commission. Morocco, Politics, 5/22/1999 - Annan recommends UNDOF extension Syria-Israel-UN, Politics, 5/22/1999
- Bahrain's crown prince in Doha to eliminate reasons behind disputes
In a remarkable step, Bahrain's crown prince, who is also the commander general of Bahrain's defence forces, Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa, started on Thursday a visit to Qatar, which is his first since he assumed power. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Saudi crown prince in South Africa: Gossip tries to partition the Arabs
Crown Prince Abdullah added, addressing the Arab ambassadors, "All your leaders have the Arab and Islamic spirit, we only lack a sort of frankness, openness so as not to have among us any sort of disputes." He proceeded, "There are enemies of the Arab and Islamic nation, who want and seek to create partitions among us by lies and gossiping." Saudi Arabia-South Africa, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Algerian, Tunisian, Moroccan leaders exchange messages
Tunisian President Zein El-Abedin Ben Ali received a written message from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika answering the congratulation message sent by Ben Ali after Bouteflika's victory in Algeria's presidential elections. Algeria-Tunisia, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Agreements signed between Iran and Qatar
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami left Qatar, concluding his tour of three Arab countries after holding talks with the emir of Qatar and the ruling family that tackled supporting bilateral relations and the most important issues in the bilateral arena. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Iranian president completes his Arab tour, returns to Tehran
Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has described the talks he held with President Hafez al-Assad in Damascus which was his first station in his Arab tour as "good and positive." Regional-Regional, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Iraq prepares to deter attempts to topple Saddam Hussein
Iraqi diplomatic sources in Amman have addressed hidden criticism to Jordan and other Arab states due to their stances which were considered by Iraq in line with the US policy which aims at toppling Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's regime. Iraq, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Sahara referendum entered final straight, Moroccan minister says
The referendum process in the Sahara has entered the final straight in accordance with the United Nations settlement plan, Moroccan interior minister, Driss Basri, on Wednesday told the house of representatives (lower house of parliament). Morocco, Politics, 5/21/1999 - First Palestinian - Israeli woman in the Israeli Knesset
The Palestinian - Israeli woman Husniya Jabara has won a parliamentary seat for the leftist Meretz Party, a matter which enabled her to join the parliament, and to become the first female Arab parliamentarian in the history of Israel. Israel, Politics, 5/21/1999 - Floating up new companies for privatization in Egypt Egypt, Politics, 5/21/1999
- Erekat calls for stop to establishing new settlements
Palestinian minister of local government and chief negotiator Saeb Erekat urged the US administration and the European countries to take immediate steps to stop the continuing Israeli settlement works in the Palestinian lands that have increased in last days in Ras al-Amoud and Gabal Abu Ghneim in Jerusalem which he said destroy the peace process. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/21/1999 - King Abdullah confers with US Parliament chief Jordan-USA, Politics, 5/21/1999
- Al-Assad discuss with Hrawi issues of mutual concern Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/21/1999
- Iranian president starts talks in Qatar
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani held on Wednesday a meeting with Iranian President Muhammad Khatami, who arrived on Wednesday afternoon in Qatar, his last station on his current Arab tour after stops in Syria and Saudi Arabia. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Nimeiri arrives back in Khartoum following 14 years in exile
Former Sudanese President Jafar Nimeiri is expected to return to Khartoum on Saturday, following 14 years of exile in Egypt. Sudan, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Saudi crown prince starts an Arab, African and European tour Saudi Arabia-International, Politics, 5/20/1999
- New Syrian constitutional court chairman and members Syria, Politics, 5/20/1999
- Saudi, Iranian FMs for boosting bilateral relations
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal has described the talks held by Iranian President Muhammad Khatami and King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz as very important, saying they helped to further strengthening of exchanged confidence between the two leaders and countries. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Sanaa commends closing the file of misunderstanding with Kuwait
The Yemeni Cabinet on Wednesday commended the results of the visit held by the Yemeni deputy premier and foreign minister Abdul Qader Bajmal to Kuwait last Saturday and the restoration of relations between the two countries to normalcy. Yemen-Kuwait, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Morocco hopes Algeria would favorably answer reconciliation call
Morocco on Thursday voiced hope that its call for reopening borders with Algeria will find a positive echo in Algiers. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Tripoli, Addis Ababa sign African cooperation agreement
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Addis Ababa and Tripoli have agreed to maintain "firm" cooperation in monitoring African issues and intensifying bilateral cooperation. Libya-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Moussa receives Eriterian foreign minister
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met with Eriterian Foreign Minister Haile Weldensae who has just arrived in Cairo, coming from Libya, for a two-day visit to Egypt. Egypt-Eritrea, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Comoran and Moroccan foreign ministers meet in Rabat
The Comoros Islands' foreign minister, Mohamed Yamani Souif, who started on Tuesday a visit to Morocco, met on Wednesday with his Moroccan peer, Mohamed Benaissa. Morocco-Comoros, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Al-Sharaa confers with Moratinos
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa yesterday received the European Union's Middle East peace process special envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-European Union, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Egyptian, Gambian foreign ministers confer today
A session of formal talks were held today between Egypt and Gambia under the chairmanship of the Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and his Gambian counterpart, Bobo Lamin. Egypt-Gambia, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Arab League renews invitation on stopping the American strikes against Iraq
The Arab League criticized the United States and Britain for their continuation of airstrikes against Iraq. Iraq-Regional-UN, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Morocco imputes delay in Sahara referendum to Polisario
Morocco on Thursday imputed the delay in the referendum process in the Sahara to stalling tactics by the Polisario. Morocco, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Syrian - Russian agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy
An agreement was signed in Moscow on Wednesday on the peaceful solution for nuclear energy between the governments of Syria and the Russian Federation for ten years. Syria-Russia, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Annual meetings for the African Development Bank in Cairo
The annual meetings of the African Development Bank are to start on Saturday in Cairo and last until May 27. The meetings will discuss supporting social and economic development in Africa. Regional-Egypt-Africa, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Arafat in Cairo on Saturday Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 5/20/1999
- Understanding committee studies Lebanese complaints
The April Understanding Monitoring Committee met in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura. Lebanon has lodged a new complaint to the committee against Israel for launching attacks that resulted in wounding two civilians in the town of Suhmour in the western Bekaa. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Israeli president for withdrawal from south Lebanon Israel, Politics, 5/20/1999
- Kuwait, Arab League sign memorandum of understanding
The memorandum aims at strengthening and promoting cooperation between the two sides in the areas of judicial and legal information and realizing the best use of human and material potentials as well as expertise available in each side. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 5/20/1999 - Mubarak gets a message from Uruguayan president Egypt-Uruguay, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Mubarak and Clinton discuss Mideast peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak made a phone call to US President Bill Clinton in which they exchanged views on the future of peace process in the Middle East in light of the outcomes of the May 17 Israeli elections. Egypt-USA, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Lebanese president confers with AL chief Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Israeli elections and Syrian officials
The Monte Carlo Radio correspondent in Damascus said on Tuesday that the Syrian officials have not commented yet on the results of the Israeli elections, despite the notable follow up the election process in Israel has won on Monday night on the public and official level in Syria. Syria, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Palestinian leadership approves of Barak's assumption of power
The Palestinian leadership approved during an urgent meeting called by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat the election of Ehud Barak as Israel's prime minister and called on Barak to prove his desire to achieve progress in the peace process. Palestine, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Syrian Cabinet briefed on results of Khatami's visit to Damascus
Chaired by Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi, the Syrian Cabinet on Tuesday held its weekly meeting, during which works of the economic, services and cultural committees were reviewed Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/19/1999 - US Middle East peace process coordinator to tour the Middle East Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Morocco's king meets Saudi chief of staff
King Hassan II of Morocco received on Tuesday Saudi chief of staff, Gen. Saleh Benali Al Mohaya who is visiting Morocco. Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 5/19/1999 - French premier calls for resuming peace talks on the Syrian track Regional-France, Politics, 5/19/1999
- King Abdullah meets Clinton
King Abdullah of Jordan said yesterday that he is optimistic that Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak can help get the Middle East peace process moving, saying, "We had the opportunity of seeing him [Barak] in Jordan only several days ago and we see eye to eye on many issues and we're very optimistic of taking the peace process forward." Jordan-USA, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Oman to take new steps to encourage Israel for peace
Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Yuussef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah has expressed in a statement to the BBC on Tuesday his country's readiness to take steps to encourage the new Israeli government chaired by Ehud Barak to proceed forward in making a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process. Oman, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Libya, Ethiopia sign cooperation agreement Libya-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Arab League warns against optimisim over Barak's victory
The assistant secretary general for Arab affairs at the Arab League, Ahmed Ben Hali warned against being optimistic towards the new government of the Labor Party in Israel. Regional, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Maghreban summit will be held before end of current year
The seventh Maghreban summit will be held in Algiers before the end of the current year. Maghreb, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Starting a 25-day tour, Saudi crown prince arrives in South Africa tomorrow
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz is to leave Saudi Arabia today and on Thursday starts a five-day official visit to South Africa, marking the beginning of a 25-day tour which will also include Italy, Morocco, Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Saudi Arabia-South Africa, Politics, 5/19/1999 - King Abdullah meets with Arab ambassadors accredited in Washington Jordan, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Sudan agrees on returning the Egyptian possessions in El-Khartoum
The Sudanese government has preliminarily agreed upon delivering 12 rest houses to Egypt, as well as an Egyptian building for irrigation that will be delivered according to a time schedule specified by a technical committee formed by the two countries. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Continuing the settlements in Abu Goneim mountain in occupied Jerusalem
Israel continued yesterday downing trees and paving the land in the Jabal Abu Ghneim region of occupied Jerusalem, in light of the noticeable settlement activity in this site, begun during the recent days by outgoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government a few days before the Israeli elections. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Bahraini crown prince meets with Sultan Qaboos
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman on Tuesday received Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa, who arrived in Oman on Tuesday, earlier in the day. Bahrain-Oman, Politics, 5/19/1999 - A message from Moussa for his Bahraini counterpart Egypt-Bahrain, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Yemen's solid national unity
Speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hussein al-Ahmar, who is also chairman of the Yemeni al-Islah Party, said that Yemeni unity after nine years of its realization has become solid and unwavering and there are no risks endangering it. Yemen, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Mubarak confers with Ethiopian premier
Talks during the meeting dealt with the latest developments concerning the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea and means of finding a peaceful solution to this conflict in the framework of efforts exerted by Egypt to contain the crisis. Egypt-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Iraqi authorities criticize UN Security Council
The Iraqi authorities accused the UN Security Council of confiscating Iraqi funds specified for buying humanitarian supplies, and demanded the halt of any sectors paying compensation for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 from the revenues of petroleum payments according to the agreement ratified with the United Nations. Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Iraqi opposition delegation prepares for meeting with Albright, Berger
A leader of the Iraqi opposition said on Tuesday that a delegation representing the Iraqi opposition will head for Washington next Monday in order to ask for US military protection in the framework of efforts to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq-USA, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Barak vows to withdraw from Lebanon within one year
Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak has announced that he will end the conflict between Israel and Lebanon within one year. Barak was speaking on Monday night, just a few minutes after Katyusha missiles were fired on the Galilee and resulted in material damage. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Arab League and Comoros
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid sent a message on Tuesday to the secretary general of the Organization of African Unity, Salem Ahmad Salem, including the results of the talks the AL chief held with the foreign minister of Comoros, Muhammad al-Ameen Seif al-Yamini, on the situation on these islands. Comoros-Regional, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Saudi-Iranian assertion to develop relations
In the context of his current visit to Saudi Arabia which is in its fourth day, Iranian President Muhammad Khatami and members of the accompanying delegation arrived in al-Zahran city located in the eastern part of the kingdom, coming from the al-Madina al-Munawara. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Tunisian Popular Unity Party decides to enter presidential elections
The Tunisian Popular Unity Party decided during an exceptional session of its central council that was convened in Tunis yesterday to participate in the presidential elections that will take place on October 24 and nominate its secretary general, Mohammed Belhaj Amor, to enter these elections. Tunisia, Politics, 5/19/1999 - Palestinian official for closer Syrian-Palestinian relations Palestine-Syria, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Mali's president arrives in Libya Libya-Mali, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Six gunmen killed in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Saudi FM confers with Philippines counterpart Saudi Arabia-Philippines, Politics, 5/19/1999
- Iranian president heads for Doha today
The director of the Iranian president's office, Muhammad Ali Abtahi, has described relations between Iran and Qatar as excellent. Abtahi added that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami, who will visit Doha today, will discuss with Qatari officials strategic relations between the two countries. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Saudi crown prince to visit Egypt Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Damascus links peace negotiations to withdrawal from the Golan
Damascus has expressed its preference for the victory of Israeli Labor Party candidate Ehud Barak in the Israeli election, adding that Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations will be kept "suspended" if the Israeli side does not commit to full withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, when Barak wins the elections. Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Palestinian official: Proclaimation of statehood coming on November 15 Palestine, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Egyptian - Syrian summit on tap, sources say
According to well-informed sources in Cairo, contacts are currently being made between Cairo and Damascus to convene an Egyptian-Syrian summit in Cairo during which Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will discuss with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad the situation in the region in light of the results of the Israeli elections. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Maghreban officials in Algeria for revival of Arab Maghreb Union
Algerian minister in charge of Maghreban Affairs, Lahcene Moussaoui, who opened the session said the union is "a decisive" project for Maghreban peoples who aspire to a more strengthened solidarity and brotherhood and to a fruitful and constructive cooperation. Maghreb-Algeria, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Algerian protest communique against Hillary Clinton
The national assembly of the families of terrorism victims sent yesterday a protest communique to US first lady Hillary Clinton through the US embassy in Algeria. Algeria-USA, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Lebanese President to visit Jordan by the end of May Lebanon-Jordan, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Khatami talks with al-Assad over Egypt
A Jordanian paper said that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has approved during his talks with President Hafez al-Assad changing the name of one of the main streets in Tehran, known as "Khaled al-Islambuli Street." Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Iran's position concerning Gulf islands
An Iranian source at the Iranian delegation accompanying Iranian President Muhammad Khatami in his visit to Saudi Arabia has repeated Iran's position in clinging to the two islands of Greater and Lesser Tanb. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Report: Ministerial reshuffle coming in Jordan
A Jordanian weekly reported in its most recent issue that Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabedah intends to make a vast government reshuffle on the threshold of beginning the special session of the Jordanian nation council on May 29, adding the reshuffle will lead to excluding the premier's three deputies and another 10 ministers. Jordan, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Albright: We seek full Middle East peace process Regional, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Bahraini official arrives in Abu Dhabi
Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa has made a short visit to Abu Dhhabi, during which he met with UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan. Bahrain-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Moussa, Qaddoumi discuss peace process developments
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met with Farouk Qaddoumi, the head of the political department in the P.L.O., who is currently visiting Cairo. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Saudi Arabia welcome EU Middle East peace process role
Saudi Arabia has reiterated its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people in order to restore all their legitimate rights. It also commended the recent stand adopted by the European Union concerning the Middle East peace process and the Palestinian question. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Qaddoumi excludes achieving any progress in peace process
Farouk Qaddoumi, the head of the political department of the P.L.O (Palestinian Liberation Organization) excluded achieving any progress in the peace process after Ehud Barak, the leader of the Israeli Labor Party, has won the Israeli elections. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Hamas: Barak will not differ from Netanyahu
Hamas leader Ismail Abu Shanab stated that Ehud Barak "will not differ from Netenyahu, as his electional program focuses on the issues of settlements and Jerusalem." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Islamic states mark al-Quds day
The Islamic states are marking this Tuesday Al-Quds (Jerusalem) day, proclaimed by the 9th emergency session of Al-Quds committee held in Fes in April 1984. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Morocco welcomes with optimism outcome of Israeli elections
Morocco has welcomed with optimism the outcome of the Israeli elections and said it will resume its traditional role so that peace prevails. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - In his victory speech Barak says will undertake fateful decision regarding peace
In his victory speech, Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak, leader of the Israeli Labor Party said he undertook necessary decisions for achieving peace. Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - The Turkish-Israeli alliance
A Turkish daily has stated that Turkey and Israel will, if chairman of the of the Israeli Labor Party Ehud Barak wins the elections for Israeli prime minister, form a peace alliance in the region. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Mordechai proposes a peace conference to King Abdullah
The Jordanian weekly al-Hadath quoted European sources in Amman as asserting that former Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai had proposed to King Abdullah of Jordan the idea of convening a peace conference in the Middle East in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Jordan, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Iranian, Saudi papers commend Khatami's visit to Saudi Arabia
The Iranian dailies published on Monday underlined the importance of the visit held by Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to Saudi Arabia in the service of the causes of the region and Arab-Iranian relations. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Comoro foreign minister expected in Morocco
Comoro Islands foreign minister, Mohamed Yamani Souif, is expected in Morocco this Tuesday, coming from Egypt. Comoros-Morocco, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Arafat receives Russian, US proposals to resume negotiations with Israel
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said on Monday that both Russia and the US had proposed initiatives to resume Israeli - Palestinian negotiations following yesterday's Israeli elections. Palestine, Politics, 5/18/1999 - UAE, Mozambique for strengthening bilateral relations
United Arab Emirates Deputy Premier Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan met on Monday in Abu Dhabi with the president of Mozambique, Joaquim Alberto Chissano, currently visiting Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates-Mozambique, Politics, 5/18/1999 - On Jordanian detainees
The chairman of the freedoms committee at the Jordanian parliament, Muhammad al-Azeydah, has asserted that he did not received any contact from the defense committee for the detainees in Syria or the Syrian embassy in Amman, or from the Jordanian Ministry of the Interior which indicated "Syria's retreat towards releasing the Jordanian detainees, held there." Jordan, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Eritrean president calls on Ethiopian premier for direct talks
Eritrean President Assyas Afworki has approved convening direct talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to settle border disputes and halt the war between their two countries. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/18/1999 - AL denounces Turkish incursion in Iraq
The Arab League has strongly denounced the new incursion carried out by the Turkish armed forces into Iraqi territories. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Dismissal of veiled Turkish deputy from parliament denounced
Disputes increased between Turkey and neighboring countries because of denaturalizing parliamentary deputy Merve Kavakci, accusing her of carrying US citizenship without the permission of Ankara, which is considered a violation of the local law, after she provoked the secular authorities by entering the parliament wearing a headscarf. Turkey, Politics, 5/18/1999 - El-Merghani visits Libya
Head of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance and head of the Democratic Unionist Party Mohammed Othman El-Merghani is heading to Tripoli before the end of current week to hold talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi that tackles means of treating the situation in Sudan. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Rulers' summit in Cairo on next Sunday
With an invitation from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Cairo is to host the 17th summit for the InterAction Council, which comprises in its membership former heads of countries and governments from different work fields, known as the council of world rulers, which will start on Sunday and last for three days. Egypt-International, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Annan concerned by Sudan fighting
United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is "deeply concerned" by reports of fighting between Sudanese government forces and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army in southern Sudan. Sudan-UN, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Labor organization to discuss Israeli violations of the Palestinian rights
Works of the 52nd session of the board of directors for the Arab Labor Organization in Cairo start today and will discuss the suggestions of the Arab Labor Office and its affiliated organizations to implement the resolutions of the general conference held in last March. Regional, Politics, 5/18/1999 - Iran - UK exchange ambassadors Iran-UK, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Arab transport ministers to meet on May 19 Regional, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Some 25 armed men killed in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Mubarak to visit Syria in June Egypt-Syria, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Arafat always ready to visit Syria Palestine, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Syrian FM expected to visit Jordan Jordan-Syria, Politics, 5/18/1999
- Saudi-Iranian talks for fostering developments, ties Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999
- Kuwait offers women the right to be candidates, to vote Kuwait, Politics, 5/17/1999
- King Fahd confers with Khatami
Official talks started on Saturday night at al-Salaam palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia and Iranian President Muhammad Khatami who started earlier in the day an official visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Mubarak meets with Eritrean counterpart Egypt-Eritrea, Politics, 5/17/1999
- Iranian president confers with Saudi FM
Iranian President Muhammad Khatami met on Sunday at his residence in Jeddah with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal. Prince Faisal described the meetings held between King Fahd and President Khatami on Saturday as "historic" and included the most important aspects in bilateral relations between the two countries. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Iran and negotiations over the UAE islands Gulf-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999
- UAE, China for maintaining relations United Arab Emirates-China, Politics, 5/17/1999
- Moroccan secretary of state for social protection visits Tunisia Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999
- Extension of MINURSO Mandate Consecrates Accords between Morocco, U.N., Moroccan U.N. Representative Says
The United Nations security council decision to extend the mandate of the MINURSO "consecrates the accords concluded between the U.N and Morocco," regarding the proposals made four months ago by the Secretary-General, the Moroccan permanent representative to the U.N said. Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Report: Opposition forces evacuate Sudanese embassy in Asmara Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 5/17/1999
- New Yemeni embassy in Kuwait, Meguid says this is Arab reconciliation
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Sunday received a message from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, delivered over by Yemeni Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal during his meeting with Sheikh Jaber on Sunday. Yemen-Kuwait, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Algiers hosts Maghreban union follow-up committee
The follow-up committee of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) opened works of its 35th session today in Algiers to assess the activities of Maghreban institutions and make proposals to reactivate the union. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Iranian-Syrian agreements, protocols signed on Khatami's visit to Damascus
Following the Iranian president's visit to Syria, which concluded on Saturday afternoon, a joint communique was issued both in Damascus and Tehran on talks conducted between the two presidents following the three-day official visit by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Syria. Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Confidence entrusted by Khatami on President al-Assad
A high-ranking diplomatic sources told the Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas on Sunday that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami who concluded his visit to Damascus on Sunday has offered "full confidence" to President al-Assad concerning ways of dealing with the "diplomatic operation in the Middle East." Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Libya hosts African mini summit Libya, Politics, 5/17/1999
- Sudan to open dialogue with the opposition
The leadership council of the Congress Party in Sudan has agreed to open the door to dialogue with opposition forces. This was expressed in a meeting of the council chaired by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. Sudan, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Egypt for good relations with Iran
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday said in statements during a press conference in Asyut that his country desires to "maintain good relations with Iran." Egypt-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Iranian president confers with Bashar al-Assad in Damascus Syria-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999
- UN representative appointed in Western Sahara Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999
- The door is open for a Syrian-Palestinian summit
Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council Abbas Zaki said the door is open before a Syrian - Palestinian summit and that it is just "a matter of time." Syria-Palestine, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Kuwait for boosting Iranian-Arab relations
Kuwait's first deputy Premier and foreign minister, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, has stated that the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are looking forward vast horizons of solid relations built on confidence with Iran. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Moroccan official starts european tour
Moroccan secretary of state for cooperation, Aicha Belarbi, arrived on Sunday in Germany, first leg of a European tour that will lead her to Austria and Slovenia. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Turkish army continues invasion of northern Iraq
The Turkish army, since Friday, has continued a new invasion operation against northern Iraq, under the pretext of chasing armed Kurds. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Nimeiri back to Sudan on coming Thursday
Former Sudanese President Jafar Nimeiri is due to return to Khartoum on Thursday for a visit lasting for a week, during which he will meet with current Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir and Hassan El-Turabi, the head of Sudanese parliament. Sudan, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Moussa hopes peace will be established by next Israeli government
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa expressed his hope that today's Israeli elections open the way for an able government to be a partner in establishing peace in the region and not to be an obstacle to the peace process. Egypt, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Syrian defense minister meets with US cadets
Syrian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass on Sunday received in Damascus members of a delegation from the American National Military Academy, currently visiting Syria. Syria-USA, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Sahrawi refugees return is the key to Sahara problem, former UN representative says
The return of Sahrawi refugees to their areas of origin is the key to the Sahara problem settlement, said Charles Dunbar, former representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Morocco: Polisario idea to gather sequestered sahrawis is no man's land is unacceptable
A Moroccan minister termed as "unacceptable" an idea proposed by the Polisario front to gather in the "no man's land" the Sahrawis sequestered in the front's south-western Algerian stronghold of Tindouf. Morocco, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Ethiopian warplanes strike Eritrean port
Eritrea announced on Sunday that the Ethiopian warplanes struck the coastal city of Maswa. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Barak is in, Netanyahu on his way out
Early indications are that Labor Party candidate Ehud Barak is on his way to becoming the next prime minister of Israel. Israel, Politics, 5/17/1999 - King Abdullah meets with Albright
King Abdullah said Jordan is giving attention to improving its economy, saying, "We'll do our utmost to move the Jordanian economy in the right direction so that we can get ourselves on our own two feet and be able to shoulder the responsibilities that we must provide to a stable and peaceful region." Jordan-UN, Politics, 5/17/1999 - Acts of violence continue in Algeria
Algerian dailies issued on Sunday said that five persons were killed and another seven were wounded following a bomb explosion in Hamzeh district, in Jijel province, 360 km from the capital, Algiers. Algeria, Politics, 5/17/1999