Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 6/21/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of June 21, 1999

• Report: Arab states condemn Israeli aggression on Lebanon
  Arab reactions denounced the repeated Israeli shelling to vital areas in Lebanon due to which 8 civilians were killed and 86 were injured, while 5 bridges and electric stations were destroyed. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Sheikh Zayed, Gaddafi held telephone conversation United Arab Emirates-Libya, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Mubarak denounces Israeli raid, describes it as an aggression obstructing peace Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Islamic states' delegations denounce Israeli shelling of south Lebanon
  At the conclusion of its works yesterday, the 11th general conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs urged the international community to implement UN Security Council resolutions and peace agreements regarding Israel's withdrawal from Golan and south Lebanon. Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Jordan condemns Israel aggression against Lebanon
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib has condemned the Israeli air raids against Lebanon. He said these raids are a grave escalation to conditions in the region. Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Report: Israel plans to withdraw from Hasbaya
  A Kuwaiti daily has reported an Israeli plan to withdraw from Hasbaya al-Arqoub during the next month of August in a similar withdrawal to that which took place in Jezzine. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Spain suspends some 27 Moroccans Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Arab parliamentary union meets on Sunday in Damascus
  The Secretary General of the Arab Parliamentary Union, Noureddine Bushkouh, said on Thursday in Damascus that the APU will hold its 34th session on Sunday. Regional, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Kuwait informs Arab League of its consent for Dutch - British draft on Iraq
  Kuwait officially informed the Arab League of its consent to the Dutch - British draft for suspending the sanctions imposed on Iraq. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Morocco to attend conference of emerging democracies in Yemen
  A large Moroccan delegation will attend a conference of emerging democracies to be held this June 27-30 in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Bouteflika visiting Switzerland today
  A statement from the Algerian presidency that was broadcast yesterday said that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is heading today to Switzerland to participate in the 10th session of the Crans Montana Forum. Algeria, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Moroccan authorities cancels International conference on human rights Morocco-International, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Yemen welcomes Mubarak's call for convening the Arab summit
  Yemen approved the call directed by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to convene an expanded Arab summit that discusses peace challenges in the area and Arab solidarity. Yemen-Regional, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Egyptian president starts visit to USA
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak left on Saturday for the United States on a six-day working visit for talks with US President Bill Clinton over developments of the Middle East peace process and bilateral relations. Egypt, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Jordanian, Lebanese premiers meet on bilateral issues
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss and his Jordanian counterpart, Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh, on Friday reviewed the Israeli attacks currently taking place in Lebanon. Lebanon-Jordan, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Chinese business delegation to visit Cairo on Thursday
  A Chinese economic delegation from the Chinese province Guangdong comprising 24 businessmen is to arrive on Thursday in Cairo to discuss areas of economic, investment and commercial cooperation with Egypt in the framework of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's invitation to Chinese businessmen during his recent visit to Peking to establish joint export and investment projects in different fields. Egypt-China, Politics, 6/26/1999
• King of Morocco grants pardon to 1,072 convicts
  On the occasion of the birthday of the prophet (Aid-Al Mawlid), Morocco's King Hassan II granted pardon to 1,072 convicts, including persons held in prison and others who are free. Morocco, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Palestinian Authority officially invited to attend Geneva conference
  The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) received an official invitation from the Swiss authorities to attend the Geneva conference, scheduled for next July 15, PNA Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath said on Saturday. Palestine-International, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Iranian official meets El-Azhar sheikh, Egyptian Mufti Egypt-Iran, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Arab symposium for international law: Working on evacuating Middle East from mass destruction weapons
  The second Arab symposium for international humanitarian law and supervision on weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, concluded its work yesterday evening, as it underlined continuing Arab concern from all Arab League members states with the international humanitarian law and expressing severe anxiety toward the existence and deployment of nuclear weapons in the area. Regional, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Israeli defense minister threatens to continue attacks against Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Hizbullah threatens to shell Israel with Katyushas Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Morocco earmarks $350 million to fight drought effects
  Morocco has earmarked US $350 million (3.5 billion DH) to fight drought effects, Moroccan Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Habib El Malki, announced on Friday. Morocco, Politics, 6/26/1999
• EU Middle East peace envoy calls for self-control Lebanon-Israel-European Union, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Tribal confrontation in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 6/26/1999
• Israeli terrorism leaves 8 Lebanese dead, electric stations blown
  Israeli war planes on Thursday carried out a series of raids against bridges and the electricity network in Lebanon. The bombardment resulted in killing six Lebanese civilians and wounding 10 others. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/25/1999
• On the Israeli terrorist attacks on Lebanon
  US officials were surprised by the large-scale Israeli aggression against Lebanon. They rushed immediately to contact officials in Israel, Syria and Lebanon to halt the escalation. Lebanon-International, Politics, 6/25/1999
• 200 companies in Egypt Expo fair in Paris
  The French - Egyptian Businessmen's Association decided to organize a fair for Egyptian products, Egypt Expo, in Paris in spring 2000, like the France Expo fair took place in Cairo during May, opened by French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin. Egypt-France, Politics, 6/25/1999
• High-ranking French official arrives in Damascus tomorrow
  US Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk held talks on Thursday in Paris with officials at the French Foreign Ministry, including the director of the Middle East and North Africa department, Eve Oban. Syria-France, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Al-Sharaa confers with British minister of state in London
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa met on Thursday morning in London with British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Hoon, upon al-Sharaa's transit stop in his way back to Damascus from Canada. Syria-UK, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Algerian - Moroccan borders to opened in August
  The Algerian daily al-Khabar announced on Thursday that Algerian - Moroccan land borders will be opened during August. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Oman: A conflict between two parties
  Oman's chairman of the State Council, Sheikh Hamoud al-Harithi, has denied limiting the role played by the Shoura Council since the establishment of the State Council in 1996. He added that he backs public elections through direct voting "at the proper time and gradually." Oman, Politics, 6/25/1999
• GCC foreign ministers to meet in Riyadh in July Gulf, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Eritrea holds Ethiopia responsible for continued fighting Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Arab parliamentary union meets on Sunday in Damascus Regional, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Iranian FM in Sudan today Sudan-Iran, Politics, 6/25/1999
• A message from Malaysian FM for his Qatari counterpart Qatar-Malaysia, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Arab Development Fund warns against increasing shortage in water resources
  A report issued by the Arab Development Fund warned against the increaing lack of the water resources available in the Arab states and the increasing demand for water in the future. Regional, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Iraq agrees to receive UN experts to exterminate poisons
  The representative of the United Nations' secretary general in Baghdad, Prakash Shah, announced on Thursday that Iraq has agreed to receive a UN team in order to eliminate poisons left by UNSCOM inspectors in their offices in Baghdad. Iraq-UN, Politics, 6/25/1999
• EU Middle East envoy statements on peace
  The European Union's special envoy for the Middle East peace process, Miguel Angel Moratinos, said he will visit the Palestinian Authority and Israel following the formation by Ehud Barak of the new Israeli government on June 28. Regional-European Union, Politics, 6/25/1999
• British - Sudanese relations to reexchange ambassador
  British Minister of State for Middle East Affairs Geoffrey Hoon on Wednesday held a round of talks with the first secretary of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Hassan Abidin, in London, aimed at restoring relations between the two countries to the level of ambassadors after a cessation following the US strikes against the Sudanese al-Shefaa medicinal factory. Sudan-UK, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Mission from the Japanese cooperation fund to visit Egypt
  A mission from the Japanese Fund for Economic Cooperation will arrive in Cairo on July 4 for a 10- day visit to discuss increasing Japan's contributions to development projects in Egypt, said diplomatic sources in the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 6/25/1999
• King Abdullah confers with Hariri
  Jordanian King Abdullah Bin Hussein met on Wednesday in Amman with former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who is making a private visit to Jordan. Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 6/25/1999
• A report about drugs in the Arab states
  A security report recommended that Arab states producing drugs must destroy illegal plants and different kinds of drugs and to ask the rich countries to share their experiences and for technical support, financial help. Regional, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Jordanian prime minister starts visit to Beirut Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 6/25/1999
• Mubarak heads to Washington on Saturday
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will start on June 26 an official visit to Washington, during which he will meet with U.S President Bill Clinton to discuss the Mubarak - Gore draft and the US aid presented to Egypt. Egypt-USA, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Emir of Bahrain meets Sheikh Zayed United Arab Emirates-Bahrain, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Al-Assad: Barak is strong, sincere and wants peace; Barak: Durable peace with an agreement with Syria Syria-Israel, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Algerian president wishes Moroccan premier prompt recovery
  President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has sent a message to Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi wishing him prompt recovery following the surgery operation he underwent last Sunday Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Rabat expects very near opening of relations with Algeria Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Oman not to mediate between Syria and Israel
  Omani Minister of Information Abdul Aziz al-Ruwas has asserted that the change in the Israeli attitude towards the peace process under the government of Ehud Barak, is a set precondition to resume contacts between Muscat and Israel. Oman-Regional, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Al-Sharaa meets Canadian prime minister
  Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien on Wednesday in Ottawa received Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa who conveyed to Chretien a message from Syrian President Hafez al-Assad pertaining to bilateral relations between Syria and Canada and current developments concerning the peace process. Syria-Canada, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Arafat in Cairo today to discuss peace developments with Mubarak
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will arrive in Cairo today to hold talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak concerning recent developments in the Middle East peace process. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Saudi - Yemeni committee on border demarcation concludes latest session
  A joint statement was released on this occasion which said that, "Talks were held in atmospheres of understanding," and that field technical teams will resume their works in monitoring the 29th border marks stated in the reports of borders concerning al-Taif agreement. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Moroccan foreign minister in Madrid
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, arrived in Madrid on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to Spain at the invitation of his Spanish peer Abel Matutes. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Jordanian minister highlights excellent ties with Syria
  Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib has described Jordanian - Syrian relations as excellent. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Tehran criticizes US claims concerning Iranian defense programs
  The Iranian Defense Ministry has strongly criticized US claims concerning Iranian defense programs. It stressed that the attempts made to promote these claims are groundless and that they are rather an attempt to obstruct the development of relations and the atmosphere of confidence in the Gulf region. Iran-Gulf-USA, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Indyk, Gulf foreign secretaries discuss means of countering Iranian threats
  US Undersecretary of State for Near East affairs Martin Indyk said the US and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council are concerned over the non-traditional armament programs in Iran and Iran's production of ballistic missiles. Gulf-USA, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Israel evacuates its office in Qatar
  The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that its trade mission in Qatar will evacuate its premises following a dispute with the owner of the place. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 6/24/1999
• No agreement reached between Iraqi Kurds in Washington
  The US State Department said on Wednesday that the delegations of the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by Mesoud al-Barzani and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Jalal Talibani have not yet reached an agreement and that their talks which started in Washington one month before are still continuing. Iraq-USA, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Iranian FM arrives in Sudan tomorrow
  During his three-day visit, the Iranian minister will meet with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, Sudanese Parliament Speaker Hassan al-Turabi, and other Sudanese officials. Sudan, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Baghdad: UN envoy discusses oil-for-food agreement
  He said his country is ready to establish direct talks with parties which oppose the Iraqi stance, adding that the best way to illuminate their concern is a responsible and calm discussion Iraq, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Pope Shenuda: No persecution of Copts, and we do not accept foreign intervention
  Pope Shenuda III of Alexandria said, "The country does not practice persecution against the Coptics and our relations are distinguished with all officials in the country." Egypt, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Iraq: Any proposal on removing sanctions needs our comsultation
  Iraq reiterated its opposition to the British draft proposal presented to the United Nations Security Council regarding the sanctions imposed on Iraq, a proposal described by Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan as a clear interference in Iraq's internal affairs. Iraq-UN, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Britain hopeful of restoring full diplomatic relations with Sudan
  Britain said Wednesday that it was hopeful that full normal diplomatic relations will be restored with Sudan following a meeting held on Wednesday between British Foreign Office Minister Geoffrey Hoon and Sudanese permanent under-secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hassan Abdin, MAP reported. Sudan-UK, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Arab League warns against Israeli armament programs
  Abdul Meguid added that Israel's position in refusing to join the NPT and to subjugate its nuclear institutions to investigations adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency constitutes a great concern to the Arab states, a matter which would affect prospects for coexistence and peace in the region. Regional, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Palestinian-U.S. committees to start meeting
  A number of U.S.-Palestinian committees met in Ramallah on Wednesday to discuss means to boost cooperation in various domains, and to speed up payment of promised U.S. aid to the Palestinian people. Palestine, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Three Lebanese civilians wounded in south Lebanon by Israeli forces
  Three Lebanese civilians were wounded on Wednesday as a result of Israeli raids and bombardments which targeted several villages in south Lebanon. In retaliation, the Lebanese resistance carried out a series of operations against the Israeli positions and announced it had killed an officer of a ranking position in the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Army militia, Youssef Atawi when an explosive charge went off on Masharoun road. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Al-Hoss: No unilateral agreement with Israel; no merger for SLA troops in the army Lebanon, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Israeli-Arab millionaire distributes tens of bullet-proof vests in Knesset
  An Arab Israeli millionaire on Wednesday distributed bulletproof vests to the 10 Arab members of the Israeli Knesset. Israel, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Security Council calls for Eritrea - Ethiopia ceasefire Eritrea-Ethiopia-UN, Politics, 6/24/1999
• All Moroccan-Spanish thorny issues were reviewed, says speaker of Moroccan upper legislative chamber
  Speaker of the Moroccan chamber of advisors (upper chamber of parliament), Mohamed Jalal Essaid, who wound up on Wednesday a working visit to Spain, said all thorny issues were covered with serenity and transparency in the talks he held in Madrid. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Egyptian ministers' council examines outcome of president Mubarak's visit to Morocco
  The Egyptian ministers' council examined Wednesday the outcome of the visit president Hosni Mubarak paid to Morocco earlier this month to co-chair with King Hassan II the third meeting of the Moroccan-Egyptian high joint commission. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 6/24/1999
• El-Mehdar calls on followers not to launch attacks in Yemen Yemen, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Egypt is the first regional country using natural gas for cars Egypt, Politics, 6/24/1999
• Salvation Front Leaders support support BuTaflika's efforts for national reconciliation Algeria, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Algeria: We will end problems with Morocco
  Algerian interior minister, Abdelmalek Sellal, said his country has issued instructions to put relations with Morocco back on track. Instructions were given "to rapidly make relations with Morocco denser," Sellal told MAP bureau in Algiers. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Algerian minister: We have no choice but to achieve nation reconciliation Algeria, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Syrian government restores financial thefts
  Syrian Minister of Justice Muhammad Khaled Maheym said on Tuesday that the Syrian government restored a total of some 114 million Syrian pounds (US $ 2.5 million) as part of total financial thefts that took place in the governmental bodies during 1998. Syria, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Moves underway to bring back Moroccan-Algerian relations to normal course, Basri says
  "Moves are currently conducted on both sides to bring back (Moroccan-Algerian) relations to their normal course," said Moroccan minister of the interior, Driss Basri. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Bouteflika receives warm brotherly message from King Hassan
  King Hassan II has sent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria "a warm, brotherly and exhaustive" message. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/23/1999
• New Syrian embassy inaugurated in Ottawa Syria-Canada, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Syria supports Sahara as Moroccan territory
  Syrian ambassador in Morocco, Ali Hassan, said his country supports the Sahara as Moroccan territory. Syria-Morocco, Politics, 6/23/1999
• AL ready to host Somali reconciliation conference Somalia, Politics, 6/23/1999
• U.S., European envoys start regional tour
  An Arab official source told ArabicNews.com that the US and European envoys for the Middle East peace process will start a tour in the region soon that will include countries concerned with the peace process, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Israel and the Palestinian territories. Regional, Politics, 6/23/1999
• El-Baz: Mubarak and Clinton to focus on the peace process
  Osama El-Baz, the political advisor of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stated that the U.S.A is a responsible partner in peace process and that the anticipated discussions between Mubarak and U.S. President Bill Clinton will tackle the peace process and the importance of pushing it forward. Egypt-USA, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Al-Assad, Chirac review Middle East developments
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday received a telephone call from President Jacques Chirac of France. Talks dealt with several issues of concern, including the Middle East peace process and efforts exerted for reviving it. Syria-France, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Egypt's Mufti urges Iraq to admit being wrong
  Egyptian Mufti Nasr Faid Wasel called on the Arab states to avoid hastiness in convening an Arab summit so that they do not emerge from it more torn. Egypt, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Jerusalem Mufti says Israel is forcing Jerusalem away from its Arab identity
  Sheikh Ekrema Sabria, general Mufti of Jerusalem, warned against Israel's attempts to Judaize the city of Jerusalem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Limited ministerial reshuffle in Qatar
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Tuesday made a limited ministerial reshuffle according to which the minister of agriculture and agrarian reform, Ali Bin Saeed al-Khayarin, left the ministry and was replaced by Ali Bin Muhammad al-Khater. Qatar, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Moussa: Egypt - US relations should be separate from Egypt - Israel relations
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, in the United States prior to the official visit of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, told members of the Arab community in Detroit, Michigan that US relations with Egypt should not be contingent on Egyptian relations with Israel. Egypt, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Morocco seeks to devise strategy to fight corruption
  Moroccan general affairs minister, Ahmed Lahlimi, called for devising a strategy to fight corruption that botches development efforts in Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 6/23/1999
• UAE president receives a message from Arafat
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Tuesday received a message from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat pertaining to developments in the Middle East peace process, the current Arab situation and relations between the UAE and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Egypt, Bahrain stress peace basics; relations with Iran
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa have called on the next Israeli government to resume the Middle East peace process and implement signed agreements and obligations on all tracks. Egypt-Bahrain, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Saddam Hussein pardons university professors who left Baghdad illegally
  Iraqi President Saddam Hussein said that university professors who left home illegitimately can return home without fearing being exposed to legal punishment. Iraq, Politics, 6/23/1999
• UN pleased with Sudan aid assessment progress Sudan-UN, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Jordan's king appreciates support from Arab states
  King Abdullah of Jordan expressed deep appreciation Tuesday for Arab countries, namely the Arab Gulf states, Syria and Libya, for their support of his nation in all domains. King Abdullah made the statement at a Cabinet meeting, reports the ordanian news agency, Petra. Jordan, Politics, 6/23/1999
• GCC: Israel obstructs peace
  During their meeting on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi with US Undersecretary of State for Middle East Affairs Martin Indyk, secretaries of the GCC foreign ministries called on the international community to pressure Israel to abide by basics of the peace process and to abide by its obligations concerning reached agreements. Gulf-USA, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Arab parliamentary Union for holding Arab Summit
  The Arab parliamentary Union (APU) has expressed backing to the ongoing efforts to convene an Arab summit, the union secretary-general said. Regional, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Italian mediation between Eritrea and Ethiopia
  Italian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Rino Serri has stated that he tried to revive the peace negotiations between Eritrea and Ethiopia during talks he held on Monday and Sunday in Asmara and Addis Ababa. Ethiopia-Eritrea-Italy, Politics, 6/23/1999
• UAE to take part in Kosovo peacekeeping force
  The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will provide some 1,450 soldiers for the peacekeeping forces led by the NATO in July in Kosovo. United Arab Emirates-Yugoslavia, Politics, 6/23/1999
• WFP concerned with possible food shortage in African Horn Somalia-Regional-UN, Politics, 6/23/1999
• French President meets with Qaboos Oman-France, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Italian donation for Ethiopia Ethiopia-Italy, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Iran and relations with the Arab states Iran, Politics, 6/23/1999
• Mubarak, Bahraini ruler agree on Iraq's participation in an Arab summit
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Issa convened a concluding session today in Cairo, during which they tackled the situation in the Arab states and in the Middle East and current communications for convening a comprehensive Arab summit. Egypt-Bahrain, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Algeria: Conflicts with any Arab state do not serve us
  The Algerian interior minister and his Moroccan counterpart together said at the conclusion of the West Mediterranean forum for interior ministers held in Algiers that they desire improved bilateral relations from their governments. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Yemeni presidential elections planned for September 28
  Presidential elections in Yemen will be held on September 28, before the end of the current term of President Ali Abdullah Saleh on October 5. Yemen, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Al-Sharaa discusses with Axworthy Middle East peace revival Syria-Canada, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Egypt, Sudan to raise level of diplomatic representation
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael said on Monday that the coming phase will witness raising of the diplomatic representation between Sudan and Egypt. He added that issues suspended between the two countries are currently "witnessing a great move, especially the security and economic files." Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 6/22/1999
• On the meeting between Syrian, Jordanian prime ministers Jordan-Syria, Politics, 6/22/1999
• King Fahd backs all efforts for Gulf solidarity
  King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia has asserted the support of the kingdom's leadership, government and people to all sincere work and efforts that would increase amity and closer ties between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, in reference to the efforts made by Qatar to eliminate the exchanged misunderstanding between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Gulf, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Israel steals the Lebanese waters Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Syrian official: We want Barak's reply, if he adopts Rabin's policy, or not
  A high-ranking Syrian source told the Lebanese al-Nahar daily on Monday that Lebanon and the Lebanese national resistance has succeeded in dismantling the "Jezzine trap" and converting it into a victory. Syria, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Libyan, Egyptian officials meet on boosting cooperation Libya-Egypt, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Partnership agreement signed between EU, Egypt
  The foreign ministers of the European Union on Monday in Luxembourg signed the text of a partnership agreement between the EU and Egypt with the objective of strengthening trade and political cooperation between the two sides. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 6/22/1999
• European Union voices full support to UN settlement plan in the Sahara
  The European Union expressed on Monday full support for the UN settlement plan on the Sahara providing for a free, fair and neutral referendum. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Bahraini FM supports the convening of Arab summit
  Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Muhammad Bin Mubarak has voiced his country's support for the call advocated by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King Hassan II of Morocco to convene a pan-Arab summit, but under the conditions that such a summit would be preceded by good preparations to reach results strengthening Arab solidarity and attaining the national interests of the Arab states. Bahrain-Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Egyptian ambassador in Tel Aviv: Egypt is ready to host Middle East economic conference after progress in the peace process Egypt-Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Western sources comment on Baker's visit to Damascus
  A Lebanese daily on Monday reported that Western sources in Damascus said that former US Secretary of State James Baker and former US ambassador to Damascus Edward Djerjian, who had met with President Hafez al-Assad, are "making personal efforts for mediation between Syria and Israel." Syria-USA, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Head of Sudanese opposition party in Cairo tomorrow
  Head of the Sudanese opposition Democratic Unionist Party, Mohammed El-Merghany, is to arrive tomorrow in Cairo, coming from Jeddah, to meet with the Egyptian leadership to inform them on the results of the opposition's Asmara meetings. Sudan, Politics, 6/22/1999
• John Garang to visit Cairo soon Sudan, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Russia has unbiased stand on Sahara issue
  Russia's ambassador to Morocco, Kolotoucha Vassili Ivanovich, said his country has a serene and unbiased vision and is not impassioned by the Sahara issue. Morocco, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Arab League chief informs Kuwaiti envoy on talks with Iraqi FM
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Monday briefed Kuwait's permanent representative at the AL, Abdul Al al-Qena', on the results of talks he held with Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf. Kuwait, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Arab parliament meetings in Damascus on Sunday
  Works of the 34th session of the Arab Parliamentary Union will convene on Sunday under the chairmanship of Ahmed Fathi Sorour, head of the Egyptian parliament. Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• 200-person Iraqi delegation to participate in Arab session Regional-Iraq, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Italian minister mediates between Eritrea and Ethiopia
  Italian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Rino Serri arrived on Monday in Addis Ababa to mediate in settling the military conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Ethiopia-Eritrea-Italy, Politics, 6/22/1999
• A call for involving the younger generation in Saudi leadership
  A British daily dealt on Monday with the future of the leadership in Saudi Arabia under the escalated demands for economic reform. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Somalia: AL chief proposes to host reconciliation conference Somalia-Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Lebanese premier confers with James Baker
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss on Monday received former US Secretary of State James Baker, who is accompanied by the former US ambassador in Damascus, Edward Djerjian, and the US ambassador in Lebanon, David Satterfield. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 6/22/1999
• British suspects' trial continues in Yemen
  For the last time, eight British suspects in the commission of terrorism actions were presented today before a Yemeni court before it issues its judgment on them. Yemen, Politics, 6/22/1999
• UN chief calls for encouraging Iraq and lifting sanctions imposed on it Iraq-UN, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Home ministers of western Mediterranean countries vow to fight terrorism
  The home ministers of western Mediterranean countries vowed to fight terrorism whatever its origins, causes or goals are. Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Moroccan and Spanish legislative chambers express will to upgrade dialogue
  The Moroccan chamber of advisors (upper chamber of the parliament) and the two Spanish houses expressed on Monday will to upgrade dialogue between the two countries' legislative bodies to the level of the existing bilateral political and economic relations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Tourism workshop in Damascus urges encouragement of Arab tourism structure
  An Arab workshop for tourism that was convened in Damascus and concluded its works yesterday recommended forming a tourism workshop in every country to activate international tourism and the Arab structure in a special way that would include representatives of all organizations working in the tourism sector. Regional, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Prisoners stress Ethiopia's involvement in Somalia
  Prisoners of war who were recently freed in Beedawa, southern Somalia, reported on Sunday that they were taken as prisoners by the Ethiopian army rather than by a rival Somali faction. Somalia, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Israel ignores court's decision to evacuate its commercial office in Doha
  The head of the Israeli commercial representation bureau in Doha stated yesterday that the bureau does not intend to evacuate the building it occupies, despite the issuing of a judicial decision regarding this matter. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Vice-speaker of Venezuelan senate in Morocco Morocco-Venezuela, Politics, 6/22/1999
• The first shift of Falasha arrives in Israel today Israel-Ethiopia, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Iran denies dialogue with Israel on disarmament Iran-Israel, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Iran and the spying networking Iran, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Hassan al-Turabi in Iran Sudan-Iran, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Arafat to meet with Barak upon formation of Israeli government Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/22/1999
• Mubarak meets with Bahraini ruler today
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa will hold talks today dealing with the situation in the region and the current preparations to convene a pan-Arab summit. Egypt-Bahrain, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Syrian FM visits Canada Syria-Canada, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Iraqi foreign minister visiting Cairo rejects latest proposals on removing sanctions
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid met on Sunday in Cairo with Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf, currently visiting Egypt. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Abdul Meguid calls on Qatari efforts to remove misunderstanding between Saudi Arabia and Emirates Qatar-Regional, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Saudi crown prince talks on the telephone with UAE President Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Yemeni president: We will not permit military presence to any country Yemen, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Saudi crown prince's statements on relations with the UAE
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted his satisfaction over the talks held on Saturday between the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani, and United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed. Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Jordan, Iran stress disputes over Middle East peace, UAE islands
  The meeting held on Sunday in Amman between Jordan's King Abdullah and Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has revealed a new phase in Jordanian- Iranian relations, based on strengthening bilateral economic and political relations and "alienating" points of dispute on regional matters, especially the Middle East peace process and the question of the three United Arab Emirates islands. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Syrian, Libyan parliamentary talks Syria-Libya, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Bouteflika receives French minister of interior
  French Minister of Interior Jean-Pierre Chevenement said that he conveyed yesterday an oral message from French President Jacques Chirac to his Algerian counterpart, Abdelaziz Bouteflika Algeria-France, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Gaddafi in Sudan calls on opposition to give up partition ideas
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi has appealed to the Sudanese government and opposition to unify in order to end the civil war in Sudan. Libya-Sudan, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Contacts to set a date for the Arab summit
  Egypt's ambassador to the Arab League, Rojer Hamdi, has asserted that there are tripartite coordination contacts between Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia in order to decide on the final date and special arrangements for the possibility of convening a pan-Arab summit that was called for last week by Egypt, Algeria and Morocco. Regional, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Saudi crown prince speaks on telephone with Bahrain's ruler Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 6/21/1999
• King Abdullah of jordan in Morocco early july, paper Jordan-Morocco, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Syrian information minister receives UNDP envoy, chief of French radio
  Syrian Information Minister Muhammad Salman on Sunday received actress Safeya al-Omari, the UNDP goodwill ambassador in Egypt. Talks dealt with the importance of the regional media symposium currently being held in Damascus. Syria-Regional, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Mubarak meets with Slovenian prime minister Egypt-Slovenia, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Maghreban states seek to coordinate action to become efficient interlocutor
  Moroccan minister of the interior, Driss Basri, who arrived in Algiers on Sunday to take part in the 5th meeting of interior ministers of Western Mediterranean countries, said the meeting provides opportunity to Maghreban states to coordinate actions so that the Maghreb become an efficient interlocutor of other regional groupings. Maghreb-Morocco, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Algiers hosts mome ministers of western mediterranean countries
  The home ministers of western Mediterranean countries started the proceedings of their 5th meeting in Algiers this Monday morning, with the participation, for the first time, of Libya. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Four former presidents invited to African summit Algeria-Africa, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Moroccan Prime Minister Undergoes Surgery, Operation Successful Morocco, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Message to King Abdullah of Jordan from Khatami
  King Abdullah of Jordan on Sunday in Amman received a message from Iranian President Muhammad Khatami pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries and the desire of the Iranian leadership to strengthen relations with Jordan in the context of fostering Iranian-Arab relations and relations with the Islamic states. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Head of the bureau of the Iranians' interests care: urges on removing between Cairo and Tehran
  Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Nagi El-Fetrifi convened with Akbar Ali Kasemy, head of the Iranian interest bureau in Cairo. Egypt-Iran, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Syrian-Israeli negotiations to resume by the end of this summer
  Arab diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that US Undersecretary of State for Middle East Affairs Martin Indyk will be the US official to supervise Syrian - Israeli negotiations when they are resumed by the end of this month. Syria-Israel, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Morocco, Italy sign implementation protocol for readmission of illegal emigrants
  Morocco and Italy signed in Rome at the end of last week the implementation protocol of an agreement signed in July 1998 related to the readmission of illegal emigrants from both countries and to the situation and living and work conditions of expatriates. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 6/21/1999
• G-8 leaders call on Israel to resume peace talks on the Syrian-Lebanese track
  The leaders of the US, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Russia, said in a statement at the conclusion of their summit that honoring the rights of all sides concerned is but decisive element in finding a peaceful solution that avails the Palestinians to live as free people on their own territories. Regional-International, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Final warning to evacuate offices of Israeli trade mission in Doha
  A Qatari court on Sunday rewarned the Israeli trade mission in Doha to evacuate its offices on a date no later than June 27, otherwise these offices will be evacuated by means of force. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Palestinian government refuses to jump to final status negotiations
  Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said it is early now to talk about a summit comprising Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and US President Bill Clinton. Palestine, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Saddam Hussein: Iraq will not be fragmented Iraq, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Report: Iraq refuses to discuss Lebanese prisoners file
  A French news bulletin said that Baghdad still refuses to release 16 prisoners who are members of the Lebanese Hizbullah Party, including six men of religion, despite the intervention of the Lebanese official authorities to win their release. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Palestinian government asks US to lift restrictions on the its office in Washington
  The Palestinian Authority asked the U.S administration yesterday to lift the restrictions still imposed on the bureau of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Washington to enhance American - Palestinian bilateral relations. Palestine-USA, Politics, 6/21/1999
• US ambassador in Cairo: Washington will increase efforts to forward Middle East peace process
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid and the U.S ambassador in Cairo, Daniel Kurtzer, discussed the current efforts to forward the peace process. Regional-USA, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Jordanian students expelled from Baghdad
  The Jordanian ambassador in Baghdad, Hammoud al-Qatarenah, announced on Sunday that the Iraqi authorities expelled some 55 Jordanian students who were studying in Iraqi universities after it was proven there were false documents in their papers submitted when they were enrolled in these universities. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 6/21/1999
• Eritrea: We have not occupied Ethiopian territories
  The Eritrean Foreign Ministry said that a letter from the Eritrean government to the Organization of African Unity's chairman asserted that Eritrea has not occupied Ethiopian territories. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 6/21/1999
• New Lebanese complaints filed against Israel
  Sources from the Lebanese delegation to the meetings of the April Understanding Monitoring Committee said the new complaint is over the firing of Israeli rockets on Sunday against the Lebanese town of Qibriha. The bombardment resulted in destroying one house while three civilians were wounded including a young girl under 10. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/21/1999

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