Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/5/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 5, 1999

• Mubarak to attend Organization of African Unity summit in Algeria Egypt, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Morocco boycotts the meeting of Africa summit in Algeria Morocco, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Mubarak, Barak's joint press conference
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has announced his determination to maintain a progress on the peace process simultaneously on all ME peace tracks, while the Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak said that Syria is serious in the ME peace and in resuming talks from the point they stopped at. Regional, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Tripartite committee on UAE islands meets in Riyadh Gulf-Iran, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Syrian - Israeli peace
  A London-based daily said on Friday that Western sources close to Washington expected the resumption of talks between Syria and Israel under the auspices of the US in Washington with the start of autumn. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Barak to meet with Arafat, King Abdullah
  Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Barak is to meet tomorrow with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at Erez crossing to discuss methods of pushing forward the peace process. Barak will also meet with Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein on Tuesday in the Jordanian city of Aqaba before the Israeli prime minister heads to the United States. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Gaddafi arrives in Algeria Libya-Algeria, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Mubarak and the Syrian track Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Saudi defense minister meets with Kuwaiti emir
  Prince Sultan said the region is witnessing drastic developments, adding, "We are part of the world which is awaiting great developments and we have in this region," to follow up the same trend regarding progress and technology. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Abu Mazen: Final status issues must be resolved before signing peace agreement with Israel Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Syrian - Jordanian agreement on Muslim Brotherhood Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Turkish troops withdraw from northern Iraq Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Iraq opposes projects submitted by the UN Security Council
  Iraq has reiterated on Friday its categorical rejection of all projects submitted to the UN Security Council aimed at monitoring Iraqi weapons. Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf said these projects were prepared without the knowledge of Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 7/10/1999
• France underlines particular nature of Moroccan king's visit to France
  The visit to France of King Hassan II of Morocco at a time France is hosting the year-long event on Morocco (Le Temps du Maroc) has a particular nature. Morocco-France, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Tunisian president receives Algerian envoy Tunisia-Algeria, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Emir of Bahrain heads for Switzerland, France Bahrain-France, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Mubarak - Arafat coordination
  The Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak received a phone call last night from the Palestinian president Arafat during which they discussed the latest development of peace process in light of the meeting between president Mubarak and the Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak yesterday. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/10/1999
• UN council promises to end anti-Libya sanctions as soon as possible
  The UN Security Council welcomed Libya's commitment to cooperate in the lockerbie investigation and promised to lift sanctions "as soon as possible." Libya, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Preparations for OAU summit Regional, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Strong security measures in Manama
  The police in Bahrain today preserved intensive presence around Shiite villages, despite the calm prevailing since the release of Shiite opposition figure Abdul Ameer al-Jamri. Bahrain, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Ethiopia's Prime minister arrives in Libya Libya-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Palestinian president calls King Hassan to carry on peace efforts
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat expressed the wish that King Hassan II of Morocco, will carry on efforts to unfreeze the middle east peace process. Palestine-Morocco, Politics, 7/10/1999
• On Barak's commitment to withdraw from south Lebanon
  The editor of the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, Shemon Schiffer, said the commitment made by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to the Knesset to withdraw from south Lebanon implies a long-term pledge providing for pulling out the Israeli army from Lebanon in the framework of an agreement. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/10/1999
• April Understanding committee to meet next Tuesday
  The April Understanding monitoring committee will meet next Tuesday at the headquarters of UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura, after Israel has announced that it is returning to the committee. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Iranian delegation in Algeria Algeria-Iran, Politics, 7/10/1999
• On the two British Lords visit to Libya
  Lord Ahmad Nazir, a member of the British House of Commons for the Labor Party said that the visit of a British economic delegation which included several members of the British House of Commons from the Labor and Conservative parties to Libya was fruitful and constructive for strengthening relations between the two countries. Libya-UK, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Sudan to return Egyptian properties, meets with opposition Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 7/10/1999
• International meeting for human rights organizations in Algeria Algeria-International, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Saddam accuses U.N of launching biological war against Iraq Iraq, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Zinni arrives in Qatar Qatar-USA, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Perspectives of referendum in the Sahara clearer, Sabonese FM says
  Perspectives of a projected UN referendum in the Sahara are becoming clearer, said here Thursday Jean Ping, Gabonese foreign minister and outgoing chairman of the ministerial council of the Organization of African Unity. Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Thirty Sudanese rebellions killed in the South
  The Sudanese army has killed some 30 rebellions from the people's army during confrontation of those rebellion an attack against Um al-Khaier town in Senar province, Southern east Khartoum. Sudan, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Mauritanian citizen arrested in Paris
  The French authorities last week arrested an officer from Mauritania, who was participating in a training course in France, on the charge of practising torture in his country. Mauritania-France, Politics, 7/10/1999
• Damascus: Peace will come in few months if negotiations start from stopping point
  The Washington-based US magazine Middle East Insight published on Thursday a long article by the US academic and writer Allon Bin Maeir on peace between Syria and Israel. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Bouteflika: Arab Maghreb problems will rapidly disappear
  President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has underlined that the close ties binding the Moroccan and Algerian peoples are "deeper" and "translate better the peoples' behavior than the momentary clouds." Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/9/1999
• King Hassan calls for revolution in religious teaching in Morocco
  King Hassan II called for a genuine revolution in religious teaching in Morocco and said that such an action has already been started. Morocco, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Morocco approves headquarters agreement with Jerusalem fund
  The agreement, approved during a Cabinet meeting, tackles all aspects of the agency's headquarters in Casablanca, as well as advantages and immunities granted to it. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Saudi defense minister arrives in Qatar
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz arrived in Qatar on Thursday in the framework of a Gulf tour, during which he will discuss relations between the Gulf states and Tehran. Saudi Arabia-Qatar, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Telephone conversation between Bin Ali and Bouteflika
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday held their first telephone conversation since President Bouteflika assumed power in Algeria in April. Tunisia-Algeria, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Gaddafi summons mini summit to settle Eritrea - Ethiopia dispute
  Libyan leader Col Moammar Gaddafi called for a meeting of members of the African mini-summit in charge of settling the border dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia to be held in Tripoli today or tomorrow. Libya-Africa, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Morocco and Libya ought to build up complementarity to develop trade
  Moroccan Economy and Finance Minister Fathallah Oualalou stressed on Wednesday the need for Morocco and Libya to build up on economic complementarity to upgrade trade exchange. Morocco-Libya, Politics, 7/9/1999
• King grants pardon to 1,807 convicts
  On the occasion of the Youth Day, which marks this year the 70th birthday of King Hassan II, the sovereign granted pardon measures to 1,807 convicts, including persons held in prison and others who are free. Morocco, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Emir of Bahrain pardons al-Jamri Bahrain, Politics, 7/9/1999
• AL regrets US Congress campaign against Sudan
  The general secretariat of the Arab League has expressed its regret over the hostile campaign launched by several US Congress members against Sudan, and attempts aimed at imposing a draft resolution to create "no-fly zone areas" in southern Sudan. Regional-Sudan-USA, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Aznar visits Syria in the frame of an Arab tour Regional-Spain, Politics, 7/9/1999
• US president hails Moroccan king's efforts for stability and democracy
  US president Bill Clinton hailed efforts made by King Hassan II that made of Morocco a model of stability in the region. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/9/1999
• President Saleh a candidate for the coming Yemeni Presidency
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Thursday agreed to be the candidate for the Yemeni General People's Conference party in the presidential elections to be held on September 28. Yemen, Politics, 7/9/1999
• King Abdullah praises Syria
  In its most recent issue, the Paris based al-Shaher magazine highlighted firm Syrian-Jordanian relations. The magazine's editorial was written by King Abdullah Bin Hussein of Jordan, who said, "We, in Jordan appreciate President al-Assad's role and sincere efforts as well as his wise and courageous leadership." Jordan-Syria, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Speaker of Tunisian parliament meets Basri in Rabat
  Speaker of the Tunisian chamber of representatives, Fouad Mebazza, who started on Wednesday a four-day official visit to Morocco, conferred in Rabat Thursday with Moroccan Minister of the Interior Driss Basri. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Algeria hosts 35th African summit
  On July 12 - 14, the 35th session summit of the Organization of African Unity will be held in Algiers at a time when the African continent is witnessing unprecedented acts of violence since the establishment of the organization in 1963, as a result of a series of bloody confrontations. Regional-Algeria-Africa, Politics, 7/9/1999
• King Hassan in France next week
  The king will be France's guest of honor at the traditional parade of July 14, marking France's National Day. Morocco-France, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Tripoli says no conditions set for restoring relations with London
  The Libyan people's general conference announced on Thursday that Tripoli did not commit itself to any conditions in order to restore relations with London. Libya-UK, Politics, 7/9/1999
• US allegations against UAE, Qatar and Taliban on support of bin Laden
  The United States is "working with the UAE to continue strengthening our counter-terrorism cooperation in many areas, including terrorist money laundering," US State Department deputy spokesman James Foley said. United Arab Emirates-Qatar-USA, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Calls for Turkish withdrawal from northern Iraq
  The Arab League has expressed its strong denunciation and condemnation of the new Turkish incursion into northern Iraq and called on Ankara to immediately withdraw its forces. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Report: Ministerial reshuffle in Morocco shortly
  Morocco's L'Economiste daily reported on Thursday that a reshuffle will be operated shortly in the Moroccan government, headed by Socialist leader, Abderrahmane Youssoufi. Morocco, Politics, 7/9/1999
• AL, UN sign two cooperation agreements
  The permanent legal committee of the Arab League council has approved at the conclusion of its works on Wednesday held at the headquarters of the AL two draft cooperation agreements between the AL and each of the UNHCR and the UNDP. Regional-UN, Politics, 7/9/1999
• U.N. envoy for Sahara confers with Moroccan foreign minister
  Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Mohamed Benaissa conferred in Rabat on Thursday, with William Eagleton, special representative of the United Nations secretary general for the Sahara. Morocco-UN, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Mubarak, Barak meet Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Spanish parties fail in attempt to overthrow Muslim mayor of Melillia
  Muslim mayor Mustapha Aberchan will maintain his position in the Moroccan northern city of Melilia, still under Spanish rule, despite attempts by Spanish political circles to overthrow him. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Prime minister chairs first government council after illness
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi chaired on Thursday the first government council after the surgery to the head he underwent last June 20. Morocco, Politics, 7/9/1999
• Syria reciprocates Barak's desire for peace Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Erekat asks for halt of settlements Palestine, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Kuwait authorizes women to join army
  Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah announced on Wednesday that Kuwaiti women would join the armed forces. Kuwait, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Speakers of Moroccan and Tunisian parliaments meet in Rabat
  Speaker of the Tunisian chamber of representatives, Fouad Mebazza, who started on Wednesday a four-day official visit to Morocco held separate meetings with the speakers of the two chambers of the Moroccan parliament, Abdelouahed Radi and Jalal Essaid. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Mubarak to receive Barak tomorrow
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is to receive Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak tomorrow in Cairo. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• King Hassan calls Morocco, Algeria to cultivate factors of unity
  King Hassan II called on Morocco and Algeria to cultivate what can unite them and appease what can divide them. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Lebanese premier comments on Barak's statements on peace
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has reiterated Lebanon's commitment to a just and comprehensive settlement that provides for liberating the land and restoring legitimate rights. He stressed his country's persistence toward resuming negotiations from the point at which they broke off, providing for Israel's withdrawal to the June 4, 1967 border lines. Lebanon, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Libya says UK decision to resume ties should speed up normal relations
  Libyan Ambassador Abuzed Omar Dorda said on Wednesday that Britain's decision to resume diplomatic relations with his country should speed up the lifting of sanctions. Libya-UK, Politics, 7/8/1999
• UN team heads to Baghdad to close chemical lab
  A team of international disarmament experts is to heading to Baghdad next week to close one of the laboratories affiliated to the United Nations in Iraq regarding, which it said it contains dangerous materials. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 7/8/1999
• President Mubarak hopes for Arab summit with the participation of Iraq Egypt, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Albright in Middle East at the end of current month Regional-USA, Politics, 7/8/1999
• King Hassan impressed and reassured by changes in Moroccan society
  King Hassan II said he was impressed and reassured by the changes that occurred in the Moroccan society over the past decade. Morocco, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Sheikh Yassin: Hopes on Barak have no foundation
  Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, founder of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement, said that "Arab hopes" placed on new Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to push forward the peace process "have no foundation." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Arab and vocational unions renew opposition to normalization
  The national front for the Arab syndic and vocational unions denounced convening Cairo peace conference organized by the Copenhagen group. Egypt, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Moussa statements on Copenhagen group
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has announced that his resfusal to take part in the Copenhagen Alliance conference goes back to timing that was not proper to convene such a conference. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Network to migrate youths to Israel discovered in Morocco Morocco-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• King Hassan calls for restoring trust in Mideast
  King Hassan II called for restoring, at any cost, a climate of trust in the Middle-East and renewed will to spare no effort to promote peace in the region. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Levy for building confidence between Israel and each of Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said on Wednesday that he is giving top priority to the issue of strengthening relations between Israel and each of Jordan, and Egypt as well as creating an atmosphere of confidence with the Palestinians. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/8/1999
• AL stresses European role in Middle East peace
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has underlined the British and European role in reviving the Middle East peace process and resuming negotiations from the point at which they broke off and the need to urge the government of Israel to implement the agreement signed with the Palestinians. Regional-UK, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Eritrea: No changes allowed to OAU framework
  The Eritrean Cabinet said yesterday that Eritrea is committed to peace, but that lasting peace would not be achievable if there are changes made to the framework of an Organization of African Unity peace proposal for Eritrea and Ethiopia. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Indonesian legislators against ties with Israel
  Indonesia should not establish diplomatic ties with Israel until Israel settles its conflict with Arab countries, including Palestine, an Indonesian legislator said in Jakarta Wednesday. Israel-Indonesia, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Iraqi tribe attacks ruling party headquarters
  A news bulletin issued by the Iraqi opposition Communist Party abroad said on Wednesday that the Albu Hassan tribe which lives in the suburbs of al-Rmeithah on the night of July 4 attacked the premises of the Iraqi Baath Party and killed or wounded most members of the armed party and security elements present at the premises. Iraq, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Iraqi foreign minister expected to attend Algerian summit
  African official sources said that Algeria directed an invitation to Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf to attend the meetings of the African foreign ministers tomorrow. Iraq-Algeria-Africa, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Jordanian PM discusses water issue with US expert
  Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh met on Wednesday in Amman with Wayne Owens, chairman of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation in the US the question of the water shortage in the region as a result of the lack of rainfall in this year. Jordan-USA, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Morocco, Croatia sign four agreements
  The agreements deal with air transport, a project to cancel the visa requirement for holders of diplomatic passports, sea transport and the consolidation of political consultation between the two countries' foreign ministries. Morocco-Croatia, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Bouteflika optimistic over French-Algerian relations
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said in a statement to Radio France Internationale that initiatives will be taken in the second half of July to strengthen French - Algerian relations. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Meetings of World Islamic Council held in Cairo
  The Arab League has called upon the new Israeli government to fully abide by basic requirements for a genuine Middle East peace based on implementing international legitimacy resolutions and the Madrid terms of reference, especially the land-for-peace formula. Regional, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Moroccan fishing professionals say departure of foreign fleet will generate $1.5 billion
  The departure of the entire foreign fleet from Moroccan territorial waters will create 100,000 new jobs and double foreign currency incomes to $1.5 billion, said Moroccan fishing professionals. Morocco, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Bouteflika excludes freeing chief of Islamic Salvation Front Algeria, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Italy to expel over 60 Moroccan illegal immigrants
  The Italian authorities will expel over 60 Moroccan illegal immigrants who entered on July 2 the European country hidden in containers, the Italian Interior Ministry said. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Washington and al-Assad's visit to Moscow Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Saudi defense minister arrives in Abu Dhabi Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 7/8/1999
• France calls for Turkish pullout from northern Iraq Iraq-Turkey-France, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Barak to meet with Demirel Israel-Turkey, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Kuwaiti crown prince to form new government Kuwait, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Emir of Kuwait receives a message from Chirac Kuwait-France, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Egyptian foreign minister confers with three ambassadors accredited in Cairo Egypt-International, Politics, 7/8/1999
• France for full Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon Lebanon-France, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Relations between UAE, Sudan on ambassadorial level United Arab Emirates-Sudan, Politics, 7/8/1999
• Algerian party assures its support for national unity government Algeria, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Moussa: Israel must build confidence in peace process
  The Egyptian Minister, meanwhile, praised as "positive and reasonable" statements by US President Clinton on the return of Palestinian refugees to the Palestinian-ruled territories. "This may be the only solution to the problem of refugees," he said. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Barak vows to achieve peace according to UN resolutions 242 and 338
  Barak said, "We know that comprehensive and stable peace can be established only if it rests, simultaneously, on four pillars: Egypt, Jordan, and Syria and Lebanon, in some sense as a single bloc, and of course the Palestinians. As long as peace is not grounded on all these four pillars, it will remain incomplete and unstable." Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Clinton, Barak to meet within days in Washington
  US President Bill Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak have agreed to meet within a few days in Washington. Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Peres meets Mubarak: We will not wait long to see the peace process resumed
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met yesterday with former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, who arrived in Cairo earlier in the day. Following his meeting with the Mubarak, Peres said he had discussed with President opportunities for resuming the Middle East peace process. Egypt-Israel-Croatia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• On the Syrian-Russian military cooperation Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Barak seeks peace with the Arabs
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said upon presenting his government to the Israeli Knesset on Tuesday, "Here, today, I call upon all the leaders of the region to extend their hands to meet our outstretched hand, and toward a 'peace of the brave.'" Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Gaddafi to visit Algeria tomorrow
  Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi is to heading tomorrow to Algeria for a three-day official visit to fulfill the invitation made by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Libya-Algeria, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Saudi minister of defense Prince Sultan on a Gulf tour
  Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz is starting an Arab tour that is to comprise the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Gulf-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Emir of Kuwait makes consultation to form new government Kuwait, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Mubarak meets Croatian Foreign Minister Egypt-Croatia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• On President al-Assad's visit to Moscow
  The British daily the Times reported on Tuesday that the visit of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to Moscow aimed at strengthening Syria's position before relaunching peace talks with Israel. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Syrian - Russian joint communique
  The two presidents expressed satisfaction over the march of bilateral relations of cooperation, stressing the importance of promoting them. They decided to expand economic and trade ties and intensify links in other domains. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Al-Assad concludes fruitful two-day visit to Moscow
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad arrived in Damascus on Tuesday night from Moscow, concluding an official visit to Russia made at the invitation of Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• UK upgrades relations with Libya
  UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook said today that the UK has secured agreements with Libya that allow the upgrading of Libyan - UK relations. "I am upgrading immediately the British Interests Section in Tripoli to Embassy status," in light of the agreements, Cook said. Libya-UK, Politics, 7/7/1999
• No Kuwaiti conditions for convening Arab summit Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 7/7/1999
• King Hassan to visit France Morocco, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Saudi Arabia releases four active Islamists
  A Saudi religious figure said on Tuesday in Riyadh that the Saudi authorities have released four active opposition Islamists who called for expelling US troops from Saudi Arabia and for carrying out reforms in the country. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Algeria observes celebration of independence anniversary
  Algeria on Monday celebrated its 37th independence anniversary from the French occupation which lasted for 132 years and cost the Algerian people the lives of two and a half million martyrs. Algeria, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Sudan accuses Uganda of mobilizing its forces on the joint borders
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael accused Uganda of mobilizing its forces on Sudan's borders and said that Uganda plans to attack Juba city in southern Sudan. Sudan-Uganda, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Yemeni prime minister: Our relations with Egypt are excellent
  Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani stated that Yemeni - Egyptian relations are excellent and that there was no dispute between the leaders in the two countries through the last 20 years. Yemen-Egypt, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Moussa convenes with European peace envoy
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa convened yesterday with Miguel Moratinos, the European Union's envoy for the peace process, who is currently visiting Cairo. Egypt, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Abdul Meguid meets with Croatian foreign minister
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid met with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mate Granic to discussed many issues of common concern Regional-Croatia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• A message from the Sudanese president to UAE counterpart
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Tuesday received a message from Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries and means of developing and strengthening them. Sudan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Conclusion of the International Alliance for Arab - Israeli Peace
  Statement issued by the steering committee of the International Alliance for Arab -Israeli Peace: Regional, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Demonstration at headquarters of international peace conference denounces normalization with Israel
  Some leaders of Egyptian intellectual movements and parties demonstrated yesterday before the site of a peace conference in Cairo to denounce normalization with Israel. Regional, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Speaker of Tunisian parliament in Rabat to strength legislators ties Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Croatian foreign minister in Morocco Morocco-Croatia, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Libya asks for lifting of sanctions Libya, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Iraq: UN official plants locusts eggs to destroy Iraqi crops
  The Iraqi Foreign Ministry has called on the UN to expel an employee of the UN in Iraq, accused by Baghdad of working to destroy the agricultural crops. The employee, identified by the United Nations secretary general's deputy spokesman as Ian Broughton, is from New Zealand. Iraq-UN, Politics, 7/7/1999
• On the Kurdish regional presence
  In the context of its report broadcast on Tuesday in its program "Politics between the question and the answer," the BBC highlighted the history of the Kurds. It said that the number of Kurds in Syria is estimated at one million out of the country's total population of 15 million. Regional, Politics, 7/7/1999
• US congressional staffers visit southern provinces Morocco, Politics, 7/7/1999
• Bouteflika directs a message to the Algerian people Algeria, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Al-Assad to hold official talks with Yeltsin today
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad arrived in Moscow on Monday for a two-day official visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Boris Yeltsin. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Barak's new government
  The real test facing the new prime minister of Israel, Ehud Barak, is his commitment to the Wye Agreement, including the implementation of the pending two phases of the Israeli troop withdrawal from the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/6/1999
• King of Morocco renews resolve to establish exemplary relations with Algeria
  King Hassan II of Morocco renewed resolve to establish exemplary relations between Morocco and Algeria, given the two neighboring countries' shared destiny and their role in the construction of the Arab Maghreb Union. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Algerian prime minister presents civil reconciliation draft to parliament
  Algerian Prime Minister Ismail Hamdani presented to the national public council the draft law for civil reconciliation, which will determine the destiny of the Islamists who threw down their weapons. Algeria, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Algeria supports Egypt's bid to join Maghreban union; 10 fold trade increase
  the two states wish to increase at least by 10 fold the volume of trade exchanges, presently standing at one million dollars. Algeria-Egypt, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Syrian - Lebanese joint decision on the Palestinians Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 7/6/1999
• King Fahd calls for resuming peace negotiations
  Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz emphasized the importance of resuming peace negotiations in Middle East on all tracks and he urged the other Gulf states to improve their relations with Iran. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• UAE pleased over GCC stand
  The United Arab Emirates' news agency on Monday quoted UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan as saying that the UAE "appreciates the unwavering stand taken by her sisters in the GCC, released by their meeting in Jeddah, in which they voiced solidarity with Abu Dhabi to restore full supremacy on its three islands." United Arab Emirates-Gulf, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Iraqi deputy premier in Moscow Iraq-Russia, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Message from President Mubarak to Gaddafi
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi received a message yesterday from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in which Mubarak informed Gaddafi of the results of his visits to the US and France. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Libyan-Moroccan talks on upcoming joint commission
  Secretary general of the Libyan People's Committee of trade and mining, Meftah Ali Azzouza, met in Rabat on Monday with Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa and minister of the government's general affairs, Ahmed Lahlimi. Morocco-Libya, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Turabi sends envoy to meet with Sudanese opposition in Cairo
  Kamal Tayeb Idris, the envoy of the chairman of the Sudanese National Council, Hassan Turbai, has been holding talks since Saturday in Cairo with leaders of Sudanese opposition groups to settle the conflicts which have led to divisions in the country. Sudan, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Report: Israel pays $ 40 million for some 4,000 Falasha Jews
  The Paris based al-Muharrir News weekly said in its recent issue that Israel has bought some 4,000 Falasha Jews at a cost of US $40 million from Ethiopia and that those Jews are to be taken in two stages to Israel in accordance with a secret agreement between the two sides. Israel-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Russian sources and al-Assad's visit to Moscow
  Russian diplomatic sources in Damascus said that the Middle East peace process and the military cooperation will be among the most important issues President al-Assad is carrying to Moscow to discuss with his Russian counterpart, Boris Yeltsin. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Iraqi paper criticizes the Gulf states
  The Iraqi daily al-Thawra has criticized the Gulf states for calling on Baghdad to cooperate with the UN in the statement which was released by the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Iraq, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Faisal Al-Husseini: Big mistake if Israel tries obstructing the Palestinian track
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday with Fiasal El-Husseini, the official in charge of the Jerusalem file in the Palestinian National Authority. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Egypt, Arab League call for Israel's withdrawal from Arab lands
  Egyptian presidential political advisor Osama El-Baz has urged Israel to withdraw from the occupied Arab territories. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Cairo peace conference
  In the meeting today, the conference started with the addressed delivered by Khalil, in which he hailed peace and presented former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, who said that peace was obstructed in former Israeli Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netenyahu's era and that the Israeli people showed in the last election that their choice is peace. Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Anti-Copenhagen conference in Cairo
  High-ranking Egyptian writers, intellectuals, leaders of political parties, artists and pressmen gathered on Monday morning at the Shepherd hotel in Cairo for a conference during which they expressed their opposition to normalizing relations with Israel. Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Arab committee condemns Copenhagen group conference
  The Arab committee in charge of resisting surrender and normalization with Israel in the Middle East has expressed its strong condemnation of the activities of the Copenhagen group which convened on Monday its international conference in Cairo "in order to strengthen its surrender position in normalizing relations with Israel," SANA said. Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Arab businesswomen's conference opens in Morocco
  According to the head of the Egyptian delegation to the conference, Yamna Ach-Charidi, the Egyptian and Moroccan businesswomen associations will sign a cooperation agreement to exchange expertise and create joint projects Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Sahrawi notables renew right of all Sahrawis to participate in referendum
  Several Shioukh (heads) of Sahrawi tribes, elected representatives and delegates of women's associations have stressed on Sunday the right of all the people of sahrawi descent to participate in all the phases of the referendum that the U.N is projecting to hold in the Sahara in July 2000. Morocco, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Islamic organization calls international libraries association to abstain from holding conference in Jerusalem
  The Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) asked the International Federation of Library Associations to cancel a project to hold its general conference in Jerusalem. Regional, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Trial of Sheikh al-Jamri to resume in Bahrain
  The trail of prominent Shiite leader Sheikh Abdul Hamid al-Jamri resumed today. Al-Jamri has been detained by the Bahraini authorities for three years. Bahrain, Politics, 7/6/1999
• On Israel's withdrawal from the Golan
  The chairman of Israel's Arab Democratic Darty Abdul Wahab Darawshe, who is also a former member of the Israeli Knesset, has expressed his conviction that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will carry out the Israeli withdrawal from the Lebanese territories within one year from the presentation of his government to the Knesset. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Lebanese Parliament speaker confers with US ambassador
  Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri received the US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield, on Monday in Beirut. Talks dealt with local and regional developments. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Iran calls for releasing its diplomats kidnapped by Israel in 1982 Iran-Israel, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Mubarak - Arafat meet in Cairo Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/6/1999
• US Congress staffers meet members of Moroccan human rights council
  A delegation of staffers from the US congress, currently visiting Morocco, held in Rabat Monday a work session with members of the Moroccan Human Rights Advisory Council (CCDH). Morocco, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Iraq confirms readiness to deal with any international draft for lifting sanctions Iraq, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Emir of Qatar appoints new minister of state Qatar, Politics, 7/6/1999
• British house of commons delegation arrives in Tripoli Libya-UK, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Some 30 detained gunmen released in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 7/6/1999
• Sudan to take part in African summit Sudan-OAU, Politics, 7/6/1999
• King Abdullah of Jordan hails Moroccan king's efforts to cement Arab ranks
  King Abdullah Bin Hussein of Jordan who paid a work visit to Morocco over the weekend hailed the efforts made by Morocco's King Hassan II to cement Arab ranks, foster Arab solidarity and promote economic complementarity and extended the sovereign an invitation to visit Jordan. Morocco-Jordan, Politics, 7/5/1999
• King Abdullah of Jordan visits Morocco, confers with King Hassan II
  King Abdullah Bin Hussein of Jordan who paid a working visit to Morocco over the weekend conferred with King Hassan II on restoring Arab solidarity and on the Middle East peace process. Jordan-Morocco, Politics, 7/5/1999
• GCC backs the UAE over islands issue
  The Gulf Cooperation Council has pledged full backing to the United Arab Emirates in its conflict with Iran over three islands in the Gulf. It called for responding to the calls for achieving a peaceful solution. Gulf-Iran, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Salah not to run for reelection
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh told members of Yemen's ruling People's General Congress yesterday that he did not plan to run for reelection. Yemen, Politics, 7/5/1999
• King Abdullah holds talks in Khartoum Sudan-Jordan, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Kuwaiti government resigns
  The Kuwaiti government chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah on Sunday submitted its resignation to the ruler of the country, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah Kuwait, Politics, 7/5/1999
• On the results of the Kuwaiti elections
  Election results published on Sunday in Kuwait by Kuwaiti dailies indicated that the Kuwaiti opposition scored great success against pro-government candidates in the parliamentary elections carried out on Saturday. Kuwait, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Bouteflika pardons thousands of prisoners
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has pardoned thousands of extremist prisoners who did not commit crimes of killing and terrorism. Algeria, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Morocco renews readiness to contribute to a fair settlement in Mideast
  King Hassan II has renewed Morocco's readiness to contribute to a fair and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/5/1999
• 13 percent unemployment average in Morocco Morocco, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Palestinian denouncement of Barak's criticism for US president's statements regarding refugees Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 7/5/1999
• On President al-Assad's visit to Moscow
  Official Syrian sources told the Lebanese daily al-Nahar that President Hafez al-Assad's talks with the Russian President Boris Yeltsin in Moscow, in which the Syrian president is to arrive today, will not deal with the question of the delayed Syrian debts to Russia, stressing the economic and strategic dimensions of al-Assad's visit to Moscow. Syria-Russia, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Bahrain postpones al-Jamri trial
  The Bahraini state security court on Sunday postponed the trial of Sheikh Abdul Ameer al-Jamri, the Shiite Bahraini man of religion who is accused of making contacts with foreign states, monitoring an illegal organization, encouraging acts of protest as well as disseminating false news. Bahrain, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Six Egyptian governmental companies to be raised for sale
  The Egyptian privatization committee under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri decided to raise shares of six governmental companies for sale during coming month. Egypt, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Iranian president receives message from Gaddafi
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday received a special envoy from Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi. The envoy, Saad Mujbir, gave the Iranian president a message implying appreciation for efforts made by President Khatami to strengthen and foster relations among the Islamic states. Libya-Iran, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Officials from Moroccan Interior Ministry on study mission in USA
  A delegation of top officials from the Moroccan Interior Ministry is undertaking this July 3-18 a study mission in the USA, sponsored by the US Agency for International Development. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Syrian - Egyptian summit in preparation for a pan-Arab summit
  A London-based daily has quoted Egyptian diplomatic sources as saying that the forthcoming Egyptian - Syrian summit will discuss preparations for the pan-Arab summit, reconciliation between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and maintaining coordination among Arab states concerned with the Middle East peace process. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Discussions between Egypt and Croatia Egypt-Croatia, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Moroccan and Cote D'Ivoire foreign ministers meet in Rabat
  The foreign ministers of Morocco and Cote D'Ivoire, Mohamed Benaissa and Amara Essy, held talks on Monday, covering "issues of common interest," reports a statement of the Moroccan foreign department. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Written message from Bouteflika to Mubarak Algeria-Egypt, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Moroccan interior minister issues instructions for stringent control of illegal emigration
  Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri called in a note to local authorities for increased mobilization to fight clandestine emigration and dismantle webs organizing "this new form of delinquency." Morocco, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Bahjat Suleiman replaced Muhammad Nasif Syria, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Eritrea welcomes Libya's efforts to settle border conflict with Ethiopia
  Eritrea on Sunday welcomed the efforts made by Libya to end the border conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Eritrea-Libya, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Ethiopia welcomes Libyan mediation to halt conflict with Eritrea
  The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry on Sunday welcomed efforts exerted by Libya and other friendly countries in order to reach a crease-fire in the horn of Africa. But the Ethiopian ministry also stressed the importance of Eritrea's withdrawal as called for by the plan of the Organization of African Unity. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 7/5/1999
• Chirac for boosting relations with Algeria Algeria-France, Politics, 7/5/1999

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