Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/19/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 19, 1999
- Morocco pays final respects to late king Morocco, Politics, 7/25/1999
- Koutla Parties Underline Mobilization Behind King Mohammed
The four Moroccan parties forming the "Koutla" (Arabic word for bloc/former opposition parties) have voiced mobilization behind King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan to consolidate the gains achieved by Morocco under the reign of the late king Hassan II and to accomplish more achievements. Morocco, Politics, 7/25/1999 - New king able to consolidate democracy in Morocco Morocco, Politics, 7/25/1999
- Oath of allegiance to King Mohammed Ibn Al-Hassan
A few hours after the demise of his father, the late King Hassan II, on Friday afternoon, H.M King Mohammed Ibn Al-Hassan was enthroned as Morocco's new king at an allegiance oath ceremony at the Royal Palace of Rabat. Morocco, Politics, 7/24/1999 - World leaders expected in Morocco sunday for funerals of late King Hassan II Morocco, Politics, 7/24/1999
- Algerian president voices affliction over King Hassan II demise Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/24/1999
- Biography of Morocco's King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan Morocco, Politics, 7/24/1999
- Libyan proposal for a united Arab airspace
Tripoli has asked to include a new topic under the title "Considering the Arab airspace as a united Arab one" in the agenda of the 112th session of the Arab League council, due to be held on September 4 and 5. An official at the AL general secretariat said the AL has enrolled this topic under joint Arab work issues. Regional-Libya, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Mubarak stresses need to achieve a just peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak of has asserted the need to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region that provides for the restoration of all occupied Arab lands in the Golan, South Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Egyptian FM receives a message from his Iranian counterpart Egypt-Iran, Politics, 7/23/1999
- Aznar conveys message from President al-Assad to Barak
Israeli sources stated that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad has sent a message to Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak through the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar in which President al-Assad replied to the "red lines" proposed by Barak to US President Bill Clinton concerning negotiations with Syria. Syria-Israel-Spain, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Palestinian forces refute campaigns against Syria
The central command of the Alliance of the Palestinian Forces has asserted its committment and adherence to its national principles and continued struggle to complete the Palestinian national project. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Pardon covers Iraqis who received asylum abroad
An official at the Iraqi Foreign Ministry has announced that the pardon recently released by the Iraqi authorities for Iraqis who left Iraq also covers those who received the right of asylum in foreign countries. Iraq, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Tunisian opposition enters presidential elections Tunisia, Politics, 7/23/1999
- Damascus: Political prisoners to be released soon
High-ranking Syrian sources told a London-based daily that the next few days will witness the release of several political prisoners in Syria, according to the pardon released by President al-Assad last week. Syria, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Morocco hails positive evolution of ties with Algeria
"We note with satisfaction the new positive climate between Morocco and Algeria and we hail this evolution," spokesman of the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua, told the press Thursday after the weekly meeting of the Cabinet council, held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Interior minister urges Sahrawis rejected from referendum identification to lodge appeals
Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri on Wednesday urged Sahrawis whose applications to register for the referendum in the Sahara were arbitrarily turned down by the United Nations Identification Commission to introduce appeals in this respect. Morocco, Politics, 7/23/1999 - US envoy for mediation between Eritrea, Ethiopia
The UN Security Council on Wednesday night welcomed the preliminary positive signals issued by Eritrea and Ethiopia toward proposals advocated by the Organization of the African Unity, which calls for ending the war between the two countries. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Aznar calls in Gaza for implementing Wye River agreement
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar has voiced support for the positoin advocated by Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in that Israel should honor its obligations in making progress in the Middle East peace process. Palestine-Spain, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Palestinian official denies Syrian pressure to halt armed struggle
Maher al-Taher, a member of the political bureau of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine, has denied in a statement to the BBC that Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam asked the Palestinian opposition groups based in Damascus to give up armed struggle. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/23/1999 - 11 percent of jobs in Morocco are provided by tourism
Moroccan Tourism Minister Hassan Sebbar called the new graduates to set up their own enterprises in order to create jobs for others, and announced that new courses of hotel and tourism business management will be taught in the school. Morocco, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Sahrawi shioukh, observers call for vigilance to foil enemy maneuvers
Sahrawi shioukh and observers participating in the identification operation on Wednesday renewed mobilization around King Hassan II and called for more vigilance to foil the maneuvers of the enemies of Morocco's territorial integrity. Morocco, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Morocco-EU fisheries accord will not be renewed, minister
The Morocco-European Union fisheries accord will not be renewed when it expires next november 30 and Spanish fishing boats will no longer have the possibility to operate directly in Moroccan grounds after this date, said spokesman of the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Yemeni president accused of avoiding competition in presidential elections
The secretary general of the Yemeni Socialist Party, Ali Saleh Abbad, accused Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Thursday of not wanting a rival in the presidential elections to be held on September 23. Yemen, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Some eight Islamists killed in Algeria
The Algerian dailies issued in Algiers on Thursday said Algerian security forces killed some eight armed gunmen on Tuesday night in the provinces of Mascara and Ain Defla in the western parts of the country and Tizi Ouzou in the al-Qabayel (tribes) district. Algeria, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Syrian-Jordanian preparatory committees meet in Amman Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/23/1999
- UNSCOM poisons in Iraq to be destroyed on Sunday
The UN secretary general's special representative in Iraq, Prakash Shah, has announced that the destruction of poisons left behind by UNSCOM inspectors in Baghdad will be made next Sunday. Iraq-UN, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Yemeni president winds up Maghreb tour
President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen left Rabat on Thursday, winding up a Maghreban tour that also took him to Libya, Algeria and Morocco. Morocco-Yemen, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Some 8,000 Iraqis died in June because of the embargo
Iraq announced on Thursday that some 8,000 citizens including 5,410 children died during June due to the UN embargo which has been imposed on the country since 1990. Iraq-UN, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Greece accuses Ankara of creating tension
The European parliamentarians in Strasbourg on Thursday expressed their fears of destabilization in Europe if the Turkish authorities execute the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, and called on Ankara to immediately give up this decision. Turkey-Greece, Politics, 7/23/1999 - US remains committed to sanctions against Libya Libya-USA, Politics, 7/23/1999
- Morocco, Andorra sign convention of assistance to prisoners and transfer of convicts
Morocco and the principality of Andorra signed in Rabat on Thursday a convention on assistance to prisoners and the transfer of convicts to serve their sentences in their home country. Morocco-Andorra, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Spanish political parties, NGOs hold anti-racist rally after events against Moroccans
A group of Spanish non-governmental organizations in Terrassa, suburbs of the Spanish northern city of Barcelona, will hold on Tuesday an anti-racism rally after last week's xenophobe events against Moroccans in which a Moroccan 26-year-old man was injured. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/23/1999 - Victims of road accidents down 16% past weeks
The victims of road accidents were 16% lower between June 17 and July 1 than those recorded in the same period of last year. Morocco, Politics, 7/23/1999 - King Hassan meets Yemeni president
King Hassan II, accompanied by Crown Prince Sidi Mohamed and Prince Moulay Rachid, received Wednesday evening at the royal place of Skhirat (40 km south of Rabat) visiting Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Morocco-Yemen, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Kuwait ready to join an Arab summit Kuwait, Politics, 7/22/1999
- Visits expected between Algerian president, Moroccan monarch at end of July
Algerian official sources stated yesterday that there would be a summit soon between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Morocco's King Hassan II at the end of this month in a border city in western Algeria. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Saleh, Bouteflika call for comprehensive Arab summit
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his Yemeni counterpart, Ali Abdullah Saleh have called for convening a comprehensive Arab summit, referring to the importance of Iraq's attendance to achieve the reconciliation and unity of the Arab people. Algeria-Yemen, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Mubarak confident in peace Egypt, Politics, 7/22/1999
- Tunisian president confers with South African counterpart
A Tunisian official source reported on Wednesday that Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali on Wednesday met in Tunis with South African President Thabo Mbeki, currently on a private visit to Tunisia. Tunisia-South Africa, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Sudan, Kuwait to complete restoration of diplomatic relations
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael will arrive in Kuwait on Monday for a visit, during which he will complete the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kuwait-Sudan, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Jordanian released in Syria return back to Amman
The Jordanian paper al-Aswaq quoted Jordanian Parliament member Muhammad al-Azeyadah, who is also the chairman of the freedoms committee at the Jordanian Parliament, as saying that the Syrian authorities have released six Jordanian detainees who arrived in Amman on Tuesday via land, in the course of a general pardon released by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Damascus speaks about resuming peace negotiations with Israel soon
The official Syrian radio broadcast yesterday that negotiations with Israel could be resumed within weeks. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/22/1999 - G-15 summit in Cairo next March
Cairo is going to host the summit of the Group of 15 developing nations (G-15) in coming March, which is to last for eight days. Egypt-International, Politics, 7/22/1999 - AL council to include UN decision 181 on September 4 - 5
A source at the Arab League said on Wednesday that the 112th session of the AL will be held on September 4 and 5 instead of September 8 and 9. Regional, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Abdul Meguid due in Qatar on Monday
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid is due to visit the Qatari capitalm Doha on July 26, at the invitation of Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem al-Thani. Qatar-Regional, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Moroccan diplomat awarded Colombian prestigious distinction Morocco-Colombia, Politics, 7/22/1999
- Arafat to meet opposition group leader George Habash in Cairo
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is due meet with George Habash, the secretary general of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine, in August. They are to discuss the re-establishment to the organization's corporations on the basis of democracy. Palestine, Politics, 7/22/1999 - El-Baz: Egypt supports Sudanese unity
Egyptian presidential political advisor Osama El-Baz yesterday underlined Egypt's desire to maintain the territorial integrity of Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Iranian FM conveys a message to Saudi crown prince
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi met on Wednesday with the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in al-Taif. The meeting was attended by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal, Saudi officials concerned and the Iranian ambassador in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Syrian - Jordanian committees meet today in Amman
The preparatory committees of the Jordanian- Syrian higher committee have continued to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in implementation of the directives set by President al-Assad and Jordan's King Abdullah II. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Emir of Bahrain concludes visit to Syria
The Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al- Khaleifa left Damascus on Wednesday following a two-day official visit to Damascus. He was seen off at the airport by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and high-ranking Syrian officials. Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Moroccan official party visits UN identification center in Laayoune
A Moroccan ministerial delegation visited on Wednesday A UN identification center in Laayoune (major city of Moroccan southern provinces) to enquire about the unfolding of the appeals procedure lodged by persons who were excluded from the lists of voters to the UN-projected referendum. Morocco, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Yemen renews backing to Morocco's territorial integrity
The speaker of the Yemeni Parliament, Abdelaziz Abdelghani, renewed Wednesday his country's full backing for Morocco's territorial integrity. Morocco-Yemen, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Spanish prime minister visits Israel
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, coming from Gaza, arrived in Israel today. He has met with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and discussed means of activating the European role in the region. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/22/1999 - On the fate of the Palestinian refugees
A Kuwaiti daily quoted sources from the Palestinian alliance which opposes Yasser Arafat's Palestinian Authority in Sidon as saying on Tuesday that the fate of the Palestinian refugees constitutes the main issue for the coming tour of Jordan's King Abdullah, which will include Lebanon. Palestine, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Palestinian minister of housing in the Emirates
United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan received yesterday the Palestinian minister of housing, who is currently visiting the UAE. United Arab Emirates-Palestine, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Spanish prime minister meets with Lebanese president, senior officials
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud met on Wednesday in Beirut with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and members of his accompanying delegation. Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss also attended the meeting. Lebanon-Spain, Politics, 7/22/1999 - British governmental delegation to Cairo --- on Sunday
The visit of British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffery Hoon to Egypt next week aims at convening condensed meetings with British companies working in Egypt, to develop and boost trade relations between the two countries and solve the problems facing these joint problems. Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Blair: Britain will play a constructive role in the Middle East peace process
British Prime Minister Tony Blair asserted yesterday in London that Britain will play a constructive role in the Middle East peace process and will provide necessary support and backing to achieve durable peace in the region. Israel-UK, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Report: Intensive Arab contacts expected for reviving call for Arab summit
A Kuwaiti daily said on Wednesday that Syrian sources expected contacts to be intensified among the Arab capitals in the coming days in order to revive the call for convening an Arab summit. Regional-Syria, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Yemeni parliament ratifies Saleh's nomination for presidency
The Yemeni Parliament on Wednesday ratified the nomination of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh for the presidential elections. The parliament, on the other hand, refused to nominate the opposition's main candidate, Ali Saleh Abbad, who is the secretary general of the Yemeni Socialist Party. Yemen, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Gas, electricity cooperation between Israel, Egypt and Jordan
The director general of the Israeli electricity company, Rafi Beild, has expressed his opposition to setting up an electricity generation station in Jordan, using natural gas transported from Egypt and providing electricity to Israel. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Amnesty International discloses Israeli atrocities against detainees
Amnesty International called yesterday to pressure Israel to ease the suffering of the Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons and release them. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/22/1999 - Greek-Turkish talks to alleviate tension
Greek Foreign Minister Yeoryios Papandreou has announced that his country and Turkey will work to find common ground between them during talks expected to be held by the two countries' officials next week. Turkey-Greece, Politics, 7/22/1999 - European involvement in reviving Middle East peace Regional-European Union, Politics, 7/22/1999
- PKK's second man arrested Turkey-Regional, Politics, 7/22/1999
- Syrian official source denies pressures on Palestinian groups Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/22/1999
- Mubarak gets a message from King Abdullah Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 7/22/1999
- King Hassan receives presidents of Gabon and Congo Morocco, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Al-Assad, emir of Bahrain hold talks in Damascus
Sheikh Hamad arrived in Damascus on Tuesday on an official visit to the country. Talks dealt with situations in the region and the Arab arena, developments concerning efforts exerted to relaunch the Middle East peace process, bilateral relations and the joint desire to develop these relations. Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Algerian, Yemeni presidents: Exclusion and marginalization will not serve the Arab states
President Bouteflika said Algiers and Sanaa are endeavoring to achieve Arab reconciliation without exclusion nor marginalization. He acknowledged that such an endeavor is no easy task. Algeria-Yemen, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Arafat refuses U.S. - Israeli proposals
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat refused the U.S - Israeli proposals regarding a timetable of 15 months to achieve peace with the Arabs, calling for the immediate application of the signed agreements between the two sides. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/21/1999 - A message from Mubarak to Qatari emir Egypt-Qatar, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Yemeni - Algerian meetings
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh held a meeting last night in the Algerian capital, during which they tackled cooperation between the two countries, international and Arab relations and issues of joint interest. Algeria-Yemen, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Gaddafi confers with Saleh Libya-Yemen, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Moussa: Egypt has doubts over Israeli intentions toward Wye
Egypt is in doubt of Israel's committment to the Wye River accord, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said yesterday. Egypt, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Kharazi in Saudi Arabia to discuss islands issue
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi starts a visit to Saudi Arabia today, described by diplomatic sources in Riyadh as "important." Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Spanish Premier arrives in Beirut Lebanon-Spain, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Report: Settlement lines on the Syrian - Israeli track Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Mubarak and Demirel to meet on Monday
Turkish President Suleyman Demirel is to start an official visit to Egypt on Monday that last for two days, during which he will hold discussions with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Alexandria that tackle Turkish - Egyptian bilateral relations. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Some 25,000 people celebrate Morocco's success after publishing of MINURSO's provisional lists
Some 25,000 people celebrated on Tuesday the success won by Morocco following the publishing last week by the MINURSO of the provisional lists of persons entitled to vote in the self-determination referendum the United Nations plans to hold in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Al-Hoss outlines demands of teachers in Cabinet agenda Lebanon, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Al-Kabariti to visit Cairo today Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Jordan, Spain for reviving Middle East peace
King Abdullah Bin Hussein of Jordan on Tuesday expressed his conviction that Spain is able to support and help activate the Middle East peace process because of its good relations with all parties concerned. Jordan-Spain, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Moussa to confer with British FM
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is to hold important talks on Monday with British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffery Hoon, who is to arrive in Cairo on Sunday in his first visit to Egypt which will last for two days, and during which he will be received by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Arafat meeting with Habash and Hawatmah anticipated Palestine, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Palestinian alliance forces meet in Damascus
Leaders of the Palestinian forces alliance met in Damascus on Tuesday to discuss a political paper pertaining to "crystallizing a new strategy" in light of the "political developments and its requirements which will target the Palestinian and Arab situations." Syria, Politics, 7/21/1999 - New executions in Iraq
The Iraqi opposition Communist Party has asserted that some 58 Iraqis who are accused of treason were hanged on April 13 in Abu Gharib prison near Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Iraqi opposition to convene meeting in the Iraqi territories
The Iraqi National Conference on Tuesday announced that the Iraqi opposition is seeking to convene its conference next September in the Iraqi territories. Iraq, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Garang to visit Cairo soon
Colonel John Garang, leader of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, is due to visit Cairo soon to take part in the meetings of Sudanese opposition officials with Egyptian officials. Sudan, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Palestinian opposition official denies Syrian pressure Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Foreign plan to invade southern Sudan, Sudanese sources Sudan, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Sudan warns against rebellions
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has warned against statements made by the chairman of a rebel movement in southern Sudan, John Garang, saying these statement are signals in preparation for an attack by Garang's movement against the Sudanese forces. Sudan, Politics, 7/21/1999 - France criticizes US raids against Iraq Iraq-France, Politics, 7/21/1999
- Libyan - Tanzanian joint committee to be established Libya-Tanzania, Politics, 7/21/1999
- US embassy in Mozambique and Bin Laden
The US embassy in Mozambique said on Tuesday that the existence of elements affiliated to Osama Bin Laden in Maputo was behind the temporary closure of the embassy. Regional-USA, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Demanding saving the life of an Egyptian fundamentalist prisoner
The Islamic Informational Observatory in London urged the organizations and fronts concerned with human rights to intervene to save a prisoner serving a prison sentence for assassinating Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat. Egypt, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Spanish political parties, NGOs decry xenophobe events
Several Spanish political parties, pro-immigrant associations and NGOs have denounced the recent xenophobe events in Terrassa, near Barcelona, last week describing them as "extremely serious." Morocco, Politics, 7/21/1999 - Arafat and Mubarak assert need for swift Wye implementation Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 7/20/1999
- King Fahd receives Spanish king Saudi Arabia-Spain, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Yemeni president arrives in Tripoli
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Monday in Tripoli discussed with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh the latest developments concerning Arab and international conditions. Yemen-Libya, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Palestinian opposition groups deny Syrian request to halt armed struggle
The Palestinian groups in Damascus had denied reports by the Israeli dailies and quoted by news agencies about the request made by Damascus to leaders of these groups to stop armed struggle. Syria-Syria, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Aznar conveys an invitation to al-Assad from King Juan Carlos to visit Spain
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Monday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar and members of his accompanying delegation. Syria-Spain, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Proposal failed to settle humanitarian issues between Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo stated that the mechanism assigned to the council of the Arab League, which the AL Secretary General was assigned to set up to settle humanitarian matters between Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia did not proceed one step forward, due to the insistence of each side on their own individual position. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Palestine reject Barak's statements on Palestinian refugees not returning
The Palestinian National Authority said it opposes statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak yesterday in Washington, in which he excluded the probability of the Palestinian refugees' return to their homes and his call for settling them in the Arab states. Palestine, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Barak: Israel will honor its signed commitments, focus on the future
The joint press confernce yesterday between Israeli Prime Minster Ehud Barak and US President Bill Clinton stressed determination to advance the Middle East peace process on all tracks. Israel-USA, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Clinton - Barak full joint statement on the peace issue
Following is the full text of the joint statement released by the US yesterday by US President Bill Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak: Israel-Regional-USA, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Spanish premier arrives in Amman Jordan-Spain, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Islamic Salvation Front cautiously replies to Bouteflika's proposals regarding reorganization
The prohibited Algerian Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) cautiously replied to the proposals made by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika that would allow it to reorganize its lines as a political party on the condition that it choose a new leadership. Algeria, Politics, 7/20/1999 - On the issue of Syrian - Jordanian relations
A Jordanian weekly said that the issue of Jordanian- Syrian relations has been assumed by the chairman of the Jordanian royal court Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti due to his closeness from King Abdullah II and his enthusiasm to build firm relations. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Iranian FM in Saudi Arabia tomorrow Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Iraq, Yugoslavia for good, developed relations
Yugoslavia's ambassador in Baghdad has asserted that his country's relations with Iraq are very good and developed and are at the present in their golden age. Iraq-Yugoslavia, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Report: Palestinian front's bureau meets in Amman
A Jordanian weekly said on Monday that the political bureau of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine was due to meet in Amman on Monday under the chairmanship of the front's secretary general, George Habash, after several members of the bureau arrived in Amman from Damascus and Gaza. Palestine, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Moroccan government very worried by racist wave in Spain
Morocco expressed on Monday "worries over the unfortunate events" that targeted last week the Moroccan community living in the Spanish town of Terrassa (Barcelona suburbs). Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Diplomatic movement by Sudanese opposition in Europe during August
Mohammed El-Moetasem Hakem, chairman of the foreign relations committee in the Sudanese opposition Democratic Unionist Party said the leaders of the Democratic National Alliance, which represents several Sudanese opposition parties, will carry out an intensive diplomatic movement in Europe during August to face the initiative made by the Sudanese government in some European countries. Sudan-France, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Nine Arab states call for postponing FMs meeting Regional, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Azerbaijani ambassador denies handing Islamic fundamentalists to Egypt Egypt-Azerbaijan, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Emir of Bahrain arrives in Damascus today Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Sudanese government will go to meeting in Kenya
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has announced that his government will go to the peace talks in Kenya with an open heart and mind in order to end the state of war in southern Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 7/20/1999 - US making adjustments, but Libya sanctions to remain Libya, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Lebanese president for unity of track with Syria, right of resistance
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has asserted that Lebanon is seeking to establish a just and comprehensive peace in line with the unity of track and destiny with Syria. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Joint committee meets to follow up Arab anti-terrorism agreement
The joint ministerial committee assigned to follow up the implementation of the Arab anti-terrorism agreement will hold its first meeting in the Saudi port-city of Jeddah on August 1, a statement by the general secretariat of the Arab interior ministers council said on Monday. Regional, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Jordanian information minister denies talks about confederation with Palestine
Jordanian Information Minister Nasser Lawzi has denied that Jordan and the Palestinian Authority had talks about any future unionist formula between themselves. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 7/20/1999 - British demonstrators, a message to the Emir of Qatar
Demonstrators in Britain on July 16 called on the Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani to release Sheikh Abdul Rahman al-Nueimi, who has been detained in Qatar for more than one year. Qatar-UK, Politics, 7/20/1999 - Acts of violence continue in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 7/20/1999
- Bouteflika promises to allow Islamic Salvation Front to form political party
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika promised to allowing the prohibited Algerian Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) to reorganize as a political party on the condition that a new leadership is chosen for it. Algeria, Politics, 7/19/1999 - The statement of the new Kuwaiti government Kuwait, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Yemeni president to discuss Arab summit during his visit to Libya and Algeria
Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is starting today an Arab tour in North Africa that is to include Libya and Algeria. Yemen-Maghreb, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Jordan, Syria sign dam agreement
Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation Kamel Mahadeen has said that an agreement was concluded between Jordan and Syria on all matters connected with setting up al-Wahda dam construction project, which is to be financed by Arab funds. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Lebanese government vows support for resistance Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Morocco, Algeria share interests, Bouteflika says
"Morocco and Algeria have shared interests and there is a new context between the two brotherly countries," Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said on Sunday. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Iran expresses readiness to negotiate with UAE
Iran said it is ready to negotiate with no premeditated conditions with the United Arab Emirates regarding the three disputed Gulf islands which form a matter of conflict between them. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 7/19/1999 - UAE minister ready to visit Iran to discuss island issue
United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hamdan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan has expressed his readiness to visit Iran to discuss the question of three islands. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Tanzanian President arrives in Libya Libya-Tanzania, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Spanish prime minister in Damascus with business delegation
Aznar, who is accompanied by a delegation including Spanish officials and businessmen, headed for Tishreen Palace in Damascus. Syria-Spain, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Moussa meets U.S. ambassador in Cairo
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met today with Daniel Kurtzer, the U.S. ambassador in Cairo. Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Amr Moussa confers with al-Mahdi, al-Meirghani
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met on Sunday in Cairo with former Sudanese Prime Minister al-Sadeq al-Mahdi and the chairman of the opposition Democratic National Alliance, Muhammad Othman al-Meirghani, in the framework of Egyptian mediation and efforts to establish peace in Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Iranian - Saudi relations also for serving Islamic issues
Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has asserted that Iranian-Saudi relations, in their new phase, are not only serving the interests of the two countries but also those of the region and the Islamic world as well as the world as a whole. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Yemen: Presidential elections on September 23
Some 30 persons have nominated themselves for the elections, including Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the chairman of the opposition Yemeni Socialist Party, Ali Saleh Abbad, better known as Muqbil. Yemen, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Syrian - Jordanian committee to meet in Amman Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Pakistani prime minister in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday night started in Jeddah official talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Prince Abdullah and Sharif discussed bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Bouteflika supports Iraq's participation in summit
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika expressed yesterday his support for convening an Arab summit with the participation of all Arab states, including Iraq. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Sudanese government starts negotiations with Garang
The Sudanese government's negotiations started today in Nairobi with the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement, conducted by John Garang. Sudan, Politics, 7/19/1999 - King Abdullah discharges chief of staff of the Jordanian army
Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein issued a royal decree discharging the joint chief of staff for Jordan's army, Marshal Abd El-Hafez Marie El-Kaanba, and appointed Lieutenant General Mohammed Yusef El-Malakawi in another royal decree, which also appointed Marshal El-Kannba as the king's military advisor instead of Hamid El-Fayiz, who was retired. Jordan, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Al-Kharafi elected as chairman of the Kuwaiti Nation's Council
Members of the Kuwaiti Nation's Council on Saturday elected parliamentarian Jasem al-Khurafi as chairman of the council, while parliarmentarian Mashari al-Anjari was elected as vice-chairman. Kuwait, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Proposals and thoughts over the Middle East peace process
Sources at the US embassy in Cairo asserted to the Kuwaiti daily al-Watan on Sunday that US President Bill Clinton had told his Egyptian counterpart about several practical thoughts and proposals he had reached with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak during their Thursday meeting in Washington concerning reactivation of the Syrian track. Regional, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Damascus: Pardon covers 220,000 persons
Well-informed sources in Damascus told a London-based daily that the general pardon enacted by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad last week resulted in the release of hundreds of political prisoners, some 500 persons detained as a result of the martial law and 225,000 persons. Syria, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Turkish ministers says ties with Syria improving
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem announced that Turkish - Syrian relations are improving in various areas. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/19/1999 - France expressed satisfaction with Libya's compensation for plane victims Libya-France, Politics, 7/19/1999
- King Fahd in Spain
The Saudi News Agency said on Sunday that King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz arrived on Saturday night in Malaga, southern Spain, for a private visit, his first visit abroad in five years. He was welcomed by members of the Saudi royal family and Spanish figures. Saudi Arabia-Spain, Politics, 7/19/1999 - A new British ambassador in Tehran
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami received yesterday the new British ambassador to Tehran, who presented his official ratification papers to the Iranian president. Iran-UK, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Kuwait FM receives message from Saudi defense minister Kuwait-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Palestinian demonstration to protest lack of water in the West Bank
Hundreds of Fehain El-Dahsha's inhabitants organized yesterday a large demonstration near Bethlehem to protest the lack of water, which has continued for two months. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Iran reschedules Syrian debts
An Iranian daily said on Sunday that Tehran has agreed to reschedule a Syrian debts estimated at 140 billion Syrian pounds (US $280 billion). The paper added that such Iranian approval of rescheduling the debts would avail paying back the Syrian debts within 10 years and reveal the desire of the two countries' leaders to develop bilateral relations and deepen them. Syria-Iran, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Notable reduction in Hizbullah military operations against Israel
The spokesman for the Israeli army, Odet Bin Ami, has announced that there has been a notable decrease in Hizbullah operations since the air strikes launched by the Israeli air force on June 24 against various targets in the depths of the Lebanese territories. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Emir of Kuwait gets a message from Gabonese president Kuwait-Gabon, Politics, 7/19/1999
- Bouteflika ready to develop relations with Israel if peace established with sides concerned
Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika has announced, in a new stand of its kind, that Algeria is ready to develop its stances concerning Israel but under the condition of reaching peace with all sides concerned. Algeria, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Four Belgians kidnapped in Yemen on Thursday, released
In a peaceful operation, the four Belgian tourists who were kidnapped last Thursday by armed men from Yemen's Bakeil tribe were freed on Sunday. The four tourists were, upon being kidnapped, taken to Barat district, 180 km northeast of Sanaa. Yemen-Belgium, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Syrian newspapers criticize US for providing Israel with F-16 jets
Syrian newspapers criticized the United States yesterday for providing Israel with 50 F-16 fighter jets at a cost of $2.5 billion. Syria, Politics, 7/19/1999 - Six people killed in road accident
Six people were killed in a recent road accident near the atlas mountain town of Azilal, central Morocco, the Moroccan press reported. Morocco, Politics, 7/19/1999