Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/26/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 26, 1999

• King Mohammed VI pardons 46,212 prisoners Morocco, Politics, 7/31/1999
• King Mohammed VI voices commitment to carry on work of late king Hassan
  King Mohammed VI voiced attachment to constitutional monarchy, multiparty system, economic and political liberalization, regionalization, decentralization, the consolidation of the rule of the law, the protection of human rights, individual and collective freedoms and ensuring security and stability. Morocco, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Syrian defense minister stress importance of peace
  A Syrian source said Syrian Minister of Defense Mostafa Tlass confirmed his country's desire to achieve a just and comprehensive peace according to international legitimacy decisions and the Madrid terms of reference. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Former Jordanian PM meets with Kahtami Jordan-Iran, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Tunisian Parliament ratifies economic accord with Egypt
  At the conclusion of its parliamentary session yesterday evening, the Tunisian council of deputies ratified two endorsed agreements between Egypt and Tunisia. Tunisia-Egypt, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Bouteflika: Reconciliation, Justice and the econmy as foundation for new Algeria
  In a private statement to the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram published today, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stated that his country has been able to overcome its security crisis, which threatened the pillars of the country with destruction, and threatened to ruin the national unity of the county, but the security situation is obviously improving. Algeria, Politics, 7/31/1999
• New Iraqi deputy prime minister to focus on the economy
  Iraqi President Saddam Hussein decided to appoint Hikmat Mizban Ibrahim al-Azzawi as a deputy prime minister, joining Tareq Aziz, the official for political affairs, and Mohammed Zubaydi, a member of the revolution leadership council. Iraq, Politics, 7/31/1999
• King Mohammed phones libyan, Senegalese leaders Morocco-Libya, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Shaath: Barak's actions don't give confidence
  The Palestinian Authority stated that the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak don't inspire confidence among Palestinians, despite his words concerning the Mideast peace process. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Saudi Arabia hosts Arab anti-terrorism conference
  Saudi official sources confirmed that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz is to chair tomorrow an Arab conference to combat terrorism in the attendance of Arab foreign and justice ministers. Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Algeria, France to reopen two consulates in Algeria
  France announced today that in light of improving French - Algerian relations it will reopen two consulates in Algeria that were closed five years ago. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Moussa confirms European peace role
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa emphasized the importance of the European role in fulfilling the Middle East peace process, adding that this topic will be tackled during discussions President Mubarak is to hold with Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, who is to arrive in Alexandria tomorrow in the company of the European Union's envoy for the Middle East peace process, Miguel Moratinos. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Mubarak meets with Arafat today
  Within the framework of continued consultation and coordination between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Mubarak received Arafat today in the coastal city of Alexandria to relaunch the Mideast peace process. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Bouteflika says understanding is reached on all ambiguities with France
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said yesterday that a visit by French President Jacques Chirac to Algeria was scheduled, but he did not specify its date. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Lahoud: Israeli withdrawal must be complete, unconditional
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said yesterday in a letter to the Lebanese army on the occasion of Army Day that Lebanese soldiers should be in a state of exceptional alert to be ready for coming regional developments, the Lebanon National News Agency said. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Investigating the Sudanese government for using chemical weapons
  In a statement released from Kenya yesterday, the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) said that on July 23, an aircraft flying at high altitude dropped 22 bombs on two towns in Western Equatoria province, Kimba and Kaia, which serve as relief centers. Sudan, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Bouteflika will honor the understanding with King Hassan on Sahara
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika underlined Friday that his "moral duty is to remain faithful" to what he and the late King Hassan II convened about the Sahara, namely that this issue is part of the prerogatives of the United Nations and of the Houston accords, while bilateral issues must be handled in the frame of Moroccan-Algerian relations. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Security Council extends UN forces mandate in south Lebanon
  The United Nations Security Council yesterday extended the mandate of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) until January 31, 2000. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 7/31/1999
• One million at risk in Somalia Somalia-UN, Politics, 7/31/1999
• Jordan: King Abdullah to free-trade zone in disguise Jordan, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Boutaflika, Vedrine meet in Algeria
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Smail Hamdani held separate meetings today with visiting French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/30/1999
• King Mohammed chairs ministers council on Monday Morocco, Politics, 7/30/1999
• German nuclear submarines sales to Israel harmful to peace
  Syria expressed yesterday its resentment toward reports of the sale of three German nuclear submarines to Israel, describing this news as a barrier in the way of the European role in the peace process. Syria, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Opening of Moroccan-Algerian borders depends on technical arrangements only
  Morocco said on Thursday that the opening of its closed borders with Algeria depends only on some technical arrangements. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Qatar prohibits possession of unlicensed weapons
  Qatari official sources said that a law was issued to punish individuals who hold unlicensed weapons by imprisonment. Qatar, Politics, 7/30/1999
• US welcomes progress in Sudanese peace
  The US State Department on Wednesday issued a statement welcoming an agreement reached between the Sudanese government and rebels during negotiations last week in Kenya to establish a permanent secretariat for Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Nairobi, to form committees to address key issues in negotiations, and to appoint a Kenyan envoy to the process. Sudan-USA, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Yemeni opposition considers boycotting elections
  The main opposition party in Yemen said yesterday that it is examing the possibility of boycotting the first direct elections in the country in September after its leader did not qualify to enter the elections. Yemen, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Berri meets with Habash
  Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met yesterday with the secretary general of the opposition Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, George Habash, the Lebanon National News Agency reported. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Morocco profoundly grateful to Algeria's Bouteflika
  Morocco said it was profoundly grateful to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for his feelings of sympathy following the demise of the late King Hassan II. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/30/1999
• King Mohammed performs Friday prayers
  King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan, Commander of the Faithful, performed this Friday his first public Friday prayers at Ahl Fass Mosque (near the Royal Palace of Rabat), a week after he was proclaimed king of Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Barak heads to Moscow
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is due visit Moscow on August 2 for a one-day working visit to discuss cooperation between Russia and Israel. Israel-Russia, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Levy: Bouteflika-Barak handshake was positive for acceptance of Israel
  "The warm handshake" between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak was favored by the funerals of the late King Hassan II, said Israeli foreign minister, David Levy. Algeria-Israel, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Morocco denies king's marriage, insists that all maters will be public
  "The government flatly denies the rumors on the marriage of King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan," the spokesman for the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua, said at a press briefing held at the end of the weekly meeting of the government council, chaired by Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi. Morocco, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Palestine, Israel get to work on Wye implementation Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Call to the AL to form committee for Kuwaiti prisoners of war Jordan, Politics, 7/30/1999
• UAE, Canada discuss prisoner exchanges United Arab Emirates-Canada, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Morocco will continue with its policy on Sahara issue
  A Moroccan minister has affirmed that Morocco's new king, King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan, will follow his late father's (the late King Hassan II) footsteps regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue. Morocco, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Outpouring of grief in Tindouf compels Polisario to circulate release hailing late Hassan II's qualities
  The outpouring of grief in the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria, where the Polisario front is headquartered) compelled the Polisario's leadership to circulate a release, hailing the great qualities of Late King Hassan II, a London-based daily reported on Thursday. Morocco, Politics, 7/30/1999
• UNESCO chief concerned by racist attacks in Spain
  UNESCO Director-General Federico Mayor on Tuesday expressed concern over racist attacks waged against mosques and other buildings inhabited by Moroccan and Gambian immigrants in northeastern Spain. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/30/1999
• Egypt opposes Israeli call for cooperation in protecting marine antiquities Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Mubarak urges Barak to use his election's peace mandate to move forward
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met today with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who briefed Mubarak on the outcome of Barak's meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Phone talks between Tunisia's Ben Ali and King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan
  Tunisian President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali on Wednesday talked on the phone with King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan on ways to consolidate further the privileged relations binding the two countries, reported the Tunisian news agency, TAP. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 7/29/1999
• King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan will deliver Throne Speech Friday evening
  King Mohammed Ben Al-Hassan, Commander of the Faithful, will perform on Friday noon the Friday prayers at Al-Hal Fass Mosque (near the Royal Palace of Rabat) and will deliver the speech of the throne the same day later in the evening, the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol and Chancellery said in a release. Morocco, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Vedrine visits Algeria to repair bilateral ties
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine starts today a two-day visit to Algeria, during which he is to be received by Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmad Attaf and meet with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Prime Minister Ismael Hamdani. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Youssoufi calls for rapid opening of borders with Algeria
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi hailed the Moroccan-Algerian detente and called for a rapid reopening of common borders. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Algeria's Bouteflika was the first head of state informed about king's demise, Basri
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was the first head of state informed about the demise of the late King Hassan II, and it was the Crown Prince Sidi Mohammed himself who told him the news over the phone, said Moroccan Minister of the Interior Driss Basri. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/29/1999
• King Mohammed receives premier Youssoufi Morocco, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Erekat: Barak talks more than acts
  Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Israeli Prime Minister Barak of talking too much on peace, saying he is completely away from the right way to proceed with the peace process. Palestine, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Arafat to visit Cairo tomorrow
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is to arrive in Cairo tomorrow for an official visit, during which he is to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who is going to brief Arafat on the outcomes of his meeting today with Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Barak. The two leaders will also exchange views on Israeli suggestions. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 7/29/1999
• US: Israel intends to implement Wye if Palestinians want Regional-USA, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Syria urges EU to push forward peace process
  Syria called on the European Union (EU) Wednesday to play an active role in the Mideast peace process, stalled for over three years. Syria-European Union, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Yemeni Cabinet tackles economic issues
  The Yemeni Cabinet yesterday approved a strategy for food security, the Yemeni news agency, Saba, reported. Yemen, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Indyk: Syria halting activities of Palestinian opposition organizations
  In declarations to the United Arab Emirates newspaper al-Khaleej, US Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk said that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will not be able to reach peace agreements with the Palestinians, Syria and Lebanon if terrorist activities continue. Syria-Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Italian parliament ratifies Morocco-EU association accord
  The Italian Parliament ratified on Wednesday the association accord, concluded between Morocco and the European Union. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Report: Former Algerian FM held talks with Israel
  The Lebanese newspaper al-Mostakal reported yesterday that former Algerian Foreign Minister Taleb Ibrahim during the era of former President El-Shazely Ben Gadid was the first official who held talks with Israel in 1986-1988. Algeria-Israel, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Barzani rejects US projects to topple Saddam Hussein
  Nejrafan Barzani, an official in the Kurdistani Democratic Party in Iraq, announced that the Kurds are against any American project aimed at toppling Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. The official denied that the Kurdish region is a base for the Iraqi opposition to carry out military action against the government in Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Taha Yassin Ramadan: No international decision without lifting sanctions
  Iraqi Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Taha Yassin Ramadan stated that his country opposes any decisions of the UN Security Council that will not include uplifting economic sanctions. Iraq, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Reactions to Barak, Bouteflika meeting continue
  For the third consecutive day, the widespread reactions on the meeting of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the margins of King Hassan II's funeral continued yesterday. Algeria-Israel, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Three people died in late King Hassan II's funerals
  The Moroccan health department said three people died and 3,885 others were hospitalized last Sunday during the funerals of the late King Hassan II. Morocco, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Nepal working to set up Qatar embassy Qatar-Nepal, Politics, 7/29/1999
• UAE participates in Kosovo monitoring force United Arab Emirates, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Jordanian minister recieves Yemeni message on economic relations Jordan-Yemen, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Saudi, French FMs meet Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Spanish FM in Algeria Algeria-Spain, Politics, 7/29/1999
• Arab sources criticize Kuwait for snubbing Arafat, shaking hands with Barak
  Arab sources criticized Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah for refusing to shake hands with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at the funeral of King Hassan II, while greeting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Palestine-Kuwait, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Albright to visit Damascus in mid-August
  Arab sources told ArabicNews.com today that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will visit Syria on August 17 in an official visit, during which she is to meet with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa to discuss means of resuming negotiations with Israel. Syria-Jordan-USA, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Moroccan Interior Minister Driss Basri says king will continue path of progress Morocco, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Egypt organizes conference on nuclear reactors, uranium
  The Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Power is to organize an international conference in Cairo on uses of atomic energy and producing radioisotopes, during the first week of November. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Algerian reactions to Bouteflika - Barak meeting
  Reactions to the meeting held between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in Rabat on the sidelines of King Hassan II's funeral continued on Tuesday to be either supportive or condemning. Algeria, Politics, 7/28/1999
• On Demirel's recent visit to the region Turkey-Regional, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Report: Sudan hands over one man accused in foiled assassination attempt against Mubarak to Egypt
  Foreign diplomatic sources in Cairo said on Monday that the Sudanese government has handed over in top secret way one of the persons who are accused of being involved in the foiled assassination attempt against Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa in 1995. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Sudan returns confiscated possessions attack to the opposition
  A Sudanese newspaper said yesterday that the Sudanese government is currently getting ready to return possessions confiscated from the leader of opposing Democratic National Alliance, Mohammed Othman El-Merghani. Sudan, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Jordanian officials meet with Polish FM
  Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh on Tuesday in Amman reviewed with Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek the Middle East peace process developments amid the optimistic atmospheres prevailing toward resuming this process on all tracks and the keenness of all sides to reach tangible results to achieve a comprehensive peace. Jordan-Poland, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Khartoum: Independent paper banned
  A source at the editing department of the independent Sudanese daily al-Rai al-Am said on Tuesday that the national council for the press decided on Monday to suspend the release of the paper on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sudan, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Palestine hails Cairo meeting between Arafat, opposition
  Palestinian political forces welcomed the meetings to be held between Palestinian opposition factions and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Cairo on Sunday to discuss boosting Palestinian national unity and preparing for final status negotiations with Israel. Palestine, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Arafat urges Barak to implement Wye River accord
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat called yesterday evening on Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to immediately implement the Wye River accord, considering the abidance of Palestinians with implementing all their commitments in signed accords, including security commitments, combating terrorism and violence either from Palestinian or Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Palestinian people's front delegation to meet Fatah movement on Sunday
  The People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine has announced the formation of a delegation which will take part in the meeting with the Fatah movement next Sunday in Cairo. Palestine, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Habash holds Arafat responsible for crisis
  The secretary general of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine has held Palestinian President Yasser Arafat responsible for the current crisis resulting from the current policy he pursues and called for changing it. Palestine, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Beirut hosts meeting on Arab atomic energy
  The executive council of the Arab Commission for Atomic Energy in Beirut began the deliberations of its 23rd session with the participation of 11 Arab states, including Syria. Regional, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Damascus refuses to modify stance toward withdrawal from the Golan
  Damascus has renewed its confirmations that it will not modify its stance toward an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights to the June 4, 1967 borders and resuming negotiations from the point at which stopped, in light of achieving a just and comprehensive peace according to the Madrid conference terms of reference. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Syrian newspaper criticizes campaign showing Syria as ruining peace
  The newspaper said that those who really want peace don't need time limitations but express their desire directly through immediate action to establish a firm basis for a just and comprehensive settlement. Syria, Politics, 7/28/1999
• EU voices support for Middle East peace
  The European Union's Middle East peace process special envoy Miguel Angel Moratinos has asserted the intention of the EU to continue exerting all-out efforts for moving the Middle East peace process forward. Regional-European Union, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Libyan information deals with anniversary of nationalization of Suez Canal
  For the third consecutive day, the Libyan communications expressed its concern with the 43rd anniversary of Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956. Libya-Egypt, Politics, 7/28/1999
• New Arab leaders
  A British daily in its Tuesday's issue spoke about the future of a new generation of Arab leaders in Jordan, Bahrain and Morocco. The paper noted that the signals given and indications from those leaders are much better than had expected. Regional, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Report: A secret US plan in northern Iraq
  A Turkish paper said that the US diplomat who is in charge of coordinating the Iraqi opposition, Frank Ricciardone, visited the Turkish embassy in Washington on July 12 and asked Turkey to take part in organizing a meeting for the Iraqi National Congress in northern Iraq and to ensure the security of the meeting. Iraq-Turkey-USA, Politics, 7/28/1999
• On relations between Morocco and Israel
  A British daily said on Tuesday that the death of King Hassan II of Morocco on Friday gave rise to revelation of several secrets on intelligence relations between Morocco and Israel. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 7/28/1999
• New man accused in the coup attempt arrested in Qatar
  The Qatari authorities on Tuesday arrested a new man who is accused in the failed coup attempt that took place in February 1996. Qatar, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Moroccan cooperation secretary of state meets Canadian minister Morocco-Canada, Politics, 7/28/1999
• French FM to visit Algeria tomorrow
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine will hold a working visit to Algeria on July 29. Algeria-France, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Saudi FM arrives in Libya Saudi Arabia-Libya, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Barak to visit Moscow Israel-Russia, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Syria and the Palestinian groups Palestine, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Preparations for an Arab summit Regional, Politics, 7/28/1999
• King Fahd gets a message from Mubarak Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 7/28/1999
• Al-Assad, King Abdullah review Middle East developments
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and King Abdullah of Jordan on Monday in Damascus reviewed the latest political developments, contacts in both the regional and international arenas and efforts to revitalize the Middle East peace process. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Yemeni President to meet with King Fahd Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 7/27/1999
• King Fahd, Saleh meet in support of bilateral relations
  The Saudi News Agency on Monday reported that King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, currently in Marbia, Spain, received on Monday Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh for the first time in two years. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Kuwait, Khartoum end one decade of boycott
  On Monday, both Kuwait and Khartoum ended one decade of boycott and restored their diplomatic relations to what they had been before the Gulf War. Sudan-Kuwait, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Endorsing eight Egyptian - Turkish accords
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Turkish President Suleiman Demirel witnessed the endorsing of eight agreements between Egypt and Turkey. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 7/27/1999
• AL chief arrives in Qatar today Qatar-Regional, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Egyptian FM discuss Iraq, Sudan, Gulf and trade with British minister
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met on Monday in Cairo with British Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Hoon. Following the meeting, Moussa said that talks with Hoon dealt with matters of mutual concern. Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Morocco's diplomatic options will not change under new king, foreign minister says
  Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa said Morocco's diplomatic options will not change after the demise of late King Hassan II. Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Abu Ali Mustafa, rather than Habash, to meet with Arafat
  The People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine on Monday announced that a delegation from the front led by its assistant secretary general, Abu Ali Mustafa, will meet with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at the beginning of August in Cairo, thereby denying reports that the front's secretary general, George Habash will meet with Arafat. Palestine, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Qatari intelligence detours the plane of coup convict
  The Qatari daily al-Watan published on Monday said that Qatari intelligence has diverted the private plane of the main figure convicted in the failed coup attempt in Qatar in 1996 toward Doha to arrest him. Qatar, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Iraqi deputy premier confers with Palestinian official Iraq-Palestine, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Algerian president confers with new Moroccan king Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Iran: Relations with Syria will not be affected by peace talks with Israel
  Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ata Allah Muhajirani, currently visiting Jordan, has asserted that Syrian-Iranian relations of "strategic nature" will not be affected by the Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations which are expected to be resumed very soon. Syria-Iran, Politics, 7/27/1999
• President Clinton's message to Algerian president Algeria-USA, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Barak to meet with Arafat, Mubarak
  Sources at the Israeli prime minister's office have asserted that Ehud Barak is making moves in preparation for his meeting today with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at Erez barrier, near the Gaza Strip. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Al-Mihdar asks pardoning against halting activities
  Abu Baker al-Mihdar, known as Abu Hassan, who is sentenced to death in Yemen on Monday extended an appeal to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh asking for a pardoning for him and other members in his organization against halting their activities. Yemen, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Lebanese president, prime minister confer with Polish FM
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut received Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek, who started an official visit to Lebanon on Sunday night. Lebanon-Poland, Politics, 7/27/1999
• MINURSO suspends identification operations for a week following king's demise
  Following the death of king Hassan II last Friday, the UN mission supervising the referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) decided to suspend for a week all identification and appeals operations of persons entitled to vote in the self-determination referendum the UN is planning to hold in the Sahara by July 2000. Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• David Levy calls on al-Assad for negotiations
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy called today on Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to start direct negotiations with Israel instead of sending messages by the means of third parties. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Clinton voices confidence in Morocco's new king
  US President Bill Clinton on Sunday voiced confidence in King Mohammed Ibn Al-Hassan and the will to consolidate partnership with Morocco. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Jordanian Jerusalem committee warns of invasion of Al Aqsa mosque Jordan, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Emir of Kuwait receives a message from Sudanese president
  Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday in Kuwait received a message from Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on bilateral relations and means of developing them. Kuwait-Sudan, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Bouteflika sees future of Moroccan-Algerian ties with optimism
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said he envisions the future of relations between Morocco and Algeria with optimism. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Demirel :Middle East should be a zone free of mass destruction weapons
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Turkish President Suleiman Demirel convened a press conference yesterday at Rasel-Tein in Alexandria. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Palestinian opposition fails to make a statement against Oslo
  Palestinian sources in Damascus told a London-based daily that the follow-up committee of the Palestinian National Conference, which opposes the amendment of the Palestinian charter, "failed" on Monday to release an official statement implying stances towards debated issues. Palestine, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Festivities canceled in Morocco as 40-day mourning was decreed
  Several festivities and events were canceled in Morocco as 40 days of mourning were decreed following the demise of late King Hassan II last Friday. Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Iran refuses Turkish premier's statements
  Iran has refused statements made by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit concerning a claimed presence of members of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK) in the Iranian territories, stressing that these statements are groundless. Turkey-Iran, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Jordan for boosting relations with Iran
  Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabedah on Monday in Amman underlined the importance of developing Jordanian-Iranian relations, especially in the cultural fields. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Moroccan royal palace denies rumors of secret marriage for new king
  The royal palace in Rabat stressed on Monday that the new Moroccan King Muhammad VI is still single and that he did not got married secretly, and thereby denies the widespread rumors in this respect. Morocco, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Secret contacts between Israel and Algeria
  The former Israeli ambassador in Paris, Obadieh Sofier, has said in a statement to the Israeli radio on Monday that secret talks were held between Israel and Algeria between 1986-1988. Algeria-Israel, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Hizbullah secretary general: Syria not to attempt to end Hizbullah attacks
  Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of Hizbullah in south Lebanon, stated that Syria did not place any pressure on them to halt the attacks of the resistance against the Israeli occupation army in south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Iraqi officials discuss relations between Iraq and the United Nations
  The Iraqi News Agency said that Iraqi officials have discussed the recent developments in relations between Iraq and the United Nations. Iraq-UN, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Sudan prefers Libyan mediation in reconciliation with opposition
  Sudan announced yesterday that they prefer to make Libyan mediation rather than Egyptian mediation to achieve reconciliation with the Sudanese opposition. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 7/27/1999
• Lebanese president confers with renowned Egyptian journalist Lebanon-Egypt, Politics, 7/27/1999
• President Clinton meets Morocco's premier
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi had Sunday in Rabat talks with US President Bill Clinton shortly after the funeral of the late King Hassan II. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Mubarak - Demirel summit at Alexandria
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received today Turkish President Suleiman Demirel at Alexandria airport, where they held a closed bilateral session of talks. Demirel and his accompanying delegation held an expanded meeting with Mubarak and his accompanied delegation. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Barak, Arafat, Clinton meet at Rabat Regional, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Polish FM holds talks in Damascus
  Syrian Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Salim Yassin on Sunday received Polish Foreign Minister Bronislaw Geremek and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Poland, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Moroccan embassy in Damascus opens book of condolences
  Syria participated in the funeral of King Hassan with a delegation that included Vice President Zuheir Masharqa, Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi, the foreign minister and the minister of environmental affairs. Syria-Morocco, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Israeli foreign minister to visit Egypt in August
  Israeli diplomatic sources confirmed the intention of Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy to visit Egypt in the first week of August, at the invitation of Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Morocco: Mubarak confers with leaders of the world
  Within the frame of escorting the funeral of the late Moroccan monarch, King Hassan, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak held a series of meetings with leaders of the world taking part in the funeral as well. Egypt-International, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Bouteflika: I have always believed Moroccan-Algerian ties will improve
  "I have always believed that Moroccan-Algerian relations will some day improve. And that's what I have already started to do with the late King Hassan II and that's what I will continue to do with His Majesty Mohammed VI," Bouteflika said. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Israel wishes that late king's successor will support peace process
  Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak expressed in Rabat Sunday the wish that "King Mohammed Ibn Al-hassan will support the peace process in the Middle East." Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Barak meets Bouteflika for the first time Algeria-Israel, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Abdul Meguid heads to Qatar
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid is to head from Morocco to Qatar tomorrow to meet with Qatar's emir, foreign minister and high-ranking Qatari officials in Doha to discuss the new developments in the Arab arena, and the Arab summit for which Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has called. Qatar-Regional, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Libya hosts Arab-African 6th coordination committee meeting Regional-Africa, Politics, 7/26/1999
• First Qatari convicted in coup attempt arrested
  The Qatari minister of the interior announced on Sunday that the security forces in Qatar have arrested Hamad Bin Jasem al-Thani, the first person convicted in the failed coup attempt which took place in 1996, who is a member of the ruling family in the country. Qatar, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Iran, Saudi Arabia for best coordination
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has announced that promotion of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran requires coordination and consultations in the political, economic and cultural fields between the officials of the two countries. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Algerian president contacts African counterparts Algeria-Africa, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Sudanese FM: Khartoum insists on restoring good relations with Egypt
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael confirmed his country's insistence on restoring good relations with Egypt, saying that they are strategic Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Amman, Tehran for boosting bilateral cooperation
  A Jordanian official source said on Sunday that Amman and Tehran have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in various tourism, religious and cultural areas. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Bouteflika meets with Israeli Prime Minister
  US President Bill Clinton said that he "regretted" having failed in investing the funeral ceremony of the Moroccan King Hassan II to achieve what he had considered a "breakthrough" in the peace process through making a meeting between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Arafat to meet with Habash, Hawatemah
  Salim Al-Zanoun stated that Arafat's talks with the two men will deal with negotiations with Israel concerning the final status of the occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Palestine, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Jordanian journalist arrested in Amman
  The AFP in Amman reported that journalists from the independent Jordanian daily al-Masa'eyah told it that Jordanian security forces have arrested one of the newspaper's editors, Senan Shaqdeh, for no clear reason. Jordan, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Emir of Kuwait gets a message from Clinton Kuwait-USA, Politics, 7/26/1999
• King Hassan and normalization with Israel
  An Egyptian diplomat said on Sunday that the secret meeting held in Rabat in 1977 between then-Israeli Foreign Minister Moshe Dayan and Egyptian Deputy Premier Hassan al-Tuhami, in the presence of the late Moroccan King Hassan II was behind encouraging Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat to announce his determination to visit occupied Jerusalem. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 7/26/1999
• OAU statement on the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict
  Here is the full text of the Organization of African Unity press release on the Eritrea-Ethiopia Conflict issued by the OAU Information Division: Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/26/1999
• British minister in Israel Israel-UK, Politics, 7/26/1999
• AL chief sends invitation messages to Arab FM s
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Sunday sent messages to all Arab foreign ministers, inviting them to attend the 112th session of the AL council due to be held on September 4 and 5 in Cairo, as well as the topics listed on the meeting's agenda. Regional, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Iran welcomes Turkey's decision on recent border events
  The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hamid Rida Asefi, said in a statement that Iran proposed following the attack launched by several Turkish warplanes against the Iranian territories that a joint delegation from the two countries inspect the site which was exposed to the bombardment in order to study and evaluate the volume of losses resulting from the attack. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Al-Assad cancels his travel to Morocco to avoid meeting Barak Syria, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Sudan calls for ceasing fire in its south
  Sudan has called for a complete ceasefire in all parts of Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Clinton to cooperate with the new King Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Eritrea, Ethiopia and the peace plan
  President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea on Sunday in Asmara asserted that his country has approved the peace plan arrangements put forth by the Organization of African Unity in order to put an end to his country's fighting with Ethiopia. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Postponing Arab foreign ministers' meetings Regional, Politics, 7/26/1999
• New Moroccan king married secretly
  Governmental sources in Rabat said on Sunday that King Muhammad VI, who has become the king of Morocco has gotten married secretly, just few hours following the death of his father Hassan II. Morocco, Politics, 7/26/1999
• Qatar FM receives a message from his Israeli counterpart Qatar-Israel, Politics, 7/26/1999

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