Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 8/2/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of August 2, 1999

• Syria is waiting for Barak's moves Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Israeli chief of staff: Israeli safety lies in peace with Syria Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Egyptian Ambassador: President Assad ready to achieve comprehensive peace
  The Egyptian ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyouni, has said that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad is ready to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region, under the condition that a just peace is to be fair for all sides and ensure security for all sides. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Saddam Hussein to speak tomorrow on 11th anniversary of Iraq-Iran war's end Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Palestine opposes the delay of Barak to Wye River accord
  The Palestinian National Authority announced that Israeli Prime Minsiter Ehud Barak has announced delaying the implemenation of the Wye River accord until October and to end this implementation in March 2000. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Barak to start implementing Wye River agreement in three weeks
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel will start implementing the items of the Wye River accord in three weeks without making any adjustments to the agreement. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Bishara confers with Arafat Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Barak to meet with Arafat within a week Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Lebanon to host Asian meeting of Group of 77
  For the first time, Lebanon will host a meeting of the Asian countries in the Group of 77, which is to be held on the level of ministers of trade, finance and development on August 11 - 13 at United Nations headquarters in Beirut. Lebanon-International, Politics, 8/7/1999
• King Mohammed receives assistant secretary general of National Democrat Party Morocco, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Pakistan denies Saudi attempt to own nuclear weapons
  Pakistan announced on Friday that the reports published on the attempts made by Saudi Arabia to own nuclear weapons via it ( Pakistan) are baseless, just one day following the same denial made by Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Abu Ali Mustafa denies receiving invitation from PA to visit the West Bank Palestine, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Amman to host second anti-normalization conference Jordan, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Garang views importance of establishing trust through specific steps by Khartoum
  The personal representative of John Garan, the leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army, Nial Deneik, asserted that it is important for the Sudanese government to take many specific procedures to qualify the atmosphere for the beginning of discussions and negotiations with the opposition Democratic National Alliance to reach a comprehensive national rapport in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Moroccan lawyers decide to assist Moroccan Sahrawis Morocco, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Garang refuses ceasefire announced by Khartoum
  The leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army, John Garang, refused yesterday in Nairobi the 70-day unilateral ceasefire announced by Khartoum on August 5 in all the southern areas in the cities which have been witnessing a civil war since 1983. Sudan, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Hamas founder vows to continue armed struggle Palestine, Politics, 8/7/1999
• PKK armed wing to drop guns against Turkey Turkey, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Israeli artillery bombarded several south Lebanon villages
  Israeli occupation forces on Friday continued its aggressions against areas in South Lebanon. The Israeli artillery positioned in al-Zaffatah on Friday morning bombarded several villages and the bombardment resulted in damaging a house in Zouter east town. Lebanon, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Masalha as deputy FM in Israel have no change on foreign policy
  Member of the Israeli Knesset for the Arab group Azmi Bishara has welcomed the appointment of Knesset member Nawaf Maslaha as the deputy foreign minister in Israel, adding that such an appointment will not change Israel's foreign policy. Israel-Palestine, Politics, 8/7/1999
• On Masalha nomination as a deputy FM in Israel Israel, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Algerian mediation to settle Eritrea - Ethiopia dispute
  Eritrea on Thursday received proposals from the Algerian mediation committee on peace with Ethiopia and will give its reply to this proposal within two weeks. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Libyan opposition member executed says group
  The National Front For the Salvation of Libya has announced that a former Libyan official was executed on Wednesday July 28, 1999 in Bani Waleed town. Libya, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Sudan denies striking Congo
  Sudan denied on Friday claims made by the rebel Congo Liberation Front that Sudanese planes launched an attack on the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which resulted in killing hundreds of people. Sudan-Congo, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Prime minister renews will to continue efforts to develop information sector
  Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, on Thursday renewed will to continue efforts to develop the information sector. Morocco, Politics, 8/7/1999
• Arab and Islamic communities call for boycotting Burger King restaurants
  Arab communities in the US on Friday called for boycotting the chain of Burger King restaurants which have recently opened a carry out restaurant in one of the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Palestine-International, Politics, 8/7/1999
• King Mohammed receives three opposition party leaders
  King Mohammed VI received separately in Rabat on Thursday the leaders of three opposition political parties. Morocco, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Al-Assad informs Clinton: No negotiations before pledging to withdraw
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Thursday reiterated his intention to abide by reaching a peace with Israel, noting a need to exerting efforts for this purpose. This was expressed in a message al-Assad sent to US President Bill Clinton. Syria-USA, Politics, 8/6/1999
• King Abdullah to visit Lebanon next month Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 8/6/1999
• A message to King Fahd from Bouteflika Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Al-Assad meets with Finnish foreign minister
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad received Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, whose country currently presides over the European Union, on Thursday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace. Syria-European Union, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Contacts between Algeria and Morocco to reopen borders Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/6/1999
• UAE celebrates Sheikh Zayed's accession to power
  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates the 33rd anniversary of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan's accession to power this Friday. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Morocco will remain at vanguard of human rights protection
  Morocco's options in the field of human rights are "irreversible," Khalid Alioua, spokesman for the government, said, adding that Morocco devised a program, took the necessary measures and was endowed with specialized institutions entitled to follow up the situation of human rights. Morocco, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Morocco determined to advance towards modernity, premier
  Touching on the reforms initiated by his center-left coalition government, Youssoufi said besides the reform of justice which was started before the appointment of his government in March 1998, the Cabinet is busy reforming the administration, moralizing public life, struggling against corruption, against unemployment, against illiteracy, against poverty. Morocco, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Lebanese president meets with Finnish FM
  Lebanon has asserted its commitment to the principles on the grounds of which it joined peace negotiations, especially UN resolution 425 pertaining to immediate Israeli withdrawal from the south and the western Bekaa. Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Bouteflika to visit Paris next month
  Algerian diplomatic sources in Cairo said today that Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is due to head to Paris next month, on his return from the meetings of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Algeria-France, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Sudanese government declares comprehensive ceasefire in all operation zones
  The Sudanese government announced a unilateral comprehensive ceasefire in all operations zones in Sudan starting from yesterday at midnight and lasting until October 15 to facilitate rescue operations for the injured. Sudan, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Sudan denies use of chemicals against southern rebels
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael on Thursday denied that his country used biological and chemical weapons in southern Sudan, adding, "Sudan, in fact, does not own such weapons." Sudan, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Yemen announces arrest of Belgian tourists' kidnapper
  Yemeni Minister of Interior General Hussein Mohammed Arab said that Yemeni security bodies arrested the kidnapper of the four Belgian tourists who were abducted on July 15, adding that they will be presented for trial during the next few days. Yemen, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Khaddam confers with Senegalese parliamentary delegation Syria-Senegal, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Reporters to accompany Knesset delegation to Damascus in September
  Palestinian sources in Damascus told the London-based al-Hayat daily that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa had agreed the proposal of Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara, who is also the chairman of the Arab Democratic Party, to include several Arab reporters and journalists in Israel in a delegation of 12 Arab members of the Israeli Knesset that is scheduled to visit Damascus at the beginning of next September. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Morocco's leftist parties must unite in one party, says house speaker
  Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives Abdelouahed Radi has called Moroccan leftist political parties to group in one party to reduce dissipation of political forces. Morocco, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Erekat calls for world pressure on Israel to implement Wye River accord
  The Palestinian National Authority asked the European Union and major countries to work on implementing the agreement signed between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Iraqi Kurds dismiss accusations of supporting PKK
  Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader Jalal Talibani and Kurdistan Democratic Party political bureau member Samy Abd El-Rahaman, denied accusations directed at them of sheltering members of the Turkish Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and supporting the PKK's activities against Turkish forces in southern Turkey. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Israel allows Abu Ali Mustafa to return to Palestinian territories
  Israeli army radio said on Thursday that Israel has permitted the return of the second man in the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Abu Ali Mustafa, to the Palestinian territories at the request of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who hoped to continue the dialogue with the front. Palestine, Politics, 8/6/1999
• PKK agrees to give up armed struggle
  The attorney general at the Turkish court, Foural Safas, called for ratifying the death sentence taken against the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan. Turkey-Regional-Cyprus, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Libya and Italy confirm adherence to implementing Rome declaration
  Libya and Italy confirmed their adherence to implementing the Rome declaration signed by the two countries in July 1998 to turn the page between them and push bilateral relations toward broad new horizons. Libya-Italy, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Employment promotion agency set up
  The Moroccan Cabinet adopted on Thursday a bill setting up a national agency for employment promotion as well as the decree enforcing the bill. Morocco, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Manama cancels passport of Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Hamad
  The Gulf News Agency said that Bahrain has decided to cancel the diplomatic passport offered to one of the relatives of the emir of Qatar, accused of attempting to overthrow the emir in 1996. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Moroccan government has no information about preparations for meeting between King Mohammed and Israeli premier
  The Moroccan government has no information concerning preparations for a meeting between King Mohammed VI and Israeli Premier Ehud Barak, said the government spokesman Khalid Alioua. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Arab states face water shortage
  Some 15 Mediterranean states which met on Wednesday in the city of Marseilles, southeastern France, met in the course of the World Council for Water have warned that water shortage in the Arab states will be catastrophic in the short run. Regional, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Palestine seeks to convene Arab summit for El-Touk countries
  The Palestinian people's committees in the camps of Sour town in south Lebanon called for convening a fivefold summit for the El-Touk (band) countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, in addition to the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization). Those are the countries hosting half of the Palestinian refugees. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Morocco, Ecuador sign memorandum
  Morocco and Ecuador signed recently in Quito a memorandum of understanding establishing mechanisms for political consultations between the two countries' foreign departments. Morocco-Ecuador, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Sanaa admits Wednesday's explosion
  The Yemeni mass media on Thursday said that five persons were killed and another 43 wounded when an explosive charge went off in Sanaa, thereby refuting the police version about the explosion on that it was a result of a family row. Yemen, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Levy to visit Amman; Jordan asks for apology
  The Israeli daily Maariv said on Wednesday said that Jordan has asked for a personal apology message signed by former Israeli intelligence chief Dany Yatom in order to permit him to visit Jordan Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Telephone conversation between Indyk and Qatari foreign minister Qatar-USA, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Specter to visit Syria, Israel
  Well-informed sources at the US Congress said that Senator Arlen Spector will this month hold a Middle East tour which will cover Syria and Israel. The sources added that the Republican senator is eager to take part in reviving Syrian - Israeli negotiations. Syria-USA, Politics, 8/6/1999
• Saudi message to Yemeni president Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Finnish foreign minister in Damascus
  Finland's Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, who is also the chairperson of the European Union council, arrived in Damascus on Wednesday night. She is accompanied by the EU's Middle East peace process envoy, Miguel Moratinos, on a visit to the country. Syria-European Union, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Syria will ask for one third of Israel if Israel continues to raise the question of the Golan
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa asserted during his meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen that Damascus will demand from Israel one third of the lands it occupied between the years 1948 and 1967 if Israel continues to raise the question of the Golan's borders. Syria-European Union, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Ganzouri: Mubarak's US visit rebutted religious persecution charges Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Abu Zeid: Water shortages could be worst problem of 21st century Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Gaddafi phones Mubarak
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a telephone call from Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, during which the latter expressed his thanks and appreciation for the talks held between the two presidents. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Italy to contribute to clearing Egyptian Sahara of mines Egypt, Politics, 8/5/1999
• King Abdullah receives Finnish foreign minister
  Jordan's King Abdullah II received yesterday Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen and her escorting delegation. Jordan-European Union, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Arab meetings to confront Israeli nuclear activity
  The Arab League's general trusteeship has called the committee responsible for following up on Israeli nuclear activity breaching the non-proliferation treaty to convene its sixth meeting at AL headquarter on August 22. Regional, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Levy to visit Jordan on August 10 Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Israeli views over the Golan
  A British daily said on Tuesday that results of peace talks between Syria and Israel will decide the fate of the Israelis in the Golan Heights. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Israeli minister stresses the need of withdrawal from the Golan
  Israeli Minister of Industry and Commerce Ran Cohen has asserted that a peace agreement cannot be attained with Syria without withdrawal from the Golan and guaranteeing what he called the solution of security and water problems. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Iraq warns Turkey against possessing nuclear abilities Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Al-Sahaf accuses UN Security Council of wanting to turn Iraq to a protectorate Iraq-UN, Politics, 8/5/1999
• AL warns Britain, Switzerland against financing Aleiso dam in Turkey
  The Arab League has warned against the participation of the governments of Britain and Switzerland and several companies relating to them in building the Turkish Aleiso dam on the Tigris river in Turkey. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Sudanese opposition approves Libyan proposal
  The commission of the leadership of the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance has approved a Libyan initiative that provides for immediate cessation of military operations and media campaigns as well as for starting direct dialogue between the Sudanese government and opposition through a public forum for dialogue. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Chairman of Higher Council of Islamic Revolution in Iraq arrives in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Arafat orders media not to reply to statements made by Syrian minister of defense
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat gave strict orders to the Palestinian media not to replying to statements allegedly made by Syrian Minister of Defense Mustafa Tlass which were insulting to President Arafat. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Lahoud: Unity of stand with Syria guarantees just peace
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Wednesday stressed that the unity of positions between Lebanon and Syria is the real guarantee for achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Lebanon, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Iraq renews denial of having Kuwaiti prisoners
  Iraq had renewed its denial of the existence of any Kuwaiti or non-Kuwaiti prisoners in its territories. It, at the same time, announced its readiness to take part, conditionally, in the works of a committee in charge of searching of the fate of the missing of the Gulf War in 1991. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Three persons killed in an explosion in Sanaa
  Three persons were killed and another 33 were wounded when a bomb went off on Wednesday in one of the markets in Sanaa. The Yemeni authorities fear that the explosion has a connection to the upholding of the penalty sentence against Zein al-Abidin al-Muhdar, commander of the Islamic Abeen Army - Aden, after he was convicted of kidnapping western tourists and killing four of them in December 1998. Yemen, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Jordanian writers continue hunger strike
  Some 26 jobless members of the league of Jordanian writers continued an open hunger strike they started on Sunday in objection to being ignored by the Jordanian government and its neglect of their difficult living conditions. Jordan, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Ecevit refuses Ocalan's appeal
  Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has refused the call addressed by the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, in which he asked his fighters to withdraw from Turkey. Turkey, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Holland to try asylum-seekers on war crimes charges
  The Dutch authorities have submitted the files of some one hundred of political asylum seekers to the office of the attorney general in preparation for trying them for crimes "against humanity" which they allegedly committed in their original countries before they had escaped and sought asylum in Holland. Regional-Netherlands, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Islamic Cadres withdraws from the Iraqi National Congress
  The Iraqi opposition Islamic Cadres Movement has announced its withdrawal from the Iraqi National Congress as an expression of its opposition to the condition the opposition grouping has reached, especially in regard to the formula of relations with the US and the imbalance in representing the Islamists. Iraq, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Iraqi paper criticizes Kuwait Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 8/5/1999
• Syrian defense minister denies making obscene statements against Arafat Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Mubarak to meet with Gaddafi today
  Libyan leader MoammarGaddafi met at Marsa Matrouh today on the border between Egypt and Libya with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Emir of Qatar to visit Lebanon Qatar-Lebanon, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Syria - Jordan committee signs protocols, agreements
  Chaired by Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi and his Jordanian counterpart, Abdul Raouf al-Rawabde,h meetings of the joint Jordanian - Syrian higher committee concluded on Tuesday night in Amman. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 8/4/1999
• King Mohammed VI receives two political leaders, Saudi interior minister
  King Mohammed VI received on Tuesday Abbas El-Fassi, Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party (PI) and Ahmed Ossmane, President of the National Rally of Independents (RNI). Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Lebanese citizens observe sit in Lebanon, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Baghdad stresses continued dialogue with the Kurds
  Baghdad on Tuesday called on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to intervene with Ankara to put an end to the "aggressions against Iraq." It stressed continued dialogue with the Kurdish parties which control the northern parts of the country despite the US pressures to prevent such a dialogue. Iraq, Politics, 8/4/1999
• EU for boosting Middle East peace
  Following his meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, whose country is currently presiding over the presidency of the EU, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said, "We have discussed the whole Middle East peace and obstacles and difficulties impeding us. We are eventually in need of the support and backing of the European Union and its constructive efforts in the peace process Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• King Abdullah confers with Syrian premier
  King Abdullah II on Tuesday in Amman received Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi. The meeting was attended by the Jordanian premier, the Syrian deputy premier for economic affairs and the chairman of the Jordanian royal court, Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Continuing mediation among Fatah and Palestinian opposition factions
  Abas Zaki, a member of the central committee of the Palestinian Legislative Council, said, "The transitional solution with the Israeli prime minister (Ehud Barak) and the final status will be very difficult," and that the talks are more difficult than negotiations with former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Barak urges Arab states to be patient for peace
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak urged the Arab states to be patient so that progress can be achieved in the peace process on all tracks. Regional-Israel, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Russian communique to Arafat on Barak's talks in Moscow
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received yesterday a communique from Russian President Boris Yeltsin and the Russian leadership. Palestine-Russia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• On Tlass' comments on Arafat
  The Palestinian Authority has called on Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to remove his defense minister, Mustafa Tlass, after his reported comments in Baalbek on Monday. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Azmi Bishara doubts Barak's intentions
  Palestinian intellectual and Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara expressed doubts toward the seriousness of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's peace policy, especially toward a complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Israel, Politics, 8/4/1999
• On inter-Palestinian reconciliation
  The secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, said in an interview with Israel Radio in a telephone call from Damascus, "We welcome the sudden development in the stand advocated by the people's front two weeks ago in Amman. It constitutes a political breakthrough" and is "closer to stances we adopt." Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Gaddafi meets with Sudanese opposition
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Tuesday in Tripoli received the leaders of the Sudanese opposition who have been meeting since Friday in Tripoli to discuss a national reconciliation plan with the government in Khartoum. Sudan-Libya, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Israeli President confers with Finnish FM Israel-European Union, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Moroccan - Algerian summit shortly
  Bouteflika said, "We have wasted much time," while the Moroccan and Algerian peoples "require us to restore the brotherly ties to their past excellent level." Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Algerian president: Relations with France changing radically Algeria, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Hamas spokesman released
  The spokesman for the Palestinian Hamas movement, Abdul Aziz al-Ranteisi, has announced that the Palestinian Authority has handed him his personal identity card after it released him two weeks earlier in order to take part in the funeral of his mother and to accept condolences on her death. Palestine, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Bahraini emir approves measures with Malaysia, Thailand Bahrain-Malaysia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Sudan asks for AL backing
  Sudan has asked the Arab League to back it in its confrontation of the US campaign led by certain US congress members in backing the proposal to separate southern Sudan from its northern part. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Some 15 persons killed in inter-Somali fighting
  Some 15 persons were killed and another 25 were wounded in intensive battles between two warring groups in the Somali capital. The confrontations started when members of the military militia led by Mousa Sudi Yalahu stopped a truck loaded with commodities for another rival group in Makadishu and asked for money in order to permit the truck to pass. Somalia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Morocco determined to speed up implementation of cooperation accords signed with Guinea
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi voiced Tuesday in Rabat Morocco's determination to speed up the implementation of the cooperation accords concluded with Guinea in all sectors. Morocco-Guinea, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Libyan envoy in Nigeria, meets foreign minister
  "We discussed the various conflicts on the continent including Sierra Leone, Congo and Angola," the visiting envoy told reporters after closed door talks with the nigerian foreign minister. Libya-Nigeria, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Jordanian king disguises for the second time to check security in Amman
  King Abudullah II of Jordan disguised himself for the second time in a week and checked on the general security patrols in Amman's streets to see the way they deal with civilians. Jordan, Politics, 8/4/1999
• On Barak's visit to Moscow
  The BBC quoted Russian political analyst Andrea Portonov as saying on Tuesday in Moscow that Israel had tried through the visit of Prime Minister Ehud Barak to Moscow to convince Russian President Boris Yeltsin that the Russian arm-sales deals to Syria at a cost of $2 billion US is not in the interest of Moscow in the long run. Israel-Russia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Ocalan calls on his party to drop arms
  The leader of the Turkish Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, has called on his party to drop their arms and withdraw their forces from Turkey. Turkey, Politics, 8/4/1999
• US embassy in Damascus announces US 2001 diversity immigrant visa program
  The US embassy in Damascus said in a statement that the US government has announced the 2001 Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery. Regional, Politics, 8/4/1999
• New chief for the Israeli representative in Tunis Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Ethiopia denies meeting with Somalis
  A spokesman for the Ethiopian government on Tuesday denied that his country plans to hold any meeting soon with Hussein Muhammad Aided, one of the Somali leaders. Somalia-Ethiopia, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Spain stages anti-illegal emigration campaign
  The Spanish autonomous government of Andalucia (southern Spain) launched a campaign to persuade candidates for illegal emigration not to risk their lives crossing the Straits of Gibraltar in search of a better life in Europe. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Two Belgians amnestied by King Mohammed VI, Belgian Foreign Department says
  Two Belgians were released over the weekend from Moroccan jails, the Belgian press reported, quoting Belgium's Foreign Department. Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Forum for Arab youths demands support from Arab media for the Palestinian cause
  The first forum for Arab youths recommended the support of the Arab Media for the Palestinian cause and the occupied Arab lands, reporting on the important causes like Jerusalem and Israeli settlements and encouraging Arab investment inside the Palestinian lands to help solve the unemployment problem of Palestinian youths. Regional, Politics, 8/4/1999
• Mubarak confers with Finnish Foreign Minister Egypt-European Union, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Syrian - Jordanian joint committee meets in Amman
  Chaired by Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi and his Jordanian counterpart, Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh, meetings of the joint Syrian - Jordanian higher committee started in Amman on Monday evening. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Delegation from Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine to meet with Arafat in Cairo in mid-August
  A delegation from the Palestinian opposition is to head to Cairo in mid-August representing the opposition Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine under the chairmanship of Nayef Hawatamah, the secretary general of the front, to meet with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Hamas refuses to maintain dialogue with the PA
  The Hamas movement has refused to participate in a dialogue with the PA on joining final status negotiations with Israel, citing that the failure of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to open a channel of dialogue with Hamas through Palestinian Minister of State Talal Sader, one of the movement's former leaders. Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• PA, opposition groups to continue dialogue
  The Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian opposition groups have decided to continue the dialogue in order to revive the PLO establishment. Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Al-Sharaa confers with Lebanese official Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Final statement on reconciliation meeting between Fatah and people's front
  The final statement for the meetings of the central command of the Fatah movement and the political bureau of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine was issued in Cairo on Monday. Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Emir of Qatar to visit Algeria on August 11 Qatar-Algeria, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Gaddafi confers with African ministers Libya-Africa, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Morocco, Guinea to step up partnership
  Visiting Guinean Minister of Finance and Economy Ibrahima Kassory Fofana had Monday in Rabat talks with several members of the Moroccan cabinet on ways to boost cooperation between the two countries in matters of trade, fisheries, customs, banking and training. Morocco-Guinea, Politics, 8/3/1999
• King Mohammed holds phone talks with Gabonese president Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Qatari emir to visit Gaza Strip
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani will hold a visit to the Gaza Strip on August 9 in the first visit by an official from the Gulf states to the Palestinian self-rule areas. Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• French official for achieving peace in the Middle East Lebanon-France, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Arafat accuses Barak of evading implementation of Wye River accord
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat today accused Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak of evading the implementation of the Wye River accord signed between the two sides. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Two Syrian governors removed
  President Hafez al-Assad on Monday issued Presidential decree no 62 provides for relieving two governors from duty and appointing three new ones. Syria, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Mutual messages between Cairo and Khartoum
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa sent a written message to his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Othman Ismael, in the continuous communications between Cairo and Khartoum to follow up on what was discussed and agreed upon during previous meetings. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Kuwait on the ninth anniversary of the Iraqi invasion
  On Monday Kuwait recalled during the events of the ninth anniversary of the Iraqi invasion that the question of the prisoners and missing were still prevailing. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Palestinian opposition to hold a meeting Palestine, Politics, 8/3/1999
• On the Israeli - Russian talks
  Monte Carlo radio's correspondent in Moscow said on Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak reviewed during his meeting in Moscow with Russian President Boris Yeltsin the question of dialogue that has been framed between Tel Aviv and Damascus. Israel-Russia, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Report: Four-member summit to be held in Cairo
  A Jordanian weekly said, referring to Egyptian diplomatic sources in Amman, that a four-member summit will be held within the coming days in Cairo including Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Regional, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Israeli minister arrives in Gaza
  Israel Minister of Environment Dalia Itzik said she is carrying a message to the Palestinian Authority that the Wye River agreement will be implemented in spirit and content if the Palestinians persist in refusing the Israeli proposals on merging the implementation of this agreement and the final status negotiations. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Russian president meets with Barak
  President Boris Yeltsin of Russia has expressed his conviction that as the new government in Israel has a desire for peace, it makes the realization of peace in the Middle East region possible. Israel-Russia, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Bouteflika: Algeria seeks foreign investments
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that his country seeks foreign investments to regain all it lost due to the bloodshed that lasted for the past seven years. Algeria, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Libyan newspaper calls for opening the compensation discussions with Britain regarding the effects of World War II
  A Libyan newspaper urged discussion of compensation with the UK for the injuries suffered by the Libyan people during the attacks of the Allied forces against German troops in the World War II that took place on Libyan land more than 50 years ago. Libya-UK, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Kuwait faces strong debate over foreign company participation in oil industry
  Kuwait's first deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah said yesterday that the plan aimed at permitting major international petroleum companies to produce petroleum locally doesn't require the parliament's approval. Kuwait, Politics, 8/3/1999
• El-Bashir and Turabi criticize US policy concerning Sudan
  Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir described the resolution of the US Congress concerning Sudan, which calls for imposing an air embargo on southern Sudan as forming a gross interference in interior affairs. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Arab ministers of the interior, justice assert distinguishing between terrorism, armed struggle
  The joint ministerial committee of the councils of Arab ministers of the interior and justice asserted in a statement released after its meeting on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, its strong condemnation of terrorism. Regional, Politics, 8/3/1999
• US continues to pursue Bin Laden
  The US security systems continue pursuing Osama Bin Laden one year after the bombardment of the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam and still considers him its top public enemy and accuses him of financing international terrorism. Regional, Politics, 8/3/1999
• UN, African experts meet in Algeria on Eritrea - Ethiopia conflict
  The spokesman for the Organization of the African Unity, Ibrahim Daghash, stressed on Monday that experts from the OAU, the UN and the US held a meeting in Algeria to discuss practical measures for the peace agreement proposed by the OAU to end the Ethiopian - Eritrean conflict. Ethiopia-Eritrea-OAU, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Libya to host African summit in September
  Libya will host an African summit in September to revise the charter of the Organization of African Unity. Regional-Libya-OAU, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Islamist activists among inmates amnestied by King Mohammed
  Several Islamist activists benefitted from the amnesty decreed last Friday by King Mohammed VI, a London-based Arabic daily reported. Morocco, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Sudanese opposition leaders meet in Libya Sudan-Libya, Politics, 8/3/1999
• Al-Assad's address on the occasion of the Syrian Army Day
  The president said the foundation of the Syrian army was an important part of the victory achieved by the "epic of independence and the evacuation of the colonialist forces from the territory of homeland." Syria, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Iraq prepares to hold dialogue with all Arab states
  Iraqi Vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan announced his countries' readiness to hold an objective dialogue with all Arab states without exception. Iraq, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Saudi crown prince received Iraqi minister
  For the first time, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday received Iraqi Minister of Justice Shabib al-Maliki, within the delegation of Arab ministers of justice and the interior. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Syrian prime minister arrives in Jordan today Syria-Jordan, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Inter-Palestinian dialogue starts in Cairo
  It was the first meeting held outside the Palestinian territories since 1994, a matter which availed bringing together all members of the committee, including three men who are very well-known for rejecting the Oslo agreement, refusing to return to the self-rule territories and refusing to hold posts in the Palestinian Authority. Palestine, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Al-Sharaa confers with Bishara, Japanese official Syria-Israel-Japan, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Bahrain moves toward increased economic openness
  In a speech he delivered upon visiting the premises of the general leadership of the defence forces, Sheikh Hamad said, "Since we assumed power in the country we have been careful to strengthen the economy. We will exert more efforts to have a developed and open economy." Bahrain, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Iran talks financial compensation for victims of air raids
  Iran asked the Turkish government to pay financial compensation for the victims of the air raids Iran says were launched by Turkish jets on border areas in northwest Iran, due to which five Iranians were killed. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Syria agrees to visit by 13 Arab members of Israeli Knesset
  The chairman of the Palestinian National Salvation Front, Khaled al- Fahoum, told a London-based daily that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa gave him on Wednesday "the initial consent" for the visit of the 13 Arab members of the Israeli Knesset to Damascus, including three members of Israeli parties who are taking part in the governmental coalition chaired by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/2/1999
• US embassy urges investment in Egypt
  The US embassy in Cairo issued yesterday a statement in which it called on US investors to invest in Egypt and gave them a comprehensive account of the available opportunities in its annual report, titled, "The external economic trends." Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Arab Journalists Union condemns investigation into Lebanese journalist
  The general trusteeship of Arab Journalists Union released a statement in which it denounced the attempts to put an end to freedom of the press in Lebanon because of presenting Molahem Karam, the deputy chairman of the union and the chief editor of the weekly magazine El-Howadith, for investigation, as well as another number of Lebanese journalists, on accusations of publishing news and subjects that harm the unity of Lebanon. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Israel to start withdrawal from the West Bank in October
  The Israeli government will start withdrawal from the West Bank according to the Wye River accord on October 1. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Israelis say peace impossible without withdrawal from Golan
  An Israeli daily said in a recent issue that 66% of Israelis believe that peace is not possible without a full Israeli withdrawal from the Golan. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/2/1999
• King Mohammed VI chairs ministers council this Monday
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, chaired this Monday a ministers council, the first since he ascended the Alawite Throne following the demise of his late father, Hassan II, last July 23. Morocco, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Finnish delegation arrives in the region
  Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, in her capacity as chairperson of the current rotating presidency of the European Union, arrived in the region on Sunday on a five-day tour to take part in reviving the Middle East peace process. Regional-European Union, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Referendum regarding civil reconciliation law in Algeria on September 16
  Official sources in the Algerian capital said yesterday that the referendum regarding the civil reconciliation law will take place on September 16. Algeria, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Delegation of Bosnian youths visits Egypt
  A delegation of Bosnian youths is to arrive in Cairo at the invitation of the High Council for Islamic Affairs in Egypt, in light of cooperation between Egyptian Ministry of Endowments and the Egyptian embassy in Sarajevo. Egypt-Bosnia, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Report: Syria wants Jordan to return forged passports
  A London-based daily has said that the Syrian government has asked its Jordanian counterpart officially to search for hundreds of forged Syrian passports used by Syrian opposition members who live in the Jordanian territories during their travel. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Report: Barak to visit Qatar, Oman
  An Israeli daily said that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will soon visit several Arab states, including Qatar and Oman. Israel-Regional, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Saddam's daughter restores $1 million in profits
  The oldest daughter of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, Rana Hussein, has restored the profits of sums deposited by her late husband, Col. Kamel al-Majeed, in two banks in Jordan. Iraq, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Moroccan political parties adhere to policy traced by King Mohammed VI
  Moroccan political parties of all trends have voiced backing and adherence to the orientations traced by King Mohammed VI in his first Throne Speech, delivered last Friday. Morocco, Politics, 8/2/1999
• A new version of the arrest of Qatari coup convict
  A new version of the scenario for the arresting of the main person who is accused in the foiled coup attempt in Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Hamad al-Thani, emerged on Wednesday in Beirut. Qatar, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Jordanian engineer union denies membership to graduates from Israeli universities
  The Jordanian engineers syndicate's council decided not to accept the membership of any graduate from any of the Israeli universities, also breaking with Jordanian tourism offices after the union discovered the offices were agents of the Israel airline company, El Al. Jordan, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Tehran warns European countries against exposing its interests to Jewish embargo
  The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that his country greatly pursues the demonstrations by the French Jews in a European airport, which led to delaying a plane affiliated to the Iranian airline for three hours. Iran-France, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Communications between Tehran and Paris
  Communications are currently being made between Paris and Tehran in order to determine a new date for the visit of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami to France that was originally scheduled for last April. Iran-France, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Syrian minister Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 8/2/1999
• Egypt names new ambassador to Washington Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/2/1999

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