Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 8/9/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of August 9, 1999

• Arab League: Israel plans to trade Arab economic, military secrets Regional, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Libya, Nigeria issue joint statement
  Libya and Nigeria have expressed their concern over the increased conflicts inside and between the African states and agreed to support the efforts exerted by the Organization of African Unity OAU and other regional organizations in order to put an end to these bloody conflicts in the Great Lakes areas and in Congo, Sierra Leone and others. Libya-Nigeria, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Mubarak confers with Erekat Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Lebanese Premier to visit Damascus Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Morocco calls for restoring Sebta, Melilla from Spain
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi called for opening a dialogue about the situation of the cities of Sebta and Melilla. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Clinton may visit the Middle East Regional, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Ross pessimistic over the Syrian track Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Syria urges Albright to push the peace process forward
  Syrian Minister of Labor Ali Khalil asked the Israeli government to resume peace negotiations from their halting point three years ago. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Al-Hoss: Barak's declarations of withdrawal are booby-trapped Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Sudanese ruling party supports reconciliation with opposition
  The Sudanese ruling National Conference Party announced its support for reconciliation with the opposition. Sudan, Politics, 8/14/1999
• On the coming session of the AL council
  A high-ranking Arab source has denied rumors of the apology of several Arab Gulf ministers for not taking part in the coming session of the Arab League AL council which will be presided over by Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Palestinian - Israeli negotiations
  The Palestinian negotiating delegation chaired by Saeb Erekat and Mahmoud Abass (Abu Mazen) held a meeting today in Jerusalem with an Israeli delegation chaired by Talat Shinder, the legal consultant of Prime Minister Ehud Barak, to discuss the timetable for the implementation of the Wye River accord. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Date for meeting between Arafat and Hawatmeh is not final
  Sources in the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine in Damascus stated that the date of the meeting between Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and DFLP leader Nayef Hawatmeh is not final. Palestine, Politics, 8/14/1999
• On Jordanian prisoners
  Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Marwan al-Hammoud said in Amman today that Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi had promised to study including the Jordanians in the Syrian presidential pardon, at top levels in Syria. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Beilin, Masalha and the Syrian track
  Israel Radio said on Friday that Israeli Minister of Justice Yossi Beilin discussed on Thursday night in Washington with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright the question of resuming negotiations with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Baghdad calls for lifting sanctions
  Iraq renewed yesterday its call on the United Nations for the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on the country nine years ago. Iraq, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Iran for boosting relations with the Arab states
  Iranian minister of culture and national guidance Atta Allah Muhajerani called for developing relations between Iran and the Arab states. Iran-Regional, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Ocalan confirms his party's readiness to hand over weapons
  The leader of theTurkish Kurdistan Workers' Party, Abdullah Ocalan, who is sentenced to death in Turkey, expressed the readiness of his followers to hand over their arms if Turkey presents a general amnesty for them to end the armed struggle that has lasted for more than 15 years between the two sides. Turkey, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Palestinian national conference for discussing captives in Israeli prisons
  A Palestinian national conference will held on August 29 to discuss the issue of captives in the Israeli occupation prisons and means of escalating the call to release them. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Iran, Turkey sign security agreement
  The joint higher security committee between Iran and Turkey has concluded its sixth session on Friday in Ankara by signing a memorandum of understanding for security cooperation between the two countries. Turkey-Iran, Politics, 8/14/1999
• PKK denies arrest of member
  The military wing of the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) denied Turkish security information which said one of the party's members who was said to be planing to kill the head of the state security court that sentenced PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to death was detained. Turkey, Politics, 8/14/1999
• Romanian minister of defense concludes visit to Egypt Egypt-Romania, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Saudi - Egyptian free trade zone
  It was announced in Cairo on Thursday that meetings of the joint committee for bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia will meet in Cairo in the second half of September, under the chairmanship of the foreign ministers of the two countries. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Peace between Syria, Israel will debate the future of Palestinian opposition
  Western diplomatic sources in Damascus said that the possibility of attaining peace between Damascus and Tel Aviv will debate the future of the Palestinian opposition which takes of Damascus as a headquarters, noting that any activity will be confined in this respect to releasing statements. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Syrian Yemeni relations highlighted Syria-Yemen, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Palestinian - Israeli talks on Sunday
  The Israeli- Palestinian joint committee is due to resume its meetings on Sunday, August 13. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/13/1999
• UN teams find no medical emergency in area allegedly attacked with chemical weapons Sudan, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Jordanian Premier, Arafat held talks in Ramallah
  During his meeting with the Chairman of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Jordan's prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh briefed him on the results of the Jordanian diplomatic moves concerning the peace process and the results of contacts held by Amman following the visit of the Israeli foreign minister David levy to Amman on Tuesday. Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Arafat to meet with Hawatemah on August 23
  A well-informed Palestinian source in Damascus said that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will meet with the secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, in Cairo on August 23. Syria, Politics, 8/13/1999
• For the first time, Syrian diplomats in a conference for peace with Israeli participation
  Western diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that a Syrian diplomat had for the first time taken part with Israeli experts and officials in an international conference organized by the Wilton Park organization in London, with the participation of some 70 officials, diplomats, academics and experts from the Middle East and foreign states including the US, Britain and Turkey. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/13/1999
• AL sends invitations for meeting of its 112th council
  The spokesman for the AL, Tallat Hamid, said in statements he made in Cairo on Thursday that the AL did not receive any apology for not participating from any Arab state. Regional, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Egypt prevents Israeli passenger jet from passing though its airspace
  A spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Israel is currently studying the reasons behind the rejection of the Egyptian aviation authorities to permit two Israeli passenger planes to pass though Egyptian airspace on their way to Kenya on Wednesday. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Libya denies CIA report on owning nuclear weapons
  Libya has denied what accusations in the annual report submitted by the CIA to the Congress that five Arab states possess weapons of mass destruction including Libya. Libya-USA, Politics, 8/13/1999
• An explosion in a market in Istanbul
  Three persons were wounded as a result of an explosion that took place in one of the markets in Istanbul. The explosion which is thought to be resulting from a gas leak that took place in one of the industrial areas in al-Bazaar Souk, which is the most remarkable tourism site in the city. Turkey, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Israel escalates aggression against South Lebanon
  While the Israeli occupation forces on Thursday escalated their aggressions against south Lebanon and the western Bekaa areas, the April Understanding Monitoring Committee started its meetings in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura to discuss Lebanese complaints over Israeli violations of the provisions of the understanding. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Palestinian minister of information urges Israel not to delay Wye River accord
  Palestinian Minister of Information Yasser Abed Rabbo said, "The Palestinian Authority does not want declarations issued by this or that minister, but it wants to deal with actual facts." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Iranian - Turkey security talks for easing tension between them
  Iran and Turkey concluded talks today that lasted two days in Ankara to discuss security issues after the renewal of tensions between the two countries due to Tehran's accusation that Ankara launched an aggression against it. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Talebani party denies approving formation of Kurdish Jewish party
  The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, led by Jalal Talebani, has denied a report published on Tuesday by the Iraqi daily Babel, which said that the Talebani party approved the formation of a party for Kurdistan's Jews which will have al-Suleimaneyeh as a headquarters and be backed by Israel. Iraq, Politics, 8/13/1999
• Cyprus releases two Mossad agents
  The Cypriot authorities on Thursday released two Israeli spies who were sentenced to three years in prison last February for spying on military areas during secret maneuvers for the Cypriot army. Israel-Cyprus, Politics, 8/13/1999
• President of Nigeria making first visit to Libya today Libya-Nigeria, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Damascus Declaration States to meet in October
  The foreign ministers of the Damascus Declaration states will convene their 17th session in Cairo at the end of October. Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Damascus denies secret contacts with Israel
  Syria on Wednesday reiterated its denial of any secret negotiations with Israel, indicating that Damascus " does not negotiate from under the table." Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Albright to raise new ideas for reviving peace process in the coming tour for Middle East
  An Egyptian diplomatic source said that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will raise new ideas for reviving the Middle East peace process on all tracks during her coming tour of the area, which is expected to begin on September 1. Egypt-Regional-USA, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Madeleine Albright to visit Cairo at the beginning of September
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will arrive in Cairo on September 2 on a tour that includes Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Emir of Qatar in Rabat, extends condolences to King Mohammed
  The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa Al-Thani, on Wednesday paid a short visit to Rabat during which he extended King Mohammed VI condolences following the demise of the late King Hassan II. Morocco-Qatar, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Abdul Meguid to visit Jordan on Saturday
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid is to head to Jordan on August 14 for an official visit, during which he would meet with Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein and high-ranking Jordanian officials. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Arafat receives al-Rawabdeh today in Ramallah Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Turkish - Iranian negotiations extended
  The Turkish - Iranian negotiations continued for the third consecutive day after the failure of the two sides to reach an agreement regarding a joint note aimed at improving border cooperation. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Barak, Abbas and the Wye river agreement
  The Israeli prime Minister Ehud Barak has asserted that he is still expected the Palestinians to seriously study his proposals concerning the timetable to carry out the Wye river agreement Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/12/1999
• No Moroccan-Algerian problem over Sahara, Bouteflika says
  There is no bilateral problem between Morocco and Algeria over the Sahara, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said on Wednesday. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 8/12/1999
• A call for Algeria to approve civil reconciliation law
  He described the civil reconciliation law as coming out of the principal "we do not forget but forgive," a slogan adopted by the families of terrorism victims, confirming that the country will take care of them. Algeria, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Arab League condemns Israeli aggression on al Aqsa mosque
  The Arab League on Wednesday condemned the recent Israeli aggression on Al Aqsa mosque, which it considered the latest in the chain of Israeli practices designed to further restrict the religious freedoms of Palestinian faithfuls and to undermine the sanctity of the holy shrine. Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• International figures gather to plead for respect in war
  International figures today marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Conventions and appealed for atrocities and war crimes to be made a thing of the past. Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Algeria and Qatar call for Arab summit
  The joint statement released on Wednesday at the end of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani's visit to Algeria, during which he met with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, said talks focused on the development of bilateral relations and discussion of Arab and regional issues, Algerian News Agency said. Algeria-Qatar, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Arafat, Hawatameh to meet in Cairo this month
  A member of the political bureau of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine at its headquarters in Damascus, Nayef El-Samerai, announced that Palestinain President Yasser Arafat is due to meet with DFLP leader Nayef Hawatameh in Cairo on August 22. Palestine, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Messages between Israel, Tunisia
  Sources at the Israeli foreign ministry on Wednesday unveiled that the Tunisian authorities will send in the coming time new diplomats in order to re-operate the Tunisian representative office in Tel Aviv. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Ruler of Bahrain to accept invitation to visit Iran
  The Iranian mass media on Wednesday said that the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa has welcomed the fulfil an invitation for visiting Iran. Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Al-Rawabdeh: Arab coordination for peace process Jordan-Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Palestinian officials to visit the United States
  Senior Palestinian officials will visit the United States soon to meet with Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday. Palestine-USA, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Barazani calls on the Kurdistam party to halt intervention in northern Iraq
  The Kurdistani Democratic party, led by Mesout Barazani" has reiterated his call on the Kurdistani party to " halt the aggression and intervention in the affairs of Iraq's Kurdistan. Iraq, Politics, 8/12/1999
• A request for electing Palestinian parliament
  The People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine said it called during recent reconciliation talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat for the election of a new National Council in order to restore the Palestinian people's unity and revive the corporations of the Palestinia Liberation Organization that stopped after the signing of Palestinian - Israeli peace accords in 1993. Palestine, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Barak speaks on the telephone with Clinton
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Tuesday made a telephone call with the US President to brief them with ME peace developments and to explain to the US President his ideas pertaining to his request to delay the visit of the US Foreign secretary Madeleine Albright to the region. Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Security talks between Iran and Turkey
  the Chairman of the Iranian delegation, taking part in the sixth meeting of the Joint higher security committee between Iran and Turkey Ghulam Hussein Balandian has described his talks with the Turkish side in Ankara as positive. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 8/12/1999
• US, Saudi Arabia and Bin Laden
  The US Los Angeles Times said on August 8 that Saudi officials have reached a secret agreement with leaders of the Afghani Taleban movement last year ( 1998) in order to hand over the Saudi Billionaire Osama Bin laden, just two months before the two explosions which hit the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Regional, Politics, 8/12/1999
• IRC calls for urgent aid for Sudan Sudan, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Likud reiterates adherence to the Golan Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Cairo presents film The Way of the Holy Family in 43 countries Egypt, Politics, 8/12/1999
• Lebanese Parliamentary bloc boycotts meeting with emir of Qatar Lebanon, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Meeting of the Arab committee for Barcelona
  Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Fathi El-Shazeli is leaving Cairo on Sunday, heading to Damascus for a three-day visit, during which he will participate in the meeting of the high Arab coordinating officials for the Barcelona process. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Egyptian - Libyan efforts to maintain national reconciliation in Sudan
  The Sudanese opposition said on Tuesday that Cairo and Tripoli have decided during the summit conference held between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi held last Wednesday in Marsa Matrouh to convene a national reconciliation conference in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Qatari emir to Lebanese parliament: No peace without full Israeli withdrawal from Arab lands
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani stated that the Arab area stands today at a crossroads and that there are crucial challenges which must be confronted in solidarity and reaching an indispensable basis for a unified Arab strategy based on shared interests and joint goals. Qatar-Lebanon, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Egyptian - Algerian official talk about achieving concrete progress in relations
  Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs Sayed Abu Zeid met with Mostafa El-Sherif, Algeria's ambassador in Cairo. Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Lebanon, Qatar stress full Israeli withdrawal
  Lebanon and Qatar have asserted their commitment to the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and the liberation of south Lebanon and the Golan from the Israeli occupation. Qatar-Lebanon, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Jordan excludes convening of summit for the band countries
  Jordanian political sources said yesterday that Jordan does not intend to convene a fivefold summit gathering the El-Touk (band) countries, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, contradicting what was expected and communications made during the last few months. Jordan, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Amman journalist released at the directives of the king
  A Jordanian official source said on Tuesday that at the directive of the Jordanian King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein, Jordanian journalist Senan Shaqdeh, who works in the Jordanian independent daily al-Masa'eyah, was released. Jordan, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Sudan, Yemen plead for emergency Arab summit
  Sudan and Yemen pleaded on Tuesday for the holding of an emergency Arab summit to examine the situation in the Arab states at the turn of the century. Sudan-Yemen, Politics, 8/11/1999
• King mohammed receives two political parties leaders
  King Mohammed VI received separately in Rabat on Tuesday Aissa Ouardighi, secretary-general of the Socialist Democratic Party (PSD) and Thami Khyari, secretary-general of the Democratic Forces Front (FFD). Morocco, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Senegal says debate on exclusion of Polisario entity from African fold will resume Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Barak briefs Mubarak on peace process developments
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a phone call yesterday night from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• On the meeting between King Abdullah and Levy
  Israel Radio said on Tuesday that Jordan's King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein has welcomed the determination of the Israeli government to implement its signed agreements and proceed forward in the Middle East peace process. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Owner of al-Shifaa factory sues the US
  The owner of al-Shifaa medicinal factory in Sudan, Salah Idris, intends to sue the United States in court and demand US $30 million in compensation for striking the factory in 1998. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Levy calls on Syria to join direct negotiations
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy on Tuesday in Amman called on Syrian President Hafez al-Assad to accept carrying out direct negotiations with Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• King of Jordan confers with Israeli foreign minister
  Jordan's King Abdullah II reviewed in Amman on Tuesday with Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy during their meeting the latest developments in the Middle East peace process and efforts exerted to give them a push forward and resume this process on all tracks. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Libyan newspaper warns of attempts to spoil Libyan - Italian relations
  A Libyan newspaper published yesterday warned of attempts to spoil and corrupt the improving relations between Italy and Libya, through efforts to shake Libyan trust in the policies of the current Italian government. Libya-Italy, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Iran welcomes Saudi call to eliminate regional weapons of mass destruction
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has welcomed the call advocated by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal Bin Abdul Aziz to eliminate weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 8/11/1999
• France's Montpelier mayor visits Alexandria
  Mohammed Abd El-Salam EL-Mahgoub, governor of Alexandria, met yesterday with George Fresh, the mayor of Montpelier, France, who is currently visiting Alexandria. Egypt-France, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Turkish dam leads to evacuation of 16,000 Kurds from their villages
  The British daily the Observer said on Sunday that construction of a Turkish dam on the Tigris river in southeast Turkey will result in evacuating some 16,000 Kurds from their villages. Turkey-UK, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Britain inquires about fairness of its citizens trial in Yemen
  A spokesman for the British Foreign Ministry said in London on Tuesday that British Prime Minister Tony Blair sent a message to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh that centered on finding out whether the British convicts who were sentenced to imprisonment after being found guilty of planning acts of destruction in Yemen had underwent fair trials. Yemen-UK, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Israeli plan to solve the water crisis Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• PKK ready to drop its arms Turkey, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Pakistan denies landing of US planes in Islamabad Regional-USA, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Jumblatt holds visits to Lebanese national forces
  The chairman of the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) in Lebanon, Walid Jumblatt, on Tuesday visited the headquarters of the Syrian Socialist Progressive Party (SSPP), on top of a delegation from his party, where he met with the chairman of the SSPP, Ali Qansouh. Jumblatt's visit falls in the course of meetings between political parties and forces. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Mossad agent may testify in Lockerbie case
  Former Mossad agent Victor Ostroviski has proposed to be a witness in the defense of the two Libyans suspected of being involved in the Lockerbie incident of 1988. Libya-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Ruler of Qatar meets with Jumblatt Lebanon-Qatar, Politics, 8/11/1999
• New Jewish political party forms in Kurdistan, northern Iraq Iraq-Israel, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Sudanese-Egyptian relations working to restore normalcy Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Libya, Pakistan sign joint cooperation program Libya-Pakistan, Politics, 8/11/1999
• Al-Bashir: Washington prepares to attack Sudan
  He was quoted by the Sudanese dailies on Monday as saying that the US accusations that Khartoum violates human rights, sponsors terrorism and practices slavery aim at "preparing the regional and international public opinion for a military strike against Sudan," adding, "US threats will not frighten us." Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Khaddam: The coming phase is more difficult
  Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam has asserted "the importance of work on backing the unity of the two tracks between Lebanon and Syria, because we are coming to a period of peace talks with Israel, a stage that will be more difficult than previous stages." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 8/10/1999
• On the Jordanian detainees in Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Palestinian committee concludes meeting in Damascus, refuses dialogue with Palestinian government
  The Palestinian follow up committee, which includes nine opposition groups and several national figures, has stressed at the conclusion of its tumultuous two-day meeting in Damascus refusal to maintain dialogue with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on the grounds of Oslo agreements or final status negotiations. Palestine, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Moussa discusses moving peace process forward with Albright
  Egyptian Foreign Minster Amr Moussa spoke on the phone yesterday with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to discuss the two countries' roles in the Middle East peace process in view of recent contacts between President Hosni Mubarak and US President Bill Clinton. Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/10/1999
• King Mohammed receives president of maldives Morocco-Maldives, Politics, 8/10/1999
• A message from Yemeni president to Syrian president
  The assistant secretary general of the Baath Arab Socialist Party, Abdullah al-Ahmar, on Monday received the assistant secretary general for political affairs and chairman of the General People's Conference in Yemen, Yahya al-Mutawakil, who gave him a message addressed to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad from President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen. Syria-Yemen, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Jordanian premier confers with Libyan minister Jordan-Libya, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Palestinian refugees residing in Jordan refuse bargain on right to return Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Qatari emir confers with Lebanese prime minister Qatar-Lebanon, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Bahrain prefers Algerian mediation in its border disputes with Qatar Bahrain-Algeria, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Opening of Moroccan-Algerian borders an economic and human need
  The Moroccan minister in charge of the government's general affairs on Monday called the opening of Moroccan-Algerian borders an economic and human need. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Iraq completes building of the oil pipelines through Syria
  An oil source in Baghdad said that Iraq has completed the rehabilitation of the Iraqi - Syrian pipeline which passes through the Iraqi territories, adding that the process of completing this line continues on the Syrian side. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Levy in Jordan today, says Israel ready for peace with Syria
  Israel Radio said on Monday that Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy 's will meet today in Amman with Jordanian officials, including King Abdullah II, who will acquaint him with the mediation efforts he recently made between Israel and Syria. The radio added that Levy will brief the Jordanian leadership on the political contacts and the attempt to resume peace negotiations on the Syrian track. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Egyptian diplomat: Relations with Iran are strategic Egypt-Iran, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Official spokesman for royal palace appointed Morocco, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Algerian interior minister says stability is returning
  Algerian Minister of the Interior Abdul Malik Sallal has asserted that security conditions have been continuously improving in Algeria during the few past months, adding that there are extremists who seek to foil the peace process pursued by Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Algeria, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Turkish Kurds seek ceasefire with Iraqi Kurds Turkey-Regional, Politics, 8/10/1999
• $55 million in exports from United Arab Emirates to Iraq
  Iraqi newspapers reported that the volume of exports from the United Arab Emirates to Iraq has doubled 20 times since 1995, saying that the value of the products exported from Dubai harbor to Iraq was $2.5 million in 1995 and increased to $55 million in 1997. Iraq-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Palestinian criticism for delay of Albright's visit
  The Palestinian National Authority urged the USA to make a rapid intervention to oblige the Israeli government to implement Wye River accord. Palestine-USA, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Syrian - Turkish tourism executive program signed
  In its fourth meeting, the joint committee discussaThe program included, among other things, ways of propagating tourism activities, exchanging expertise and groups and setting up tourism projects in terms of encouraging investors.ed ways of developing tourism cooperation between the two countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Doha will not treat Israeli sports team as an enemy
  Sheikh Khaled Bin Ali al-Thani, the executive director of the world handball championship due to be held in Doha on August 23 - September 5, stressed that the Israeli team will not be treated as an enemy during the championship, at a time when both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain announced their withdrawal from the event. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 8/10/1999
• On the Palestinian presence in Syria
  A London-based daily said in a report quoting Western reports that the continued presence of the Palestinian opposition organizations in Damascus constitutes an obstacle before resuming peace talks between Syria and Israel. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Report: Israeli plan to dismember Syrian, Lebanese tracks
  A Kuwaiti daily said Sunday that European diplomatic sources unveiled an Israeli plan aimed at separating the Syrian and Lebanese peace tracks through disseminating rumors via certain diplomatic channels speaking of Israeli's acceptance of withdrawal from the whole of the Golan against setting up early-warning system stations on Lebanese mountain summits. Regional-Israel, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Hizbullah says it will continue resistance against Israel
  The head of the political council for Hizbullah, Mohammed Raed, stated that, "The resistance has nothing to do with the political atmosphere," emphasizing that the resistance will continue its work to fight the Israeli occupation until the full Israeli withdrawal from the Lebanese south without restrictions or conditions. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Gaddafi receives Pakistani, Gambian messages
  Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi on Monday received a message from Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Libyan television said on Sunday night that Pakistani Minister of the Interior Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain had delivered the message to Col. Gaddafi on Sunday in Tripoli. Libya-Gambia, Politics, 8/10/1999
• King Mohammed chairs military session with senior officers
  King Mohammed VI on Monday presided over a working session with senior officers of the general staff of the Royal Armed Forces. Morocco, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Egypt lowers hopes of convening an Arab summit
  Egyptian diplomatic sources said that Cairo has slowed down its moves and its enthusiasm toward calling for convening a pan-Arab summit with the participation of Iraq, while it had earlier had the hope to convene it next autumn. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Jumblatt: Concentrating authority in Lahoud's hand leads to war
  The chairman of the Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Jumblatt, has warned that any violation of the Taif accord into a "sectarian-presidential or presidential-security regime" -- a government that survives on grounds of religious consideration or by means of force -- would endanger precise balances in Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Ethiopia asks for explanations of OAU peace plan
  Ethiopia has asked the Organization of the African Unity for explanations concerning technical measures for the peace plan with Eritrea. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 8/10/1999
• US planes strike Iraqi positions Iraq, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Pakistani group denies releasing statement on meeting with Bin Laden
  A Pakistani group calling itself Mujahidi al-Bader on Sunday that denied that it had released a statement saying that one of its leaders had met in Afghanistan with Osama Bin Laden last Friday. Regional-Pakistan, Politics, 8/10/1999
• FAO says 10 million Africans need food
  Nearly 10 million people in sub-Saharan Africa need emergency food assistance, according to a report released Monday by FAO. Regional-Africa, Politics, 8/10/1999
• A cruise for peace in the Mediterranean
  The cruise sponsors said the major purpose of the trip is to promote a peace culture in the Mediterranean and to enable these youths from 23 countries to contribute to restoring peace in the region and to convey a message of peace to all Mediterranean countries. Regional, Politics, 8/10/1999
• Discussion between emir of Qatar, Lebanese president
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Ben Khalifa al-Thani said after his arrival in Beirut and meeting with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud that the visit comes out of Qatar's strong adherence to resuming meetings and communications to exchange opinions and consultations on all matters of concern to both countries. Lebanon-Qatar, Politics, 8/9/1999
• King Abdullah to visit Kuwait Kuwait-Jordan, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Lebanese President confers with Bashar al-Assad Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Qatari emir in a solidarity visit to Gaza
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani paid a visit on Sunday to Gaza, the first by a leader of an Arab Gulf state to the Palestinian self-rule territories. Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Bahraini crown prince arrives in Algeria Bahrain-Algeria, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Egypt, Romania hold military talks
  A session of military talks was held yesterday evening at the headquarters of the Egyptian Defense Ministry between Egyptian Defense Minister Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi and his Romanian counterpart, Victor Babiuc, who is currently paying an official visit to Egypt, at the head of a high-ranking military delegation, according to a call from Tantawi. Egypt-Romania, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Qatari ruler to start visit to Algeria tomorrow
  Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani will head to Algeria tomorrow for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Algeria-Qatar, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Saddam Hussein accuses Iran of continuing its aggression
  On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the end of the Iranian - Iraqi war, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on Sunday accused Iran of continuing its aggressions against Iraq and made "covert" threats against Irna, a stand which was denounced by Tehran and attributed it to Hussein's feelings of "failure and insult." Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Palestinian official calls for a summit between al-Assad, Arafat Palestine-Syria, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Iraq: Seeds of conflict with Iran still exist
  On the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the end of the Iraqi-Iranian war, the Iraqi daily Babel said that the seeds of conflict between the two countries are still in existence. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Barak calls on Albright to postpone visit to the region
  The Israeli newspaper Jerusalem Post said yesterday that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has agreed to postpone her visit to the region at the request of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, due to current troubles with the Palestinians. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Sudan abides by cease fire with rebels Sudan, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Arafat calls on Barak to implement signed agreements Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/9/1999
• A meeting for the Damascus Declaration states
  A Kuwaiti daily issued on Saturday quoted Egyptian diplomatic sources as saying that contacts are being made between the foreign ministers of the Damascus Declaration states in order to set a date for their next meeting due to be held in Kuwait, due to their previous meeting held in Doha in November 1998. Regional, Politics, 8/9/1999
• One of three arrested Hamas leaders released
  The Palestinian Authority released Hamas leader Ismael Abu Shamab, who was arrested at the end of last month. Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Erekat assures not accepting any delay concerning Wye River
  Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that Abu Ammar's (Arafat) declarations are not an agreement to modify the Wye River accord and what Palestinian President Yasser Arafat said is that he wants to start the accord's application as promised by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak at the end of August. Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Overt disputes in Palestinian opposition threaten collapse of follow-up committee
  An overt dispute erupted on Sunday in a meeting of the follow-up committee of the alliance of the Palestinian opposition forces, which met to discuss a united strategy to deal with final status matters, foremost being the question of Jerusalem, the refugees and the Palestinian state. Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Syrian-Turkish tourism cooperation Syria-Turkey, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Palestinian government welcomes contacts between Fatah, Palestinian people's front
  The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the results of the dialogue held last week in Cairo between the Palestiman Fatah movement and the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Arafat accepts Barak's proposal
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat has announced his consent for the proposal of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to start implementation of the Wye River agreement signed between the two sides in September. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Hawatemah - Arafat meeting postponed Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Adly: Islamic Group leader may return to Egypt
  Egyptian Minister of Interior Habib al-Adly said today in an interview with Al Ahram newspaper, "Several terrorists were handed over to Egypt and a detailed map of terrorist activities has been detected." Egypt, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Al-Hoss confirms Lebanese refusal to settle Palestinian refugees Lebanon, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Qatari emir urges Israel to abide by agreements signed with the Palestinians Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Saudi Arabia, Bahrain boycott world youth championship
  Saudi Arabia and Bahrain announced on Sunday that they will not take part in the world youth handball championship which will be held this month in Qatar because of Israel's participation in the event. Regional-Qatar, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Yemeni opposition decides to boycott presidential elections
  Yemeni opposition, whose candidate did not receive enough votes from the Parliament to participate in the coming presidential elections, decided to boycott these elections, due on September 23. Yemen, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Garang movement threatens to attack petroleum working companies in Sudan
  Bajan Amum, a member of the executive member of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement led by John Garang warned the petroleum companies working in Sudan that they will be legal military targets for his movement. Sudan, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Arab - African dialogue highlighted
  Jordanian Parliament Speaker Abdul Hadi al-Majali has asserted the importance of Arab-African dialogue and its role in exchanging views and enriching expertise towards establishing fruitful Afro-Arab cooperation in various areas. Jordan-Senegal, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Referendum in Sahara: New appeal centers open this Monday
  Several new centers open this Monday in a number of Moroccan cities to enable would-be voters in the referendum on the Sahara whose registration has been rejected by the identification commission to lodge appeals. Morocco, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Eritrea accepts proposals of the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU) Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 8/9/1999
• EU envoy stressed unity of Lebanese-Syrian tracks in the peace process
  The European Union's Middle East special envoy to the peace process, Miguel Moratinos, has stressed the EU's backing for the unity of the Syrian and Lebanese tracks as a basic element "for the establishment of a comprehensive peace in the region." Regional, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Libyan newspaper renews compensation call for World War II losses
  A Libyan newspaper renewed yesterday its demands that the U.K pay compensation for its use of the Libyan lands in its war against Axis forces in World War II. Libya-UK, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Jordanian endeavors to win issue of royal pardon for Daqamseh
  The chief of the Jordanian lawyers, Saleh El-Armouti, said that the lawyers' union is working hard on issuing a special pardon for the soldier Ahmed Daqamseh fired at female Israeli students, killing seven, during their visit to El-Bakoura two years ago. Jordan, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Pakistani group meets with Bin Laden Regional-Pakistan, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Five bidders for 2006 World Cup start competition
  The five countries bidding to host the soccer World Cup in 2006 start this Monday competition in Switzerland after submitting officially their case before Fifa president Sepp Blatter. Morocco, Politics, 8/9/1999
• Lebanon: Ceasefire committee to meet on Thursday Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/9/1999

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