Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 8/16/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of August 16, 1999

• King calls Moroccans to respect liberties guaranteed by constitution
  King Mohammed VI spoke of his political agenda for Morocco after assuming power following the late king's demise and after a period of mourning for the country at the end of which he is to begin focus on the country's affairs. He called on Friday Moroccans to respect the legal provisions of liberties guaranteed by the constitution. Morocco, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Bashar al-Assad visits Bahrain Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Morocco's king renews commitment for settling social problems
  "We do not hold a magic wand by which we claim to resolve all these problems and others, but we are firmly resolved to face them, with the help of God, the soonest with the means available," he insisted. Morocco, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Instruction for the Sudanese embassies to facilitate opposition's return
  Official Sudanese sources said that Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael authorized the Sudanese embassies in different capitals to work to facilitate procedures for opposition members who desire to return to Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Erekat: Wye issues require Israeli political decision, not negotiation
  Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said yesterday that the negotiations that took place yesterday between the Palestinians and Israelis did not achieve any results and that there are still disputes regarding the time schedule for implementation of the Wye River accord, detainees, the Palestinian harbor and the secure passage. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Shaath criticizes Barak's policy for obstructing implementation of agreements
  Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabeel Shaath criticized the positions of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and his policy which Shaath said is obstructing implementation of the signed agreements, especially the Wye River accord. Palestine, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Egyptian delegation visits Iraq
  An Egyptian industrial delegation under the chairmanship of Minister of Industry Soleiman Reda started a visit to Iraq aimed at supporting joint industrial cooperation. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Gaddafi: Africa should unite
  Libyan President Moammar Gaddafi said that it is time to end wars in Africa, and focuse should be on establishing the United States of Africa. Libya-Africa, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Abdul Meguid: Great challenges facing the Arab world
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid stated that there are great challenges facing the Arab world that need a serious response and a well-prepared Arab summit. Regional, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Bouteflika wants of strong relations with France
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika expressed his hope to remove all obstacles that obstruct normalizaton of relations between his country and France as soon as possible. Algeria-France, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Algerian president congratulates Moroccan king on 46th anniversary of revolution of king and people
  One of the manifestations of the celebration by the Algerian people of this anniversary is a decision to name one of the major avenues in Algeria after the late King Mohammed V, he added. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Moussa: Egypt working hard to revive peace process
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said his country is continuing to make "broad contacts with the different parties" involved in the Middle East peace process to help "reach a general framework for a comprehensive settlement in the region." Egypt, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Jordan criticizes appointment of former Mossad head as peace process supervisor
  Jordan criticized yesterday the decision to appoint Danny Yatoum, the former head of the Israeli intelligence body, the Mossad, as the head of a follow-up committee between the Jordanians and Israelis. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Baghdad urges Annan to intervene to stop U.S - British raids, as voters headed for ballots
  Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf said in a message to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan that the US - British raids cause damages to the Iraqi people and represent a violation of Iraq's independence and sovereignty. It urged Annan to intervene to stop these aggressive works. Iraq, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Report: Changes to be made in Iraqi leadership
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am said on Thursday, quoting Arab diplomatic sources in London, that the Iraqi government has leaked to Arab capitals within the few past weeks news and information signalling the possibility that its president Saddam Hussein will give up the presidency to his second son Qusai, who supervises the Iraqi security, intelligence and the republican guards, as well as to make vast changes in the nature of the current authority. Iraq, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Joint projects in the pipeline for Suez Canal
  Suez Canal Authority Chairman General Ahmed Ali Fadel said proposals for partnerships between international companies and Suez Canal firms are being discussed. Egypt, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Israel continues to aggrevate peace; talk of one thousand new houses in settlements
  The Israeli Ministry of Construction announced yesterday its intention to bid on establishing 1,055 houses in Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The bids include establishing 504 houses in Geniet Zaief settlement, 461 houses in Malie Adomim settlement and two settlements in a suburb of occupied Jerusalem. Israel, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Mossad helps Russia against Islamists
  The Russian daily Fremia said on Thursday that the Israeli intelligence (Mossad ) will help Russia in fighting the Islamists in Northern Cucas (Qouqas) area. Regional, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Arab, American protests over Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, exposition
  The American committee for Jerusalem and the society of the " the American Muslims for Jerusalem's sake" have formed a coalition including some 14 US and Islamic organizations to protest on the special exposition to be organized by Disney company in Florida under the title Jerusalem: Israel' s capital. Regional, Politics, 8/21/1999
• WFP warns of Somali famine Somalia, Politics, 8/21/1999
• King of Morocco receives UAE foreign minister Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/21/1999
• Syria sends urgent humanitarian aid to Turkey
  At the directives of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the Syrian government has decided to send urgent humanitarian aid to Turkey following the violent earthquake which hit several Turkish areas and resulted in heavy human and material casualties. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Specter: President al-Assad is ready for peace Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Moroccan-Algerian summit could be held at end of mourning period
  An Algerian-Moroccan summit could be held at the end of the forty-day mourning period decreed in Morocco after the passing away last July 23 of King Hassan II, Moroccan Foreign Minister Mohammed Benaissa said Thursday in Algiers. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Moroccan premier receives UN secretary general's special representative for the Sahara
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi met in Rabat on Thursday with William Eagleton, special representative of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for the Sahara. Morocco-UN, Politics, 8/20/1999
• UAE foreign minister starts visit to Morocco Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Hawatmeh ready to participate in negotiations of Palestinian final status, with conditions
  Nayef Hawatmeh, the secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said yesterday that he is ready to participate, conditionally, in final status negotiations with Israel. Palestine, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Syrian newspapers hail Albright's statements Syria-USA, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Lebanon gives up implementation of a decision concerning Palestinians
  Former chairman of the Palestinian National Council Khaled al-Fahoum told the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am that the Lebanese government has recently given up a decision which was taken by the end of last June which permitted, according to it, the Palestinians who carry Syrian documents to enter Lebanon, having the same treatments as the Syrians, without needs for prior security measures. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Jordanian - Comoran meeting Jordan-Comoros, Politics, 8/20/1999
• PA, Israel sign postal service agreement Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Local council elections in Iraq
  Some ten million Iraqi citizens started today the voting operations to elect local councils in the country. Iraq, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Egyptian representative at AL denies disputes over Iraqi council presidency
  Egypt's permanent representative at the Arab League, Wajih Hadi, has denied the existence of any Arab disputes over Iraq's presidency of the AL council in its coming session, which was postponed until September 12 and 13. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 8/20/1999
• September 12, the meeting for AL council
  The Secretary General of the Arab league (A.L.) Esmat Abdul Meguid said on Thursday in Cairo that meetings of the 112th session of the foreign ministers will start on September 12 and will last for two days. Regional, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Arab human rights organization hails pardon of prisoners in Bahrain
  The emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, received two messages of thanks and appreciation for the efforts made by Bahrain in the human rights area. The cables were sent by Jasem Abdul Aziz al-Qutami, the chairman of the Arab Organization for Human Rights and the organization's secretary general, Muhammad Faeq. Bahrain, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Reopening of Moroccan-Algerian land borders only a question of technical procedures, Moroccan spokesman
  The reopening of land borders between Morocco and Algeria is only a question of technical and security procedures, the spokesman of the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua, said Thursday in Rabat. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Sudan stresses US violations of its territories
  Sudan has reiterated that the US military attack against al-Shifaa medicinal factory in Khartoum in August 1998 constitutes a flagrant violation of Sudan's sovereignty and of all international norms and charters. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Yemeni airports to get Y2K check Yemen, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Egypt: Attempts to found new party for Islamists
  Egyptian Islamists have begun measures to found a new political party under the name of the El-Sharia Party (party of Islamic law). Egypt, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Israel detonated from air Lebanese resistance leader's car Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Senegal wishes to become associate-member to maghreb union
  Senegal wishes to obtain the status of associate-member within the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), announced here Thursday the head of state Abdou Diouf. Maghreb-Senegal, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Morocco to host meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Union in September
  Morocco will host next September 8-9 an Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting to prepare for the 3rd Millennium Parliament General Assembly to be held in 2000 at UN headquarters in New York. Regional-Morocco-International, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Baghdad summoned Izzat Ibrahim out of fear of war crimes issue
  The deputy chairman of the Iraqi Revolution's Council leadership, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, arrived in Baghdad on Thursday night after returning from a trip for medical treatment in Austria described by some reports as having been cut short after calls were made to arrest him and try him as a "war criminal." Iraq, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Baghdad denies deputy prime minister was injured in assassination accident
  Iraq denied yesterday what was said by the opposition groups in exile regarding the injury of Iraq Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Hamzah El-Zebeidi in an attempt to kill him in Negaf city in southern Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Israeli talks on staying in Lebanon is Israel's option
  A report released by Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University called on the Israeli government to continue pursuing its current policy and its control of the security belt in south Lebanon until a settlement is achieved with the Syrians. Regional-Israel, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Iraq denies confiscating children powder milk, reexporting it
  Iraq has denied accusations addressed to it by the US concerning children powdered milk which is being obtained according to the oil-for-food program and reexporting it. Iraq, Politics, 8/20/1999
• US reiterates its position on Libyan sanctions
  US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that it is "premature" for the US to speculate about Libyan cooperation with the trial to begin next February in the Netherlands before a Scottish court of the two Libyan suspects in 1988 bombing of a Pan Am passenger jet over Lockerbie, Scotland. Libya-USA, Politics, 8/20/1999
• Palestinian welcome for not moving out the US embassy to Jerusalem Palestine, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Tunisian president confirms adherence to rule of law, independence of judiciary
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali expressed Tunisia's adherence to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary as well as to fighting injustice, suppression and all forms of use of influence. Tunisia, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Egypt prevents another Israeli plane from crossing its airspace
  Israel's foreign minister David Levy has officially expressed Israel's deep concern over Egypt preventing of another Israel planes on Tuesday night to cross through Egyptian airspace. Levy handed over the Egyptian ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Bassyouni, who was summoned to the Israeli Foreign Ministry an Israeli "note of objection" in this regard. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/19/1999
• New memorandum of understanding added to Palestinian - Israeli agreements
  A high-ranking Israeli official close to negotiations with the Palestinians stated that Israeli negotiates with the Palestinians on a memorandum of understanding that will added to the current agreements that will comprise many points, including a new timetable for applying the Wye River accord. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Some 11 Arab states call for postponing session of AL ministerial council Regional, Politics, 8/19/1999
• King Mohammed sends message to Bahraini emir
  The Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Ben Aissa Al-Khalifa received on Wednesday a message from King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Bahrain, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Sudan appreciates Egyptian peace efforts in Khartoum
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael expressed his country's appreciation for Egyptian efforts to achieve peace in Sudan. He also expressed the appreciation of Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir for the initiative of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to achieve rapport and reconciliation in Sudan. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Egyptian - Japanese labor discussions Egypt-Japan, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Jordanian mediation in the peace process
  The Jordanian daily al-Dostour said that the Israelis show high appreciation for the efforts made by King Abdullah II of Jordan to resume negotiations on the Syrian track from the point at which they broke off. Regional-Jordan, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Moroccan foreign minister conveys royal message to Algerian president
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, conveyed this Thursday a message from King Mohammed VI to Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Bouteflika: Algerians have to cross from one world to another for peace
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said the "Algerians have to cross from one world to another, if they want to surpass and leave behind seven years of violence so as to live in peace." Algeria, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Companies swindle Egyptians with promises to send them to work abroad
  23 Egyptians were victimized by fake companies who defrauded those who wanted to travel abroad to work, after these companies took large amounts of money from the Egyptians, claiming that they would allow them opportunities to work in Europe, especially in France. Egypt, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Jordanian minister Syrian-Jordanian relations deep, remarkable
  Jordanian Minister of Information and Culture Nasser Lowzi has asserted the deep bilateral and fraternal relations between Jordan and Syria and described these relations as "remarkable and developed." Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Arab states send aid to victims of Turkey earthquake
  Plane loads of assistance along with condolences from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Syria. Jordan and others were sent to Turkey for assistance with the major earthquake that has left the country with more than 5000 persons killed and injuries in the tens of thousands. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Syrian Muslim Brothers' Shoura council to meet in Baghdad
  A London-based daily said today that the Shoura council of the Muslim Brothers group in Syria will hold its ordinary summer session this week in Baghdad. Syria, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Israel agrees to give Jordan waters from al-Yarmouk instead of Tabaraya
  The spokesman for the Israeli embassy in Amman, Roy Geilad, told the AFP on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to a request made by Amman to have its share of water come directly from al-Yarmouk river instead of storing this water share in Tabarayah lake and then transferring the waters to Jordan. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Releasing the oldest Palestinian prisoner
  The Israeli authorities have suddenly released the oldest Palestinian prisoner, Masoud Khalil El-Raey, today. El-Raey has spent more than 25 years moving between different Israeli prisons after he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1974 after being convicted of killing an Israeli policeman. Palestine, Politics, 8/19/1999
• US voters support divided Jerusalem
  By a margin of two to one, American voters support Al Quds (jerusalem) serving as a "divided capital" for Israelis and Palestinians, according to a poll commissioned by the Arab-American Institute and conducted by Zogby international of Utica, New York. Regional-USA, Politics, 8/19/1999
• People's Front: Reports of Abu Ali Mustafa's return to Palestine an Israeli lie
  In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine said that a report broadcast by Israeli Army Radio on August 5 that the Israeli authorities permitted the PFLP's deputy secretary general, Abu All Mustafa, to return to the Palestinian territories "is baseless and futile." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/19/1999
• New chairman for the Israeli liaison office in Tunisia
  The new chairman for the Israeli liaison office in Tunisia, Benjamin Oumar, arrived recently in Tunisia to replace Shaloum Cohen, who was of Tunisian Jewish origin from the city of Nabel. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 8/19/1999
• Abdul Meguid: It is time to achieve Arab reconciliation
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has expressed his sorrow over the continuation of the 1990 Gulf War's negative effects on the Arab world, adding that it is time to achieve a comprehensive Arab reconciliation and rectify the Arabian atmosphere. Regional, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Eritrea President expresses cautious optimism
  Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on Monday expressed cautious optimism over the possibility of ending the15-month old border war with Ethiopia. Eritrea-Ethiopia-USA, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Jordanian monarch to visit Lebanon Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Libyan - Egyptian delegation visits Khartoum to discuss Sudanese national reconciliation Sudan-Regional, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Air embargo imposed on south Sudan obstructed development Sudan, Politics, 8/18/1999
• King Mohammed sends message to Kuwaiti emir Morocco, Politics, 8/18/1999
• UAE company takes part in Baghdad International Conference
  The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday that 30 companies from the United Arab Emirates will take part in the Baghdad International Exhibition, due to be held in November. United Arab Emirates-Iraq, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Arafat receives communique from Clinton
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received a communique from US President Bill Clinton, in which Clinton latter reconfirmed his commitment to enhancing the stalled peace process. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Jordanian crown prince visits Bahraini PM Bahrain-Jordan, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Abdul Meguid calls on Israel to respect its pledges, delay in Arab meeting
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid renewed his confirmation that the league supports and backs up the Palestinian negotiators in the Mideast peace process in restoring Palestinian legal rights. Regional, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Algerian Minister of Interior: Final security events expected before referendum
  Algerian Minister of Interior Abdelmalek Sellal said yesterday that the security events that take place before the September 16 referendum on the civil rapport law are expected as an expression of the extremists' oppositon to achieving reconciliation and stability. Algeria, Politics, 8/18/1999
• The Kibbutz Artzi movement and the Golan
  The Kibbutz Artzi movement has prepared a plan to evacuate two settlements belonging to it in the Golan Heights if a peace agreement is reached with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Arrangements for exceptional African summit discussed by Libya with Organization of African Unity
  Omar El-Montaser, the secretary general of the general public committee for the external communications and Libyan international cooperation, held discussions yesterday with Ahmed Hagag, the assistant secretary general of the Organization of African Unity, who is currently visiting Libya. Libya-OAU, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Egypt's address to the UN by Moussa will address terrorism
  Amr Moussa, the Egyptian foreign minister will deliver the Egyptian statement in the meetings of the 54th session of the UN General Assembly on September 25. The session will be start in September and continue through the end of this year. Egypt-UN, Politics, 8/18/1999
• New meeting between Lahoud and Hariri today
  Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri will meet today (Wednesday) with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud at Baabda palace in the course of completing meetings between the two sides. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Mubarak pays tribute to victims of Turkey's earthquake
  In a personal phone call with Turkish President Suleiman Demirel and Prime Minster Bulent Ecevit, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak expressed Egypt's readiness to present all help to the Turkish authorities that is necessary for the rescue process after sending two military planes carrying tents and supplies. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Communications between Cairo and Baghdad to solve problems of 150,000 Egyptian citizens in Iraq
  The Egyptian Foreign Ministry is making intensive communications with the Iraqi authorities and with the bureau for Egyptian interests in Baghdad to follow up on the conditions of the nearly 150,000 Egyptian citizens in Iraq, according to Egyptian estimates. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Hizbullah vows open confrontation with Israel
  The deputy secretary general for the Hizbullah Party, Sheikh Naeem Qasem, has stated that "confrontations with Israel have no limits," but there is an enemy that uses different means and developed capabilities. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/18/1999
• UN says most votes in referendum will be made inside Moroccan territory
  Special representative of the UN secretary general for the Sahara, William Eagleton, said most Sahrawis will vote for the referendum inside the Moroccan territory, apart from three or four centers. Morocco, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Syrian defense minister confers with Lebanese counterpart
  Syrian deputy commander in chief of the armed forces, Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass on Tuesday in Damascus received the commander of the Lebanese army, Gen. Michael Suleiman, and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Jordanian writers end open strike
  The Jordanian writers have ended their open hunger strike which lasted for 16 days after the Jordanian government responded to their demands. Jordan, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Palestinian human rights organization condemns acquittal of Israeli settler
  The Palestinian assembly for human rights announced yesterday that the decision of the Israeli government to declare a Jewish stettler to be innocent on the accusation of hitting a Palestinian boy, leading to the latter's death, relates to political motives which are against the law. Palestine, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Congress report: Libya may be removed from list of terror sponsors
  Reports by the US Congress' Congressional Research Service stated that the Clinton administration is seeking to remove Libya from the US list of the terrorism-sponsoring states and that Syria will not be far from a similar measure. Libya-Syria-USA, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Algerian daily says criminals fled to the Moroccan territories
  The Algerian daily al-Watan on Tuesday said that the Islamist extremists who slaughtered some 29 persons on Saturday night at a false barrier in Bashar district, 950 km southwest of Algiers fled into the Moroccan territories. Algeria, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Commission on compensations for missing persons or victims of arbitrary detention meet
  The independent arbitration commission set up on Monday by King Mohammed VI to study compensations for missing persons and victims of arbitrary detention and their rightful claimants held on Tuesday its first session. Morocco, Politics, 8/18/1999
• UN security council takes note of significant progress in Sahara settlement plan implementation Morocco, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Yemen speaks of an information campaign to distort its image
  Official Yemeni sources said yesterday that "the threats launched by the extremists declaring their responsibility for the attacks that are taking place - come in an informational campaign aims at showing Yemen as an unstable country." Yemen, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Algerian renaissance movement condemns escalation of terrorism
  The Algerian renaissance movement denounced in a statement issued yesterday the escalation of terrorism in Algeria, and it described the massacre due to which 29 citizens were killed as a criminal act. Algeria, Politics, 8/18/1999
• Baghdad confirms its continuation in resisting the U.S and British raids
  The permanent Iraqi delegate at the Arab League, Sultan El-Shawi, said that his country's defense forces will not stop firing on the U.S and British jets that enter the Iraqi airspace over the northern and southern no-fly zones. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/18/1999
• AL chief calls on Iraq to apologize to Kuwait over the invasion
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has called on Iraq to apologize to Kuwait over invading its territories on August 2, 1990. He stressed the "need of Baghdad's commitment to the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions." Regional-Iraq, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Lebanese deportees appeal to UN chief Lebanon-UN, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Clinton asks Barak to implement Wye agreements Israel-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Egypt sends two-air plane to Turkey loaded with medical supply Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 8/17/1999
• King Mohammed sends messages to Emirates, Saudi leaders Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Moroccan king sets commission to compensate missing and victims of arbitrary detention
  King Mohammed VI has ordered the setting up of an arbitration commission to set compensations to victims or inheritors of missing persons and arbitrary detention, the royal palace's official spokesman, Hassan Aourid, announced on Monday. Morocco, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Turabi and El-Merghani to meet in European capital
  Official Sudanese sources said that Hassan Turabi, the secretary general of the ruling National Conference Party, will hold talks with Mohammed Othman El-Merghani, the head of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance within the coming days in an European capital. Sudan, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Lahoud confers with the ruler of Raas al-Khaiema Lebanon-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/17/1999
• King Mohammed receives Spanish premier
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by his brother Prince Moulay Rachid, received here on Monday afternoon Spanish premier, Jose Maria Aznar. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Palestinian opposition front ready to negotiate with Israel on permanent settlement Palestine, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Damascus hosts Euro-Arab partnership meeting
  A coordination meeting of the Arab states participating in the European - Mediterranean partnership was held in Damascus on Monday. Regional, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Moussa: No crisis in Palestinian - Israeli talks
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said yesterday that his country sees negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis as continuing and that the problems that have not yet been resolved by those negotiations have not reached a crisis point. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Hariri asks to meet with President Lahoud
  Former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri has asserted that all Lebanese concerned with public affairs "want this rule (of President Emile Lahoud) to succeed because in his success the whole country will succeed." Lebanon, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Disputes in the Palestinian follow up committee
  A Jordanian newspaper has said that the chairman of the higher follow up committee of the Palestinian opposition, Khaled al-Fahoum, and Abu Ali Mustafa, the assistant secretary general of the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine were exposed to strong criticism from members of the committee during its meeting last Sunday in Damascus. Palestine, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Algerian-Moroccan Relations to be Normalized Shortly, Bouteflika Announces Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 8/17/1999
• King Mohammed receives speaker of Iraqi National Assembly
  King Mohammed VI received in Rabat on Monday the speaker of the Iraqi National Assembly, Saadoune Hammadi, who extended him condolences on behalf of the assembly members and of the Iraqi people, following the demise of King Hassan II. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Saudi delegation visits Uzbekistan
  Saudi Minister of Trade Usama Jafar Faqih headed today to Uzbekistan heading a delegation to attend the meetings of the joint Saudi - Uzbekistani committee in its first session. Saudi Arabia-Uzbekistan, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Iraq official denies rebellion in the armed forces Iraq, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Prisoner talks between Iraq and Iran
  Iraq has stressed that the failure of the recent talks with Iran on the question of prisoners and war missing does not mean halting negotiations between the two countries. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Hamas accuses Palestinian government of Hebron explosion Palestine, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Russia warns against Islamic support for Dagestan
  Russian sources in Cairo warned the Arab and Islamic countries today of enhancing, reinforcing and support the Muslim fighters who occupied a region southwest of Dagestan and announced the establishment of an independent Islamic republic. Regional-Russia, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Kuwait: We confiscated a ship from Iraq carrying children's foodstuffs
  The Kuwaiti Ministry of the Interior said on Monday that the authorities had confiscated in its territorial waters an Indian ship coming from Iraq loaded with 250 tonnes of items for children for a trader in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Police arrest Palestinians in Galilee explosion
  The Palestinian police said yesterday that they detained two brothers who are suspected fo being involved in manufacturing a bomb that exploded in the West Bank on Sunday in an incident that might be related to the Hamas resistance movement. Palestine, Politics, 8/17/1999
• On Muslim Brothers in Jordan
  The Jordanian weekly al-Majd said that the Jordanian authorities refused to permit the Shoura council of the Syrian Muslim Brothers is to convene a meeting in Amman this week. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Algerian Peaceful Society Movement condemns Bechar massacre
  The Algerian Peaceful Society Movement (Hamas) condemned the terrorist attack that took place on August 15 in Bechar state in Algeria, due to which 29 citizens were killed. Algeria, Politics, 8/17/1999
• King Mohammed receives Moroccan political leader
  King Mohammed VI received in Rabat on Monday, Mahjoubi Aherdane, secretary general of the National Popular Movement. Morocco, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Shelton to visit region Regional-Bahrain-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• US Secretary of State expected in Morocco next month
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will visit Morocco to meet with Secretary Albright will meet with King Mohammed VI and Prime Minister Yousouffi next September 1, part of a tour in the Middle East and East Asia, it was officially announced in Washington at the State Department. Regional-Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• US spells out policy on northern Iraq Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Presenting Palestinian children to Israeli military court
  Israeli military sources in West Bank announced that Palestinian children of at least the age of 12 will be presented to the military court soon, if convicted of throwing stones at Israelis. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Iraq refuses US donation for hospitals
  Baghdad on Monday refused an American donation of US $1 million for Iraqi hospitals. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Taleban movement meets with the Americans over Bin Laden
  The Afghan Taleban movement announced on Monday in Kabul that several meetings were held with US officials over Osama Bin Laden, but it asserted its refusal to expel Bin Laden from the territories of Afghanistan. Regional-Afghanistan, Politics, 8/17/1999
• US views on immediate Wye implementation Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 8/17/1999
• Mubarak receives Arafat today
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat today to discuss the Middle East peace process. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/16/1999
• No respite until siege is lifted on sequestered Moroccans, King Mohammed says
  King Mohammed VI underlined that he will have no respite until the siege imposed on the Moroccans, native of the Southern provinces, who are sequestered by the polisario in the Tindouf camps (south-western Algeria), is lifted so that they can return home. Morocco, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Spain refuses Moroccan request over Sebta Mellila
  Spain has refused demands put by Morocco pertaining to the Moroccan cities of Sebta and Mellila which are occupied by Spain saying: "Their situation the two cities) can not undergo any change." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Sudanese opposition seeks peace with government
  The head of Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance, Mohammed Othman El-Merghani, stated that the opposition fights for democracy and peace to discuss Sudan's problems. Sudan, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Mubarak to hold meetings with Arab counterparts Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Sudan cancels state of emergency in Darfour
  Sudanese President Omar Hassan El-Bashir issued yesterday evening a decree to cancel the state of emergency imposed six months ago on West Darfour province in western Sudan, two-and-a-half months after the end of tribal conflicts in the state. Sudan, Politics, 8/16/1999
• King Abdullah confers with AL chief
  King Abdullah II of Jordan on Sunday in Amman discussed with Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid the general Arab situations and inter-Arab relations in light of the developments taking place in the region. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Jordan, Mauritania to boost relations Jordan-Mauritania, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Al-Kabareiti discusses in Damascus conditions in the region
  Chief of the Jordanian royal court Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti made a short visit to Damascus, during which he held talks with high-ranking Syrian officials on the latest developments in the Middle East. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Preliminary peace contacts on the Syrian track
  Western diplomatic sources in Washington told a London-based daily that American figures are currently making preliminary contacts with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in order to bring viewpoints closer between Syria and Israel on the eve of the arrival of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region at the beginning of next month. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Libya, Sierra Leone for bilateral cooperation Libya-Sierra Leone, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Referendum will be held after identification of all Sahrawis, Youssoufi says
  The Referendum in the Sahara will be held at a date to be decided by the UN secretary General after the identification of all Sahrawis, Moroccan premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, said. Morocco, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Moroccan public closely follows situation in Sebta and Mellilia, Youssoufi says
  Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, said lately that the Moroccan public opinion closely follows the situation in Sebta and Mellilia, two Moroccan northern cities still controlled by Spain. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Most violent crime in Algeria since Bouteflika's elections
  Algerian security forces announced on Sunday that an armed group slaughtered some 29 persons on Saturday night in an attack which is the most violent since the election of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika last April and his promise to end the bloody conflicts taking place in the country for seven years. Algeria, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Kuwait gives Jordanians, Sudanese work licenses
  A Kuwaiti daily quoted Kuwaiti Minister of Trade, Industry, Social Affairs and Labor Abdul Wahab al-Wazzan as saying that the Kuwaiti authorities have recently offered work permits to Jordanian and Sudanese citizens, in the context of restoring relations with the two countries to normalcy. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Confrontations in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 8/16/1999
• El-Baz shows cautious optimism about Barak's policies
  Osama El-Baz , the Egyptian president's political advisor, has stated the importance of giving Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak the chance to prove his good intentions towards the Palestinians, especially after Barak's statements that he can guarantee the support of 70% fo the Israeli people for establishing a Palestinian state and for withdrawal from Golan and south Lebanon within 15 months. Egypt, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Saudi - Egyptian committee next month to include political cooperations
  The joint committee for bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is due to hold its meetings in Cairo during September under the chairmanship of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisel and his Egyptian counterpart, Amr Moussa. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Moroccan prince hands message to Saudi King
  Prince Moulay Rachid, younger brother of King Mohammed VI, on Sunday handed King Fahd Ibn Abdelaziz of Saudi Arabia, who is currently in the Spanish southern sea resort of Marbella, a message from King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Golan settlers send a message to Barak
  The secretary of the settlement Cepotsic movement in the occupied Golan Heights, Dov Helman, has called on Irsaeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak that the principle of not giving up any settlement in the Golan will be the basis for Syrian - Israeli negotiations. Syria-Israel, Politics, 8/16/1999
• A new failure for the Palestinian - Israeli negotiations
  Palestinian - Israeli negotiators failed to reach an agreement in a meeting that lasted more than six hours last night in Gaza to discussing an Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank according to the Wye River accord. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Israel lifts siege of Palestinian West Bank villages Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Inter-Arab consultations for Damascus declaration, AL council meetings
  The Egyptian diplomatic sources said that Moussa stressed the importance of the arrival of the GCC and Syrian foreign ministers in Cairo one day before convening the AL council meeting in order to convene a preliminary meeting of the Damascus Declaration member states as well as several bilateral or three-member meetings with the objectives of unifying stances or avoiding surprises from Iraq and certain countries backing it. Regional, Politics, 8/16/1999
• A Libyan, Chad, Mali summit in Tripoli
  Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi held intensive meetings on Sunday in Tripoli with Chadian President Idris Debi and Malian President Alpha Oumar Konare, during which the three presidents discussed preparations to convene the special African summit to be held in Libya during next month and means of making it a success to maintain the unity and progress of the African continent. Libya-Mali-Chad, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Lebanon: Army deployed after tension in Raas al-Matan
  Tensions in Rass al-Matan town have led to the Lebanese army's deployment for the first time in this area in order to contain any dispute that might develop into a security problem. Lebanon, Politics, 8/16/1999
• Arafat, Hawatmeh to confer in Cairo next week
  The executive committee of the PLO is going to specify in its coming meeting the date for resuming the meetings of the Palestinian Central Council. Palestine, Politics, 8/16/1999

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