Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 8/30/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of August 30, 1999
- Palestinian - Israeli agreement to be endorsed today in Sharm
Following her talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in Jerusalem, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright announced that the Palestinians and Israelis have reached an understanding on the implementation of the Wye River accord. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Details of Palestinian - Israeli agreement
The Palestinian-Israeli agreement which is to be signed today night in Sharm el- Sheikh Palestine, Politics, 9/4/1999 - World Bank to open bureau in Beirut Lebanon-World Bank, Politics, 9/4/1999
- Ruler of Qatar gets a message from Gaddafi Qatar-Libya, Politics, 9/4/1999
- Albright in Damascus
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad at 1.30 p.m. (Damascus local time) at the Damascus al-Chaab palace received US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Saudi Crown prince receives a message from King of Jordan Saudi Arabia-Jordan, Politics, 9/4/1999
- US thoughts on the Syrian track
An Egyptian diplomatic source told the Lebanese paper al-Mustaqbil that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright briefed Egyptian officials on what she has described as "US thoughts to revive negotiations between Syria and Israel." Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Indyk to visit Algeria Algeria-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999
- Qaboos confers with Mubarak today
Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman is to arrive in Cairo today, on a three-day private visit, during which Sultan Qaboos is to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Intensifying Jordanian efforts to arrest Hamas leaders Jordan, Politics, 9/4/1999
- El-Bashir to confer with Afwerki in Doha soon
Sudanese sources stated that Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir is due to confer with Eriterian President Issias Afwerki in Doha soon, to follow up on the implementation of the accord signed between them under the patronage of Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Italian president confers with Arafat
Italian President Carlo Ciampi met today in Rome with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat who briefed him on the general framework of the Palestinian-Israeli agreement on implementing the Wye River agreement. Palestine-Italy, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Libyan leader meets speaker of Moroccan house of representatives
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi received Thursday in Tripoli the speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives, Abdelouahed Radi, who is representing Morocco at the festivities marking the 30th anniversary of Libya's September 1st Revolution. Libya-Morocco, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Morocco calls African organization to conform to international legality
Morocco called the Organization of African Unity to conform to international legality by withdrawing membership to the phantom Sahrawi republic (self-proclaimed), said here Thursday spokesman of the government, Khalid Alioua. Morocco, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Bouteflika calls for overcoming terrorism tribulation
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has stressed the importance of unifying the Algerian people and to put an end to the terrorism imposing itself on the country for the last 10 years, describing it as an unprecedented tragedy and exploited by some people in creating the ethnic and tribal disputes. Algeria, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Jordanian premier confers with German minister
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh has expressed his hope that signing the agreement on the implementation of the Wye River accord between the Israelis and the Palestinians would pave the way for the Middle East peace process on all tracks. Jordan-Germany, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Report: Reasons behind Jordanian measures against Hamas
The Jordanian weekly al-Maraa said that among the reasons that pushed the Jordanian government to take measures against the Hamas movement in Jordan is that several Hamas activists tried to assassinate the former chairman of the Israeli intelligence Danny Yatoum during his visit to Jordan two weeks ago. Jordan, Politics, 9/4/1999 - US team leaves Iraq
The US delegation that included congressional staff members concluded its visit today to Iraq. The visit was intended to evaluate the impact of the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq for more than nine years. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Morocco presents water desalination experience in San Diego's international seminar
Experts from the Moroccan drinking water board "ONEP" took part from last August 29 through September 3 in an international seminar on sea water desalination in San Diego, USA. Morocco, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Arafat retracts dismissal of Erekat
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat backed off yesterday from removing senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat from the ongoing talks with Israel. Palestine, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Commercial crisis between Jordan, Lebanon ended
The commercial crisis that affected Jordan and Lebanon ended when the Jordanian authorities allowed the entrance of 30 trucks carrying Lebanese potatoes, which were stopped at the Jordanian land borders three days ago. Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Three killed in an armed clash in Sanaa
Three persons were killed in an armed clash in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa while elements of the relief forces were inspecting the arms carried by the citizens, according the Yemeni government's decision to ban people from carrying arms. Yemen, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Islamic organization campaigns against Jerusalem, capital of Israel stand at Disney World exhibition
The Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) has sent a letter to the CEO of US firm "Walt Disney" protesting an exhibit on "Jerusalem, capital of Israel" at the Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. Regional-USA, Politics, 9/4/1999 - Basyouni: There is a chance for a Palestinian - Israeli agreement
Mohammed Basyouni, Egypt's ambassador in Israel said that there is still a chance for the Palestinian - Israeli sides to reach an agreement on the mechanism of implementing Wye accord. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Albright to Damascus tomorrow Syria-USA, Politics, 9/3/1999
- Palestinian - Israeli sides have not reached agreement on Wye accord
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright held a press conference yesterday evening in Alexandria, during which they talked about the latest developments in the peace process in light of Palestinian - Israeli negotiations aimed at reaching a program to implement the Wye River agreement. Egypt-Palestine-USA, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Seven years of sanctions did not destroy Libyan living standards
Libya, which celebrated on September1 the 30th anniversary of leader Moammar Gaddafi's rule, could eliminate the effects of seven years of UN sanctions, thanks to continuous exportation of its oil. Libya, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Rabat responds to criticism from Algerian president
The Moroccan government has expressed its astonishment and wonder at the criticism made by the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika against Morocco during which he accused it of sheltering Islamists gunmen. Morocco also reiterated its desire to establish natural relations between the two states. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/3/1999 - A message from Crown Prince Abdullah to Sheikh Jaber al-Sabah Kuwait-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/3/1999
- Austria to reopen its embassy in Beirut
The Lebanese foreign ministry was informed on Thursday by the Austrian government that it will reopen its embassy in Beirut this month. Lebanon-Austria, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Jordanian official in Saudi Arabia tomorrow Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/3/1999
- Saudi Arabia asserts importance of joint work to achieve peace
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has underlined the importance of joint Arab activities to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that provides for restoring Arab rights. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Al-Rawabdeh: Syrian-Jordanian relations are at their best
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh has stressed Jordan's stand in backing Syria and Jordan in order to restore their occupied territories and complete rights. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Iraq calls on US delegation to be eyewitness to extermination of Iraqis
Iraq has called on the US parliamentary delegation currently visiting the country to be an eyewitness to the extermination of the people of Iraq by the US. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Japan plans to intensify its presence in Middle East, North Africa
Japanese diplomatic sources said on Wednesday that a meeting including government's officials, businessmen and representatives of trade and industrial companies and groups in Japan will be held in Vienna by the beginning of next week to evaluate the Japanese strategy in the Middle east and the Arab states as well as to study prospects in intensifying the Japanese political and economic presence in the two areas. Regional-Japan, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Lebanese prime minister discuss Albright visit with Syrian foreign minister
The two ministers made consultations relating to current developments in light of the current Israeli escalation, the visit of the US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region and the coming session of the AL council. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Political consultations between Egypt, Uzbekistan
The Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry in Uzbekistan, Abd El-Samad Hidarouf, is due to visit Cairo on September 7 - 10, during which the second session of political consultations is to be held between the two countries' foreign ministries. The Egyptian side is to be chaired by Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Fathi El-Shazely. Egypt-Uzbekistan, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Official in Sudanese National Conference confirms existence of extremists in the party
An official in ruling Sudan's National Conference Party said there are extremists the party who are against the national reconciliation process. Sudan, Politics, 9/3/1999 - AL stresses opposition to Iraq sanctions
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Thursday sent an urgent message to Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf pertaining to certain ideas debated by Iraq and the AL in the course of the dialogue between the two sides. Iraq-Regional-USA, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Iraqi opposition delegation arrives in New York next week
Well-informed sources in London said that a delegation representing the Iraqi opposition will head next week for New York where they will meet with UN members, especially members at the UN Security Council in order to discuss developments concerning the Iraqi question. Iraq, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Two French hostages in Yemen freed
Security sources in the Yemeni government said that a French diplomat and his wife, who were abducted by Yemeni tribes more than 10 days ago, were released on Thursday. Yemen-France, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Iraqi opposition demand the Pope not visit Iraq
The Iraqi opposition urged yesterday Pope John Paul II not to visit Iraq, whose people are suffering from international sanctions, blaming the Iraqi government for the suffering.f Iraq, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Hamas leaders will be detained upon arriving in Jordan
Jordanian Minister of the Interior Nayef al-Qadi said on Thursday that leaders of the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas, currently visiting Iran, against whom arrest warrants were issued will be immediately arrested when they return to Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Signs of relaxation in Iraqi - Iranian relations
Signs of relaxation have appeared yesterday in the relations between Iraq and Iran as talks are to resume on exchange of prisoners. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 9/3/1999 - Ethiopia forces repel Eriterean attack Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 9/3/1999
- Albright's visit to Ankara
Turkish diplomatic sources in Cairo asserted the importnace of the visit that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is to pay to Turkey on Sunday at the conclusion of her visit to the Middle East. Turkey-USA, Politics, 9/3/1999 - European pressures on Greece to pass financial aid to Turkey
Diplomatic sources in Brussels on Wednesday said they expect Athens to be exposed to pressure during the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union at the end of this week from its European partners to oblige it to withdraw its veto against European financial aid to Turkey, a veto which has halted aid for 15 years. Turkey-European Union, Politics, 9/3/1999 - King of Morocco meets U.S. Secretary of State
King Mohammed VI of Morocco received here Wednesday US secretary of state, Madeleine Albright, currently on a trip to the Middle East Region. Morocco-USA, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Moussa: no progress in a final agreement between Palestinians Israeli
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that they have not reached any agreement between the Palestinians and Israelis until now and that contacts are still continuing between the two sides. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Syrian prime minister confers with Bahraini minister Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Albright to arrive in Damascus on Saturday Syria-USA, Politics, 9/2/1999
- King Abdullah In Libya
King Abdullah II of Jordan left for Libya on Wednesday in a visit during which he will take part in Libya's celebrations of the September 1 Revolution. Libya-Jordan, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Syrian official speaks on the visit of Albright
A London-based daily said on Wednesday, quoting high ranking Syrian officials, that Damascus is waiting for the visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright with great care and interest. Syria, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Bouteflika speaks frankly about relations with Morocco
The policy of good neighbouring, the president noted, is incompatible with "the double language." This type of politics is "unacceptable and does not militate for the building of the Arab Maghreb Union" the president underlined to the audience. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Central African Republic president talk on bilateral relations Libya-Central African Republic, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Felicitations from Mubarak, Abdullah, Zien al-Abidin to Gaddafi on the Fatah revolt
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi and King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed yesterday several Arab and African international issues. Libya-Regional, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Egypt supports integrated initiatives for Sudanese reconciliation
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said in statements to journalists yesterday that Egypt supports the integrated initiatives suggested to achieve reconciliation in Sudan and denied that there are any objections from the side of John Garang, head of the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, on what was agreed to through the Egyptian - Libyan initiative. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Youssoufi address Moroccan cultural development in light of late King's vision
Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi underscored in Rabat Wednesday the late king Hassan II's firm resolve to secure Morocco a strong and influential position in its regional and international environment. Morocco, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Libyan official cites intensive contacts to relaunch UMA
The chairman of the Arab Maghreb Union consultative council, Libyan Souleiman Shhoumi, said intensive contacts are taking place to reactivate the Arab Maghreb Union. Libya, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Algerian speaker in Jordan
Algerian National Assembly Speaker Abdelkader Bensalah met today in Jordan with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh, Petra reported. Jordan-Algeria, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Hamas leaders intend to return to Amman
Tehran radio said on Monday, quoting an official source from the opposition Hamas movement in occupied Palestine, that Hamas leaders Ibrahim Ghoushe, Khaled Mishal and Mousa Abu Marzouk intend to return to Amman although an arrest warrant was released for them. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Jordanian ambassador in Kuwait submits his credentials
The new Jordanian ambassador in Kuwait, Muhammad al-Qaraan, has submitted his credentials to the emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah. Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Egyptian Governors Council meets to review economic developments
They also discussed work on the Egyptian infrastructure, which Ganzouri said has cost LE 275 billion and resulted in improvements in transportation, communications, electricity, water, sewage and housing as well as in education, health and other areas. Egypt, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Damascus accuses Barak of adopting Netanyahu's policy Syria-Israel, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Finnish President postpones tour to the Middle East Regional-Finland, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Moroccan Sahrawi woman calls on polisario to allow reunion of families
Head of the Moroccan committee for the reunion of Sahrawi families, Ms. Gajmoula Ebbi, called international humanitarian organizations to press the Polisario (Algerian-backed secessionist guerrilla) to allow the free-movement of Moroccan Sahrawis detained in the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria) and reunite separated families. Morocco, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Garang supports the Egyptian -Libyan initiative
John Garang, the leader of the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army confirmed in his support for the Egyptian - Libyan initiative, the Tripoli declaration of last August, and the Asmara declaration of the Sudanese opposition National Democratic Alliance of last June for a peaceful resolution to the Sudanese problem through the negotiations between Khartoum's government and the National Democratic Alliance to make a comprehensive and essential change for the good of the Sudanese people and to maintain the unity of the country. Sudan, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Poll: 86 percent will vote in referendum on Algerian civil reconciliation
The results of an Algerian public poll conducted by the daily newspaper Al-Khabar found that 32% of the Algerian people criticized the handshake between Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on the margin of the funeral of King Hassan II in Morocco. Algeria, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Tensions mount between Ethiopia, Eritrea
Ethiopia today accused Eritrea of attacking "Ethiopian-controlled positions at Chin Keren on the Zalambessa front." A statement from the office of the Ethiopian government spokesman said the Eritrean attack was "launched by the first battalion of 2001 corps, third division, continued through the night" in an unsuccessful attempt to take the position. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Hamas announces responsibility for killing two Israelis, vows to continue resistance
The Ezz eddine al-Qassam group, the military wing of the Hamas movement, which claimed responsibility in a statement for killing two settlers in the West Bank two days ago, threatened to carry out operations in Israel and against " Zionist objectives" in the world if "any of our political and military leaders" are killed by Israel. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Arafat returns to Alexandria today
Coming from Holland, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will make his second visit to Egypt within 48 hours, arriving today in the coastal town of Alexandria where Arafat paid a short visit yesterday that lasted for several hours for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 9/2/1999 - Mauritania's people protest normalization with Israel Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Some 14 persons killed in an ambush in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 9/2/1999
- Algerian president continues tour of provinces
Algerian President Abdelaziz Butaflika continues his tour of the Algerian provinces in order to acquaint himself with the conditions of the Algerian citizens and their sufferings as well as to give necessary explanations concerning the civil reconciliation law which is desigend to help in halting bloodshed and establihing stability in the country. Algeria, Politics, 9/2/1999 - President al-Assad confers with Egyptian ambassador Syria-Egypt, Politics, 9/1/1999
- US secretary of state expected this afternoon in Morocco Morocco-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999
- Nawaf Mazalha: Final talks will be difficult
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister and Knesset member Nawaf Mazalha told ArabicNews.com today that there is no problem between the Palestinian and Israeli sides on implementing the Wye River accord, pointing out that the great challenges will be among the final status issues. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Israel, Palestinians pursue last minute negotiations
A series of continuous meetings was held today between Palestinian and Israeli negotiators in an attempt to reach a final formula for the executive agreement on the Wye River accord. Palestine-Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Saudi minister receives message from Kuwaiti deputy premier Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 9/1/1999
- US deal to convince Damascus returning back to negotiation table
Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo revealed what they called a US deal to be carried by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Damascus during her forthcoming tour to the region in order to convince Damascus to return to the negotiating table with Israel. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Syria to accept UN forces in the Golan following Israeli withdrawal
Canada's ambassador in Damascus, Alexandra Bugailiskis, quoted Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa as saying that Syria is ready to accept UN forces in the area which will be disarmed along the two sides of the borders following the Israeli withdrawal from the Golan to beyond the June 4, 1967 border lines. Syria-Canada, Politics, 9/1/1999 - American hopes pinned on Albright's trip
The US State Department has expressed its hope that the visit of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region will result in resuming peace talks on the Syrian track. Syria-Regional-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Egypt, Tunisia begin cultural talks Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 9/1/1999
- Palestinian Hamas to hold emergency meeting in Khartoum
The Palestinian Hamas opposition movement is due to hold its meeting in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, within the coming period. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Muslim Brothers criticize Jordanian government for actions against Hamas
Abdul Magid Zaniba, the leader of the Muslim Brothers in Jordan, said the Palestinian Hamas movement has the right to express its opinions; therefore, closing Hamas' offices is not only considered a strike against the Islamic movement but against democratic change in Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Sheikh Yassin calls on Jordanian king to stop measures against Hamas leaders
The leader of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, has called on Jordan's King Abdullah to give up the measures taken by his government on Monday against the leaders of the movement in Amman and to deepen the relations with the movement and the Palestinian people in the interest of the cause of Palestine. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Hamas makes contacts to settle crisis with Jordan
An official source in the Hamas movement on Monday told Monte Carlo Radio that contacts are being made by certain Jordanian sides to settle the new crisis between Hamas and the Jordanian government, adding that contacts are being made by the Muslim Brothers movement in Jordan in this regard. Jordan, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Mousa Marzouq will return to Jordan
A well-informed source in Tehran said on Tuesday that Mousa Abu Marzouq, a member of the Hamas movement, was due to leave Tehran on Tuesday for Amman, taking no account of the decision taken by the Jordanian authorities to arrest him together with other three leaders in the Hamas movement in Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 9/1/1999 - US congressional team meets with Tareq Aziz
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tareq Aziz on Tuesday visited the US team currently visiting Iraq with the objective of discussing the health and humanitarian conditions that have come about since sanctions were imposed on Iraq in 1990. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Lebanese premier confers with US congress member
Talks dealt with the situation in the region, and bilateral relations between Lebanon and the US. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Iraq renews denial of having Kuwaiti prisoners
Iraq on Tuesday denied, once again, having any Kuwaiti prisoners in its territories and accused Kuwait of using this cause for political objectives. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Egyptian national committee for defending prisoners of opinion to hold strike on Tuesday
The Egyptian national committee for defending prisoners of opinion called today for abolish laws that relate to making publishing a crime, and called for halting punishments issued against Majdi Ahmed Hussien, a member of journalist union's council, journalist Salah Bediowy and caricaturist Essam Hanafy. Egypt, Politics, 9/1/1999 - King Mohammed VI meets delegation representing major Sahrawi tribes
King Mohammed VI received Tuesday a delegation representing various Moroccan Sahrawi tribes which renewed the allegiance of Morocco's southern provinces to the Moroccan king. Morocco, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Kuwait may upgrade planes with Turkish help
Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Salem al-Sabah on Tuesday revealed that Kuwait may ask the help of Turkey in order to develop many of its warplanes. Kuwait-Turkey, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Report: Iraqi campaign to evacuate citizens to new provinces
A Kuwaiti daily said on Tuesday, quoting well-informed sources, that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's government is preparing at the end of this year to implement an evacuation campaign for 2 million Shitte Iraqis from the population of the capital Baghdad and three million citizens from the Kurdish areas, the central Euphrates area and the south to five new provinces that were recently established. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Jordan makes changes to government
Jordan's King Abdullah II today announced a limited reshuffle in the Jordanian government headed by Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh, Petra reported. Jordan, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Popular regret in Mauritania for normalizing relations with Israel
Amid massive regret expressed by the majority of the people of Mauritania towards normalizing relations with Israel, well-informed sources in the Mauritaniancapital stressed on Tuesday that Mauritanian Minister of Agriculture Muhammad Ould Sedi Ahmad Lakhal will on Thursday conduct a visit to Israel, during which he will sign with several Israeli officials a series of agreements between the two sides. Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Confrontation in Yemen
Yemeni sources said on Tuesday that heavy artillery confrontations took place between the army and people of three villages in southern Yemen. No casualties were reported. Yemen, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Ethiopia says it downed Eritrean plane
Eriterea on Tuesday denied Ethiopian claims that an Eriterean plane lost its way in the airspace of the border area under conflict between the two countries and was downed. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Turkey accepts Iraqi aid despite US views
The Turkish daily Mellit said on Tuesday that Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has decided to accept Iraqi oil aid, despite US warnings that such aid constitutes a violation of the UN embargo imposed on Iraq. Iraq-Turkey-USA, Politics, 9/1/1999 - Amnesty calls on Libya to uncover ambiguous killing crimes
Amnesty International called on the Libyan authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two political prisoners during their detention, the former ambassadors of Senegal and Chad, Mohammad Ali Bakoush and Al-Wafi Nbiyya. Libya, Politics, 9/1/1999 - King Mohammed VI receives message from UAE president Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Bouteflika promotes the unity of the nation and civil concord law
The Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stated the people should be committed to Algeria's interest only, because the ruler has already attained what he has been hoping for by becoming a ruler, yet the citizens are the only ones who pay the bill for the faults committed against his countries' interests, loyalty and faithfulness. "Commitment is to Algeria and not to any other person, even the president, Bouteflika said. He said "if only one honest man, women or child who needs rights remained in Algeria, I would stand by him." Algeria, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Jordan launches campaign against Hamas movement
Jordanian security forces have broken into the houses and offices of several leadership of the Hamas movement who reside in Amman. Jordan, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Lebanese president confers with US official Lebanon-USA, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Kuwaiti envoy in Morocco to extend invitation to king Morocco-Kuwait, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Arafat confers with Mubarak today
Following his arrival in the coastal town of Alexandria, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat met today with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 8/31/1999 - King Mohammed meets Palestinian president Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 8/31/1999
- AL chief seeks to convene Arab summit Regional, Politics, 8/31/1999
- King of Morocco receives Libyan envoy and Mauritanian official Morocco-Libya, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Albright to visit Morocco Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Iraqi speaker, Pakistani president meet Iraq-Pakistan, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Cabinet changes expected in Jordan Jordan, Politics, 8/31/1999
- 216 Druze sheikhs cross border to Damascus from the Golan
The second shift of Druze sheikhs in the Golan on Monday crossed the borders and arrived in Damascus to attend the annual meeting which is held in Jaramana, on the outskirts of Damascus. Syria, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Bouteflika plans to spare militants gallows
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that the extremist militants would be spared from the gallows, whatever their crimes, if they surrendered under a peace plan which will be the subject of a referendum in the coming month. Algeria, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Patriarch Hazim: World Christians are demanded to protect Jerusalem from Israel's policy
Patriarch Hazim underlined the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive Middle East peace provides for restoring Arab lands and safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian Arab people. Regional, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Barak's talks with Arafat on the telephone Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Garang holds talks in Cairo on solving Sudanese problem
The head of the rebel Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SLPM), Col. John Garang arrived yesterday in Cairo for a visit to Egypt that is to last for several days, at the conclusion of his tour that included a number of European countries. Sudan, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Jordanian Premier denies tripartite integration formula
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh has denied to having had discussions of any "integration formula" between Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Jordan, Politics, 8/31/1999 - UAE expresses readiness for dialogue with Iran over islands
The United Arab Emirates has expressed its readiness to maintain a dialogue with Iran over the question of three disputed Gulf islands. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Sudan - Algeria meeting Sudan-Algeria, Politics, 8/31/1999
- US mediation to end Ethiopian - Eritrean row
Two high-ranking US officials have arrived in the Ethiopian capital in an attempt to put and end to the fighting between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Ethiopia-Eritrea-USA, Politics, 8/31/1999 - AL chief to visit Libya
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid will next Sunday visit Libya to take part in the works of the special African summit and the African ministerial council due to be held in Libya on September 6 through 9. Libya-Regional, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Iraq receives US team to evaluate consequences of UN sanctions
A delegation of US congressional staff members has started its activities in the Iraqi capital in order to evaluate the consequences of economic sanctions on Iraq. It met with a high-ranking UN official and inspected a children's hospital. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Iraq, Iran renew contacts on prisoners
An Iraqi official announced on Monday in Baghdad that Iraq and Iran held secret talks aimed at reactivating bilateral talks concerning the question of prisoners of war. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Erekat: No progress in negotiations
Senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that no progress has been achieved in the recent round of talks with Israel, aimed at getting out of the current impasse concerning the implementation of the Wye River accord. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Egypt refuses to free Israeli trawler
The Egyptian authorities refused yesterday an Israeli request to release the fishing boat Frihan after it entered Egyptian regional waters near the beaches of Alexandria without having prior permission from the specialized authorities. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Gaddafi calls for establishing African unity
Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi stated that the establishment of an African United States is the historic solution for the continent, adding that his call to establish these states comes out of the will to build a new Africa and that his role in it could be a soldier to serve the continent for the causes of peace and development. Libya, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Amman ready to relinquish Muslim sites to Palestinians
The Jordanian government has expressed its readiness to relinquish the responsibility of supervising Muslim sites in Jerusalem to the Palestinian Authority. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 8/31/1999 - London hosts international conference on Jerusalem
The complex for Islamic research in London said on Monday that the third international academic conference about Jerusalem will be opened in London on September 7. Regional-International, Politics, 8/31/1999 - Algerian gunmen surrender Algeria, Politics, 8/31/1999
- US State Department briefings Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/31/1999
- Mubarak to receive Albright on Thursday
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is to receive US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on Thursday. Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/30/1999 - King Fahd confers with King Juan Carlos Saudi Arabia-Spain, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Jordanian premier meets with opposition forces Jordan, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Qaboos to visit Egypt on Saturday
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Sultan Qaboos of Oman will hold a meeting on Saturday at Sharm El-Sheikh resort on the Red Sea, dealing with preparations for a pan-Arab summit and the results of current Arab contacts in this regard. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Libyan leader's son visits Morocco Morocco-Libya, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Jordan's king to visit Libya on Wednesday
Jordanian diplomatic sources said yesterday that Jordan's King Abdullah II is due to pay a short visit to Libya on Wednesday, during which he is hold talks with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi. Jordan-Libya, Politics, 8/30/1999 - African FMA handles suggestions of modifying OAU charter next Monday
Libyan informed sources said that the African foreign ministers are going to meet on September 6 and 7 to prepare for the subjects to discussed by the African leaders during their meetings on September 8 and 9. Regional-OAU, Politics, 8/30/1999 - AL committee meets in Cairo Regional, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Moussa calls for Syrian - Palestinian unity Egypt, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Barak repeats pledge concerning withdrawal from south Lebanon Regional-Israel, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Shaath: No disputes with Syria
The Palestinian official in charge of planning and foreign relations in the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Shaath, has stressed that there are no Palestinian - Syrian disputes. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 8/30/1999 - El-Baz to visit Barak, Arafat
Osama El-Baz, the political advisor to the Egyptian president, arrived today to in Ramallah, where he met with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Palestinian officials. El-Baz is alo scheduled to meet tonight with a number of Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister David Levy. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Kuwaiti trade minister refuses to shake hands with Iraqi counterpart at DIF Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 8/30/1999
- The first Jordanian ambassador in Kuwait since 1990 Jordan-Kuwait, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Saudi - Egyptian committee to meet next week
The Egyptian - Saudi high committee is due to hold its three-day meeting in Cairo in the first week of September, 1999, during which the participants are to discuss boosting cooperation in trade and industry between the two countries, encouraging mutual investments, and exchanging customs exemptions on the goods exchanged between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Gaddafi views Arab-Israeli peace process as surrender
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi has described the Arab-Israeli peace process as a surrenderist operation. He added that this operation is being carried out at the expense of the Palestinian people and their rights. Libya-Regional, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Egyptian diplomatic moves in serving Arab causes
Egypt has stressed that its diplomatic moves upon the convening of the next session of the UN General Assembly will concentrate on Israel's implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425, which provide for its full withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, South Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Egypt's ambassador in Israel presents reports to Moussa on Wye accord
Egypt's ambassador in Tel Aviv, Mohammed Bassiouni has presented a report to Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Bouteflika calls for vast Algerian participation in referendum
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has called on the Algerian community residing in France to widely take part in the referendum to be held on September 16 on a law providing for "national reconciliation" in Algeria. Algeria, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Columbian president pays tribute to late King Hassan II
Columbian President Andres Pastrana has paid tribute to the late King Hassan II of Morocco and to the action of the Moroccan diplomacy. Morocco-Colombia, Politics, 8/30/1999 - US congressional aides visit Baghdad
A group of US congressional aides arrived in Baghdad yesterday to examine the impact of UN sanctions and US policy on Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Arafat: No peace unless the Palestinians detainees are released
The Palestinian leadership has confirmed its adherence to the release of all Palestinian captives and detainees being held in Israeli jails. Palestine, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Setback in Baghdad's efforts to maintain national dialogue
Well-informed Iraqi sources said that the figures with which Baghdad held dialogues revealed their "doubts about the credibility of the calls advocated by the government." Iraq, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Shaath confirms implementation of Wye river accord Palestine, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Aden army carried out Yemen explosions
The organisation of the Islamic Aden-Abyan Army claimed responsibility for the three explosions that took place on Saturday at dawn in Yemen. Yemen-UK, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Iranian message to the ruler of Qatar Qatar-Iran, Politics, 8/30/1999
- Iran, Qatar cooperation relations highlighted
Former Iranian President Hashami Rafsanjani received Qatar's new ambassador to Iran on Sunday in Tehran. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Khartoum criticizes Clinton's decision to appoint special envoy for Sudan
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael stated that Sudan did not take part in choosing the US president's envoy to Sudan. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Negotiation session fails between Palestinian Authority, Israel Palestine-Regional, Politics, 8/30/1999
- AL welcomes closure of Burger King in the Israeli settlement
The Arab league hailed the decision taken by the Burger King Corporation to close its restaurant in a West Bank Israeli settlement, near Jerusalem. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Iraq presents aid to Turkey
The Iraqi Cabinet chaired by Iraqi President Sadam Hussien, issued a decision to offer aid to Turkey at a value of more than all the aid presented by the USA to face the effects of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Turkey. Iraq-Turkey-USA, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Settlement volume doubles four times under Barak
A member of the foreign affairs committee at the Palestine Legislative Council, Hanan Ashrawi, said the volume of Jewish settlements in Jerusalem has doubled four times since Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak came to power. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Israeli figures set up committee to perpetuate memory of late King Hassan II
A group of 70 Israeli figures has set up a "national committee for the perpetuation of the memory of King Hassan II," the committee's president, Sam Benchetrit, announced in a statement sent to MAP. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Israeli companies export illegally marked products in Jordanian markets
The Jordanian daily al-Masa'eyah said that an Israeli investment company has started invasion of Jordanian markets by mineral waters bottles, in an agreement with a Jordanian company. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Palestinian general command denies opposition split
The assistant secretary general of the opposition People's Front-General Command, Talal Naji, stressed that Atif Yunis "has no relations with the front since 29 years" and that he was "expelled" from the front since the incidents "of Black September" in Jordan in 1970, because he escaped taking part in the fight and hid himself to escape that." Palestine, Politics, 8/30/1999 - US Islamic organisations oppose Walt Disney Jerusalem capital of Israel, exposition
US Islamic organizations have protested the consent of the Walt Disney company to organise an exhibition under the title "Jerusalem is the capital of Israel," to be held at Walt Disney World, in the context of the third millennium exposition which will be held at the Florida theme park. Regional-USA, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Morocco's year-long festival in France, an opportunity to highlight Moroccan-French ties
The ongoing yearlong Moroccan cultural and commercial festival in France (Temps du Maroc en France) is an opportunity to highlight the sound and longstanding friendship ties existing between the two countries, the French solidarity minister said over the weekend. Morocco-France, Politics, 8/30/1999 - Communications minister represents Morocco in Panama president's swearing-in
Moroccan Communication Minister Larbi Messari will represent Morocco at the swearing-in ceremony of Panama's new president, Mireva Elisa Moscoso Rodriguez. Morocco-Panama, Politics, 8/30/1999