Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 10/11/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of October 11, 1999

• Tarif meets with Syrian PA speaker
  The chairman of the Israeli delegation to the 102nd meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Berlin, Saleh Tarif, said in an interview with Israel Radio on Friday that he shook hands with the chairman of the Syrian delegation to this conference, Abdul Qader Qaddoura. Regional-Israel, Politics, 10/16/1999
• King Abdullah of Jordan to visit Spain Jordan-Spain, Politics, 10/16/1999
• 500 million pounds are capital of 10 Egyptian- Moroccan projects Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Chinese President to visit Middle East countries
  Chinese President Jiang Zemin will on Monday start a two-week tour of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Regional-China, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Saudi - Italian discussion regarding military cooperation Saudi Arabia-Italy, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Yemeni foreign minister: Comprehensive Arab summit during the first quarter of next year
  Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajamal stated that he expects a comprehensive Arab summit during the first quarter of the coming year. Yemen, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Palestinian government asks Tel Aviv to move rapidly to implement its commitments Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Moroccan, Andalucian experts adopt declaration on human rights education
  Moroccan and Andalucian education experts wound up Thursday a meeting in Fez with the adoption of the Fez declaration on human rights education. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Morocco to present human rights report to UN
  Morocco will present next week its periodic report on the human rights situation in the kingdom. Morocco, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Saudi crown prince confers with Nateq Nouri
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in Riyadh on Friday discussed with the chairman of the Iranian Shoura council, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, currently visiting Saudi Arabia, relations between the two countries and issues of mutual concern. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Israel releases 151 Palestinian prisoners without problems
  Israel said that 151 Palestinian prisoners were released yesterday, none of whom participated in any attacks against Israelis, and that most of them were serving life prison sentences. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/16/1999
• King Mohammed in Chefchaouen and Al Hoceima today
  King Mohammed VI arrived in Chefchaouen Saturday noon carrying on a tour to several northern provinces. Morocco, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Conference for Arab police and security leaders to start on Monday
  The works of the 23rd conference of the Arab police and security leaders are to start in the Tunisian capital on Monday and last for two days. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Bassiouni delivers Moussa a report about the peace process Egypt, Politics, 10/16/1999
• El-Mahdi asserts necessity of coordination between Egyptian - Libyan and IGAD initiatives
  In a sudden step, former Sudanese prime minister and leader of the opposition Ummah Party, Al-Sadek El-Mahdi, met yesterday in Rome with a number of foreign ministers from IGAD's partner countries. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Cairo to host Russian - Arab discussion
  The second session for Russian - Arab discussions will be held on November 3 and 4. The session is organized by the Egyptian - Russian friendship association and headed by Fathi Serour, head of the Egyptian parliament. Regional-Russia, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Arafat, Barak may meet in Oslo
  Well-informed sources in occupied Jerusalem expected on Friday that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak may meet in November in Oslo on the occasion of convening the Middle East summit which is organized by Norway. Palestine-Israel-International, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Paper: Washington plans on a purchase of the Golan
  The London based al-Zaman paper said on Friday in a report from Washington that the US is preparing the deal to buy the Golan at a cost of US $ 20 billion from Israel in order to hand it over to Syria. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Morocco denies Mideast mediation request
  Moroccan secretary of state of posts and new information technology Larbi Ajjoul denied he had received a message from the Israeli side destined for King Mohammed VI. Morocco, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Report: US has no intention to separate Syrian-Lebanese tracks
  The US administration has announced it has no intention to separate the Syrian and Lebanese negotiation tracks in the Middle East peace process. Syria-Lebanon-USA, Politics, 10/16/1999
• US secretary of commerce arrives in Riyadh
  In an official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of his Saudi counterpart, Usama Jafar Faqih, US Secretary of Commerce William Daley and his accompanying delegation comprising a number of officials in the US administration and businessmen reached Riyadh. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Radi winds up visit to Berlin
  The speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives (lower house), Abdelouahed Radi, left Berlin this Saturday noon after he led the Moroccan delegation to the 102nd session of the International Parliamentary Union, held October 10-16. Morocco-International, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Hamas refuses any conditions for getting its detainees out of Jordan
  Mousa Abu Marzouk, a member of the Hamas movement's political bureau, said any conditions from Jordan's government are not accepted Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 10/16/1999
• France, Morocco create 1.5 mln f.f trophees for social action Morocco-France, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Signing a friendship agreement between Israel and Greece Israel-Greece, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Iraq needs support for lifting sanctions says NGO leader
  Iraq needs the support of Malaysia and other Asian and Third World nations for the lifting of UN economic sanctions Iraq, Politics, 10/16/1999
• Mubarak to chair supreme committee on technological development Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Arab reporters' union thanks Mubarak Regional, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Mubarak: Change is continous and takes into account preserving stability
  For the first time since the declaration of the new Egyptian government, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak replied to views which considered the changes he promised before the referendum on his fourth term of office as "incomplete." Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Appealing to the Syrian president to release one activist of human rights Syria-Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Egypt follows events in Pakistan and Sudan with concern
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that Egypt follows up with deep concern on the events taking place in Pakistan because of the strong ties linking Egypt with Pakistan, expressing his hope that stability will prevail in Pakistan and that it is not exposed to threats to its unity. Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Saudi Arabia has solid ties with Maghreban states, Saudi crown prince says
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz said his country has solid ties with the countries of the Arab Maghreb states. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Annan welcomes Sudan ceasefire decision Sudan, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Arab League denounces Israel's new 'blackmail' campaign
  The Arab League has condemned 'the blackmail campaign 'being waged by the Israeli government on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks and in its talks with the Palestinians. Regional, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Cairo hails the relations with Egypt
  Israfil Bicalov, the ambassador of Azerbigan in Cairo, hailed the relations between his country and Egypt, saying they are very distinguished in the historical and political arena. Egypt-Azerbaijan, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Moratinos: Europe is not optimistic over resuming talks on the Syrian track
  The European Union's Middle East peace process special envoy, Miguel Moratinos, said that Europe is not optimistic over nearby resumption of peace talks on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Syria-European Union, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Saudi Arabia, Tunisia for a just Middle East peace
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Ben Ali and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Wednesday asserted their adherence to the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region, based on restoring the right of the Palestinians to the establishment of a just peace built on the right of the Palestinians to establish an independent state of their own with Jerusalem as a capital and the restoration of the occupied Arab lands. Tunisia-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Arab journalists union hails new era in Morocco
  The Arab journalists' union has hailed the orientations of the new era in Morocco, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. Regional, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Cohen to visit Saudi Arabia next week
  US Secretary of Defense William Cohen is to arrive in Riyadh in the coming week for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia within his tour of a number of the area's countries. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Royal visit to north will end region's marginalzation, minister
  The visit King Mohammed VI is currently paying to the northern provinces of the kingdom is evidence to the will to turn the page of the marginalization of the region, said Moroccan Minister of Communication Larbi Messari. Morocco, Politics, 10/15/1999
• A Saudi fair in Iran in November Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Lahd: No withdrawals before agreement
  The commander of the Israeli-allied South Lebanon Army militia, Antione Lahd, has ruled out a partial Israeli withdrawal from the occupied part of south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Swedish official meets Moroccan cabinet members to boost cooperation
  Visiting Swedish Secretary of State of Industry, Employment and Telecommunications Lars Rekke met in Rabat Thursday with several Cabinet members and heads of telecom institutions. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Morocco sets up ministerial commission on women's integration
  Morocco announced the creation of a ministerial commission to boost a national plan on women's integration in the country's development process. Morocco, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Prisoners released but Palestinians still unsatisfied
  Hisham Abdul Razeq, Palestinian minister in charge of the prisoners portfolio said that one cannot conduct negotiations with commanders of the army and yet keep the soldiers in jail. "We were not playing chess with the Israelis throughout the years of the occupation. We killed Israelis and Israelis killed us. But we have opted for peace and we expect the other side to opt for peace too," he said Friday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Arab League for the unity of Russian territories
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Miguid on Thursday received a message from Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov on the crisis in Chechnya. The message was conveyed by the envoy for the Russian minister, Vladimir Pulakov. Regional-Russia, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Moscow wants to resume military cooperation with Libya
  An official source in Tripoli said on Wednesday that Russian President Boris Yeltsin expressed in a message he addressed to Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi his country's desire to resume cooperation with Libya. Libya-Russia, Politics, 10/15/1999
• US: Kuwait seized Iraqi food exports
  A statement issued by the US State Department yesterday said that Kuwait had seized three dhows sailing in Kuwaiti waters that carried food items from Iraq. Iraq-Kuwait-USA, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Some 42 countries take part in Cairo's international fair for children's books
  Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni said on Wednesday that some 42 Arab and foreign states will take part in the International Cairo Fair for Children's books in its 16th session, which will open on November 24. Egypt, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Iraqi paper denies Qusai assumed authorities assigned to Ezzat al-Douri
  The Iraqi daily Babel, whose editor-in-chief is Uday Saddam Hussein, has ridiculed an announcement by an Iraqi opposition party on Monday that President Saddam Hussein has assigned his second son, Qusai, great responsibilities in the ruling party following the deteriorated health condition of the deputy chairman of the revolution's leadership council, Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri. Iraq, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Mauritanian opposition accuses government of being careless in responding to flood Mauritania, Politics, 10/15/1999
• Sudanese opposition discusses in Cairo its position towards dialogue with the government Sudan, Politics, 10/15/1999
• African ministerial conference on fisheries opens in Conakry
  The fourth session of the ministerial conference on fisheries cooperation between African Atlantic countries opened proceeding in Conakry, Guinea, on Thursday, by calls to make of the conference an implement for economic development and integration. Morocco-Africa, Politics, 10/15/1999
• IPU Ends 102nd Session In Berlin
  The 102nd session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) convened in the Berlin Congress Palace since Oct. 10 with MPs from 138 countries is to wind up works Friday afternoon. Regional-Morocco-International, Politics, 10/15/1999
• King Fahd confers with Nateq Nouri
  King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in al-Riyadh met with the chairman of the Iranian Shoura council, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, and members of the accompanying delegation currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Bouteflika denies dispute with the army regarding forming the government
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika denied yesterday any problem between him and the army regarding the army's refusal to the list names of the members of the new government Bouteflika intends to form. Algeria, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Ruler of Kuwait confers with Algerian official Kuwait-Algeria, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Clinton, King Abdullah discuss Middle East peace, bilateral relations
  Talks held between President Clinton and Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein on Tuesday afternoon in Washington dealt with means of giving the Middle East peace process and economic relations between the two countries a push forward. Jordan-USA, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Arafat to visit Vietnam this week
  The Vietnamese government announced that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will pay an official visit to Vietnam later this week. Palestine-Vietnam, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Jordanian writer dismissed from his union over visiting Israel
  The administrative board of the Jordanian Writers Union has decided to dismiss writer Issa al-Sheibi from the union's membership for visiting Israel together with other three Jordanian journalists. Jordan, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Belgian FM arrives in Algiers Algeria-Belgium, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Bin Ali vows to eliminate unemployment
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali, a candidate for a third presidential term of office, has expressed his determination to" eliminate unemployment, ultimately by the year 2004." Tunisia, Politics, 10/14/1999
• The largest military exercises in Egypt
  Tens of US, British and French warships have headed to Egypt to take part in the military exercises which will be held in the Egypt's western Sahara, in consolidation of the world's ability to repulse conflicts such as those that took place in Kosovo and East Timor. Egypt-International, Politics, 10/14/1999
• King Mohammed tour takes him to Tangier
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, left Casablanca via Kenitra and Larache to Tangier Wednesday where he visited the Gznaya industrial zone being developed and was briefed on perspectives for the area, the offshore export zone of Tangier, the sports complex, the wholesale market as well as efforts in fighting unhealthy housing in the city. Morocco, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Shamseddine confers with Iranian ambassador in Beirut
  The chairman of the Higher Shiite Islamic Council in Lebanon, Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine, on Wednesday in Beirut received the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Muhammad Ali al-Sabhani, and the Iranian charge de affairs at the embassy, Muhammad Irani. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Sobaih: Palestinian wing in Disney will be opened in days
  Mohamed Sobaih, the Palestinian delegate to the Arab League, said yesterday that there are preparations for opening the Palestinian wing in Disney's Millennium Village exhibition, in confrontation of the Israeli wing which is established there. Palestine, Politics, 10/14/1999
• UK ambassador in Cairo hails Toshka project
  Graham Bowis, the UK ambassador in Cairo, hailed yesterday the major civilizational project in the Toshka area, saying that this project could greatly change Egypt's face. Egypt, Politics, 10/14/1999
• US official: Iraq is contained and not a threat, Cohen to visit the region
  A senior US defense official said yesterday that US Secretary of Defense William Cohen will visit the Middle East on October 17-26. The official said Cohen will visit Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman and Israel. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Sudanese opposition leaders to meet in Cairo on Saturday
  The body of the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance's leadership, which includes the leaders of Sudanese opposition parities and factions, is to hold a meeting on Saturday in Cairo. Sudan, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Khartoum accuses opposition of obstructing national rapport process
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael said his government adheres to the Egyptian - Libyan initiative and accused the opposition of obstructing the rapport process, which he depicted as main stance of the government, adding that it didn't seek it out of weakness. Sudan-USA, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Jordanian government asks for further investigation into attack against parliamentarians
  The Jordanian government has considered the message addressed by the Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy to the Jordanian Foreign Minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib concerning the aggression against the Jordanian parliamentary delegation by Israeli settlers as not satisfactory. Jordan, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Tarek Aziz: Iraq will not give up its independence Iraq, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Speaker of the House of Representatives in Berlin
  Speaker of the House of Representatives Abdelouahed Radi arrives in Berlin Thursday to attend the 102d session of the International Parliament Union, meeting in Berlin since oct 10. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Egypt supports Russia in the cause of Chechnya
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the Egyptian supports the Russian trend towards settling the current crisis concerning Chechnya. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Israel converts the military barrier between occupied Jerusalem and Bethlehem to a border crossing
  The Israeli authorities converted today the Israeli military barrier which separates occupied Arab Jerusalem and the city of Bethlehem to a military border crossing. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Russian official: Israel and USA have offered their experience in confronting Islamists in Chechnya.
  Vladimir Poleakof, the Russian envoy to the region's countries, said that Israel offered to Russia its large experiences in the field of confronting organizations that try to assume power in the republics near to Chechnya. Regional-Russia, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Four persons belong to Palestinian Islamic groups arrested
  The Palestinian authorities arrested three persons belonging to the Hamas movement and one persons belonging to the Islamic Jihad last night. Palestine, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Israel asks the USA to present more aid Israel-USA, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Barak respond to the Jewish settlers' pressure
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak succeeded in avoiding confrontations with settlers after his decision to reducing the number of settlements he intends to remove from the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Hawatemah for dialogue with the US
  The Secretary General of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, said on Wednesday that his front is interested in building a national relationship with Washington. Palestine-USA, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Cyprus anxious over Turkey joining the EU
  Cyprus on Wednesday expressed its anxieties over the possibility of giving Turkey the position of a candidate state for European Union membership, without any preconditions during the EU summit scheduled to be held in December. Turkey-Cyprus, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Greek defense minister visits Israel Israel-Greece, Politics, 10/14/1999
• A general conference for combating drugs in Middle East
  The regional conference regarding cooperation between the area's countries to overcome drugs will conclude tomorrow. Representatives of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian government are participating for the first time since 1996. Regional, Politics, 10/14/1999
• Al-Assad confers with Lebanese prime minister
  President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday in Damascus received the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss where talks dealt with the bilateral and regional conditions and cooperation between the two "sisterly countries" in order to establish a just and comprehensive peace that provides for restoring the occupied lands and the usurped Arab rights to their owners. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Bouteflika confers with Saudi crown prince Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Italian President in Palestine Palestine-Italy, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Syrian-Lebanese follow-up committee concludes deliberations
  Chaired by Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi and his Lebanese counterpart Salim al-Hoss, the Syrian - Lebanese coordination and follow up committee on Tuesday in Damascus concluded its meetings. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 10/13/1999
• King Mohammed winds up visit to Casablanca
  King Mohammed VI went on to explain a new approach to authority, saying the concept ought to be based on the protection of public services, local affairs, individual and collective liberties, and the preservation of security and stability, management of local matters and securing social peace. Morocco, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Saudi defense minister gets a message from Romanian counterpart Saudi Arabia-Romania, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Middle East tour for Chinese defense minister Regional-China, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Egyptian - British military talks Egypt-UK, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Saudi minister denies mediation between Morocco and Algeria
  Saudi Arabia did not conduct any mediation move between Morocco and Algeria, said Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Tangiers inhabitants pin great hopes on king's visit
  The inhabitants of the Moroccan northern city of Tangiers pin great hopes on the visit King Mohammed VI will pay to the city part of a 10-day tour of several provinces. Morocco, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Qatari foreign minister gets a message from PLO officials Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Qaboos gets a message from Turkish president Oman-Turkey, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Tunisian president calls for revitalising Arab Maghreb Union establishments
  Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Ben Ali has called for the revitalization of the establishments of the Arab Maghreb Union, considering it as being a main element and great support in building the Arab nation, unifying its ranks and improving its conditions. Tunisia, Politics, 10/13/1999
• President diouf message to king Mohammed
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahman Youssoufi met in Rabat with Senegalese Minister of Water Resources Mamadou Faye who handed him a message from President Abdou Diouf to King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Sit-in in Damascus in solidarity with Hamas
  Well-informed sources in Damascus said on Tuesday that the follow-up committee of the opposition Palestinian National Congress will call for a sit-in tomorrow near the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Arab League office in Damascus in solidarity with the Hamas resistance movement. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 10/13/1999
• New problem due to a new building between Jerusalem and Bethlehem
  The Israeli authorities started establishing a new building on the border passage between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Algerian prime minister confers with South Korean trade minister
  Algerian Prime Minister Smail Hamdani received South Korean Minister of Commerce, Industry and Energy Chung Tok-ku on Tuesday in Algiers and discussed with him means and ways of fostering cooperation and exchange in the economic and commercial areas and boosting investments and partnerships. Algeria-South Korea, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Levy refuses to specify a date for withdrawal from south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Husseini says all Israeli settlements are illegal
  Faisal El-Husseini, the member of the executive committee for the Palestinian Liberation Organization responsible for Jerusalem's file, stated that all the Israeli settlements are illegal and that he will demand during his meeting with Israeli Minister of Internal Security Shlomo Ben-Ami today to remove them all to guarantee a real peace. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/13/1999
• King Mohammed leaves for the second leg of tour
  King Mohammed VI left Casablanca on Wednesday after a two-day visit, heading for Kenitra, the second leg of a tour to take him to several Moroccan provinces. Morocco, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Saudi official confers with Iranian Shoura council chief
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz on Tuesday in Riyadh received the chairman of the Iranian Shoura council, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, and members of the accompanying delegation, currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Arab Journalist Union meet in Cairo
  Cairo witnesses now the meeting of the general trusteeship of the Arab Journalists Union, under the chairmanship of Egypt's Ibrahim Nafae, the head of the union, and with the participation of the general trusteeship's members, whose arrival was completed yesterday. Regional, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Barak confirms dissolution of illegal settlements
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak stated that 15 of 42 settlements established by settlers in the West Bank without a license will soon be dissolved. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Nasrallah continues meeting with Iranian officials
  The Iranian revolution's spiritual guide, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei has stressed the importance of continued struggle until the liberation of all occupied Arab territories. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Moroccan-Andalusian meeting on human rights education in Fez Morocco-Spain, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Amman hosts meetings of inter-Arab expertise exchange program
  Deliberations of the program to exchange expertise started in Amman on Tuesday. The program is organized in collaboration with the Arab League, with the participation of social experts from 12 Arab states. Regional, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Chinese - Iraqi committee begins meetings in Baghdad Iraq-China, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Greece no longer opposes Turkey's membership in the EU Turkey-Greece, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Report: 3.5 billion the value of French tank transaction with Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Red Cross delegation visits Algeria Algeria, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Maroc Mondial 2006 Association signs sponsoring accord with Royal Air Maroc
  The Moroccan carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) has joined a group of three companies that agreed to pay $200,000 in support to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup soccer finals. Morocco, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Four GIA members surrendered in Bouira province Algeria, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Eritrea and Ethiopia spar over village
  "Unless Eritrea 'removes the gun it has put at the head of Ethiopia', withdraws from all Ethiopian territories that it has occupied by force, and stop training, arming and supporting terrorists and warlords, and put an end to its acts aimed at destabilizing the Horn of Africa, it is obvious that durable peace will not be achieved," the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 10/13/1999
• On the flow of water from Turkey to Syria
  A Kuwaiti daily said on Tuesday that waters of the Euphrates river in Syria have been much increased from the usual average level after Turkey built several dams on the Turkish part of the river. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Greece to open the door for Israeli military industries
  Greek Defense Minister Apostolos-Athanasios Tsohatzopoulos has called for the establishment of a realistic and strategic partnership between Israel and Greece and to implement the security agreement signed between the two sides since 1994. Israel-Greece, Politics, 10/13/1999
• Mubarak receives Prince Sultan Egypt-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Syrian-Lebanese prime ministers for wide cooperation
  Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi and his Lebanese counterpart, Salim al-Hoss, on Monday in Damascus chaired the meetings of the joint Syrian-Lebanese coordination and follow-up committee. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Bouteflika meets with Crown Prince Abdullah
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika met with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdllah bin Abdul Aziz in Algeria last night, where they discussed bilateral issues of mutual concern. Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Pakistani PM in UAE United Arab Emirates-Pakistan, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Algerian president for direct with Moroccan king to settle disputes
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has welcomed the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to Algeria due on Monday and described it as an assertion of consolidating consultations and relations between the two countries. Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Damascus decided to open an office to supervise Iraqi interests
  Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Nabeel Najm on Monday inspected, during his visit to Damascus, the headquarters of the Iraqi embassy, which has been closed down since 1982, on Abu Rummaneh Street. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Saudi Cabinet endorses economic accord with Syria Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 10/12/1999
• King Mohammed meets Saudi crown prince Morocco, Politics, 10/12/1999
• New earthquake in Cairo
  An earthquake took place yesterday in Cairo and in some Egyptian governorates. Egypt, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Jordan decides to postpone visit of Israeli trade minister to Amman indefinitely
  Jordan decided yesterday to postpone the scheduled visit of Israeli Minister of Trade and Industry Ran Cohen to Amman tomorrow in protest of the harassment to which a group of the Jordanian parliamentarians was exposed during their visit to Hebron a few days ago. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/12/1999
• UN specifies international code for Palestine on the Internet
  The United Nations informed the Palestinian Authority that it has specified an international code carrying Palestine's name on the Internet. Palestine, Politics, 10/12/1999
• King Mohammed starts tour from Casablanca
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, arrived here Monday on a two-day visit to Casablanca, first leg of 10-day tour to several Moroccan northern and eastern provinces. Morocco, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Saudi Arabia asserts the involvement of al-Sayegh in Khobar bombing
  Saudi Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz said his country has received Hani al-Sayegh, confirmed that the Saudi authorities have information and proof affirming the involvement of al-Sayegh in the explosion. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Al-Sayegh's wife denies her husband's involvement's in Khobar attack
  Hakima al-Qatri, the wife of Saudi citizen Hani al-Sayegh, who was accused of being involved in the explosion of Khobar Towers three years ago, denied her husband's involvement in the incident, saying, "He was out of Saudi Arabia a month before the accident, and he arrived a period after the accident." Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Washington hands over al-Sayegh to Saudi Arabia
  Saudi Minister of the Interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz announced on Monday in Riyadh that the US authorities had handed over Saudi citizen Hani al-Sayegh, who is accused of being involved in the Khobar Towers explosion which targeted American soldiers in 1996, to the Saudi authorities. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/12/1999
• European Union is open to useful dialogue with Sudan
  The Sudanese government on Sunday received an official decision by the European Union that calls for opening "a page of useful and fruitful dialogue with Khartoum." Sudan-European Union, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Saudi Arabia, South Korea sign oil agreement
  The South Korean Ministry of Trade announced on Monday in Seoul that Riyadh and Seoul signed an agreement on bilateral cooperation in the field of oil. Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Switzerland improves relations with Libya Libya-Switzerland, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Qatari facilities for foreign laborers
  Qatar decided to changing the working system for allowing foreigners to work in the country, as it started summoning laborers from all nationalities through allowing them to convert visit visas to residency permission. Qatar, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Bahraini foreign minister meets with British delegation Bahrain-UK, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Restrictions lifted on Egyptian Lawyers Union's activities Egypt, Politics, 10/12/1999
• US secretary of commerce meets with Israeli, Palestinian counterparts Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Lebanese Islamic cleric hints that courts are not the place for religious issues
  The chairman of the higher Shiite council in Lebanon, Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine, has made a "Sharia opinion" on singing verses of the Koran and the possibility of using the Koran in prose and poetry. Lebanon, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Russian envoy visits Egypt today
  The special envoy for the Russian Foreign Minister, Vladimir Polyakuv, is due to start today a two-day official visit to Egypt, carrying a message to Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa from his Russian counterpart, Igor Ivanov. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Ruler of Kuwait gets a message from South Korea President Kuwait-South Korea, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Jordan, Croatia review bilateral relations Jordan-Croatia, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Abu Marzouk meets with Sheikh Shamseddine Jordan-Lebanon, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Arab League for national reconciliation in Sudan
  The Arab League has announced that it is following closely and with great concern the national reconciliation efforts in Sudan. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Mandela visits Israel, the Palestinian authority Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Former political detainees ask for apology
  Several former Moroccan political detainees have asked for an apology and financial compensation for the sufferings they had endured under arrest, the Moroccan press reported on Tuesday. Morocco, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Palestinian government strongly criticizes Barak's settlement policy
  The Palestinian government launched a severe attack on Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's settlement policy and described it as destroying the peace process at a time when the Palestinians and Israelis side failed to reach an agreement concerning releasing a second group of the Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Congress prepares to move US embassy in Israel to Jerusalem Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/12/1999
• Syrian-Lebanese follow up committee meets today Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Mubarak chairs meeting of new government
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday in Cairo approved the new Egyptian government chaired by Atef Ebeid, who on Sunday received the new ministers and the other ministers from the previous government of former Prime Minister Kamal El-Ganzouri. Egypt, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Saudi Arabia tries to help settle Moroccan-Algerian problems
  Prince Abdellah bin Abdel Aziz, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and vice-president of the ministers' council and chief of the National Guard will attempt to create a propitious climate to settle the pending problems between Morocco and Algeria, a Saudi official source told Asharq Al-Awsat daily. Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/11/1999
• King Mohammed tours several regions of the kingdom
  King Mohammed VI starts this Monday a ten day tour to take him to several Moroccan wilayas and provinces to consolidate direct ties with the people an official statement said. Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Egypt supports Morocco's campaign to host 2006 World Cup
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa discussed during his meeting yesterday with Moroccan Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmed Moussaoui, who is currently visiting Cairo, Morocco's candidacy to host the World Cup for soccer for the year 2006, Moussaoui said after the meeting. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Saudi, French military relations reviewed
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted Saudi Arabia's desire to strengthen military cooperation with France. Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Israeli forms ministerial commercial for the settlement affairs Israel, Politics, 10/11/1999
• South Korean foreign minister visits Egypt
  South Korean Foreign Minister Hong Sun-yong will arrive on November 11 in Cairo for a four-day visit to Egypt, during which he will be received by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-South Korea, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Greek president to visit Iran tomorrow Iran-Greece, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Nateq Nouri arrives in Riyadh
  The chairman of the Islamic Shoura council in Iran, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, arrived in Riyadh on Sunday for an official visit. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Spouse of Libya's Gaddafi in Morocco Morocco-Libya, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Israeli sources speak of approaching withdrawal from south Lebanon
  Israeli sources said today that military officials discussed alternatives concerning the Israeli forces' withdrawal from south Lebanon, saying that those officials attended a meeting headed by the army's chief of staff. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 10/11/1999
• European foreign ministers to discuss Middle East peace
  The Foreign ministers of the European Union are due to meet today in Luxembourg to discuss several key issues, first and foremost being the Middle East peace process. Regional-Israel-European Union, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Kuwaiti FM gets message from British counterpart Kuwait-UK, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Levy attends EU FM s meeting Israel-European Union, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Iranian President confers with Hizbullah chief
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday in Tehran received the secretary general of the Hizbullah party in Lebanon, Hassan Nasrallah, and members of the party's central council. Talks dealt with developments in the region and Lebanon. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Government ponders employment of graduates
  Moroccan Interior Minister, Driss Basri, said over the weekend the government is pondering concrete measure to employ jobless doctors and engineers. Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Al-Majali gives details on his assault by Israeli settlers
  The speaker of the Jordanian parliament, Abdul Hadi al-Majali, has briefed the Jordanian parliament's members on the details of the attacks against him and members of an accompanying parliamentary delegation by Israeli settlers during his visit to the occupied city of Hebron on Saturday. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/11/1999
• US secretary of commerce concludes visit to Israel
  US Secretary of Commerce William Daley said the peace process' refreshment in Middle East created a more conducive atmosphere for trade and investment. Regional-USA, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Hawatemah praises US decision to lift his group's name from terrorism list
  The secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, has praised the decision taken by the US administration to remove the name of his front from its list of terrorist organizations. Palestine-USA, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Collaborators find no mercy among Palestinians
  "There isn't anything worse than being a collaborator against your own people," said Yousef as he watched an Israeli television report on a former spy who served the Israeli Mossad for a number of years in Lebanon. Palestine, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Saudi - Korean cooperation in petroleum field
  Saudi Arabia and South Korea announced their intention to form a joint committee to establish cooperation between the two countries in the petroleum field. Saudi Arabia-South Korea, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Kuwait fights drugs Kuwait, Politics, 10/11/1999
• All Sahrawis must participate in referendum, Sahrawis settled in Europe say
  Representatives of the Europe-based Moroccan community of Sahrawi descent underlined the right of each and every Sahrawi to participate in the referendum, the U.N is projecting to hold in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• King Mohammed VI will lay foundation stone of new Casablanca Grand Stadium
  King Mohammed VI will lay on Monday the foundation stone of Casablanca Grand Stadium with a capacity of 100,000 spectators to be built as part of the Moroccan preparations for the 2006 World Soccer Cup finals. Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Report: Evacuation of 3,960 foreign refugees from Lebanon
  A Lebanese daily has reported the details of an operation, carried out calmly and secretly and to be carried out urgently within a period not to exceed one week. Lebanon, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Al-Sayegh to be tried according to Islamic Sharia
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz said on Sunday in al-Riyadh that the Saudi citizen Hani al-Sayegh suspected to be involved in the attack against a residential unit for US soldiers in Khobar will be tried according to the Sharia (Islamic law) when he is handed over to the Saudi authorities. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Moroccan ambassadors to Italy and UNESCO hand credentials Morocco, Politics, 10/11/1999
• Israel might buy Turkish water
  The Anatolia news agency said, quoting Turkish and Israeli sources, that there are currently talks taking place on the possibility of Israel's emergency purchase of water from Turkey. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 10/11/1999

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