Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 10/18/1999

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of October 18, 1999

• Syrian campaign for internal reform
  In what appears to be the begining of an internal reform campaign, the Syrian state-run media has recently resumed its campaign to unveil administrative corruption, thefts and ill- performance in certain public sides. Syria, Politics, 10/23/1999
• King Mohammed urges army, police to see to citizens' interests
  King Mohammed VI urged the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Gendarmerie, auxiliary forces, national security as well as local authorities to see to the interests of the citizens. Morocco, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Party leader criticizes government inaction
  The leader of the Istiqlal Party (PI-in government) criticized "inaction" of the Moroccan socialist-led government. Morocco, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Egyptian - Jordanian - Palestinian meeting tomorrow in the West Bank
  Egyptian Foreign minister Amr Moussa, his Jordanian counterpart Abdel- Elah El-Khatib and Palestinian minister of planing and International cooperation Nabeel Shaath are to hold a trio meeting in Ramallah city in the West Bank tomorrow Sunday. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 10/23/1999
• King Abdullah and hamas question: we study the best formula for a solution
  King Abdullah Bin al-Hussein of Jordan on Friday announced that his government is studying " the best formula to solve the question of the Islamic resistance movement " Hamas" within the course of the supremacy of the law Jordan, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Clinton says Oslo event will be moment to emphasize peace
  President Bill Clinton invoked the memory of the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin to promote peace in the Middle East. Regional, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Sudanese foreign minister in Cairo tomorrow for reconciliation talks
  Egyptian foreign minister Amr Moussa said that his Sudanese counterpart Mustafa Osman Ismael is visiting Egypt tomorrow to hold discussions regarding the efforts exerted in order to achieve reconciliation in Sudan Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Iraq says Cohen in region due to petroleum prices and airbase guarantees
  Iraq criticized yesterday the current tour of the US Secretary of Defense, William Cohen, in the Middle East. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/23/1999
• A Chinese parliamentary delegation visits Egypt
  A delegation from the national council of the Chinese people's deputies is due to visit Egypt on coming Wednesday in the chairmanship of Tian Jion deputy Chairman of the permanent committee in the council with an invitation from the people's assembly. Egypt-China, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Saudi crown prince gets a message from Zemin Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Morocco stages anti-poverty campaign Morocco, Politics, 10/23/1999
• The competing parties in the Tunisian election
  Six small parties from the moderate, recognized secular opposition are competing with the democratic constitutional coalition led by President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali on 34 seats out of 182 seats in the parliament. Tunisia, Politics, 10/23/1999
• French FM to visit the ME Regional-France, Politics, 10/23/1999
• 700 armed persons surrendered to the Algerian authorities Algeria, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Contradictory statements on a Shuttle tour by Clinton shortly to the region
  Official political sources in occupied Jerusalem has expected that the US President Bill Clinton will make a tour on the Middle East in the mid of next month, after his participation in the security conference in Europe due to be held in Istanbul. Regional-USA, Politics, 10/23/1999
• Ben Ali to visit Egypt at the end of November Tunisia-Egypt, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Moussa: The Arab conditions suffer
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa has asserted that there are no "American pressures, or other non-American pressures" to prevent the convening of an Arab summit. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Anticipated ministerial adjustment in Sudan to exclude opposers of reconciliation
  The United Arab Emirates newspaper El-Bayan reported that leaders in the ruling National Conference Party in Sudan said the party heads are to declare the formation of a new government, where those who oppose reconciliation toward achieving national rapport in the country are to be excluded. Sudan, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Morocco, an ongoing revolution since March 98
  Since the coming to power in Morocco of this government, the country is living in an ongoing May 68 (revolution), said Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi in a press-conference in Brussels after the colloquy "Morocco-EU: A Shared Fate" wound up Thursday night. Those who want to demonstrate do, those who want to strike do and those who want to gather in groups do, Youssoufi said, denying brute force was ever used. Morocco-International, Politics, 10/22/1999
• 70 Italian businessmen to visit Cairo tomorrow
  Italian Minister of Foreign Trade Piero Fassino is to arrive tomorrow in Cairo heading a delegation including 70 businessmen with different specializations. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Saudi Arabia -Yemen border problem nears an end Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Saudi defense minister permits al-Sayegh's family to visit him
  Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted that the family of a Saudi man accused in the Khobar explosion, Hani al-Sayegh, had visited him and that he enjoys good health. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/22/1999
• 457,000 cases were heard by the Saudi courts in 1997
  The Saudi courts heard in 1997 more than 457,000 cases from all over Saudi Arabia through 299 courts with 604 judges. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Syrian defense minister: The Golan will eventually be restored
  Syrian Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass has asserted that his country will restore the Golan "sooner or later." Syria, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Palestinian journalists appeal to Arafat to reopen television station Palestine, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Kuwaiti Journalists call for protection of press from administrative intervention Kuwait, Politics, 10/22/1999
• King Abdullah in Spain
  Jordan's King Abdullah II met on Wednesday with Spain's King Juan Carlos, who invested him with the Spanish order of merit, excellent class, on the first day of King Abdullah's official visit to Madrid. The visit is expected to convert Jordan's debts to Spain into investments. Jordan-Spain, Politics, 10/22/1999
• King Mohammed urges Cabinet to complete development projects within deadlines
  King Mohammed VI has urged the Cabinet to complete the development projects underway within the set deadlines. Morocco, Politics, 10/22/1999
• New round of Turkish-Greek dialogue
  The third phase of Turkish - Greek dialogue on the ambassadorial level started in Ankara on Thursday in a tour that will last for two days dealing with prospects of bilateral cooperation in the cultural, environmental, trade and tourism areas. Turkey-Greece, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Qatari emir gets a message from al-Bashir
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael announced in Doha on Wednesday that he discussed with officials in Qatar the obstacles which impeded the implementation of the Doha agreement. Qatar-Sudan, Politics, 10/22/1999
• US defense secretary in Cairo for 48-hour visit
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen arrived in Cairo on Thursday iforn a 48-hour visit, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-USA, Politics, 10/22/1999
• European optimism regarding European discussions on Algeria
  Giorgio Napolitano, the head of the constitutional council for the European Parliament, said today that the coming discussions between the European Union delegation that will visit Algeria on November 1 will result in achieving progress between the two sides. Algeria-European Union, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Celebrating 20th anniversary of establishment of US center in Alexandria
  Mohammed Abd El-Slam El-Mahgoub, the governor of Alexandria, Egypt, and Daniel Kurtzer, the US ambassador in Cairo, witnessed yesterday evening a reception held by the US center in Alexandria on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the center's establishment. Egypt-USA, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Signing an Algerian - French agreement for banning tax duplication Algeria-France, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Moroccan Upper House Speaker confers with Mauritanian peer
  Ways to enhance Moroccan-Mauritanian ties topped talks held in Rabat Thursday between the speaker of the Moroccan Chamber of Advisors (upper house), Mohammed Jalal Essaid, and his visiting Mauritanian peer, Dieng Boubou Farba. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Large losses result from floods in 10 Sudanese states this year Sudan, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Palestine complains about new Israeli settlements
  Israel's renewed settlement activities and the additional confiscation of Palestinian lands in the occupied territories was brought to the U.N.'s attention on Thursday by Palestine's permanent observer, Nasser Al-Kidwa. Palestine-UN, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Colloquy: plea for a partnership for the future
  Participants in the "Morocco-EU: A Shared Fate" colloquy thursday unanimously called for a partnership for the future with the kingdom. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/22/1999
• 25 Kuwaiti charitable projects in Cairo
  The manager of the Kuwaiti bureau for charitable projects in Cairo, Abd El-Rahman El-Hadi, stated that the bureau achieved a lot of projects during last year, as 35 mosques and consumer groups were opened at a cost of 7 million pounds. Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 10/22/1999
• US to switch role of Indyk and Walker
  US State Department deputy spokesman James Foley said yesterday that US Undersecretary of State for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk and the US ambassador to Israel, Edward Walker, may switch places. Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/22/1999
• European Parliament chairwoman to visit Rabat, Algiers, and Tunis soon
  The European Parliament's chairwoman, Nicole Fontaine, will shortly visit Rabat, Algiers and Tunis, parliamentary sources disclosed Thursday in Brussels. Maghreb-European Union, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Minister of the Senegalese armed forces visits Kuwait Kuwait-Senegal, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Clinton instructs helping for Iraqi opposition
  In a message, US President Bill Clinton told the foreign relations committee at the US Congress of his decision to transfer US $5 million to the seven Iraqi opposition groups which were elected within the "Iraqi liberation law" issued at the end of 1998. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/22/1999
• European Parliament values bold and positive reforms by Moroccan king
  The European Parliament (EP) does appreciate the "very bold and positive" reforms operated by King Mohammed VI since his coming to power, said EP chairwoman Nicole Fontaine. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Moroccan secretary of state for cooperation to visit Poland and Czech Republic Morocco-International, Politics, 10/22/1999
• The Netanyahus face a new scandal
  On the eve of his fiftieth birthday, former Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu suffered a most humiliating experience when on Thursday he was asked to report to the police station for questioning. Israel, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Six persons killed in a car explosion in Yemen
  The Yemeni police announced on Thursday that six Yemenis were killed and another 10 wounded in a car explosion in a car which was transporting explosives in southern Yemen. Yemen, Politics, 10/22/1999
• World Cup 2006: Morocco attempts to win African backing for its bid
  A Moroccan delegation is currently in Ouagadougou part of the campaign to glean backing to Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup. Morocco, Politics, 10/22/1999
• Moussa assures Egypt's adherence to a just peace in the area
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa emphasized his country's adherence to reaching a just peace among the countries of the Middle East through reaching an agreement for the final status between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Phone consultations between Colonel Gaddafi and king Mohammed Libya-Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Iran commends developed relations with Syria Syria-Iran, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Algerian army chief of staff visits China Algeria-China, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Youssoufi meets Fontaine and Prodi in Brussels Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Executive manager of UNICEF arrives in Cairo Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Raf'at al-Assad's port closed down in Lattakia
  Syrian officials sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the Syrian authorities on Wednesday closed off an "illegal port" built by Rifaat al-Assad in the city of Lattakia on the Syrian coast. Syria, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Egyptian official: Arab situation full of risks, no expected surprises in peace process
  Mostafa El-Feki, the assistant foreign minister and Egypt's delegate to the Arab League, said yesterday in a symposium organized by the Egyptian committee for solidarity regarding political developments in the Arab states that the general Arab situation is full of risks Egypt, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Morocco presents human rights report to UN
  Morocco presented on Wednesday to the UN human rights committee its fourth periodic report on the human rights situation in the kingdom. Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1999
• King Mohammed congratulates Indonesian president Morocco-Indonesia, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Chief of staffs of the French army leaves Yemen Yemen-France, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Bouteflika will stay in power until the end of his term of office
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Butaflika denied on Wednesday any "problem" between him and the army, following the disclosure of information saying that the military establishment refused the composition of the new government. Algeria, Politics, 10/21/1999
• WFP condemns attack on aid workers in Somalia Somalia-UN, Politics, 10/21/1999
• King Mohammed winds ten-day tour in northern provinces
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, arrived in Rabat on Wednesday night winding up a ten day tour to several northern and eastern provinces. Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Former US diplomat: Syria will not sign peace agreement that does not provide for restoring the whole Golan
  A former high-ranking US diplomat has announced that achieving progress on the Syrian-Israeli track requires an effective US role on top levels. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Cohen ends visit to Riyadh, UAE dailies criticize US policy
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen on Wednesday concluded a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he met with Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Muslim Brothers delegation in Jordan visited Abu Marzouk in Damascus
  Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouk said he met on Wednesday in Damascus with a delegation representing the Muslim Brothers group in Jordan in order to discuss means of settling the disputes between the Jordanian authorities and Hamas. Syria-Syria, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Moussa meets with UK defense minister
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa held a prolonged meeting with UK Defense Minister Geoffrey Hoon, who is currently visiting Cairo, in the attendance of Assistant Foreign Minister Mahdi Fath Allah the UK ambassador in Cairo, Graham Boyce. Egypt-UK, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Continuity marks excellent Moroccan-Tunisian relations, president
  President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia said continuity marks Moroccan-Tunisian relations that he described as "excellent." Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Al-Hoss meets with Arab businesswomen's council
  Lebanese Prime Minister Selim Al-Hoss emphasized the importance of women's role in Arab societies on all levels, especially on the economic level. Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Levy: Egypt obstructs Arab-Israeli relations
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy has accused Cairo of urging the Arab states not to improve their relations with Israel before it resumes peace negotiations with Syria. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Iraq asks AL help against uranium used by US, UK forces
  The Iraqi Health Ministry's secretary, Shawqi Murqos, has called on the Arab League and the Arab ministers of the environment as well as concerned regional and international organizations to preserve the environment and human hygiene through maintaining joint cooperation with Iraq to deal with the adverse health and environmental consequences resulting from depleted uranium use by the countries of the western alliance against Iraq during the Gulf War. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Tunisian opposition members stay on hunger strike London
  Tunisian opposition members said they would stay on a hunger strike before the Tunisian embassy in London and in some Arab capitals before the presidential elections in Tunis that will be held on Sunday. Tunisia, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Mashaal, Ghoshe suffer deteriorated health
  The Arab Human Rights Organization in Jordan has announced that the health of the chairman of the political bureau of the Hamas resistance movement, Khaled Mashaal, and its spokesman in Jordan, Ibrahim Ghoshe, have been deteriorated in one of the Jordanian prisons three days after they announced a hunger strike. Jordan, Politics, 10/21/1999
• US to give aid to Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians
  Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Efraim Sneh has expressed his confidence that the US congress will change its mind and agree to give an aid estimated at US $1.9 billion to Israel, the Palestinians and Jordan with the fall of the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Regional-Israel-USA, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Scottish police in Libya to investigate Lockerbie question
  The British police reported on Tuesday that Scottish policemen are in Libya to investigate for the first time into the explosion of an American civilian aircraft in 1988, while two Libyans are awaiting their trials in Holland before a Scottish court under accusations of being involved in this explosion. Libya, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Fishing agreement with EU will not be renewed, says Youssoufi
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi underscored in Brussels on Wednesday Morocco's stand not to renew the fishing agreement with the European Union which expires on Nov 30, 1999. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Peres refused any European role in ME peace
  Israel's minister of regional cooperation, Shimon Peres, said there is no chance for Europe to play the role of the main mediator in the Middle East peace process. Israel-European Union, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Barak appoints official in his bureau for combating terrorism Israel, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Arab police leaders concludes deliberations in Tunisia
  The 23rd conference of the Arab policemen and security leaders on Tuesday concluded their deliberations held in Tunisia by reaching several recommendations aimed at strengthening the march of joint Arab security and enhancing stability. Regional, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Moroccan music and sport stars made UNICEF honorary ambassadors
  Moroccan athletics world champ, Hicham El-Guerrouj, former Olympic champ and member of the International Olympic Committee, Nawal El-Moutawakkil, and renowned singer Rajae Belmlih have been proposed to be made UNICEF's honorary ambassadors in Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 10/21/1999
• Moussa, Arafat discuss peace
  Osama El-Baz, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's political advisor, dismissed reports that Israel may consider military action against Syria, saying, "The threats of an Israeli military action against Syria are hollow and will not shake the Arab stance." Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Al-Hoss follows up on health of Lebanese girl exposed to attack Lebanon, Politics, 10/20/1999
• South Korean foreign minister to visit on November 11 Egypt-South Korea, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Libyan foreign minister confers with Belgian counterpart
  The secretary of the people's general committee for foreign relations in Libya (foreign minister) Omar Mustafa al-Montassir on Tuesday discussed with Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel during their meeting in the Libyan al-Jafra city means of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. Libya-Belgium, Politics, 10/20/1999
• UAE says it succeeded in appeasing Moroccan-Algerian tensions
  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said it has succeeded in appeasing tensions between Morocco and Algeria. United Arab Emirates-Maghreb, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Chadian minister in Qatar Qatar-Chad, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Jordanian prime minister heads to UK Jordan-UK, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Chinese president's visit to Morocco will boost bilateral ties
  The official visit Chinese President Jiang Zemin will pay to Morocco on Oct. 27-30 will give a new impetus to Moroccan-Chinese relations, China's Ambassador to Morocco, Mu Wen said. Morocco-China, Politics, 10/20/1999
• King Mohammed continues tour to Fez
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, arrived in Fez on Tuesday night coming from Oujda and Taza as part of a tour that took him to several wilaya, prefectures and provinces of the kingdom. Morocco, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Jordan says did not ask to buy weapons from Israel Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Mandela urges Israel to withdraw from occupied Arab lands
  Former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela on Tuesday discussed during his meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy in occupied Palestine the Middle East peace process on various tracks and the efforts made to revive it, Israel Radio reported. Regional-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Italy for achieving peace in the Middle East
  Italian Defense Minister Carlo Scognamiglio has asserted his country's readiness to carry out any role demanded by the international community to back the efforts exerted to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Regional-Saudi Arabia-Italy, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Arab police, security chiefs meet in Tunis Regional, Politics, 10/20/1999
• US official: Middle East parties ready to give peace a push forward
  The US president's advisor for national security, Sandy Berger, said on Monday evening that sides concerned with the Middle East peace process are ready to give the peace process a push forward. Regional-USA, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Philipinian parliamentary delegation visits Riyadh
  A high-ranking Philippine parliamentary delegation headed by Manuel Villar, the head of the Philippine deputies' council arrived in Riyadh yesterday in their first visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Philippines, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Partnership agreement, a new era in euro-moroccan relations, says youssoufi
  The new partnership agreement to be in force shortly "opens, at the eve of the third millennium, a new era in relations between Morocco and the European Union", Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi was quoted as saying. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/20/1999
• King Mohammed invited to summit on Israeli-Palestinian peace accords
  King Mohammed VI has been invited to attend a summit in Oslo next November to commemorate the Israeli-Palestinian peace accords of 1993. Morocco-International, Politics, 10/20/1999
• On Iranian president's visit to France
  The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hameed Rida Asefi, has announced that Iranian President Muhammad Khatami will make his expected visit to France after the necessary measures for this visit are completed, adding that this visit comes at the official invitation of French President Jacques Chirac. Iran-Regional, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Jordanian Journalists Union expels three journalists
  The Jordanian Journalists Union's council in a session held on Tuesday decided to drop the membership of three of the union's members -- Sultan Khattab, Abdullah Hasanat and Jihad al-Moumeni -- and definitely prevent them from practising "journalism," over violations of the repeated decisions taken by the Jordanian JU and the Arab Journalists Union which ban visiting Israel and call for abiding by the decision to resist normalization of relations with Israel. Jordan, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Sudanese opposition leaders renew adherence to Egyptian - Libyan initiative
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that the joint Egyptian- Libyan initiative to reach a comprehensive political solution in Sudan become a reality not only out of its comprehensiveness and objectivity but also because its sponsors have the right to take care of the Sudanese case in light of the historical ties that link them with Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Discussing the German - Egyptian relations in fields of technology transfer
  Egyptian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Nadia Makram Ebied received today Hans Shpitzener the minister for economy and transportation in the German state of Bavaria, who is currently visiting Cairo heading a large economic delegation. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Hijacked airplane returns to Cairo
  An airplane that was hijacked yesterday returned to Cairo airport with 48 passengers on board and its crew with no harm resulting from the hijacking by a young Turkish man carrying a knife who forced the jet upon leaving Istanbul to head to Hamburg, Germany. Egypt-International, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Two Lebanese arrested for contact with Israel
  The Lebanese state security department has arrested two persons accused of having telephone contacts with Israel. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Swedish diplomat visits Laayoune
  The director of the North African department at the Swedish Foreign Affairs Ministry, Hans Ahlberg, on Monday visited the Moroccan southern city of Laayoune. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Germany wishes Morocco to continue mideast peace role
  Germany has voiced hope that Morocco would continue its role as a peacemaker and advocate of coexistence among peoples, civilizations and religions. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Report: Muslim Brothers delegation to visit Damascus
  The Jordanian daily al-Dostour said on Tuesday that Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouk is trying to get the approval of the Syrian authorities to permit a delegation representing the Muslim Brothers group in Jordan to visit Damascus. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Morocco in Mediterranean-Russian Forum
  Morocco will take part in a forum to gather in the Balearic Islands this October 22-23 officials from Russia and Mediterranean countries. Morocco-International, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Palestinian - Israeli negotiations next week to release a third group of captives
  Hisham Abed Alrazek, the Palestinian minister of state for the captives' affairs, said the joint Israeli - Palestinian committee on the captives' affairs will meet next week to discuss releasing a third group of captives in the occupation prisons before the coming month of Ramadan according to the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement's executive note. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Moroccan environment minister in Paris
  The Moroccan minister in charge of territory planning, environment, urbanism and housing, Mohamed Yazghi, is expected in Paris on Thursday on a three-day visit at the invitation of French peer, Dominique Voynet. Morocco-France, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Dissolution of Israeli settlements starts
  The leaders of the Jewish settlers started dissolving one of 12 settlements in the West Bank which they promised to demolish according to their agreement with the Israeli Premier Ehud Barak, which calls for removing only 12 settlements from 42 established by the settlers after the Wye River accord and which the Israeli government approved. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Iran for maintaining solidarity among Arab, Islamic states
  The chairman of the Iranian Shoura council, Ali Akbar Nateq Nouri, described the results of his talks with Saudi officials as "positive and constructive." Iran-Regional, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Freed Hamas, El-Jihad captives served their full prison terms
  Mahmoud El-Zahar, a leader of Hamas movement, stated that, "Some of the Palestinian detainees from the movement whom were released by the Israeli authorities spent their full prison sentences; some of them were even spending extra periods." Palestine, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Baghdad criticizes officials' tours, US call for approach with Israel
  The Iraqi newspapers criticized yesterday the US secretaries of commerce and defense who are traveling in the Gulf area to gather support for Washington's policy toward Iraq and push the Arab countries toward approach with Israel. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Barak to visit Turkey on October 25
  Well-informed Turkish sources said on October 18 that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will visit Turkey on October 25. Israel-Turkey, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Israel eager for Turkey's joining the EU Turkey-Israel, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Chinese defense minister in Israel
  Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian and members of the accompanying delegation arrived in Israel on Tuesday in a four-day visit. Syria-Israel-China, Politics, 10/20/1999
• Saudi crown prince, Bouteflika review bilateral relations Saudi Arabia-Algeria, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Mubarak meets Arafat in Cairo
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met today in Cairo with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who arrived yesterday in Cairo. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Al-Baghdadi released at Emir's pardon Kuwait, Politics, 10/19/1999
• King Fahd meets with Arafat
  King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia met on Monday in Riyadh with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Saudi Arabia-Palestine-Malaysia, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Mandela: President al-Assad is determined to make peace
  Former South African president Nelson Mandela said in occupied Jerusalem on Monday that he is confident that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad "is determined to establish peace with Israel." Syria, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Bouteflika chooses 11 ministers of the new Cabinet Algeria, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Saudi, Philippines parliamentary relations reviewed Saudi Arabia-Philippines, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Egyptian minister of communications refuses cooperation with Israel Egypt-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Mandela in Amman
  Acting Jordanian Prime Minister Marwan al-Hammoud on Monday reviewed with former South African President Nelson Mandela Jordanian-African relations, Arab - African relations and the Middle East peace process. Jordan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• French Premier in Morocco Early Next Month Morocco-France, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Ruler of Kuwait gets a message from Senegal's president Kuwait-Senegal, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Vatican delegation visits Iraq to prepare for the Pope's visit
  Archdiocese Matta Shaba head of the Catholic Syrian sect in Iraq stated that a delegation from the Vatican will visit Baghdad to discuss arrangements for the anticipated visit that will be paid by Pope John Paul II to Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 10/19/1999
• UNICEF manager leaves Baghdad Iraq-UN, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Jordan intensifies procedure against selling Palestinian land Jordan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Amr Moussa receives US ambassador to Cairo
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received Daniel Kurtzer, the US ambassador to Cairo, who said following the meeting that it came in the framework of continuous consultations between the two sides Egypt-USA, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Official criticizes lack of representation of Christians in leadership ruling Sudanese party
  Bishop Gabriel Roric, the state minister of the Sudanese Foreign Ministry severely criticized the lack of representation of the church in the new leadership of the ruling National Conference Party that represents. Sudan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Sharon confers with Jordanian prince Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1999
• King Mohammed inTaza today
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, currently touring several north-eastern provinces, arrives today in Taza. Morocco, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Egyptian- Sudanese talks in Cairo
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received Mohammed Othman El-Merghany, head of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance, on Sunday. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Youssoufi at European Parliament
  Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi is heading Wednesday for Brussels to chair with the European Commission President Romano Prodi a two-day colloquy on "Morocco-Europe: A common destiny." Morocco-European Union, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Opposition Sudanese Democratic National Alliance meetings start today in Cairo
  Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister Yousef Wali, the secretary general of the ruling National Party, received yesterday Mohammed Ossman El-Merghany, the head of the opposition Sudanese Democratic National Alliance. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Israeli government wins confidence vote Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Jewish settlement stronghold evacuated
  Minutes ago the Israeli settlements council announced that it has quietly evacuated an Israeli settlement where evacuation was blocked earlier and that the work lasted a few hours. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1999
• GCC, Jordanian relations reviewed
  Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Sheikh Jamil al-Hujeilan met on Monday at the headquarters of the GCC in Riyadh with the Jordanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hani Khaleifa. Gulf-Jordan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Abdul Meguid meets Jerusalem fund official
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid received yesterday Wajih Hassan Qassem, the general manager of Jerusalem Fund (Bayt Al-Mal Al-Quds) in his first visit to Arab League headquarters since he assumed power in July 1998. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Cohen visits Saudi Arabia
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen arrived today in Jeddah coming from Bahrain at the beginning of a tour including nine countries in the Middle East, during which he will affirm the continuation of his country's policy toward Iraq. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Khatami gets a message from Demirel
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami received a message from Turkish President Suleiman Demirel on Monday. The message was received during Khatami's meeting with the envoy of the Turkish president. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Efforts to maintain reconciliation in Sudan
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael heads today for Qatar carrying a message from Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir to Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani, in the framework of reviving reconciliation initiatives between Sudan and several of its neighbors and between the government and the opposition. Sudan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Cohen: US will continue efforts to contain Iraq
  US Defense Secretary William Cohen has stressed upon arriving in Bahrain on Monday that the US will continue its encouragement of changing the government in Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Iraq comments on Cohen statement
  The chairman of the foreign relations committee at the Iraqi Parliament, Khaled Shehab al-Douri, has viewed statements released on Monday by US Defence Secretary William Cohen against the Iraqi government as an intervention in the internal affairs of Iraq and as having no legitimate or legal basis. Iraq-USA, Politics, 10/19/1999
• On rapprochement between Syria and Jordan Jordan-Syria, Politics, 10/19/1999
• US optimistic over Middle East peace
  The US ambassador to Lebanon, David Satterfield said on Monday that he expressed to the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss, with whom he met on Monday, that the US hopes to resume negotiations on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 10/19/1999
• New attack by Algerian Islamic groups
  Algeria has witnessed more attacks by the extremist Islamists resulting in the death of three persons and injuring another five persons. Algeria, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Amman hosts people's conference for Jerusalem
  The secretariat of the people's conference in defense of Jerusalem has confirmed the decision taken in its first conference, when it adopted the year 2000 as an international year of Jerusalem and decided to accelerate efforts during the year 2000 to disclose the Israeli schemes against the city and to support the steadfastness of the people of Jerusalem. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Israel agrees to sell weapons to Jordan
  Official sources in the defense sector in Israel said that the Ministry of Defense gave permission to an Israeli company for military industries to sell weapons to Jordan. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Egyptian jet hijacked Egypt, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Yemeni extremist groups commit to avenging the execution of al-Mihdar
  The extremist groups in Yemen committed yesterday to avenging the execution of extremist leader Zien El-Abdeen Bin al-Mihdar, who is known as "Abu Hassan." Yemen, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Report: Al-Kabareiti thinks of quitting his post
  A Jordanian weekly has stressed that the chairman of the Jordanian royal court, Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti, is thinking seriously and vocally of resigning his post after his disputes with Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh have increased. Jordan, Politics, 10/19/1999
• Al-Assad meets Mandella in Damascus
  Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandella arrived on Sunday night in Damascus. He was welcomed at the Damascus airport by President Hafez al-Assad, as well high ranking Syrian officials. Syria-South Africa, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Arafat arrives today in Cairo Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 10/18/1999
• King Mohammed arrives today in Oujda
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, arrives in Oujda today, coming from Nador via Berkane. Morocco, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Moroccan government under fire
  Influential members of parties forming the Moroccan socialist-led government criticized the cabinet for being unable to implement hoped-for reforms. Morocco, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Youssoufi: Morocco wants to live in peace with Algeria
  Moroccan Premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, renewed Morocco's will "to live in peace with neighboring Algeria." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 10/18/1999
• King Fahd gets message from Chad's president
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz received a message on Sunday for King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz from Chadain President Idris Debi. Saudi Arabia-Chad, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Syria accuses Israel of burying nuclear waste in the occupied Arab lands
  Syrian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Abd al-Hamid Munajjid accused Israel of burying dangerous and nuclear waste in the occupied Arab lands and in the Mediterranean Sea, saying that Israel dumps the waste in the Arab lands and waters. Syria-Israel, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Moussa hails releasing the Palestinian prisoners
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that releasing the Palestinian detainees and moving toward opening the secure passage as well as the decision to dissolve some settlements give positive indications that are followed by Egypt. Egypt, Politics, 10/18/1999
• King Abdullah and the future of Jordanians of Palestinian origin
  Jordan's King Abdullah II has talked about the future of Jordanians of Palestinian origin who carry Jordanian passports and live in Jordan in case a final status agreement is reached, especially concerning the refugees and the evacuees from 1948 and 1967. Jordan, Politics, 10/18/1999
• On Saudi- Yemeni border demarcation Yemen, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Al-Assad gets a message from King Abdullah
  President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received the Jordanian foreign minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Saudi authories start investigations into al-Sayegh
  The Saudi authories started their investigation of Hani al-Sayegh, one of the suspects involved in exploding the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia. He was handed over by the USA to Saudi Arabia last week. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 10/18/1999
• GCC- US ninth session on economic dialogue
  The Gulf Cooperation Council states and the US started on Sunday in Abu Dhabi works of their ninth session on economic dialogue between the GCC member states and the US. Gulf-USA, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Queen Noor fights landmines in Phnom Penh
  The widow of the late Jordanian King Hussein, Queen Noor, arrived in Pnom Penh in a three-day visit, during which she intends to highlight the need to find backing for landmines' victims. Jordan-Cambodia, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Yemen: al- Mihdar shot to death Yemen, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Barak confers with Jordanian prince Jordan-Israel, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Saddam executes Iraqi intelligence chief
  The British Sunday Telegraph said on Sunday that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein executed the chief of the Iraqi intelligence, Rafee al-Takriti, last week over leaking information about the secrets of the Iraqi weapons and Baghdad's military deals with Russia. Iraq, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Europe and the Arab League call for support for Somali reconciliation efforts
  The Arab League and the European Union newly assured yesterday the importance of combining the regional and international efforts to push forward the reconciliation track in Somalia for its unity and territorial integrity. Regional-Somalia, Politics, 10/18/1999
• A tense situation in Askalan prison
  Palestinian sources reported over the weekend that a tense situation has spread inside Asqalan prison where Palestinian security prisoners are held. The tension, the sources said, followed a number of measures taken by the prison authority against the prisoners. Palestine, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Safe passage might open Monday
  Palestinian and Israeli negotiators continued their contacts Sunday night trying to solve the remaining obstacles to opening the safe passage between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Algeria to boost parliamentary relations with France, EU
  The speaker of the Algerian Ummah council Basheer Bu Maza discussed on Sunday in Algiers with the member at the French Senate and the chairman of the French-Algerian friendship society means of developing relations between the Algerian Ummah council and the French Senate. Algeria-France, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Secret contacts between Barak and Arafat
  The Israeli daily Haartez said on Sunday that the Israeli prime Minister Ehud Barak is more inclined to run the negotiations himself with the Palestinian government in order to reach an agreement concerning the final settlement., through making contacts with the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Kuwaiti daily banned for 5 days
  The Kuwaiti news agency said on Sunday that the Kuwaiti authorities has suspended the issuance of the Kuwaiti daily al-Seyassah for five days over publishing statements for an Islamic leader in which he strongly criticises the US and an Emir decree. Kuwait, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Hawatemah in Jordan in preparations to meet with Arafat
  The secretary general of the " Democratic front for the Liberation of Palestine" Nayef Hawatemah announced in Amman on Saturday that a second round of reconciliation dialogue between his front and the " fatah" movements, led by the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will be held in the Jordanian capital, Amman next month. Jordan, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Hamas leaders in food strike
  The defendant for the detainees of the Islamic resistance movement "Hamas" Saleh al-Armouti said on Sunday that its political office chairman Khaled Mashaal and its spokesman Ibrahim Ghoushe and four of their escorts who were arrested on September 22 started on Saturday an open food strike in al-Jweida prison, South Amman in protest of the slow measures taken by the Jordanian government in settling their question through a political understanding or judicial court. Jordan, Politics, 10/18/1999
• War prisoners question between Eritrea and Ethiopia
  Ethiopia on Sunday accused Eriterea of obstructing the implementation of plans helping the return of some 4,000 Eritereans who currently live in Ethiopia. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Morocco committed to closing human rights dossier, Youssoufi says
  Morocco is committed to close once and for all the human rights dossier, Moroccan Premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, said. Morocco, Politics, 10/18/1999
• US reschedules Jordanian debts
  Jordan and the US signed an agreement on Sunday in Amman that provides for rescheduling the Jordanian debts owed to the US, estimated at US $101.7 million. Jordan-USA, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Hamas does not target Israeli civilians
  One of the Palestinian National Resistance movement ( Hamas ) leaders Mahmoud al-Zahar has asserted that the National resistance attacks do not target the civilians among the Jews, rather than the armed wing in the Israeli side. Palestine, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Abu Marzouk and the question of Hamas
  Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzouk said his idea for settling the question of the Hamas movement with Jordan is through the release of the detainees and opening a dialogue with the Jordanian government concerning all issues of concern to serve the interests of the two sides. Jordan, Politics, 10/18/1999
• Disney retreats from commitment to establish Palestinian wing in Florida exhibition, Sobeah
  Ambassador Mohamed Sobeah, the Palestinian delegate to the Arab League, accused the US Walt Disney Company of retreating from its commitment to establish a Palestinian wing in its exhibition in the US state of Florida on the occasion of celebrations of the third millenium. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 10/18/1999
• An Iraqi office to supervise interests in Damascus during 20 days
  Well informed sources in Damascus told the London-based al-Hayat daily that an office for supervising the Iraqi interests will be opened in Damascus " within 20 days" and that a delegation representing the Iraqi foreign ministry will visit Damascus within the few coming days to discuss what has been achieved of this diplomatic measure following a boycott of relations since 1980. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 10/18/1999

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