Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 11/1/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of November 1, 1999
- Morocco marks Green March anniversary
On this day, 24 years ago, some 350,000 men and women, holding up the Quran (Islam's holy book) and the national flag as their sole arms, marched through the artificial borders set by the colonial powers to free the southern areas and translate into reality the reunification of the Kingdom. Morocco, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Djibouti confirms not establishing relations with Israel Djibouti, Politics, 11/6/1999
- President Mubarak holds phone talks with king Mohammed Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 11/6/1999
- Gulf states to have a unified radar and communication systems
The defense ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states will convene on November 17 on the margins of the aviation fair that will be held in Dubai on November 14 - 18. Gulf, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Mubarak, Chirac discuss peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and French President Jacques Chirac met yesterday to discuss the latest developments surrounding the Middle East peace process. The two sides agreed to coordinate their stances toward peace. Egypt-France, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Jordanian king to visit Japan Jordan-Japan, Politics, 11/6/1999
- Emir of Bahrain meets with King Abdullah
Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa met on Thursday with Jordan's King Abdullah II, who was on a two-day visit to Bahrain. Bahrain-Bahrain, Politics, 11/6/1999 - King Mohammed receives French premier
King Mohammed VI received on Friday in Marrakesh visiting French Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Palestinian Authority: Oslo two is a new push for peace Palestine, Politics, 11/6/1999
- Lebanese minister emphasizes correlation of Lebanese and Syrian peace tracks Lebanon, Politics, 11/6/1999
- France calls for positive settlement to Sahara issue Morocco-France, Politics, 11/6/1999
- Demand releasing the detained members of the Sudanese followers' front Sudan, Politics, 11/6/1999
- Dialogue continues between Lebanese government and Jumblatt, Hariri
The Syrian leadership has succeeded in preparing a political atmosphere that will ensure contacts between Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Lebanese opposition factions, especially former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who will visit the Lebanese presidential palace in Baabda tomorrow, and the chairman of the Lebanese Social Progressive Party, Walid Jumblatt. Lebanon, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Moroccan official elected vice-president of IS executive committee
Mrs. Nouzha Chekrouni, representative of the women section within the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) has been elected Friday vice-president of the executive committee of the women's International Socialist for the western Mediterranean region. Politics, 11/6/1999 - Morocco holds polisario responsible for referendum delay
Morocco's delegate to the United Nations Organization, Ahmed Snoussi, held the Polisario responsible for the all the delays in holding a referendum in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Iraq refuses to receive UN human rights mission
Iraq refused yesterday to allow the UN's special rapporteur on human rights into Iraq to investigate allegations concerning the human rights in Iraq. Iraq-UN, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Ruler of Bahrain receives Prince Andrew
The ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleif,a on Friday in Manama received Prince Andrew, son of the Queen of Britain, currently visiting Bahrain in the course of a Gulf tour. Bahrain-Gulf-UK, Politics, 11/6/1999 - In protest against Israeli suppression, Syrian prisoners in Golan threaten open hunger strike
The Syrian prisoners of the occupied Golan in Israeli prisons threatened an open hunger strike unless their situations are improved and "injustice is lifted up," said Medhat El-Saleh, a member of the Syrian People's Assembly who leads a campaign to reform their situation. Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Jospin: Morocco's political experience a source of hope
French prime minister, Lionel Jospin, praised in Marraakesh Friday Morocco's choices, its stability and the place it holds in French external relations. Morocco, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Rabat, France views on peace, Iraq
Morocco and France on Friday voiced firm backing to a fair, lasting and global peace in the Middle-East. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Egyptian complaint against Israeli television
The Egyptian cinema industry chamber presented a complaint today to the producers' international union against Israeli television, which broadcasts Egyptian films without obtaining the right to use it from Egyptian distributors and producers who refuse to deal with Israel. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Crisis between the settlers and Barak
Things deteriorated yesterday between the Israeli settlers and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak due to their refusal to evacuate the settlements as Barak specified, while another group of settlers started establishing new settlements in the occupied Arab lands. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Baghdad regrets Nouakchott's severing of relations
The secretary general of the Arab people's forces conference and member of the Iraqi National Council (parliament), Saad Qasem Hamoudi, said, "Mauritania's decision to boycott diplomatic relations with Iraq is regrettable and unjustified." Iraq-Mauritania, Politics, 11/6/1999 - France supports Moroccan concerns over sea resources
France expressed on Friday support to the Moroccan concerns to safeguard its sea resources while stressing the need to continue to back strong and balanced Euro-Moroccan relations. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Morocco, France concerned over situation in Africa
Morocco and France on Friday voiced concern over the situation prevailing in some parts of Africa. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/6/1999 - Nobody can veto Egypt's stance towards Sudan
Denying the US veto on Egypt-Libya role in solving the Sudanese crisis, Osama Al-Baz, the Egyptian presidential political advisor, said no power can veto Egyptian policy toward the regional issues related to its national security. Egypt, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Polisario stalling tactics could cause referendum delay, minister
In view of the difficulties sown by the Polisario, the referendum in the Sahara can be delayed by two or three more years, the Moroccan interior minister Driss Basri said. Morocco, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Moroccan-French high joint commission holds third session
The Moroccan-French high joint commission opened its third session in Fes on Thursday under the cochairmanship of the two countries' prime ministers, Abderrahmane Youssoufi and Lionel Jospin. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Al-Sharaa confers with al-Qaddoumi
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Thursday afternoon received the chairman of the PLO political department, Farouk al-Qaddoumi. Deputy Foreign Minister Suleiman Haddad attended the meeting. Syria-Palestine-China, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Al-Sharaa on Tabaraya lake and Israel's pledge on Golan
The Jordanian weekly al-Sabeel said that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa said that Syria will ask for a part of Tabaraya lake waters to its territories according to international principles. Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Prince Sultan: Al-Assad wins full backing of Clinton
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has asserted that US President Bill Clinton fully backs Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Saudi Arabia-Syria-USA, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Gaddafi gets a phone call from Bouteflika
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Thursday received a telephone call from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika where consultations covered matters of bilateral concern. Libya-Algeria-Guinea, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Algerian party leaders denounce normalization with Israel
The leadership of political movements and parties in Algeria held a political meeting yesterday to condemn normalization of relations with Israel, which started with an exchange of diplomatic representation between Mauritania and Tel Aviv. Algeria, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Lebanese premier held fruitful talks in Saudi Arabia Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/5/1999
- Syrian-Egyptian contacts to resume very soon
Well-informed Syrian sources told the Lebanese daily al-Nahar that Syrian-Egyptian contacts will be resumed very soon. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 11/5/1999 - UAE: Israel destabilizes the economies of the Gulf
The commander general of the Dubai police, Lt. Gen. Dahi Khalfan Tamim, on Thursday accused Israel of attempting to destabilize the economies of the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states that refuse to deal with it. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Ruler of Bahrain pardons 20 opposition members in exile
The official Gulf News Agency said on Wednesday that the emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, had decided to permit the return of 20 opposition members who live in exile in Bahrain. Bahrain, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Equatorial Guinea backs Morocco's World Cup bid
President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea said his country backs Morocco's bid to host the final rounds of the 2006 World Cup. Morocco-Equatorial Guinea, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Mauritania fabricates a crisis with Iraq to cover resentment over its relations with Israel
The secretary general of the banned al-Tali'ya Party, Ahmad Ould Bebanah, denied the accusations raised by the government. He said, "Our party is working according to the law and does not take orders from any side, internal or external." Mauritania, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Al-Bashir: We want to develop historical relations with Britain
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has asserted upon receiving the credentials of newly-appointed British Ambassador Richard Makepeace, his country's readiness to develop "historical relations" with Britain. Sudan-UK, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Report: Clan wars and unavoidable scission in Tindouf, defectors
For years now, the Polisario has been through a crisis which has drastically worsened lately especially since August, say three Polisario leaders who returned recently to Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Iraq agrees to receive more humanitarian aid
UN relief officials said in Baghdad that the Iraqi government on Thursday agreed to accept more humanitarian aid from foreign organizations. Iraq, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Saudi Arabia renews backing to Morocco's world cup bid
Saudi Arabia on Thursday renewed backing to fellow Arab state, Morocco, in its bid to hold the final rounds of the 2006 World Cup, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Mauritania severs relations with Iraq
The government of Mauritania on Thursday announced that it has decided to sever its diplomatic relations with Iraq, accusing Baghdad of preparing for "acts of destruction" in its territories after raising the level of diplomatic representation between Nouakchott and Tel Aviv into the ambassadorial level. Mauritania-Iraq, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Calls to remove Badran atlas from Lebanese market
Omitting the name of Palestine from "The World Atlas," released by the Badran publishing company and replacing it with "Ehuda" and "al-Samera," besides mentioning the names of Arab villages in Palestine in the Hebrew language was the subject of the meeting Lebanon, Politics, 11/5/1999 - Joint statement from Djibouti, Ethiopia Djibouti-Ethiopia, Politics, 11/5/1999
- Phone call between Mubarak and King Abdullah Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Al-Assad gets message from Saudi crown prince, phone call from King Abdullah
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad met on Thursday in Damascus with the deputy chairman of the Saudi National Guard, Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Tweijari. Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Sudan for a common Arab strategy
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has asserted his country's opposition to any normalization of relations with Israel before reaching a just and comprehensive peace and Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and from south Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Jordanian king arrives today in Bahrain Jordan-Bahrain, Politics, 11/4/1999
- King Mohammed VI meets Kuwaiti deputy premier Morocco-Kuwait, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Berri: election law will fully study the administrative divisions of provinces Lebanon, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Arafat resumes criticism of Israeli policy Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Arab League urges Russia to reach immediate solution with the Chechens Regional-Russia, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Hawatemah in Jordan to make efforts for his return to Palestinian territories Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Algerian, Palestinian condemnation of Mauritania's diplomatic relations with Israel
A group of Algerian dignitaries and national parties have condemned the step taken by Mauritania in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel. Algeria-Palestine, Politics, 11/4/1999 - After UAE, Egypt, Bashar al-Assad to visit France, Iran
Col. Bashar al-Assad, son of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, will, before the end of this year, make official visits to France, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt after he had visited recently Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan and Lebanon. Syria-International, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Four Arab states to participate in European Conference on Security and Cooperation
Four Arab states will participate in the European Conference on Security and Cooperation that will held in the Turkish city of Istanbul on November 18 - 19 with the participation of 54 kings and heads of state in the organization, in addition to the Mediterranean partnership countries -- Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Israel -- as well as South Korea and Japan. Regional, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Moroccan key-role in Mideast stressed in Oslo Morocco-Regional, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Foreign minister of Malawi visits Egypt
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is holding talks in the Foreign Ministry's headquarters with Brown Mpinganjira, minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation in Malawi, who is arriving in Cairo for a two-day visit to Egypt coming from Libya. Egypt-Malawi, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Egypt refuses to cancel the death penalty
Sources in the Egyptian Ministry of Justice asserted the Egyptian government's refusal of the European Union's draft presented at the UN General Assembly to cancel the death penalty all over the world, characterzing the penalty as a violation of human rights. Egypt-UN, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Kuwaiti premier gets a message from Egyptian counterpart
Egyptian Minister of Labor Affairs and Migration Ahmad al-Amawi on Wednesday in Kuwait discussed with Kuwaiti Prime Minister and Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah the confrontation that took place between Egyptian demonstrators and Kuwaiti security forces. Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Trial starts of Lebanese musician for abusing the holy Quran
The trial of Lebanese singer and musician Marcel Khalife started in Beirut on charges of abusing the holy Quran, as one of its verses was included in the lyrics of one of his songs. Lebanon, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Use of military courts against civilians criticized by Egyptian rights organizations
An Egyptian human rights organization criticized the decision of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to present 20 suspected members of the Muslim Brothers group, whose activity has been prohibited since the 1950s, to the military judiciary and called for Egypt to stop trying civilians in military courts. Egypt, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz meets on Lebanese Prime Minister Saudi Arabia-Lebanon, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Journalists union says it will carry on struggle Morocco, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Demonstrations in Mauritania, opposition party banned
The Mauritanian authorities on Wednesday banned the pro-Iraq "al-Tali'ya El-Watania" (Nationalist vanguard) party after accusing it of destruction following the recent rapprochement between Mauritania and Israel. Mauritania, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Khatami message to al-Assad concerning Iraq
The Iranian ambassador in Damascus, Hussein Sheikh al-Islam, said that Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi will visit Damascus next Saturday to convey a message from Iranian President Muhammad Khatami to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad pertaining to developments in the region, especially the situation in Iraq. Syria-Iran, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Prince Charles visits the Gulf
Prince Charles, the UK crown prince, will visit the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia on November 17 - 26. Gulf-UK, Politics, 11/4/1999 - King Mohammed determined to remain close to southern provinces inhabitants
A ministerial delegation on Wednesday informed representatives of the southern provinces inhabitants of the determination of King Mohammed VI to remain close to them. Morocco, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Indonesian ambassador in Cairo: No relations with Israel Israel-Indonesia, Politics, 11/4/1999
- AL chief to make an Arab tour
It was announced in Cairo on Tuesday Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid will hold by the end of the current month an Arab tour which will cover Syria and Qatar, during which he will meet with high-ranking officials in the two countries. Regional, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Baghdad calls for lift international sanctions
Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf said, "Iraq will refuse any international resolution that does not state lifting up the siege rapidly." Iraq, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Arafat welcomes convening a summit similar to Camp David
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat expressed his approval to the idea raised by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to convene a summit like the 1979 Camp David summit between Egypt and Israel to push forward the final status negotiations and reach a final settlement between the Palestinians and Israelis. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Algerian - European negotiations in coming March
The delegation of the European Union said at the conclusion of its visit to Algeria today that Algerian - European negotiations will commence at the end of next March and tackle the partnership agreement between Algeria and the European Union. Algeria-European Union, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Bouteflika pardons 6,683 prisoners
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday pardoned 6,683 prisoners on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Algerian revolution of 1945, according to an official Algerian source. Algeria, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Algerian Islamic Salvation Front opposes the return of the French language and recognition of Israel
One of the key leaders of the banned Islamic Salvation Front, Abdul Qader Bu Khamkham, has addressed a message to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in which he called on Bouteflika to work according to the saying "God forgives what had been done." Algeria, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Seven Iranian opposition members killed in Iraq
The Iranian opposition Khalk fighters group said that seven of its elements were killed while another 78 were injured when an Iranian missile shell hit a base for its troops near Basra city in southern Iraq. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Interior minister: 1,165 terrorists have declared repentance in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 11/4/1999
- Washington: Israel did not vow a complete withdrawal from the Golan
The US administration on Wednesday denied that Israel to accepted restoring back the occupied Syrian Golan Heights during the peace negotiations which were suspended in 1996. An official at the US State Department said, "There were no agreements in this respect." Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Syrian paper: What does the Palestinian Authority want from Lebanon?
The first Syrian position revealed on Tuesday concerning the deathsentence in absentia against the secretary of the Fatah movement in Lebanon, Sultan Abu al-Einin, indicated increasing doubts that diplomatic mediation will succeed in dealing with this issue. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Women's international forum meets in Casablanca
Women's International Forum on "Women and Development" opened here Wednesday under royal patronage and honorary presidency of Princess Lalla Meryem. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Djibouti, Ethiopia: talks to strengthen economic relations
The meetings of the Djibouti-Ethiopian higher committee started in Addis Ababa on Tuesday in the presence of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the president of Djibouti, Ismael Omar Guelleh. The meeting will last for three days. Djibouti-Ethiopia, Politics, 11/4/1999 - Belgian general heads U.N force in Sahara Morocco-UN, Politics, 11/4/1999
- President of Equatorial Guinea on private visit to Morocco Morocco-Equatorial Guinea, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Sudanese president to visit Egypt before year's end
The secretary general of the people's general committee for foreign contacts and international cooperation (foreign minister), Omar al-Muntasir, met on Tuesday in Tripoli with Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael. Libya-Sudan, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Bouteflika pardons 5,000 prisoners on the occasion of the Algerian revolution's celebrations Algeria, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Clinton: Progress on final status will bring summit
US President Bill Clinton said yesterday that the focus of Palestinian - Israeli talks now is on rapid progress, saying, "We have a very ambitious timetable here. I think the timetable is the middle of February that they've agreed to have the framework agreement," and adding, "We'll all be in high gear between now and then." Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Intensified efforts by Arab league for solving the Somali crisis Regional-Djibouti, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Saudi crown prince confers with Chinese president
Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz held two round of talks on Tuesday in Riyadh, attended by members of the delegation accompanying the Chinese president and several Saudi princes, ministers and consultants. Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Chinese president vows backing for Arab causes
Chinese President Jiang Zemin has stated that his country and the Arab states form a solid force to salvage world peace and security, asserting that Bejing has always accorded a special attention to developing ties of friendship and cooperation with the Arab states. Regional-China, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Gaddafi confers with Gabonese counterpart
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi held a meeting on Monday evening with the president of the Republic of Gabon, Omar Bongo, during which they discussed key African issues. Libya-Gabon, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Palestinian minister pessimistic on the results of Oslo 2
Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs Jamil Al Tarifi said today that the Palestinian side did not expect much of the Oslo trilateral summit in which US President Bill Clinton, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak participated. Palestine, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Barak preparing for negotiations with Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak appointed a former head of the Israeli intelligence to head the Israeli negoting delegation with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Kuwaiti defense minister in Marrakesh Morocco-Kuwait, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Arab, foreign experts end meeting on Y2K bug
Arab and foreign experts on Tuesday wound up a meeting on year 2000 (Y2K) bug emergency plans, with calls for coordination between North African and Middle-East nations to face the bug. Regional, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Iraq opposes any UN decision not considering its position
Iraq newly stated that the five permanent member states in the UN Security Council "know quite well that issuing any decision concerning Iraq without taking its opinion will be born dead." Iraq, Politics, 11/3/1999 - US asks Turkey to settle water issue with Syria Syria-Turkey-USA, Politics, 11/3/1999
- European Troika delegation arrives in Algeria today
The European ministerial troika is holding talks in Algeria today with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika which are the first of its sort since the Algerian presidential elections in April. Algeria-European Union, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Jordanian Premier confers with British defense secretary Jordan-UK, Politics, 11/3/1999
- French-Moroccan high joint commission meets tomorrow in Fes
French Prime Minster Lionel Jospin is expected in Morocco Thursday to co-chair with his Moroccan peer, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, the third annual meeting of the high joint commission (November 4-5). Morocco-France, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Hawatemah: Oslo is done
The leader of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, Nayef Hawatemah, said he believes that the Oslo accord is finished, saying, "Now it is required to get into negotiations of the final status." He said his front will not be far from these negotiations, but he said, "Each stage of struggle has its own proper means." Palestine, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Mauritanian premier happy with visit to Morocco
Mauritanian Premier Sheikh Al Afya Mohamed Khouna said he was happy with his visit Nov 2-3 to Morocco. Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Supreme committee for reconciliation in Sudan convenes its first meeting
The supreme committee for rapport and peace convened its first meeting yesterday in Khartoum, headed by Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir. Sudan, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Oman, Ivory Coast for boosting relations Oman-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Tunisian president renews attachment to Maghreban Union
Tunisian President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali has renewed his country's attachment to a strong and integrated Arab Maghreb Union (UMA). Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Libyan, Malawi minutes of meetings Libya-Malawi, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Committee in Kuwait's Ummah council opposes women's participation in elections
The parliamentary committee in the Kuwaiti Ummah council opposed the amendment suggested by Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmed al-Sabah of women's participation in the Kuwaiti elections. Kuwait, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Yemen renews denial of secret talks for normalization with Israel
The Yemeni ambassador in Amman, Hassan Lowzi, has reiterated that his country did not make secret discussions on normalizing relations with Israel. He added that rumors in the Israeli press are attempts by the Israelis to facilitate their penetration into the Arab ranks. Yemen, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Former Israeli premier: palestinian state is essential for Israel
Israeli former prime minister, Shimon Peres, said in Oslo on Tuesday that a Palestinian state will come to being if a Kosovo-like situation is to be avoided in Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Spanish Congress speaker in Morocco Morocco-Spain, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Some 228 British tanks for Jordan
British Defense Minister Geoffrey Hoon on Tuesday visited Amman to deliver 14 tanks, the first shipment of 288 "Challenger" tanks Jordan will receive from Britain. Jordan-UK, Politics, 11/3/1999 - 20 million Moslems in Russia
Minister of nationalism in the Russian Federation, Ramadan Abd El-Teibof stated that the number of Moslems in Russia is more than 20 million citizens, forming nearly 45% of the Russian Federation's total inhabitants and that Islam and Christianity in Russia have achieved a large degree of approach and peaceful coexistence. Regional-Russia, Politics, 11/3/1999 - On the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia
Ethiopia on Tuesday refused an Eritrean offer for the withdrawal of Eritrea's troops from areas under conflict on the joint borders, saying that Eritrea had previously proposed such a withdrawal but did not implement it. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Understanding committee meets today Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Arafat asks the mediation of the Arab League for Abu al-Einin Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 11/3/1999
- Badran publishing house owner brought before the court
Owner of Badran printing house, Charles Badran was brought before investigators in Beirut because of the publications released by his printing house and including Hebrew names for Arab Palestinian sites, cities and areas. Lebanon, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Concerned by Morocco's nuclear project, Canary government will offer Rabat an alternative program
Concerned by a Moroccan project to build a nuclear energy sea water desalination unit in the southern town of Tan Tan, the Spanish autonomous government of the Canary Islands said it will offer Morocco an alternative wind power unit. Morocco-Canary Islands, Politics, 11/3/1999 - Clinton, Barak, Arafat speak at Oslo memorial service
At a memorial ceremony in Oslo, Norway honoring the late Yitzhak Rabin, whose Israeli government reached the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians, Clinton said, "We have now a chance, but only a chance, to bring real and lasting peace between Israel and her neighbors. If we let it slip away, all will bear the consequences: Israel still trapped within a circle of hostility; the Palestinians still saddled with poverty and frustration and pain; both and their Arab neighbors wrapped in an endless and pointless cycle of conflict." Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 11/2/1999 - King Mohammed gets message from Emirates president Morocco, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Egyptian journalists tried for insulting Gaddafi
A judicial source in Cairo reported on Monday that Egyptian Attorney General Maher Abdul Wahed had brought into the criminal court two Egyptian journalists under charges of "insulting" Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Moussa discussed Mauritania's decision to establish full relations with Israel in Libya Libya-Egypt, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Al-Assad gets a message from Chirac
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Monday received former French Foreign Minister Herve de Charette. Syria-France, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Egyptian sources: Clinton will call for Palestinian - Israeli summit for final status negotiations
Diplomatic sources in Cairo expected today that US President Bill Clinton will convene a summit like the 1979 Camp David summit at the beginning of the coming year to handle the final status of the Palestinian lands. Egypt-Egypt, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Libyan President confers with Algerian, Tunisian FM s Libya-Maghreb, Politics, 11/2/1999
- King Mohammed sends congratulations message to Bouteflika Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Kharazi to visit Damascus on Saturday
Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi is due to arrive on Saturday in Damascus to inform Syrian President Hafez al-Assad about the results of Iranian President Mohammed Khatami's discussions in France regarding the peace process and to inform him of the results of his meeting with French President Jacques Chirac. Syria-Iran, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Commencing the works of the Arab-Russian discussion in Cairo
Works of the Arab - Russian discussion which is organized by the Egyptian - Russian Friendship Association will start on Tuesday in Cairo, in which representatives from Russia and the Arab states are participating the works, which will last for two days. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Jordanian king voices backing for internal reform, and Syrian peace position
Jordan's King Abdullah vowed on Monday to rejuvenate his country's sluggish economy by attracting more foreign investors and accelerating IMF-directed reforms. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Moussa gets a message from British counterpart Egypt-UK, Politics, 11/2/1999
- GCC secretary commends China's role in strengthening world peace and security
The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Jamil al-Hujeilan has commended the remarkable role played by China in backing Arab issues and its desire to strengthen world peace and security. Gulf-China, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Moroccan-French prime ministers meeting: bilateral relations, international and multilateral issues
The 3rd annual meeting of Moroccan and French prime ministers to convene this November 4-5 has on its agenda three major items: bilateral relations, international topics and multilateral issues. Morocco-France, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Jordanian premier confers with US official Jordan-USA, Politics, 11/2/1999
- UN General Assembly recommends UN-OIC meeting in 2000
The United Nations General Assembly recommended that a meeting be held next year between the world body and the Organization of the Islamic Conference to consolidate cooperation between the two organizations. Regional-UN, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Report: Qaboos convinced not to host multilateral talks
The Lebanese daily al-Deyar has stated that Col. Bashar al-Assad has succeeded in convincing Sultan Qaboos of Oman to refuse to host multilateral negotiations on water issues that are scheduled to be held before the end of the current year in Muscat. Syria-Oman, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Al-Majali reelected as Jordanian Parliament speaker Jordan, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Al-Hoss heads to Saudi Arabia Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Asian tour for assistant foreign minister to discuss Egypt joining Asian group
Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Nagi El-Ghaterifi is starting today with his escorting delegation an Asian tour, during which he will visit China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and which will last until the middle of November. Egypt-International, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Egypt - Australian discussions
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received yesterday David Dutshi, the Australian first assistant foreign minister, who is currently visiting Cairo. Egypt-Australia, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Algeria against normalization with Israel before withdrawal from Arab lands Algeria, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Cooperation between Libya, Gabon Libya-Gabon, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Algerian official to visit Jordan, Iraq, Yemen Algeria-Regional, Politics, 11/2/1999
- Mauritania accuses Baghdad of preparing for revenge against it
Mauritania declared its fear of sabotage against its interests as a result of opening an embassy in Tel Aviv, and it accused Baghdad of preparing for these acts. Mauritania, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Palestinian Abu al-Einin waiting for political solutions
The secretary of the Fatah movement in Lebanon, Sultan Abu al-Einin, said that nothing is new in the case of his being convicted to death in absentia taken against him by the Lebanese courts, adding that he is "waiting for political treatment to take its due course." Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Polisario: Clashes renewed between Moroccan forces, inhabitants of Saharan city of Quen
The Polisario movement, which calls for the Sahara's independence, said that clashes broke out as Moroccan forces resorted to power to disperse demonstrators in the Saharan city of Quen who came out in a peaceful march to protest the Moroccan occupation of the Sahara area. Morocco, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Polisario leader should be tried, says defector
The military mutiny in Tindouf camps prove Polisario leader Mohamed Abdelaziz should resign and be tried for atrocities he subjected detainees in the camps, said Ahmed Salah Ould Mohamed Salem, one of the uprising leaders who returned to Morocco recently. Morocco, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Arab League directs strong criticism to US State Department on normalization between Israel and Mauritania
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid directed severe criticism yesterday to the statements made by the spokesman of the US State Department regarding the Arab League's stance toward establishing diplomatic relations between Israel. Regional-USA, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Rabat hosts meeting on socioeconomic integration of poorest populations in Africa
Rabat will host this November 23 through 30 a meeting on the socioeconomic integration of poorest populations in Africa, under the aegis of King Mohammed VI. Regional-Africa, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Mauritania's students in Damascus demonstrate in protest of diplomatic relations with Israel
Mauritanian students in Syrian universities and institutes on Monday held a demonstration in front of their country's embassy in Damascus in protest of the decision taken by the government of Mauritania to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel. Mauritania, Politics, 11/2/1999 - Saudi Arabia welcomes Chinese president
Chinese President Jiang Zemin started his four-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, which is considered his first visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 11/1/1999 - US First Lady Hillary Clinton makes a tour of the Middle East Regional, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Chinese president concludes visit to Algeria
Chinese President Jiang Zemin concluded his visit to Algeria on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Algeria and China asserted that achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will serve peace and development on the international level and comply with the main interests of the peoples of the region. Algeria-Saudi Arabia-China, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Saudi defense minister to visit the US and France Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Egyptian ministerial delegation heads to Kuwait over mistreatment of Egyptians
Egyptian Minister of Labor Ahmed El-Amawi left Cairo today for Kuwait, heading a high-ranking delegation to discuss the incidents took place this weekend between Egyptian laborers and the Kuwaiti police. Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Tunisian envoy in Libya Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Barak: al-Assad is the only partner who takes peace decisions in Syria
On the eve of convening the US, Palestinian and Israeli summit in Oslo to give a new impetus to the final status negotiations for the Palestinian territories, the Syrian - Israeli track has witnessed a "verbal move," and Washington stressed that there is no crisis on this track and that efforts have been intensified to re-launch negotiations between its two sides. Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Libyan - Egyptian relations
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a report from Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa concerning the talks he held with Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi yesterday and the results of his communications with other Libyan officials. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 11/1/1999 - No expectations from Oslo summit
The official final status talks are due to start next week in Ramallah but Palestinian expectations are very low. The gap separating the Palestinian demands and the guidelines of the Israeli government are too large to be bridged by hopes, one Palestinian observer commented Monday. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 11/1/1999 - There is no progress in the peace process that requires establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, Arab League
Official sources in the Arab League said yesterday reiterating the position of Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid which he stated lately regarding the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and Mauritania and his description of this procedure as coming at an inappropriate time, which is a stance based on Arab League decision No 5629 for 1997. Mauritania-Regional, Politics, 11/1/1999 - On negotiations on the Syrian-Israeli track
Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha stated that there are indirect contacts between Israel and Syria to resume peace negotiations between them. He added that according to his personal assessment, these contacts will take two to three months until it they bear fruit into resuming negotiations officially. Syria-Israel, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Gaddafi gets messages from Moroccan, Sudanese, Egyptian counterparts
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Sunday received a message from Moroccan King Muhammad VI pertaining to coordination between the Arab Maghreb member states on the "grave measure" taken by Mauritania in establishing full diplomatic relations with Israel, a step which is considered a blow to the Arab Maghreb federation and the Arab states. Libya-Regional, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Bahraini Emir gets a message from Iran's president Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Mauritania summons its ambassador from Baghdad Mauritania-Iraq, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Mauritania defends its relations with Israel
Mauritania rejected foreign and local criticism against its decision to establishg complete diplomatic relations with Israel. Minister of Communications and government spokesman Rachid Ould Saleh said in a press conference yesterday that, "The decision is based on a joint Arab strategy." Mauritania, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Ethical values in public life tops government concerns, Youssoufi says
The government, which is aware of the adverse impacts of corruption on the development strategies, is endeavoring to devise a modern and general approach to moralize public life, Youssoufi said Morocco, Politics, 11/1/1999 - British delegation backing Iraq arrives in Jordan
A British Parliament member for the Labor Party, George Galloway, and members of the accompanying delegation arrived on Saturday evening in Aqaba city for a five-day visit to Jordan, during which he will meet with several Jordanian officials and people's activists. Jordan-Iraq-UK, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Ould Daddah against rapprochement between Mauritania and Israel
The chairman of the federation of the Mauritania's opposition Union of Democratic Forces-New Era, Ahmad Ould Daddah, on Saturday in Nouakchott opposed the Mauritanian - Israeli rapprochement and described this act as "a treason and an act which is in contradiction with the national, Arab, African and Islamic will." Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 11/1/1999 - President Bongo leaves Morocco heading for Libya Morocco-Libya-Gabon, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Kuwaiti emir, officials confer with Lebanese clergy
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah received the chairman of the higher Shiite council in Lebanon, Sheikh Muhammad Mahdi Shamseddine, on Sunday in Kuwait. Kuwait-Lebanon, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Bahrain protests over confiscation of maps in Qatar
Bahrain has withdrawn its team from a Gulf exhibition for stamps currently being held in Qatar in protest over the confiscation of maps and stamps showing the Hawar islands, subject of a dispute between the two countries, as an integral part of Bahrain. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Iraqi opposition meetings in northern Iraq Iraq, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Iraqi opposition meeting in New York disputes
The official spokesman for the Islamic Labor Organization in Iraq, Jawad al-Attar, has denied what has been stated by certain media on the participation of the organization in the meetings of the Iraqi National Congress in New York. United Arab Emirates-Iraq, Politics, 11/1/1999 - UK appoints ambassador in Sudan
The Sudanese government received a message from the UK government in which it confirmed the appointment of Richard Makepeace, currently the UK charge d'affairs in Khartoum, as ambassador to Sudan. Sudan-UK, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Beirut hosts international conference on Jerusalem
The Lebanese capital city of Beirut plays host Nov. 8-11 to an international conference on the geopolitical and human dimensions of the holy city of Jerusalem (Al-Quds). Regional, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Spain arrests 26 new illegal emigrants from north Africa North Africa-Spain, Politics, 11/1/1999
- Morocco will host 2003 World Youth Congress
Morocco was unanimously selected Friday to play host to the 2003 World Youth Congress (WYC) by participants to WYC for the millennium, which wound up works in Hawaii. Morocco, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Two Mauritanian journalists expelled from their union over visiting Israel
The Mauritanian Journalists Union has decided to expel journalists Muhammad Khal Ould Ahmad, the director of the news department at the Mauritanian television and the news director at the Mauritania's radio, Alfa Ankidi, from the union's membership over visiting Israel and violating the decision taken by the Mauritanian Journalists Union and the Arab Journalists Union which ban normalization of relations with Israel in any form. Mauritania, Politics, 11/1/1999 - Moroccan contingent to leave Tuesday for Kosovo
A Moroccan military contingent of 270 members heads for Kosovo Tuesday to be in charge of health and social works as part of the United Nations Force (KFOR) deployed in the province. Morocco-Yugoslavia, Politics, 11/1/1999