Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 12/13/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of December 13, 1999
- Mubarak starts Arab gulf tour
President Hosni Mubarak starts today a multi-nation Arab tour that will take him to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. Egypt, Politics, 12/18/1999 - El-Bashir removes ban on newspaper Sudan, Politics, 12/18/1999
- Arab human rights organization welcomes lifting the obligatory residency for Tunisian opposition Tunisia, Politics, 12/18/1999
- Al-Bashir: parliament dissolution was to save Sudan
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has explained the reasons that prompted him to declare the state of emergency in his country on Sunday. Sudan, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Emirates supports cooperation with Iran
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, expressed his support for establishing cooperation with Iran. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Abu Dhabi crown prince discusses bilateral relations with ruler of Qatar United Arab Emirates-Qatar, Politics, 12/18/1999
- The new UN resolution on Iraqi sanctions, Iraq unfazed
Malaysia's representative regretted that his proposal to hear Iraq's views before taking action on the text had not been accommodated. Engaging Iraq, rather than demonizing it, would serve the best interests of all. The resolution was driven by political, rather than humanitarian considerations. Iraq, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Al-Sharaa briefs Arab envoys in Washington on Middle East developments Syria-Regional, Politics, 12/18/1999
- A message from Arafat to Bin Ali Tunisia-Palestine, Politics, 12/18/1999
- Morocco to launch anti-corruption program
Morocco will launch next January a program to fight corruption, the government's general affairs department said. Morocco, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Lebanon, Uruguay sign cooperation agreement Lebanon-Uruguay, Politics, 12/18/1999
- Report: Presidents Assad, Mubarak to convene a summit
The Egyptian magazine al-Ihram al-Arabi has reported that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad may hold a summit meeting before the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Cairo to agree on the mechanism to coordinate their stances in the framework of Arab-Israeli negotiations. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/18/1999 - A Palestinian official asks Israel to be serious in maintaining peace Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/18/1999
- Egypt calls for reform of UN Security Council
Egypt has called for making reforms to the UN Security Council and to increase its members with the objective of dealing with the imbalance existing at the present in the representation of the developing countries in the formation of the current council. Egypt-UN, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Clinton makes telephone calls to Mubarak, Saudi crown prince, Arafat
US President Bill Clinton on Friday made a telephone call to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, to brief Mubarak on the results of peace talks which were concluded on Thursday evening on the Syrian track. Regional-USA, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Morocco plans to lessen joblessness to 12.6%
Morocco intends to downsize joblessness to 12.6% as part of the 1999-2004 five-year development plan, adopted this week by the government. Morocco, Politics, 12/18/1999 - King Mohammed receives message from Niger's president
King Mohammed VI received a message from President Daouda Malam Wanke of Niger. Morocco-Niger, Politics, 12/18/1999 - How do Israelis view Washington's negotiations?
The Israeli ambassador in Washington, Zalman Shoufal, said on Friday that Israel's objective in this phase is to meet with Syria. "This objective was fulfilled," he said. Syria, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Report: US economic promises for Syria
The London-based al-Hayat daily said in its Friday issue that sources close to the negotiations on the Syrian track described the negotiations as serious and said the negotiators and the US broker discussed fundamental issues such as withdrawal, security arrangements, the nature of peace and timing, all in their main headlines with the objective of defining the meaning of resuming negotiations from where they left off. Syria-USA, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Moroccan, Tunisian administration schools sign cooperation accord
The Moroccan and the Tunisian administration schools have signed here on Friday a cooperation accord providing better exchanges in matters of training, further training, documentation and research. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Moroccan child rights body, Peace Child International conclude accord
The Moroccan National Child's Rights Observatory and the British Peace Child International Association agreed to promote human rights culture in Moroccan schools. Morocco, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Paris hosts meeting on human rights evolution in Morocco
A meeting on the evolution of human rights in Morocco, the progress scored in the field of human rights and freedoms will be held in Paris next January. Morocco-France, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Morocco welcomes resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations
Morocco welcomes with "satisfaction" the resumption of Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations. Morocco, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Hamas vows to continue struggle against israel
The Hamas resistance movement said it will continue resisting Israel until the occupied lands are liberated and the Palestinian refugees return. Palestine, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Erekat and the Syrian track
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat has expressed his hope that the resumption of peace negotiations between Syria and Israel will result in alleviating the tension between Syria and the Palestinians in the service of the Arab negotiators on all tracks with Israel. Palestine, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Israelis see 'peace accord,' opinion poll says
The results of an Israeli opinion poll published on Friday showed that 75% of Israelis believe that negotiations with Syria would end with signing a peace agreement. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/18/1999 - Report: Steps of Syrian-Israeli negotiations
The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am quoted Israeli sources among the aides of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak as saying that Washington's talks between the Israeli and Syrian sides will not discuss maps, but the mechanism of talks. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Egypt keen on stability, legitimacy in Sudan
"Egypt is highly interested in all developments in Sudan and is equally seeing Sudan's stability and legitimacy protected," Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Mubarak confers with Sudanese defense minister
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday received Sudanese Defense Minister Abd al-Rahman Sirr al-Khatim. Present at the meeting was Egyptian Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Muhammad Hussein al-Tantawi. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/17/1999 - New tone in Syrian-Israeli negotiations
Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said on Thursday that the atmospheres of talks between the Syrian and Israeli negotiating delegation in Washington has changed from what it had been before, as direct and personal talks were held on Wednesday. "The ice used to be prevailed in the past has been melted, and new negotiations have started." Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Human rights center dedicated in Fez Morocco, Politics, 12/17/1999
- Israeli official expresses confidence that agreement with Syria will be good
Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Efraim Sneh expressed his confidence that the agreement with Syria that will be raised before people in Israel will be a good agreement that provides peace and security. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Syrian-Israeli negotiations to start January 3
US President Bill Clinton received Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Thursday at the White House and asked him to convey a message to Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Syrian-Israeli negotiations will not be at the expense of the Palestinians
The secretary general of the PLO, Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), has asserted that the Syrian-Israeli negotiations will not be at the expense of the Palestinians and that the success of peace tracks serves the establishment of a comprehensive peace. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Syrian source stresses realization of progress in first day of negotiations
A Syrian source close to the Syrian- Israeli peace negotiations in Washington stressed on Thursday that the first day of negotiations witnessed a progress in the issues of conflict. He described the negotiations as very serious. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Premier invites Cabinet members to heeds citizens' grievances
Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi asked his Cabinet members to give due importance to citizens' grievances and asked them to establish before the end of December a list of correspondence they receive and measures taken. Morocco, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Meeting of Palestinian central council delayed Palestine, Politics, 12/17/1999
- The elections in Bahrain
The ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Thursday announced the organization of a nearby municipal elections in which women have the right to take part. Bahrain, Politics, 12/17/1999 - France: Progress in Security Council draft resolution on Iraq insufficient
France considers the progress that has been made in preparing a UN Security Council resolution concerning Iraq as insufficient and demanded more explanations concerning the draft presented by UK to the council, which is currently discussing the draft. Iraq-France, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Message from Gaddafi to Bouteflika
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi sent a cable to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in which he expressed his deep thanks for Bouteflika's initiative and stance talking to United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to work on the final lifting of the sanctions that were imposed on Libya. Algeria-Libya, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Lebanon prepares to ask Israel for compensation
Well-informed Lebanese sources said the Lebanese Foreign Ministry has prepared its files for the forthcoming negotiations with Israel, according to the eight principles announced earlier by the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Kuwaiti Parliament ends governmental executive decrees
The Kuwaiti Nation's Council (parliament) has ended the conflict over executive (Emiri) decrees submitted by the government during the dissolution of the parliament. Kuwait, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Libyan - Ugandan meeting
The secretary general of the general Libyan public committee for external communications and international cooperation, Omar El-Muntasir, met with a high-ranking Ugandan delegation that is currently visiting Libya. Libya-Uganda, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Moroccan-Tunisian talks on administration cooperation
Tunisia's secretary of state for administrative reform, Abdelhakim Bouraoui, who is currently visiting Morocco, held talks with several Moroccan officials on cooperation in all administration-related sectors. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Some 210 prisoners pardoned in Dubai
The commander general of the Dubai police in the United Arab Emirates has announced that the UAE intends to release some 210 prisoners before the end of their sentences, on the occasion of the holy month Ramadan. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Moussa confers with Moratinos on Mideast peace process
Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa yesterday conferred with visiting EU Mideast envoy Miguel Moratinos on the latest developments of the Middle East peace process. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 12/17/1999 - AL follows up on UN consultations over Iraq
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has asserted that the AL follows up with great interest on the current consultations being carried out by the UN Security Council over Iraq. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 12/17/1999 - UAE crime up slightly in 1998 United Arab Emirates, Politics, 12/17/1999
- New campaign finance law to be introduced in Yemeni
Yemeni Minister of Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Abdullah Ahmad Ghanem has stated that the parties affairs committee intends to make amendments in the law for parties and political organizations. Yemen, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Mauritania's ambassador in Israel
An official source at the Mauritanian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that Nouakchott has decided to appoint Ahmad Ould Takadi as its ambassador in Israel. Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Meguid receives messages on evacuating region from nuclear weapons
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid received a written message from Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasim Bin Jabir Al-Thani concerning Qatar's efforts to evacuate the Middle East from nuclear weapons and the AL's efforts concerning this matter. Regional, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Khaled Mashaal heads to Damascus for 'private' visit
A source close to the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement in Doha said that the chairman of the movement's political bureau, Khaled Mashaal, left Qatar on Thursday for Damascus for a private visit to Syria. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Al-Sawarkah files case against Israel asking $3 billion
A northern Sinai court has decided to release a judgement in a case filed by the most famous Egyptian prisoner in the Israeli jails, Mahmoud al-Sawarkah, who was released by the Israeli authorities in February this year. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 12/17/1999 - US: Morocco democratic model is the best in Middle East
"The democratic model, established by Morocco under the wise leadership of H.M King Mohammed VI, is the best in the Maghreb and the Middle East region," the US ambassador to Morocco, Edward Gabriel, said on Wednesday. Morocco-USA, Politics, 12/17/1999 - UN Security Council approves resolution on Iraq sanctions suspension, weapons inspection Iraq-UN, Politics, 12/17/1999
- Newly-appointed foreign ambassadors hand credentials
King Mohammed VI, who was accompanied by his brother Prince Moulay Rachid, received in Rabat Thursday new ambassadors appointed in Morocco who handed him their credentials. Morocco-International, Politics, 12/17/1999 - Azmi Bishara's visit to Damascus
An Arab parliamentarian from the Israeli Knesset, Azmi Bishara, has asserted that Syrian negotiators led by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa carry with them a decision from the Syrian leadership to provide success for the negotiations with Israel, describing feelings in circles of the Syrian leadership as "cautious optimism." Syria, Politics, 12/16/1999 - D'Alema cancels scheduled visit to Israel and Jordan Jordan-Italy, Politics, 12/16/1999
- Egypt participates in Euro-Mediterranean meeting concerning Barcelona declaration today Egypt-Regional-European Union, Politics, 12/16/1999
- On the resumption of Syrian-Israeli peace talks
A high-ranking US official said on Tuesday that Israel and Syria had held numerous talks in the recent months and are resuming their talks for the sake of peace in Washington at a certain rate of confidence to reach an agreement. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/16/1999 - President Clinton opens Syrian - Israeli negotiations opened in Washington
US President Bill Clinton on Wednesday opened at the White House the Syrian- Israeli peace talks in the presence of Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa’ Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and members of the two delegations. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Swiss foreign minister to visit Lebanon Lebanon-Switzerland, Politics, 12/16/1999
- AL, EU voice support for Syrian-Israeli negotiations
The Arab League and European Union reiterated all-out backing for the resumption of Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations. Syria-European Union, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Tunisian economic delegation visits Palestine Tunisia-Palestine, Politics, 12/16/1999
- Al-Hoss optimistic on Israeli - Syrian negotiations
Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss said that the resumption of negotiations between Syria and Israel is taking place in an optimistic atmosphere due to the high-ranking representation to these talks, adding that his country expects to be invited soon to the negotiations. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Mali voices unconditional support for Morocco's World Cup bid
Mali on Wednesday voiced unconditional backing for Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup finals. Morocco, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Bahrain plans municipal elections with participation of women
Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, has announced the revival of municipal elections, "with various social groups participating, and women casting their votes alongside men." Bahrain, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Tunisian opposition member released
The Tunisian authorities started easing the restrictions imposed on the political opposition, as one of the opposition's prominent leaders, Mohammed Moada, said that the house arrest imposed on him is lifted up now. Tunisia, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Tunisian secretary of state for administrative reform in Morocco
Tunisian Secretary of State for Administrative Reform Abdelhakim Bouraoui is currently visiting Morocco for talks on cooperation in all administration-related sectors. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 12/16/1999 - King Mohammed calls for auditing legislation to preserve public money
King Mohammed VI on Wednesday urged the government to hasten the drafting of laws governing audit courts that he described as "a means to preserve public money against all forms of misappropriation or abuse." Morocco, Politics, 12/16/1999 - On the three Gulf islands
The Iranian ambassador in Amman has stressed that the question of Iran's withdrawal from the three Gulf islands is an internal issue. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Differences on the 'honor crime' article in Jordan
The Jordanian dailies said on Tuesday that the Jordanian al-Ayan council (upper house) voted for canceling an article in the sanctions law which gives killers in honor crimes light sentences. Jordan, Politics, 12/16/1999 - On the decisions taken by the Sudanese president
Sudanese Minister of Culture and Information Ghali Salah Al-Din has stated that the decisions taken by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir which included the dissolving of the parliament and declaring the state of emergency were steps towards liberating the political will. Sudan, Politics, 12/16/1999 - On the Sudanese national conference
The secretary general of the people's organizations at the Sudanese National Conference. Muhammad Hassan al-Amin. has announced that the party is no longer the ruling party of Sudan after President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and his supporters withdrew from it. Sudan, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Amr Moussa receives Vatican's ambassador
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received Paulo Gigilio, the Vatican's ambassador in Cairo. Gigilio said this meeting comes in the framework of the message in which Pope John Paul II delivers on first day of every January to heads of state and foreign ministers to urge them all to work for peace and stop the wars in the world. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Arab MPs conclude symposium
An Arab parliamentary seminar on a unified Arab parliament concluded its meetings in Beirut on Wednesday. Regional, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Setting up Arab parliament would require reform of Arab League, speaker
The setting up of a unified Arab parliament requires the existence of an executive apparatus, and consequently the reform of the Arab League, said speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Abdelouahed Radi. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Al-Rawabdeh announces arrest of 13 persons planning acts of destruction in Jordan
The Jordanian government on Wednesday announced the arrest of 13 persons, including 11 Jordanians, one Algerian and one Iraqi close to Osama Bin Laden, an extremist businessman who has been deprived of his Saudi citizenship. The 13 were suspected of planning military operations targeting Jordanian and US factories in Jordan. Jordan, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Dakar boulevard named after the late King Hassan II Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 12/16/1999
- Abed Rabbo: Settlement activities aim at drawing new borders
The Palestinian side asserted in the final status negotiations with Israel the importance of stopping the Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian lands in order to have a value for the negotiations concerning the borders between the two sides. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Palestinian concern over of negotiations with Israel
The Palestinian government on Wednesday expressed its fears that Israel may freeze negotiations on the Palestinian track after its talks are launched with Syria. Palestine, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Egyptian ambassador: Cyprus the best candidate to host negotiations
The Egyptian ambassador in Nicosia, Omar Mutwali, has stated that Cyprus is the best candidate state to host the Syrian-Israeli negotiations which were resumed on Wednesday in Washington. Egypt-Regional-Cyprus, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Yemen renews call for convening Arab summit
Yemen renewed its call yesterday for convening an Arab summit to achieve the aspired Arab solidarity. Regional-Yemen, Politics, 12/16/1999 - European commissioner in Morocco next week
The European commissionner in charge of agriculture, rural development and fisheries, Franz Fischler, is expected in Rabat next Monday on a two-day visit to Morocco. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Morocco adamant on Sahrawi rights to appeal
Morocco has repeatedly voiced its unwavering stand in protecting the right of all candidates turned down by the identification commission for voters in the referendum over the Sahara to appeal, said the Moroccan ambassador to the UN, Ahmed Snoussi. Morocco, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Al-Husseini renews Jerusalem's status as open city with free access to all religions
Palestinian official in charge of Jerusalem (Al-Quds), Faisal Al-Husseini, renewed at a conference held in London the status of Jerusalem as an open city with free access to all religions Regional-Palestine, Politics, 12/16/1999 - Clinton announce negotiations are off to a good start Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/16/1999
- Syrian - Israeli talks kick off in Washington
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa said today in a welcoming ceremony at the White House before the beginning of peace talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak that "Peace for Syria means the return of all its occupied lands," adding that such a peace will be based on justice and international legitimacy. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Tunisia and Palestinian government renew support for Syria
Tunisia and the Palestinian government stated that "any success on the Israeli - Syrian track in the peace process serves the Palestinian cause." Tunisia-Palestine, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Moussa: Syria will not obstruct the Palestinian track Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Seven issues in meeting between al-Sharaa and Barak
Presumably, the Israeli-Syrian talks which will start today in Washington will lead to settling several disputes in order to reach peace. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has recently set seven files that should be negotiated upon with Damascus. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Report: Forthcoming Syrian-Egyptian summit Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Syrian citizens in the Golan observe 18th anniversary of annexation
The Syrian citizens in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights on Tuesday carried out a general strike on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the announcement of Israel of annexing the Syrian Golan Heights on December 14, 1981. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Algerian, Sudanese Presidents for continued consultations Algeria-Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Events in Sudan top agenda of Mubarak, Gaddafi talks
Egypt and Libya have expressed their full support for the Sudanese leadership and legitimate decisions taken by Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir for maintaining unity of ranks and achieving security and stability for the brotherly people of the Sudan. Egypt-Libya, Politics, 12/15/1999 - King Fahd voices backing for Syria Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Gaddafi receives telephone calls from Mubarak, al-Bashir
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Monday night received telephone calls from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Sudanese President Hassan al-Bashir, during which consultations were made on the current developments in Sudan. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Abdul Meguid: Sudanese developments an internal affair; Arab League supports legislative authority Regional-Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Sudanese opposition warns of escalation in conflict
Anxiety prevailed in Sudanese opposition circles due to the escalation of the conflict between factions of the ruling system in Sudan, as the opposition's leadership expressed its fears of the conflict becoming a bloody armed clash. Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Al-Mahdi calls for convening national conference to end political crisis
One of the main opposition leaders in Sudan, al-Sadeq al-Mahdi, has warned against the eruption of the civil war in Sudan and called for convening a national conference to end the country's political crisis. Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Sudanese information minister: El-Bashir saved the country from disaster
Sudanese Information Minister Ghazi Salah El-Din said the steps taken by Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir are legal, adding that the crisis between the Sudanese president and head of parliament, Hassan Turabi, started a long time ago. Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Sudan denies that foreign minister resigned Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Different reactions by Sudanese opposition toward the latest developments
The Sudanese opposition's reactions varied toward the internal situation in the country as opposition Ummah Party leader and former Prime Minister El-Sadek El-Mahdi called for convening a national conference to put an end to the Sudanese crisis. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Turabi urges followers to struggle; army guards strategic locations in Khartoum
Tensions prevailed yesterday in Khartoum amid a hot political confrontation between Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir and the speaker of the dissolved parliament, Hassan Turabi. Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Damascus asserts importance of sincere intentions in Washington talks today Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Ben Ali begins implementing pledge for political multiplicity, human rights
The Tunisian authorities allowed the convening an assembly comprising hundreds of students and union leaders as well as members of the Amnesty International organization. Tunisia, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Israeli official meets with Lahd Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Qatar, Bahrain finally before the International court for Justice
Bahrain's Foreign Ministry has announced that the International Court of Justice will at the end of May, 2000 consider the question of border disputes between Bahrain and Qatar. The ministry added that the sessions will start on May 29 and will last for five weeks. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Costs of Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Jordanian deputies ask the Iranian president to give back the Emirate Islands to its owners
30 deputies in the Jordanian Parliament sent a note to Iranian President Mohammed Khatami, in which they asked him for Iran's withdrawal from three Gulf Islands it occupies and to give them to United Arab Emirates Jordan-Iran, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Gaddafi gets a message from Djibouti president Libya-Djibouti, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Over 1,800 Persons Applied for Compensations for Repression-Caused Damage
More than 1,800 people have submitted files with the Moroccan independent arbitration commission in charge of setting compensations for victims of forced disappearances and arbitrary detention, the Moroccan human rights minister announced on Tuesday. Morocco, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Lebanese president confers with Arab parliament speakers
Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Tuesday in Beirut received speakers of the Arab parliaments that took part in the meeting of the Arab parliamentary committee and the symposium on a united Arab parliament being held in Beirut. Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Report: Saudi-Egyptian summit to support the Syrian position
The London-based al-Hayat daily said today that a Saudi-Egyptian summit will be held on Saturday between Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and that the summit will concentrate on the two countries' backing for Syria in its negotiations with Israel. Egypt-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Algeria: Hachani's killer arrested Algeria, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Jordan denies request to host Syrian - Israeli negotiations
Jordanian Deputy Premier and Information Minister Ayman al-Majali has denied reports in the Israeli press of having received a request from the US to host Syrian - sraeli negotiations after their launch in Washington. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Saudi crown prince renews invitation for Butaflika to visit Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Algeria, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Investigation with al-Sayegh may involve other sides
Saudi Deputy Minister of the Interior Prince Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz has announced that investigation into Hani al-Sayegh, the man accused in al-Khobar explosion of 1996, is continuous in order to reveal other sides connected with this incident. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Palestinian - Israeli discussions to resume Sunday
Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that the joint Palestinian - Israeli committee for the transitional stage will convene a meeting on Sunday to discuss means of implementing the Sharm El-Sheikh note. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Israeli Arabs and the referendum over the Golan
The chairman of the Israeli Likud Party, Ariel Sharon, said on Tuesday that the Arab citizens in Israel are citizens in the state of Israel, and they cannot be prevented from taking part in the voting which will be held over any agreement with Syria on withdrawal from the Golan. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/15/1999 - On the new Algerian government
The Algerian daily al-Bilad issued on Tuesday said that the set up of the new government which Algeria will declare before the end of the current month will include 31 ministerial portfolios. Algeria, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Morocco voices concern over delay in referendum
Morocco voiced concern over the delay in the referendum process in the Sahara and affirmed that the United Nations has already pinpointed those accountable for the delay. Morocco-UN, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Security Council extends mandate of U.N. Sahara mission
The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday extended until next February 29 the mandate of the MINURSO, French acronym for a United Nations mission supervising a referendum process in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 12/15/1999 - UAE supports El-Bashir's moves United Arab Emirates-Sudan, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Jordan developing contingency plan for water Jordan, Politics, 12/15/1999
- Morocco to host international public radios role in Africa
Morocco is to host in May 2000 an international conference on the challenges facing the public radio stations in Africa, a statement by the world radio and TV council said. Regional, Politics, 12/15/1999 - Sudanese diplomatic sources: Sudan incidents an internal affair, not justification for external interference Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999
- On the Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa left Damascus on Monday afternoon for Washington, which he will reach this afternoon after he spent the night in London. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Israeli minister opposes withdrawal from the Golan
The Israeli minister of the infrastructure and member of the Shas movement, Eliyahu Suissa, has expressed his opposition to withdrawing from the whole of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, saying that he does not agree to returning to what he called the line of rocks or the Tabaraya lake, despite his understanding of the need to give certain regional concessions. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Al-Sharaa receives telephone call from Abdul Meguid Sudan-Regional, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Syrian delegation to Washington
The BBC's correspondent in Damascus reported that well-informed sources said the delegation which will be led by Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa to Washington for talks this week with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will include Lt. Gen. Youssef Shakour as a political advisor; Siba Nasser, the director of the Europe department at the Foreign Ministry; Riyadh al-Dawoudi, legal advisor at the Foreign Ministry; and several technicians. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Simple majority for Barak in Knesset allows him to negotiate with Syria
Israel Prime Minister Ehud Barak won a simple majority in the Israeli Knesset last night that allows him to negotiate with Syria. This came after a speech delivered by Barak in which he warned that not holding negotiations with Syria will result in the shedding of more blood. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Refusing a request for establishing the Egyptian party El-Sharia Egypt, Politics, 12/14/1999
- UN envoy meets Lahoud, urges all to move seriously towards peace
The UN. special coordinator for Middle East Peace, Terry Larson, said in Beirut on Monday that resuming Peace negotiations in the region is a "historic opportunity" and all parties should move forward seriously. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Moussa: It is necessary to provide Arab security net to support Syrian negotiator
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa asserted the importance of providing an Arab security net to support the Syrian negotiator in the coming stage through a coordination machinism that provides such support for any Arab negotiator. Egypt, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Amr Moussa receives Hani El-Hasan Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Kuwait denies existence of Algerian mediation for reconciliation with Baghdad Algeria, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Albright describes resumption of peace talks as historic
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said that the resumption of peace talks on the Syrian- Israeli track on Wednesday in Washington would be a historic opportunity for peace in the region. Syria-USA, Politics, 12/14/1999 - El-Bashir: Conflict over power in Sudan
Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir, who dissolved the parliament and issued a state of emergency in Sudan, said this is to control the conflict over power with Islamist leader and Parliament Speaker Hassan Turabi. Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Sudanese president declares emergency, dissolves the parliament
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on Monday announced the dissolution of the National Council (parliament) and the imposition of a state of emergency for three months. Al-Bashir said, "Making the new parliamentary elections is a measure to be defined later by the national commission for elections." Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Tripartite Sudanese - Libyan - Egyptian summit in Cairo
The Sudanese daily al-Sahafa has said that the Sudanese, Libyan and Egyptian presidents may hold a tripartite summit shortly in Cairo. Regional-Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Russian envoy arrives in Amman Regional-Russia, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Number of Israelis opposing withdrawal from the Golan increasing
An opinion poll published on Monday by the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot found that the number of Israelis who oppose withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan against establishing peace with Syria has increased in recent days and greatly surpassed the rate of supporters for such a withdrawal. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Libyan FM confers with Ugandan officials Libya-Uganda, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Cyprus ready to host peace talks between Syria and Israel Syria-Israel-Cyprus, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Moussa: Egypt supports El-Bashir's decisions
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated that his country supports Sudan and its government in its steps which aim at assuring Sudan's stability, unity and territorial integrity. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Qatar for good results from Syrian- Israeli negotiation Qatar, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Gaddafi meets Merghani
Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi met today with the head of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance, Mohamed Othman Merghani, who arrived in Libya to fulfill an official invitation from Gaddafi. Libya-Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Egyptian committee for solidarity welcomes resumption of talks on Syrian track Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Turkey welcomes resumption of Israeli - Syrian negotiations Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Turabi and the emergency in Sudan
Sudanese Parliament Speaker Hassan Turabi has described the state of emergency announced by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir as a "coup." Sudan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Sudanese - Ugandan committee holds meetings in Nairobi next month
The Sudanese and Ugandan governments have set January 12, 2000 as a date to set the agreement signed by Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni into actual implementation during a meeting of a joint committee in Nairobi and that the measure is to be preceded by the exchange of diplomatic missions under the level of ambassadors between the two countries. Sudan-Uganda, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Finnish NGO to create center for disabled children in Morocco Morocco-Finland, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Abdul Meguid feels assured of political conditions in Sudan
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid made a phone call to Sudan's permanent delegate at the AL and its ambassador in Cairo, Ahmed Abd El-Halim, to learn about the latest developments in Khartoum. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 12/14/1999 - King Abdullah renews confidence in al-Rawabdeh's government
Jordan's King Abdullah II on Monday renewed his confidence in his prime minister, Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh, after the king attended a special session of the Jordanian Cabinet. Jordan, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Arabs call for creation of unified Arab parliament
The Arab solidarity commission --stemming from the Arab Parliamentary Union (APU)-- on Monday called for the creation of a unified Arab parliament. Regional, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Mauritanian weekly reports dissensions in Polisario ranks Morocco, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Moroccans of Sahrawi descent stage information campaign in Europe
The league of Moroccans of Sahrawi descent living in Europe is preparing a media campaign in the continent to promote knowledge on the Moroccan Sahara issue. Morocco, Politics, 12/14/1999 - $18 billion cost of Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/14/1999
- Mashaal: Arab efforts to end the crisis between Hamas and Jordan
The chairman of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, Khaled Mashaal, told the London-based al-Hayat daily that Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani stressed "his country's backing to the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights." Qatar, Politics, 12/14/1999 - AL chief exchanges messages with Arab leaders on freeing Middle East from nuclear weapons
Arab League Secretary general Esmat Abdul Meguid on Monday received a message from Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmad Bin Jasem al-Thani. The message, which was handed over by the Qatari ambassador to Egypt, is connected to the efforts made by Qatar to make the Middle East a zone free from nuclear arms. Regional-Qatar, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Bait Mal Al-Quds executive board meets after Ramadan
The executive board of the "Bait Mal Al-Quds" will meet after the fasting month of Ramadan, said Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), secretary of the PLO executive committee. Regional, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Morocco, Bolivia sign memorandum of understanding
Morocco and Bolivia signed a memorandum of understanding instituting political consultations between the two countries' foreign departments. Morocco-Bolivia, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Assistant to Abu al-Einin arrested in Tyre
Lebanese security sources reported on Monday that the Lebanese Army has recently arrested a Palestinian military official, an assistant to the secretary of the Fatah movement ,Col. Sultan Abu al-Einin, in Tyre (south Lebanon). Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Morocco lodged judiciary action against illegal migration webs
Moroccan judiciary authorities have lodged a judiciary action against persons involved in illegal migration webs to Spain, said Monday Juan Carlos Aleman, secretary general of the Spanish Popular Labor Party (PSOE) in the Canary Island quoting the Moroccan consul in Las Palmas. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 12/14/1999 - Final status negotiations resume between Israel and Palestine Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999
- Al-Assad receives messages from Mubarak, Yeltsin
Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday received Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and members of the accompanying delegation at the Damascus al-Shaab presidential palace. Syria-Regional, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Report by Mubarak concerns Syrian stance in peace negotiations
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a detailed report from Foreign Minister Amr Moussa concerning Moussa's talks with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Al-Sharaa expects peace agreement with Israel within a few months
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and his Egyptian counterpart ,Amr Moussa, on Sunday replied to questions asked by reporters following talks held earlier in the day on the premises of the Foreign Ministry in Damascus. Syria, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Arafat to meet with Mubarak Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/13/1999
- Sudanese president declares emergency in the country for three months
The Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has announced on Sunday night the state of emergency in the country for three months because of what he called "duality in the state's establishments." Sudan, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Israel and the settlers of the Golan
Israeli Minister of Agriculture Haim Oron from the Merets movement has expressed his conviction that efforts should be made in order to permit the citizens of the Golan Heights to have lands in the Galilee or Negev and to rebuild their villages in these territories after their evacuation from the Golan in the course of a peace settlement with Syria. Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Lebanese president describes Middle East developments as 'very delicate'
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Sunday in Beirut said that peace negotiations between Syria and Israel, due to resume in a few days after a 45-month break, will be difficult. Lebanon, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Demonstrations by Israeli settlers in the Golan Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999
- Arab complex to protect intellectual property Regional, Politics, 12/13/1999
- Israeli Knesset member backs withdrawal from the Golan
Israeli Knesset member Saleh Tarif (an Arab) said that the Israeli opposition blocs are making political maneuvers about the peace process with Syria and that they are opposing peace, as if the Golan is part of Israel and is not occupied. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Syria for continuing peace negotiations with Israel in Washington
Diplomatic sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the Syrians asked for the continuation of the peace negotiations in Washington following the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Wednesday and Thursday in Washington. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Syrian citizens in the Golan eager to return home
The Syrian people in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights have expressed their great hope to return very soon to the homeland, Syria, and for the elimination of the Israeli occupation. Syria, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Moussa expresses his country's support for Syrian stance in negotiations
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa depicted his discussions yesterday with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa as being important and as tackling topics related to Egypt, Syria, the peace process and the Arab world, adding that his discussions with al-Sharaa are very important and assure the importance of Egyptian - Syrian coordination and cooperation, especially in this critical stage in the history of the area. Egypt, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Report: Israel has been ready to withdraw from the Golan for years
In its Sunday issue, the Israeli daily the Jerusalem Post said that Israel, for years, has been ready to give up almost the whole of the Golan against a comprehensive peace agreement with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Report: Jordan prepares military base for the negotiations
The London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily said on Sunday, according to well-informed Jordanian sources, that Jordan actually started preparations to host the Syrian- Israeli negotiations more than two months ago and that it had prepared a military base at Um Qeis district near the Syrian borders to receive the Syrian negotiators. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Report: Syrian prisoner Yasser al-Mu'zin returns to Syria
Following more than ten years in Israeli jails and detention camps, freed Syrian prisoner Yasser al-Mu'azen arrived in Damascus on Sunday night. He was welcomed by his family and a large number of citizens and Syrian Parliament member Mudhat al-Saleh. Syria, Politics, 12/13/1999 - EU's Helsinki summit welcomes resumption of Syrian-Israeli talks
In its final statement, the Helsinki summit of the European Union welcomed on Saturday the resumption of negotiations between Syria and Israel, and described the decision as brave. Syria-Israel-European Union, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Arab expert praises human rights record under King Mohammed VI
The King's resolve to lead Morocco on the path of progress, the rule of the law and democratic institutions was underscored by secretary general of the network of reintegration centers for violence and torture victims in the Middle East and North Africa, Iyad Serraj. Morocco, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Newly Elected President of Argentina Invited to Visit Morocco
King Mohammed VI has invited the newly elected president of Argentina, Fernando De La Rua, to pay a state visit to Morocco. Morocco-Argentina, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Syrian PNF meets on latest Middle East peace developments
Chaired by Syrian Vice-President Muhammad Zuheir Masharaqa, who is also the deputy chairman of the Progressive National Front, the PNF's central command, has held a meeting. Syria, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Peres expects ratification of peace with Syria within a year
Former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres expressed his confidence in reaching a peace agreement between Israel and Syria during the coming 12 months. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999 - New phase of relations between Algeria, France Algeria-France, Politics, 12/13/1999
- Iraqi minister reiterates his country's opposition to British draft
Iraqi Trade Minister Mohamed Mahdi Saleh stated that Baghdad will refuse the British draft if it is ratified by the United Nations Security Council and that Iraq will not accept the return of the UN Special Committee (UNSCOM) to disarm weapons of mass destruction to its lands without the lifting of UN economic sanctions. Iraq, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Iraq urges France and Russia to reject United Nations resolution
Iraq urged Russia and France to reject the United Nations' draft resolution that relates to suspending the sanctions on it for nine years if Baghdad cooperates with new inspections for weapons of mass destruction. Iraq, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Moroccan Foreign Minister in New York for Talks with U.N Secretary General
Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, arrived in New York on Sunday coming from Buenos Aires where he represented King Mohammed VI at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President of Argentina. Morocco-UN, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Khatami: Animosity with US is due to its policy
Iranian President Mohamed Khatami said yesterday that Iran's animosity toward the USA is a result of its "incorrect" policy toward the Iranian people during the 26 years between 1953 and 1979. Iran-USA, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Israel to release Palestinian prisoners during Ramadan
A spokeswomen for the Israeli prisons authority said yesterday that Israel intends to release Palestinian prisoners in few days in an initiative to show its good intentions during Ramadan, saying, "We know that there will a breakthrough, but we do not know when and how much are the prisoners, and we assume that this will be in the coming week." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/13/1999 - Belgian official pleads for deeper Maghreb-Europe relations
Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel pleaded for the consolidation of relations between the European Union and the Maghreb states. Maghreb-European Union, Politics, 12/13/1999