Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 12/27/1999
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of December 27, 1999
- Bouteflika's envoy to Togo Algeria-Togo, Politics, 12/31/1999
- A message from Sheik Zayed to emir of Qatar Qatar-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 12/31/1999
- Turkish security renews its accusation that Armenia and Iran back Ocalan's party
The most recent report by the Turkish security body renewed its accusation that Armenian and Iran back the prohibited Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) in Turkey. Turkey-Regional, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Al-Sharaa conveys message from President al-Assad to Mubarak on Middle East peace
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Thursday received Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa who conveyed to Mubarak a message from Syrian President Hafez al-Assad relating to the Syrian stand towards the Middle East peace process, its developments and what is expected from the coming negotiations on the Syrian track which will be held in the United States. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Iraqi parliamentary elections in March, 2000
An Iraqi parliamentary source said on Wednesday that general elections will be held in the last week of next March to elect members of the Iraqi National Council, which ended its fourth legislative session on Tuesday. Iraq, Politics, 12/31/1999 - International aid organization warns Washington against taking Sudanese opposition's side
The aid organization Care International warned the USA against taking the side of the opposition troops fighting the Sudanese government through allowing the arrival of foodstuffs and other aid to the areas dominated by the rebels. Sudan-USA, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Settlements issue, Still overshadowing Palestinian-Israeli negotiations
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat briefed President Hosni Mubarak on the present situation as regards the implementation of the interim stage as well as the final status negotiations especially the settlements issue. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Palestinian call to convene five-member Arab summit for coordination before the final negotiations
The delegate of the Palestinian Authority, PLO executive committee member Yasser Amro, has called for convening a "five-member summit" with the objective of "maintaining coordination" with Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt before the final status negotiations with Israel, especially in matters pertaining to refugees, water, settlements and Jerusalem. Syria-Regional, Politics, 12/31/1999 - AL chief gets a message from Iraqi FM
Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf has called on Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid to take a tough position in confrontation of the repeated Turkish attacks against Iraq. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Visas for Egyptian workers in Palestinian area not renewed by Israel
Cairo has asked its ambassador to Israel, Muhammad Basyouni, to make urgent contacts with the Israeli government in order to contain the problems resulting from the Israeli embassy to Egypt refraining from renewing visas for Egyptian engineers who work on Palestinian projects in the Palestinian self-rule areas. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 12/31/1999 - Senate commission debates Sahara issue Morocco, Politics, 12/31/1999
- Gaddafi receives a telephone call from Nigerian counterpart Libya-Nigeria, Politics, 12/31/1999
- Senegal's president to visit Saudi Arabia on Sunday Saudi Arabia-Senegal, Politics, 12/31/1999
- Mubarak holds two meetings with Arafat Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/30/1999
- French paper views Israeli practices as inhuman
The French daily Le Figaro has described the policy pursued by Israel and its practices against the Palestinians in the occupied Arab lands as inhuman. Palestine-France, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Al-Sharaa to visit Cairo today
An official at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa will visit Cairo today, just four days from resuming negotiations with Israel in the US state of West Virginia. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Gulf welcomes end of border dispute between Qatar and Bahrain Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Bahrain, Qatar to settle border disputes by 'brotherly' means
Bahrain and Qatar decided on Tuesday evening to form a joint higher committee to settle their border disputes by "brotherly means," but they did not withdraw the case from the International Court of Justice in the Hague. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/30/1999 - President Bin Ali, King Mohammed call for Arab summit
Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Bin Ali and Morocco's King Mohammed VI have called, in a joint statement following talks in Tunis on Tuesday, for an Arab summit as soon as possible in view of the present situation in the Arab states. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999 - A message from Iranian president to UAE president United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 12/30/1999
- A Yemeni message to King Fahd Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Al-Sharaa, Moratinos discuss Middle East peace process developments
Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Damascus received the European Union special envoy to the Middle East peace process, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Israel-European Union, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Sudanese newspaper resumes works after 110-day cancellation Sudan, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Lahoud: Syrian track talks a test of Israel's credibility
The Lebanese president stressed the importance of not being hasty toward the atmosphere of resuming peace negotiations in the region because, "It is an issue of destiny that needs deep study in all its aspects." Lebanon, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Sudanese ambassador to Cairo expresses thanks and appreciation of Sudanese Cabinet and shura council Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Arab League welcomes Bahrain-Qatar deal
The Arab League welcomed on Thursday the Bahrain-Qatari deal on settling their border dispute cordially and forming a supreme committee to be headed by the two countries' crown princes. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/30/1999 - French minister in Morocco in mid-January Morocco-France, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Jordanian minister denies plans for confederation including Jordan, Syria and Lebanon
Jordanian Deputy Premier and Information Minister Ayman al-Majali has denied the existence of any project for a confederation including Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Water, security experts and diplomats join the Syrian delegation to Washington talks
Water experts and diplomats have joined the Syrian negotiating delegation which will accompany Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa to his talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on December 3 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Government studies electoral code amendment, minister says
The amendment of the electoral code is meant to prepare for the next local and parliamentary elections in Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Moroccan association calls for independent body to investigate cases of forced disappearance
A Moroccan association "the Forum for Freedom and Justice" has called for the creation of an independent body, enjoying the trust of victims to investigate cases of forced disappearance and arbitrary detention. Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Al-Rawabdeh denies being behind the resignation of Lawzi
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh has denied being behind the resignation of Jordanian Transport Minister Nasser Lawzi from the government. Jordan, Politics, 12/30/1999 - On the new Israeli settlements in the Golan
The director general of the Israeli prime minister's office, Yossi Kuchik, said that 18,000 settlers are now in the Golan, adding that from "now on the lives of those settlers cannot be stopped nor put in a refrigerator until the completion of negotiations with Syria." Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Saudi Arabia renews its sorrow toward the attacks against Chechnya Saudi Arabia-Russia, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Report: Jordanian mediation for Syrian-Palestinian reconciliation
The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am said in a report from Amman that high-ranking Jordanian governmental sources revealed a Jordanian mediation to make a Syrian-Palestinian reconciliation. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Sudanese- Ethiopian agreement to build border roads
Sudanese and Ethiopian delegations have held a meeting in the border city of Mattama within the framework of the efforts exerted by Addis Ababa and Khartoum to develop their relations. Sudan-Ethiopia, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Italian education minister concludes his visit to Libya
Italian Minister of Education Luigi Berlinguer will leave Tripoli tomorrow morning after a four-day visit to Libya. Libya-Italy, Politics, 12/30/1999 - New statistics on Iraqi deaths as a result of the sanctions
The Iraqi Ministry of Health has announced that 1.4 million Iraqis of all ages have died during the past nine years because of the embargo imposed on Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Saudi ambassador voices backing for Syrian, Lebanese tracks
The ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Lebanon Fuad Sadek al-Mufti has asserted his country's backing for Syria and Lebanon in peace negotiations. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Two Arab organizations merge, uncertain on numbers
Officials of two Arab Organizations which formally merged on Wednesday said they were uncertain over how many Arab Americans now live in the United States. Regional, Politics, 12/30/1999 - 15 foreign cities attend Agadir earthquake anniversary
Fifteen cities from twelve different countries will be attending in February events held in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the earthquake which levelled the city of Agadir in 1960. Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Iraq accuses US forces of seizing a ship transporting foodstuffs
Iraq has accused the US forces stationed in the Gulf waters of seizing a ship carrying foodstuffs for Iraq, according to the oil-for-food agreement. Iraq-USA, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Arafat welcomes Israeli - Syrian peace talks
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat welcomed the resumption of Israeli - Syrian peace talks, saying that it will not affect the Palestinian - Israeli negotiating track and adding that there is no contradiction between the Palestinian and Syrian tracks. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 12/30/1999 - Qatar and the Palestinian government
Qatar on Wednesday accused the Palestinian Authority of making provocations and announced its determination to reconsider relations with the PA following the dispute over the case of Qatari banker Issam Abu Issa. Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 12/30/1999 - UNESCO denies establishing Israeli- Jordanian regional radio station in Amman Jordan-Israel-UN, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Egyptian Foreign Ministry warns citizens from travelling to Sierra Leone Egypt-Sierra Leone, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Russian president to visit Israel Israel-Russia, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Prevention, the best way to restrict use of alcoholic drinks Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Repression not enough to stop clandestine immigration Morocco, Politics, 12/30/1999
- Demirel assures steadfastness of his country's stance toward Cyprus
Turkish President Soleiman Demirel asserted Turkey's adherence to its stance, which calls for the existence of two independent countries, each of which enjoys equal sovereignty on the island of Cyprus to reach a just and peaceful settlement to the Cypriot case. Turkey, Politics, 12/30/1999 - 65 Sudanese deputies appeal El-Bashir's decision before constitutional court
65 Sudanese deputies presented an appeal to the constitutional court to demand the cancellation of Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir's decision to dissolve the parliament and impose a state of emergency. Sudan, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Ruler of Qatar wants settlement with Bahrain
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Tuesday, upon his arrival in Manama, showed his determination to settle his country's border disputes with Bahrain. Bahrain-Bahrain, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Mubarak, King Abdullah discuss Arab issues in a telephone talk Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 12/29/1999
- Ambassadors to be exchanged between Bahrain and Qatar
Qatar and Bahrain agreed to exchange ambassadors and to form high committees under the chairmanship of the crown princes in the two states to develop joint cooperation and discuss settling the existing border dispute between the two countries in fraternal ways. Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Yemeni parliament head in Saudi Arabia discusses solving border problem Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/29/1999
- King Mohammed back home after Arab tour
King Mohammed VI returned to Morocco on Tuesday at the end of an Arab tour that took him to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Algerian minister of interior to reveal number of surrenders next week Algeria, Politics, 12/29/1999
- Spanish Crown Prince in Morocco Morocco-Spain, Politics, 12/29/1999
- Shas party reaches an agreement with Barak Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999
- Bashar al-Assad to visit Iran shortly
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Muhammad al-Sader has announced that Col. Bashar al-Assad will visit Iran for the first time, shortly. Syria-Iran, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Algeria urges patience in Cote D'Ivoire Algeria-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 12/29/1999
- Tunis: 20 percent of local councils' seats are for women
Tunisian President Zein El-Abidin Bin Ali decided to specify 20% of the local council seats for Tunisian women in the elections that will be held in middle of next year, which means guaranteeing nearly 1,000 seats for Tunisian females on these councils. Tunisia, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Palestinian official in Damascus today
Well-informed Palestinian sources in Damascus told the Lebanese daily al-Nahar that PLO executive committee member Yasser Amro is expected to arrive in Damascus today and that he will ask the Syrian officials to restore life to Syrian- Palestinian relations, including the possibility of joint coordination in negotiations. Syria-Syria, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Gaddafi gets message from Central Africa Republic counterpart
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Monday evening received a telephone call from president of the Central Africa Republic, Ange Patasse. Libya-Central African Republic, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Algerian president to visit Saudi Arabia
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will pay a visit to Saudi Arabia at the end of the holy month of Ramadan to perform al-Omra rituals, visit the prophet's mosque and hold talks with King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Algeria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Moussa underlines important of inter-Arab coordination
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa underlined the need to further inter-Arab coordination and voiced belief that Arab countries concerned with the process have no reservations on coordination of stances. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Palestinians displeased with Israel's latest release of prisoners
The 15-year old boy got shoved with enthusiasm as he joined a few dozens of Palestinians marching through the streets of Gaza. "We are protesting the release of 34 Palestinian prisoners," the boy said. When asked again how would Palestinian protest the release of fellow Palestinians, he corrected his statement: "We are protesting the release of only 34 Palestinian prisoners." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Egyptian FM meets with Sudanese opposition member
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on Tuesday in Cairo received the chairman of the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance opposition coalition, Muhammad Othman al-Merghani. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Israeli negotiations teams with Arab counterparts
The Israeli Army's chief of staff, Gen. Shaoul Moufaz, has assigned three main Israeli Army officers at the rank of major general to lead the security teams to the peace talks with Syria, Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority. Regional-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Report: French mediation in Syrian- Israeli negotiations
The Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas issued on Tuesday said that France is trying to convince Syria and Israel that there is a solution that can compromise between the Syrian sovereignty over the waters of the Golan and the difficulty of Israel's giving up these waters. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Jordanian coordination between Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the PA and Egypt in marketing religious tourism
Jordanian Minister of Tourism Aqel Beltaji has underlined the importance of coordination between Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan as well as the Palestinian government in marketing religious tourism on the occasion of the celebration of the fall of the third millennium and the beginning of the great Christian pilgrimage to the holy shrines and archaeological sites in the region on January 7, 2000. Regional-Jordan, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Syria, Iraq agreed to resume diplomatic relations
The Iraqi weekly al-Itihad said on Tuesday that Iraq will soon open a department for supervising Iraqi interests in Damascus. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Doha withdraws its ambassador in Gaza for disputes over banker issue
The director of the Qatari foreign minister's office, Muhammad Jaham al-Kawari, stressed on Tuesday that his government withdrew its ambassador to the Palestinian government after it had become impossible to reach a solution to a dispute concerning Palestinian banker Issam Abu Issa, who carries Qatari nationality and is accused by the Palestinian government of money theft. Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Diplomats to be appointed for 4-year term, renewable once, FM
Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa said all Moroccan diplomats, including ambassadors, will be appointed for a four-year term, renewable once. Morocco, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Jordanian transport minister resigns
Jordanian Minister of Transport Nasser Lawzi on Tuesday announced his resignation from the Jordanian government. Jordan, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Syria asks Israel for compensation and prisoners
Syrian parliament member Midhat Saleh al-Saleh said he handed over on Monday to Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa a message from the people of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights who are expelled to Syria, in which they call on their FM to address the question of the 17 citizens of the Golan who are prisoners from the occupied part of the Golan during the next round of peace negotiations between Syria and Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Chairman of Israeli negotiating team with Syria secretly tours water resources on the Golan
Well-informed sources said that reserve Gen. Uri Saguy, the chairman of the negotiations team with Syria on December 26 held a secret tour of the area where there are water sources on the Syrian- Israeli borders and along the borders between the two sides drawn in 1983 by Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Human Rights Ministry, attorneys join hands to protect vulnerable persons
The Moroccan Human Rights Association and the Bar Association signed a partnership agreement last week to create a body to help and protect women and children in difficult situations. Morocco, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Morocco keen on consolidation of Arab security cooperation
Interior Minister Ahmed El Midaoui met in Rabat Tuesday with the secretary general of the Arab interior ministers' council, Ahmed Ben Mohamed As-salim. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Libya, Italy to strengthen cooperation
Libya and Italy started in Tripoli Tuesday talks for the development of their cooperation in the areas of education, scientific research and vocational training. Libya-Italy, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Morocco renews attachment to U.N. plan for Sahara
"Morocco will continue to fully adhere to the plan, as long as the United Nations secretary-general backs this plan through a fair, democratic and transparent implementation," Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Mohammed Benaissa told a local daily. Morocco-UN, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Denmark closes embassy in Morocco
Denmark will close its embassy in Rabat as of next February 1, an official at the embassy told MAP. Morocco-Denmark, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Turkish- Israeli military talks
Israel and Turkey on Tuesday resumed a series of talks they had started on Monday in Tel Aviv on military cooperation between the two sides. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Iraqi opposition leader visits Kuwait
Mohammed Baker El-Hakim, the head of the Iraqi opposition Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution, is currently visiting Kuwait, where he denied having discussed with Kuwaiti officials the status of the Iraqi refugees. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 12/29/1999 - Israeli Minister of Justice opposes removing any Gaza or West Bank settlement Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/29/1999
- King Mohammed ends visit to Emirates, expected in Tunisia
King Mohammed VI left the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday heading for Tunisia at the end of a visit, during which he was received by UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan. United Arab Emirates-Morocco, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Palestinian - Egyptian summit Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Arab League: Israel steals Arab waters
A report prepared by the Arab League has warned against the consequences of Israeli thefts of Arab waters, asserting that it takes 80% of the renewable waters in the West Bank and then sells 20% of these waters to the Palestinians. Regional, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Yemen denies Israeli investments
Yemen has renewed its denial of the existence of any sort of normalization with Israel before achieving a just and comprehensive peace and the restoration of Arab rights to their owners. Yemen, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Moroccan premier says Algeria-Moroccans relations have to resume Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Torino Moroccans shocked by murder sentence
The Moroccan community of Torino was baffled by the sentence of the city's appeals court against 4 Italians charged of the murder in July 1997 of a Moroccan national. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Syrian negotiating delegation to head to Washington on Saturday Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Qatari - Bahraini summit convened today Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Moroccan house approves accord on al-Quds Fund headquarters in Morocco
The Moroccan Chamber of Advisors, the upper house of parliament, approved on Monday an accord related to the headquarters of the Al-Quds Fund in Casablanca. Morocco, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Jordan's king wraps up visit to Saudi Arabia Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Algerian president for strengthening Arab solidarity
Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has called for purifying the Arab atmospheres, strengthening solidarity and enhancing inter-Arab relations on the grounds of mutual respect. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Moroccan premier congratulates newly-appointed Algerian peer
Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi sent his new Algerian peer, Ahmed Benbitour, a letter congratulating him for his appointment as head of the Algerian government. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Moussa meets today with head of Sudanese Democratic National Alliance Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Moussa meets with World Bank deputy chairman Egypt-World Bank, Politics, 12/28/1999
- A Sudanese committee to end conflict over governmental authority
Abd El-Rahim Ali, head of the Shura council in the Sudanese ruling National Congress Party, said the council decided in its urgent meeting last night to form a committee to end the dispute over authority among the ruling and interior bodies. Sudan, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Damascus approves the visit of Yasser Amro Syria-Palestine, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Libyan - Sudanese discussions
Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael met with his Libyan counterpart, Omar El-Montasser, and tackled regional, international and Sudanese developments concerning the Libyan - Egyptian initiative for solving the Sudanese crisis. Libya-Sudan, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Phone call between Arafat and Barak; on treatment of prisoners
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat held yesterday a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to improve the treatment of Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli prisons and to address the necessity of releasing a new group of prisoners for Ramadan month according to what is stated in the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Communications for convening meeting between El-Bashir, opposition leaders
Official Sudanese political sources said that Egypt and Libya presented a proposal to the Sudanese parties that call for convening a meeting between Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir and leaders of the opposition. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Saudi monarch donates 5 million dollars for Chechens
King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia donated five million dollars for the Chechen Muslims, currently exposed to fierce Russian military offensives. Saudi Arabia-Russia, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Morocco will appoint ambassador to the European Union Morocco-European Union, Politics, 12/28/1999
- Lebanese president, people welcome freed detainees
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has vowed to exert further efforts to release all Lebanese prisoners from Khiam jail and other Israeli occupation prisons. Lebanon, Politics, 12/28/1999 - US voices backing for Algeria
An Algerian official source has announced that the US has informed the Algerian authorities of its complete readiness to go beyond all limitations in backing cooperation with Algeria. Algeria-USA, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Jordan licenses new political party
The Jordanian authorities have recently permitted the establishment of a new political party carrying the name of "the Jordanian Arab New Dawn" (al-Fajr al-Jadid al-Arabi al-Aurduni) to be the second party licensed in the kingdom since King Abdullah II ascended to the throne in February this year. Jordan, Politics, 12/28/1999 - On the release of the five Lebanese Hizbullah members
Israeli Finance Minister Avraham Shochat has stated that the decision taken to free five members of the Hizbullah Party came in light of resuming peace talks with Syria. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 12/28/1999 - EU role comes after maintaining a peace agreement between Syria and Israel
Western diplomatic sources in Damascus said that the European Union's Middle East peace process coordinator, Miguel Moratinos, is exerting efforts to play a role in the second round of peace negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa, adding that Moratinos will arrive in Damascus to discuss this matter with Syrian officials. Syria-Israel-European Union, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Ghali and reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco
The secretary general of the Francophonic organization, Butros Butros Ghali, has expressed his hope that Saudi Arabian efforts to maintain reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco will succeed, as the two countries are members of the organization. Regional, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Syrian governor visits Turkish province
The governor of Hassaka (a province in northern Syria), Subhi Harb, on Monday visited the Turkish province of Sanli Urfa in the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two neighboring countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Turkey and the Syrian-Israeli closeness
The Turkish daily Hurriyet in its Monday issue highlighted the impact of the Syrian-Israeli rapprochement on Turkey and the possibility that Turkey will pay the price of such rapprochement. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 12/28/1999 - European - Arab tour by Kamal Kharazi
Iranian sources in Cairo told ArabicNews.com today that Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi will make a tour in the middle of coming January that is to include Turkey, the UK, Ireland and Egypt. Regional-Iran, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Israeli intensive political activity after Shas threat to withdraw from coalition Israel, Politics, 12/28/1999
- After EU pullout, fishing becomes strategic development sector
Fishing will become a strategic development factor instead of a bargaining card, and if we wanted our Spanish and Portuguese friends out it was for the sole reason that there was not enough fish, said the chairman of the Moroccan Cephalopod Association (ACM). Morocco, Politics, 12/28/1999 - Public meeting between Iraq's president and his three brothers
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein granted high medals yesterday evening to his three half-brothers in their first public meeting in two years. Iraq, Politics, 12/28/1999 - King Mohammed visits Saudi Arabia, performs minor pilgrimage twice
King Mohammed VI who is visiting Saudi Arabia, performed twice the Omra (minor pilgrimage) in the Muslim holy shrine in Mecca. Saudi Arabia-Morocco, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Arab labor union denounces UN Security Council's last resolution concerning Iraq
The international union for the Arab laborers in Damascus denounced yesterday the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of a resolution establishing a new organization for monitoring Iraqi disarmament to replace the United Nation's Special Committee (UNSCOM), while keeping the sanctions on Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Syrian sources: Discussions with Israel will test Tel Aviv's intentions Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- King Fahd meets with Moroccan, Jordanian kings and Bahraini emir
A mini Arab summit has taken place in Jeddah. It included King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz together with Morocco's King Muhammad VI, King Abdullah of Jordan and Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, who came to Mecca to perform al-Omra rituals. The meeting was held during the al-Iftar banquet held by King Fahd for the three Arab leaders. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 12/27/1999 - King Abdullah in Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived on Sunday evening in Jeddah for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Jordan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - King Mohammed to visit Tunis Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Moussa: Sudan is in better status now; urges Sudanese to reconcile for Sudan's new future
On the vision of regional and international parties concerned of the Egyptian role to make peace in Sudan, he said he was convinced that a new situation was evolving in Sudan and underlined the unity of Egyptian-Sudanese interests. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Abdul Meguid receives Butros Ghali Regional, Politics, 12/27/1999
- A ministerial committee for integration between Egypt and Sudan
The Sudanese Cabinet decided to form a high ministerial committee to prepare a program for integration between Egypt and Sudan. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 12/27/1999 - A message from Khatami to the ruler of Bahrain Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Baz Egypt does not interfere in Sudan's internal affairs
In a seminar held at Tanta Sports Club, Dr. Osama Al-Baz, Political Advisor of the President, asserted that Egypt has not interfered in recent events in Sudan since our policy is based on spreading welfare and stability in Sudan and rejecting any dismemberment of the Iraqi territories. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Egyptian ambassador in Sudan in weeks
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa announced the arrival of the new Egyptian ambassador to Sudan in Khartoum during the coming weeks. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Coming round of Syrian - Israeli talks to last two weeks Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Levy briefs international counterparts on Middle East peace developments Regional-Israel-International, Politics, 12/27/1999
- The first Bahraini woman ambassador
Bahrain on Sunday appointed its first ambassador abroad, Shaikha Haya bint Rashed Al Khalifa, who has become her country's ambassador to France. Bahrain-France, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Israeli Knesset member voices solidarity with Syrians in the Golan
Member of the Israeli Knesset from the United Arab List, Muhammad Kanan, said members of his movement will visit the occupied Golan in order to announce their complete solidarity with the Syrian citizens in the Golan at the beginning of the Syrian-Israeli peace negotiations for the return of the Golan to Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999 - On Syrian - Israeli negotiations
Israeli Radio said on Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has appointed the chairman of the planning commission in the Israeli Army, Maj. Gen. Shlomo Yanai, as a representative of the Israeli Army in negotiations with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Israeli plan for protecting the housing settlements in Hebron Palestine-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Gaddafi sends messages to Bouteflika, Annan
Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi on Sunday sent messages to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is also the current chairman of the Organization of African Unity, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and OAU Secretary General Salem Ahmad Salem in which he gave briefings on the results of the African mini-summit recently held in Tripoli. Libya-Regional-Africa, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Sudan: Expanded all-parties conference, proposed
Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received on Saturday Sadek el Mahdi, leader of Sudan's Ummah Party and member of the opposition National Democratic Alliance. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Sudan's negotiations with IGAD to continue Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Arab tour by Sadek El-Mahdi
Former Sudanese Prime minister El-Sadek El-Mahdi, chairman of the opposition Ummah Party, will start an Arab and African tour after the lesser Bariam. Sudan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Al-Shehabi and the Middle East peace talks Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Report: Peace agreement between Syria and Israel expected before spring of year 2000 Syria-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Barak for establishing Middle East regional cooperation organization
The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am quoted well-informed Israeli sources as saying on Sunday that the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is crystallizing a plan to establish an organization for regional cooperation in the Middle East similar to that of the southeast Asian states. Regional-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Kuwait to pay for Middle East peace settlement Kuwait, Politics, 12/27/1999
- On Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Youssoufi back from Bethlehem end of millennium celebrations
Morocco's Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi returned to Rabat Sunday coming back from Palestine where he represented King Mohammed VI in events held in celebration of the end of the millennium. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Israel frees Lebanese, Palestinian prisoners
Israel on Sunday freed five Lebanese prisoners after they had spent ten years in the Israeli jails under tough conditions of physical and psychological tortures. Regional-Israel, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Report: Ministerial reshuffle expected in Jordan
The Jordanian daily al-Arab al-Youm issued on Sunday in Amman quoted sources which it described as well-informed as saying that a ministerial reshuffle in Jordan is "nearby." Jordan, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Spain could host Middle East peace conference in 2000
Spanish prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, said Sunday Spain could host next year a new conference on peace in the Middle East. Regional-Spain, Politics, 12/27/1999 - Presidential Egyption- Turkish consultations, highlighted Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 12/27/1999
- Iraq calls for pressure on Kuwait to account for Iraqi missing Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 12/27/1999