Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/10/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 10, 2000

• Barak to meet with Arafat Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Arab tour by Sudanese president
  Sudanese President Omar El Bashir headed today to Manama in a tour which is to include Bahrain and Yemen. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Erekat: Abu Dis will not be an alternative capital to Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Syrian sources: Israel is to return to June 4 border line
  A high-ranking Syrian source has asserted that Syria will not sign an agreement of principles with Israel similar to the statement of principles Israel signed with the Palestinians and that Syria will not accept less than the return to the June 4, 1967 border line. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Bouteflika asserts success of national rapport law in bringing back stability Algeria, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Israelis will vote for peace with Syria
  An opinion poll issued on Friday in the Israeli daily Maariv said that 50% of Israelis will vote in favor of a peace agreement with Syria if a referendum is held in this regard against 37% who oppose and 13% who did not express any view. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Berri gives support to Al-hoss in fighting sectarianism in Lebanon
  Prime Minister Salim Hoss, Speaking about sectarianism, expressed hope that no obstacles would arise and impede the establishment of a Supreme National Body designed to take appropriate steps for the elimination of political-sectarianism as stipulated under article 95 of the Constitution. Lebanon, Politics, 1/15/2000
• A message for Moussa from the Algerian foreign minister Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Morocco participates in first Francophony women conference
  A Moroccan delegation of officials, experts and non-governmental organizations will take part next February 4-5 in the first Francophony women conference, held by the inter-governmental Francophony agency and the Great Dukedom of Luxembourg. Morocco, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Gambian president sends message to Moroccan king
  King Mohammed VI received on Friday visiting Gambian Foreign Minister Lamine Sedat Jobe, who handed him a message from President Haj Yahya Jammeh. Morocco-Gambia, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Youssoufi meets with US congressmen
  Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi met in Rabat the visiting delegation of US congressmen led by Wayne Owens whose members renewed praise for the role played by the kingdom in the Middle East peace process. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Report: Sheikh Saad al-Sabah to assign Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed wide powers
  The Kuwaiti newspaper El-Seyasa said today that Kuwaiti Prime Minsiter Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah Salem al-Sabah is expected to assign Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed, the first deputy prime minister and foreign minister, wide powers. Kuwait, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Yemeni - Djiboutian discussions in Sanaa
  The meeting of the second session of the Yemeni ministerial committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajmal and the Djiboutian committee under Djiboutian Foreign Minister Ali Abdi Farah will be concluded today in Sanaa. Yemen-Djibouti, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Saudi defense minister heads for Italy Saudi Arabia-Italy, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Bahraini crown prince leaves for the US Bahrain-USA, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Barak receives call to visit Morocco Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• 110 Algerian extremists surrender to the security authorities
  The chairman of the El-Ergaa committee in states of west central Algeria said that 110 members of the armed groups surrendered to the security authorities on Thursday, saying that those who surrendered will enjoy full liberty. Algeria, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Trial starts for secretary of Fatah movement in Lebanon
  The military court in Beirut started trying Khaled Aref, secretary of the Fatah movement, in Saida today, concerning whom an arrest warrant was issued for committing terrorist works, yet the trial was delayed until the end of the current month. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 1/15/2000
• A financial shortage in the UNRWA budget
  Asaad Abd El-Rahman, the official for the refugee issue in the Palestinian Liberation Organization depicted the financial status of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) as very difficult, saying that the host countries for the refugees and the Palestinian camps are living in anxiety due to the financial shortage of the agency, which negatively reflects on the services presented to the refugees which in the first place suffer a shortage. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Israel demands to purchase 50 warplanes Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Turkey and Middle East water negotiations
  The Turkish English language daily Turkish Daily News said on Friday that the Turkish Foreign Ministry stressed that the only participation for Turkey concerning the question of water between Syria and Israel is to sell water to the region. Turkey-Regional, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Iraqi popular resistance kills 10 Iraqi officials
  The Iraqi Communist Party said on Friday that the Iraqi people's resistance killed in December last year ten officials in the Iraqi government, members of the ruling Baath Party in Baghdad as well as army officers. Iraq, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Relief workers killed in Sudan
  A Norwegian relief worker announced on Friday that eight relief workers were killed in southern Sudan when rebels from Uganda set fire to their car. Sudan, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Kuwait's governor under the Iraqi invasion returns to Kuwait
  On Thursday at midnight, Alaa Hassan, who was appointed by the Iraqi government as ruler of Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 arrived at Kuwait's airport. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Congress staffers leave Rabat on two-day tour in Laayoun
  The delegation of the American congress staffers led by Congressman Howard Coble flew south Friday on a two day information tour to the Laayoun province and meetings with Moroccan local authorities, ambassador in charge of coordination with MINURSO, Mohamed Loulichki, and William Eagleton, special representative of the UN secretary general for the Sahara. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/15/2000
• International committee arrives in Cairo for the problem of the land mines
  A special committee affiliated to the United Nations will arrive in Egypt during February to examine the problem of land mines in the Egyptian Sahara. Egypt-UN, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Levy confers with Moroccan king
  The Israeli foreign minister David Levy on Friday in Tamara city, al-Rabat held a press conference in which he announced that he briefed the Moroccan King Muhammad 6th with the results of the Syrian-Israeli talks. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2000
• Phone calls between Gaddafi and Garang Libya-Sudan, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Lebanese newspaper talks about Lebanon's refusal of Israeli security proposals Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• US, Russia, Britain consult on Middle East peace
  The US, Russia and Britain have asserted the need to exert efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Regional-International, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Algerian president voices will to consolidate ties with Morocco
  President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has voiced will to consolidate his country's relations with Morocco. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Russia recommends its citizens to avoid traveling to Lebanon Lebanon-Russia, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Morocco carries on political, socioeconomic reforms
  Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi paid tribute to the late King Hassan II for steering Morocco onto the track of political and socioeconomic reform and called for further efforts to consolidate the consensus he marshalled with democratic forces. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Cabinet reshuffle in Jordan
  A royal decree was released in Amman on Thursday which appointed Fayez al-Tarawneh as a chairman for the Jordanian royal court in succession of Abdul Karim al-Kabareiti. Jordan, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel water network from Banias spring to the settlements
  News reports from the occupied part of south Lebanon said that Lebanese workers who work in Israel stated that the Israeli government has completed the installation of a network of pipes, each with a diameter of 15 inches, starting from Banias town's spring in the Golan until al-Mattalah settlement which adjoins the border with Lebanon near Kafer Kalla town and that water has started to flow to this settlement and that this water is used for drinking and irrigation. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Eight foreign ministers to visit Cairo soon
  Eight foreign ministers are to come to Cairo starting with Hubert Vedrine of France, who is to arrive in Cairo on January 16 to hold expanded talks on the policy horizons in the Egyptian - French strategic discussion, which is convened for the first time on level of the foreign ministers. Egypt-International, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Moussa discusses peace process development with US professor
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday Dr. Shibley Telhami who holds the Anwar Sadat Chair in Population, Development, and Peace at the US University of Maryland. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Bahraini emir receives message from Blair Bahrain-UK, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Clinton's envoy to Sudan discuss in London a plan to achieve peace
  The US special envoy to Sudan, Harry Johnston, has held talks in Britain with British officials and Sudanese figures. The talks centered on the coming US move to establish peace in Sudan in the light of the new differences between the Sudanese rule and the opposition. Sudan-USA, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Al-Sharaa informed al-Hoss on Shepherdstown talks
  Lebanese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss on Thursday made a telephone call to Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa, during which al-Hoss learned about the talks held between the Syrian and Israeli sides in Shepherdstown. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Moroccan premier announces draft laws on Women Integration Plan
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi said Thursday that draft laws will be submitted to the parliament for the implementation of the Women Integration Plan and said dialogue will be held on controversial issues of the plan. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2000
• AL wants observer representing it at Lockerbie trial
  The Arab League asked the UN on Thursday to appoint a legal exert from the AL within the team of UN observers who are assigned to follow up on the trial of the two Libyans in suspected of being involved in the Lockerbie incident. Regional-Libya-UN, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Syrian party official, information minister confer with Australian immigration minister
  The assistant secretary general of the ruling Baath Arab Socialist Party, Abdullah al-Ahmar, met on Thursday in Damascus with Australian Minister of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Phillip Ruddock and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Australia, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Some 50 Iranians tried to sneak to Kuwait
  The Kuwaiti dailies reported on Wednesday that the Kuwaiti coastal policemen arrested 42 Iranians who tried to sneak into Kuwait via the sea and another eight who entered the country illegally. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Turkish prime minister assures his country's adherence to developing relations with Egypt
  Fathi El-Shazeli, Egypt's ambassador in Turkey, said that Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit showed a great adherence and real desire to develop cooperation between his country and Egypt in all fields to achieve the two countries' joint interests, especially as the two countries are considered the two pivots of the regional stability. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Government earmarks funds to compensate disappearance victims
  The government has decided to earmark funds to start paying compensation to the victims of forced disappearance or their families, Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi announced on Thursday. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel feels releif toward US role
  A high-ranking Israeli official said that Israel feels releif so far toward the mediation role played by the USA in the peace negotiations recently held with Syria and that it thinks that the work paper recently raised by Washington forms humble progress, as it is a good basis for the coming round of talks between the two sides. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel expected to hand over to PNA villages surrounding Jerusalem
  Israel is definitely pulling out of another 6.1 percent of the West Bank in part of the third phase redeployment and in compliance with the Sharm al Sheikh agreement of last year, Palestinian sources said Friday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel to carry on peace talks with Palestine
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy said in Rabat Friday that his country will carry on peace talks with Palestine until the peace process bears fruit. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Portuguese foreign minister arrives in the region
  Portugal's foreign minister will arrive on Monday in Egypt on an official visit which will last for two days in the framework of his tour of the Middle East. Egypt-Portugal, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Moroccan foreign minister confers with Gambian peer
  Ways to enhance Moroccan-Gambian relations were reviewed at a meeting here on Thursday between Moroccan Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Mohamed Benaissa and his visiting Gambian peer, Lamine Sedat Jobe. Morocco-Gambia, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel releases two Lebanese detainees from Askalan prison
  Following 13 years in prison, the Israeli occupation authorities on Thursday released two Lebanese citizens from one of its prisons in Askalan after they completed their imprisonment sentence taken by an Israeli military court. Lebanon, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Syria, France for strengthening parliamentary relations
  A round of talks was held in Damascus on Wednesday between the Syrian- French Parliamentary Friendship Society led by Bassel Dahdouh and a French parliamentary delegation including two members of the French Senate. Syria-France, Politics, 1/14/2000
• London opposes nearby lifting of embargo imposed on Libya
  The call made by Tripoli for lifting the UN embargo on the imports of weapons imposed on Libya was met coolly in Britain, which several days ago protested against a Libyan attempt to smuggle missile parts. Libya-UK, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Prince Moulay Rachid in funeral of King Juan Carlos' mother
  Prince Moulay Rachid attended Thursday at the San Lorenzo Monastery of El Escurial, 65 km north of Madrid, the funeral ceremony of Maria de Las Mercedes de Bourbon and Orleans, Countess of Barcelona and mother of King Juan Carlos I of Spain. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israeli maneuvers in the Golan Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Iraq ratifies Arab, Islamic and international accords
  The Iraqi Cabinet ratified the Arab agreement for unified Arab traffic aimed at achieving Arab integrity in land transportation. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Likud opposes continuing peace negotiations with Syria
  Israel Radio quoted Interior Minister Natan Sharansky as saying in an address he delivered yesterday that long-term plans must be made for establishing confidence relations between Israel and Syria, after which it will possible to resume the peace process with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Malaysia denounces economic sanctions on Iraq
  Malaysia on Wednesday denounced the economic sanctions imposed by the UN on Iraq and informed the Iraqi deputy prime minister, currently visiting Malaysia, that it is very keen to strengthen its trade relations with Baghdad. Iraq-Malaysia, Politics, 1/14/2000
• El-Azhar Sheikh receives Sri Lanka's new ambassador in Cairo Egypt-Sri Lanka, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Australia asks for Jordan's cooperation to prevent illegal immigration
  Australian Minister of Immigration Philip Ruddock announced on Wednesday in Amman that Australia has asked for Jordan's cooperation in arresting illegal immigration traders who use the Jordanian territories as a base or a crossing to enter Australia and to prevent them from doing so. Jordan-Australia, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Israel welcomes visits of Pope John Paul to the area
  Israel welcomed the anticipated visit by Roman Catholic Pope John Paul II to Israel. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2000
• Egyptian defense minister to make statement before People's Assembly on Sunday Egypt, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Ruler of Bahrain meets with Sheikh Zayed
  Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan and reviewed with him relations between the two countries and Arab, regional and international issues. United Arab Emirates-Bahrain, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Syria will not participate in multilateral negotiations in Moscow, sources Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Syrian source: Israel must withdraw from the Golan
  A Syrian official source said, "The complete Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Golan is the key for a comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Algerian foreign minister to visit France Algeria-France, Politics, 1/13/2000
• King Mohammed receives Levy
  King Mohammed VI received in Rabat on Wednesday Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy, who arrived the same day on a three-day visit to brief the king on latest developments in the Middle East peace process, mainly results of the recent Israeli-Syrian talks in the USA. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Presidents of Djibouti, Italy and Germany to meet Mubarak
  Cairo will witness wide political activity during the coming week on the summit level. Egypt-International, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Bahrain, the Vatican to establish diplomatic relations Bahrain-Vatican, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Algerian minister of interior convenes with Arab ambassadors Regional-Algeria, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Egyptian committee formed to make comprehensive economic survey of Al-Kosheh village Egypt, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Jordan assures its adherence to supporting the peace process Jordan-Australia, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Sudanese president to visit Bahrain, Yemen
  A Sudanese daily published on Wednesday said that Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will visit Yemen on Saturday and then Bahrain in the course of his efforts to strengthen ties between Arab and African states. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Spanish delegation on solidarity travel to Iraq Iraq-Spain, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Iraq to allow International Atomic Energy Agency delegation to conduct inspection
  Iraq agreed for the first time in a year to the visit of a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency for a routine inspection mission of Iraqi establishments. Iraq, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Prince Moulay Rachid attends infanta funeral Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/13/2000
• British foreign minister to visit Jordan, Egypt Jordan-UK, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Lebanon will not take part in multilateral round
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss said on Wednesday that Lebanon will not take part in the multilateral negotiations, unless positive progress is attained in the Syrian-Israeli peace talks which will be resumed on January 19. Lebanon, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Iranian ambassador: Our relations with Syria are strategic
  The Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Muhammad Ali Sabahani, has asserted that strategic ties and relations link his country and Syria. "We are persistent to preserve these ties," he said. Regional-Iran, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Tunisia, Iran sign cultural exchange agreement
  Tunisia and Iran signed in Tunis Wednesday a three-year program agreement for cultural and scientific exchange. Tunisia-Iran, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Palestinians worried of possible deal with Syria
  Many Palestinians who fear that a peace deal between Syria and Israel might finally be reached at their expense are worried, but not that much. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2000
• King Mohammed receives US delegation
  King Mohammed VI on Wednesday received a delegation of the US Center for Economic Cooperation and Development. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Bahraini prime minister receives phone call from Prince Sultan Bahrain-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Matutes says visit to Morocco in January will be cordial
  Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister Abel Matutes said Wednesday in Guadalajara his visit to Morocco in the second half of January is still on and will be "very cordial," Spanish media reported. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Morocco renews attachment to UN Sahara plan
  Youssoufi insisted, however, that Morocco refuses that a single Moroccan Sahrawi be excluded from the referendum. The premier also denounced the stalling tactics adopted by the enemies of Morocco's territorial integrity (the Algerian-backed Polisario) who he said seek to torpedo the U.N. referendum process. Morocco, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Cabinet discuss Al-Kusheh incidents
  In its meeting headed by Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid today, the ministerial committee reviewed the violent clashes that took place in the Upper Egypt, village of Al-Kusheh Sohag governorate on the eve of the new year. Egypt, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Security siege for northern Algeria
  Algerian security forces intensified their presence in northern Algeria in the Jijel area and in other areas in which members of the Armed Islamic Group practice their activities. Algeria, Politics, 1/13/2000
• State Sovereignty's upper hand, not lenient with criminals
  Prime Minister Dr. Ebeid asserted that the State's sovereignty has the upper hand and is not lenient with criminals. He added that the State is going to provide all harmed people in AL-Kusheh village with compensations, ranging between LE 1000 and LE 5000. Moreover, the State will also build houses and shops for those who lost sources of earning their living. Egypt, Politics, 1/13/2000
• France makes continuous contacts with Middle East peace sides Regional-France, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Some 37 Bengali evacuated through Beirut's airport
  Some 37 persons of Bengali nationality were evacuated for their country through Beirut's airport on Tuesday afternoon at the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Lebanon-Bangladesh, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Some 40,000 Palestinians with IDs in their homeland
  Well-informed Palestinian sources said that more than 40,000 Palestinians who came back home from abroad according to visit licenses which expired, are living now in the Palestinian Authority areas and cannot move among the Palestinian cities or travel abroad due to the fact that any of them who pass through Israeli barriers will be immediately detained and then expelled outside the borders. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Moroccan and Spanish agriculture ministers meet in Berlin
  Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Habib El Malki meets Thursday his Spanish counterpart, Jesus Posada, in Berlin, which is playing host to the "Green Week." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Tomato growers protest EU import certificate requirement
  Premier Abderrahman Youssoufi invited tomato growers to unite and work in coordination with the different departments involved to avoid linkage of agriculture and fisheries. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Minister represents Morocco in Guatemalan president's swearing-in
  Communication Minister Mohamed Larbi Messari is visiting Guatemala this Thursday and Friday to represent Morocco in the swearing-in ceremony of new president, Alfonso Portillo, who was elected last December. Morocco-Guatemala, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Venezuelan president grateful to Morocco for assistance
  Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias said his country is grateful to Morocco for the solidarity and assistance extended to his country during the floods that hit his country. Morocco-Venezuela, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Russia - Qatar cooperation Qatar-Russia, Politics, 1/13/2000
• Arab tour by the Egyptian president
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is getting ready to visit Jordan during the coming week to fulfill an official invitation presented by King Abdullah II. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Bouteflika pardons Islamic Salvation Army
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday released a presidential decree which pardoned members of the Islamic Salvation Army organization, the armed wing of the banned Islamic Salvation Front. Algeria, Politics, 1/12/2000
• El-Bashir receives a phone call from Mubarak Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Israeli foreign minister expected this afternoon in Morocco
  Israel's foreign minister is expected this afternoon in Morocco for a three-day visit to brief king Mohammed VI on latest developments in the Middle East peace process, mainly results of the recent Israeli-Syrian talks in the USA. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Vedrine due to visit Cairo on Monday Egypt-France, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Bouteflika discusses Cairo Euro - African summit with Solana Regional-Algeria-OAU, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Lebanese president denounces Barak's policy
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has denounced the policy pursued by the Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak during the recent peace negotiations in Shepherdstown. Lebanon, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Syrian FM returns home
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and members of the accompanying delegation returned to Damascus on Tuesday after taking part in the second round of Syrian - Israeli peace negotiations, which started on January 3, 2000 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Monte Carlo report on Shepherdstown negotiations
  Monte Carlo Radio's correspondent in Shepherdstown quoted on Tuesday Israeli sources as saying that the forthcoming round of negotiations on the Syrian track will be resumed in the US state of Maryland, adding that the Israeli decision maker will only convey what had taken place in the negotiations in Shepherdstown in the today's meeting of the mini Israeli Cabinet, superficially, and not in depth. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Israeli ministers and peace with Syria
  Israeli Minister of the Interior Natan Sharansky has threatened to resign from the current Israeli government of Ehud Barak. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Israeli Radio and the Shepherdstown talks
  The correspondent of the Israeli radio to the US town of Shepherdstown, West Virgina, site of the recent Syrian - Israeli peace talks, quoted the spokesman for the Israeli prime minister before the departure of the Israeli delegation from the town as saying that the forthcoming round of Syrian-Israeli negotiations will be held in the US state of Maryland. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Weizman eager to achieve peace with Syria
  Israeli President Ezer Weizman has expressed in a speech he delivered on Tuesday before students in Abou Ghoush village in Jerusalem district on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, his hope of achieving peace with Syria as it had been realized with both Egypt and Jordan. Syria, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Masalha: Arabs and Israel restart relations with talks
  Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Maslha has stated that the current progress on the Syrian and Israeli negotiation tracks has resulted in reactivating relations between Israel and several Arab and Islamic states, including Mauritania, Oman, Qatar and Tunisia. Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Israeli foreign minister to visit Cairo in coming week
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levi is due to arrive at Cairo in middle of the coming week of to meet Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa to discuss the peace process development in Middle East. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• President of Djibouti to visit Cairo at the end of January Djibouti-Egypt, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Shaath asserts Palestinian refugees' right to return home Palestine, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Libyan leader expected to visit EU's headquarters
  Portuguese foreign minister Yaime Gama, whose country is currently heading the EU, said on Tuesday that the recent invitation from EU's Director of negotiations, Romano Prodi, to Libyan President Muammar Al-Qadafi to visit EU's headquarters in Brussels would ease tension in the Middle East. Libya, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Burkina Faso's president admires Moroccan king's reforms Morocco-Burkina Faso, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Morocco deplores Spanish premier words on Sebta and Melillia
  The Moroccan government voiced amazement and deplored words by head of the Spanish government Jose Maria Aznar and the Popular Party during his visit last Sunday to occupied presidios of Sebta and Melillia. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Aziz arrives in Malaysia Iraq-Malaysia, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Resuming diplomatic relations between Algeria and France
  Diplomatic relations between Algeria and France are to be resumed as some of the French consuls in Algeria will be opened in addition to the public consul in Algeria. Algeria-France, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Lebanon will not take part in multilateral talks
  Lebanon on Tuesday expressed reservations toward the call addressed to it to take part in multilateral negotiations due in Moscow in the beginning of February. Lebanon, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Algerian police arrest terrorists Algeria, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Lebanese minister assures correlation of Lebanese and Syrian tracks
  Lebanese Minister of State for Administrative Reform Affairs Hassan Shalaq said that the Lebanese negotiating track with Israel will not start as long as Syrian - Israeli negotiations haven't achieved any progress, emphasizing the unity of tracks and destiny between Syria and Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Malaysia backs Iraqi demand to lift sanctions
  Malaysia has pledged continuing support for Iraq's efforts for the lifting of United Nations sanctions imposed on the gulf state nine years ago Iraq-Malaysia, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Joint Israeli-Palestinian committee to develop bilateral relations Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Amnesty International calls for releasing Lebanese detainees
  The official in charge of the Amnesty International Organization in Canada Ronald Adams has held Israel fully responsible for the fate of more than 200 Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails, including Khiam jail. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Kuwaiti- Iranian agreement for fighting drugs
  Kuwaiti Minister of the Interior Sheikh Muhammad Khaled al-Sabah has stated that the governments of Kuwait and Iran are preparing to sign an agreement on fighting drugs. Kuwait-Iran, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Indian foreign minister visits Israel Israel-India, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Sudanese opposition holds four security men
  The Sudanese daily al-Anbaa quoted the governor of the Blue Nile (al-Neel al-Azraq) province in the southeastern part of Sudan as saying that the Sudanese opposition has seized four men from the Sudanese security sources as hostages during an armed attack. Sudan, Politics, 1/12/2000
• US takes issue with Iraqi bull import complaint
  US State Department spokesman James Rubin said yesterday that US opposition to a contract under which Iraq would import French bulls is not because the bulls themselves are considered dual use items with military implications, as an Iraqi complaint alleged. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/12/2000
• Lebanese moves to prevent the execution of two Lebanese in Kinshasa
  The chairman of the Lebanese Parliament's foreign affairs committee, Ali al-Khalil, on Tuesday in Beirut reviewed with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss the question of the death sentence released in Kinshasa against Lebanese citizens Samy Yassin and Khalil Ghadban under the charges of smuggling money to Congo revolutionaries. Lebanon-Congo, Politics, 1/12/2000
• International support for Egypt's draft resolution on disarmament
  Egypt urges the UN to have a record not only of each country's import and export of weapons but also of its arms production. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/11/2000
• On the tripartite meeting in Shepherdstown
  US President Bill Clinton concluded a lengthy meeting in a working dinner late Sunday with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to discuss means of settling disputes which obstruct the realization of progress in the peace negotiations that started in the US town of Shepherdstown, West Virginia on January 3. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Al-Sharaa exchanges views with Albright before heading home
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met in Shepherdstown on Monday before noon with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and members of his accompanying delegation before they returned home. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Sudanese minister in Cairo in days to prepare for convening national discussion conference Sudan, Politics, 1/11/2000
• On Clinton's document
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am quoted high-ranking US sources as saying that the document presented by US President Bill Clinton at Shepherdstown which was welcomed both by Syria and Israel represents the preliminary draft for a peace agreement between the two countries. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/11/2000
• US State Department: Negotiations to resume January 19
  US State Department spokesman James Robin on Monday said peace negotiations between Syria and Israel will resume on January 19. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Lebanese communications minister: Resuming negotiations with Israel limited to success on Syrian track Lebanon, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Israeli foreign minister in Morocco
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy will start Wednesday a visit to Morocco, where he will be received by King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation department announced. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Israeli foreign minister to visit Cairo
  Egyptian Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister Mohammed El Orabi convened with Zifi Mazel, Israel's ambassador in Cairo. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Syrian, Turkish citizens spend Eid al-Fitr together on border villages
  The Al-Hayat daily repoted that the continued development in the Syrian-Turkish relations which had started with the signing of the Adanah security agreement in October 1998, has surpassed the phase of exchanging official statements and calls to open a new page in the relations between the two sides, to hugging and kissing and even to al-Dabkeh traditional dances. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Iraq calls for Arab economic summit
  The Iraqi daily Babel on Monday called on the Arab states to convene an Arab economic summit instead of a political summit in order to deal with conditions and problems facing Arab interests with the beginning of a new century. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Muscat denies intention to reopen its trade office in Tel Aviv
  An official at the Omani Foreign Ministry has denied any agreement to reopen Oman's office of trade representation in Israel. Oman-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• 48 hours before end of Algerian civil rapport law
  The end of the period of time of the civil rapport law, under which members of armed groups can surrender to the Algerian government, occupied the front pages in the Algerian newspapers issued yesterday in the Arabic and French languages. Algeria, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Saudi Arabia, Bahrain for boosting bilateral relations Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Moroccan parties issue statement against Aznar's visit to Sebta and Melillia Morocco, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Morocco marks Independence Manifesto anniversary
  The Moroccan people celebrate this Tuesday the 56th anniversary of the Independence Manifesto, drafted by leading Moroccan figures to claim the country's independence. Morocco, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Yemeni president denies any disputes with neighbors
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh stated that the disputes among the Arab states are due to Israeli intrigues, whether directly or indirectly. Yemen, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Libya denies importing scud missiles parts
  Libya on Monday denied importing a consignment of scud missiles found in Gatwick Airport, outside London. Libya-UK, Politics, 1/11/2000
• King Mohammed amnesties 990 detainees on Independence Manifesto anniversary
  King Mohammed VI amnestied 990 detainees on the occasion of the 56th anniversary of the Independence Manifesto. Morocco, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Iranian FM in Britain Iran-UK, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Israeli human rights organization condemns Israel's practices in S. Lebanon
  The Israeli B'Tselem human rights organization on Sunday condemned Israeli violations of human rights in occupied south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• No progress in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Knesset member: Barak misleads the Israelis Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Vilnai and negotiations with Syria
  Israeli Minister of Science, Culture and Sports Matan Vilnai said in a statement quoted on Monday by Israeli radio that the current round of negotiations between Israel and Syria is considered the first in a long time as continued rounds of talks have been carried out between the Syrian and Israeli sides on such a high level, adding that this "in itself is a great achievement." Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Candidates named to head UNMOVIC Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Shas movement opposes withdrawal from the Golan
  A questionnaire carried out by Bar Ilan University in Tel Aviv and issued on Monday by the Israeli daily Maariv said that most voters from the Shas movement oppose withdrawal from the occupied Golan Heights for peace. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Israel delays release of Lebanese prisoners
  The committee in charge of following up on the conditions of the Lebanese detainees in Israeli jails on Monday confirmed that the release of about 20 prisoners from Khiam prison was delayed due to complications raised in this respect. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Uganda releases some 72 Sudanese prisoners
  Uganda on Monday released 72 Sudanese prisoners who were arrested during two years of wars in the northern part of the country. This was in the course of implementing the agreement which was signed in December 1999 between the two countries to end activities carried out by rebels along their joint borders. Sudan-Uganda, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Two Lebanese sentenced to death in Congo
  A military court in Kinshasa has sentenced two Lebanese citizens to death over smuggling money and spying on the rebels who control the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lebanon-Congo, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Israeli plan to expel Christians from occupied Jerusalem
  The Arab League is making consultations with the Middle East Council of Churches and with some of the concerned parties in confronting Israeli plans aimed removing the Christians from occupied Jerusalem. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Some 61 Iraqis and Iranians drifted to Indonesian shores
  Some 61 Iraqis and Iranians drifted ashore to the Jimbaran coast in the Indonesian province of Bali, after their ship suffered mechanical disorder 20 nautical miles off the coast. Iraq-Iran-Indonesia, Politics, 1/11/2000
• Syrian Israeli four committees meet
  The four committees covering border demarcation, equal security measures, normal peaceful relations and water between Syria and Israel resumed their meetings on Sunday in Shepherdstown, West Virginia simultaneously. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Algerian interior minister receives message from Moroccan peer
  Algerian Interior and Local Councils Minister Yazid Zerhouni received a message from his Moroccan peer, Ahmed Midaoui. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Egyptian coordination with eight major countries to establish world free of nuclear weapons Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Toshka celebrates its third birthday
  A New Delta West of the Nile Valley Project of the 20th Century. President Mubarak has given the signal for the launching in the Western Desert of the Upper Egypt Master Development Project. Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Syria: Peace road is still long and hard Syria, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Syrian-Israeli talks resumed on Sunday
  Syrian-Israeli peace talks were due to be resumed on Sunday in Shepherdstown following a one-day cessation. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Al-Sharaa, Barak to return to their countries
  The Israeli Radio correspondent in Shepherdstown, West Virginia said on Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa will return today to the Middle East following the expected meeting the two men were due to hold on Sunday with US President Bill Clinton. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Palestinians regain control over Jerusalem 'with consent of Israel'
  The Palestinian security services have lately obtained a free hand in Occupied Jerusalem in return for intelligence coordination with the Israeli secret services, an Israeli researcher concluded recently. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• US working paper and the Israeli-Syrian negotiations
  The minister at the Israeli premier's office, Haim Ramon, said on Sunday that the US working paper which was crystallized in Shepherdstown talks is an important paper because it brings together points of agreement and differences between Syria and Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Palestinians want Israel to rid itself of nuclear weapons in final status agreement
  The Palestinians plan to demand the inclusion of a special clause in the final status agreement with Israel that would prevent Israel from keeping its nuclear arsenal. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from the Saudi crown prince
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Sunday at al-Rawda's presidential palace in Damascus received Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Tweijari, the envoy of Saudi Crown Prince, First Deputy Premier and chairman of the National Guard Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/10/2000
• King Abdullah invites Khatami to Jordan
  Jordan's King Abdullah II has invited Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to visit Amman, a visit which, if materialized, will be the first ever by an Iranian head of state to Jordan in the past two decades, state-run Tehran radio reported on Monday. Jordan-Iran, Politics, 1/10/2000
• President Arafat hails King Mohammed's backing to Palestinians
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat hailed the constant backing extended by King Mohammed VI to the Palestinians "to help them recover their legitimate and inalienable rights, including their right to return, to self-determination and to statehood with Al-Quds Asharif as capital." Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Report: Cabinet reshuffle in Jordan
  The Jordanian daily al-Arab al-Youm said on Sunday that the Jordanian prime minister has started his consultations to make the expected reshuffle on his government. Jordan, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Denial of Iranian accusations against Syria
  The office of the Qatari al-Jazira TV satellite station in Tehran on Sunday denied news reported by al-Jazira TV station that the spiritual guide of the Iranian revolution, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the Syrian-Israeli negotiations as "a great treason against the Arabs and Muslims." Syria-Iran, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Iraq is ready to cooperate over the missing
  Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohammed Said al-Sahaf has expressed his country's readiness to work with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in order to learn the fate of hundreds of missing since the Gulf War in 1991. Iraq, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Iraqi deputy premier visits Malaysia Iraq-Malaysia, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Bahraini defense minister arrives in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Arab astonishment toward US declarations concerning Israel joining the European group
  Arab diplomatic sources in Cairo expressed astonishment toward the statements made by Richard Holbrook, the US delegate at the UN, in which he said that he and US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will not get bored talking weekly, if not daily, about asking the Europeans to accept Israel's membership to the European geographical group inside the UN. Regional-Israel-UN, Politics, 1/10/2000
• An openness in the Syrian media
  The Syrian negotiating delegation at Shepherdstown has made an unprecedented openness in expressing its stances and views over the negotiations, and it seems that the Syrians, for the first time, are fighting the Israeli side with the same media weapon. Syria, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Jewish fund claims properties of Syrian territories
  The board of the Jewish National Fund, which is a state-run establishment, holds today a meeting to discuss the future of lands owned by the border near Damascus. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Levy, Sharon and withdrawal from the Golan
  The chairman of the Israeli Mifdal Party, Yitzhak Levy, who is also the Israeli minister of settlements, said in an interview with Israeli Radio on Sunday that progress was attained in the peace talks in Shepherdstown between Syria and Israel, but it is not a "dramatic progress." Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Two international rescue workers killed in southern Sudan ambush
  Two Sudanese citizens working with the US rescue agency CARE were killed in an ambush made by the rebels in Sudan while two of their colleagues are still missing. Sudan, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Muslim Brothers in Jordan ask for return of Hamas leaders, release of detainees
  The Jordanian Muslim Brothers group asked yesterday that King Abdullah II of Jordan to allow the return of Hamas leaders to their country and to release tens of the Islamists who were recently detained by the Jordanian authorities. Jordan, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Mbeki calls for an end to military regimes
  As the African National Congress observed its 88th anniversary Saturday, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa said the greatest problem that plagued the African continent over the past century has been discrimination on the basis of color. Regional, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Some 20 persons killed in confrontations among Somali groups
  Some 20 persons were killed at least and another 32 were wounded during the two past days in confrontations that took place between the warring Somali factions in Deinsour city, southern Somalia. Somalia, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Arab follow up committee on Israeli nuclear practices to meet in Cairo
  The Arab committee in charge of following up on Israeli nuclear activity which contradicts the nuclear, Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) will hold its seventh meeting on January 23-24 at the premises of the Arab League. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Arab media officials to meet in Cairo
  The Arab media standing committee holds its 65th session at the Cairo-based Arab League on January 17 in which information under-secretaries would take part. Regional, Politics, 1/10/2000
• Maronite patriarch in Lebanon urges uniting efforts and internal solidarity Lebanon, Politics, 1/10/2000

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