Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/17/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 17, 2000

• El-Bashir visits Emirates today
  Sudanese President Omar Hasan El-Bashir headed today to the United Arab Emirates in an official visit, during which he will meet with Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan to discuss the developments in the Middle East, the situation in the Gulf and developments in Sudan. United Arab Emirates-Sudan, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Morocco's ambassador presents credentials to South African president
  Morocco's new ambassador in Pretoria, Abdellatif Nacif, presented on Friday his credentials to South African President Thabo Mbeki. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Matutes' statement on Sebta and Melillia, a surprise for Rabat
  Morocco said Spanish foreign minister Abel Matutes' statement on the occupied presidios Sebta and Melillia during his visit to Tunisia came as a total surprise. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Moroccan premier attends 1st international-socialist presidium Morocco, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Eritrea reopens its embassy in Sudan
  Eritrea reopened its embassy in Khartoum as Eritrean Foreign Minister Haile Weldensae raised his country's flag over the headquarters of the embassy on Thursday in the attendance of his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Othman Ismael. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Moussa, Albright telephone talks on multilateral Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Moroccan FM in Tunis after Bamako
  Minister of foreign affairs and cooperation Mohamed Benaissa arrived Friday in Tunis where he is to hand in a message from King Mohammed VI to president Zine El Abidine Bin Ali. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Saudi crown prince confers with former US president, British premier Saudi Arabia-International, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Egyptian committee for solidarity hails Algeria's role in development Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Report: Russia, US assert pressure on Damascus
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Watan on Friday quoted well-informed sources in the Russian capital, Moscow, as saying that Moscow and Washington are increasing their pressure on Damascus to take part in the multilateral talks concerning the Middle East due to be held in Russia on February 1. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Mubarak - Cook discussions
  President Hosni Mubarak met with British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook on regional and international issues and the Egyptian-British ties. Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Mubarak's Directives to promote Egypt's tourism
  President Hosni Mubarak, when following up government strategies and policies in several sectors starting with the tourism today, presented a future vision of these sectors in the coming stages. Egypt, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Mousa receives Merghani
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is receiving today the chairman of the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance opposition coalition Muhammad Othman al-Merghani. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Mugabi concludes visit to Libya
  The president of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabi, has concluded a visit to Libya during which he held talks with Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gaddafi dealing with bilateral relations and several African and regional issues of mutual concern. Libya-Zimbabwe, Politics, 1/22/2000
• E.U. ministers to meet with Arafat Monday
  European Union ministers of foreign affairs and European affairs will meet in Brussels on Monday with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, the French Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. Palestine-European Union, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Kuwait and relations with Israel Kuwait, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Palestinian Central Council to convene on February 2
  Informed Palestinian sources stated that the Palestinian leadership determined February 2 as the date for convening the Palestinian Central Council and that the council's chairmanship has already started to address invitations to the council's 60 members to attend the meeting. Palestine, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Japan asks Lebanon to deliver five persons seeking right of asylum
  A Japanese security delegation arrived in Lebanon and discussed with Lebanese judicial officials handing over five Japanese suspects in Lebanon, as Tokyo strongly pushes on Beirut to hand over the five Japanese suspects by the use of economic pressure. Lebanon-Japan, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Egyptian Diplomatic Missions to bypass Kosheh incidents
  The Egyptian Foreign Ministry has supplied its embassies abroad with all information on the recent incidents in the upper Egyptian village of Kosheh. Egypt, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Malaysia announces plans to open embassy in Algeria
  Malaysia is planning to open an embassy in Algeria, to reciprocate Algeria's move, reports Malaysian news agency "BERNAMA" quoting Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar. Algeria-Malaysia, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Barak sends expert delegation to Washington
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on Friday decided to send experts to Washington to present the US administration Israel's observations on the US working document connected to the Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Moroccan senate closes fall session Morocco, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Switzerland nominates new ambassador to Morocco Morocco-Switzerland, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Israel has arrested 12,000 Lebanese since 1978
  Mohammed Safa, secretary general of the Khiam Center for the rehabilitation of torture victims said that Israel has arrested 12,000 Lebanese persons since 1978. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Travel agency federation's congress on tourism lasting development
  Morocco's travel agency federation (FNAVM) held in Casablanca its 21st national congress on the topic: "Travel professionals and the promotion of lasting tourism in Morocco." Morocco, Politics, 1/22/2000
• African organization appoints new acting chief
  The board of governors of the African center of administration training and research for development, CAFRAD, on Friday appointed Tijani Muhammad Bande (Nigeria) as director general in replacement of Mohammad Ahmad Wali, who is now Nigeria's ambassador to Argentina. Morocco-Africa, Politics, 1/22/2000
• Spain calls for Libya's return to Euro - Mediterranean dialogue
  Matutes added that the consolidation of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership process and the strengthening of ties with the Maghreb were a priority for Spain. He said this partnership and the situation in the Maghreb were at the focus of his talks with Tunisian President Zine El Abidine ben Ali and foreign minister Habib Ben Yahia. Tunisia-Libya-Italy, Politics, 1/21/2000
• President of Djibouti due to visit Egypt on Tuesday
  Ibrahim Abd El-Latif, Egypt's ambassador to Djibouti, asserted the importance of the visit that will be paid by President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti to Egypt on Tuesday, clarifying that this visit will give a strong push forward to Egyptian - Djiboutian relations and revitalize the signed agreements between the two countries. Egypt-Djibouti, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Tunisian women affairs minister visits Morocco Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Indian ambassador in Cairo assures strength of relations with Egypt Egypt-India, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Arafat meets with Clinton, Albright
  Speaking in a photo opportunity with US President Bill Clinton, with whom Arafat met yesterday, Arafat commented on the peace process, saying, "The negotiations is the best way. This is what happened with Egypt, this is what happened with Jordan and this is what will happen with Syria, as well as Lebanon, and also it happened with the Palestinians with the help of President Clinton." Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Yemeni president to visit Canada and Belgium in March
  Yemeni diplomatic sources said Saleh's visit comes in a European tour that may also include the Netherlands and the USA and that the tour aims at discussing bilateral relations with those countries and means of enhancing the economic and the commercial fields as well as increasing development aids to Yemen during the coming years. Yemen-International, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Honduras withdraws SADR recognition
  Honduras officially decided it no longer acknowledged the so-called SADR pending the outcome of the United Nations referendum in the Sahara, diplomatic sources in Tegucigalpa said. Morocco-Honduras, Politics, 1/21/2000
• UN to help Djibouti prepare Somali peace plan Djibouti-Somalia-UN, Politics, 1/21/2000
• OIC official: No peace without giving back Jerusalem to the Palestinians
  Ambassador Abd El-Aziz Abu Ghosh, the assistant secretary general of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, stated that there will be no peace in the Middle East without giving back Jerusalem to the Palestinians to be a perpetual capital for Palestine. Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Series of cooperation agreements signed between Ankara, Athens
  Turkey and Greece on Thursday signed in Ankara four cooperation agreements during an unprecedented visit in 38 years made by Greek Foreign Minister Yeoryios Papandreou to Ankara. Turkey-Greece, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Committee to investigate accusations against prime minister in Jordan
  A Jordanian parliamentary source said on Wednesday that the Jordanian parliament has elected a nine-member committee to investigate the corruption accusations addressed by independent parliamentarian Mahmoud al-Kharabesha against Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh. Jordan, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Al-Hoss: Our borders do not accept amendment, re-demarcation
  Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss has asserted that the internationally recognized Lebanese borders will not be amended or re-demarcated in any agreement that might be reached with Israel. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/21/2000
• US tries to prevent collapse of Syrian- Israeli negotiations
  Well-informed sources at the US State Department said that the US administration tries to prevent the total collapse of negotiations between Syria and Israel because Damascus is convinced that suspending the negotiations for a period exceeding several days will greatly damage the chances to achieve progress in this regard. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Knesset discusses Israel's nuclear potential
  The Israeli Knesset intends to dicuss Israel's nuclear potential publicly for the first time during the coming week. Israel-Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Israeli - Turkish cooperation against elements of Hizbullah
  Turkish sources stated yesterday that the operation made by Turkish security forces three days ago in Istanbul due to which the leader of Turkish Hizbullah organization, Hussein Wali Oglo, was killed was the result of tight cooperation between the Turkish intelligence body and its Israeli counterpart, the Mossad. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Arab and international debates concentrating Israeli-Syrian negotiations Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Prisoners and Kuwaiti security debated by al-Shahin, Vedrine
  Kuwaiti Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Suleiman Majid al-Shahin has handed over French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine on Tuesday evening in Paris a message from Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad connected to Kuwait's security, the Kuwaiti prisoners in Iraq and the Gulf war compensation fund. Kuwait-France, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Khatami urges sound Iranian elections
  The Iranian Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) quoted Khatami, who has seen some of his allies deprived from becoming candidates in the elections of the coming month, as saying that a publicly-elected parliament could contribute to a multilateral system of government so that the people can determine their own destiny. Iran, Politics, 1/21/2000
• 2000 set as year for Jerusalem by Arab information committee
  In conclusion of its 65th session held in Cairo on Wednesday, the permanent Arab information committee approved observing the year 2000 a year for Jerusalem and to back the city's steadfastness and preserve its Arab identity with a view to confronting a growing Israeli danger threatening the holy city. Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Some 14,000 Iraqi children died in December because of UN sanctions
  The Iraqi Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that more than 14,000 Iraqi children died in December, 1999 because of the siege. Thereby the number of victims of the UN embargo increased to 1.2 million since the imposition of UN sanctions on this country in August, 1990. Iraq, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Jordan refuses request for dialog with Hamas
  Jordan refused a proposal presented by a leader in the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement on opening a discussion with the kingdom, but it left the door opened for the return of four expelled Hamas officials who have Jordanian citizenship to Amman as normal citizens on the condition that they abandon their leading positions in Hamas. Jordan, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Preparations for the 17th session of the Arab interior in Algeria
  The general trusteeship of the Arab interior ministers' council said that Algeria will host on January 26 preparations for the 17th session of the Arab interior ministers' council, in which interior ministers from the Arab states, high-ranking officials in the Interior Ministries and security bodies in the member states will participate. Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• African administrative research center meets in Tangier
  The administrative board of the Tangier-based African Center for Training and Research in Administration (CAFRAD) holds its 38th session in Tangier this Friday. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Not everybody in Israel happy with the forthcoming visit by the Pope
  Preparations have started to receive Pope John Paul II in his visit to the Palestinian controlled areas and Israel. Both sides have released the schedule of the visit, originally prepared by the Vatican, designing the rules for coverage and transport on those days. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/21/2000
• UNIFIL chief in Lebanon: No signs of Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon
  The Hizbullah official in charge of south Lebanon affairs, Sheikh Nabil Qawouk, on Wednesday discussed with the political advisor of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, Timor Goksel, developments in the Middle East region in light of the continuing Israeli attacks against the northern areas of the occupied part of south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 1/21/2000
• Moroccan-Algerian talks in Algiers Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Mubarak receives Cook
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook who is currently visiting Cairo on a short tour of the Middle East, which he commenced in Jordan. Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Sultan Qaboos gets a message from Chinese president Oman-China, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Mubarak, force for progress stability in ME
  "Britain is the biggest foreign investor in Egypt and is looking forward to increasing trade exchange with it," Cook said. Welcoming the Egyptian-Libyan initiative to settle the Sudanese crisis, he said that Egypt plays an important role in Sudan and its support for settling the Sudanese problem is necessary. "It is important to coordinate efforts in this respect," he added. Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Ruler of Qatar arrives in Tunisia Tunisia-Qatar, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Syrian premier confers with Turkish minister
  Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi on Wednesday in Damascus received the Turkish minister of state for meteorology and sea transport, Ramadan Oglo, and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Bouteflika confers with the emir of Qatar Algeria-Qatar, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Moroccan King Sends Messages to Malian and Tunisian Presidents Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Jordanian committee to investigate accusation against prime minister Jordan, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Israel's attitude creates dissatisfaction
  "The Israeli side put off implementation of agreements, despite earlier pledges to meet commitments according to Sharm el-Sheikh and Wye River memos," Moussa said Egypt, Politics, 1/20/2000
• King Abdullah: Syria is determined to achieve just peace
  Jordan's King Abdullah II said on Wednesday that the Syrians are determined to achieve a just and honorable peace, a matter which has been repeatedly asserted by Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Jordan-UK, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Chinese deputy foreign minister to arrive in Qatar tomorrow
  Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Cini Tin is arriving tomorrow in the Gulf area for a tour he will start in Qatar, proceeding to Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar-China, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Bahraini crown prince meets with Albright Bahrain-USA, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Arafat meets with Barak
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat stressed on Wednesday that the meeting he held on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak did not result in any tangible results, adding that he will ask for a rapid and clear move from US President Bill Clinton to this end. Palestine-Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Meetings of Libyan - Egyptian initiative committee to achieve reconciliation in Sudan start Egypt-Libya, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Hussein lawyer says will quit if he beleives his client willingly worked for Iraq Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Israeli paper and the Syrian track
  The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak prefers to negotiate with Syria on the grounds of June 6, 1967 of no certain or definite border marks, which will give the two sides a margin to maneuvere, instead of negotiating on the basis of international borders set in 1923 by the two mandates of the French and British powers at that time to separate Palestine and Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Israeli sources and negotiations with Syria
  Israeli political sources have expressed, in statements quoted by Israeli Radio on Wednesday, their belief that the resumption of Syrian-Israeli negotiations will not be made before the beginning of February. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Libya and the EU
  The European Commission on Wednesday asked Libya to approve the Barcelona process on the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. Libya-European Union, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Syrian- Turkish normalization proceeds slowly
  The Turkish daily Hurrieyet said on Tuesday that the normalization process in Syrian- Turkish relations is improving slowly since the expulsion of the leader of the Kurdistani Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, from Syria. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Jordanian foreign minister to visit Moscow next month Jordan-Russia, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Moroccan organization calls france to suspend expulsion of emigrants having family members in france
  The Moroccan human rights organization (OMDH) called French authorities to suspend expulsion measures against Moroccan emigrants whose parents or children are settled in France. Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Youssoufi defends cabinet's action, blames heritage of previous governments Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Lebanon refuses to grant right of asylum to Iraqi opposition member
  Lebanon refused a request presented by Iraqi opposition member Ahmed El Douri for the right of asylum. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Al-Sharaa reviews Middle East developments with Iranian, Japanese ambassadors
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Damascus received the Iranian ambassador in Damascus, Hussein Sheikh al-Islam. Syria-Iran, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Iraq to increase its oil production
  Iraq has renewed its determination to increase its oil production to 6 million barrels per day after the embargo imposed on it since August 1990 is lifted. Iraq, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Kuwaiti emir confers with Vietnamese official
  Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Wednesday received the deputy chairman of the national society of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Kuwait-Vietnam, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Eritrea: IGAD initiative for solving Sudanese issue needs development
  El-Amin Mohammed Saeed, secretary general of the ruling party in Eritrea said that IGAD initiative for solving the Sudanese issue needs to be developed. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Congress delegation lauds Egypt's role and achievements
  Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid Wednesday received a 15-member delegation of the US Congress currently visiting Egypt. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Al-Bashir confers with Afwerki
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Tuesday met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, thereby officially consolidating the recent rapprochement between their two countries. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Morocco to set up women information and training center
  Moroccan secretary of state for social protection, family and childhood, Mohamed Said Saadi, announced on Wednesday that his department is projecting to set up a national information, documentation and training center on women issues. Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Tensions Tear Apart Polisario Leadership, Paper
  Deep tensions are currently tearing apart the polisario leadership which failed to impose its diktat on the Sahrawis sequestered in the Tindouf camps Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Moroccan representatives worried over results of UN identification in sahar
  Radi added that a fair referendum with the participation of all Sahrawis would only confirm the Sahara as Moroccan territory. Morocco, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Algerian gunmen drop their weapons Algeria, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Mubarak meets with Arafat, Moroccan envoy
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday in Cairo received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in the presence of Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and the advisor to the Egyptian president for political affairs, Osama El-Baz. Egypt, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Water expert: Syrian-Israeli water conflict can be settled easily Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Human rights group blames Israel, PA for violations
  A Palestinian human rights group demanded in its annual report issued on Sunday that the Palestinian Authority cancel 24 death sentences in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/20/2000
• UN High Commission for Refugees discusses taking Cairo as its headquarters
  The UN High Commission for Refugees is currently discussing taking Cairo as the headquarters of the new mechanism that was specified by the UN to follow up on any sudden intensification of immigration or refugee movements, said Hani Khallaf, the assistant foreign minister for human rights affairs. Egypt, Politics, 1/20/2000
• Peace cannot be turned into a trade deal
  President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received a verbal message from French President Jacques Chirac. The message which was conveyed by French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine dealt with the developments of the peace process and the current circumstances of the peace process on the various tracks. Egypt-France, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Egyptian actor appointed as an ambassador for the UNHCR
  Egyptian actor Adel Imam was officially appointed on Tuesday in Cairo as an ambassador for the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for the Middle East and North Africa. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 1/19/2000
• French couple kidnapped, freed in Yemen
  The Yemeni police on Tuesday cordoned the area where a French man and his wife were held together with their driver and guide after they were kidnapped on Monday by armed tribesmen in northern Yemen. Yemen, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Al-Sharaa receives telephone call from Russian counterpart Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/19/2000
• AL chief confers with EU delegation
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Tuesday in Cairo received the European Union delegation led by Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama, whose country currently presides over the EU. Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/19/2000
• King Mohammed sends message to President Mubarak
  The message is part of permanent consultations between the two heads of state, adviser to the sovereign, Allal Sinaceur, told reporters after the meeting. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Bashar al-Assad to visit London, Washington Syria-International, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Yemen, Sudan and Djibouti Summit in Sanaa
  The presidents of Yemen, Djibouti, and Sudan held a tripartite summit on Monday evening in Sanaa in which they stressed their backing for Syria, Lebanon and Palestine in order to restore their occupied lands and legitimate Arab rights. Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Al-Khatib visits Russia Jordan-Russia, Politics, 1/19/2000
• British foreign secretary to arrive in Cairo tonight
  British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook is to arrive tonight for an official visit to Egypt, during which he will be received by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Syria's position towards the peace talks with Israel
  The Syrian official said that the scenario tries to impose a peace treaty similar to those previously rejected by Damascus and considered it insulting to the supreme national interests of the Arab states. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Egypt supports national reconciliation in Algeria Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Moussa: Renominating Ekeus creates a lot of question marks
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa yesterday depicted nominating Rolf Ekeus to head the new international weapons inspection committee in Iraq as stirring up a lot of question marks. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Al-Bashir in Asmara
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir held a sudden visit to Eritrea on Tuesday on his way back from Sanaa in a step which reflects Sudanese interest in the consequences of exploding the oil pipeline which took place in the area adjoining the borders between the two countries. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Syrian PNF holds Israel responsible for the current situation of negotiations
  The participants in the meeting listened to a political report read by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. The report dealt with the latest developments of negotiations between Syria and Israel. Syria, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Report: Chirac says peace agreement between Israel and Syria to be signed by the end of February
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am quoted an Arab senior figure who recently met with French President Jacques Chirac as saying that peace is proceeding in rapid strides between Syria and Israel and that the agreement between the two countries might be signed by the end of February. Regional-Syria-France, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Syria and the Israeli accusations
  Monte Carlo radio said on Tuesday that the fact Syria did not react to the Israeli accusations addressed to it over the postponement of the third round of negotiations on the Syrian track is a Syrian tactic aimed at snatching more concessions. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Kuwaiti emir confers with Benin's president
  A round of official talks was held in Kuwait on Tuesday between Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah, and the president of Benin, Mathieu Kerekou. Kuwait-Benin, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Agreement between Egypt and Europe, concluded
  President Mubarak received yesterday the European Union delegation, headed by Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama, whose country is currently heading the European Union. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/19/2000
• French employment minister confers with Moroccan officials
  French Minister of Employment and Solidarity Martine Aubry, who started on Monday a three-day working visit to the kingdom, conferred with several Moroccan officials on cooperation in matters of education, vocational training, employment and rural world development. Morocco-France, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Fassi-Fihri visits European Parliament in Strasbourg
  Foreign affairs secretary of state, Taib Fassi-Fihri, met in Strasbourg Tuesday the president of the European Parliament, Mrs Nicole Fontaine, who undertakes shortly an official visit to Morocco. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Government to hand in this year territorial management scheme
  The government will see to the completion of the restructuring process of territorial administration to adapt it to local environment growth needs, Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi told the chamber of advisors Monday. Morocco, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Arab foreign ministers to convene in Cairo during March
  The Arab foreign ministers will discuss peace process developments in meetings of the Arab League council in the 113th session that will be held on March 12 and 13 under the chairmanship of Omani Foreign Minister Yousef Bin Alawi. Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Egyptian-US talks on Sudan
  The Sudanese al-Rai al-Am daily said on Tuesday that the Sudanese government had received a very important report from Cairo about the visit of an Egyptian delegation to Washington and the talks it held there on Sudanese affairs. Sudan-Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/19/2000
• AL chief confers with Algerian minister
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Tuesday in Cairo discussed with the Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi the latest developments concerning conditions in Algeria. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• On southern Sudan talks
  It was announced in Nairobi on Tuesday that the talks aimed at finding a solution to the problem in southern Sudan waged since 17 years ago, had started seriously, following long inaugural consultations. Sudan, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Arab interior ministers to convene in Algeria in the end of current month Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Israeli intelligence and a new map for the Golan
  The Israeli daily Haaretz said on Tuesday that the Israeli military intelligence has drawn a map for the line which used to separate the Israeli and Syrian forces on June 4, 1967 in the Golan, on the eve of the eruption of war between the two countries. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Israel to make amendment to end current crisis with Syria
  Israeli Minister of the Interior Yossi Beilin said in a statement to Israeli Radio on Tuesday that Syria does not understand the motives for the Syrian decision to suspend the negotiations. He expressed his belief that there is a mistake. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• French FM meets Palestinian minister
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine met on Tuesday with Palestinian Planning and International Cooperation Minister Nabil Shaath for talks on the Middle East situation. Palestine-France, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Iranian, Saudi economic committee meets in Tehran
  The first round of the meetings of the second session of the joint Iranian- Saudi economic committee convened on Monday evening. It was chaired by Iranian Minister of Commerce Muhammad Shareyat Madari and Saudi Minister of Commerce Osama Jaafar al-Faqih. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Golan settlers: Barak is not authorized to restore the Golan
  Israeli settlers announced on Tuesday that they had warned Syrian President Hafez al-Assad that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is not authorized to return the Golan to Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Emir of Kuwait receives message from Belarusian President Kuwait-Belarus, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Youssoufi hails royal approach to Saharan affairs
  Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi hailed the decision by King Mohammed VI to give a new impetus to the royal consultative council for Saharan affairs and stage elections for membership. Morocco, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Moussa convenes with US ambassador before leaving Cairo Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/19/2000
• AL wants to maintain Sudan's security and unity
  The Arab League has asserted its desire to maintain Sudan's unity and territorial integrity. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Permanent committee for Arab information demands expansion of use of satellites
  The permanent committee for Arab information under the chairmanship of Egyptian expert Amin Basuini discussed in its meetings yesterday in Cairo, Egypt means of developing Arab coordination in the Arab information field. Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Youth council holds 8th session in Rabat
  The National Council of Youth and the Future (CNJA) is currently holding its 8th session in Rabat under the topic "globalization, rural development and youth employment." Morocco, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Morocco calls applicants to identification to follow up their applications
  Morocco called on Tuesday all applicants to identification as voters in the UN-projected referendum in the Sahara to follow up their application by checking at the UN identification offices that their name is included in the list released. Morocco, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Leaders of Hamas appeal decision concerning expulsion from Jordan
  The four leaders of the Hamas resistance movement who were expelled by the Jordanian authorities to Qatar almost two months ago decided to resort to the Jordanian judiciary to appeal the decision to expel them. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Details of a 1948 massacre revealed
  A new study presented to Haifa University revealed details of a massacre that the Israeli army carried out in the process of taking over the village of Tantura, near Haifa back in 1948. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• April Understanding committee meets on Lebanese, Israeli complaints
  The April Understanding Monitoring Committee on Tuesday held a meeting at the headquarters of UNIFIL in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2000
• Egypt links between progress in bilateral discussions and multilateral negotiations Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/18/2000
• A Sudanese, Yemeni, Djiboutian summit
  An official source in Sanaa reported that Sudanese President Hassan al-Bashir arrived in Sanaa on Monday in an official visit to Yemen which will last for several days, during which he will take part in a tripartite summit between Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and President Ismael Omar Guelleh of Djibouti. Yemen-Sudan, Politics, 1/18/2000
• European Union delegation discusses peace process developments with Mubarak
  A delegation from the European Union arrived in Cairo today for a two-day visit to Egypt, during which Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will receive them to discuss peace process developments and the European role in pushing the process forward. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Syrian-Israeli negotiations are postponed under demarcating June 4, 1967 lines Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Morocco, Spain determined to boost bilateral cooperation
  Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in matters of security, struggle against drug trafficking and illegal emigration topped the talks that will be carried on at the level of working groups. The two sides also probed mutual assistance in matters of elections and civilians rescue as well as cooperation in the fields of devolution and decentralization. Morocco, Politics, 1/18/2000
• King Mohammed guest to dinner hosted by French president Morocco-France, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Moroccan and Spanish home ministers probe bilateral cooperation
  Moroccan-Spanish cooperation in matters of security, struggle against drug trafficking and illegal emigration topped talks in Rabat Monday between Moroccan and Spanish home ministers, Ahmed Midaoui and Jaime Mayor Oreja. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Algerian prime minister presents reform program before parliament
  The program included openness, the generalization of participation and renewing the administration's will to terminate favoritism and arbitrariness in the use of power, as well as enhancing the Algerian economy and terminating all kinds of discrimination. Algeria, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Turkish minister arrives in Damascus
  Turkish minister of meteorology and sea transport Merza Oglo and members of the accompanying delegation arrived in Damascus on Monday on an official visit to Syria. The visit will last for four days. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Robin Cook makes Middle East tour
  UK Foreign Secretary Robin Cook started today a Middle East tour aimed at getting Arab support for the efforts of Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to reach peace with Israel. Jordan-Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Egyptian Foreign Ministry: Entery to Qatar without visa only because of shopping festival Egypt-Qatar, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Syrian FM reviews developments with Lebanese, Turkish FMs
  A telephone call was made on Monday between Lebanese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Syrian official: Israeli pressures for the normalization Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Abdul Meguid to receive Algerian foreign minister today
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid is receiving Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi today. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 1/18/2000
• US Congress staffers hail Moroccan government reforms
  A group of US congress staffers, currently visiting Morocco, hailed on Monday economic, social and political reforms undertaken by the Moroccan government. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Iraq strongly opposes appointing Aquios as a chairman for a new weapons inspection front Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Report: New road to be constructed in Israel named Naharia-Damascus
  The London based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily reported in its Monday issue that circles in the Israeli Housing Ministry said it had completed last week a blueprint to construct and pave a new street under the name Naharia- Damascus. Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Report: Barak and the negotiations with Syria
  Monte Carlo radio's correspondent in Tel Aviv quoted a well-informed Israeli source as saying that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak will propose in the coming round to the Syrians a clearer stand toward the question of the borders but a stand less than the Syrian expectations in this regard. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Syria, Israel work for a settlement for Israel's withdrawal from the Golan
  The Israeli daily Jerusalem Post on Monday quoted Alon Ben Meir, a professor based in Washington, as saying that Syria and Israel are working for a settlement on an Israeli withdrawal that takes place on stages from the Golan during a period extending from two years to 30 months. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• US sources and negotiations between Syria and Israel Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Egyptian workers in Kuwait confirm being exposed to torture
  Egyptian workers in Kuwait said that they were exposed to torture while being interrogated in the events that took place in the Kifan area at end of last year, due to which some houses in Kuwait were burnt. Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 1/18/2000
• US Congressional delegation hails stability in Egypt
  The US Congressional delegation who is currently visiting Cairo hailed the stability Egypt is witnessing at the economic and political levels, assuring the importance of continuing the leading role played by Egypt politically, militarily and economically to maintain the stability of the area. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Sudan, Bahrain voice backing to Syria
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa have asserted in a joint statement their full backing to and solidarity with Syria to restore back all its territories in the occupied Golan back to June 4, 1967 lines on the ground of UN resolutions 242 and 338 as well as the land for peace formula Regional-Syria, Politics, 1/18/2000
• European Union Middle East peace envoy confers with Israeli FM Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• EU to help rebuild the Golan
  Israeli Hebrew language radio on Monday said that the countries of the European Union wish to take part in the Syrian-Israeli negotiations, especially concerning the agreement over the water issue, economic development for the Golan area and security measures that can build confidence between the two sides. Syria-Israel-European Union, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Moussa meets with Abed Rabbo
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday with Palestinian Minister of Culture and Information Yasser Abed Rabbo, chairman of the Palestinian delegation to final status negotiations, who said after the meeting that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before Arafat travels to Washington to meet US President Bill Clinton on January 29. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Morocco astonished and disappointed about identification in sahara
  Morocco expressed on Tuesday "astonishment and disappointment" following the results of the identification of "contested" tribes. Morocco, Politics, 1/18/2000
• UN opens appeals procedure for rejected voters in sahara referendum
  The United Nations announced that it began on Monday hearing appeals of Sahrawis who were not admitted as voters in the UN-planned referendum in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Algerian FM to visit France Algeria-France, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Solana and the Middle East peace
  The secretary general of the EU council Javier Solana has asserted the need of mobilizing the European and American efforts to provide a success for the Middle East peace process. Regional, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Talks by Jordanian irrigation minister in Ankara concerning water Jordan-Turkey, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Delegation from Azerbaijan visits Cairo
  A delegation under the chairmanship of Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalanof will arrive at Cairo in a visit to Egypt that will last for few days Egypt-Azerbaijan, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Vedrine leaves Cairo
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine left Cairo today after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-France, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Kuwait, Belarus to consolidate bilateral cooperation Kuwait-Belarus, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Any infringement upon National Unity will be decisively faced
  President Hosni Mubarak said that there will be no covering for wrongdoers, assuring that whoever breaks the law, impairs the national unity or tries to do harm to the nations fabric will be dealt with decisiveness. He reminded that the Egyptian nation has never before seen fanaticism or bigotry. Egypt, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Four Hamas leaders contested their expulsion Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Results of investigations into Al Kosheh acts of violence
  Egypt asserted that full and transparent investigation regarding the isolated recent conflict in a village in Suhag governorate where several individuals were killed and injured. Egypt, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Israel's FM confers with EU representatives Politics, 1/18/2000
• European Commission to cancel import certificates for Moroccan tomatoes
  The European Commission has decided to abrogate at the latest by February 1 the regulation requiring import certificates for Moroccan tomatoes. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Iraqi celebrate ninth anniversary of the second Gulf War
  Iraq yesterday celebrated the ninth anniversary of the Gulf War to show the Iraqi challenge to the international alliance which brought it out of its occupation of Kuwait. Iraq, Politics, 1/18/2000
• Israel readies maps to end disrupted peace talks
  Israeli sources blamed Syria for the latest disruption of the peace talks between the two parties and said that Syrian President Hafez al-Assad had lots of expectations from the previous rounds of talks and was eventually disappointed. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2000
• All citizens, equal before law
  Prime Minister Atef Ebeid highlighted a number of principles governing the relation between the government and the Egyptian press and media organizations. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Sudanese president visits Manama
  Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa on Sunday in Manama discussed with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir bilateral relations between the two countries. Bahrain-Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Federal national council established in the UAE United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Mubarak meets with French Foreign Minister Egypt-France, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Hubert Vedrine: Egypt plays a leading role in the region
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine starts today a visit to Cairo at the invitation of his counterpart Amr Moussa. Vedrine's visit comes in the context of ongoing political and diplomatic coordination between Egypt and France. Egypt-France, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Al-Sharaa talks with Albright on peace negotiations Syria-USA, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Algerian foreign minister visits Cairo
  Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi is arriving today for a one-day visit to Egypt, during which he will convey a message to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Solanas hold talks in Damascus with FM al-Sharaa Syria-European Union, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Egypt backs peace efforts in ME
  President Hosni Mubarak received Sunday morning Senator Tom Dashle, leader of Minority in the US Senate and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting Egypt. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Communication minister meets Latin American presidents
  Communications Minister Mohamed Larbi Messari, who represented Morocco in the swearing-in ceremony of Guatemala's new president, Alfonso Portillo, met with the presidents of some Latin American countries. Morocco-International, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Royal Aid Al Fitr congratulation message to Bouteflika Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Moroccan king on private visit in France Morocco-France, Politics, 1/17/2000
• A message from the Sudanese foreign minister to Moussa
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received a message today from his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Othman Ismael. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Syria confirms demands to dissolve settlements, evacuate settlers
  Damascus stated that it demands not only the Israeli Army's withdrawal from Golan but also dissolving and evacuating the settlements and evacuating the settlers. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Sudan, Bahrain to set up joint higher committee
  Bahrain and Sudan on Saturday in Manama signed an agreement that provides for the establishment of a joint higher committee between the two states under the chairmanship of Bahraini Deputy Premier Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa and Sudanese First Vice President President Ali Othman Muhammad Taha. Bahrain-Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Seven new ministers in a Cabinet reshuffle in Jordan
  Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh on Saturday made the second reshuffle in his government, which he formed in March 1999 and first amended at the beginning of September, 1999. Jordan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Libyan-German economic activists meet in Tripoli Libya-Germany, Politics, 1/17/2000
• New explosion in the Sudanese petroleum pipeline Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Israeli foreign minister ends visits to Morocco
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy on Saturday wound up a visit to Morocco during which he briefed King Mohammed VI on latest developments in the Middle East peace process, mainly the results of the recent Israeli-Syrian talks in the USA. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Masalha statements on the Syrian- Israeli peace talks
  Israeli Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha has expressed his belief that next spring will witness the signing of a peace agreement between Syria and Israel. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Cook to visit Jordan on Wednesday Jordan-UK, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Jordanian FM in Israel today Jordan-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Saudi-Iranian committee meets today in Tehran
  Saudi Minister of Commerce Osama Jaafar Faqih has underlined the importance of meetings of the second session of the Iranian-Saudi committee in Tehran today in developing and strengthening relations in economic, trade, scientific, technical and cultural relations between the two countries. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/17/2000
• PNA angry at Israel's deferral of third phase pullout
  Palestinian officials strongly condemned Israel's decision to defer the further redeployment, scheduled on this 20 January, by three more weeks. PNA President Yasser Arafat blamed Israel for the deadlock in the talks and said that the Jewish state "is continuing in its lack of seriousness." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Arafat to start US-European tour on Thursday
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will start a U.S.-European tour on Thursday for talks with a number of high-ranking officials, Radio Palestine said on Sunday. Palestine, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Mubarak to launch series of meetings with Ministers of production and services
  The meetings, spanning a period of one month will be held with all ministers of production and services sector in a bid to maintain integration among the various sectors. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Egyptian diplomatic efforts for mediation in Sudan
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is to convene a meeting during the coming two days that will attended by Mohammed Ossman El Merghany, head of the opposition Sudanese Democratic National Alliance and El Sadek El Mahdi, chief of Ummah Party. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• New Egyptian vision
  In a speech delivered on Cairo University's celebrating the new Millennium Saturday evening, Prime Minister Dr. Atef Ebeid spoke on the government's obligation to eliminate impediments before the inflow of innovations and provide legal protection for innovator. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Moussa meets with Australian parliamentary delegation
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday with an Australian parliamentary delegation in the chairmanship of Hon Macdonald, considered among the most prominent leaders of the Palestine friends group in the Australian parliament, who is currently visiting Cairo on a tour in some of the area's countries including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Egypt-Regional-Australia, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Egypt participates in international conference for democratic assembly in Poland
  Egypt will participate in the international conference assembly for the democratic assembly that will be held in Warsaw in mid June. Egypt-International, Politics, 1/17/2000
• We are approaching a decisive moment, Barak says Israel-Regional, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Georgetown Univ. grants honorary doctorate to Mubarak
  US Georgetown University Board of Trustees supported selection of President Hosni Mubarak to be granted an honorary doctorate. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Egypt's Call to hold anti-terroism conference meets world support
  Egypt's permanent delegate to the UN Ambassador Ahmed Abul-Gheit on Friday submitted a report to Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on the UN General Assembly 54th session's activities in which Egypt has effectively participated. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Palestinian refugees' host countries meet
  Representatives from Jordan, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, the Arab League's Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) started a six-day meeting here Sunday to discuss the conditions Palestinian refugees. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 1/17/2000
• African tour for Moroccan 2006 World Cup committee
  Delegate chairman of the Moroccan committee for the promotion of Morocco's bid to host the 2006 World Cup football finals, Driss Benhima, arrived Sunday in Harare, the first leg of his second African tour meant to drum up support of continental institutions. Morocco-International, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Koutla parties braced for further democratic action
  Unitarian action by the democratic "Koutla" (bloc) is the cornerstone of democracy and human rights consolidation under constitutional monarchy, leaders of the koutla parties say. Morocco, Politics, 1/17/2000
• US delegation on solidarity mission in Iraq
  A US delegation, led by former attorney general Ramsey Clark, started on Sunday a solidarity and humanitarian mission in Iraq to give the embargo-struck country a $20 million assistance. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Sudanese court to rule on parliament's dissolution
  After the decision of the Sudanese constitutional court to decide on the legitimacy of the dissolution of the Sudanese Parliament, the followers of Hassan Turabi, head of the dissolved parliament, hope for a judicial verdict that cancels dissolving the parliament and ends the state of emergency. Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Egyptian organization for the human rights demands investigators to declare details of Al Kosheh events
  The legal and data studies center for the human rights in Cairo asked the Egyptian investigative organizations to declare the complete facts in front of the public opinion concerning the details of Al Kosheh's last events and the events that took place in the same village in 1998. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Improvement in Iraqi child Mariam's health after being treated in Jordan Iraq, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Israel's refusal to joint NPT is a threat, Arab League
  The Arab League said on Sunday that Israel's refusal to join the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) placing its nuclear power under the "comprehensive insurance system" constitutes a threat to security. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Referendum in Sahara depends on participation of all Moroccans of Sahrawi origin
  The holding of the referendum in the southern provinces depends on the participation of all Moroccans of Sahrawi origin. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Israeli minister calls for reducing representation in talks with Syria
  Israeli Labor Minister Eliyahu Yishai from the Shas movement has called for reducing the level of Israel's representation in the Shepherdstown negotiations with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Report on negotiations on the Syrian track
  negotiations on the Syrian track are dealing four main issues in the security file. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Extending cease fire in southern Sudan
  The Sudanese government said yesterday that it is extending the cease fire in southern Sudan for three months. Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• 25 suspects in Al-Kosheh's incident, arrested Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Trade federation denounces EU tomato import requirements
  The federation of trade, industry and service chambers (FCCIS) said it opposed the European Union decision to require import certificates for Moroccan tomatoes as of this month. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Saudi Arabia, Japan for industrial cooperation
  Saudi Minister of Industry and Electricity Hashem Yamani met on Saturday in Riyadh with Japanese Minister of International Trade and Industry Takashi Fokaya, currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Japan, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Fassi Fihri on European Parliament work visit
  Foreign affairs secretary of state, Taib Fassi Fihri, started Monday a working visit to the European Parliament to look into aspects of Moroccan-EU cooperation, said a press release of the foreign affairs and cooperation department. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Hamas leader still hidden in Gaza
  The commander of the southern region in Israel, Maj. Gen. Yamatov Samia, said that Muhammad Daief, the number one wanted man in the Hamas movement, is still hidden in the Gaza Strip. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2000
• Mediations for the return of Hamas leaders to Jordan
  The chairman of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement, Khaled Mashaal, has expected that within one week the results of current mediation for the return to Jordan of four Hamas leaders who were expelled in November, 1999 to Qatar will become clear. Jordan, Politics, 1/17/2000

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