Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/24/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 24, 2000

• Indonesian president starts visit to Saudi Arabia
  Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid started a visit to Saudi Arabia in the first stage of a tour which will last for two weeks, during which he will visit 13 countries. Saudi Arabia-Indonesia, Politics, 1/29/2000
• A sudden summit between Mubarak and Barak tomorrow
  The Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak is receiving Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who is starting tomorrow a visit to Egypt to inform president Mubarak with the latest developments in the peace process on the Palestinian track and mean of pushing forward the discussions on the Syrian track. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Moroccan-Tunisian consular, social, legal commission meets in Rabat Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 1/29/2000
• European reporters group meets home officials Morocco-France, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Chilean president invites king Mohammed to visit Chile Morocco-Chile, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Syrian speaker in Hungary Syria-Hungary, Politics, 1/29/2000
• French FM scheduled for Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 1/29/2000
• French FM scheduled for Tunisia Tunisia, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Meetings of Arab interior ministers in Algeria began today
  Ahmed Mohammed El-Salem, secretary general of the Arab interior ministers' council, asserted that'the agenda of the interior ministers council's session which begins today tackles 17 articles, topped by developing the Arab strategy for security cooperation that was signed in 1983 to cope with needs of the coming stage. Regional, Politics, 1/29/2000
• El-Mahdi meets a British official in Cairo
  Former Sudanese Prime Minister El-Sadek El-Mahdi, head of the opposition Ummah Party, is to meet Derek Belmbli, manager of the Middle East and North Africa department in the British Foreign Office, tomorrow in Cairo. Sudan-UK, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Conference for Somali reconciliation in Djibouti in April
  A statement issued by Djibouti's embassy in Cairo asserted that a reconciliation conference among the conflicted factions in Somalia will be held in Djibouti during April with the participation of 1,500 Somali persons and under the auspices of the Arab League, Egypt and Sudan. Regional-Somalia, Politics, 1/29/2000
• European parliament president in Morocco Feb. 7-9
  The president of the European Parliament Mrs Nicole Fontaine is expected in Rabat Feb. 7-9 on an official visit to the kingdom at the invitation of the speaker of the house of representatives, Abdelouahed Radi. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Istiqlal party leader meets heads of Italian parties in rome
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, held talks in Rome since he started his visit to Italy on Wednesday with leaders of major Italian political parties, representatives, senators and unionists. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/29/2000
• Al-Sharaa: Syria will not return back to negotiations without clear pledge to Golan withdrawal
  He called for Arab solidarity saying the Arab states more than any time ago is in need of consolidating its solidarity and unity of its ranks, building the common Arab market in the frame of which to withstand the after-peace phase, if such a peace is attained. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Mauritania opposition leader considers normalization with Israel a crime, threatens violence Mauritania, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Sudanese President in Muscat today
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael has asserted that peace and national reconciliation are the top priority of the new Sudanese government in the coming phase, on the ground of the Egyptian- Libyan initiative. Oman-Sudan, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Parliamentary committee assures the Egyptian people's unity Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Mubarak discuss issues with writers, intellectuals
  At his expanded dialogue with writers, intellectuals and journalists after the inauguration of the 32nd session of Cairo International Book Fair, President Mubarak said Egypt is keen to convene an Arab summit. Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Egyptian -Djiboutian cooperation prompted in several areas
  Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guellah wound up his two-day visit to Egypt yesterday during which he had important talks with President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Djibouti, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Algeria: Priority to national reconciliation
  Algerian Prime Minister Ahmad Bin Beitour has asserted that among the priorities of the work plan of the Algerian government is to restore back the state's credibility and to ensure best conditions for enabling the state's authority for the interests of citizens. Algeria, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Algerian army terminates 49 terrorists Algeria, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Egyptian minister rejects normalization
  Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni has renewed his opposition to cultural normalization with Israel or visiting it. Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Declaring the Palestinian state tops agenda of Palestinian central council
  The chairman of the Palestinian National Council, Selim El Zaenoum, said that declaring the Palestinian sate will be the main subject on the agenda of the Palestinian Central Council that will be held on February 2 in Gaza. Palestine, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Arab interior ministers' meeting in Algiers; Morocco attends
  Moroccan Minister of the Interior Ahmed Midaoui will take part in the 17th meeting of the Arab interior ministers' council hosted by Algiers on January 29 through 31. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Lebanese cables of thanks for help in obtaining pardons for Lebanese in Congo
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss addressed today cables of thanks to Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, Libyan leader Moammar Gadaffi, Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and Boutros Ghali, the secretary general of the Franophony organization. Lebanon-International, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Speaker of Bulgarian parliament in Morocco Next Week Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Casablanca bourse announces commission-free listing
  The Casablanca stock market announced that all listings will be free of commission fees for enterprises during 2000 and 2001. Morocco, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Group of Moroccan-born Jews settled in Venezuela visit Rabat
  A delegation of Moroccan-born jews settled in Venezuela is currently visiting Morocco for talks on cooperation prospects between the two countries. Morocco-Venezuela, Politics, 1/28/2000
• US sees slowed Syrian- Israeli peace work during Davos summit, Moscow talks
  US work on the Syrian-Israel tracks is expected to slow during the Davos economic meetings and Moscow meetings, US State Department Spokesman James Rubin said yesterday. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/28/2000
• A plan to increase number of Egyptian airports to 30 Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Egyptian-Libyan initiative, complements IGAD plan Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• German president to visit Egypt at the end of February
  German President Johannes Rau will visit Cairo on February 21 - 25 at the end of a tour of the area that is to include Israel and the Palestinian lands. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Moroccan daily calls Algeria to be neutral in Sahara issue
  The daily of the Istiqlal Party-- which is participating in the center-left coalition government led by socialist Abderrahmane Youssoufi-- called Algeria to adopt a total and genuine neutrality in the Sahara issue and to evidence such a neutrality by denying asylum on its territory to the separatists. Morocco, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Hamas tries to contains a dispute with Muslim brothers’ in Jordan
  The Islamic resistance Movement ( Hamas ) has announced that leader of the Movement Sheikh Ahmad Yassin has made a telephone call with the general observer of the Muslim brothers in Jordan Sheikh Jamil Abu Baker. Jordan, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Blix to chair new Iraqi arms inspection group
  The United Nations Security Council approved the nomination of Hans Blix, a former director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, to head the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), a newly-created arms inspection body that is to replace UNSCOM. Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Cote d'Ivoire hails action by King Mohammed
  Cote d'Ivoire hailed action by King Mohammed VI to make Morocco prosper and carry on the work of his father, the late King Hassan II, foreign relations minister Christophe M'boua said. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 1/28/2000
• AL invites Moratinos to attend its meetings
  The Secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Ismat Abdul Meguid has extended an invitation to the EU-ME peace process special envoy Miguel Moratinos to take part in the inaugural session of the 113th course of the Arab League AL council on the level of the foreign ministers on March 12 in order to read a comprehensive statement on the EU role and its future prospects in the ME peace process and the European vision on how to achieve peace and stability in the region. Regional, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Mexico president receives new Syrian ambassador's credentials
  President of the United states of Mexico Arnesto Zedello on Wednesday in Mexico city received Syria's permanent representatives at the UN Mikhael Wahba and received from him a copy of his credentials as an ambassador for Syria to Mexico. Syria-Mexico, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Yemeni opposition accuses Saudi Arabia of seizing a mountain in Yemen
  The al-Wahdawi paper, mouthpiece of the opposition Nasserite people's unionist party in Yemen said that the Saudi forces last week controlled a strategic mountain inside the Yemeni territories. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Arab League closely monitoring Israeli nuclear policy
  The Arab League said Thursday it was following up very closely Israel's nuclear policy and reiterated the need that Tel Aviv join the non-proliferation treaty. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Honduras refutes Israeli lies and denies transferring its embassy to Jerusalem
  Honduras had denied the existence of any project to transfer the headquarters of its embassy in Israel into the occupied city of Jerusalem. Regional-Honduras, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Egyptian university delegation visits Saudi Arabia today
  An Egyptian university delegation comprising six heads of Egyptian universities is visiting Saudi Arabia tonight to fulfill the invitation of the Saudi Ministry of Higher Education. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Arab organization for human rights welcomes Djibouti's initiative on Somalia
  The Arab Human Rights Organization has welcomed the new peace initiative presented by Djibouti to solve the Somali crisis. Regional-Somalia, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Strong security measures for the two Israeli missions in Turkey
  The Turkish Anadulia news agency said on Wednesday that the Turkish authorities have reinforced security measures for the two Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul after the two missions said they had received threatens. Turkey, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Three persons killed by the armed groups in Algeria
  The Algerian daily al-Bilad said that three soldiers were killed by the armed groups in Ommal municipality, Bumerdas province at a false barrier, while two citizens were kidnapped at the same barrier. Algeria, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Gabonese president visits UAE United Arab Emirates-Gabon, Politics, 1/28/2000
• Lebanese president speaks on the telephone with UAE president
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Tuesday evening received a telephone call from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Lebanon-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Lebanese president sets new precedence and example to citizens
  In a remarkable step and in an introduction to enforcing the "illegal wealth law," Lebanese President Emile Lahoud visited the headquarters of the constitutional council in al-Hadath and presented to the judge a declaration and a statement about his capitals and properties (transferred and non transferred). Lebanon, Politics, 1/27/2000
• New law grants Egyptian women new privileges
  The Egyptian People's Assembly (parliament) agreed last night after six heated debates on the new law for the personal status, as the new law granted many privileges to Egyptian women. Egypt, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Sudanese minister of culture to visit Cairo soon Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Lebanon parliamentary prepares for election, public discussion of state budget
  Parliament on Tuesday held its last meeting, during which it discussed the draft budget law project which will be discussed by the Parliament at the beginning of February amid indicators that sessions dedicated to discussing the budget will by transmitted live via the mass media. It will be an important occasion for the parliament and the government to debate their views before the public. Lebanon, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Message for Bouteflika from Castro Algeria-Cuba, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Royal message on India's national day
  King Mohammed VI sent President Kocheril Raman Narayanan a message of congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of India's National Day. Morocco-India, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Iran, Iraq agree to close prisoners file
  It was announced in Baghdad on Wednesday that Iran and Iraq have signed a message of intention to close the file of prisoners of war between the two sides. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Al-Sharaa and al-Hoss discuss peace talks on the Syrian, Lebanese tracks
  A telephone call was made on Wednesday between Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa and Lebanese Premier and Foreign Minister Salim al-Hoss dealing with Middle East peace process developments, especially on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks, and the latest developments in this regard. Lebanon-Syria-France, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Report: US wants a strong Syrian government
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas has quoted a European ambassador in Beirut as saying that the US informed its European allies that it is in favor of a strong Syrian government, adding that any state of weakness in this government will bring risks in this region. Syria, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Warnings of seriousness of continuing the Israeli nuclear program Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Moussa denies that IGAD opposes Egyptian - Libyan initiative
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa asserted yesterday IGAD's concern-- headed by Djibouti-- with achieving the coordination between the Egyptian - Libyan and IGAD initiatives concerning Sudan, which was asserted by the Djiboutian president in the last meeting of IGAD's summit. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Mubarak assures adherence to Sudan's stability
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stated that Egypt adheres to achieving stability in Sudan and that it is for legitimacy and does not interfere in Sudan's internal affairs and that dealings with the legal authorities must be based on facts and principles that determine this cooperation. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Mubarak stresses exigency of resuming talks on Syrian-Israeli track
  President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat held a session of talks in Cairo early on Tuesday on the latest Middle East developments especially on the Palestinian-Israeli track. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Syria, Bahrain sign an agreement on fighting terrorism
  Syrian Minister of the Interior Muhammad Harba and members of his accompanying delegation arrived in Damascus on Wednesday following a several-day visit to Bahrain. Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Ivorian president gets royal message
  Ivorian President Gen. Robert Guei was handed Wednesday a message from King Mohammed VI by a visiting Moroccan ministerial delegation. Morocco-Cote D'Ivoire, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Phone call between Arafat and Albright
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat received a phone call last night from US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Indyk stresses US efforts to resume Syrian- Israeli negotiations
  The new US ambassador to Israel, Martin Indyk, has asserted that the US administration continues its efforts with Israel and Syria, and it expects to receive answers to proposals made to bridge the rift between the two sides' stances, adding that the US is in close contact with the Syrians and the Israelis in this respect. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/27/2000
• British ambassador hails resumption of air trips between Tripoli and London
  Richard Dalton, the British ambassador in Tripoli, hailed the resumption of the Libyan Airlines company making organized trips between Tripoli and London, saying that this is considered a good sign for developing the relations between Libya and UK. Libya-UK, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Israel wants Syria to hand over remains of spy Eli Cohen
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak stated on Tuesday that Israel wants the remains of Israeli spy Eli Cohen, who was strangled in 1975 in Syria, to be restored in the framework of a peace agreement. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Beilin and peace with Syria
  Israeli Minister of Justice Yossi Beilin said the Israeli government is ready and prepared to resume negotiations with Syria and expressed his hope that peace will be attainable. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco, Tunisia sign accord on women and family affairs
  Morocco and Tunisia signed in Rabat on Wednesday an accord on cooperation in matters of women and family affairs. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Jordanian deputy attempts to assault his colleague by 'a shoe'
  In the first incident in the parliamentary work in Jordan, deputy Megahed Sakour attempted to assault a colleague with a shoe during a session of the parliament yesterday, but other deputies interfered and stopped the assault. Jordan, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Sanaa: Foreign fronts behind kidnap operations to destabilize Yemen
  Yemen said that there are foreign fronts behind the kidnap operations of the foreign citizens and tourists in Yemen, asserting in the official statement which came after the kidnapping of a US citizen that this paid operation aims at harming Yemen's reputation and stability. Yemen, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Iran: 1971 agreement fits as a dialogue with UAE
  The secretary general of the higher council of the national security in Iran, Hassan Rowhani, said that Israel represents the greatest danger to the region. Regional-Iran, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Southern leader accuses Turabi of removing Christians from ruling party's bodies
  Southern Sudanese Lorans Lowal leader accused Hassan Turabi, secretary of the ruling National Congress Party, of making an attempt to remove the Christians from the leadership front and from the other party bodies. Sudan, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Morocco to host coming IPU conference
  Morocco said it was ready to host one of the coming statutory conferences of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) held every six months, IPU sources in Geneva said. Morocco-International, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Israel appoints advisor for negotiations with Israel Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2000
• International Atomic Energy Agency team leaves Iraq
  A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency left Baghdad on Wednesday at the conclusion of an inspection mission in Baghdad, during which no obstacles were recorded. Iraq, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Explosion in Irbil destroys headquarters of an Islamic movement
  An explosion took place in Irbil on Tuesday morning at the headquarters of the "Islamic Unity Movement," led by Sheikh Ali Abdul Aziz. The explosion resulted in huge material losses, but no human casualties were reported. Iraq, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Istiqlal party leader meets heads of Italian parties
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, held talks in Rome with leaders of two Italian opposition parties, namely president of the Christian democrat center, Pierre Fernando Casini, and vice-president of Forza Italia, Antonio Martino. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Regional draft treaty a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction
  The meetings of the technical committee assigned by the Arab League's council to draw up a regional draft treaty for making the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction started yesterday in the general trusteeship of the Arab League. Regional, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Security procedures intensified around Israel's embassy in Turkey Turkey-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2000
• Women's integration plan: Moroccan official calls for a serene, mature debate
  Dialogue will be carried on in a bid to draft proposals and legal texts meant to end the injustice Moroccan women are suffering from at all levels, and to secure equality of rights to all citizens, male or female, as implied by the rule of the law, he said. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Mubarak confers with Arafat Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Arab League, Italy back efforts for reconciliation in Somalia
  The Arab League and Italy have agreed on several steps in backing the reconciliation efforts, peace and stability in Somalia. Regional-Italy, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Emir of Bahrain confers with Syrian minister of the interior
  Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa received Syrian Minister of the Interior Muhammad Harba on Tuesday in Manama. Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Lebanese president confers with Dominican Republic's FM Lebanon-Dominican Republic, Politics, 1/26/2000
• President of Djibouti starts his visit to Cairo
  Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh started his first visit yesterday to Egypt since assuming the power in Djibouti in last May. The visit is to last for two days. Egypt-Djibouti, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Cuba's Fidel Castro sends message to King Mohammed VI Morocco-Cuba, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Syria, UAE for boosting bilateral relations
  Syrian Minister of Finance Muhammad Khaled al-Maheyni on Tuesday in Damascus received United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs Muhammad Khalfan Bin Kherbashi and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Sudan People's Liberation Movement withdraw all its leaders from regional capitals
  Sources in the Sudan People's Libeartion Movement told ArabicNews.com that the movement took many important decisions in its recent public conference, the most serious of which is withdrawing all its leaders from regional capitals to southern Sudan to run the SPLM's political and military work from there and to keep a simple representation that does not exceed three persons in each country. Sudan, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Damascus declares its wish to send experts to Washington Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Albright to visit Damascus during February tour of the area Syria-USA, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Sudanese opposition refuses new ministerial formation
  The Sudanese opposition dismissed the decision made by Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir to reshuffle the Sudanese government. Sudan, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Barak praises al-Assad Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Yemeni - Egyptian cooperation in the electric equipment field
  Sayed Mashal, the Egyptian minister of state for defense production, and Yemeni Minister of Electricity and Water Ali Hamid Sharaf held a round of talks yesterday to discuss fields of joint cooperation between the two states. Egypt-Yemen, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Syria says it works sincerely to give success to peace talks with Israel
  Syria blamed Israel for the consequences that might result from its obstructions of the peace negotiations and any negative end that might take place. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Sahrawi league in Europe says Polisario maneuvers doomed to failure
  The league of Moroccan Sahrawis living in France and Europe said the separatist Polisario's maneuvers to sabotage the identification operation and prevent the participation of all sahrawis in the UN-projected referendum are doomed to failure. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2000
• A new phase in French-Algerian relations
  The current visit of Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi to France and the official interest it received on all levels constituted a "turning point" in the relations between the two countries following years of coolness and tension. Algeria-France, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Minor ministerial reshuffle in Oman
  Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman on Tuesday released two decrees. The first merged the ministries of communications and housing into one ministry under the name "the Ministry of Transport and Housing," and according to this decree he appointed Malik Bin Suleiman al-Mamari as the minister for this new ministry. Oman, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Message from Ben Ali to Mubarak
  Tunisian Education Minister Ahmed Iyadh Ouederni delivered a written message from Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on boosting bilateral relations between the two states, which are currently witnessing a big push, especially after Ben Ali's visit to Egypt in November. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Cuban invitation for President al-Assad to take part in South summit
  The assistant secretary general of the Baath Arab Socialist Party in Syria, Abdullah al-Ahmar, on Tuesday morning received the deputy chairman of the international relations department at the central international commission of Cuban's Communist Party, Alfonso Fraga Berz, who is the special envoy for Cuban President Fidel Castro. Syria-Cuba, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Flights resumed between Tripoli and London Libya-UK, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Indonesian president visits Saudi Arabia
  Indonesian President Abdul Rahman Wahid will next Friday pay a visit to Saudi Arabia which will last for several days, during which he will hold talks with King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on means of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries in all fields and review the latest developments in the Islamic and international arenas. Saudi Arabia-Indonesia, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Palestinian government waiting for lists of prisoners in Israel Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Egyptian minister rejects normalization
  Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni has renewed his opposition to cultural normalization with Israel or visiting it. Egypt, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Nabil Shaath: Arab ministers to participate in multilateral talks in Moscow
  Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nabil Shaath said the Arab ministers who are to participate in the coming multilateral talks in Moscow will convene before the meeting to coordinate their stances concerning regional cooperation. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Italian foreign trade minister in Morocco next week
  Italian Foreign Trade Minister Piero Fassino will pay an official visit to Morocco February 1-2. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Emir of Kuwait gets a Cuban message Kuwait-Cuba, Politics, 1/26/2000
• West Virginia talks achieved progress, Albright says
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright stressed on Monday that Washington still wants to use all its weight in order to conclude a peace agreement between Syria and Israel. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Masalha and peace with Syria
  Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha said he is still optimistic toward reaching a peace agreement between Syria and Israel by May. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Sarid backs negotiations with Syria
  Israeli Minister of Education Yossi Sarid said he backs the idea of reviving the third phase of negotiations with the Syrian side, saying that Israel is serious in its efforts to achieve peace with the Syrians but not under "all the price." Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Pope Shenuda to leave Cairo tomorrow for the USA
  Pope Shenuda of Alexandria (Egypt) is leaving Cairo tomorrow for the USA to attend Pope Antonios' day in his convent in California. Egypt, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Istiqlal party leader in Italy
  Secretary general of the Istiqlal Party, Abbas El Fassi, started on Tuesday a visit to Italy for talks with leaders of major Italian political parties and members of the foreign affairs committee at the Italian parliament. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 1/26/2000
• PLO Central Council meeting in February
  The central council of the Palestinian liberation organization will meet in Gaza City on February 2. The council includes 120 members. Palestine, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Shamseddine assures continuing the resistance to the Israeli occupation
  Sheikh Mohammed Mahdi Shamseddine, head of the Lebanese Shiite council, asserted that Islam and Christianity have one stance in confronting injustice, as they had a joint history in defending the right. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Indyk, Mauritanian minister present credentials to Israeli president
  Martin Indyk officially handed over his credentials as ambassador for the US in Tel Aviv on Tuesday to Israeli President Ezer Weizman, in a celebration held in occupied Jerusalem. Mauritania-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Acts of violence continue in Somalia
  Six persons were killed and other two wounded when armed men attacked a truck in central Somalia. Somalia, Politics, 1/26/2000
• Mubarak discusses Egypt's relations with world countries Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Djiboutian president to meet with Esmat Abdul Meguid
  Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh is receiving tomorrow during his visit to Cairo which starts today Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid to discuss the latest developments in the Arab arena, especially the situation in Somalia in light of the Djiboutian initiative and establishing peace in Sudan, as well as the situation in the African Horn region. Djibouti-Regional, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Egypt welcomes Bashar's visit Egypt-Syria, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Inter-Arab consultation in preparations for convening an Arab summit Regional, Politics, 1/25/2000
• UAE minister arrives in Damascus
  United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Finance and Industrial Affairs Muhammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash and members of the accompanying delegation arrived in Damascus on Monday. Syria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Yemeni minister arrives in Jeddah Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/25/2000
• New Egyptian mediation between Syria, Egypt Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/25/2000
• UAE petroleum minister: increase in petroleum prices reflects market mechanism
  United Arab Emirates Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ebeid Bin Seif El-Naseri stated that the current increase in petroleum prices to nearly 30 dollars per barrel reflects the actual supply and demand elements in the market in addition to the speculation elements which work on inflating prices in case of an increase or decrease in prices. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/25/2000
• On Bashar's visit to Iran
  The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hamid Rida Asefi, stressed on Monday that Bashar al-Assad will pay a visit to Iran and that current contacts and communications are underway between the two countries to set a date for this visit. Syria-Iran, Politics, 1/25/2000
• German defense minister to visit Jordan Jordan-Germany, Politics, 1/25/2000
• New government in Sudan
  On the eve of an important meeting for the ruling Sudanese National Congress Party, during which Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and the secretary general of the party, Hassan Turabi, agreed on new proposals to share responsibilities, a matter which put an end to crisis between the two men which lasted for 6 weeks, Sudanese television said on Monday that President al-Bashir formed a new government in which the ministers of defense, foreign affairs and the interior as well as the information kept their posts. Sudan, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Algerian foreign minister arrives in Paris
  Algerian Foreign Minister Youcef Yousfi arrived in Paris on Monday on board a private plane on an official visit to France at the invitation of French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine. Algeria-France, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Palestinian, Lebanese rejection of settling Palestinians
  The Palestinian official in charge of the refugee issue in the Palestinian Authority, Asaad Abdul Rahman, has asserted that there is a total agreement between the Palestinian and Lebanese sides to refuse settlement. Palestine-Lebanon, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Mubarak receives Malaysian Foreign Minister
  The visiting Minister stressed the importance of boosting bilateral trade and to resume meetings of a joint committee. Moussa hinted that trade exchange will reach 500 million dollars in 2000 and could be doubled. Egypt-Malaysia, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Attempts at sowing sedition rejected
  The society is capable of differentiating between good and evil, right and wrong and truth and lies, the President said. President Mubarak affirmed that the whole society must be committed to provide an atmosphere of fair elections. It is the responsibility of those who nominate themselves and run for the elections.This requires a significant amount of discipline, refraining from the use of all forms of force and maintaining judicial control over the activities of the constituencies, President Mubarak said. Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• El-Merghany: We refuse any communications outside the Egyptian - Libyan initiative
  Mohammed Ossman El-Merghany, head of the opposition Sudanese Democratic National Alliance, said after discussions yesterday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa that the Sudanese Democratic National Alliance supports and adheres to the Egyptian - Libyan initiative, which works on saving Sudan and achieving a comprehensive reconciliation as well as creating stability in Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/25/2000
• European Parliament pays tribute to Egypt's handling of Al- Kusheh events
  The European Parliament renounced the draft resolution which has no solid facts, submitted by a group of popular parties. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Arafat visits Cairo today
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat arrived today in Cairo on a two-day visit, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to discuss the results of his latest discussions in Washington and Brussels. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Czech support for Mubarak's call to free ME from mass destruction weapons
  Czech Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Jan Kavan Sunday voiced his country's support for President Hosni Mubarak's call to render the Middle East free from all kinds of weapons of mass destruction. Egypt-Czech Republic, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Necessity to remove obstacles hampering peace tracks
  President Hosni Mubarak's visit to Jordan Sunday afternoon and his meeting with King Abdullah II represents a link in continued consultations between the two leaders. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Egyptian - Jordanian talks stress deep links, full understanding
  "The talks held by President Mubarak Friday and Saturday in Damascus and Amman were successful and have stressed the deep links and full understanding between Cairo on one side and Syria and Jordan on the other," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister visiting Doha: No nuclear cooperation with Israel
  Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Jin Piding denied that there is any nuclear cooperation between his country and Israel, saying that China achieved a high level of progress in the nuclear field, and it depends in this field on its own potential. Qatar-China, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Levy and the negotiations with Syria
  Israeli Foreign Minister David Levy has called for continuing negotiations between Israel and Syria, saying that peace serves both Syria and Israel, equally. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Arab reconciliation, responsibility of all Arab states
  After he recalled that Europe established its unity by addressing causes of war, Radi said Arab reconciliation needs a culture of compromise and reciprocal concessions. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• A US Jewish businessman and peace between Israel and Syria
  In its Monday morning news bulletin Israeli Radio said that high-ranking Israeli officials asked the US Jewish businessman Dani Ebram to slow down the implementation of his plan to organize a visit for US Congress members to Damascus to meet with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Barak and the Syrian conditions to withdraw from the Golan
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak said that nobody asked him that Israel should, in writing, withdraw until June 1967 border line as a precondition to resuming negotiations with Syria. Syria, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Saeb Erekat: Palestinians will only accept Jerusalem as a capital
  Erekat asserted that there are 32 rights of the transitional stage that Israel not yet implemented, emphasizing that Israel abide by peace requirements. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Palestinians still hope to restore parts of Jerusalem soon
  Palestinian officials still hope to spread their control over areas close to Jerusalem within the upcoming implementation of the Israeli troop redeployment in the West Bank. Palestine, Politics, 1/25/2000
• French professor: Peace between Israel and the Arabs will be a truce Regional-France, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Egyptian parliament chairman receives invitation to attend parliamentary conference in Algeria
  Ahmed Fathi Serour, chairman of the Egyptian People's Council, accepted the invitation he received yesterday to attend meetings of a parliamentary conference in Algeria during February. Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Istiqlal party rejects results of UN identification operation in Sahara
  The Istiqlal Party, a member of the leftist-led coalition government, rejected results released last week by the UN identification commission regarding the eligibility of members of three contested tribes. Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Mashaal refuses Jordanian offer
  The chairman of the political bureau in the Islamic resistance movement (Hamas) Khaled Mashaal has announced his rejection of an offer proposed by the Jordanian government to permit four expelled members of the movement, including Mashaal himself, to visit Jordan for ten days. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Closure of 14 local newspapers in Egypt continues
  The Egyptian Ministry of the Interior said the closure of 14 local newspapers in the Egyptian capital was continuing according to the decision of Cairo's governor, Abd El-Rahim Shehata. Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Iraq and Jordan agreed on renewing the petroleum agreement
  Iraq and Jordan agreed to renew the annual petroleum agreement between them, according to which Jordan gets its petroleum needs from Iraq for one year. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Lebanese Hizbullah chief confers with Mashaal
  The secretary general of the Hizbullah party, Hassan Nasrallah, on Monday in Beirut discussed with the chairman of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, Khaled Mashaal, current conditions in the current phase. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Jordan fights drug trafficking
  The director of the drug trafficking fighting department in Jordan, Tayel al-Majali, has announced that his department has seized during the last three years amounts of drugs hidden between pages of the Holy Koran and the Bible as well as in cows' stomachs. Jordan, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Egyptian peace movement delegation visits Tel Aviv
  A delegation from the Egyptian peace movement is heading to Tel Aviv to convene a series of meetings concerning organizing an international conference by the international alliance Copenhagen declarations. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Morocco co-drafts convention on yachting in Mediterranean Regional-Morocco, Politics, 1/25/2000
• Egypt works for coordination between Syria and the Palestinians
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa on Monday stressed that Egypt works to have a sort of coordination between Syria and the Palestinians in the peace negotiations with Israel. Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2000
• King Mohammed congratulates new Guinean president Morocco-Guinea-Bissau, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Syrian- Egyptian summit in Damascus
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday resumed talks in a closed-door meeting. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Mubarak, Assad discuss ME peace, pan-Arab summit
  President Hosni Mubarak arrived in Damascus Saturday for talks with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on the latest developments in the Syrian-Israeli peace track. Syria-Syria, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Qatar refused to receive Barak Qatar-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Jordanian- Egyptian summit voices backing for Middle East peace process
  The two sides discussed bilateral relations and prospects for developing and strengthening them in various fields, as well as developments of conditions in the region, especially those pertaining to the peace process and issues of mutual concern. Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Sudanese, UAE presidents meet in Abu Dhabi
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan met on Sunday in Abu Dhabi with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, currently visiting the UAE. United Arab Emirates-Sudan, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Oman's FM confers with Iranian counterpart Oman-Iran, Politics, 1/24/2000
• ME peace tops Mubarak's talks in Damascus, Amman
  President Hosni Mubarak said his talks in Damascus and Amman focus on the Middle East peace process notably in the light of the resumption of the Syrian-Israeli negotiations. Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Sheikh Zayed called for an Arab summit during his meeting with al-Bashir
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has described his short visit held on Saturday to the UAE, during which he received the backing of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan, for the Sudanese national reconciliation efforts, as "successful." United Arab Emirates-Sudan, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Albright prepares for tripartite US- Palestinian- Israeli summit Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/24/2000
• King invites Tunisian president to visit Morocco
  King Mohammed VI has invited Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali to visit Morocco, said Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa, who handed on Saturday a royal message to Ben Ali. Morocco-Tunisia-Spain, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Jordanian information minister: The Arab summit must be well prepared for
  Jordanian Information Minister Saleh El-Khallaf said the peace process was on the top of the subjects that were discussed in the Egyptian - Jordanian summit between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King Abdullah II of Jordan, saying there was a complete conformity in the points of view between Mubarak and King Abdullah. Jordan-Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2000
• News conflicts concerning convening an Arab summit
  There is a conflict in what has been published in the Arab newspapers as al-Quds newspaper said that Egypt expects an Arab summit soon with Iraq's attendance after the visit of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to Syria, while Jordan's Al-Arab newspaper said there would be no Arab summit Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Egypt sees a great chance to convene an Arab summit
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said yesterday that, "There is a great chance for convening the first Arab summit in four years." Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Oman, UAE joint committee meets in Muscat
  The 9th meeting of the joint economic committee between Oman and the United Arab Emirates started in Muscat on Sunday. Oman-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Egypt's role on the Syrian- Israeli negotiations
  The London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily quoted an Egyptian source as saying that the Egyptian channel has become required more than at any time before to help Syria and Israel eliminate obstacles that emerged during the two past rounds of negotiations in the US town of Shepherdstown. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Next Israeli-Syrian negotiations to be held within less two weeks
  Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha has stated that the next round of Israeli- Syrian negotiations will be held within less than two weeks in the US, noting the attempt made by the US to heal differences in viewpoints. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Meeting of Arab interior ministers - on coming Saturday in Algeria
  Algeria will witness on Saturday the start of five days of meetings of Arab interior ministers udner the chairmanship of Algerian Interior Minister Yazid Zerhouni. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Iran urges USA on opening official representation
  An Iranian official urged the establishment of a US office on Kish, one of the islands that are considered among the most important free trade zones in Iran as a first step toward resuming diplomatic relations between the two countries. Iran-USA, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Djibouti's president to visit Egypt
  President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti will visit Cairo on Tuesday for two days, during which he will meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Djibouti-Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2000
• EU conditions postpone Gaddafi's visit
  The European committee on Sunday postponed an invitation it addressed to Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi, considering that Libya has not carried out what it described as conditions for achieving a constructive visit to Brussels. Libya-European Union, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Morocco's territorial integrity upheld by Arab congress
  The nationalist-Islamic Arab congress that convened in Beirut Jan. 21-23 in its third session proclaimed support to Morocco's territorial integrity. Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Government's anti-corruption program seeks to improve government - business relations
  The Moroccan government has worked out an anti-corruption program that seeks to improve the business environment, to monitor activities of the private sector, to promote loyal competitiveness and to improve relations between the government and business. Morocco, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Kuwaiti emir gets a message from Senegalese counterpart Kuwait-Senegal, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Mubarak address local issue of Kusheh, mega projects , parliamentary elections
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said the coming election will be held on the individual list basis Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Armed group attacked in Algeria
  The Algerian daily al-Khabar said on Sunday that Algerian Army forces killed 28 gunmen from the Algerian armed groups who rejected the civil concord law during mopping-up operations carried out in the Ain Tareq area of Gleizan district, 300 km from the capital, Algiers. The daily added that the Algerian forces arrested 20 members of the armed groups inside shelters in the mountains. Algeria, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Libya supports Djibouti's plan to implement peace in Somalia
  Libya stated that it will cooperate with Djibouti to implement a peace plan to end the mess in Somalia, as Djibouti proposed a peace plan that aims to weaken the influence of the Somali warlords and find a compromise amid the competing tribes in Somalia. Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Sudan, Eritrea open their joint borders
  Sudan has announced that since Friday borders were opened with Eritrea on the eve of resuming diplomatic relations between Khartoum and Asmara. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Israeli legislators call Israel to acknowledge responsibility in 1948 massacre of Arab villagers
  Arab-Israeli legislators have asked the Israeli government to acknowledge the Israel's responsibility in the massacre of Arab villagers during the 1948 war. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Report: Barak plays strongest card in campaign for peace with Syria
  The Israeli daily Haaretz on Sunday said that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak started to play his strongest card in his campaign to have popular backing for signing a peace treaty with Syria, adding that this card is Israeli Chief of Staff General Shaul Mofaz. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• OIC economic, cultural and social affairs commission convenes
  The 23d session of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Economic, Sultural and Social Commission opened Saturday in Jeddah. Regional, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Protest marches by Arab unions and organizations in Baghdad
  Arab public organizations and unions in Baghdad are organizing protest marches today for one week to denounce the sanctions imposed on Iraq and the continuation of the US - UK raids on it. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2000
• European Parliament hails Egypt's role in tackling Al-Kosheh events
  The European Parliament hailed the efforts exerted by the Egyptian government to combat terrorism and extremism. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Hamas criticizes the Muslim Brothers in Jordan
  The official spokesman for the Hamas resistance movement, Ibrahim Ghoushe, has strongly criticized the Muslim Brothers group in Jordan and accused it of taking a "wrong" stand during the crisis that erupted last year between the Jordanian government and the Hamas movement. Jordan, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Palestinian and Israeli delegations convene to discuss the transitional stage
  Palestinian and the Israeli delegations convened in the transitional stage today in Jerusalem to discuss the Israeli delayed withdrawal which was scheduled in the West Bank on January 20. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• International Atomic Energy Agency team resumes its mission in Iraq
  An inspection team from the International Atomic Energy Agency resumed their mission in Iraq yesterday by visiting locations and establishments to be inspected in framework of the periodic and routine operations made by the IAEA according to the agreement signed with Iraq in 1972. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Palestinian - Israeli committee for basic infrastructure convenes tonight
  A joint Palestinian - Israeli committee is convening tonight to determine the projects to specify the composition of the subcommittees that will be formed. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Arab Organization for Human Rights condemns Israeli practices Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2000
• Saudi petroleum minister will not attend Davos summit Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/24/2000

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