Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/31/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 31, 2000

• Belgian foreign minister meets officials in Rabat
  King Mohammed VI received on Friday Belgian deputy-premier and foreign minister, Louis Michel, who started on Thursday a four-day visit to Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 2/5/2000
• King Mohammed receives US official
  King Mohammed VI received on Friday US assistant secretary for the Middle East and North Africa, Edward Walker. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Moussa meets Canada's ambassadors in Middle East Egypt, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Japan offers economic aids at Middle East after establishing peace Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/5/2000
• President of Eritria visits Sudan
  Isaias Afworki, president of Eritria, started yesterday an official visit to Sudan, which is the first since his assumption to the power in year 1993. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Cairo: Meetings of the Palestinian refugees' committee tomorrow Egypt, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Palestine warns of peace process collapse
  Palestine warned of the near collapse of the middle east peace process and of the return of instability and lack of security in the region. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Mesalha assures continuation of Barak - Arafat meetings
  Nawaf Mesalha, the Israeli deputy foreign minister, asserted that "failure of the Palestinian - Israeli summit headed by Yaser Arafat and Ehud Barak on last Thursday does not mean stopping the meeting' on this level and that there must be a high ranking U.S interference for pushing forward the peace negotiations. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Central Council for the Palestinian liberation organization assures need for state declaration
  The Palestinian liberation organization decided in concluding meetings of its central council that "declaring the independent Palestinian state - with Jerusalem as capital - will take place on the deadline in September." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/5/2000
• US official impressed by ongoing reforms in Morocco
  The US official, who was received on Friday by King Mohammed VI and met with premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi and foreign minister Mohamed Benaissa, said he was very impressed by the commitment of the king and the government to carry on democratic reforms. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Arab league reveals secrets of largest military transaction between Turkey and Israel
  The Arab league expressed its deep anxiety toward the escalation in the Turkish - Israeli military cooperation as its has revealed military discussions between Ankara and Tel Aviv for ratifying a transaction of a billion dollars for developing the Turkish military tanks and studying the possibility of providing Turkey with attacking jets produced by Israel in association with a Russian company. Regional, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Moroccan journalists on solidarity visit to Iraq
  A group of Moroccan journalists is paying a solidarity visit to Iraq where they will hand to colleagues at the Iraqi news agency "INA" a batch of computers and printers. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 2/5/2000
• French FM discusses in Saudi Arabia developments in ME and Iraqi crises
  French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine is due to make a two days official visits to Saudi Arabia kingdom during which he will meet king Fahd Bin Abd El-Aziz. Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 2/5/2000
• French delegation explores investment opportunities in Algeria
  A delegation of French industrial figures and businessmen headed by chief executive of the French Institution MEDEF International Francois Perigot started on Friday a mission in Algeria to explore potential investment projects. Algeria, Politics, 2/5/2000
• 8000 Iraqis perform the pilgrimage by land this year
  The Iraqi ministry of endowments said yesterday that number of the Iraqi pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia for this year varies between 5000 to 8000. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Italian PM to visit Syria and Jordan
  Italian prime minister, Massimo Dalema, will visit Jordan and Syria as of February 21 to meet with top ranking officials, Italian government announced on Friday. Regional-Italy, Politics, 2/5/2000
• Government to submit women integration plan to king if no agreement is reached
  If no agreement is reached on legal provisions of women's integration to development plan, the government said Thursday it will submit the matter to King Mohammed VI. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Arab labor conference in Sinai in March
  It was decided to convene the 23rd session of the Arab labor conference in Sharm El-Sheik city in southern Sinai on March 4 - 11. Regional, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Levy to visit Cairo on Sunday Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2000
• King Abdullah gets ready to visit Israel Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Sudanese president calls on Garang to join the peace process
  The agency quoted al-Bashir as saying in a speech he read on Tuesday in the city of Wau (the second-largest city in Sudan), "Let's make this year a year of peace and progress." He called on the rebels of southern Sudan to "respond to the calls for establishing peace through taking part in rebuilding and developing a new Sudan." Sudan-North Africa, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Al-Sharaa discusses with Albright, Ivanov the situation in the region
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa on Thursday received a telephone call from Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov during which views were exchanged on current conditions in the region and the Middle East peace process developments. Syria-Russia, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Lebanese prime minister confers with Lord Levy
  Member of the British House of Lords Michael Levy, who is also the delegate of the British prime minister, has praised the Syrian position concerning the Middle East peace process. Lebanon-UK, Politics, 2/4/2000
• El-Merghany: Procedures to prepare reconciliation atmosphere go slowly in Sudan
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met yesterday with Mohamed Ossman El-Merghany, head of the opposition Sudanese Democratic National Alliance, in the attendance of Mostafa El-Feki, the assistant foreign minister for Arab affairs, and Rafik Khalil, manager of Sudan's administration. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Sudanese- Eritrea talks in Khartoum Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 2/4/2000
• D'Alema to visit Syria and Jordan on February 21 Syria-Jordan-Italy, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Al-Sharaa to hold important talks in Riyadh
  An official source announced at the Saudi Foreign Ministry in Riyadh on Wednesday that "important talks" will be held in the middle of this month in Riyadh between Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa concerning peace negotiations between Syria and Israel. Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Moroccan-Mauritanian parliamentary group set up
  The chamber of advisors, upper house of the Moroccan parliament, and the Mauritanian senate agreed to set up a group of friendship and brotherhood as a frame of fruitful dialogue and consultation between the two chambers' members. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Moroccan justice minister tells French Parliament of human rights progress
  Moroccan Justice Minister Omar Azziman expounded before the French national assembly's foreign committee human rights progress covered in Morocco. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Ruling Egyptian party nominates Copts
  The ruling National Democratic Party in Egypt has decided to enroll the names of Coptic personalities in its election lists during the coming parliamentary elections, according to a source close to this party. Egypt, Politics, 2/4/2000
• US under-secretary for Mideast and North Africa in Morocco
  The US under-secretary of state for the Middle East and North Africa, Edward Walker, is visiting Morocco this Friday, last leg of a Maghreb tour that led him to Algeria and Tunisia. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Bulgaria says all Sahrawis should participate in referendum
  The visiting speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, Yordan Sokolov, said his country supports the Moroccan stance that all Sahrawis should be given a chance to take part in the UN-projected referendum in the Sahara. Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Tunisia, Walker's second station in Arab Maghreb
  The US under secretary of state for Middle East and North Africa affairs, Edward Walker, arrived on Thursday in Tunisia, his second leg in a tour he had started on Wednesday in Algeria in the countries of the Arab Maghreb states. Tunisia-USA, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Moroccan Bar Association denounces identification results in Sahara
  The Moroccan Bar Association denounced the latest results of the UN identification operation which found only 4% of three Sahrawi tribes eligible to vote in the UN-projected referendum. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Syrians in the Golan: Liberation day is evident
  The Syrian citizens on the occupied Golan Heights have asserted their belonging and total clinging to Syria and expressed their anticipation of that day when they return to Syria. Syria, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Conference on Somali reconciliation in Djibouti
  Political sources have asserted that a reconciliation conference will be held between the warring Somali factions within the few coming weeks, under the auspices of Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh. Somalia-Djibouti, Politics, 2/4/2000
• On Lord Levy's visit to Damascus
  Lord Michael Levy held talks on Wednesday in Damascus centered on the Middle East peace process and means of resuming negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa. Syria-UK, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Belgium closely follows democratic evolution in Morocco
  Belgian Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Louis Michel, who arrived in Casablanca on Thursday for a four-day visit, said his country is closely following democratic evolution in Morocco. Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Egypt calls for international cooperation in combating terrorism
  Egyptian Interior Minister Habab al-Adly asserted the necessity of international cooperation for combating terrorism. Egypt-International, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Egyptian plan to facilitate entry of 200,000 tourists through Taba
  El-Hamy El-Zayat, head of the Egyptian tourism companies chamber, asserted that there is a work plan aimed at facilitating the entry of tourists to Israel from all over the world who desire to visit Egyptian tourism areas through Taba. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Understanding committee condemns Israel, holds it responsible for escalation
  The April Understanding Monitoring Committee on Thursday held Israel responsible for violating items of the understanding through targeting Lebanese civilians in the occupied parts of south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from Tony Blair
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Wednesday received a message from British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Syria-UK, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Egyptian -Russian relations, strong
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa yesterday said Egyptian-Russian relations were strong and could be developed further through more cooperation and exchange of views. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Lebanese president confirms national unity, backing to resistance
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has asserted that rallying around Lebanon to support its cause is the source of unity which makes the Lebanese powerful and gives further momentum to the Lebanese resistance. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Jordanian king confers with Mexican deputy FM Jordan-Mexico, Politics, 2/3/2000
• King Mohammed receives speaker of Bulgarian Parliament
  King Mohammed VI received in Rabat this Thursday the visiting speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, Yordan Sokolov, and head of the Moroccan-Bulgarian friendship group. Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Al-Sharaa confers with former AL chief Syria, Politics, 2/3/2000
• King Abdullah and the Middle East peace process
  King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday in Amman said he is determined to work to create a positive atmosphere between Syria and Israel in order to resume peace negotiations. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Syria, Sudan sign security cooperation memorandum
  The ministers of the interior in Syria and Sudan signed a memorandum of cooperation and coordination on Wednesday in Damascus. Syria-Sudan, Politics, 2/3/2000
• UAE delegation visits Palestinian territories Palestine-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Bouteflika assures the surrender of 6,000 armed Islamic militants
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that 6,000 members of the Armed Islamic Group have surrendered according to the pardon conditions, which ended two weeks ago. Algeria, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Bouteflika gets message from President Clinton
  Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Wednesday in Algiers received the US under secretary of state in charge of Middle East and North Africna affairs, Edward Walker, who is also the special envoy for US President Bill Clinton. Algeria-USA, Politics, 2/3/2000
• UAE, Iranian relations reviewed United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Arab, European parliamentarians meet in Alexandria next week
  Arab and European parliamentarians will hold a meeting, in Alexandria, Egypt, on February 8 to debate cooperation between Arab countries and the European Union. Regional-European Union, Politics, 2/3/2000
• President Saleh urges increased role of the European Union in the area
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh expressed his country's sympathy with the causes of the Arab states and said Yemen is looking forward to playing a regional and international role out of its sympathy with all events and causes as well as with what is taking place in Yemen. Yemen-European Union, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Egypt,Turkey hope to promote bilateral ties
  President Suleyman Demirel yesterday expressed appreciation over President Hosni Mubarak's efforts in boosting Egyptian-Turkish relations in the various fields. Egypt-Turkey, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Monitoring committee meets on Israeli attacks Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Morocco renews its position on Sahara issue at French Parliament session
  "Moroccan position regarding the Sahara issue has not changed," Moroccan Justice Minister Omar Azziman told the French Parliament's foreign commission. Morocco-France, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Kuwaiti crown prince confers with British defense secretary Kuwait-UK, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Housing first batch to relocate Sahrawis
  The housing project in Oued Dahab-Lagouira region, in southern Morocco, meant to provide accommodation for Moroccan citizens detained in Tindouf camps after they return home, is nearing completion in Dakhla and Aousserd. Morocco, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Arab League chief confers with Kuwaiti ambassador to Egypt Regional-Kuwait, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Arab condemnation of the massacres in Chechnya Regional-Russia, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Report: Egypt refuses to convey Israeli threats to Syria
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Watan issued on Wednesday quoted Egyptian political sources as saying that Egypt refused to convey Israeli threats to Syria through an urgent message sent by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that was delivered to the Egyptian ambassador in Israel, Muhammad Bassiouni. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Women's associations in North Africa say violence against women similar in three countries
  A network of women's associations in Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, "Collectif 95," said a survey on violence against women in the three countries found that mentalities and institutions are contributing to maintaining the practice of physical and moral violence against women. North Africa, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Mofaz and South Lebanon
  Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz said on Wednesday in a statement quoted by Israeli Radio that the Israeli mini-Cabinet approved recommendations for the Israeli Army concerning the situation in south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Report received by Mubarak concerns multilateral negotiations
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received today a comprehensive report from Foreign Minister Amr Moussa concerning the results of the ministerial handling committee in the multilateral negotiations which concluded yesterday in Moscow. Egypt-International, Politics, 2/3/2000
• International human rights official to visit Khartoum
  Leonard Franco, an international observer for human rights, will arrive in Khartoum in the middle of the current month in the framework of his periodic program to see the humanitarian situation and the progress achieved in this field. Sudan-International, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Ugandan president criticizes Sudan
  Less than two months after signing an agreement aimed at ending the border conflict between Uganda and Sudan, the Ugandan president criticized Sudan for not bringing back the children kidnapped from Uganda. Sudan-Uganda, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Sudanese opposition renews commitment to political solution to achieve national rapport
  The Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance renewed its commitment to a political solution for establishing peace in Sudan and national rapport according the joint Libyan - Egyptian initiative in coordination with the IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) initiative. Sudan, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Yemeni police define the place where US hostage is held
  Officials in the Yemeni police on Wednesday reported that US citizen Kenneth White, who was kidnapped one week ago in Yemen, is being held in al-Jouf district, 180 km northeast of Sanaa. Yemen, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Saudi accusations against Yemen
  Saudi Minister of the Interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz has accused in a statement released on Wednesday by the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am, Sanaa of granting a Yemeni passport to Saudi opposition member Muhammad al-Masaari. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Hamas expects success in Qatari mediation to return Hamas leaders to Jordan
  Khaled Mashaal, head of the political bureau of the Hamas movement, asserted that the movement has not yet received any results from the Qatari mediation for finding a solution for the expulsion of four leaders of Hamas from Jordan. Regional-Qatar, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Woman appointed as boss of Jordanian radio
  The Jordanian Cabinet on Wednesday appointed Feryal al-Zamakhashari as chairperson of the Jordanian radio. She is the second Jordanian woman to be appointed within less than one year to chair an official media department. Jordan, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Marzouk gives up armed struggle
  The Algerian daily Sawt al-Ahrar said on Wednesday that commander of the Islamic Salvation Army, Madani Marzouk, has dissolved his armed organization and returned to his house in Jijel. Algeria, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Thousands demonstrate to demand for transparent poll in Senegal
  Several thousands of Senegalese opposition party supporters took to the street in Dakar Wednesday afternoon to demand free and fair presidential elections slated for February 27. Senegal-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Former Knesset member speaks on Haider and Israeli internal racism
  A left wing Israeli activist came out openly against her own country's outcry with regard to the latest developments in Austria saying that Israel "should first clean up its own home front from racism before it voices protest against the rising power of Jeorge Haidar's right wing party in Austria. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Israel withdraws its ambassador from Austria
  Israel has withdrawn its ambassador from Austria in preparation to cutting relations with it, despite the denunciation expressed by Austrian political, media and diplomatic circles over Israel's intervention in the internal affairs of Austria. Israel-Austria, Politics, 2/3/2000
• Multilateral negotiations should not replace bilateral tracks
  Addressing Tuesday meetings of the Steering Committee of multilateral talks in the Russian capital, Moussa pointed out that Regional cooperation issues depend to a great extent on the achievement of real and sustained progress in the bilateral negotiations and on the continued existence of a positive and conducive environment in the peace process as a whole. "This requires a number of important elements, mainly the faithful and timely implementation of all signed agreements," he said. Regional, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Arab committee for supporting Jerusalem warns of risks of Judaizing the city
  The Arab committee for supporting Jerusalem held its fourth meeting in the headquarters of the Arab Lawyers Union in Cairo under the chairmanship of Farouk Abu Esah, the committee's secretary general, and with the participation of representatives of the Arab journalists, the solidarity organization of the Asian and African people as well as writers and experts on international law and political science. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Ben Ali calls for convening an Arab summit
  Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali called for convening a comprehensive Arab summit under the slogan "Reconciliation for stability" with the participation of Iraq and Kuwait. Tunisia-Regional, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Yemeni president in Brussels
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh arrived in Brussels on Tuesday for a three-day visit to Belgium, during which he will hold talks on "regional and international developments of mutual concern." With high-ranking officials at the headquarters of the European Union and the Belgian government. Yemen-Belgium, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Border demarcation between Yemen, Saudi Arabia Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Belgian foreign minister expected in Morocco Thursday Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Women demonstrate in Kuwait to demand their political rights
  A group of Kuwaiti women organized yesterday a large march in front of the cultural association to demand women's political rights on the first day of opening registration for the electoral lists. Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Nine stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship for their cooperation with Iraq Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Saudi crown prince confers with former US President Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Abu Dhabi crown prince confers with British defense minister United Arab Emirates-UK, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Moulay Rachid guest of honor to Saudi lunch function
  Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, second vice-chairman of the ministers' council, minister of defense and airforce and chief inspector of the Saudi armed forces, hosted a lunch reception at his residence in Agadir in honor of Prince Moulay Rachid, younger brother of King Mohammed VI. Saudi Arabia-Morocco, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Report: Egypt arranges summit between al-Assad, Arafat
  The Jordanian daily al-Arab al-Youm quoted an official source at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry as saying that the Egyptian political leadership is making contacts in preparation for convening a Syrian- Palestinian summit between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Al-Hoss, Berri review developments in south Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Israel presents border map of the Palestinian authority
  Official Palestinian sources stated that the Israeli government presented to the Palestinians a map of the proposed borders to the Palestinians, depicting the Palestinian Authority's borders in the future. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Emir of Kuwait confers with Gabonese counterpart Kuwait-Gabon, Politics, 2/2/2000
• List of provisions Israel has yet to honor in its peace agreement with the Palestinians/ document
  The negotiations affairs department of the Palestine National Authority released lately a list of provisions and agreements that Israel has so far failed to implement from the set of peace agreements that were signed between the Palestinians and the Jewish state over the years. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Second sessions of Kuwaiti - Egyptian joint supreme committee this month
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is heading with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah, the second session of the Kuwaiti - Egyptian joint committee, scheduled to start on February 21. Egypt-Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Prime Minister al-Hoss says Lebanon is proud of ties with Morocco
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss said he is proud of friendly relations between Lebanon and Morocco and voiced determination to further strengthen ties between the two states. Lebanon-Morocco, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Bahrain crown prince and ME negotiation tracks
  Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa has asserted that his country gives great priority to all Arab negotiation tracks in the peace process. Bahrain-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Francophone countries support Mubarak's efforts on peace, disarmament
  The political bureau of Francophone Parliament has expressed its support for President Mubarak's efforts to achieve just and permanent peace in the Middle East. Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Moroccan-Spanish relations probed at conference in Madrid
  Economic and human relations between Morocco and Spain will be probed in a conference in Madrid this February 9-11 with the participation of experts and officials of the two countries. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Moroccan-Mauritanian parliamentary cooperation discussed in Nouakchott
  Means to upgrade Moroccan-Mauritanian parliamentary cooperation were discussed at a meeting in Nouakchott between visiting speaker of the chamber of advisors (upper house of the Moroccan parliament), Jalal Essaid, and speaker of the Mauritanian senate, Diang Bobo Laria. Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 2/2/2000
• SLA official and the killing of Aqel
  The commander of the eastern sector in the pro-Israel South Lebanon Army militia, Col. Nabih Abu Rafe’ has ruled out that soldiers from the SLA collaborated with the Hizbullah in the operation in which Aqel Hashem was killed. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Bulgarian speaker meets officials in Agadir
  The speaker of the Bulgarian Parliament, Yordan Sokolov, conferred with local officials of the Agadir region (southwestern Morocco) on consolidation of friendship and cooperation ties between Morocco and Bulgaria. Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 2/2/2000
• A message from AL chief to Saddam Hussein
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has sent a message to Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, delivered to the Iraqi representative at the AL, Sultan al-Shawi, who refused to disclose content of the message. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Fighting terrorism, a must
  Interior Minister Habib al-Adly paid tribute to the current level of security coordination among Arab Interior Ministers in the fight against terrorism. Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Four main items on agenda of Palestinian central council's meetings
  A Palestinian source in Cairo stated that agenda of the Palestinian central council's meetings, which are starting today in Gaza, include four main items. Palestine, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Honduras denies moving its embassy to Jerusalem
  The Honduran embassy in Cairo denied published reports concerning moving its Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israel-Honduras, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Report: Syrian, Israeli differences at Shepherd town Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Analysts: Moscow multilateral will not enhance Arab trade with Israel
  Analysts in Dubai on Tuesday said the multilateral talks which started in Moscow on Tuesday would not give Israel an entry card into the economies of the Arab Gulf states. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Ran Cohen meets Arab minister in Davos Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Barak tours the border areas of south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Saudi-Kuwaiti media relations highlighted Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Mexican senators visit Morocco
  A group of Mexican senators from the foreign committee, currently visiting Morocco, reviewed with Moroccan peers reactivation of agreements signed between the two countries in 1991. Morocco-Mexico, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Report: Israel to exchange prisoners and corpses with Palestinians
  The Jordanian weekly al-Hadath reported information disclosed by Palestinian opposition sources that expected the possibility of a nearby release of more than 1,500 Palestinian and Arab prisoners from the Israeli jails for the release of an Israeli pilot held in Iran since 1987 and transporting the bodies of three Israeli soldiers killed in al-Sultan Battle in south Lebanon in 1982. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• On conditions in south Lebanon
  Israeli Radio on Tuesday reported that high-ranking military sources in the Israeli army asked for giving the political level the green light so as to be able to react to the recent escalation in south Lebanon, saying the "hands of the army are tightened." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Israeli officials and the situation in south Lebanon
  Israeli Army Radio said on Tuesday that Israel had decided to resort to self-control concerning the situation in Lebanon and will refrain from attacking Lebanese civilian institutions in the surroundings of the capital, Beirut, following the killing of three of its soldiers on Monday in south Lebanon. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2000
• US calls on Syria to curb Hizbullah Syria-USA, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Radio-broadcasting in Africa conference in May in Rabat
  The Moroccan capital will play host May 14-17 to an international conference on "Challenges of public radio-broadcasting in Africa." Regional-Morocco-Africa, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Report: Egypt refuses to mediate between Syria and Israel
  Egyptian diplomatic sources in Cairo told the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am on Tuesday that Cairo refused, once again, an Israeli request to mediate for holding a summit meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2000
• Report: Al-Assad to meet with Arafat at Mubarak's initiative Syria-Palestine, Politics, 2/1/2000
• 28,000 violent cases against women in Morocco
  A Moroccan official statistic said registering 28000 violent cases against the Moroccan women during 1994 - 1999, the statistic related this big percentage due to the prevalence of illiteracy in the rural areas. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Moussa urges Israel to comply with commitments Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Al-Bashir concludes three-day visit to Muscat
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Monday concluded a three-day official visit to Oman, stressing that he will not give up his recent decisions. Oman-Sudan, Politics, 2/1/2000
• King Fahd calls on Islamic states to mobilize efforts to serve common issues Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Putin to visit the Palestinian territories Palestine-Russia, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Indian information minister arrives in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates-India, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Arab Knesset member does not expect any progress on the Palestinian track Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Barak: Israel will not escalate conditions in south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Syrian daily accuses the Zionist movement of being involved in the holocaust
  In its Monday editorial written by the chief editor, Muhammad Khair al-Wadi, the state-run official Tishreen Arabic daily asserted that there is a "Zionist exaggeration" of the holocaust carried out against the Jews in Europe by the Nazis. He accused several leaders of the Zionist movement of "collaborating with the Nazis to escalate the Jewish problem," saying there have been attempts made by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak's government to "burn" the chances of achieving peace. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• El Bashir: Egyptian - Libyan initiative is for Sudan's good
  Sudanese President Omar El Bashir said during three-day his visit to Oman in press declarations to Egypt's al-Ahram newspaper that were published today that the Egyptian - Libyan initiative is comprehensive and can achieve Sudan's interests and establish a comprehensive peace in the country, as opposed to the IGAD initiative which deals with the south's problem, adding that the USA does not want a Libyan - Egyptian solution in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Kuwaiti FM gets messages from Moroccan, Russian, Indonesian counterparts Kuwait-Morocco-International, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Mauritanian president meets Moroccan house speaker
  President of Mauritania, Mouaouiyia Ould Sidi Ahmed Taya, received in Nouakchott on Monday the speaker of the chamber of advisors (upper house of the Moroccan parliament), Jalal Essaid, who started Sunday a four-day working visit to Mauritania heading a parliamentary delegation. Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2000
• El-Husseini: unified Arab point of view in multilateral discussions
  Faisal El-Husseini official in charge of the Jerusalem file in the Palestinian government asserted that the multilateral negotiations must correlate with the negotiations on the bilateral tracks. Palestine, Politics, 2/1/2000
• AAPSO committee wraps up meeting in Damascus
  The coordination and follow-up committee of the Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization on Monday concluded its coordination meeting, stressing the importance of preserving Arab identity and national interests. Syria-Regional, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Israel must dismantle its mass destruction weapons
  Presidential Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz made clear that Egypt will work, after reaching a peace settlement in the Middle East, for setting up a better system of cooperation among the Arab countries. "The system would prevent any aggression on any Arab country," he added. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Israel urged to join the NPT
  The Egyptian deputy foreign minister for international relations, Sayed Qasem al-Masri, has asserted the need of Israel's joining the nuclear nonproliferation treaty (NPT) to achieve regional security. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Change in the composition of the Saudi delegation to Moscow multilateral
  Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal has delegated his deputy, Nizar Madani, to chair the Saudi delegation to the meetings of the follow-up committee of the multilateral negotiations due to have opened yesterday in Moscow. Saudi Arabia-International, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Amnesty International hails significant human rights improvements in Morocco
  Amnesty International hailed as "significant" the human rights improvements in Morocco, singling out the greater freedom enjoyed by the press and the existence of more dynamic human rights organizations. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Moussa to open symposium on Egyptian - Chinese relations Saturday
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is to open on Saturday a symposium on Egyptian - Chinese relations and their future horizons at the Foreign Ministry's headquarters. Egypt-China, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Prince Talal confers with Carter
  The chairman of the Arab Gulf program in backing the UN Development Program, Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, met on Monday in Riyadh with former US President Jimmy Carter. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Moroccan opposition group demands release of its detained chief
  Al-Adl Wal Ihsane prohibited group in Morocco demanded yesterday the release of Sheikh Abd El-Salam Yassin, chief of the group, who has been under the house arrest for 10 years. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Peres meets with Jordanian king, Arafat, Moussa
  Israeli Minister of Regional Cooperation Shimon Peres met on Sunday evening in Davos, Switzerland with Jordan's King Abdullah II, with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and with Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Israel-Regional, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Masalha and peace on the Syrian track
  Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Nawaf Masalha told a correspondent from the Israeli Radio in Davos on Monday that he is optimistic despite the stumbled negotiations between Syria and Israel that during this year peace will be achieved between the two countries. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Italian, German officials to visit Jordan
  It was announced in Amman on Monday that the Italian prime minister will visit Jordan by the end of February for three days in the course of his tour of several countries in the region. Jordan-Italy, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Mubarak and the Israeli spy Azzam Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• US 6th fleet to station in the Mediterranean
  The Turkish daily Hurriyet said on Monday, quoting a high-ranking Turkish official, that the US 6th fleet intends to station in the Mediterranean, adding that this Turkish official expressed his country's welcome to the fleet when it arrives at Iskandaroun port. Turkey-USA, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Iran reaffirms sovereignty over the three Gulf islands
  Iran on Monday reaffirmed its supremacy over the three Gulf islands under dispute with the United Arab Emirates and expressed its readiness to start unconditional direct negotiations with Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates-Iran, Politics, 2/1/2000
• UNIFIL mandate extended Lebanon-UN, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Israeli officials reaction to Aqel's assassination
  Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens has called for halting negotiations with Syria. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Yemen concerned over the fate of US citizen
  The Yemeni authorities on Monday expressed its concern over the fate of a kidnapped American whose location is unknown, as is the identity of his kidnappers. Yemen, Politics, 2/1/2000
• Acts of violence in Somalia
  Some 15 persons were killed when a relief caravan carrying foodstuffs was attacked twice while it was in its way to the Bakoul region of southern Somalia during the past two days. Somalia, Politics, 2/1/2000
• El-Baz: Egypt will play a main role in the area after the peace settlement Egypt, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Mubarak urges reaching comprehensive ME agreement
  President Mubarak opened the press conference by saying that he discussed with Barak the regional peace process in a general way before delving into talks on the Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese tracks. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Israel, Syria accept Egyptian role in reactivating their negotiations Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000
• UAE president voices backing for Syria
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Sunday stressed his country's support for Syria's stand and its just demand of Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Golan, south Lebanon and western Bekaa. United Arab Emirates-Syria, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Hanover mayor arrives in Damascus Syria-Germany, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Al-Hoss we refuse any new border demarcation Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• US: Ross to visit Israel, Arafat and Barak to meet Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Oman voices backing for Sudanese president
  Oman has expressed backing for decisions taken by Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir on December 12, 1999. Oman-Sudan, Politics, 1/31/2000
• A new formula for resuming Israel-Syrian relations Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• King Mohammed sends message to Mauritanian president
  King Mohammed VI has sent a message to President of Mauritania, Mouaouiyia Ould Sidi Ahmed Tayaa. Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Syrian-Israeli experts postpone visits to Washington Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Palestinian Liberation Organization meeting on Wednesday
  The central council of the Palestinian Liberation Organization is to convene a meeting on Wednesday in Gaza under the chairmanship of President Arafat. Palestine, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Iranian president gets a message from Lebanese counterpart
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami on Sunday in Tehran received Lebanese Minister of Trade and Commerce Nasser al-Saeedi, currently visiting Iran. Al-Saeedi delivered the Iranian president a message from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 1/31/2000
• King Abdullah to receive Barak in Amman next week
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is scheduled to make a one-day official visit to Jordan, during which he will be received by King Abdullah II of Jordan. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• King Abdullah: We young Arab leaders are the generation of globalization, understand its challenges
  Jordanian King Abdullah II said his country is not thinking of a regional confederation, having it together with Syria, Lebanon and the future Palestinian state. Jordan, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Youssoufi speaks on projects and challenges
  Youssoufi listed major undertakings ahead such as coping with high unemployment, underdeveloped areas in the rural world, the burden of foreign debt and the "huge social deficit" as well as assets of his team, namely royal trust, the people support and international sympathy. Morocco, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Morocco in preparatory committee of world conference of parliament speakers Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Turkish official to visit Syria
  Well-informed sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that the director general of the Turkish Foreign Ministry will visit Damascus within the coming weeks to hold talks with Syrian officials. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Draft Arab security strategy adopted in Algiers
  The Arab interior ministers' council which convened its 17th session in Algiers Saturday and Sunday adopted a draft Arab security strategy geared towards struggle against crime. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Egypt seeks fostering inter-Arab solidarity, cooperation
  President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor Osama el-Baz underlined Saturday that Egypt will work, after reaching a peace settlement in the Middle East, for setting up a better system for cooperation among Arab countries. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Bahraini crown prince meets with Peres in Davos
  Bahrain's crown prince on Saturday met in Davos, Switzerland with former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, who is also the current Israeli minister for regional cooperation, in the first meeting on such a level between the two sides' officials. Bahrain-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Who is Aqel Hashem?
  The Lebanese resistance on Sunday said in a statement that Aqel Ibrahim Hashem was born in Dubble town, Bint Jbeil district in 1952. He was married to Laya Kassab from Sidon district and has five children. Lebanon, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Kurtzer:Mubarak exerts great efforts to advance ME peace
  US Ambassador in Cairo Daniel Kurtzer said President Hosni Mubarak is exerting great efforts to promote the Middle East peace process, referring to the President's recent talks with the Syrian and Palestinian leaders. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/31/2000
• El-Sadek El-Mahdi calls for account the responsible of Sudan's suffering
  Former Sudanese Prime Minister El-Sadek El-Mahdi, head of the opposition Ummah Party, called for commencing an investigation into the events in Sudan since 1956 to identify those responsible for the state of deterioration at which Sudan has arrived. Sudan, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Yemeni government discusses women's entry into consultative council
  The Yemeni government is currently studying a draft to modify the resolution of the consultative council so that its constitutional capacities are expanded to allow women as members for the first time. Yemen, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Qatari ambassador to return to Gaza
  The Qatari ambassador to the Palestinian government, Abdu El-Motawa, is to head this week to Gaza for the first time after returning to Doha on January 2 escorted by Esam Abdu Isah, head of Palestine International Bank, after the eruption of a political dispute. Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Arab League follows up on implementating UN Security Council resolution 1284
  The Arab League received a report from the head of its mission in the UN, Hussein Hassouna, concerning the current developments in the Security Council concerning Iraq and the Security Council's resolutions. Iraq, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Talks on EU-Africa summit far from over Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000
• King Mohammed winds up private visit to france Morocco, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Arab ministers to meet in Moscow Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Saudi, Senegal educational talks Saudi Saudi Arabia-Senegal, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Indonesian President wraps up visit to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Indonesia, Politics, 1/31/2000
• Saudi Arabia to take part in multilateral talks Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 1/31/2000

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