Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/20/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 20, 2000

• Diplomatic circles cautiously observe al-Assad - Clinton summit Syria-USA, Politics, 3/26/2000
• On the Geneva summit
  The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Geneva spoke about preparations currently made in Geneva to convene the US-Syrian summit today, Sunday and news leaked on the main issues of this summit. He said that the Syrian delegation would have arrived in Geneva on Saturday afternoon amid the care of all the hosting country, Switzerland, the Syrians and Washington on the need not to be so much optimists. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/26/2000
• Al-Assad - Clinton summit in Geneva tomorrow
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton are to convene tomorrow in Geneva, trying to overcome the obstacles impeding achieving progress on the Syrian - Israeli track. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Palestinian leadership convenes in Ramallah Palestine, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Interview with senior US officials on regional issues: Part 1, Egypt Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message of support from Chirac on Geneva summit
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Friday evening received a message from French President Jacques Chirac on the Sunday summit in Geneva between President al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton and on relations of friendship and cooperation between Syria and France. Syria-France, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Ebeid hails Mubarak's Washington visit as historic Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Libya calls for establishing a world without political domination Libya, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Two days before Geneva summit, Syrian military delegation in Beirut
  Just two days before the convening of the Geneva summit between Presidents Clinton and al-Assad, Lebanon has asserted unity of the "Syrian and Lebanese tracks concerning the peace process," repeating their conditions for achieving Middle East peace, especially maintaining "a just solution to the question of the Palestinian refugees who live in Lebanon." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Barak's concessions for making peace
  The Israeli daily Haaretz said on Friday that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak is ready to postpone the opening of Israel's embassy in Damascus until the final stages of withdrawal from the Golan Heights. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Israel and the lake of Tabaraya
  Just two days before the forthcoming summit on Sunday in Geneva between US President Bill Clinton and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, Israel has stressed its determination to maintain its complete control on the lake of Tabaraya in the framework of any possible peace agreement with Damascus. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Report: Saudi mediation to bring together Syrian-US views
  The London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily issued on Friday said that at a time when preparations are underway to convene the Geneva summit on Sunday between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton, diplomatic sources told this paper that a Saudi envoy has visited Syria during the past period in secret with the objective of bringing viewpoints together between Syria and the US. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Arab sources: Palestinian - Israeli summit next week Regional, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Report: Political future in Iraq will be for new bloods
  The London based al-Sharq al-Awsat (Middle East) daily issued on Friday said that Oday Saddam Hussein, the oldest son of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, said that the political future of Iraq will be for the new blood which he said will "occupy key leading positions in the state." Iraq, Politics, 3/25/2000
• No referendum without all Sahrawis, Morocco says
  Morocco renewed its opposition to the holding of a self-determination referendum in the Sahara if all Sahrawis are not allowed to participate in the vote. Morocco, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Arafat to visit Germany
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Monday starts an official visit to Germany. The visit will last for two days. Palestine-Germany, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Egypt urges UNSC effective participation in peacekeeping Egypt-UN, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Yemeni president visits Canada, U.S.A and Italy Yemen, Politics, 3/25/2000
• On the UNIFIL forces in south Lebanon Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Five journalists and a poet arrested in Sudan
  The Sudanese security authorities arrested five journalists and a poet to interrogate them for violating the national security law and the armed forces law due to a poem and topics that were published by the independent newspaper Sahafa. Sudan, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Speaker of Gabon's National Assembly in Morocco Monday
  Speaker of the Gabonese National Assembly, Guy Nzouba Ndama, is expected in Morocco on Monday on a weeklong visit at the invitation of Abdelouahed Radi, speaker of the House of Representatives, lower house of the Moroccan Parliament. Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Barcelona to host seminar on Morocco's current challenges
  A seminar on "the current challenges facing up Morocco" will be held on Tuesday in Barcelona. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Israel confiscate 700 donums of Palestinian lands in al-Quds
  The West Al-Quds (Jerusalem) municipality chaired by Ehud Olmert approved lately a plan to confiscate around 700 donums of Palestinian lands in the eastern suburbs of the holy city, the Palestinian radio, monitored in Amman, said on Saturday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/25/2000
• Muslim experts call for gender equality
  Muslim experts, who attended a conference in Fez on "Muslim Women and Science," called on national and international bodies to ensure gender equality in Muslim societies. Regional, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Arab League to resume its session on Wednesday
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid said on Thursday that the AL council will resume its 113th ordinary session on the level of representatives next Wednesday to complete discussions of political, economic, legal and financial issues listed on its agenda. Issues which were not discussed by the Arab foreign ministers in Beirut on March 11. Regional, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Program of al-Assad - Clinton's summit
  The chief of protocol in Geneva, Jerome Koushlin, said that the Syrian-American summit will be convened next Sunday in a major hotel in the city and will last from noon and until the afternoon of the same day. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Al-Shara discusses with Jerusalem exiled bishop conditions in occupied lands Syria, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Muscat: Clinton to discuss with Qaboos ME process
  The Oman News Agency said on Wednesday that US President Bill Clinton will stop in Oman on Saturday for hours in his way to Geneva, where he will meet with Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and that the US president will hold talks in Oman with Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on the developments of the peace process in the Middle East. Oman-USA, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Emir of Qatar concludes visit to Italy
  The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani on Thursday concluded his visit to Italy after he had held a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema during which backing was given to the Middle East peace process. Qatar-Italy, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Yemeni president to visit Canada for the first time
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh is to visit Canada on Sunday, and after his first official visit to Canada he will head for the US, for the first time since 1989. Yemen-Canada, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Al-Shara talks with Russian counterpart on Geneva summit
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Thursday received a telephone call from Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, during which they reviewed developments in the region. Syria-Russia, Politics, 3/24/2000
• King Mohammed enthronement, positive impact on Moroccan press
  The accession of King Mohammed VI to throne in Morocco last July had a positive impact on the freedom of the press in Morocco, the Journalists Protection Committee (JPC) said. Morocco, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Canadian prime minister to visit Middle East
  Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien will make a tour of the Middle East countries in the middle of next month that is to include Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Palestine to discuss causes of joint concern. Regional-Canada, Politics, 3/24/2000
• UN human rights high commissioner hails Morocco's human rights moves
  United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Mary Robinson has hailed Morocco's resolve to promote human rights and consolidate the rule of the law. Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/24/2000
• International forum condemns armed groups massacres in Algeria
  The International Forum on Islam and Democracy denounced in its final statement issued on Thursday in Algiers the massacres committed by the armed groups in Algeria, saying that the acts of killing and destruction carried out by these armed groups are in contradiction to Muslim norms which forbid killing. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Italian official in Morocco to explain new immigration law
  Italian secretary of state in charge of immigration, Alberto Maritati, is currently visiting Morocco to explain the provisions of the new Italian law on immigration in force since March 15. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Morocco, France share same ideals and aim for same objectives
  King Mohammed VI, winding up a state visit to Paris on Wednesday, addressed President Jacques Chirac a message saying the two countries share the same ideals and aim for the same objectives. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Sudanese FM discusses in Asmara military confrontation between the government and the opposition
  The Sudanese Foreign Ministry has announced that Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael visited Eritrea on Wednesday to discuss with the officials in Eritrea in the confrontation between the Sudanese opposition and the government's army on the borders between the two countries at the end of the past week. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Establishing a party for Kurdish Jews Iraq, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Morocco calls for more concern on fate of Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf
  Morocco has called for more concern on the part of the international community for the fate of Moroccans forcibly detained in the Tindouf camps (in southwestern Algeria). Morocco, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Royal congratulations on Pakistani National Day Morocco-Pakistan, Politics, 3/24/2000
• King Mohammed underscores importance Morocco grants EU ties
  "King Mohammed VI has underscored the importance Morocco grants relations with the European Union," said French foreign affairs department spokesman in the wake of the king's state visit to France. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Jordanian- British talks on developments in Middle East
  The speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Bassam Haddadin, on Thursday reviewed with member of the British council of Lords, Lord Waverly, current developments in the region. Jordan-UK, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Libya, Algeria send medical team to Mozambique
  A joint Libyan and Algerian medical team left Tripoli Thursday for Mozambique to help the country's flood victims, the pan-African news agency PANA. Algeria-Libya-Mozambique, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Ethiopia, Eritrea hold indirect negotiations in Algeria, Saturday
  Eritrea has called on the Organization of African Unity to declare officially that the technical arrangements stated in its plan to settle the Ethiopian- Eritrean border conflict, which proposed as arrangements that cannot be amended "are now discussed by the two sides of conflict," as the government of Ethiopia refused the original document in this regard. Eritrea-Ethiopia-OAU, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Yemen denies any normalization of relations with Israel
  Yemen has denied any intention to normalize with Israel. It stressed that the position of the Yemeni government towards this issue is clear and firm in that it will not normalize with Israel until all occupied Arab territories are liberated. Yemen-Israel, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Three SLA militiamen killed, wounded in south Lebanon
  The Israeli occupation forces on Thursday continued their aggressions against areas adjacent to the occupied part of south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/24/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from Yemeni counterpart Syria-Yemen, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Euro-Mediterranean conference on women in Brussels
  A Euro-Mediterranean conference on women will be held March 24-25 in Brussels to assess the emergencies regarding the economic development of women in the Mediterranean region. Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Syrian FM confers with Russian envoy Syria-Russia, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Baz highlights importance of Mubarak's visit to US
  A senior diplomat said President Hosni Mubarak's forthcoming visit to the US has two dimensions: one bilateral and another regional. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Mubarak - Clinton talks cover important issues
  A host of important issues will figure prominently on the agenda of talks between Presidents Hosni Mubarak and Bill Clinton, Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said Wednesday. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Timely visit for peace process
  President Mubarak tomorrow starts a visit to the United States during which he would meet senior US officials for discussing the latest developments of the Mideast peace process,bilateral relations, and cooperation in the industry of information and technology. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000
• First Qatari ambassador in Manama
  Qatar announced on Wednesday the accreditation of its first ambassador in Manama after it has recently launched the process of establishing normal relations with Bahrain, despite the still-standing border disputes. Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Bin Ali to lead his country's delegation to the next Islamic conference Tunisia-Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Al-Hoss, al-Shara talks on al-Assad - Clinton summit Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Gaddafi receives a telephone call from Mandela Libya-South Africa, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Human rights promotion, priority goal for Morocco, minister
  The promotion of human rights and consolidation of the rule of the law are priority goals in the Moroccan state policy, and the orientation is consecrated and solemnly backed by the king of Morocco. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Ummah Party leadership heads to Khartoum Sudan, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Baghdad preparing for parliamentary elections
  Iraq is getting ready for the legislative elections that will be held on March 27 in which 522 candidates are competing to occupy 220 seats for four-year terms. Iraq, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Pope John Paul II stresses the right of Palestinians to a homeland
  Pope John Paul II has stressed the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent homeland, noting the long sufferings of the Palestinian people and saying that the sufferings of the Palestinians during the past decades cannot be ignored. Palestine-Vatican, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Arab League chief makes consultations to resume AL's 113th session Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Libyan-Vietnamese relations highlighted Libya-Vietnam, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Israeli justice minister admits to violations of human rights
  Israeli Justice Minister Yossi Beilin expressed his sorrow for Israel's attitude toward human rights in the past. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Egyptian - Tunisian joint committee meets in Cairo
  The joint Egyptian- Tunisian committee on Wednesday held a meeting chaired by Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid and the Tunisian premier, Muhammad Ghannouchi. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Kuwait for convening pan-Arab summit
  Kuwait's first deputy premier and foreign minister, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, said on Wednesday that Kuwait does not oppose the convening of an Arab summit at present or in the future. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Defense minister of Burkina Faso holds talks in Rabat Morocco-Burkina Faso, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Sit-in for hundreds of UNRWA workers Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Israeli official: Syrian- Israeli negotiations will be resumed after Geneva summit
  The legal advisor for the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Allen Baker, told the AFP on Wednesday that he is confident US President Bill Clinton and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad will agree on the borderlines between Syria and Israel and that Syrian- Israeli negotiations will be resumed after their meeting in Geneva next Sunday. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Tripartite Summit in Cairo
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael said that Cairo will make arrangements to convene a meeting bringing together Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi on the sideline of the meetings of the Euro-African summit. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Qatari-Italian talks start in Rome
  A round of official talks started on Wednesday at the premises of the Italian Cabinet between the state of Qatar, chaired by Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, and Italy, led by Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema. Qatar-Italy, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Egyptian committee to check on expatriate workers' problems
  The committee for care of Egyptians abroad will start under the chairmanship of Asem Megahed, the Egyptian assistant foreign minister for consular affairs and Egyptians abroad, on April 10 its 6th tour to learn about the problems of the Egyptians working in seven Arab states. Egypt, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Polisario jails survivors decry torturers
  Several survivors of Polisario jails have denounced in Madrid the torture practices they have been subject to by the separatist group. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/23/2000
• More small farmers have their debt written off
  The Moroccan agriculture department on Wednesday announced that a new group of some 120,000 small farmers will have their debts written off as part of the government's moves to counter the adverse effects of drought, currently hitting Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Border negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Yemen proceed on right path
  The second deputy premier and defense minister in Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, has stressed that border negotiations between his country and Yemen proceed on the right path and that the two countries are of unanimous stand in this regard. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Iran and the UAE islands
  In a press statement issued in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, US Undersecretary of State Edward Walker said that the US attempts to maintain openness on Iran might be useful to negotiate over the question of three disputed Gulf islands. United Arab Emirates-Iran-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Mubarak discusses with Arafat the peace process latest development
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat arrived in Cairo yesterday evening coming from Gaza for a short visit to Egypt, during which was received by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. They reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East peace process on the Palestinian track. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Blair to head his country's delegation to African - European summit in Cairo
  British Prime Minister Tony Blair will arrive on April 3 in Cairo, heading a high-ranking delegation to participate in meetings of the African - European summit that will be held on April 3 - 4. Regional-UK, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Barak denies asking to participate in Geneva summit
  The office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak commented on Wednesday on news issued earlier in the day that Barak asked to take part in the Geneva meeting between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton, stressing that Barak did not ask to participate. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Human rights international federation to hold congress in Morocco
  The human rights international federation decided to hold its 34th world congress in Morocco in recognition of the country's human rights progress. Morocco-International, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Palestinians hail Mubarak's efforts to push forward the peace process
  Ahmed Abd El-Rahman, secretary general of the Palestinian Cabinet, said that the resumption of the current Palestinian - Israeli talks in Washington was due to the great efforts exerted by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak such as convening the Sharm El-Sheikh meeting and that under his auspices Israel agreed on carrying out the last stage of redeployment. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Algeria, Indonesia sign three cooperation agreements
  Algeria and Indonesia on Tuesday signed three agreements. The first relates to reciprocated encouragement and protection of investment, the second is on abrogating double taxation and the third on the level of representation in the joint Indonesia- Algerian committee, to be on the level of foreign ministers. Algeria-Indonesia, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Yemen's information minister in Kuwait on Monday
  Yemeni Minister of Information Abdul Rahman al-Akwa will start on Monday an official visit to Kuwait during which he will deliver a message to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Yemen-Kuwait, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Nigeria's president gets message from Morocco's king
  President Obasanjo voiced determination to energize bilateral relations, and the two sides convened to start moves to set up a Moroccan-Nigerian joint commission. Morocco-Mauritania-Nigeria, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Iraq accuses Iran of explosion which killed four civilians in Baghdad
  Four persons were killed and another 38 wounded in an attack by mortar shells on a populated building in Baghdad on Tuesday evening. Iraq accused Iran of being behind the attack. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 3/23/2000
• Tunis: Meetings for combating crime on the Internet Regional, Politics, 3/23/2000
• King Mohammed hosts dinner in honor of President Chirac Morocco-France, Politics, 3/22/2000
• King Mohammed holds meetings with Premier Lionel Jospin
  Visiting King Mohammed VI met in Paris twice with French Premier Lionel Jospin for private talks followed by work sessions extended to members of delegations. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Bouteflika calls on scholars to end the crisis Algeria, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Lebanese president confers with Qatari minister Lebanon-Qatar, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Palestinian urge the Pope to help the refugees
  A Palestinian demonstration urged Pope John Paul II yesterday to help the refugees return home. Palestine-Vatican, Politics, 3/22/2000
• King Mohammed greets members of Moroccan community in France Morocco-France, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Arab League role commended
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid has called for a united Arab stand that preserves the higher interests of all Arabs that can back Arab demands to restore all occupied Arab territories in the Golan, south Lebanon and Palestine. Regional, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Early presidential elections in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Mubarak receives Tunisian prime minister
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received today Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi who heads the Tunisian delegation to works of the supreme Egyptian - Tunisian committee which tackles increasing commercial and economic exchange between the two countries. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Israeli sources and Geneva summit
  The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot on Tuesday quoted an official Israeli source as saying that most of the items of the peace agreement with Syria have been completed, according to Israeli Radio. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Israeli minister and the Geneva summit
  Israeli Minister of the Interior Shlomo Ben Ami said on Tuesday in a statement to Monte Carlo radio that there are no big differences between the Syrian and Israeli positions. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Emir of Qatar ends a fruitful visit to Damascus Syria-Qatar, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Haaretz and Geneva summit
  The Israeli daily Haaretz said on Tuesday in a report from Washington that sources in the US administration expect the summit to be held between President Bill Clinton and President Hafez al-Assad in Geneva next week to result in resuming peace talks on the Syrian track a few days after convening this summit. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Kuwaiti paper and the Geneva summit
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued on Tuesday stated, quoting a high-ranking Arab source, that the expected meeting between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton reflects the desire of the US president to close the Syrian file before the end of his term of office. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Bassiuni emphasizes importance of peace negotiations in Washington
  Mohammed Bassiuni, the Egyptian ambassador to Israel, stated that the round of negotiations that started between the Palestinians and Israelis in Washington aims at achieving two goals. Egypt, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Richardson visits Algeria Algeria-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• On the three UAE islands
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Watan on Tuesday stated that Western reports have been increased recently noting a United Arab Emirates - Syrian rapprochement to revitalize the issue of the three Gulf islands which are claimed by the UAE and occupied by Iran. United Arab Emirates-Syria, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Egypt to participate in meetings of Mediterranean basin forum in Portugal Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Lebanon releases a member in the Japanese Red army Lebanon, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Bajamal concludes his visit to Spain
  Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdul Qader Bajamal concluded his visit to Spain as he carried an invitation to King Juan Carlos from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to visit Yemen. Yemen-Spain, Politics, 3/22/2000
• US considers allowing travel to Libya
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has authorized a consular visit to Libya to "assess safety conditions for American citizens in Libya" and to decide whether to allow US passports to be used to travel to or through Libya. Libya-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Intensive program for President Mubarak during his visit to Washington
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is due to make an intensive effort during his visit to the USA, due to start on Saturday, as he will meet with US President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, and the secretaries of defense, trade and state. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Yemeni information minister to visit Kuwait on Monday
  Yemeni Information Minister Abd El-Rahman El-Akwa is due to start an official visit to Kuwait on Monday, during which he will deliver a message to Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmed al-Sabah from Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Yemen-Kuwait, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Cooperation with Morocco tops French foreign cooperation
  Moroccan-French cooperation is the "most important one" in France's foreign relations, the minister in charge of cooperation and francophony, Charles Josselin, on Tuesday told "Monte Carlo" radio. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Al-Hoss describes issue of detainees and captives as the great national cause Lebanon, Politics, 3/22/2000
• European parliament for north-south mediterranean balance
  The European Parliament is for more dialogue and consultation on means to secure balance at the economic and social levels between the two banks of the Mediterranean. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Moroccan - Namibian cooperation reviewed
  Ways to enhance Moroccan-Namibian cooperation in decentralization and local councils matters topped talks held in Rabat Tuesday between Moroccan interior minister, Ahmed Midaoui, and Mayor of the Namibian capital city of Windhoek, Mathew Shikongo. Morocco-Namibia, Politics, 3/22/2000
• European commission endorses preparatory document on Africa-Europe summit
  The European commission has endorsed the preparatory document of the Africa-Europe summit slated to be held in Cairo in April 3-4. Regional, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Egyptian foreign ministry warns of fraud through the Internet
  The Egyptian Foreign Ministry warned of the scams through the Internet that are practiced by some African gangsters where the culprits pretend to smuggle the fortunes of rich families in areas of western African or holding illegal transactions for exporting gold. Egypt-Africa, Politics, 3/22/2000
• Egyptian - French media cooperation, fostered
  Information Minister Safwat El-Sherif held a session of talks Tuesday with a French information delegation on means of furthering joint cooperation. Egypt-France, Politics, 3/22/2000
• US ambassador in Cairo: Special concern for Mubarak's visit to USA Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Al-Assad to new government: Forge ahead with the responsibility and tasks assigned to you
  The new Syrian government chaired by Muhammad Mustafa Miro was sworn in before President Hafez al-Assad on Monday at the Damascus al-Rawda Palace. Syria, Politics, 3/21/2000
• King Mohammed calls for wider French - Moroccan strategic pact
  Visiting King Mohammed VI outlined Monday night the kind of future he wants for the kingdom and called for a wider and innovative strategic pact between Morocco and France as well as for a bolder framework for cooperation with the European Union. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Holding 11 Egyptian - Tunisian agreements
  The supreme Egyptian - Tunisian committee agreed on signing 11 agreements to support joint cooperation between the two states in the fields of trade, aviation, navigation, education and culture. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Al-Assad, emir of Qatar discuss, Middle East peace, bilateral relations
  Upon his arrival in Damascus on Monday, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad held a meeting. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Fruitful talks in day 1 of king Mohammed's visit to France
  King Mohammed VI, on a state visit to France March 19-23, held on Monday two rounds of fruitful talks with president Jacques Chirac which were termed as "very confident and very warm" by the Elysee Spokeswoman Catherine Colonna. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Mubarak, El-Bashir and Gaddafi to convene in Cairo on margin of African- European summit Regional-Sudan, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Moroccan king hails Tunisia's efforts to build up the Maghreb Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 3/21/2000
• King Mohammed holds private meeting with premier Jospin Morocco-France, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Pope in Jordan sees Christ's place of baptism
  King Abdullah II of Jordan welcomed the visit of Pope John Paul II to Jordan as a man of peace whose message for tolerance and coexistence is spread all over the world. Jordan, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Syrian, Qatari FMs highlight the importance of al-Assad, Sheikh Hamad summit
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Monday evening described the summit meeting between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani as one of the important Arab meetings, especially in the current conditions, "in which we all look at establishing Arab solidarity to enable the Arab nation restore back its rights and withstand the challenges of the deadlocked peace process." Syria-Qatar, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Algerian president, emir of Qatar discuss developments Algeria-Qatar, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Mubarak's US visit underlines depth of Egyptian-US relations
  US Ambassador in Cairo Daniel Kurtzer said Mubarak's forthcoming visit to the United States confirms depth of existing relations between the two and takes new steps for bolstering bilateral cooperation in the fields of investment and technology transfer. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Egypt-US relations based on partnership
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said there was a good chance for making peace in the Middle East despite ups and downs in the peace negotiations, especially the Palestinian and Syrian tracks. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Peace issue at forefront of Mubarak talks in Washington
  President Hosni Mubarak will have a busy agenda when he arrives in the US Friday on a week-long visit. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Moussa hopes Clinton-Assad summit spurs comprehensive peace agreement
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa expressed hope Sunday's summit in Geneva of the US and Syrian presidents would spark the resumption of the Syrian-Israeli peace track and culminate in the acceleration of the peace process and a comprehensive agreement. Egypt, Politics, 3/21/2000
• A week for Tunisian arts and culture in Cairo
  A week for the Tunisian culture and arts is to begin tomorrow which is being held on margin of meetings of the Egyptian - Tunisian joint supreme committee headed by the prime ministers of the two countries. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/21/2000
• On the Yemeni- Saudi border issue Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Syrian commentator and al-Assad - Clinton summit
  The BBC on Monday highlighted in its report the news of convening a summit between President Hafez al-Assad and the US President Bill Clinton in Geneva next Sunday. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Lebanese, Yemeni defense ministers meet Lebanon-Yemen, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Barak's advisor: The future demands us to change old approaches
  Zvi Shtauber, Chief Foreign Policy Advisor of Israeli Prime Minister Barak, said that a full peace with Israel's Arab neighbors provides for the long term interests of Israel. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Israel starts plan for redeployment Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Berger: Meeting with al-Assad logical step for Clinton
  US National Security Advisor Sandy Berger said yesterday that with Palestinian- Israeli talks set to resume in Washington D.C., "The task now is to resume the Syrian negotiations." Syria-Regional-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Khamenei to visit Saudi Arabia in April
  Saudi sources assured that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, guide of the Islamic Republic of Iran will visit Saudi Arabia next month to fulfill the invitation of King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 3/21/2000
• $200 million dollars in Yemeni losses due to kidnappings of foreigners Yemen, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Palestinian detainees invite the pope to visit them Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/21/2000
• The impact of Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon on Palestinian refugees
  The chairman of the Political bureau at the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Farouk Qaddoumi said, "I think when the Israeli forces withdraw (not redeploy) its forces in south Lebanon, it will be then the right of the Palestinian people to return to their homeland." Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Report: Contacts for convening a Syrian- Egyptian summit
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Watan stated, according to well-informed Egyptian diplomatic sources, that Egyptian-Syrian contacts are underway between Cairo and Damascus to agree on the arrangements for the urgent summit to be held within the coming days in Cairo between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Syrian President Hafez al-Assad. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Japan to lift sanctions on Libya
  Japan is projecting to lift the sanctions, imposed eight years ago, on Tripoli, deeming that Libya poses no longer a terrorist threat, an official at the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Libya-Japan, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Sudanese opposition meetings in Cairo at week's end
  The executive body of the temporary general trusteeship for the opposition Sudanese National Democratic Alliance is due to convene its first meeting at the end of current week in Cairo. Sudan, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Al-Rawabdeh confers with Russian envoy Jordan-Russia, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Algeria, Indonesia for boosting bilateral relations
  Indonesian Foreign Minister Alwi Abderrahmane Shihab has stressed that his country's relations with Algeria will be developed forward during the coming years, especially in the economic field. Algeria-Indonesia, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Egyptian efforts to increase UN Security Council efficiency
  The Egyptian Foreign Ministry started making a plan to increase the UN Security Council's efficiency in cooperation with Asian and European countries and the US. Egypt, Politics, 3/21/2000
• King Mohammed congratulates Senegal's president-elect
  King Mohammed VI has sent a message of congratulations to Abdoulay Wade following his election as President of Senegal and renewed determination to spare no effort to consolidate bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Arab League chief confers with French new ambassador in Cairo
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid on Monday received the new French ambassador to Egypt. Regional-France, Politics, 3/21/2000
• European parliament delegation holds talks in Rabat
  The delegation from the European Parliament which started Sunday a three-day visit to Morocco held rounds of talks with several Moroccan officials and parliamentarians on the economic and political situation in the kingdom and on Morocco-European Union relations. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Paper sees US gesture towards Iran as against Iraq
  The Iraqi paper Babel on Monday waned Iran against investing its closeness with the US in order to play with fire against Iraq. Iraq-Iran-USA, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Three Israeli extremists planned disruptions to the Pope's visit
  The Israeli police arrested three Israeli extremists yesterday, accusing them of planning disruptions to the visit of Pope John Paul II to Israel and to the Palestinian lands toda Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Syria, Lebanon boycott water talks in the Hague Lebanon-Syria-International, Politics, 3/21/2000
• Moussa asserts importance of Mubarak's visit to Washington
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa asserted in a special statement to ArabicNews.com the importance of the anticipated visit of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to the USA on Saturday and his discussions with US President Bill Clinton. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/20/2000
• European Parliament delegation in Morocco
  A delegation from the European parliament is currently visiting Morocco to assess various aspects of cooperation between the kingdom and the European Union. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/20/2000
• King Mohammed starts state visit to France
  King Mohammed VI arrived in Paris Sunday afternoon on a state visit to France March 19-23, his first ever abroad since coming to power in July 1999, at the invitation of President Jacques Chirac. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Emir of Qatar arrives today in Damascus
  At the invitation of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani, will visit Syria today and tomorrow. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 3/20/2000
• The pope starts visit to Jordan today
  Pope John Paul II of the Vatican starts today a two-day visit to Jordan which will be followed by a visit to the Palestinian territories in the context of what the Pope called "the Pope's pilgrimage" to the holy lands. Jordan, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Establishment of peace in ME before end of year, difficult but not impossible
  In exclusive statements to "Al-Ahram" newspaper, Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said a just and comprehensive peace should be a common Arab-Israeli goal that is satisfactory to both sides. He added both Jerusalem and the Golan have Arab and religious significance. Egypt, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Egyptian association for international law condemns Israel aggression on Lebanon
  The board of directors of the Egyptian Association for International Law, headed by Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Mufid Shehab emphasized its denunciation of the recent Israeli air raids on Lebanon which prove a severe violation of the principles of international law in general and rules of humanitarian international law in particular. Egypt, Politics, 3/20/2000
• A message from Ben Ali to Mubarak
  Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak received today a written message from the Tunisian president Zein El-Abidin Ben Ali concerning the continuous consultation between Egypt and Tunis regarding Arab and international causes. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Pope denounces sanctions on Iraq
  Pope John Paul II on Saturday strongly denounced the UN sanctions against Iraq during a ceremony marking the holy year. Iraq-Vatican, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Defense minister of Burkina Faso in Rabat Morocco-Burkina Faso, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Supporting bilateral relations between Egypt and South Korea Egypt-South Korea, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Syrian defense minister confers with Irish counterpart
  The Syrian defense minister, deputy premier and deputy commander in chief of the army and armed forces, Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass, on Sunday in Damascus received the minister of defense of Ireland, Michael Smith, and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Ireland, Politics, 3/20/2000
• UAE president, Clinton review bilateral relations United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Cook to participate in European - African conference Regional-UK, Politics, 3/20/2000
• International forum on Islam and democracy starts today in Algeria
  The international forum concerning Islam and democracy starts today in Algeria and is to last for three days. Regional, Politics, 3/20/2000
• French and Moroccan press underscores exceptional ties with Morocco
  Major French newspapers devoted full stories to King Mohammed VI's state visit to France underscoring unique ties between heads of state and friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Shiite opposition detained in Bahrain
  The Bahraini authorities have detained Abdul Wahab Hussein, one of the Shiite opposition leaders, just a few hours after his release on Saturday, after he had been jailed for four years. Bahrain, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Palestinian - Israeli negotiations to start in Washington, US - Egyptian efforts saved the peace process
  Palestinian Minister of Local Government Saeb Erekat said that a Palestinian delegation will head today to Washington to participate in the peace negotiations with Israel that are to begin tomorrow at Bolling Air Force Base near Washington. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Sudanese army repels rebel attack Sudan, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Libya organizes peace conference in Somalia
  Somali factional leader Hussein Aideed said that Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi will organize a peace conference in Somalia on April 6, clarifying that 400 delegates from the main tribes and 54 delegates from the smaller tribes will participate in this conference which is to address restoring peace in Somalia. Somalia-Libya, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Somali national reconciliation conference in Djibouti
  Some 460 Somalis representing 92 local administrations in Somalia will meet on April 20 in Djibouti with representatives of the Organization of African Unity, the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the UN, the European Union and the US in a Somali national reconciliation conference which will last for two weeks. Somalia-Djibouti-International, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Algerian-Indonesian joint commission meets in Algiers
  The Algerian-Indonesian joint commission currently convening in Algiers will sign two protocols on non-double taxation and promotion of investments. Algeria-Indonesia, Politics, 3/20/2000
• US, Venezuelan officials to visit Algeria Algeria-International, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Iraq rejects call to increase petroleum production
  Iraqi Petroleum Minister Amir Mohammed Rashid asserted that Iraq still insists on its status and it will not increase its petroleum production and that it will not help the USA decrease international petroleum prices. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Opinion poll: Public confidence in al-Rawabdeh's government remains low
  An opinion poll carried out by the strategic studies center at the University of Jordan revealed that the government of Jordanian Prime Minister Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh has kept low levels of popularity since last October and could not restore part of the backing it used to enjoy upon its formation just one year ago. Jordan, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Iran says US rapprochement unrealistic
  Iran views the U.S. offer of official talks as unrealistic and it stand to reason that the U.S. officials should also recognize and concur with this assessment quoting the Iranian diplomat as saying '"I believe the problem with the proposed dialogue is, at least, twofold: first is the question of trust and credibility, and the second is the question of mutual respect and equality." Iran-USA, Politics, 3/20/2000
• Israel refuses to give members of SLA militia political asylum
  A high-ranking Israeli source said on Sunday that Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon will be gradual and from position in the Lebanese depths and that positions close to the borders will continue to be controlled for a certain period of time. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/20/2000

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