Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/10/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 10, 2000

• Al-Shara: the line of June 4 is on the north of east bank of Tiberis lake and not anywhere else
  Syria's foreign minister Farouk al-Shara on Friday evening addressed the Group of 77 south summit in a statement stressing Syria's unwavering positions towards major issues facing the Arab states. Syria, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Lebanese president starts a visit to Saudi Arabia today Lebanon-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Intensive diplomatic activity in Cairo Egypt, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Zayed to Mubarak message on cooperation and support
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received a message from United Arab Emirates' President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan that was conveyed by Manea Saeed El-Otaibi, the special advisor of Sheik Zayed who arrived in Cairo the day before yesterday on a five day visit to Egypt. Egypt-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Saudi crown prince Abdullah telephones the Emir of Bahrain Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 4/15/2000
• King Mohammed to chair national promotion council session Morocco, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Radi re-elected speaker of lower house Morocco, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Oman negates signing an agreement for the joint defense with Iran
  Sultan Qabus Bin Saeed of Oman negated yesterday that his country signed an agreement for joint defense with Iran, clarifying that his country signed an agreement for the security cooperation only with Iran. Oman-USA, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Amman's hotels refuse to host reception for the Israeli embassy Jordan, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Chirac and the war in the Middle East Syria-France, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Four Political Party Leaders Visit Southern Province Morocco, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Italy says it will act as Morocco's spokesman with Europe
  Italy said it will act as Morocco's spokesman with the European Union (EU). Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Canadian committee calls for halting the sufferings of the Iraqi people
  The permanent committee for foreign affairs and international committee at the Canadian parliament has asked the government to put an end to the sanctions imposed on Iraq because it inflict great damages on the Iraqi people. Iraq-Canada, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Gaddafi confers with Chad's counterpart
  Libyan leader Col. Muaammar al-Gaddafi discussed with the President of Chad Idris Debi African issues. Libya-Chad, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Erekat: continuing disputes between Palestinians and Israelis
  Palestinian top negotiator Saeb Erekat said that "there are (continuing) disputes between Israel and Palestine in the negotiations which took place in Washington." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/15/2000
• On the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon
  The London-based al-Hayat daily said on Friday quoting high ranking diplomatic sources as saying that the UN secretary general Kofi Annan and the coordinator of the UN activities in the Middle East Terry Larson have asked the UN official in Gaza Andrew Gilmore to follow up the issue of Israel's determination to withdraw from South Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Abd El-Maguid meets with Bin Alawi tomorrow
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abd El-Maguid is meeting tomorrow with the Omani Foreign Minister Moussa Bin Alawi that is currently visiting Cairo. Regional, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Gaddafi calls for establishing a new African - Arab union
  The participants in an Arab and African conference that is currently held in Libya - expressed their support for the call of the Libyan president Muaammar al-Gaddafi to form a union between the Arab - and African countries. Libya, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Group of 77 calls for lifting sanctions against Libya
  The South Summit called on the United Nations Security Council to pass a resolution lifting the sanctions imposed on Libya. Libya, Politics, 4/15/2000
• G-77 summit calls for Jerusalem as Palestine's capital
  The leaders of 42 developing nations, who met in Havana -Cuba this week part of the Group of 77 (G-77) summit, called for recognizing the independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as capital. Regional, Politics, 4/15/2000
• G-77: Morocco calls for new international financial regulations
  Morocco on Friday called for new international financial regulations that will take into account the strategic interests of the nations of the south. Regional, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Arab states demand Israel's joining to the non-proliferation treaty
  UN Conference on reviewing the non-proliferation treaty NPT, due to be held in New York April 24,2000, will discuss President Mubarak's initiative for freeing the Middle East from the weapons of mass destruction including nuclear ones. Egypt, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Moussa denies Israeli request on Iran's detained Jews
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa dismissed media reports that Israel had asked Egypt to intervene in the issue of 13 Jews being tried in Iran on espionage charges. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/15/2000
• Morocco contributes 10% to Sahara mission budget
  Morocco contributes 10 % to the budget of the United Nations mission for the referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO), said a U.N. Secretary-General report. Morocco, Politics, 4/15/2000
• A message from Sultan Qaboos to President Mubarak
  Omani Foreign Minister Yousef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah is to arrive tomorrow on an official visit to Egypt, during which he is conveying a message from Oman's Sultan Qaboos Bin Said to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Oman-Egypt, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Qatar and Bahrain exchange ambassadors Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 4/14/2000
• King Mohammed meets Pope John Paul II at Holy See
  King Mohammed VI visited Thursday the Holy See where he conferred with Pope John Paul II. Morocco-Vatican, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Mubarak talks on the telephone with Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Maltese Premier In Libya Libya-Malta, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Jordanian parliamentary majority calls for resignation of al-Rawabdeh government
  Some 53 members at the Jordanian parliament called in a message addressed on Wednesday to King Abdullah II for changing the Jordanian government chaired by Abdul Raouf al-Rawabdeh. Jordan, Politics, 4/14/2000
• May meeting in Cairo to discuss mechanism for convening Arab summit
  The Arab ministerial committee formed to discussing the mechanism for convening an Arab summit will convene in Cairo during the first week of May. Regional, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Italian parliamentary delegation in Damascus today Syria-Italy, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Peace conference on Somalia this month Regional-Somalia, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Egypt, Canada agree to increase bilateral trade
  President Mubarak had talks yesterday with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien on ways of expanding bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, technical cooperation and training. Egypt-Canada, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Algerian president to visit France soon Algeria-France, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Al-Shara meets with UN chief in Havana
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Thursday in Havana at the conferences palace, on the sideline of the meetings of the South summit met with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Syria-UN, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Musharraf to visit Arab League next week
  Gen. Pervez Musharraf, head of the ruling military council in Pakistan, is due to visit Arab League headquarters in Cairo on Monday during his visit to Egypt, which begins on Sunday. Egypt-Regional-Pakistan, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Chretien in Amman today
  It was announced in Amman on Thursday that Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien will arrive in Amman this afternoon in a visit to Jordan which will last for three days. Jordan-Canada, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Lebanon: Our borders are known, we refuse any new border demarcation
  Lebanon has renewed its opposition to giving Israel any security arrangements outside the framework of a comprehensive and just peace, according to cohesion between the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Turkey: We seek good relations with Syria, and there will be no problems concerning water
  Turkish Minister of State for Water Affairs Mustafa Yilmaz has asserted that Turkey's policy advocates good and positive relations with the neighboring states, especially with Syria. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Canada: Chretien's visit to Syria aims at strengthening relations, boosting ME peace
  The Canadian ambassador to Syria, Alexandra Bugailiskis has stated that the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien to Syria on April 17 and 18 aims at strengthening bilateral relations between Syria and Canada and discussing means of giving a push forward to the peace process. Syria-Canada, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Former President Diouf leaves Morocco Sunday for France Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 4/14/2000
• France ready to receive former SLA members
  French Defense Minister Alain Richard stressed on Thursday that his country can accommodate former members of the pro-Israel South Lebanese Army militias, following Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel-France, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Morocco's first ambassador to Cyprus hands credentials
  Morocco's ambassador to Cyprus, the first ever, Noureddine Sefiani, handed his credentials to president Glafcos Clerides at a meeting Thursday in Nicosia, Morocco's embassy in Athens said in a statement. Morocco-Cyprus, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Barak government cancels all restrictions on settlement expansion in the Golan
  The Israeli government on Thursday abrogated the decision that provided for freezing the settlement process in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Morocco attends Arab housing meeting in Cairo
  Morocco will take part in the meeting of the executive board of the Arab ministers of housing and town planning council to open in Cairo on Sunday. Regional, Politics, 4/14/2000
• UN Securtiy Council approves UNMOVIC plan
  The United Nations Security Council yesterday approved an organizational plan for the organization of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), created to replace UNSCOM in monitoring weapons in Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 4/14/2000
• Moussa assures necessity of developing the Egyptian - Iranian relations Egypt-Iran, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Egypt: Ambassador Noeman Galal Egypt's ambassador Egypt-China, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Syrian premier confers with French industry minister, asks for updating laws
  Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro received the French minister of oil and industry, Christian Pierret, and members of the accompanying delegation on Wednesday in Damascus. Syria-France, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Yemeni prime minister: Jews' visits to Yemen started in 1982 and will continue
  Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani has stated that Yemen will continue to permit the visits of Jewish tourists despite the heated controversy resulting from the two visits made by Jews of Yemeni origin to Yemen. Yemen-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Palestinians and Canada deny Israel allegations of Canada's consent on settling 15,000 refugees Palestine-Israel-Canada, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Mary Robinson starts Friday official visit to Morocco
  The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Mary Robinson undertakes April 14-16 an three-day official visit to Morocco, a release of the UN information center in Rabat says. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Egypt's ambassador in Israel: Tel Aviv is required to implement international resolutions Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Morocco, Italy to enhance political consultations
  Morocco and Italy have decided to enhance their consultations to give a new momentum to their bilateral cooperation in all areas, under an accord signed here on Wednesday by the two countries' foreign ministers, Mohamed Benaissa and Lamberto Dini. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Saudi defense ministers telephones emir of Qatar Saudi Arabia-Qatar, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Canadian PM praises Mubarak’s keenness on economic reform in Egypt
  President Hosni Mubarak and Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chretien yesterday underlined the importance of promoting economic relations between the two countries. Egypt-Canada, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Malta's prime minister starts visit to Libya
  Malta's prime minister has asserted that his talks with the Libyan officials will deal with laying the foundation for a closer and better cooperation between the two countries and to discuss the Mediterranean between the countries of the Mediterranean and the European Union. Libya-Malta, Politics, 4/13/2000
• French defense minister visits Israel Israel-France, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Moussa to hold important talks with Omani foreign minister
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is due to hold important talks Saturday with the Omani state minister for foreign affairs Yusef bin Alawi who is to arrive at Cairo on Saturday morning for a 3-day visit to Egypt. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Israeli president retiring soon Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Confiscating properties of three opposition personalities in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Sudanese- Egyptian businessmen council established
  Several Sudanese and Egyptian businessmen have decided to launch the first council for businessmen in the two countries in order to serve development objectives in Sudan. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Italy pledges to help Morocco succeed in reform undertakings
  Italy pledged in Rome Wednesday to help Morocco carry out the political, economic and social reforms it ushered in to modernize the country, liberalize the economy and consolidate the foundations of political democracy. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Lebanon refuses Israeli threats
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss has called on the US Middle East peace process cosponsor not to be trapped by Israel and give up its role in attempting to achieving a just settlement on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Syrian FM meets with Spanish counterpart
  Spain has criticized the Israeli settlement policy which ignores the principles of a just and comprehensive peace, Madrid terms of reference and the land-for-peace formula. Syria-Spain, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Egypt - Israel talks on power cooperation depend on progress in peace
  "Allowing Israel access to the Arab Mashreq electrical grid depends on how much progress it makes in the peace process," said Minister of Electricity Ali El-Saedi. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Sudanese opposition party to elect its political bureau members
  Sources from the Sudanese opposition Ummah Party stressed this party started measures to establish a new political bureau composed of 50 members in order to lead the party's work in the coming phase. Sudan, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Barak agrees on giving U.S.A a bigger role in the peace process
  One of the Israeli high ranking officials who escorted Ehud Barak the Israeli prime minister to Washington - lately said that Barak agreed on a proposal presented by U.S President Bill Clinton during their meeting in Washington to give the U.S.A a bigger role in mediating in the peace negotiations with the Palestinians. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Iran releases 2,000 Iraqi prisoners, increased call to lift sanctions on Iraq
  The general secretariat of the international federation for the Arab workers trade union has condemned the continued siege imposed on Iraq and called for halting the British-American aggressions against the Iraqi people. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Bouteflika to visit France in June
  French officials who asked not to be identified said on Tuesday that the state visit that Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika intends to make to France is set for June 14- 16 and that French President Jacques Chirac and Premier Lionel Jospin will meet with him. Algeria-France, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Sultan Qaboos to visit Qatar on April 22 Oman-Qatar, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Libyans deported from Jordan belong to the fighting group, sources
  Libyan sources have confirmed reports circulated by the al-Marsad al-Ilami al-Islamic on the killing of three out of eight Libyans who were deported in March from Amman to Tripoli. Libya, Politics, 4/13/2000
• The Arabs will not close Israel's nuclear file
  Egypt's permanent representative at the UN, Ahmad Abu al-Gheit, has asserted that the Arab states will try at the 6th revision conference of the treaty banning nuclear weapons due to be held in New York on April 24 through May 19 to have Israel referred to as the only country in the region which has not yet joined this treaty and to be asked officially to join it so as to ensure the safety of the region and evacuate it from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. Regional, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Asking European countries to present support for mine removal
  The participants in the international symposium about "mines and its effect on the development" in which governmental international and specialized civil organizations in the mines field, specialists in countries, U.N and its organizations as well as its specialized agencies especially the countries responsible for planting mines to help remove these mines as they cause major problems to development. Regional, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Baker meets Chirac in Paris
  The personal envoy of the U.N. secretary-general for the Sahara, James Baker, conferred in Paris on Wednesday with French President Jacques Chirac on new developments in the U.N. settlement plan for the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Israeli foreign ministry warns its citizens from traveling to Yemen Yemen-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Turkish minister of agriculture visits Jordan Jordan-Turkey, Politics, 4/13/2000
• French republic ombudsman meets Moroccan speaker
  The French republic ombudsman, Bernard Stasi, currently on a two-day-visit to Morocco, held talks in Rabat Wednesday with Senate speaker Mohamed Jalal Essaid. Morocco-France, Politics, 4/13/2000
• Mubarak receives Canadian Premier
  President Hosni Mubarak's talks with Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien today focussed on bilateral relations and signed agreements between both countries. Egypt-Canada, Politics, 4/12/2000
• King Mohammed calls for innovative partnership with Italy
  King Mohammed VI, who started Tuesday a three-day state visit to Italy, held Tuesday afternoon a first round of discussions with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and attended a dinner-banquet hosted in his honor by the Italian head of state. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Abd El-Maguid receives a message from the Sudanese foreign minister
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid received a written message from Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael, which efforts by Abdul Meguid and the AL to defend Sudan's unity and support it in confronting foreign schemes conspiring against its stability and regional safety, especially its stance toward Canada and its call for raising the Sudanese issue in the United Nations Security Council. Sudan-Regional-Canada, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Syria is keen to achieve peace, expert says
  The Israeli paper Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday that Murhaf Jweijati, an expert in Syrian affairs and a scientist at the Middle East Institute in Washington, described press reports which indicate "toughness" in the Syrian position concerning the peace talks as incorrect. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Mubarak tirelessly seeking the best for Egypt
  "President Hosni Mubarak works for rebuilding Egypt as fast as possible," said Foreign Minister Amr Moussa late Tuesday. Egypt, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Saudi crown prince confers with Hoon
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Tuesday in Jeddah met with British Defense Secretary Geoffery Hoon and members of the accompanying delegation currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Ciampi hails Morocco as a factor of security in the Mediterranean
  Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi hailed Morocco's domestic stability and ponderation at the international level, saying it is a factor of security in the Mediterranean region. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Morocco, Saudi Arabia set up friendship parliamentary group
  A friendship and cooperation parliamentary group will be set up by the Saudi Shoura Council and the Moroccan Chamber of Advisors (upper house of the Moroccan parliament). Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/12/2000
• New Egyptian ambassador to Sudan very soon
  Egyptian diplomatic sources said that Egyptian ambassador Muhammad Asem will head for Khartoum at the end of this week to assume his post of office as the first ambassador from his country to Sudan in six years after he was appointed by his government to this post two months ago. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Egypt's foreign minister confers with Belgian deputy FM Egypt-Belgium, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Oman negates and Iran confirms signing a bilateral military agreement
  Official sources in the Omani Foreign Ministry denied reports that referred to reaching a defense or military agreement between Oman and Iran, clarifying that mission of the Omani military delegation headed by General Mohammed Bin Mahfouz El-Aredi, commander of the Omani Air Force, to Tehran was in a technical and routine framework. Oman-Iran, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Jordan calls for public trial for accused murderers of its citizens in Israel Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Kuwait's crown prince confers with Yemeni parliament speaker Kuwait-Yemen, Politics, 4/12/2000
• El-Sadek El-Mahdi to meet with US ambassador in Cairo on Sunday
  Former Sudanese Prime Minister El-Sadek El-Mahdi, head of the opposition Ummah Party, is due to meet with the US ambassador in Cairo, Daniel Kurtzer, on Sunday. Sudan-International, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Arafat: Palestinian state to be declared this year
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat stated yesterday that issue of the Palestinian state has been already determined and that it will be announced during the current year. Palestine, Politics, 4/12/2000
• UAE donation for Jordan
  The United Arab Emirates' government decided to present a financial donation to Jordan of $200 million to support the Jordanian economy and basic infrastructure projects. Jordan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/12/2000
• On Turkish relations with Israel, the Arabs
  Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has stressed that his country's relations with Israel will not be at the expense of the Arab states in general and Syria in particular. Turkey-Regional-International, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Hamas denies news reports on its office in Damascus
  The Hamas movement has strongly denied reports by Reuters from the Palestinian Authority territories that a high-ranking Hamas movement official and another official at the PLO said this movement has reinforced its presence in Damascus following the collapse of the peace talks between Syria and Israel and that Syria can use its pro-extremist groups against Israel from south Lebanon. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Sudanese government agrees on draft law to combat terrorism
  The Sudanese Cabinet agreed on a draft law for combating terrorism that was presented by Minister of Interior Abd El-Rehim Mohammed Hussein. Sudan, Politics, 4/12/2000
• French republic ombudsman meets Moroccan officials in Rabat
  The French republic ombudsman, Bernard Stazi, who started Tuesday a two-day visit to Morocco, held separate talks in Rabat with Morocco's minister of human rights, Mohamed Aujjar, and minister of civil service and administrative reform, Aziz Husseini. Morocco-France, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Two high-ranking British envoys to visit Syria
  An official at the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office stated on Tuesday that two high-ranking British officials will visit Syria in the next few weeks in the course of international efforts aimed at reviving the peace process on the Syrian track. Syria-UK, Politics, 4/12/2000
• British Minister of State visits Tunisia and Algeria
  Minister of State Peter Hain will visit Tunisia and Algeria 11-13 April. In Tunisia he will meet Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi and in Algeria he will meet Prime Minister Ahmed Benitour. North Africa-UK, Politics, 4/12/2000
• King Mohammed, an outstanding personality, Enzo Bianco says
  King Mohammed VI is an outstanding personality who triggered curiosity in the West as a whole, and in Italy in particular, said Italian Interior Minister Enzo Bianco. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Saudi, Djiboutian ministers meet on Arab issues
  Saudi Minister of Information Fuad al-Farisi met on Tuesday in Riyadh with his Djiboutian counterpart, Government Spokesman Rifki Abdoulkader Bamakrama, currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Djibouti, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Diplomatic reports on Syrian track Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Khaled Mashal: Qatari mediation to bring Hamas leaders back to Jordan continues
  Khaled Mashal, head of the political bureau of the opposition Palestinian Hamas movement, said that the Qatari mediation continues to bring back leaders of the movement to Jordan and that Hamas' stance has not changed. Qatar-Jordan, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Iraqi lawyers ask Jordan to close file of the Italian pilot
  The Iraqi lawyers syndicate asked the Jordanian judiciary to halt the legal procedures against Nicola Trifiani, the Italian pilot accused of violating the law and misleading the Jordanian authorities when he flew a small airplane from Rome to Baghdad through Amman, violating the air embargo imposed on Iraq. Jordan-Iraq-International, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Establishing a Moroccan commercial bureau in New York
  Morocco decided to open a commercial representation bureau in New York City to increase the volume of its exports to US markets. Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Saudi, Romanian relations reviewed
  Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on Tuesday in Jeddah met with Romanian Foreign Minister Petre Roman and members of the accompanying delegation, currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Romania, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Saudi minister criticizes British papers campaign on human rights in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Hizbullah spiritual leader underwent assassination attempt
  AP quoted a spokesman for the spiritual leader of the Hizbullah movement Hussein Fadlullah as saying on Tuesday in Beirut that the later had escaped an assassination attempt while he was reading a sermon in a mosque in Beirut during last Friday's prayers. Lebanon, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Chinese president visits Israel
  Chinese President Jiang Zemin intends to pay an official visit to Israel starting today. This visit was described by observers as the first of its kind by a Chinese president. Regional-Israel-China, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Many problems to solve before UN plan implementation, says Baker
  James Baker, personal envoy of the United Nations secretary general for the Sahara, said in Madrid Wednesday there were many problems to solve to be able to implement the UN settlement plan for the Sahara. Morocco-International, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Baker meets President Chirac after visits to Algeria and Morocco
  The UN secretary general's personal Sahara envoy James Baker meets president Jacques Chirac in Paris Wednesday after visits to Algeria and Morocco, said UN spokesman. Morocco, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Equato-Guinean President Winds Up Visit to Morocco Morocco-Equatorial Guinea, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Chief of staff of US armed forces in Morocco next week
  The chief of the general staff of the US armed forces, General Henry Shelton, is to pay a visit to Morocco on April 20. Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/12/2000
• UMT turns down draft labor code
  The Moroccan Labor Union (UMT) turned down the draft labor code describing it as prejudicial to wage-earners'rights and to employment security. Morocco, Politics, 4/12/2000
• U.N. Sahara mission spent $45 million in 98-99
  The United Nations mission for the referendum in the Sahara (MINURSO) spent $45 million between July 98 and June 99. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Al-Hoss: Lebanese - Israeli borders not for discussion Lebanon, Politics, 4/12/2000
• Iran says detained tankers smuggling Iraqi oil Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/12/2000
• French republic ombudsman in Morocco
  The French republic ombudsman, Bernard Stazi, is expected in Morocco Thursday on a two-day visit at the invitation of the Ministry of Human Rights. Morocco-France, Politics, 4/11/2000
• UAE President confers with Cohen United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 4/11/2000
• No Youssoufi-Fischler meeting slated, says EC spokesman Morocco-European Union, Politics, 4/11/2000
• King Mohammed starts official visit to Italy
  King Mohammed VI flew this Tuesday to Italy for a three-day official visit in quest of stronger cooperation with the European nation. Morocco-Italy, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Lebanese president meets with Polish chief of staff Lebanon-Poland, Politics, 4/11/2000
• GCC relations with Iran underlined Gulf, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Indonesian demonstrations against Israel Israel-Indonesia, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Saudi choura council speaker in Morocco
  Speaker of the Saudi Shoura council, Sheikh Hamad Bin Ibrahim Bin Joubeir, who is currently on a visit to Morocco was received in Rabat Tuesday by King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Moroccan Justice Minister leaves For G-77 Summit In Havana
  Justice Minister Omar Azziman left Rabat Tuesday heading for Cuba to lead the Moroccan delegation to the works of the G-77 group held in Havana April 12-14. Morocco-International, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Lebanese president confers with French envoy
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud received the chairman of the Middle East and North Africa department at the French Foreign Ministry, Yves Dola Mesoziar, accompanied by the French ambassador to Lebanon on Monday at Beirut's presidential palace. Lebanon-France, Politics, 4/11/2000
• King Abdullah arrives in Oslo
  Jordan's King Abdullah Bin Hussein arrived on Monday in Oslo, starting an official visit which will last for three days. Jordan-Norway, Politics, 4/11/2000
• King Mohammed receives James Baker
  King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, chaired in Rabat Monday a work session with the personal envoy of the U.N. secretary-general for the Sahara, James Baker. Morocco, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Mubarak meets Euro Jewish delegation, key Belgian senator
  President Hosni Mubarak yesterday met with a delegation of European Jewry following their meeting with Foreign Minister Amr Moussa earlier in the day. Egypt, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Lebanese Premier: Lebanon does not trust Israeli intentions
  During Monday's meeting with several Lebanese members of parliament, al-Hoss stressed the current critical phase and the need to deal with this phase cautiously in light of the Israeli proposals towards south Lebanon and the situation in the region. Lebanon, Politics, 4/11/2000
• On Barak's meeting with Clinton
  The Lebanese daily al-Nahar issued on Monday stated that topics to be debated at the White House during the meeting between US President Bill Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak are five in the following sequence: Lebanon, the Palestinian track, the Syrian track, Israeli- Chinese relations and the future of Israeli-American relations. Lebanon-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Report: Egyptian mediation between Syria and Israel
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Anbaa quoted an Egyptian diplomatic source as saying on Monday that Cairo is carrying out a mediation role to bring views together between Syria and Israel. Syria-Regional, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Gulf foreign minister holds Israel responsible for obstructing Middle East peace
  The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council have denounced Baghdad in their meetings, which concluded on Sunday in Jeddah, and accused it of violating UN resolutions. They also held Israel responsible for obstructing the Middle East peace process. Gulf, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Former UN official for lifting sanctions from Iraq
  Former UN Assistant for Secretary General Denis Halliday, who is also a former head of the humanitarian program in Iraq on Monday in Canberra said that the West is carrying out the complete destruction of Iraqi society by keeping sanctions imposed on this country. Iraq-International, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Report: Split in pro-Iraq Baath Party in Jordan
  The Jordanian weekly al-Majd has reported in its most recent issue about a continued split in the lines of the Jordanian Socialist Arab Baath Party, which is pro-Iraq, as a new group of this party's leaders and members announced on Sunday that some 36 of its members have resigned or frozen their membership in this party, unless the party's higher leadership responds to the demands of the committee to call for a special conference to be attended by all members of this party. Jordan, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Speaker of Yemeni Parliament in Kuwait
  Yemeni Parliament Speaker Abdullah al-Ahmar arrived in Kuwait on Monday to hold talks aimed at improving relations between Kuwait and Yemen. Kuwait-Yemen, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Qaboos to visit Qatar on April 22
  Within a few days, Omani-Qatari relations will enter a new phase. Oman's Sultan Qaboos Bin Said will hold his first official visit to Doha since Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani assumed power in 1995. Oman-Qatar, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Kuwaiti minister denies buying weapons from the US during Cohen's tour
  Kuwait's deputy premier and defense minister, Sheikh Salem al-Sabah has, denied that the state of Kuwait signed any contract to buy weapons from the US during the visit made by the US defense secretary to Kuwait on Sunday. Kuwait-USA, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Baker cuts short North African tour
  James Baker, Personal Envoy of the U.N Secretary-General for the Sahara, has cut short a North Africa tour due to bronchitis. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/11/2000
• The Canadian prime minister visits Egypt today Egypt-Canada, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Mauritanian opposition condemns rapprochement with Israel Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Damascus asks U.S to take care of the requirements for peace
  Syria asked the U.S.A to take its responsibility as the peace process sponsor in the Middle East to take care of the full and just peace requirements. Syria, Politics, 4/11/2000
• King Fahd meets British defense secretary
  King Fahd Bin Abdel Aziz of Saudi Arabia held a meeting in Jeddah with Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon who is making a Gulf tour. Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 4/11/2000
• On Israeli- Chinese relations Israel-China, Politics, 4/11/2000
• Prince Moulay Rachid in Bourguiba's Funerals
  Prince Moulay Rachid represented King Mohammed VI in the funerals of Tunisia's former President Habib Bourguiba, who passed away Thursday at the age of 96. Tunisia, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Al-Shara conveyed a message from al-Assad to Mubarak Egypt-Syria, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Egypt supports Syrian stance
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that President Mubarak's meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara was important and dealt with various developments on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Turkish President for good relations with Syria Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/10/2000
• NAM Should Grant More Interest to Economic, Social Issues, Minister
  The Non-Aligned Movement should enlarge the scope of its action and grant more interest to economic and social issues, said Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa. Regional, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Morocco urges non-aligned movement to pressure Israel honor its commitments
  Morocco has urged the Non-Aligned Movement to pressure Israel to abide by U.N resolutions and live up to the commitments it made under the accords it signed with the Palestinian government. Morocco, Politics, 4/10/2000
• King Mohammed pays official visit to Italy april 11-13
  King Mohammed VI is expected in Italy Tuesday on a three-day official visit at the invitation of President Carlo Azeiglo Ciampi, it was officially announced here on Sunday. Morocco, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Syrian premier inspects passport, crossing centers
  Syrian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro on Sunday visited the border immigration center of Naseeb town in Dara province, on the border with Jordan. Syria, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Syrian FM receives a telephone call from UN chief Syria-UN, Politics, 4/10/2000
• British defense minister to visit Saudi Arabia today Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 4/10/2000
• UAE president meets with Bahraini prime minister
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan on Sunday in Abu Dhabi received Bahraini Prime Minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khalifa, currently on an official visit to the UAE. United Arab Emirates-Bahrain, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Mubarak meets with Barak in Cairo
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is discussing developments in the peace process on all tracks today with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak who is arriving today for a brief visit. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Saudi FM and Syrian- Israeli peace talks
  AFP said that Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal has denied on Saturday in Jeddah news reports which said that Riyadh is making efforts to revive the Syrian- Israeli negotiations. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Kuwaiti emir confers with Djibouti's president
  A round of official talks was held on Sunday in Kuwait between Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah and the president of Djibouti, Ismael Omar Guelleh. Kuwait-Djibouti-USA, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Mubarak meets with Arafat
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and members of the accompanying delegation on Sunday in Cairo. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/10/2000
• President Saddam Hussein fight over power Iraq, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Lebanese president to visit Egypt on April 20
  It was announced in Cairo on Sunday that Lebanese President Emile Lahoud will visit Egypt on April 20 at the invitation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Lebanon-Egypt, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Al-Shara confers with French official
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Sunday in Damascus received the director of the Middle East and North Africa department at the French Foreign Ministry. Syria-France, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Shaath hails Egyptian role in the peace process Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Lebanese - Syrian understanding concerning the peace process
  Lebanese Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Resources Sulayman Trablousi stated that the Syrian position is identical with the Lebanese one concerning Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, referring to Syria's welcome of the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory on the condition that the withdrawal is full. Lebanon, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Saudi defense minister hails Cohen's tour
  Saudi Minister of Defense and Aviation Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz depicted the proposals of US Defense Secretary William Cohen during his Gulf tour concerning establishing a joint early warning network and against chemical and nuclear weapons in the Gulf region as being constructive. Saudi Arabia-Gulf-USA, Politics, 4/10/2000
• President N'Guessou winds up visit to Morocco Morocco-Congo, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Iran releases Iraqi prisoners
  Some 500 Iraqi prisoners of war arrived on Sunday at al-Munzereyah border center after being released by Iran earlier. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Pending issues between Egypt and Sudan to be discussed in supreme committee meetings in May Sudan, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Barak rules out attaining a progress on the Syrian track during his visit to Washington
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has reduced the "ceiling of expectations" concerning the results of his talks in Washington with US President Bill Clinton scheduled for tomorrow. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Cairo hosts symposium on land mines
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid stressed on Sunday in Cairo that the problem of land mines in the Arab states constitutes a great challenge to economic and social development and a danger to the population. Regional, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Barak chairs a meeting for the Israeli Cabinet
  Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has renewed his commitment to the refusal of the basis of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and his refusal to recognize decisions of the international legitimacy resolutions, claming that the city of occupied Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Israel. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Morocco renews backing to U.N. efforts to settle Sahara issue
  Morocco has renewed backing to the United Nations efforts to settle the Sahara issue through a self-determination referendum. Morocco, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Baker in Morocco to unlock Sahara Logjam
  Personal envoy of the U.N. secretary-general for the Sahara, James Baker, said Sunday in Rabat that he is touring the region to study means to overcome the obstacles facing the U.N. settlement plan for the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Kuwait 's crown prince confers with US defense secretary
  Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah met on Sunday in Kuwait with US Defense Secretary William Cohen. Kuwait-USA, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Sadoun Hammadi reelected as speaker of the Iraqi parliament
  Members of the Iraqi National Council (parliament) on Sunday in Baghdad reelected, for the second time Sadoun Hammadi as the speaker of the council following the legislative elections on March 27. Iraq, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Royal message to president of Comoro islands Morocco-Comoro, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Kuwait opposes normalization with Israel before reaching just Middle East peace
  Kuwaiti First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad has asserted his country's refusal of any sort of normalization with Israel before reaching a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Kuwait, Politics, 4/10/2000
• CDT calls for warning general strike on April 25
  The national council of the Democratic Labor Confederation (CDT) has called for a warning general strike for April 25, says a CDT release, to press for workers' social and material claims. Morocco, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Saudi Arabia reports on human rights in the kingdom
  Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Prince Torki Mohammed Saud Al-Kabeer, who is also under-secretary-general for political affairs and director-general for international organizations department of Saudi Arabia, told the United Nations Commission on Human rights last week that Saudi Arabia had taken steps that included cooperation with the commission and a Special Rapporteur on the independence of the judiciary, a UN press release said. Saudi Arabia-International, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Clinton to brief Barak on answers he received from al-Assad on border issue Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Baghdad attacks Cohen's tour in the Gulf
  The Iraqi government attacked tour of US Defense Secretary William Cohen to the Gulf area. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Israeli- Mauritanian society established
  An Israeli Knesset delegation on Sunday concluded a five-day official visit to Mauritania. Mauritania-Israel, Politics, 4/10/2000
• Canada's prime minister confers with Israeli President Regional-Canada, Politics, 4/10/2000

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