Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/24/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 24, 2000

• Opening the international parliamentary conference in Jordan tomorrow
  King Abdullah II of Jordan is to open tomorrow the International Parliamentary Union conference that is to be held in Amman and last for one week. Regional-Jordan, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Government apologizes for banning Assahifa weekly
  Spokesman of the Moroccan government, Khalid Alioua, conceded that the government's ban on "Assahifa" weekly edition of April 17 was an error and expressed the government's apology for this measure which he called "a reproach and not a sanction." Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Egyptian journalists union decides to boycott international conference for press
  The Egyptian journalists union council issued in its urgent meeting yesterday a statement in which it announced that it will boycott the international union's conference for the press councils, which ended its works today. Egypt, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Conference in Fez assesses Euro-Mediterranean partnership
  An international conference gathering decision-makers and politicians from fourteen European and Mediterranean countries was held in Fez Friday and Saturday to assess Euro-Mediterranean partnership. Regional, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Border demarcation between Saudi Arabia, Qatar Saudi Arabia-Qatar, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Journalists union decries prison sentences in press cases
  After it renewed its adherence to the respect of professional ethics, mainly the need to undertake investigation before publication, the union argued that the press code provisions related to judicial action in press cases should be conform to the rule of law and guarantee the freedom of speech and press without restrictions nor constraints. Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Iran releases Iraqi prisoners Iraq-Iran, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Gaddafi retreats from objections to Arab states joining NATO Libya-Regional, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Human rights in Africa still nonexistent
  Egyptian lawyer Mohammed Moneeb, representative of the non-governmental organizations in the African continent urged yesterday the Organization of African Unity of sign the agreement against torture, calling on the African committee for human rights and African states to persuade the organization to sign it. Regional-Africa, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Moroccan interior minister visits Algeria
  Moroccan Interior Minister Ahmed El Midaoui arrived this Saturday in Algiers for a visit that is "part of brotherly consultation and relations between the two countries." Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2000
• King Mohammed to build diplomacy based on the engagement of all Moroccan institutions
  King Mohammed VI has called for the consolidation of non-governmental diplomacy and for involving parliamentary, economic, cultural and media associations in the country's diplomacy and renewed the pledge to elaborate a new institutional frame...to build a strong diplomacy. Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Ross to visit Israel next Tuesday
  An Israeli source said on Friday in Jerusalem that the US Middle East peace process coordinator, Dennis Ross, will arrive in Israel on Tuesday in order to join the round of Israeli- Palestinian negotiations which will start in the city of Eilat next Sunday in an attempt to reach an agreement of the final status framework. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Bashar al-Assad to WSJ: Israel is mistaken if ot thinks its withdrawal from Lebanon is equivalent to peace with Syria
  Col. Bashar al-Assad has stated that Israel is committing a mistake if it thinks its unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon is equivalent to peace with Syria. Syria, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Report: Tripartite meeting for Syrian, Egyptian, Saudi FMs in Damascus
  A high-ranking Syrian source at the Syrian Foreign Ministry stated that preparations are underway to convene a tripartite meeting including Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal in Damascus, but the Syrian official did not set a final date for such a meeting, saying that such a meeting will be set through diplomatic channels. Syria-Regional, Politics, 4/29/2000
• A call to lift parliamentary immunity from Bishara Israel, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Morocco hands in Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ratification documents
  Snoussi added that it is necessary to bring Israel to abide by the agreements signed as part of the Middle East peace process with Palestine, Syria and Lebanon as a strong signal to Israel's will to restore confidence. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Gulf Summit today in Muscat
  The leaders of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are discussing today in Muscat GCC relations with Iran and military cooperation with the USA. Gulf, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Walker seeks Mubarak's views on regional issues Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Jordanian Nation's Council will not receive Israelis
  Some 20 Jordanian members of parliament got a commitment from the chairman of the Jordanian Nation's Council not to permit the Israeli parliamentarians taking part in the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference due to start on Sunday evening to enter the headquarters of the Jordanian Parliament. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Iranian President Mohammed Khatami receives ISESCO Director General
  Iranian President Mohammed Khatami received this Saturday Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, Director-General of the Rabat-based Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization -ISESCO- who is on a visit to Teheran to attend the fifth session of the Executive Council of the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, ISESCO said in a release. Regional, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Palestinian government refuses delay of any peace process issue Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Jordan: relations with Syria are good, Jordanians not convinced to normalize with Israel
  Jordan Minister of Information and Culture Saleh al-Qallab has asserted that Jordanian- Syrian relations are very good and reviving. Jordan, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Egypt hopes UN millennium summit would live up to world's expectations
  Egypt has underlined the importance of the UN meeting on arrangements for the three-day Millennium summit. Ahmed Abul- Gheit, the Permanent Delegate to UN, hoped that the gathering would fulfill aspirations cherished by peoples of the world. Egypt-UN, Politics, 4/29/2000
• De Charette calls for intensifying efforts to revive the Syrian track
  Former French Foreign Minister Herve De Charette has warned that the situation in the Middle East region is inclining towards deterioration. Syria-France, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Hizbullah, Amal movement discuss latest developments in south Lebanon
  The leaders of both the Hizbullah Party and the Amal movement on Friday held a meeting in which Israeli military escalation in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa was discussed. Lebanon, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Nasrallah: Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon a result of resistance effort
  Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of Hizbullah, asserted that the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon is a result of the Lebanese resistance in Lebanon, adding that the resistance is the one that impose the withdrawal on Israel by making it afraid to remain in the Lebanese lands. Lebanon-Israel-UN, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Continuing battles between opposition and governmental troops in Sudan
  The opposition alliance in Sudan said its troops seized military headquarters affiliated to the government troops in the eastern part of the country. Sudan, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Mauritanian president ends visit to Morocco
  Mauritanian President Mouaouyia Ould Sid Ahmed Taya left Casablanca Friday at the end of a three-day official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 4/29/2000
• A conference for third-generation mobile communications in Turkey
  The international union for communications affiliated to the UN will organize a conference to discuss privatizing the radio frequency spectrum for mobile communication devices (IMT 2000) in May in Istanbul, Turkey. Regional, Politics, 4/29/2000
• Yemen studying shifting authority to local areas Yemen, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Six cooperation agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia United Arab Emirates-Tunisia, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Oman's Foreign Ministry: Arab states are convinced of the Syrian position
  Syrain President Hafez al-Assad met on Thursday in Damascus with Oman's minister of state for foreign affairs, Youssef Bin Alawi, accompanied by the director of the Arab department at Oman's Foreign Ministry, Ahmad Bin Youssef al-Harithi. Syria-Oman, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Al-Hoss: we will not accept any arrangements for Israel's withdrawal
  Lebanon has asserted its commitment to national principles and renewed its opposition to giving Israel any security arrangements as a stipulation for withdrawal from south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Morocco, Mauritania set up high joint commission
  Morocco and Mauritania decided to set up a high joint commission to boost bilateral economic and commercial cooperation. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Egypt intervenes in commercial dispute between Europe and India Egypt-International, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Al-Shara confers with Bishara
  Bishara added, "According to my own conviction and that of Foreign Minister al-Shara’ the whole ball is now in the Israeli court because Syria has repeatedly announced its desire in a just and comprehensive strategic peace in Syria and Lebanon and that now it is Israel's turn to decide if it has this very desire," Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Morocco sets up information coordination body on Sahara
  The Moroccan communications department and the National Press Union (SNPM) have decided to set up a commission to coordinate information regarding the Moroccan Sahara issue. Morocco, Politics, 4/28/2000
• The 4th anniversary of the April Understanding: facts and figures about the Israeli aggression
  April 26 was the fourth anniversary of the April Understanding, which was concluded following Israeli aggressions against Lebanon that started on April 11, 1996. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Annan: calls for creation of New Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones
  UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan opened the five yearly review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on Monday in New York with a call for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Annan told delegates from 188 countries that unless they adopted "specific benchmarks" for progress, "the new millennium will have started on an ominous note." Egypt-Israel-UN, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Polish premier in Morocco early May
  Polish Premier Jerzy Karol Buzek will pay an official visit to Morocco May 4-5 for talks with Moroccan officials on ways to consolidate bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Poland, Politics, 4/28/2000
• EU ambassador denies legal disputes with Morocco
  Lucio Guerrato, head of the European Commission in Morocco, denied in an interview published Thursday the existence of legal disputes between Morocco and the European Union, stressing that permanent dialogue between the two sides has always been fruitful in settling the tomato issue. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Spanish premier in Morocco May 8-9
  Spanish Premier Jose Maria Aznar will pay an official visit to Morocco next May 8-9, it was officially announced in Madrid on Thursday. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Concluding partnership conference between Europe and North Africa in Tunis
  The works of the international conference for partnership between Europe and North Africa concluded today in the Tunisian capital with the participation of more than 40 international experts and diplomats from the European Union, the USA, Japan, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. North Africa-European Union, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Jordan and al-Wahda dam
  Jordanian Minister of Water and Irrigation Kamel Mahadin has described the construction of al-Wahda dam on the al-Yarmouk river as one of Jordan's water strategy priorities in addition to the al-Dese water project in the southern part of the country. Jordan, Politics, 4/28/2000
• A Lebanese view on Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon
  The editorial added that those who called for the withdrawal of the Syrian forces also made a deadly mistake because they have dealt with both Syria and Israel in one criterion. He said that Israel, since its establishment in 1948, has been an enemy against Lebanon while Syria is a sisterly neighboring country and entered Lebanon in a different way and its being in Lebanon was a result of several matters: Lebanon, Politics, 4/28/2000
• GCC summit discusses means of improving relations with Iran
  Gulf officials said on Thursday that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states who will meet in Muscat, Oman tomorrow will concentrate their discussions on improving relations with their neighbor, Iran. Gulf, Politics, 4/28/2000
• Ben Ali agrees to invite foreign observers for coming elections Tunisia, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Morocco, Mauritania renew commitment to Maghreban Union
  Morocco and Mauritania on Wednesday renewed pledge to consolidate the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), a regional grouping gathering besides the two nations Algeria, Libya and Tunisia. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 4/27/2000
• UAE president gets a message from Qatar 's Emir United Arab Emirates-Qatar, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Saudi FM confers with US undersecretary of state Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Syrian FM concludes successful visit to France
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara and members of the accompanying delegation returned to Damascus on Wednesday evening after he had made a short visit to France during which he conveyed a message from President Hafez al-Assad to President Jacques Chirac. The foreign minister had talks with his French counterpart, Hubert Vedrine. Syria-France, Politics, 4/27/2000
• A message from Sultan Qaboos to President al-Assad
  Oman's minister of state for foreign affairs, Youssef Bin Alawi, arrived in Damascus on Wednesday evening on a visit to Syria. Syria-Oman, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Emir of Kuwait confers with the speaker of the Egyptian parliament Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Libyan official confers with British foreign office secretary
  The secretary of the people's committee for foreign contacts and international cooperation in Libya, Abdul Rahman Shalqam, met on Wednesday in Tripoli with the secretary of the British Foreign Office, John Kerr, currently visiting Libya. Libya-UK, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Israeli mini-cabinet to meet on withdrawal from south Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Moussa: The negotiation with the Sudanese opposition promise good things Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/27/2000
• The 6th al-Sham exhibition of information, communications
  Since its foundation in 1989, the Syrian Computer Society has aimed to actively introduce information technology into the various economic sectors in Syria. Syria, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Israeli paper and withdrawal from south Lebanon Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Continuing Egyptian - Sudanese communications
  Sudanese Information Minister Ghazi Salah El-Din said that a meeting which took place between Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and his Sudanese counterpart, Mustafa Othman Ismael, yesterday is a continuation of the coordination and communications between the two states in joint causes. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Egypt mobilizes for Israeli adherence to NPT
  Daniel Bleach, Director of the US Security Information Council said Washington has found itself in a stance in which it cannot defend itself regarding not putting Israeli nuclear policy for debate at the time when it presses India and Pakistan to sign the Treaty. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Head of the Kuwaiti parliament hails Egypt's role
  Gasem El-Khorafi, head of the Kuwaiti Ummah Council (parliament), asserted that the Kuwaiti - Egyptian relations are witnessing increasing growth in different fields. Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 4/27/2000
• On al-Shara's statements in Paris Syria, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Arafat arrives in Paris
  A French statement said during the visit to France today by the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat , he will meet with President Chirac and with the prime minister. Palestine-France, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Report: New US initiative on the Syrian track
  The Lebanese paper al-Kifah al-Arabi said, according to a democratic figure at the US congress who has strong link to the White House, that the "Tiberis complex" is on its way to have a solution, asserting that the main headlines of this solution will be explained to the Syrian and Israeli leaders. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Tunisian journalist freezes hunger strike Tunisia, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Russia denies initiative to revive Syrian track
  Russia on Wednesday denied any Russian initiative to revitalize the Syrian track in the Middle East peace negotiations. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Habash resigns from his post
  The secretary general of the opposition People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine George Habash has stated that he is preparing to resign from his post, but he will continue political activities, and his resignation will be announced during the front's general conference due to be held today in Damascus. Palestine, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Iraqi writer follower of Odai runs to European country Iraq, Politics, 4/27/2000
• British humanitarian organization to visit Iraq
  A British humanitarian organization called "protecting voices in the land" announced that a group representing it will head for Iraq carrying a large amount of medical supplies, books and references in an attempt aimed at penetrating the embargo imposed on Iraq. Iraq-UK, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Report: United Nations not to move troops without Lebanese consent
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas said on Wednesday, quoting well-informed Lebanese sources, that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan told specialized Lebanese sources that he will not move one UN soldier before Lebanon agrees to this plan for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/27/2000
• UN special envoy visits Middle East
  UN special Terje Larsen envoy started today a special 13-day visit to the Middle East the to focus on discussing the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon. Lebanon-Regional-UN, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Libya receives three opposition members from Turkey
  The Libyan authorities received three opposition members from Turkey in the framework of the international campaign made by Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi's government. Libya-Turkey, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Report: Israeli agricultural delegation visits Jordan
  The Jordanian weekly al-Sabil stated on Tuesday, according to a well-informed source, that an Israeli agriculture delegation visited the Jordanian agriculture research station at the al-Baqaa area last Tuesday and met with its director and several officials. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/27/2000
• Health of Tunisian journalist deteriorates
  Tunisian sources revealed yesterday deterioration in the health condition of Tunisian journalist Tawfik Ben Brik for his continuation of a hunger strike to protest being banned from writing. Tunisia, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Four political detainees released in Syria Syria, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Moussa visits Zambia Egypt-Zambia, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Al-Shara conveyed President al-Assad's message to Chirac
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Tuesday evening gave French President Jacques Chirac a message from Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on the latest developments in the Middle East, the suspended Middle East peace process, the results of the Geneva summit between President al-Assad and US President Bill Clinton and bilateral relations between the two countries. Syria-France, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Libyan ambassador to Qatar leaves for Tripoli
  Participants in the TV program criticized the Libyan government and the ruling system in Libya, which is based on people's committee. The participants described the ruling process in Libya as a dictatorship and said that the only decision-maker in Libya is Col. Moammar Gaddafi. Libya-Qatar, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Reopening Iraq's consulate in Syria Syria-Iraq, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Egypt criticizes Israel's policy of nuclear 'ambiguity'
  Egypt's permanent delegate to the United Nations Ahmed Abul-Ghiet said yesterday that the Middle East did not need a US-proposed anti-nuclear missile defense system but rather an international drive to free the region from nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Egypt, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Al-Shara resumes visit to Paris
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara is resuming today his discussions in Paris in Damascus' adherence to informing all the parties concerned with the Middle East peace process about the real situation in the area. Syria-France, Politics, 4/26/2000
• British official arrives in Libya
  The permanent secretary for the British Foreign Office, Sir John Kerr, arrived on Tuesday in Tripoli in a visit to Libya which will last for several days. Libya-UK, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Phone call between Mubarak and Barak Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/26/2000
• King Abdullah concludes visit to Ramallah
  King Abdullah of Jordan on Tuesday held a meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Tuesday in Ramallah, immediately after the arrival of the king in this city. Palestine-Jordan, Politics, 4/26/2000
• On relations between Bahrain and Qatar
  Bahrain and Qatar on Tuesday expressed their satisfaction over the developing progress in the relations between the two countries in various fields. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Report: Contacts to resume Syrian-Israeli negotiations
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas on Tuesday quoted a European diplomat in Beirut as saying that the contacts currently taking place behind the curtains might lead to the resumption of negotiations between Syria and Israel before next June. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Kuwaiti, Tunisian FMs meet on bilateral cooperation Kuwait-Tunisia, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Al-Shara confers with Bishara
  Israeli Radio stated on Tuesday that Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara met on Monday evening in Damascus with Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara following al-Shara's return from Beirut after he had talks with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Lebanese resident confers with ALO chief Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Jordanian king meets with US official on Middle East peace
  King Abdullah II of Jordan met on Tuesday in Amman with the US under secretary of state for Near East affairs, Edward Walker, and reviewed with him the Middle East peace process and the efforts exerted to resume this process on all tracks. Jordan-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• King Mohammed receives US admiral
  King Mohammed VI received on Tuesday in the northern Moroccan city of Tangier Admiral Charles S. Abbot, deputy commander in chief of the US European Command. Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• On the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Amman
  The Jordanian daily al-Dostour has quoted high-ranking Jordanian parliamentary sources as saying that several members of the Parliament in Jordan intend to launch an initiative upon the convening of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Amman. Jordan, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Iranian president to visit Qatar
  Iranian President Muhammad Khatami has received an invitation from Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani to take part in the summit meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference due to be held in the second half of this year in Doha. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 4/26/2000
• International observers to supervise elections in Sudan Sudan-International, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Israel denies agreeing to grant 90% of West Bank to the Palestinians
  Israel denied yesterday agreeing to grant the Palestinian Authority 90% of the West Bank's lands in return for consent to delaying addressing the issue of Jerusalem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Prime minister issues instructions for social conflicts settlement
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi, has issued to the government members instructions to cooperate with enterprises for the settlement of pending social conflicts throughout Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Kuwaiti denies taking part in military operations against Iraq
  Kuwait has denied the participation of its forces in the military operations with allied planes in the "no-fly-zone" area in southern Iraq. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Solidarity with Syrian prisoners in Israeli jails observed
  The committee in charge of solidarity with Syrian prisoners in Israeli jails on Tuesday staged a sit in at the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Damascus, on the occasion of the Syrian Prisoner Day at the Israeli jails. This day is celebrated on April 21 every year. Syria, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Proposals to adjust security cooperation agreements in the Gulf
  The interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states discussed proposals to adjust some items of the unified Gulf security agreement. Gulf, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Ross arrives at the area in coming week
  Dennis Ross, the US peace envoy, is due to arrive in the Middle East area early next week to see the achieved progress in the Palestinian track. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Morocco, Korea to bolster bilateral cooperation
  The Morocco-Korea forum held in Rabat April 24-25 called for the promotion of Korean investment in Morocco and for enhancing technical and scientific cooperation. Morocco-South Korea, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Moroccan industry minister to visit South Korea next week
  Moroccan minister of industry, trade and handicraft, Alami Tazi, is to pay as of next Monday a three-day visit to South Korea. Morocco-South Korea, Politics, 4/26/2000
• US: Russian tanker carried Iraqi oil
  The cargo of a Russian tanker diverted due to suspicions it was smuggling Iraqi oil was found to include Iraqi oil, and the Shell petroleum corporation was fined $2 million as a result, US Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon said yesterday. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• US Congressman Tony Hall on Iraq: you see malnourished children and they have distended stomachs Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Omani minister heads for India Oman-India, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Albright says the gap is still wide between Syria, Israel
  US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has stated that gaps between the Syrians and the Israelis are still wide. Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 4/26/2000
• Moussa to discuss development of political solution to Sudanese crisis in Khartoum tomorrow Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Tunisian journalist undertakes hunger strike to protest being banned from writing
  Tawfik Ben Berik, a Tunisian journalist, undertook yesterday continuing his hunger strike to protest the confiscation of his passport, the ban keeping him from writing or moving freely, as well as harassment of his family members. Tunisia, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Algeria backs Morocco's candidacy to top pan-Islamic body post
  Algeria will back the candidacy of Moroccan Abdelwahed Belkeziz to the post of Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Algerian news agency, APS, reported on Monday. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Tunisian municipal elections scheduled for end of May Tunisia, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Iranian defense minister arrives in Saudi Arabia
  Iranian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ali Shamakhani arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a visit which will last for several days, during which he will meet with King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Sudanese presidential elections coming in October Sudan, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Egypt keen on Sudan's Sovereignty
  "Sudan's sovereignty over its soil should be maintained for the good of both Egypt and Sudan's national security," said Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Kuwait not upset by opening of Gulf embassies in Baghdad Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Al-Shara conveys a message from al-Assad to Lahoud
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud on Monday in Beirut at Baabda palace received Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara. The meeting was attended by Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss and the chairman of the Syrian security intelligence for the Syrian forces in Lebanon, Lt. Gen. Ghazi Kanaan. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/25/2000
• King Abdullah meets Arafat
  King Abdullah II of Jordan visited areas of the Palestinian Authority where he held discussions with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Nasrallah declares continuing the armed struggle against Israel Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Emir of Kuwait confers with AL chief
  Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday in Kuwait received Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid. Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Iraqi attack against the Arab League
  Iraq yesterday launched a severe attack against the Arab League due to its stance toward the Kuwaitis missing as a result of the Gulf War. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Bin Ali criticized campaigns against the French information against Tunis
  The Tunisian president Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali criticized the French media campaigns against Tunis due to the funeral of the late Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba and detaining Tunisian journalist Tawfik Bin Berik. Tunisia-France, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Jordanian king meets with US general Jordan-USA, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Bahrain's crown prince in Qatar Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Egyptian - Iranian relations improved
  The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Hamid Rida Asifi, has announced that relations between Iran and Egypt have witnessed a notable increase in the economic and cultural areas. Egypt-Iran, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Iran denies contacts with Israel Iran-Israel, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Kuwaiti foreign minister gets a message from Albright Kuwait-USA, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Emir of Kuwait gets Russian message
  Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah received a message on Monday in Kuwait from Russian President Vladimir Putin pertaining to bilateral relations and means of developing them, as well as issues of mutual concern. Kuwait-Russia, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Speaker of Chilean senate winds up visit to Morocco
  The speaker of the Chilean Senate, Andares Zalvidar, wound up Monday a visit to Morocco during which he was received by King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Chile, Politics, 4/25/2000
• US congressman calls for lifting sanctions from Iraq
  Member of the US Congress Tony Hall stressed on Monday that the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq have resulted in creating a humanitarian crisis. He called on the UN to alleviate these sanctions. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/25/2000
• On the telephone call between Chirac, Barak
  French President Jacques Chirac on Monday made a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Regional-Israel-France, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Saudi Cabinet holds weekly meeting
  Chaired by King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz, the Saudi Cabinet held a meeting in Jeddah on Monday during which it listened to a report on the Middle East peace process, the obstacles it has been facing and unwillingness by Israel to achieve peace. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Forum on Moroccan-Korean cooperation in 21st century opens in Rabat
  A forum on "cooperation between Morocco and Korea in the 21st century," opened in Rabat Monday. Morocco-South Korea, Politics, 4/25/2000
• GCC secretary confers with UNRWA commissioner
  The secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Jamil al-Hujeilan met at the GCC's premises on Monday in Riyadh with UNRWA's commissioner, Peter Hansen. Gulf-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Mauritania opposition leader arrested Mauritania, Politics, 4/25/2000
• New ambassadors hand copies of credentials to foreign minister Morocco-International, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Under-Commander-in Chief of US troops in Europe arrives in Morocco Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Message from Iranian foreign minister to al-Shara Syria-Iran, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Libya withdraws its ambassador from Qatar
  Libya has decided to summon its ambassador in Doha after the Qatari satellite television station broadcast a program containing criticism of Libya. Libya-Qatar, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Chirac speaks on the telephone with Barak Regional-Israel-France, Politics, 4/25/2000
• Mubarak's initiative on Middle East free of nuclear weapons
  President Hosni Mubarak yesterday held a session of talks with Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister Sheikh Mohamed Ben Rashid al-Maktoum . Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Establishing a national council for human rights in Egypt
  The Egyptian Justice Ministry started preparing the draft resolution for establishing the national council for human rights. Egypt, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Mubarak meets with UAE defense minister
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday held a session of talks with Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defense Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum . Egypt-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Mubarak plays key role on developing international relations
  Senegalese Prime Minister Mustafa Niaas on Friday described Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak as a great African figure playing a key role in developing international relations with the aim of achieving peace, cooperation and development. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Al-Assad's visit to Cairo denied Egypt-Syria, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Message from Qatari foreign minister to Amr Moussa Egypt-Qatar, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Bahraini crown prince arrives in Qatar
  Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamed al-Khalifa, general commander of the Bahraini armed forces, headed today to Qatar to hold consultations with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Jasem Bin Hamed al-Thani. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 4/24/2000
• King Abdullah discusses Middle East peace with Israel
  Jordanian King Abdullah II has asserted the importance of commitment to the principle of land-for-peace with the objective of eliminating all obstacles facing the Middle East peace process. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Emir of Qatar, Qaboos meet on bilateral cooperation
  A round of official talks was held on Sunday in Doha between Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani and Sultan Qaboos Bin Said of Oman. Qatar-Oman, Politics, 4/24/2000
• 14 Egyptians found innocent in riots in Kuwait Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Press freedom continues to improve in Morocco, Reporters Sans Frontieres
  Reporters Sans Frontieres underlines in its 2000 annual report --under embargo till April 27-- that the freedom of the press that was marked by some improvements over the last years of the reign of the late King Hassan II is being carried on the same trend under the reign of King Mohammed VI. Morocco, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Iraqi foreign minister gets UAE message
  Iraqi Foreign Minister Muhammad Said al-Sahaf on Sunday received a message from his counterpart in the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed al-Thani, pertaining to means of developing relations between the two countries. Iraq-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Putin promises Iraq to lift the sanctions
  The Iraqi daily al-Thawra said on Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has promised Iraq he will work to lift the embargo imposed on it since 1990. Iraq-Iran-Russia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Egyptian FM to head to Zambia on Wednesday
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is due to head the day after tomorrow to Lusaka, capital of Zambia, to head Egypt's delegation to meetings of the foreign ministers of the Comesa countries that will be held in Lusaka on Thursday and Friday. Egypt-Zambia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Sudanese opposition member meets with Moussa
  Ahmed El-Merghani, former head of the Sudanese State Council hailed the role played by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi to achieve national rapport in Sudan. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Egypt, Lebanon for complete pullback of Israeli forces
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud asserted that Israel's complete pullback from the Golan to the June 4, 1967 border lines, the Lebanese and Palestinian territories and the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland, is the core of the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Lebanese president: Syrian presence in Lebanon legitimate
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud returned to Beirut on Friday concluding a tour which lasted for six days and took him to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iran and Egypt. Lebanon, Politics, 4/24/2000
• President Mubarak to make an address on occassion of Sinai liberation Anniversary
  President Hosni Mubarak will deliver today an address to the Egyptian people on the occasion of Egypt's celebration of the Anniversary of the liberation of Sinai which falls on April. Egypt, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Mubarak receives US Congress delegation
  President Hosni Mubarak Saturday morning received US Congressman James Moran, member of the Congress Appropriations Committee, and his accompanying delegation currently visiting Cairo. Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Iranian defense minister visit to Saudi Arabia
  Iranian Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Ali Shamakhani has described his visit to Saudi Arabia, due to start today, as very important. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Egypt plays basic role in backing up Arab negotiator
  Osama Al Baz, the President's Political Advisor, says "Egypt plays a basic role in the peace process out of its keenness on maintaining good offices with a view to reaching peace agreements and arrangements and effecting a just and comprehensive peace by means of supporting the Arab negotiator". Egypt, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Egyptian-American efforts for achieving breakthrough on Palestinian track
  "Palestinians have the right to restore all their territories occupied by Israel in 1967 regardless of the settlements that have been built," Presidential Political Advisor Osama al-Baz said. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/24/2000
• New ambassador of Russia to Morocco Morocco-Russia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• French foreign minister arrives in Jordan
  Jordan and France have asserted the need for the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on UN Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the land-for-peace formula. Jordan-France, Politics, 4/24/2000
• UAE islands and security in the Gulf region
  Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who is also the deputy commander of the armed forces in the UAE, said that the question of the three UAE islands under conflict with Iran constitutes an obstacle in any security equation in the Gulf region. United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Government, trade unions, employers reach agreement to prevent general strike
  The government, two major trade unions and the employers associations reached on Sunday an agreement that meets social grievances and averts a general strike planned for April 25. Morocco, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Moroccan ports staff end strike
  The Moroccan government announced on Sunday night the end of the strike in ports following an agreement reached with two trade unions, CDT and UGTM. Morocco, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Palestinian leadership discusses peace process developments Palestine, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Closing three Irani newspapers Iran, Politics, 4/24/2000
• UAE president gets a message from Tunisian president
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Sunday received a message from Tunisian President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali pertaining to relations between the two countries and current Arab issues. United Arab Emirates-Tunisia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Arab League chief heads for Kuwait Regional-Kuwait, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Liberia president visits UAE United Arab Emirates-Liberia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• King Abdullah gets a message from Arafat
  King Abdullah of Jordan on Sunday received a message from Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who briefed the king on the results of the talks Arafat held in Washington on Thursday with US President Bill Clinton concerning the peace process on the Palestinian track and what has been realized in this regard. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Qatari emir receives US congressional delegation Qatar-USA, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Mubarak confers with Arafat
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Sunday in Cairo received Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, who arrived in Cairo on Saturday evening coming from Washington following his meeting with US President Bill Clinton. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Emir of Bahrain confers with Russian envoy Bahrain-Russia, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Kuwaiti emir gets message from Qatari emir Kuwait-Qatar, Politics, 4/24/2000
• Telephone call between al-Assad, Lahoud Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/24/2000

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