Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 5/1/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of May 1, 2000

• Tunisia, Sudan near restoration of diplomatic ties Sudan-Sudan, Politics, 5/6/2000
• Mauritanian Envoy in Algeria Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 5/6/2000
• Algerian Official in Morocco Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/6/2000
• Polisario uses subterfuges in identification operation, sahrawi Morocco, Politics, 5/6/2000
• Syrian FM receives telephone calls from Albright, Annan
  The Foreign minister Farouk al-Shara on Friday received a telephone call from the US secretary General Mrs. Madeleine Albright. Syria, Politics, 5/6/2000
• New accusation by Sudanese president against al-Turabi
  Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has accused the secretary general of the ruling national conference Hassan al-Turabi of conspiring against the ruling system and voiced his determination to take decisive measures against him. Sudan, Politics, 5/6/2000
• Kuwait calls for convening international parliamentary conference in Cairo to support captive issue Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Al-Assad to visit Egypt next week Egypt-Syria, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Final statement of tripartite agreement stresses agreement on various debated issues
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on Thursday afternoon concluded their three-way meeting in Palmyra. Syria-Regional, Politics, 5/5/2000
• King Mohammed meets participants in Morocco-Gulf states forum
  King Mohammed VI, who was accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, met on Thursday in the northern city of Tangier several Arab officials having participated in the Morocco-Gulf Countries forum on investment and partnership, held in Casablanca May 2-3. Morocco-Gulf, Politics, 5/5/2000
• El-Baz assures continuing the peace process despite of the current hardships
  Osama El-Baz, the political advisor to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak asserted to ArabicNews.com that the peace process in the Middle East is continuous despite the hardships confronting it currently. Egypt, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Baath Party congress in Syria will be in June, Bashar to be elected a member at the RL
  Well-informed sources in Damascus told the London-based al-Hayat daily issued on Friday that the regional congress of the Baath Party will be held on June 17 in Damascus after elections are to have been completed at the level of Baath Party branches on June 14. Syria, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Arab League to meet over situation in Lebanon
  The Arab League will hold on Saturday a meeting of member states' ambassadors to look into the situation in Lebanon following the Israeli raids against civilian targets in south Lebanon. Lebanon-Regional-UN, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Lebanese president, premier meet with UN envoy Larsen
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss told the UN secretary general's delegate, Terje Larsen, on Thursday during their meeting at the Baabda palace about Lebanon's position concerning the Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 5/5/2000
• UNRWA denies having plans to end its services
  UNRWA denied in a statement having plans to end the agency's services toward the Palestinian refugees and to convey its responsibilities to the countries hosting these refugees, whose number reached 3.6 million, until a permanent and comprehensive solution is reached for their problem. Regional, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Morocco signs partnership agreements with Bahrain, Qatar, Dubai
  The Casablanca commerce and industry chamber on Wednesday concluded partnership accords with peers of Bahrain, Qatar and Dubai. Morocco-Gulf, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Former senior UN officials denounce Iraq sanctions at congressional briefing
  Three former senior UN officials denounced economic sanctions against Iraq and called for their lifting at a congressional briefing on Wednesday, May 3, said the Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Algerian official starts visit to Morocco Saturday
  Speaker of the Algerian senate (Nation Council) Bachir Boumaaza will pay this May 6-9 a working visit in Morocco "to establish parliamentary dialogue, likely to consolidate relations between the two peoples." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Unilateral withdrawal from South Lebanon won't corner Syria
  In pre-departure statements, Presidential Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz said he would deliver a lecture at the Strategic Studies Institute in the Algerian capital on the Arab world and the challenges it faces in this stage. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 5/5/2000
• King Abdullah confers with speaker of Syrian parliament, voices backing for Syria
  Jordan's King Abdullah II on Thursday in Amman received the speaker of the Syrian Parliament, Abdul Qader Qaddoura. The meeting was attended by the speaker of the Jordanian Parliament, Abdul Hadi al-Majali, and the Syrian charge de affairs in Amman Youssef Jum'aa. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Egypt calls for promoting culture of peace
  Speaker of the People's Assembly Ahmed Fathi Sorour said just and comprehensive peace will not prevail in the area without the restoration of occupied Arab lands, and Israel's withdrawal from the Syrian Golan Heights, South Lebanon and Palestinian territories. Egypt, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Paraguay freezes diplomatic relations with so-called Sahrawi republic
  The government of Paraguay has decided to freeze diplomatic relations with the so-called Sahrawi republic, pending the final outcome of the projected referendum in the Sahara, an official note of the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry said. Morocco-Paraguay, Politics, 5/5/2000
• King Abdullah of Jordan receives Moroccan vice-speaker
  King Abdullah of Jordan met in Amman Abdelaziz Alaoui Hafidi, first vice-speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, who led Morocco's delegation to the 103rd session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Amman. Jordan-Morocco, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Verbal Iraqi- Kuwaiti row at Inter-Parliamentary Union conference
  The row started when Kuwaiti parliament member Mubarak al-Kharbik said in his intervention that there are more than "4 million Iraqi refugees who fled from their country from fears of the ruling regime." Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Polish premier arrives in Morocco
  Polish Premier Jerzy Karol Buzek arrived in Rabat Thursday for a two-day official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Poland, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Japan's Prince Takamado to visit Egypt and Morocco
  The Japanese embassy in Cairo said that Prince Takamado and his wife, Princess Hisako, will pay formal visits to Egypt and Morocco at the end of the current month to discuss increasing aspects of cooperation between Tokyo and Cairo and Ribat. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Palestinian people's front denies involvement in Lockerbie incident
  Talal Naji, the assistant secretary general of the People's Front- General Command, led by Ahmad Jibril, expressed the readiness of the front to send a lawyer to give his testimony in the trial of the two Libyans who are accused of exploding a Pan Am passenger jet over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Iran releases 480 Iraqi prisoners
  Some 480 Iraqi prisoners arrived in Iraq on Thursday after they were released by the Iranian government. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/5/2000
• An agreement between Garang and a Sudanese organization to release 400 prisoners
  The Sudanese human rights group, a non-governmental organization led by prominent Sudanese opposition figure Ghazi Suleiman, has announced that it had reached an agreement with the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army led by John Garang to release 400 prisoners from the government's forces and the irregular people's defense forces. Sudan, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Abdul Meguid calls for reconciliation from Somali leaders
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid expressed his hope that Somalia would benefit from the sincere efforts exerted by Djiboutian President Ismael Omar Guelleh, which aim at helping achieve Somali reconciliation on a comprehensive basis that maintains Somalia's unity and regional safety and puts an end to the useless fight. Somalia-Regional, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Maghreban newsmen, human rights activists meet on peace culture
  A Maghreban seminar on the promotion of human rights and peace culture opened in Rabat Wednesday to mark the world press freedom day. Maghreb, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Egypt asks Israel to join non-proliferation treaty
  Sayed Kasem El-Masri, the advisor of the Egyptian foreign minister, said the revision conference of the non-proliferation treaty in 1995 issued a decision and three resolutions concerning the Middle East, the first of which extended the treaty period indefinitely, the second related to goals and disarmament and non-proliferation principles Egypt, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Morocco elected to UNICEF governing board Morocco-UN, Politics, 5/5/2000
• A Sahrawi returnee swears allegiance to King Mohammed VI
  King Mohammed VI, who was accompanied by Prince Moulay Rachid, received on Thursday at the Royal palace in the northern city of Tangier Sheikh Ghaoutah Ould Mohamed Ould Ahmed Baba, a Sahrawi returnee who swore allegiance to the sovereign. Morocco, Politics, 5/5/2000
• Tunisian pardon for journalist Taoufik Ben Brik Tunisia, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Tripartite meeting discusses ME peace, withdrawal from south Lebanon
  A three-way meeting was held on Wednesday evening in Palmyra city (Tadmor) including Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Syria-Syria, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Mubarak birth date, a chance to look back at a recod of accomplishments
  Since 1981, President Mubarak has walked long avenue in pushing Egypt forward, coming up with radical and realistic solutions to the nation's chronic socioeconomic ailments. His accomplishments, recognized the world over, have pumped fresh blood and vigor into Egypt's economy. Egypt, Politics, 5/4/2000
• King of Jordan to visit USA at end of current month Jordan-USA, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Mubarak, al-Assad to meet in Sharm esh Sheikh next week
  Well-informed political sources in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, said on Wednesday that President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak of Egypt will meet with President Hafez al-Assad at Sharm El-Sheikh resort next week. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Moroccan premier confers with Swede MPs, NGOs activists
  Ways to enhance Moroccan-Swedish relations and Morocco's economic and democratic progress topped talks held in Rabat Wednesday between Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi and a visiting Swedish parliamentary and NGO delegation. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Civil society says revisited press code ought to supersede
  Participants to a meeting in Rabat Wednesday on "freedom of speech and press code"said the press code ought to supersede all legislation in suits filed against journalists. Morocco, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Three Turkish delegations visit Syria Syria-Turkey, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Moussa meets with personal envoy of Tony Blair
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa convened with Michael Levy, the personal envoy of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Egypt-UK, Politics, 5/4/2000
• President Lahoud denounces new Israeli aggression against Haboush Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Syria wins membership on human rights committee Syria-UN, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Egyptian prime minister to visit Lebanon
  Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid will head on May 17 to Beirut for a two-day visit, his first since taking office last year. Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Moratinos in Beirut on Monday Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Start of implementing Arab agreement for combating terrorism in coming January Regional, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Morocco calls for end to Israeli occupation of Arab land; Iraq sanctions
  Morocco on Tuesday called on the international community to endeavor to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab land. Morocco-Regional-International, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Ross doubts progress on the Palestinian track Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Moroccan business delegation to visit Seoul early June Morocco-South Korea, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Egyptian welcomes the results of the Arab parliament conference
  Ahmed Fathi Serour, head of the Egyptian People's Council (parliament) andhead of the Egyptian delegation to the 103rd Inter-Parliamerntary Union conference that is currently being held in Jordan asserted that the conference is considered a victory from the political aspect for the principles of the third world and human rights, as well as a chance to raise the special Arab causes. Egypt-Regional-International, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Meetings of Egyptian - Libyan initiative committees next week
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said that the meeting of the joint Libyan - Egyptian initiative for achieving reconciliation in Sudan will be held in Cairo during the coming week. Egypt, Politics, 5/4/2000
• El-Mahdi concludes visit to UAE today
  Former Sudanese prime minister and head of the opposition Ummah Party El-Sadek El-Mahdi is concluding today his visit to the United Arab Emirates, during which he met with UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sutan al-Nahyan and high-ranking UAE officials. Sudan-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Arafat criticizes expansion of Israeli settlement
  The Palestinian president Yasser Arafat denounced the Israeli government's decision to expand the Maalia Abu Ghoneim settlement, one of the largest Israeli settlements in the West Bank Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Berri: Shabaa farms are for Lebanon
  Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Wednesday that the Shabaa farms, which Israel occupied during the June war of 1967, are an unquestioned Lebanese right. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Algeria's welcome to Amnesty International shows confidence in human rights record
  The Algerian news agency asserted that the delegation of Amnesty International to Algeria revealed that this country "has nothing to hide" in the area of human rights. Algeria, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Amman stresses its position concerning Hamas leaders
  The Jordanian government has stressed its commitment to its position concerning the four leaders of the Hamas resistance movement who carry Jordanian citizenship and were evacuated in November 1999 to Doha, Qatar. Jordan-Qatar, Politics, 5/4/2000
• SLA militia to keep weapons after Israel's withdrawal Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/4/2000
• US still considering allowing Libya travel Libya-USA, Politics, 5/4/2000
• Unknown people explode petroleum pipeline in eastern Sudan
  The Sudanese authorities said yesterday that unknown people exploded on Monday the petroleum pipeline that is specified for exports in eastern Sudan, causing serious damage to the pipeline. Sudan, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Syrian, Egyptian, Saudi FMs meet today in Palmyra
  A three-way meeting is due today in Palmyra. It is to include Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal. Regional-Syria, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Al-Hoss, al-Shara talk by telephone on regional developments Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/3/2000
• For the first time in 20 years: Iraqi ambassador starts work as head of Iraqi interests bureau in Damascus
  Iraqi Ambassador Mohammed Refeat started his work as the head of the Iraqi interests bureau in Damascus. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Jordan's foreign minister visits Qatar Jordan-Qatar, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Sahara: No referendum without all Sahrawis, speaker
  The speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives (lower house of parliament) on Tuesday renewed Morocco's position refusing the referendum in the Sahara without the participation of all Sahrawis. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Saudi defense minister confers with Arafat Saudi Arabia-Palestine, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Sahara: Annan invites parties to meet Baker in London
  United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has invited parties to the Sahara issue to meet his personal envoy, James Baker, on May 14 in London, a U.N. spokesman said on Tuesday. Morocco-UN, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Djibouti hosts a reconciliation conference on Somalia
  Works of the national reconciliation conference in Somalia were opened on Tuesday in Djibouti in the presence of some 400 Somali representatives with the participation of representatives from various UN organizations, including the UN and governments. Djibouti-Somalia, Politics, 5/3/2000
• UAE President gets a message from Djibouti counterpart United Arab Emirates-Djibouti, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Mubarak says Peace backs chances of development
  President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday described the joint statement by the UN Security Council five permanent members on full elimination of nuclear weapons and a treaty on nuclear disarmament as an affirmation of the 1991 six-point Egyptian initiative. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Saudi foreign minister confers with US official Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from Emir of Qatar
  President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday received a message from Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani. Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Tuesday received the message when he received minister of transport and communications in Qatar, Sheikh Ahmad Bin Nasser Bin Faleh al-Thani. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Economic relations between Tunisia, Switzerland stressed Tunisia-Switzerland, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Luxembourg's deputy premier meets Moroccan parliament speakers
  Visiting deputy premier of Luxembourg, Mrs. Lydie Polfer, held separate meetings in Rabat Tuesday with the speakers of the two houses of the Moroccan Parliament, Abdelouahed Radi and Jalal Essaid. Morocco-Luxembourg, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Egyptian - Israeli discussions
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa convened tonight with Israeli Knesset member Uri Savir, the director of the Peres Institute for Peace, who said following the meeting that "a frank discussion took place concerning the current status of the peace process and its future." Egypt-Israel, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Iranian FM concludes successful visit to Qatar
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi has described his visit to the state of Qatar and the talks he held with Qatari officials as positive and constructive. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Saudi foreign minister confers with Iranian defense minister
  Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal met on Tuesday in Jeddah with Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani and members of the accompanying delegation, currently visiting Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Israel welcomes US role in the peace process
  Israeli negotiator Oded Eran said that any role played by US diplomacy in the peace process will be acceptable, whatever it is. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Arabs - Israel conflict and Iraq - Kuwait issues at Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Jordan
  Manifestation of the conflict between the Arabs and Israelis due to continued Israeli occupation of Arab territories and the refugees issues has characterized the three-day meetings of the 103rd session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which started in Amman on Sunday in the presence of 1,400 parliamentary figures from 123 states. Regional-Jordan-International, Politics, 5/3/2000
• European mission visits Algeria
  A mission from the European Union under the chairmanship of the Portuguese ambassador, Pawlo Pariosa, coordinator of Barcelona process, is to arrive today in Algeria on a visit during which he is to hold talks with Algerian officials. Algeria-European Union, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Israel should be serious in seeking peace
  Osama El-Baz, Presidential Political Advisor, linked Tuesday between the success of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Economic Conference, to be hosted by Egypt later this year and the seriousness of Israel in seeking a just and comprehensive peace in the region. Egypt, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Polish premier in Morocco Thursday
  Polish P:remier Jerzy Karol Buzek starts Thursday a two-day official visit to Morocco for talks with Moroccan officials on ways to consolidate bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Poland, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Moratinos confers with Palestinians
  The chairman of the Palestinian delegation to the final status talks with Israel has stated that the Palestinian and Israeli sides have not yet found a mechanism to start discussion on substantial issues pending in these negotiations. Palestine-Israel-European Union, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Barak and south Lebanon
  The Israeli daily Maariv issued on Tuesday said that Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has recently instructed the leadership of the Israeli Army to obstinate totally from violating Lebanese sovereignty following the planned withdrawal to the international borders. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Hurdles hindering technological transfer should be removed
  Egypt has underlined the need that all obstacles and restrictions hindering the transfer of nuclear technology for the peaceful use by non-nuclear states especially developing ones, be removed. Egypt, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Egypt sets up national human rights council
  Commenting on the Egyptian government's intention to set up a human rights council, Hafez Abu Saada, secretary general of the Egyptian Human Rights Organization, cited the CCDH experience in Morocco which helped settle a set of human rights issues, mainly the recognition of the rights of victims of repression to compensation and the return from exile of opponents. Egypt, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Amnesty International delegation visits Algeria
  A three-member team affiliated to Amnesty International started a 10-day visit to Algeria today. Algeria, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Egypt succeeds in anti-terrorism fight
  The US administration has anew accentuated the Egyptian government’s great success in fighting terrorism and promoting international cooperation in the fight against this phenomenon. Egypt-USA, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Israeli forces evacuate positions in south Lebanon
  The Israeli occupation forces have intensified their preparations for withdrawal from south Lebanon and started to evacuate four positions on the border inside the occupied Lebanese territories. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/3/2000
• Tunisian government restores Ben Brik's passport
  The Tunisian authority returned yesterday journalist Taoufik Ben Brik's passport and phone line after Ben Brik spent nearly a month on a hunger strike. Tunisia, Politics, 5/2/2000
• El-Baz asserts Cairo's refusal to seperation between Damascus and Beirut Egypt, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Syrian investigation reveals theft of public funds
  The Syrian daily Tishreen said today that during the first quarter of this year, the central department for financial auditing discovered thefts estimated at 225.8 million Syrian pounds, out of which only 22.2 million Syrian pounds were recovered, and 203.6 million SP were still with those who took the money. Syria, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Al-Assad receives a telephone call from Mubarak Syria-Egypt, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Moroccan House of Representatives publishes translation of international humanitarian law
  The Moroccan House of Representatives has published for its members a translation in Arabic of the international humanitarian law guide, in keeping with commitments it took during the 1999 session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Morocco, Politics, 5/2/2000
• UAE president receives a telephone call from Mubarak United Arab Emirates-Egypt, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Mubarak to Al-Ghomhoria: Egypt would never give up its peace drive
  "Egypt will always seek to bridge gaps among the parties concerned whether on the Palestinian, Syrian or Lebanese tracks," Mubarak said. Egypt, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Mauritanian authorities release Ahmad Ould Dadah
  The Mauritania's authorities on Saturday released Ahmad Ould Dadah, the secretary general of the Union of Democratic Forces-New Era and one of main Mauritanian opposition figures, after a four-day detention. Mauritania, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Military coordination between Saudi Arabia and Yemen Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Cooperation between Bahrain, Oman
  Bahraini Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khalifa on Monday in Manama received Omani Minister of the Interior Ali Bin Hamoud al-Busaeedi and members of the accompanying delegation. Bahrain-Oman, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Iran to release Iraqi prisoners very soon Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Ross arrives in Tel Aviv
  Dennis Ross, the US coordinator for the Middle East peace process, arrived in Israel today on a new US assignment to advance the negotiations on the Palestinian- Israeli track. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Moroccan unions call for lifting seige on Moroccan Sahrawis
  Five Moroccan trade unions called Monday for lifting the siege imposed by the Polisario separatists on Moroccan Sahrawis sequestered in the Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria). Morocco, Politics, 5/2/2000
• May Day celebrated in Syria
  A central rally was held in Damascus on Monday to mark May Day. It was organized by the General Federation of Workers Union, under the patronage of President Hafez al-Assad. Syria-Regional, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Middle East peace process continues despite current difficulties
  "The Middle East peace process is continuing despite the difficulties facing at this stage," the Egyptian Presidential Political Adviser. Egypt, Politics, 5/2/2000
• New planning minister appointed in Jordan Jordan, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Prince Nayef: Gulf states differences on security agreement
  Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz admitted to the existence of disputes among the Gulf Cooperation Council member states concerning the security agreement scheduled to be signed among them, saying that Qatar did not sign it and Kuwait has some reservations. Gulf, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Niger president gets message from ruler of Qatar Qatar-Niger, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Bahraini foreign minister confers with Ashrawi
  Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Muhammad Bin Mubarak al-Khalifa met on Monday with Palestinian Legislative Council member Hanan Ashrawi, currently visiting Manama. Bahrain-Palestine, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Tunisian opposition hails Ben Ali's presidency
  The Tunisian opposition hailed the presidency of President Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali from November 1987 to the present. Tunisia-France, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Cohen warns against attacking Israel after its withdrawal from Lebanon
  US Defense Decretary William Cohen has warned that Israel will not stand still if it is attacked after its withdrawal from south Lebanon. Syria-Regional-USA, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Arafat confers with Australia's foreign minister
  Arafat told journalists following his meeting with Australian Prime Minister John Howard that the US, Europe and the UN also consider the settlement process as destructive to the peace process, adding that the new Israeli government issued during one year some 7,128 licenses to build settlements inside and outside Jerusalem and attempted to besiege Bethlehem from all directions. Palestine-Australia, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Arafat visits Riyadh today
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is heading today for a two-day visit to Riyadh to discuss the peace process developments in the Middle East. Palestine-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Iraq wants compensation for uranium shells used against it Iraq, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Russian envoy for Middle East peace to arrive next week
  The Russian Embassy in Cairo announced Moscow's intention to send a special envoy to push forward the peace process in the area, especially on the Syrian- Israeli track. Regional-Russia, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Effective security assurances to safeguard non-nuclear states
  Egypt has called for initiating negotiation on providing effective legally binding international security assurances to protect the non-nuclear weapon states against the dangers of the weapons they voluntarily renounced. Egypt-International, Politics, 5/2/2000
• United Nations coordinator of humanitarian affairs in Iraq
  Tun Myat of Myanmar, the new United Nations coordinator of humanitarian affairs in Iraq arrived yesterday in Baghdad to succeed outgoing German official Hans Von Sponeck, who resigned from his post in protest against the UN policy toward Iraq. Iraq-UN, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Annan calls on Sudanese opposition to join ceasefire
  He hoped that "the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) will also extend the humanitarian ceasefire and thus contribute to the creation of an enabling environment for humanitarian operations in the Sudan." Sudan-UN, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Egypt urges parliamentary declaration on peace, anti-terrorism
  Ahmed Fathi Sorour, Speaker of the People's Assembly urged participants in the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Conference currently in session in Amman, Jordan to issue a world declaration on peace, security and anti-terrorism. Regional-Egypt-International, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Arab group at the IPU conference in Amman
  The conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on Monday afternoon continued deliberations of its 103rd session in Amman. Regional-International, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Arab concerns at the Amman Inter-Parliamentary Union conference Regional, Politics, 5/2/2000
• French anti-racists mark drowning of Moroccan in Paris river
  On the occasion of the Labor Day, French anti-racist activists and delegates of leftist parties marked on Monday the drowning of Brahim Bouarram in the Seine river by French skinheads. Morocco-France, Politics, 5/2/2000
• Egypt asserts Palestinians' right to statehood
  "Egyptian - Libyan efforts come in the context of the national comprehensive dialogue and solution of the Sudanese problem through the Egyptian-Libyan initiative," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said. Egypt, Politics, 5/1/2000
• UAE president confers with emir of Bahrain
  United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan met on Saturday evening in Abu Dhabi with Bahraini Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khalifa, currently visiting the UAE. United Arab Emirates-Bahrain, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Speaker of Algerian senate visits Morocco Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Saudi crown prince arrives in Qatar today
  Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz is to arrive today in Qatar in a two-day visit to hold talks on developing bilateral relations. Qatar-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Moroccan and Algerian interior ministers probe means to upgrade cooperation
  A joint statement said the two North African officials "stressed the need to define a rigorous working methodology to handle, in a pragmatic way, issues related to the living and settlement conditions of the two countries' nationals and the consolidation of security cooperation." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Bahrain 's prime minister confers with Hanan Ashrawi Bahrain-Palestine, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Libyan official meets with two Tanzanian ministers
  The secretary of Libya's general people's committee for African unity, Ali al-Tureiki, met on Sunday in Tripoli with the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation and the minister of Finance in Tanzania, currently visiting Libya. Libya-Tanzania, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Gulf states and the US offer on defense system deployment
  The BBC's correspondent to the Middle East has stated that the Arab Gulf states are not comfortable with the American offer to deploy high-cost defense system against the possible danger of missile attacks by Iraq and Iran. Gulf-Iran, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Iran's foreign minister to arrive in Qatar today
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi starts today a visit to Qatar is to last for one day, in the framework of regular contacts between the two countries. Qatar-Iran, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Israel shoulders responsibility of repatriation of Palestinian refugees
  "Egypt and France share identical views regarding the importance of maintaining impetus of the peacemaking and rejecting any attempt by Israel to freeze talks on the Syrian track or to drive a wedge between Syria and Lebanon," Presidential Political Advisor Osama el-Baz said following a two-day visit to France Egypt-France, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Door wide open for progress on Syrian track
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa Saturday received US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs Edward Walker. Egypt-USA, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Lahoud: Lebanese people's commitment to unity is reason for success
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has asserted that Lebanon records in history its victory over Israel, thanks to Lebanon's might which stems from the commitment of the Lebanese people to their homeland. Lebanon, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Report: Syrian-Egyptian summit within coming days
  The Egyptian weekly "October" issued on Sunday said that a summit meeting is expected to be held between Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak within the coming days. Regional-Syria, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Bishara: I do not carry a message
  Israeli Knesset member Azmi Bishara stated that he did not carry a message to the Syrians, saying, "There is America who mediates between the two sides." Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Rabat hosts Maghreban seminar on promotion of human rights and peace culture
  Rabat will host this May 3-5 a Maghreban seminar on promotion of human rights and peace culture, organized by the local UNESCO bureau and German Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Morocco-Maghreb-International, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Stress on freedom of press
  Participants in the Conference of the International Federation of Press Councils (IFPC) have praised President Hosni Mubarak's emphasis on the importance of the freedom of press. Egypt-International, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Information in the new century is vital
  Addressing the conference of World Associations of Press Councils, Nabil Osman, Chairman of State Information Service and Member of Supreme Council of Press talked about "Knowledge and Information in the New Century". Osman gave a resume of the main ideas of his presentation. Egypt, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Morocco to create radio station for rural women
  Moroccan Communication Minister Larbi Messari announced that the UNESCO has completed a study on the creation of a radio station for women living in remote rural areas and that when funds will be available a first radio station will be broadcasting for the region of Marrakesh. Morocco, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Women parliamentarians committee for the IPU meets in Amman
  The coordination committee of women parliamentarians taking part in the 103rd International Parliamentary Union on Sunday in Amman held a closed-door meeting, during which they discussed the agenda of the women parliamentarians' meeting and procedural matters pertaining to the meeting. Regional, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Creation of Morocco - Mauritania joint fisheries observatory
  King Mohammed VI has proposed to Mauritanian President Mouaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya, who visited Morocco last week, the creation of a joint observatory of fisheries resources, said Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Mohamed Benaissa. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Iraq renews calls to lift sanctions
  Iraqi Minister of Commerce Muhammad Mahdi Saleh said on Sunday that UN sanctions imposed on Iraq since 1991 should be lifted due to the catastrophe they have inflicted on the Iraqi people. Iraq, Politics, 5/1/2000
• French representative will promote awareness of French and European politicians on human rights abuses in Tindouf camps
  Chairman of the French house of representatives' study group on human rights, Richard Casenave, said he will carry on action to promote awareness among French and European politicians and human rights organizations on human rights abuses in the Tindouf sequestration camps. Morocco-France, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Egypt : credibility of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty lacking by Israel's noncompliance
  Sayed Qassem El Masri, Adviser to Foreign Minister Amr Moussa, in statements Saturday on the sidelines of the 2000 NPT revision conference currently in session in New York, expressed belief that the requirements of security and stability in the Middle East region entail that the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty become universal. Egypt-International, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Israeli mini-Cabinet meets on withdrawal from south Lebanon
  The Israeli mini-Cabinet for security and political affairs on Sunday concluded its meeting without setting a final date for Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Moroccan justice minister starts official visit to the Netherlands
  Moroccan Justice Minister, Omar Azziman, is starting this Monday a visit to the Netherlands to carry on talks for a Moroccan Dutch judiciary agreement on personal status. Morocco-Netherlands, Politics, 5/1/2000
• Palestinian state is an existing reality
  In an interview granted to the Egyptian magazine "Al-Musawwar", published on April 28, 2000, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III said that the Palestinian State is an existing reality since the Partition Resolution which stipulated the establishment of two states on the Palestinian territory. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 5/1/2000

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