Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 5/22/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of May 22, 2000

• Mubarak’s visit to Spain to deepen bilateral relations
  He said Mubarak would discuss ways of expanding cooperation in the field of oil exploration. Ebeid said Spain has managed to develop the production of railway locomotive components and control systems, adding that Egypt is seeking to develop railway workshop and to expand cooperation in the field of railways. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Mubarak discussed with Arafat peace process developments Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Israel and al-Shara's statements in Lisbon
  The Israeli radio on Friday said that the Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara’ said that Israel had actually carried out the UN Security Council resolution 425, fully, despite the fact it has not implemented it precisely nor in a good spirit. Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Syrian- Israeli peace negotiations to be resumed soon Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Faisal Leaves for Yemen Muscat Oman-Yemen, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Abdul Maguid wishes the unity of yemen to be enough motive for the unity of Arab states Yemen, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Bashar al-Assad to visit Lebanon
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Qabas said on Friday that Syrian Bashar al-Assad will visit Lebanon on top of a high ranking delegation in order to congratulate senior Lebanese officials over liberating South Lebanon from the Israeli occupation. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Algeria's Foreign Minister heads to Japan Algeria-Japan, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Chinese - Egyptian talks concerning Africa
  China's deputy foreign minister is to arrive on Thursday in Cairo heading a delegation from the foreign ministry on a one-day visit in his tour in some of the African countries. Egypt-China, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Yemeni president to visit Germany and Saudi Arabia
  Yemeni official sources said that the Yemeni President Ali Abdallah Saleh will officially visit Germany in June. Yemen-Saudi Arabia-Germany, Politics, 5/27/2000
• New polisario defectors call UNHCR to speed repatriation of sequestered people
  A new group of persons who defected the ranks of the Polisario separatist gang and returned to Morocco called Friday the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to speed up the repatriation of people forcefully held in the Polisario-controlled camps in Tindouf (southwestern Algeria). Morocco, Politics, 5/27/2000
• UN Security Council meets Tuesday over UN mission in Sahara
  The UN security council is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to renew the mandate of MINURSO (French acronym for the UN mission in charge of supervising the holding of a referendum in the Sahara). Morocco, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Tunis bans former head of human rights association from travel
  The Tunisian authorities banned yesterday the former head of Tunisian human rights association Monsef Marzouki from heading to France according to what was said by two organizations for defending the human rights. Tunisia, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Report: Israeli Nuclear File goes parallel with ME Peace
  In an interview with Akhbar El Yom, today, Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa underlined the results of the month-long 2000 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), held in New York. Egypt, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Iran demands Iraq carry out items of the agreement of 1975 Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Al-Shara welcomes Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon
  The Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara has expressed satisfaction over talks he conducted with European counterparts on the sideline of the Lisbon conference on European- Mediterranean partnership, describing talks as positive especially with France's Hubert Vedrine. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Syria and Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Lebanese government considers a development program for the south
  The Lebanese government in an effort to deal with the needs of Lebanese citizens in the south formed two ministerial committees to deal with emergency and urgent measures and longer term measures for putting an executive program for development programs that was formally made by the government nearly a year ago. Lebanon, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Spanish King confers with Arafat
  Spanish King Juan Carlos on Friday in Madrid met with the chairman of the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to discuss recent developments in the Palestinian- Israeli negotiations. Palestine-Spain, Politics, 5/27/2000
• A book about human rights violations in Turkey
  The first internal report in Turkey about the human rights violations and torture in Turkish prisons and police stations was issued. Turkey, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Israeli- Turkish water cooperation
  The Turkish daily " Daily News" said on Friday that Israel is intensifying its efforts in order to reach a decision provides for buying waters from Turkey as an Israeli delegation is expected to reach Turkey in June to accelerate this process. Israel-Turkey, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Israeli backing for Ethiopia Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Hizballah will liberate Shabaa farms
  Hizballah threatened declaring a war on Israel if it did not withdraw from the Shebaa farms area under Israel Israeli occupation. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Hamas and Jihad urge Palestinians to follow Lebanese resistance's path
  The Palestinian movements Hamas and the Islamic Jihad congratulated the resistance and the Lebanese people for their victory against Israel. Palestine-Lebanon, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Palestine asks Israel to resume negotiations
  Palestinian presidential advisor Nabeel Abu Rodinah said that Israel must carry out UN resolutions on the Palestinian and the Syrian tracks. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Egypt calls for bolstering efforts to settle Africa conflicts
  Egypt's Permanent Delegate to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Ahmed Abul-Gheit stressed Egypt's support for its African brethren and all continental efforts that aim to achieve high political, security, social and cultural objectives set by the leaders who founded the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Egypt, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Ethiopia will not seize fire despite consent to indirect negotiations
  Ethiopia said it will not seize fire with Eritrea unless it is certain of Eritrean withdrawal from Ethiopian lands. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 5/27/2000
• More US, UK Violations of Iraqi Airspace Iraq, Politics, 5/27/2000
• Speaker of the Israeli Knesset Avraham Burg: the current year will witness signing an agreement between Israel and Palestine Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Tunisia to have its first municipal elections
  Tunisian voters are heading on Sunday morning to elect their representatives in the local and municipal councils. Tunisia, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Japanese crown prince starts visit to Egypt tomorrow
  The Japanese Crown Prince Takamado is beginning tomorrow an official visit to Egypt with his wife who will meet on Sunday First Lady Suzanne Mubarak to see the Egyptian experiment in support for early child development and motherhood and defending the rights of woman. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 5/26/2000
• A new form of confrontation on South Lebanese borders
  Hizbullah partisans and the Amal movement continued their aggregations along the Lebanese- Israeli borders and stood behind the border lines chanting slogans that Israelis cannot be trusted in their agreements with banners reading " if you come back we will come back to you." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Bill instituting ombudsman before parliament this year
  Moroccan minister for the government general affairs, Ahmed Lahlimi, announced in Rabat on Thursday that a draft law creating an ombudsman institution in Morocco is under study and will be submitted to the parliament in the course of this year. Morocco, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Moroccan and Spanish interior ministers meet next month Morocco-Spain, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Mubarak visits Spain on Monday Egypt-Spain, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Jordanian King visits Washington to discuss ME peace
  Jordanian King Abdullah II on Thursday started a tour which will last for two weeks and leading him, in particular to the US where he will hold talks with US President Bill Clinton dealing with latest developments in the ME peace process. Jordan-USA, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Syrian reading of Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon
  Most of the Syrians have been stuck in front of Arab and Lebanese space TV stations to follow up events of the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon and then later the developments followed the withdrawal. Syria, Politics, 5/26/2000
• A sit in in Damascus, the Golan in solidarity with prisoners in Israeli jails
  The committee in solidarity with Syrian prisoners in the Israeli jails, and the friends of the prisoners on Thursday observed a sit in, in front of the headquarters of the International red cross in Damascus in solidarity with the Syrian prisoners and detainees in the Israeli jails. Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Youssoufi: Israeli withdrawal is a victory for Lebanon
  Moroccan premier, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, termed the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as "great victory for the Lebanese people." Morocco-Lebanon, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Iranian foreign minister inspected liberated Lebanese villages
  Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi arrived in Beirut on Thursday and said at the airport that his visit aims at " Sharing the Lebanese people their victory in liberating their south." Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Lebanon continues celebration of liberating its south
  The Lebanese people in all Lebanese areas on Thursday celebrated the newly declared "Day of Resistance and Liberation." Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/26/2000
• An invitation for Mubarak to visit Malta
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received an invitation to visit Malta before the end of the current year. Egypt-Malta, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Al-Shara refutes Barak's claims in Lisbon
  the foreign minister refuted claims made by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in a message he had sent to the UN Secretary General and al-Shara indicated Israel's failure to face the " Bitter reality" in Lebanon" had promoted Barak to accuse Syria in that it wants to intensify the atmospheres. Syria-Israel-Portugal, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Gulf states ministerial meeting to be held in June
  A diplomat in the Arab Gulf region stated on Wednesday that the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC will hold a meeting on June 3 and 4 in Jeddah on the Red Sea. Gulf, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Seven soldiers killed in Algeria
  an armed Islamic group killed seven soldiers and wounded other three in an ambush implanted in Buzaqza mountain, near Tablat, just 60 Km to the South of the capital Algiers. Algeria, Politics, 5/26/2000
• UN puts border landmarks in south Lebanon
  The spokesman for the UN Frid Echard said on Wednesday that the UN will immediately put landmarks for the Lebanese- Israeli borders to make sure that the Israeli withdrawal from South Lebanon is complete. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Yemeni President prevents Israeli tourism, visits Saudi Arabia to settle border disputes
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh said he will in June visit Saudi Arabia to continue talks aiming at settling the border disputes between Sanaa and al-Riyadh. He stressed his country will never receive Israeli tourists. Yemen, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Moroccan Sahara association foils Polisario events in Seville
  The Moroccan Sahara Association NGO stood in the way of several festive events staged on the week-end by Polisario separatists forcing them to cancel most of planned propaganda activity in Seville, southern Spain. Morocco, Politics, 5/26/2000
• London: Iraq is still dangerous
  British minister of state for the foreign office Peter Haine stressed on Thursday that the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein still " able to own the ability to threaten the world and to rebuilding his military arsenal." Iraq-UK, Politics, 5/26/2000
• Abd El-Maguid: The Lebanese resistance is the reason for Israeli withdrawal Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Lebanese president hails national unity in eliminating occupation
  Lebanese President Emil Lahoud highly commended Syria's backing for Lebanon and its national resistance in confrontation of the Israeli occupation. Lebanon, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Arab states welcome Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon
  The Arab states welcomed Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon and called on Israel to carry out all international resolutions, if Israel wishes to make peace with the Arabs. Lebanon, Politics, 5/25/2000
• King Abdullah heads to Iceland, Britain and USA Jordan, Politics, 5/25/2000
• King Mohammed, President Ben Ali determined to consolidate bilateral ties
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI and President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia on Wednesday voiced determination to foster cooperation ties between the two Maghreban states. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Abdul el-Meguid delay's visit to China Regional, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Morocco, Tunisia call for a new start of Maghreb union
  Tunisia and Morocco on Wednesday called for a new start of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), set up in 1989 by Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Solidarity sit-in today in Damascus with the Syrians in Israeli jails Syria, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Euro - Mediterranean conference demands removal of mass destructive weapons
  The Second Conference of Euro-Mediterranean Parliament Speakers called on the participants to work hard in order to settle the current conflicts in the region in cooperation with the international sides. Regional, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Egyptian, Moroccan final statement highlights Palestinian, Syrian rights
  Egypt and Morocco Wednesday underlined their full support to the Palestinians' rights, including their right to declare an independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/25/2000
• France and UNIFIL Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Mohammed VI, Ben Ali review cooperation
  Visiting King Mohammed VI and President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali held in Tunis Wednesday a first round of talks centered on bilateral cooperation as well as developments on the Arab and African scenes. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Today is declared a national day in Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Nasrallah: Israeli withdrawal is a great victory for Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Emir of Qatar's visit to Bahrain did not end border disputes
  The crisis continued on Wednesday between Bahrain and Qatar. The two sides failed in reaching an agreement to resume works of the joint committee in charge of settling border disputes between them, amicably. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Mediation between al-Bashir and al-Turabi
  The Sudanese dailies said on Wednesday that a delegation representing Islamic figures, is currently making mediation between the Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir and his rival Hassan al-Turabi. Sudan, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Iran releases 460 Iraqi prisoners Iraq-Iran, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Egypt getting ready to receive summit of G-15 group of countries
  Egypt continues preperations for the final arrangements concerning hosting the 10th summit of the G-15 countries that will be held under the chairmanship of the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on 19th and 20th of June. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 5/25/2000
• On Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/25/2000
• EU welcomes Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon
  The European Commission on Wednesday welcomed the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from South Lebanon. Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Some 5000 SLA agents fled to Israel
  An Israeli military source admitted that some 5000 SLA militia members who arrived at the crossing gates in " Kreyat Shemona" settlement were permitted to temporary entry to Israel following inspection of the identities. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Lahd has no intention to return back to Lebanon
  The commander of the South Lebanese Army militia (SLA) Antoine Lahd has announced that he has no direct plans to return back to Lebanon where he was sentenced to death in absentia under the charges of treason. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Eritrea accepts African initiative Eritrea-Algeria, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles' briefing on current events with Eritrea Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Turning Khiam prison into a resort
  The Khiam prison located in the depth of the occupied border strip will turn into a resort to the Lebanese people after being crushed and the Lebanese prisoners who spent more than 17 years in it were released. Lebanon, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Polish president to visit Israel
  It was announced in Warsaw on Wednesday that the Polish President will hold his second visit to Israel next week in order to hold talks on the ME peace process and to discuss trade relations and investments between the two sides. Israel-Syria-Poland, Politics, 5/25/2000
• More acts of violent in Algeria Algeria, Politics, 5/25/2000
• UN agencies continue efforts to help Eritrean refugees in Sudan Eritrea-Eritrea, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Iraqi president receives Russian president's envoy Iraq-Russia, Politics, 5/25/2000
• Chirac speaks with Lahoud Lebanon-France, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Mubarak, Mohamad VI discuss bilateral relations, Arab cooperation
  "President Hosni Mubarak and visiting King Mohammed VI of Morocco Tuesday held their second meeting within the context of the Egyptian-Moroccan Summit," Foreign Minister Amr Moussa told reporters following a one-on-one meeting held by the two leaders. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Albright speaks on the telephone with Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Just peace fosters stability cooperation with Europe
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said realizing full, just and permanent Middle East peace is a key element for establishing security and stability in the Mediterranean and guiding the European march of cooperation with the south-of-the- Mediterranean states. Egypt, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Emir of Qatar visits Manama today to eliminate the current crisis
  Well- informed sources in al-Manama stressed that the ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani will visit Bahrain today and meet with its ruler Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Al-Shara stresses to Albright Syrian backing to UN efforts
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Tuesday received a telephone call from the US secretary of state Madeleine Albright. Talks dealt with current conditions in South Lebanon Syria, Politics, 5/24/2000
• King Mohammed starts three-day visit to Tunisia
  King Mohammed VI starts today a three-day state visit to Tunisia at the invitation of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in a bid to further strengthen brotherly ties between the two states. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Palestinian rage due to establishing of new Israeli settlement Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/24/2000
• On King Abdullah's visit to Syria
  High ranking Jordanian sources accompanied the Jordanian King Abdullah in his recent visit to Damascus said that a war atmosphere prevailed the Syrian- Jordanian summit. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Barak calls on President al-Assad to return back to negotiations
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am quoted the Israeli daily Yadhout Ahronout issued on Tuesday as saying that the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has sent a message to President Hafez al-Assad including an appeal to return back to the negotiation table. Syria-Israel, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Moussa heads tomorrow to Portuguese capital
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa is heading tomorrow to the Portuguese capital Lisbon leading an Egyptian delegation that will participate in meetings of the foreign ministers of the Barcelona declaration. Portugal is currently heading the European Union. Egypt-Portugal, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Maguid assures cohesion of Lebanese and Syrian tracks in the peace process
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abd El-Maguid informed the U.N and the Organization of African Unity as well as other countries of the necessity of the cohesion in the Lebanese - and Syrian tracks in the negotiations with Israel. Lebanon, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Sudanese opposition: We are ready for talk with the government if our demands are met
  The Sudanese opposition alliance assured that they are waiting for the Sudanese government's reply on their demand for preparing the atmosphere for discussions to pave for a complete political solution to Sudan's problem. Sudan, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Hugging between Arafat, Kuwait's Sabah al-Ahmad
  In a sign of a great change in Kuwait's position after ten years of cool relations with the Palestinian leadership, the first deputy for the Kuwaiti Premier and the foreign minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah and the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat hugged each other, on the sideline of Yemen's celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the unity of the two parts of north and south Yemen in 1990. Palestine-Kuwait, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Mauritania's president appoints woman advisor
  The new chairperson of the Union for Democracy and Progress, Naha Bint Mouknass, has been appointed advisor to Mauritanian President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya Mauritania, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Voice of the SLA radio shut Lebanon, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Lahd seeks asylum for his forces in France
  Leader of the South Lebanese Army SLA militia Antoine Lahd talked with French officials in order to accept leaders of this militia in France and to give them political asylum. Lebanon, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Al-Quds committee will have a say in final stage talks, Benaissa says
  The Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Committee will have a say in the final status negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis, Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, said in Cairo on Tuesday. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Russia for developing relations with Yemen
  Russian Defense Minister Marshal Igore Sergieve announced that Russia is ready to develop its relations with Yemen and with the Arab states, in general. Yemen-Russia, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Iraq continues to reject temporary lifting of sanctions
  Iraq's vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan on Tuesday said that Iraq categorically rejects UN resolution 1284 issued by the UN Security Council or any dialogue about it. This resolution aims to suspend economic sanctions on Iraq for 120 days if Iraq provides complete cooperation with the committee in charge of dismantling its weapons. Iraq, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Israel fails to weaken European support for right of return to Palestinians
  The Israeli Knesset delegation participating in the parliamentary conference of the European - Mediterranean countries which is concluding its works tonight failed in persuading the participants in the Alexandria conference to take stances in backing off from earlier resolutions backing the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Arab lawyers stayed an hour strike in solidarity with Palestinian detainees
  Arab lawyers stayed an hour today in all the Arab states to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and the detainees who are on a hunger strike in the Israeli prisons. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Israel accepts some SLA militias just for one year
  The Israeli ministry of the Interior has approved to receive members of the Lahd militias in South Lebanon who on Monday and Sunday fled to Israel, initially just for one year. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Iraq denies contacts with Israel
  Iraq on Tuesday deliberately denied information published by a British daily that talked about the existence of contacts with Israel to normalize relations with it. Iraq, Politics, 5/24/2000
• Iraq asks Jordan to resume aviation between them
  Iraq asked Jordan officially to resume air flights with it under UN provisions that would allow such activities. Iraq-Jordan, Politics, 5/24/2000
• King Mohammed, President Mubarak hold second private meeting tuesday
  Visiting King Mohammed VI in Cairo on Tuesday afternoon a second private meeting with President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/23/2000
• President Mubarak, King Mohammed chair signing ceremony
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak and Morroco's King Mohammed VI chaired in Cairo on Tuesday afternoon the fourth session of the higher joint commission and the signing ceremony of several cooperation agreements and protocols. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Chief of Hamas urges on fasting to express solidarity with Palestinian detainees
  The founder of Palestinian Hamas movement Sheik Ahmed Yassin urged yesterday Arabs and Moslems to fast for a day to express solidarity with the Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. Palestine, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Mubarak confers with Maltese envoy, Turkish minister Egypt-Turkey-Malta, Politics, 5/23/2000
• On internal developments in Syria
  Al-Shueibi stated recent developments in Syria provoke a question debated by the Arab public and the mass media on that why the state in Syria has woke up after 13 years on mistakes which have been committed and practiced daily in Syria. Syria, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Visit of the Jordanian King to Syria hints of hope on peace talks Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/23/2000
• French president speaks on the telephone with President al-Assad
  French President Jacques Chirac has expressed in a telephone call he held with President Hafez al-Assad on Monday his hope on the possibility of convening a meeting for the April Understanding Committee as soon as possible. Syria-France, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Foreign Minister al-Shara talked on the telephone with Annan Syria, Politics, 5/23/2000
• No link between the Baath party elections and the campaign on corruption in Syria
  The preliminary elections at the level of branches at the Baath party, the ruling party in Syria, were concluded on Monday evening. The winners will take part in the regional conference which will be held on June 17. It is the first since 15 years. Syria, Politics, 5/23/2000
• King Mohammed dismisses head of royal security Morocco, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Egyptian - Libyan initiative committee is to head to Khartoum on Friday
  Members of the joint Egyptian - Libyan initiative is due to head to Khartoum on coming Friday. The joint Sudanese - Egyptian technical committee which discusses issues related to bilateral relations - will be convened. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Israeli minister of internal security visits Egypt Egypt-Israel, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Lebanese president: Israel's withdrawal not sufficient for just peace
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has stated that the victory which is being realized now in Lebanon is not establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/23/2000
• No official Syrian representation at al-Zou'bi funeral
  The body of the former Syrian prime minister Mahmoud al-Zou’bi was buried on Monday at his birthplace Khurbet Ghazallah, 80 Km to the south of the capital Damascus. The burial was made at his own will in a message he left to his family before his suicide on Sunday in Dummar district in Damascus. Syria, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Baath Party conferences for the Party branches
  Baath Party conferences for the Party branches in the Syrian provinces and universities on Monday concluded their three day- deliberations by choosing their representatives to the 9th regional conference which will be held on June 17. Syria, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Abu Dhabi crown prince gets a message from Bahrain's prime minister United Arab Emirates-Bahrain, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Qatar welcomes efforts to calm down the atmosphere with Bahrain
  Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem al-Thani has stressed that his country seeks to calm down the atmospheres with Bahrain and that it is ready for any step that would help to this effect. Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Arab Summit on Agenda of Mubarak- Mohammed VI
  Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said late Monday that the issue of the Arab summit will figure high in President Hosni Mubarak's talks with Moroccan King Mohammed VI. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Mubarak addresses Euro- Mediterranean Parliamentary Conference
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will address today the second Conference of Euro-Mediterranean Parliament Speakers. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Annan's envoy arrives at M.E Regional, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Palestinian women delegation meets moroccan officials Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Baghdad says 1300687 dead so far due to sanctions
  Iraqi foreign ministry Mohammed Saeed El-Sahaf asked Arab League Secretary General Esmat El-Maguid to move to lift the sanction on Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Abd El-Maguid asks the Arab league to support Lebanon
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abd El-Maguid sent messages to foreign ministers of the Arab states in which he asked them to present all forms of financial, political and informational support to Lebanon to enhance its endurance and its permanent demands by forming an international criminal court for trying criminals of the Israel war who committed the Qana massacre in 1996 and other massacres. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Bahrain denies withdrawal from the Gulf Cooperation council
  Well-informed Bahraini sources on Monday deliberately denied news reports which stated that al-Manama has the intention to withdraw from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stressing Bahrain's commitment to the GCC. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Yemen celebrates its 10th unity anniversary
  Yemen on Monday celebrated the 10th anniversary of the unity of the two northern and southern parts of the country by a central rally during which Yemeni military equipment were paraded and youths performed sports shows. Yemen, Politics, 5/23/2000
• King Mohammed visits sixth october city and artistic production city
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI on Tuesday visited some industrial units of the City of October 6th, 30 km northwest of Cairo. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Kuwait's Emir confers with Bangladesh army officials
  Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday received Bangladesh's army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Muhammad Mustafa al-Rahman. Kuwait-Bangladesh, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Something special is taking place between Morocco and Senegal, Wade says
  Relations between Morocco and Senegal are time- immemorial and something really special is currently taking place between the two countries and between H.M king Mohammed VI and myself, said President Abdoulay Wade of Senegal. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Message from Mubarak to Afworki on developments of Eritrean-Ethiopian dispute
  The Ethiopian government Monday received a message from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dealing with the latest developments of the Ethiopian- Eritrean dispute. Ethiopia-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Eritrea celebrates its 7th independence anniversary
  Eritrea on Monday celebrated, silently, its 7th independence anniversary, amid fierce battles waged by its forces with its neighbor Ethiopia. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Ethiopia launches today a large scale offensive; territorial disputes
  Ethiopian launched today a large scale offensive on the Alitiena-Mereb front. The attack started at 5:30 a.m. this morning, an Eritrean statement said. "Fierce fighting was still continuing throughout the entire front at press time. Ethiopian assaults throughout the day were repulsed, with the Ethiopian army suffering huge losses." Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Putin to visit Israel
  The Israeli paper Haartez said on Monday that the Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Israel next month at the invitation extended to him by the Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak. Israel-Russia, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Report: Iran election concerns coming to an end
  As Iran is about to convene its newly elected Majlis (Parliament), the delays that have occurred to ensure sound election results seem to be coming to an end. Iran, Politics, 5/23/2000
• Al-Assad, King Abdullah review bilateral relations and regional developments
  Talks held between Syria's President Hafez al-Assad and Jordan's King Abdullah on Sunday dealt with several issues pertaining to the ME peace process, Arab conditions and relations between the two states. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Former Syrian transport minister arrested on corruption charges Syria, Politics, 5/22/2000
• King Mohammed flies to Egypt
  King Mohammed VI of Morocco arrives in Cairo today on his first visit of its kind to an Arab states since he took over last July. Egypt-Egypt, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Moussa: Israel must stop its nuclear projects Egypt-Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• King Mohammed dismisses head of royal security Morocco, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Phone call between Mubarak and Sheik Zayed Egypt-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Former Syrian prime minister commits suicide Syria, Politics, 5/22/2000
• King Mohammed to pay official visit to Tunisia Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Barak orders Israeli negotiators to return from Sweden Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Lebanese towns return back to homeland
  The Lebanese citizens of the town of Qantara and al-Tineh on Sunday headed to their own towns, liberated, after the Israeli withdrawal together with their supported Lahd militias surrounding the town. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• On the Jordanian Syrian summit
  Syrian President Hafez al-Assad and the Jordanian king on Sunday ended the coolness in relations between Damascus and Amman in the third visit carried out by the Jordanian Monarch to the Syrian capital since he assumed power in Jordan in February 1999. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Continuing buildup of cooperation between Sudan and Egypt
  Sudan's ambassador in Cairo Ahmed Abd El-Halim said that preparatory work is being done for the coming supreme joint committee to promote cooperation in many fields between Sudan and Egypt. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Mubarak El-Mahdi: Garang did not exert efforts to support the Egyptian - Libyan initiative
  Mubarak El-Fadel El-Mahdi, the official of the foreign affairs in the Sudanese Umma party stated in press declaration yesterday that the Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir has a historic chance to move Sudan to democracy and peace. Sudan, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Algerian president starts an Arab tour Algeria-Regional, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Yemen celebrates tenth unity anniversary facing internal, external challenges
  Yemen as it celebrates today the 10th anniversary of its unity is facing a series of internal and external challenges. Yemen, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Berger : Door is still open for resumption of talks on the Syrian tracks Syria-Israel-USA, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Mubarak's Madrid visit to focus on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation
  "President Hosni Mubarak's projected visit to Spain will inject fresh blood into the Egyptian-Spanish relationship," Egypt's Ambassador to Spain Hussein Haridi said yesterday. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Secretary general of the Palestinian government warns Israel of manipulating the peace process Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Eritrea seeks Arab support to end conflict
  Ahmed O'yehia, the special envoy of the Algerian president Abd El-Aziz Bu Taflika - the current head of the Organization of African Unity - arrived in Adis Ababa today at the beginning of his tour between Ethiopia and Eritrea to end the current fighting between the two sides. Algeria, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Diplomatic talks between Egypt and Malta
  The formal talks session between Malta and Egypt took place at the headquarters of the Egyptian foreign ministry in which the Egyptian side was headed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa while the Maltian side was headed by counterpart Joseph Borg. Egypt-Malta, Politics, 5/22/2000
• On the border disputes between Qatar, Bahrain
  Qatar on Sunday expressed regret and surprise over the decision taken by Bahrain to stop the work of the joint higher committee on cooperation between the two states. The joint higher committee was discussing a long-time joint border disputes. Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Berger: Israel and Palestinians 'can and should reach peace, now'
  The alternative to a peaceful compromise is not the status quo, Berger said, "it is something very different and, I am convinced, far worse." The violence of the past week, he said, is a stark reminder that there remains far too much violence and bloodshed between the Israelis and Palestinians, and "it is unacceptable." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Morocco attends Euro- Mediterranean Speakers Congress
  Morocco will participate in the 2nd congress of speakers of Euro- Mediterranean parliaments, scheduled this May 23-24 in Alexandria, Egypt. Morocco, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Moussa meets Croatian officials to improve trade Egypt-Croatia, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Seminar on expatriates' problems calls for creation of research observatory
  Participants in a seminar on "legal and cultural problems of Moroccan expatriates" held here May 18-19 called for the setting up of an observatory to tackle issues and problems of the Moroccan community settled abroad. Morocco, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Peres heads to Washington Israel, Politics, 5/22/2000
• Interior Minister asks for speedy results Iran, Politics, 5/22/2000

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