Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 6/5/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of June 5, 2000

• Bashar al-Assad appointed commander general of Syrian army
  Syrian vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam on Sunday received two following legislative decrees no. 9 and 10 for the year 2000, which provide for raising the military grade of col. Bashar Hafez al-Assad to a Lt. Gen. as well as to appoint him as a commander general for the army and armed forces. Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• Syrian Baath party nominates Bashar al-Assad for president Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• Reactions to President al-Assad's death
  Politicians and analysts and politicians hold unanimous views on that the death of President Hafez al-Assad opens the door before several possibilities, foremost being that the late President's son Bashar, his possible successor, has to strengthen his authority in the country. Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• President Hafez al-Assad's funeral arrangements
  Necessary arrangements for the funeral of the late President Hafez al-Assad for Tuesday, June 13 have been completed. Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• Khaddam approved new decision to lower presidential candidate's age Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• Iraqi dailies highlights Hafez Al-Assad's death
  Iraqi dailies on Sunday highlighted the news of President Hafez al-Assad's death. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 6/11/2000
• Moussa discusses with Sadek al-Mahdi the Sudanese reconciliation efforts Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Egypt backs Syrian stance
  Egypt's Presidential Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz has reaffirmed Egypt's full support to the Syrian "justified and legitimate" stance and warned Israel against manipulating the game of peace tracks. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Mubarak, Arafat discuss progress of negotiations with Israel
  Egypt's President Mubarak held talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat during which they reviewed progress of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations and the upcoming Summit in Washington between US President Bill Clinton and the results of the latest tour of the region by Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Imam of al-Aqsa Mosque: We will not give up Jerusalem as a capital Palestine, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Jordanian king promises Jordanians to cultivate fruits of reforms in 2001
  On the occasion of the celebration held on the occasion of the first anniversary after ascending the throne in Jordan, the Jordanian King Abdullah promised the Jordanians to cultivate the economic, social and political fruits of current reform in Jordan in the year 2001. Jordan, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Damascus denies statements claimed to be stated by al-Shara
  A Syrian media source on Friday denounced a misrepresentation of statements made by the Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on the presence of the Syrian forces in Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Economy, trade ministers of G-15 to gather in Cairo
  The fifth meeting of the Group-15 ministers of economy and trade, chaired by Egypt's Minister of Economy Youssef Boutros Ghali, is to be held in Cairo next Thursday within the framework of the 10th G-15 summit which will be hosted by Egypt on June 1920. Egypt, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Qatari paper criticizes Bahrain's strengthening positions in Hawar islands
  The Qatari daily al-Sharq Friday criticized Bahrain for declaring intention to strengthen its forces in Hawar islands which is under debate by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague. Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 6/10/2000
• On Junblat's defense of al-Shehabi
  The Saudi daily al-Riyadh on Friday front-paged its issue by a report from its office in Beirut in which it focused on the comment made by member of the Lebanese parliament Walid Junblat and the defense made by the Lebanese paper al-Mustaqbal, owned by the former Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri in defending the former Syrian army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Hekmat al-Shehabi and their refute to the news which said that al-Shehabi might be summoned to be investigated for corruption. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Ethiopia denies attacks to seize Asab city
  Ethiopia on Friday stressed that fierce fighting erupted between the Eritrean and Ethiopian forces on Asab front which overlooks the Red Sea. But it stressed the fighting were mere attempts to repel Eritrean attacks and completely denied any attack to control the port of Asab. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Moroccan ambassador to Switzerland hands credentials Morocco-Liechtenstein, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Yemeni demonstration in protest of lack of security
  Some 15,000 citizens from the Yemeni al-Dale, city held a peaceful demonstration on Monday in protest against the tough measures taken against them by members of contingent 35 of the Yemeni army. Yemen, Politics, 6/10/2000
• UN High Commissioner for refugees in Sudan
  The head of the UN refugee agency, High Commissioner Sadako Ogata arrived today at Khartoum beginning her tour during which she will visit six countries in East and Central Africa to evaluate the effects of the African regional wars. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Eritrea accepts end to hostilities with Ethiopia
  Eritrea has accepted an Orgaization of African Unity (OAU)Proposal for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Ethiopia and Eritrea. It has formally communicated its acceptance to the OAU through a letter from the Eritrean Foreign Minister, Haile Woldensae, to the Special Envoy of the OAU, Mr. Ahmed Ouyahia. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Italy, Palestinian government boost bilateral cooperation
  The representative of the Palestinian government in Rome Nimr Hammad has stated the two agreements signed with Italy aims at strengthening cooperation between Italy and the Palestinians in all areas. Palestine-Italy, Politics, 6/10/2000
• Two Tunisian delegations to visit Israel
  Two delegations representing ranking officials from the Tunisian foreign ministry will arrive in Israel in a visit aiming at developing relations between the two sides. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 6/10/2000
• King Mohammed, sheikh Hamad of Bahrain review bilateral issues Morocco-Bahrain, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Yemeni president to visit Saudi Arabia for boost relations
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh will on Monday start an official visit to Saudi Arabia which will last for several days during which he will hold talks with King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz and the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah dealing with means of strengthening and deepening bilateral relations between the two states Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Al-Shara, al-Hoss discuss results of Cairo meetings Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Moroccan- Algerian talks on territory planning, environment in Algiers
  Moroccan and Algerian ministers in charge of territory development, environment, and urbanism, Mohamed El Yazghi and Mohamed Boughazi, exchanged viewpoints on Thursday in Algiers on the two countries' experience in matters of territory planning and environment protection. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Damascus: senior army official stabbed to death Syria, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Qatar's initiative towards Iraq collapses before it has started
  Qatari officials said that Qatari proposal of a regional proposal to lift the sanctions imposed on Iraq has collapsed due to the fact it lacked the backing of other Gulf states. Iraq-Qatar, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Moroccan- Hungarian working session in Rabat
  A Moroccan-Hungarian working session was held on Thursday in Rabat under the co-chairmanship of the two countries Prime Ministers, Abderrahmane Youssoufi and Viktor Orban. Morocco-Hungary, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Report: Levy visits Mauritania; Two Tunisian delegations head for israel Regional, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Abu Mousa: It is not time for military action from Lebanon
  The secretary of the Fatah-uprising movement (pro Syria) Abu Mousa stressed the "stand of the Palestinian people beside our brothers in Lebanon." He congratulated the Lebanese "over this great victory and all who helped and worked and struggled for liberating south Lebanon" Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Israel annexes tens of dunnums from South Lebanon
  Lebanon has asserted its inalienable right to Shebaa farms and the three border points in Ramish, al-malta and al-Adesah which are still under Israeli occupation. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Bahrain stressed intention to keep the islands under conflict
  Bahrain has asserted its determination to keep Hawar islands despite Qatar's demands to have this island back. This was during the first day of sessions before the International Court for Justice held on Thursday in the Hague. Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Torabi starts a new party in Sudan
  Hassan al Torabi - the frozen secretary general of the National Conference which is the ruling party in Sudan - started the process to form a new political party. Sudan, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Morocco, Nigeria call for more efforts to solve political and armed conflicts
  Morocco and Nigeria called for intensifying efforts to solve political and armed conflicts and promote development and solidarity throughout the African continent. Morocco-Nigeria, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Elder son of the Yemeni President treated in Germany
  Diplomatic sources in Dubai said the elder son of the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who assumes the post of leading the special units in the Yemeni army, has been treating in Germany after being wounded in a car accident in Yemen. Yemen, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Battles renewed near Asab port
  Ethiopia and Eritrea said on Thursday that fighting erupted once again in the southern desert near the port of Asab which overlooks the red sea while peace talks currently held between the two sides have been stumbled. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Security Council approves 6-month extension of oil-for-food program for Iraq
  The UN Security Council has extended the United Nations "oil-food-program" for Iraq for another six months, a UN statement said. Iraq, Politics, 6/9/2000
• Tunisian government end restrictions on opposition member Monsef al-Marzouki
  The Tunisian authorities decided to lift the restrictions imposed on the travel movement of opposition member Monsef al-Marzouki. El-Marzouki is the current head of the national council for liberties and is the former head of the human right association. Tunisia, Politics, 6/8/2000
• More Syrian transport ministry officials replaced Syria, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Lahoud: fighting corruption and rule of law go hand in hand with liberation
  Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud told Lebanese delegations that a law-based society and government are essential and must go hand-in-hand with Liberation and rebuilding. Lebanon, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Air flights resumed on Wednesday between Tunisia, Tripoli Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Those who enforce the law should obey it themselves, Palestinian police director says
  Director of the Palestinian police General Ghazi El-Jebali issued instructions to all the police leaderships to obey the law themselves. Palestine, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Al-Shara confers with Tunisian counterpart Syria-Tunisia, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Golanese detainees are proud of South Lebanon liberation Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Saudi FM confers with Sudanese vice- president Saudi Arabia-Sudan, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Khaddam, Hariri seen off al-Shehabi when he left for the US
  Well-informed sources in Damascus told the London-based al-Hayat daily that Syrian vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam and former Lebanese premier Rafik al-Hariri had seen off the retired Syrian army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Hekmat al-Shehabi upon leaving Beirut for the USA on Tuesday. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Mubarak hopes Syrian-Israeli talks begin
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak Thursday hoped the Syrian-Israeli talks begin. President Mubarak, who arrived in Geneva on Wednesday to inquire after UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahiyan's health, said that Palestinian-Israeli talks will open in Washington next week. He hoped for a progress to bring stability to the region . Egypt-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Ruler of Kuwaiti gets a message from Saudi crown prince Kuwait-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/8/2000
• King- Chaired Ministers' Council approves development plan
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI chaired on Wednesday in Marrakesh a ministers' council that adopted a series of laws, related to finances of local councils, the stock market, the National Drinking Water Authority (ONEP) and the social and economic development plan. Morocco, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Lebanon had complete cooperation with the UN, Larsen says Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Al-Shara confers with Albright
  A round of talks was held on Wednesday in Cairo between the Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara’ and the US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Syria-USA, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Qaddafi continues African contacts
  Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi on Wednesday in Tripoli received a message from President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in which he expressed great interest on developing relations between the two countries. Libya-belarus, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Al-Hoss regrets Larsen's non recognition of three border points in South Lebanon
  Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al- Hoss on Wednesday announced that Lebanon keeps its right in all the Lebanese territories including Shebaa farms and that Lebanon is fully ready to cooperate with the UN in implementation the mission of the Un forces. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Morocco, Spain agree direct fishing has to stop
  Moroccan and Spanish foreign ministers, Mohamed Benaissa and Josep Pique, said in Rabat Wednesday that both countries agree that cooperation between Morocco and the European Union can no longer be part of the past agreements that provided for direct fishing in Moroccan waters. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Saddam Hussein becoming secretary general of the Baath national leadership
  The Iraqi dailies issued on Wednesday said the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has, besides his many posts, a new post of the secretary general of the national leadership of the Baath Arab Socialist party ( of Iraq). Iraq-Syria, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Jordanian viceroy confers with Vietnamese vice-president
  Prince Faisal Bin al-Hussein, Viceroy for the Jordanian king Abdullah on Wednesday in Amman reviewed with Vietnam's vice-President bilateral relations between the two countries and means of backing them in various fields besides latest developments concerning the peace process in the ME and efforts made to give it a push forward. Jordan, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Morocco, Russia to set up political consultation mechanism
  Morocco and Russia have agreed to set up a political consultation mechanism to bolster their bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Russia, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Hungarian premier meets Moroccan parliament speakers
  Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, held separate meetings here Wednesday with the speakers of the two chambers of the Moroccan parliament, Abdelouahed Radi and Jalal Essaid. Morocco-Hungary, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Albright confers with Omani counterpart Oman-USA, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Egyptian minister appointed new secretary for the Arab economic unity council
  Former Egyptian minister of commerce and supply Ahmad Gweili has assumed his new post as a new secretary general for the Arab economic unity council for five years in succession of the former Secretary General Hassan Ibrahim who served for 12 years at the council. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Ethiopia repels Eritrean attack on eastern front
  Addis Ababa announced on Tuesday evening that it has repelled an attack carried out by the Eritrean forces targeted the eastern front. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Morocco: preventing 'justice and benevolence' group from organization summer camps
  The Moroccan authorities ratified a plan preventing the opposition Islamic group 'justice and benevolence' from organizing summer camps that were held in several areas of the country in the summer of every year Morocco, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Excluding Jerusalem from Talks impossible
  The issue of Jerusalem cannot be excluded from the final -status talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians, said Foreign Minister Amr Moussa Wednesday. Egypt, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Israeli settlers attack Lahd hirelings in their camp in Akka
  Several Israeli settlers in the city of Akka attacked on Wednesday the Lahd militia members who live in a camp run by the Israeli army in the city. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/8/2000
• Egypt confident US will steer matters in right direction
  With the arrival of US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to the region to galvanize a lagging Mideast peace, Egypt voiced its trust in US President Bill Clinton, saying matters would proceed in the right direction and as fast as possible under his leadership. Egypt, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Al-Shara meets Albright
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara met U.S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Syria-USA, Politics, 6/7/2000
• MOUTLI'S FINANCIAL BAIL DECREASED TO ONE BILLION Lebanon, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Spanish and Moroccan foreign ministers underscore importance of regular contacts
  Spanish and Moroccan foreign ministers, Josep Pique and Mohamed Benaissa, underlined on Tuesday how important it is to maintain permanent contact to consolidate cooperation between the two countries. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Al-Shara: Israel has the strongest military arsenal in the region
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara has asserted that what has taken place in South Lebanon constitutes a great event. He added " No body should forget that Israel has the biggest military arsenal in the region and it will not admit its defeat, easily." Syria, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Al-Shehabi left for the US
  Well-informed sources told the London-based al-Hayat daily that former Syria army chief of staff retired Lt. Gen. Hekmat al-Shehabi left Beirut on Tuesday for the US after information leaked proving his " involvement," together with some of his children in corruption cases in Syria. Syria, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Arafat asked to establish a civil government worthy of the Palestinians
  Palestinian parties and organizations topped by Fath movement asked the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat to issue his instructions to the different security fronts to stop detaining and harassing Palestinians and to release all detainees and stopping procedures taken against civic organizations. Palestine, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Moroccan premier in Mauritanian to chair joint-commission Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Saudi - Kuwaiti talks on sea border demarcation
  Saudi- Kuwaiti talks started on Tuesday in al-Riyadh in an attempt to reach an agreement between the two states to demarcate sea border. Kuwait-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Hungarian premier starts visit to Morocco
  Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, started on Tuesday a three-day official visit to Morocco at the invitation of his Moroccan peer, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, and was received in Casablanca, shortly after arrival, by King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Hungary, Politics, 6/7/2000
• King Mohammed receives Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan
  King Mohammed VI received in Casablanca on Tuesday Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Lebanon has reservations on Larsen's report over border issue with Israel
  As the Lebanese side chaired by President Emile Lahoud, and the presence of Premier al-Hoss discussed with the UN envoy Terry Larsen suspended issues over fixing the southern borders of Lebanon, the Lebanese side was persistent on its position in committing to its borders set in 1923, including Shebaa farms. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Sheikh Zayed gets a message from Liberia counterpart United Arab Emirates-Liberia, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Nigeria wishes Morocco's return to OAU
  Nigerian Secretary of State for foreign affairs, Dubem Onyia, hoped that Morocco would resume its seat within the Organization of African Unity (OAU) once the organization corrects the error it made when it admitted the so-called "Sahrawi Republic" in violation of international legality. Morocco-Nigeria, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Libyan delegation congratulates Lebanese President on liberation of the South
  Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Tuesday received an economic Libyan delegation that conveyed the congratulations of Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi on the Lebanese victory over the Israeli occupation. Libya-Lebanon, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Lebanese clergy confers with Palestinian Islamic Jihad delegation Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 6/7/2000
• On border demarcation between Saudi Arabia, Yemen
  The second deputy for the Saudi second deputy Premier and defense minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz has described the question of borders between his country and Yemen as a sort of " formalities " and that this question will be settled amicably. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Jordanian King and the ME peace
  Jordanian King Abdullah II has stated that Israel's withdrawal of its forces from South Lebanon has created a golden chance to establish peace in the Middle East. Jordan, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Abd al-Maguid asks Security Council to lift up sanctions on Sudan
  Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Esmat Abd El-Maguid assured the league's support and solidarity with Sudan for lifting the imposed sanction since 1996 especially when Sudan has fulfilled all its commitments according to the Security Council's resolution related to the issue. Sudan, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Malian foreign minister meets Moroccan officials
  Means of upgrading Moroccan-Malian relations and increasing trade exchanges topped talks visiting Malian foreign affairs minister, Modibo Sidibi, had in Rabat Tuesday with Moroccan officials. Morocco-Mali, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Palestinian leader asks morocco to host palestinian national dialogue conference
  Secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (FDLP), Naief Hawatmeh, who is visiting Morocco, has proposed that Morocco hosts a Palestinian national dialogue conference to "restore Palestinian Unity." Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Saudi Arabia and the embargo on Iraq
  The second deputy for the Saudi Premier and defense minister prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz on Monday rejected accusations addressed by Baghdad to both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in that they refuse to lift the sanctions imposed on Iraq. Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Israeli official heads to U.S.A to revive the peace process, Barak face problems
  Barak is facing a crisis inside his ruling coalition at the time in which he needs strong government support to push the peace process forward in its last and most difficult stage. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Albright: Israel- Palestinian negotiators in Washington next week Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Morocco's ambassador to Lebanon hands credentials to President Lahoud
  Morocco's newly appointed ambassador to Lebanon, Abdeljalil Fenjiro, on Tuesday handed his credentials to the Lebanese President Emile Lahoud. Lebanon-Morocco, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Gabonese delegation meets Moroccan officials
  A visiting Gabonese ministerial delegation, led by state minister of foreign affairs and cooperation Jean Ping, started Monday talks in Rabat with Moroccan officials on means of bolstering bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Chinese vice-foreign minister holds talks in Rabat
  Chinese vice-foreign minister, Ji Pedin, who started on Monday a visit to Morocco, held separate talks in Rabat with several members of the cabinet, including Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi. Morocco-China, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Arab ministers meet in Algiers to tap large potential of tourism
  Arab ministers of tourism and officials in charge of tourism and transport federation in 22 Arab states meet today in Algiers. Regional, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Iran, Iraq exchange remains of their soldiers
  The Iraqi official in charge of the Iraqi war prisoners and missing Fahmi al-Qeisi said that Iraq and Iran will resume the exchange of remains of their soldiers who were killed in the war between the two countries, erupted between 1980 and 1988. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Some 12 Lahd militia collaborators returned back from israel, surrendered
  Some 12 members of the Lahd hireling militias on Tuesday surrendered themselves to the Lebanese internal security forces in the Lebanese border town of al-Naqoura after they had fled from Israel, which they had entered with Israel's withdrawal from South Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/7/2000
• 24 billion dinars is cost of reconstructing Kuwait after Iraqi invasion
  The total amount Kuwait spent from "reserves of the coming generations fund" between 1991 to 1999 reached 24.617 billion Dinars that were used in the reconstruction following the end of the Iraqi invasion and confronting the financial commitments in the general budget. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Majlis al Shura Nominations Oman, Politics, 6/7/2000
• PFLP Secretary General denies knowing Iranian dissident
  Secretary General of the public front for liberating Palestine in Damascus Ahmed Jabril replied to accusations by the Iranian dissident Ahmed Bahbahani saying "I do not know him and I never met him anywhere and his testimony he gave to the mass media is not based on anything concerning Iran's or the public front's involvement." Palestine, Politics, 6/7/2000
• Measures are expected against former Syrian army chief al-Shehabi
  Syrian minister of finance to release a decision Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Beginning Saudi and Kuwaiti negotiations for remarking the Bahraini borders between the 2 countries Kuwait-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Chinese vice-foreign minister in Rabat Morocco-China, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Russia's Putin sends message to king Mohammed
  Russian vice-foreign minister, Vassily Sredine, arrived in Casablanca Monday with a message from President Vladimir Putin of Russia to King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Russia, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Damascus Declaration foreign ministers call for Israel's pullback from South Lebanon
  In their statement issued on Monday in Cairo in conclusion of their two-day meetings, the foreign ministers of the Damascus Declaration Signatory states have stressed their countries's solidarity with Lebanon and Syria. Regional, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Al-Assad message to Mubarak conveyed by al-Shara
  Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Monday handed a message to the Egyptian President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak from President Hafez al-Assaf Present at the meeting was the Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Albright meets Arafat, Levy
  The Palestinian and Israeli track of the Middle East peace process "is at the core of the issues to achieve a comprehensive peace, and we want to see as much work and dedication given to this as possible," US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said today. Palestine-USA, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Moroccan foreign minister to visit Mauritania on Senegal dispute
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, is expected this Tuesday in Mauritania for a brief visit. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Lebanese defense minister assures that Shebaa farms are Lebanese Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Albright in Cairo tomorrow to discuss convening a Camp David like summit
  U.S Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is to arrive tomorrow in Cairo to inform the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak with results of her discussions with the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak as well as the efforts exerted by the U.S government to push forward the peace process in the area. Egypt-USA, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Qaddafi gets a message from Chirac Libya-Egypt, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Mubarak receives invitation to visit Britain
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak received an invitation to visit Britain through Michael Levy, Member of the British House of Lords and Personal Envoy of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Egypt-UK, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Moroccan- Malian joint commission meets in Rabat
  The third session of Moroccan- Malian joint commission opened in Rabat Monday under the co-chairmanship of Moroccan foreign affairs minister Mohamed Benaissa and Malian peer Modibo Sidibe. Morocco-Mali, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Al-Shara: File of the Israeli Syrian negotiations is not closed
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara said that file of the Israeli - Syrian negotiations is not closed and that Israel's declarations are maneuvers to open the Syrian track. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Kuwait's foreign minister gets a message from China's foreign minister Kuwait-China, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Sudanese foreign minister accuses opposition of procrastination
  Sudanese Foreign Minister Mostafa Ossman Ismail rejected what he termed as the procrastination methods of the Sudanese opposition toward reconciliation saying that the government has responded to six of the eight opposition demands to prepare for discussion atmosphere. Sudan, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Al-Tureiki confers with Togo official Libya-Togo, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Preparations for Moroccan- Nigerian joint commission
  Moroccan and Nigerian experts started Monday in Rabat preparatory meetings for Moroccan-Nigerian joint commission to be held this Wednesday. Morocco-Nigeria, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Amman denies suspension of water pumping from Israel to Jordan Jordan-Israel, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Moroccan premier receives Hawatmeh
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi met in Laayoun Monday with secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (FDLP), Naief Hawatmeh, who is currently visiting Morocco at the invitation of leftist "OADP" party. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Hawatmeh says results of Oslo agreements are insignificant
  Secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (FDLP), Naief Hawatmeh, currently on a visit to Morocco, said results reaped by Palestine from the Israeli Oslo agreements are insignificant. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Palestinians deny great progress in the final status talks with Israel
  The Israelis and the Palestinians negated that the existing negotiations between the two sides concerning the final status of the occupied Palestinian lands had achieved great progress, while the Palestinian negotiators said they refused to discuss security arrangements with Israel before determining the limits of the Palestinian state. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Palestine lays great hope on Albright's tour Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Arab League chief receives message, confers with Swedish delegation
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Ismat Abdul el-Maguid on Monday received a message from the secretary general of the African Unity Organization Salem Ahmad Salem, inviting him to attend the next African summit that will be held in Togo, Lumi on July 10 to 12. Regional-Sweden, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Morocco's honorary consuls in central America confirm freeze of relations with Sahrawi republic
  Morocco's honorary consuls in several Central American countries who are currently on a visit to the kingdom have confirmed their respective countries' decision to freeze relations with the enemies of Morocco's territorial integrity till the outcome of the referendum process, in line with the U.N settlement plan on the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Iraq criticizes Gulf states statement
  Iraq strongly criticized the concluding statement issued by the ministerial meeting for states of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Jeddah last Saturday - depicting it of expressing the U.S stance toward Iraq. Iraq-Gulf, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Light verdicts against 80 persons for SLA members
  The military court in Beirut issued against 80 persons from members of the pro-Israeli South Lebanon Lebanese militia light verdicts that vary between 6 months to 3 years where most of them have already been jailed for a year. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Kuwaiti officials meet with Oman's information minister
  The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday in Kuwait received Oman's information minister Abdul Aziz al- Rawas. Kuwait-Oman, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Former intelligence chairman Al-Najjar's properties for sale
  The al-Sharq al-Awsat London-based daily on Monday said that properties owned by Bashir al-Najjar, the former chairman for the general intelligence administration were put into auction by the Syrian general public customs administration so as to refund a sum of one billion Syrian pounds to the state general budget. Syria, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Tehran negates being involved in Lockerbie accident
  Iran negated begin involved in the accident of exploding the U.S airplane also Lockerbie in Scotland in 1988. Iran-Turkey, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Ethiopia, Eritrea resume war
  Battles were resumed on Monday morning between the Ethiopian and Eritrean forces at Asab's front. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Turkey, Israel renovate tanks
  the Turkish defense ministry offered the Israeli military industries group a contract to modernize 170 "M 60" tanks. Israel-Turkey, Politics, 6/6/2000
• Mubarak meets German FM, US congressional team on peace making, bilateral ties Egypt, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Tunisia, Libya call for Maghreban summit
  Tunisian and Libyan heads of state, Zine El Abidine Benali and Mouammar Gadhafi, called for a Maghreban summit the soonest and renewed their attachment to the Arab Maghreb Union as a historical gain and an irreversible strategic choice for the construction of a unified Arab Maghreb without borders. Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Rabat and Algiers keen on leveling down roadblocks Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Concluding meetings of Damascus Declaration countries in Cairo
  Work of the the Arab Damascus Declaration states' meetings in Cairo concluded today by agreeing on continuing the political and security cooperation. Regional, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Syria prepares its internal house for post- peace era
  Political and economic observers in Syria find it very difficult to make separate the accelerated campaign to fight corruption from the current economic developments, especially as during last month ( May) trends of the 9th regional congress of the Baath Party to be held on June 17 have been crystallized. Syria, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Albright visits Cairo on Wednesday Egypt-Syria-USA, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Moroccan home minister arrives in Madrid Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Periodic Arab summit work proceeds tomorrow
  Work of the first meeting of the foreign ministers of the "fivefold" committee for implementing and legalizing mechanisms for the periodic convening of Arab summits are to begin tomorrow at the Arab League's headquarters aiming at raising the results to the Arab heads of states for ratification. Regional, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Morocco - Mali commission opens today
  The Moroccan - Malian commission will hold its fifth session this June 5-6 here, in keeping with instructions of King Mohammed VI and President Oumar Konare, says a statement of the Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation. Morocco-Mali, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Senegal renews backing to Morocco's territorial integrity Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Damascus expects continued U.S efforts for pushing Syrian - Israeli forward
  Damascus assured that it expects continued U.S efforts for pushing forward the Syrian - Israeli peace negotiations despite of the approach of the U.S presidential elections and the end of the term of President Bill Clinton. Syria-Israel, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Emir of Kuwaiti confers with Maldeve minister Kuwait-Maldives, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Saudi crown prince confers with Kuwaiti deputy premier Saudi-Kuwait, Politics, 6/5/2000
• European pivotal role in peace process
  "President Hosni Mubarak receives today German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer," said Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa. Egypt-Germany, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Tunis, Tripoli call for urgent Arab summit Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Benaissa deplores lack of moves on Sebta and Mellilia
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation Mohamed Benaissa said Spain should respond to Moroccan expectations with regard to Sebta and Mellilia, the two presidios in northern Morocco. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Royal phone calls on Senegal - Mauritania border-developments
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI had Sunday telephone calls with Presidents Mouaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed Taya and Abdoulaye Wade on developments at Mauritania and Senegal borders and offered mediation should the need arise. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Ahmed Jabreel visits the liberated areas in south Lebanon
  He denounced the Palestinian president's policy and asked him to resign immediately adding that he did not achieve any gains for the Palestinian people according to the peace tracks. He said that Arafat conspired against the Palestinian uprising by holding the Oslo agreement with the Israelis where Israel would have been forced to withdraw from the West Bank and Gaza just like it did in south Lebanon. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Kuwait - Saudi Arabia to demarcate of sea borders
  Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced they will negotiate on Tuesday on demarcating their sea borders which provoked disputes in which Iran was involved, over a sea field rich in gas in the Arab Gulf. Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Al-Shara in Cairo
  Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara arrived in Cairo on Sunday evening leading the Syrian delegation to the meetings of the 17th session of the foreign ministers of the 8 Damascus Declaration member states. Regional-Syria, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Barak and border demarcation with Lebanon Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Palestinian opposition will not attack Israel from South Lebanon
  The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus said that Palestinian opposition stressed to her that they will not carry out any military operation from South Lebanon, so as to avoid an Israeli escalation there. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan visit sites in Morocco
  Prince and Princess Takamado of Japan who started on Friday a friendly visit to the Kingdom, at the invitation of King Mohammed VI, visited over the weekend several social institutions and monuments. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Spanish foreign minister to visit Morocco next week
  Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique is expected to visit Morocco next week, diplomatic sources in Madrid said. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Egyptian - Tunisian diplomatic discussions
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa received today Tunisian Foreign Minister al-Habeeb Bin Yehia and they discussed current regional and Arab issues topped by the developments in the peace process in the area especially following the Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Libyan official confers with Russian communist party official Libya-Russia, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Palestinian leader says visit to Laayoune is token of support to Morocco's territorial integrity
  Secretary general of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (FDLP), Naief Hawatmeh, said his visit to Laayoune, major city of Morocco's southern provinces, comes as a token for the Palestinian support to the kingdom's territorial integrity. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Establishing new administrations in the Arab League
  Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abd El-Maguid agreed on establishing two internal groups to better manage is function. Regional, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Costa Rica Renews Decision to Suspend Recognition of Sahrawi Republic
  Costa Rica has renewed its decision to suspend recognition of the so-called Sahrawi Republic (SADR) till the outcome of the U.N sponsored referendum in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Yemen receives more refugees from the African horn
  more than 600 refugees from the African horn arrived in Yemen's port since the escalation of fighting between Ethiopia and Eritrea on the first of May. Yemen, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Russian vice-foreign minister tours Maghreb Morocco-Russia, Politics, 6/5/2000
• On the Ethiopian, Eritrean war Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Continuing Ethiopian - Eritrean negotiations in Algeria
  The negotiations hosted by Algeria concerning the border dispute between Ethiopian and Eritrea are continuing despite continued fighting between the two side. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Yemeni president in Germany to discuss economic cooperation
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Sunday morning arrived in Germany in a visit dealing in particular with the ME peace process, economic cooperation and developments of conditions in the African horn region. Yemen-Germany, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Yemen: One demonstrator, three soldiers killed in confrontation
  One demonstrator and three soldiers were killed in armed confrontation between military forces and citizens in a town in South Yemen, according to a tribal source in Yemen on Sunday Confrontation, resulted in wounding seven soldiers on Saturday were erupted in Jalash town in al-Daleh province, 100 Km to the north of Aden. Yemen, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Lebanese among 189 emigrants suspended by Turkey Regional-Turkey, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Tightened security measures for Barak
  The Israeli daily Haartez said on Sunday that tough security measures were tightened around Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak in light of rumored information on the intention of the extremist settlers from the Israeli right wing to assassinate Barak. Israel, Politics, 6/5/2000
• Arafat meets with Swedish prime minister
  Palestinian President Yasser Arafat on Sunday met with Swedish Prime Minister Goran Personne in Ramullah, West Bank. Palestine-Sweden, Politics, 6/5/2000

Previous Week · Politics · Business and Economics · Local · Algeria · Bahrain · Comoros · Djibouti · Egypt · Iraq · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Oman · Palestine · Qatar · Syria · Saudi Arabia · Somalia · Sudan · Tunisia · United Arab Emirates · Yemen