Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 9/18/2000

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of September 18, 2000

• French plane breaks sanctions, lands in Baghdad
  a French plane landed at Baghdad for the first time since ten years in a flight between Paris and Baghdad Iraq-France, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Saudi initiative to salvage the Arab region from current conditions Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Agreement between Aideed and Somali president in Libya Libya-Somalia, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Beginning of Arab committee for lifting sanctions off Iraq today in Cairo
  Meetings of the Arab committee for lifting the sanctions off Iraq began today in Cairo. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Tunisian president gets personal message from King Mohammed
  Moroccan prime minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, on Friday handed over to Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Benali, a personal message from King Mohammed VI. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 9/23/2000
• A message from Emir of Qatar to President al-Assad
  A Qatari official delegation including the minister of energy, industry, electricity and waters Abdullah Hamad al-Ateyah, the finance and economy minister Youssef Hussein and the chairman of the higher committee for tourism Sheikh Abdullah Bin Ahmad al-Thani arrived in Damascus on Saturday in a two day visit. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 9/23/2000
• South Africa President in Algeria to settle African debts
  President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki arrived in Algeria on Friday in a friendship and work visit at the invitation of the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika during which he will preside over his country's delegation to the meetings of the 2nd session of the higher Algerian- South African committee which started on Friday. Algeria-South Africa, Politics, 9/23/2000
• An assassination attempt against Sudanese journalist
  Sudanese journalist Muhammad Taha Muhammad Ahmad, owner and chief editor of the Sudanese daily al-Wefaq ( reconciliation) was on Thursday evening exposed to an assassination attempt in the southern part of Khartoum. Sudan, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Princess Lalla Meriem visits Italy at invitation of first lady Morocco-Italy, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Egyptian labor party boycott the coming parliamentary elections
  The opposition Egyptian labor party said it will boycott the parliamentary elections in Egypt next month. The party justified his decision with the procedures taken by the Egyptian authorities against its candidates and their followers. Egypt, Politics, 9/23/2000
• 100 dead in violent fighting in Mogadishu
  A violence fight broke out in the Somali capital Mogadishu due to which more than 100 persons were killed. Somalia, Politics, 9/23/2000
• More tribal conflicts and casualties in Somalia
  At least some 15 persons were killed in battles in which heavy weapons were used erupted on Friday to the south of Makadishu between the supporters of the two warring tribes of Huber Ghadir and Abghal. Somalia, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Egypt warns against halting Palestinian-Israeli talks
  Egyptian Presidential Political Adviser Osama el-Baz warned on Thursday against grave consequences that may result from stopping the Palestinian-Israeli talks. Egypt, Politics, 9/23/2000
• News about Arafat - Barak meeting today
  Current communications are currently taking place between the Divan of the Israeli prime minister Ihud Barak and the Palestinian government to arrange a meeting today between Barak and President Yasser Arafat. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Palestinian leadership accuses Israel of blocking the establishment of the country
  The Palestinian leadership accused the Israeli government of conducting a strong campaign to impose the accomplished fact and blocking the way before the establishment of an independent Palestinian country with its capital Jerusalem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Hassan Asfour depicts Palestinian - Israeli communication as absurd
  Hasan Asfour, the Palestinian state minister expressed his hope that the anticipated U.S document concerning the Palestinian - Israeli peace process would not contain the same proposals and ideas that were presented in Camp David last summit. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Torabi's party is behind the demonstrations in Sudan
  Ghazi Salah El-Din, the Sudanese minister of information and culture, accused the public conference headed by Hassan al-Torabi and some factions of the opposition Sudanese alliance of being behind the demonstrations which broke out lately in some areas in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Mubarak approves NDP electoral program
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak has approved the program of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the upcoming People's Assembly elections which propounds the party's plans in the coming period. Egypt, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Egypt participates in a four-fold meeting to solve the Sudanese problem
  Amr Moussa, the Egyptian foreign minister, is participating this week in a four fold meeting in the Ugandan capital to discuss the Sudanese issue. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 9/23/2000
• World Muslim brothers organization commends Sudan national efforts
  The leadership of the world organization for the Muslim brothers has sent a message to the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir in which it hailed the efforts of the government and the Islamic movement in Sudan to unify the national ranks, openness and to achieve peace in the southern part of the country. Sudan, Politics, 9/23/2000
• The decree organizing the election campaigns warns against breach of legitimacy
  Interior Minister Habib Al-Adli will issue within a few days three decrees organizing election campaigns for rival candidates. Egypt, Politics, 9/23/2000
• UN-mediated talks on Sahara to begin next week in Berlin
  Parties to the Sahara issue will hold this September 28-29 in Berlin a new meeting, under the auspices of Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Personal Envoy, James Baker III, United Nations spokesman, Fred Eckhard, announced on Friday. Morocco, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Iraqi opposition faction refuses discussion with Washington to topple Hussein
  The supreme council for the Islamic revolution in Iraq - one of the Iraqi opposition factions - assured the non existence of any discussion or agreement between it and the U.S administration to topple the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Moroccan demonstration against an Israeli delegation
  Some 400 persons, mostly Islamists on Friday demonstrated in front of Sheraton hotel in Casablanca in protest of the visit made by the Israeli businessmen delegation to Morocco since September 17. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 9/23/2000
• UN military observers deployed on Eritrean- Ethiopian border
  A group of 15 UN military observers were on Friday deployed along the Eritrean- Ethiopian borders so as to pave the way before deploying a UN peace keeping force there composed of 4200 troopers. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Israeli experts delegation visits India
  The Israeli daily Haartez said on Friday that a delegation representing Israeli experts in the area of fighting what is so called terrorism is currently visiting India at the invitation of New Delhi to study means of fighting separatist movements in Kashmir. Israel, Politics, 9/23/2000
• Morocco, Tunisia sign nine cooperation agreements
  Morocco and Tunisia signed in Tunis Thursday evening nine cooperation agreements dealing with security, civil protection, local communities, housing, environment, and women promotion. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Al-Qaddafi confers with Somali president Libya-Somalia, Politics, 9/22/2000
• A Final statement on Mero's visit to Bahrain Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Lahoud: Syrian presence in Lebanon is legal and serves our strategic interests
  Lahoud called on those what so ever their groups is to know that the Lebanese state " did not do harm to them, rather they harmed themselves, and made mistakes against their homeland and they have before anything else to ask for forgiveness, though late and to admit their guilt towards their citizens, instead of provoking the language of sectarianism. The homeland can be only built on dialogue, openness and frankness." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Algeria and South Africa sign cooperation agreements
  Algerian diplomatic sources said that President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki is visiting Algeria today in a step to enhance bilateral relations and energize commercial exchange between the 2 countries. Algeria-South Africa, Politics, 9/22/2000
• On the significance of al-Qaddafi visit to Jordan; water projects
  The visit of the Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi to Jordan scheduled in October, and most expectedly on the 3rd of October is of special importance for Jordan which is looking forward to signing an agreement according to which Libya finances a vital project to bring waters from Southern Jordan to Amman, at a cost of US $ 600 million in which Libya provides more than half. Jordan-Libya, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Gabonese president in Morocco Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Egypt: No political dimensions for the delay in the date of al-Assad's visit
  A well-informed Egyptian source has denied that the "unfixed " date of the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to Cairo to have " any political implications." He said " Egypt welcomes President Bashar al-Assad at any time." He added that the reason behind the delay relates to the Syrian leadership and expected the visit to take place by the end of this month or the beginning of October. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Iranian maneuvers on Iraq's borders
  The Iranian navy is due to begin 5 days maneuvers in the gulf on coming Sunday at the anniversary of the war with Iraq (1980 - 1988). Iran, Politics, 9/22/2000
• A workers rally in Bahrain calls for unity with Qatar Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Syrian defense minister confers with a Chinese military delegation
  Syrian deputy premier and defense minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass on Thursday in Damascus received a Chinese military delegation led by Lt. Gen. Tang Tiang Beyo. Syria-China, Politics, 9/22/2000
• There is no obstacle in front of the Jordanian prime minister's visit to Iraq
  Taleb El-Refaei, the Jordanian information minister assured yesterday that "there is no obstacle preventing the prime minister Ali Abu El-Ragheb from paying an official visit to Iraq whenever he wants." Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Algerian labor party suggests a refrendum on privatization
  Chief of the Algerian labor party Lousia Hanoun objects to the current course the Algerian president is adopting in his privatization efforts. Algeria, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Morocco renews wish to normalize relations with Algeria
  Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi on Friday renewed wish to see relations between Morocco and Algeria "normalized." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Oun crimes file to be submitted for investigations
  Lebanese judicial sources said on Thursday that the Lebanese Attorney General Adnan Adoum will today submit the file of crimes committed by former commander of the Lebanese army to the Judicial investigator judge George Ghantous to start investigations. Lebanon, Politics, 9/22/2000
• Egypt's parliament, representing all categories and parties
  Egypt's President Mubarak yesterday presided over two lengthy meetings by the NDP politburo and the second with the members of the NDP Secretariat General. Egypt, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Mediterranean civil society holds conference in Morocco
  The second conference of the Mediterranean civil society will take place in Fez, 200km to the North-east of Rabat, next November 20-21. Regional, Politics, 9/21/2000
• A special meeting next week concerning the Arab summit Regional, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Arab League circulates messages to international rights highlighting Arab rights Regional, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Moroccan premier in Tunisia
  Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi flew to Tunisia this Thursday to co-chair with Tunisian peer, Mohamed Ghanouchi, the 8th session of the high joint commission. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Prince of al-Riyadh in Damascus Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Egyptian FM confers with US ambassador Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Egypt:The nomination begin today for the parliamentary election
  The first steps of the electoral operations began today to choose members of the new parliament when Egyptian interior minister General Habib El-Adely allowed receiving the nomination requests from the citizens in all governorates. Egypt, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Sudanese president ready to meet with Garang
  The Sudanese President, on the other hand, met with the Sudanese President who was due to head on Wednesday for Nairobi to hold a round of negotiations with the rebellions forces today ( Thursday). Sudan, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Arab group at UNESCO insists comprehensive and lasting peace in middle east depends on Jerusalem's fate Regional, Politics, 9/21/2000
• A nearby ministerial reshuffle in Jordan
  The speaker of the Jordanian parliament Abdul Hadi al-majali announced on Wednesday that the parliament had approved to start a dialogue with the government over the election law draft, while the Jordanian minister of information Taleb al-Refae talked about a nearby Cabinet reshuffle. Jordan, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Discussions between al-Shara, Arafat
  Arafat made that speech at the inaugural session of the meetings and al-Shara's proposed to adopt this speech as a base for the final statement, but Arafat retreated under the pretext that his speech was only for the media. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Established confidence between the Syrian and Jordanian leaderships
  The Jordanian weekly al-Meithaq said in its recent issue that the telephone call President Bashar al-Assad made with the Jordanian King Abdullah upon his return back from his recent tour bears more than one meaning and has only one explanation, namely the confidence which has been growing between the two states since more than one year. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Jordanian King confers with al-Riyadh district prince Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Accentuated debate between Moussa and Bin Ami
  The tone of conversation was accentuated between Moussa and Ben-Ami when the Israeli official claimed that June 1967 war was in self-defense, that Jerusalem has always been the capital of the Jewish people. Moussa answered back by noting that such allegations are just historical fallacies. The 1967 war was an aggression. He urged Ben-Ami to engage in discussions aiming at building peace, not talking about the past and going back to history. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 9/21/2000
• El-Husseini accuses Israel of confiscating lands near Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Delaying Ghaddafi's visit to Jordan to next month
  The Libyan President Moammar El-Ghaddafi will head to Amman on the beginning of coming month instead of the current week as was previously decided. Libya-Jordan, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Syrian prime minister arrives in Bahrain
  The Gulf News official agency reported on Wednesday that the Syrian prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Mero arrived in Bahrain in a visit aims at discussing the possibilities of bilateral cooperation. Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Arafat meets with Moratinos, US consul Palestine-USA, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Sudan and the UN Security Council seat
  Sudan, represented by its foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael, on Tuesday renewed its nomination for the non- permanent seat at the UN SecurityCouncil, showing its desire to play an active role in the UN for the period 2001- 2002. Sudan, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Spanish foreign minister hails King Mohammed' positive visit to Spain
  Spanish foreign minister, Josep Pique, hailed as positive the official visit King Mohammed VI paid to Spain Sep. 18-20. The visit is a step forward in the development of a new model of relations between Rabat and Madrid, Pique told the Moroccan first TV channel RTM. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Moroccan official stresses economic reasons behind conflicts in mediterranean
  Speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives, Abdelouahed Radi, said in Lisbon Friday risks of conflicts in the Mediterranean region are mainly economic. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Some 69 Syrian students from the Golan arrived in Syria for study
  Some 69 students from the occupied Golan heights arrived in Syria on Wednesday to study in the Syrian universities. Syria-Israel, Politics, 9/21/2000
• GCC ministers of culture meet in al-Riyadh
  Ministers in charge of culture at the Gulf Co-operation Council GCC on Monday hold their 9th meeting at the general secretariat of the GCC in al-Riyadh. Gulf, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Torabi's party supports demonstrations but deplores destruction
  The Sudanese public national conference party headed by Hasan El-Torabi spoke of support to the 'fair demands' of the demonstrators that took place in many cities of Sudan in the last days yet he rejected the sabotage and destruction of the people's properties that was due to these demonstrations. Sudan, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Yemeni president will visit Paris in October
  Arab sources assured that the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh will make a business visit to Paris on the coming month the 19th during which he will meet the French President Jacques Chirac. Yemen-France, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Moroccan associatios and parties denounce hosting an Israeli agricultural conference
  A Moroccan Islamic party urged all the Moroccan organizations and fronts to protest to stop the visit that is to be paid today be a delegation of Israeli businessmen to Morocco and to work on canceling their decided visit's program to some Moroccan areas. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 9/21/2000
• Somali president discusses developments in Mogadishu with Gaddafi
  Abdi Kasem Salad Hosni, the new Somali president reviewed in Libya with the Libyan president the latest developments in Somalia and means of establishing stability, restoring the infrastructure, means of enhancing the Somali - Libyan cooperation, some issues of joint concern and implementing the resolutions of Djibouti's conference during which the Somalia president was elected. Libya-Somalia, Politics, 9/21/2000
• 5 terrorists killed in confrontations with the army in east Algeria
  The Algerian army forces killed 5 terrorists and arrested another terrorist in Batna governorate, 750 kilometers from east Algiers, when army members besieged the terrorism group for few days and finally arrested one of the group's members who tried to evade the siege to get supplies. Algeria, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Aref Dalila returns back to Damascus university
  Well-informed sources in Damascus said on Tuesday that the Syrian leadership decided the return back the University economic teacher Dr. Aref Salila to his work at Damascus University after he had been suspended from teaching since three years because of his criticism to the performance of the former prime minister Mahmoud al-Zoubi. Syria, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Al-Qaddafi to visit Yemen shortly Yemen-Libya, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Amnesty International denounces Egyptian elections arrangements
  The Amnesty International has denounced the campaign of systemic obstruction carried out by the Egyptian government to prevent the opposition from taking part in the legislative elections which will be held in October and November. Egypt, Politics, 9/20/2000
• al-Yousefi to visit Tunisia Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Violent demonstrations in Sudan
  Violent demonstrations broke out in most of Sudan's cities during which nearly five were killed while tens were injured as the demonstrators attacked governmental companies and banks and smashed cars. Sudan, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Syrian- Turkish relations developed Syria-Turkey, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Jordan's premier in Iraq: 1st visit of the kind in 10 years
  Jordanian prime minister, Ali Abu Ragheb, will visit shortly Iraq in the first visit to Iraq by such a high-ranking Jordanian official in 10 years. Iraq-Jordan, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Egypt: Jerusalem; Palestinian-Israeli agreement
  Egypt's Foreign minister Amr Moussa said all agreements on Jerusalem should be Palestinian-Israeli deals. Egypt, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Garang declares readiness to meet El-Bashir
  Jhon Garang, chief of the public movement for liberating Sudan said that he is ready to meet with the Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir to try to stop the war to end the Sudanese people's suffering. Sudan, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Peace talks tomorrow between government and public movement for liberating Sudan
  Ahmed Ibrahim El-Taher, the advisor of the Sudanese president for the peace affairs and head of the government's delegation in the negotiations with the public movement for liberating Sudan said that the coming peace talks between the government and the movement are to begin tomorrow. Sudan, Politics, 9/20/2000
• A cooperation agreement between Sudan and Canada Sudan-Egypt-Canada, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Palestinian groups and the situation of Jerusalem
  The Palestinian people's and Democratic Fronts, Hamas, the Islamic Jihad and the Arab liberation Front have warned against playing with the situation of Jerusalem, the capital of the Palestinian State. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Morocco, Spain voice will to foster cooperation
  Morocco and Spain on Tuesday voiced "firm determination" to foster cooperation ties. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Lebanese army begins deployment in Jezin
  The Lebanese forces were deployed for the first time in Jezin area which is the headquarters of the former Israeli leadership in south Lebanon. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Saudi Prince Salman leaves Jordan for Damascus
  The Saudi prince of al-Riyadh district leaves Jordan today heading to Damascus. On Tuesday, Amman held a huge celebration in honor of prince Sultan in the framework of his visit which covered separate talks with the Jordanian King Abdullah II and the prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb. Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/20/2000
• On Arafat's visit to Damascus
  In statements to the Saudi daily Okaz issued on Tuesday, Palestinian and Syrian sources expected that Palestinian President Yasser Arafat will visit Damascus soon to convene a summit with President Bashar al-Assad. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Syrian efforts to contain war of words between Iraq and Kuwait
  According to sources it did not identify, the Qatari daily al-Watan expected the Syrian diplomacy to make intensive moves in the Arab Gulf region to contain the tension currently taken place in the region, resulting from the "war of words" between Iraq and Kuwait. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Morocco renews attachment to Sahara referendum
  Touching on the issue of Sebta and Mellilia --two Moroccan northern cities still under Spanish rule--, Benaissa underlined that the recovery of the two presidios is a Moroccan "historical right." He recalled that the question is a sovereignty issue for Morocco. Morocco, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Iraqi delegation from the civil aviation to visit Moscow on coming Sunday
  An Iraqi delegation comprising 70 officials from the civil aviation will visit Moscow to discuss the technical steps to resume the trips to reopen the bureau of the Russian airlines in Baghdad. Iraq-Russia, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Oman's foreign minister meets with Barak
  Oman's minister of state for foreign affairs Youssef Bin Alwai Bin Abdullah has revealed that he had met with the Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak in New York on the sideline of the Millennium summit. Oman-Israel, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Arab League for the restoration of Arab rights
  The Arab League has renewed the need of Israel's complete withdrawal from the occupied Golan heights up to June 4, 1967 border lines and from the occupied Palestinian territories including Jerusalem, according to UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. Regional, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Resuming the Palestinian - Israeli negotiations today
  The Palestinian - Israeli communications were resumed today as a meeting was held under the chairmanship of head of the Israeli delegation Gladea Sheer and the Palestinian top negotiator Saeb Ereikat. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Hasan Nasrallah: Hezbollah reveals a secret sabotage network for Israel
  Hasan El-Sayed Nasrallah , the secretary of the Lebanon Hezbollah, revealing that a secret sabotage network was working for Israel after the Israeli forces withdrawal and it had communication with it and was planning for assassinations in the border strip and that the party handed over member of the network to the judiciary. Lebanon, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Portuguese foreign minister meets speaker of Moroccan parliament
  He added that both Morocco and Portugal agree that the two sides need to coordinate efforts to set up strong cooperation mechanisms to lead to a larger economic and social integration in the Mediterranean region. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Expectations of Africa growth rate
  Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said Africa's debts problem is considered the biggest challenge facing the continent and hinders achieving a socio-economic development. Regional, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Israel asks IAEA to reject Arab resolution draft on its nuclear capacities
  Israel has asked the International Atomic Energy Agency to reject a draft resolution tabled by the Arab states on its nuclear capacities and threats. Regional, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Lebanese premier meets with Italian ambassador on non- governmental organization conference
  Lebanese prime minister Salim al-Hoss on Tuesday in Beirut discussed with the Italian ambassador in Lebanon the convening of the non- governmental organization conference due to be held in Beirut on September 28. Lebanon-Italy, Politics, 9/20/2000
• Israeli spying balloon in south Lebanon
  The Israeli occupation army on Tuesday morning launched a spying balloon over the Lebanese- Palestinian borders at al-Abaseyah town. It carries several surveillance cameras. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 9/20/2000
• King Juan Carlos lauds King Mohammed's modernization endeavors
  The Spanish king also renewed his country's backing to Morocco's development efforts. "You can rely on Spain's backing to accomplish the historic task that destiny entrusted you with so that Morocco hold, in the coming century, the rank matching its history and prestige," he said. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/19/2000
• New reforms and ministerial reshuffle in Syria
  The Egyptian magazine ( October) has stated that the economic reforms and ministerial reshuffle is the preoccupation of the Syrian people and official levels. Syria, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Al-Shara confers with Palestinian official in New York
  The al-Ayam daily issued in the occupied Palestinian territories said that a meeting was held on Wednesday between the Palestinians minister of planning and international cooperation Nabil Shaath and the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara, on the sideline of the meetings of the UN General Assembly. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Qaddafi starts an Arab tour Libya, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Egypt says chances for peace 50-50
  The situation remains in the balance with a 50-50 chance of success or failure, he said, adding that the brevity of time remaining was not in favour of the success of a Palestinian Israeli agreement. But intensive efforts should be exerted till the end of coming October, he added. Egypt, Politics, 9/19/2000
• King Mohammed meets Moroccan community in Spain, new consular offices
  The community members renewed attachment to the kingdom's sacred values and commitment to contribute to the economic and social development of their native country. They likewise pledged to defend Morocco's territorial integrity and hailed the king's outstanding decisions meant to promote the rule of the law and defend the interests of Moroccan expatriates. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Sudanese president begins his electoral campaign
  Informed sources expect soon a meeting between Omar Hassan El Bashir and Jhon Garang. Sudan, Politics, 9/19/2000
• The Moslim brothers group accuses the Egyptian government of depriving it from the coming parliamentary elections
  The Moslem brothers group which is considered the largest Islamic regulation in Egypt accused the Egyptian government of working on depriving it from playing its role in the parliamentary elections that will be held in middle of the coming month. Egypt, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Iraq does not threaten any one, official says
  Chairman of the Arab and foreign relations at the Iraqi national council (parliament) Salem al-Kubeisi said on Monday that Iraq does not threaten any one, nor have the intention to attack any one, rather is determinant to restore back its rights. Iraq, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Ministers address National Social Development Conference
  Minister of Insurance and Social Affairs Amina Al Guindy said the future social policy of Egypt would cope with internal changes and the international dimension of the development with view to covering basic needs of citizens and boosting social security programs. Egypt, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Syrian prime minister visits Bahrain today
  Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro is arriving today at Bahrain to fulfill an official invitation from his Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al khalifa. Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Lebanese President confers with US Ambassador Lebanon-USA, Politics, 9/19/2000
• US deny holding reconstruction effort to south Lebanon as pressure
  The Lebanese President Emil Lahud assured his country's refusal for any conditions for convening the conference of the donor countries which will provide funds for reconstructing south Lebanon. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Sudan: Governmental raids destroy a health center affiliated to the Catholic Church Sudan, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Arafat meets with heads of churches in Jerusalem Palestine, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Russian plane takes 120 European figures to Iraq
  A group of 120 European figures, comprising businessmen and members of the European parliament, will go to Baghdad this September 29 on a Russian flight, reports the Russian media. Iraq-Russia, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Parliamentary delegation travels to Lisbon
  A delegation from the Moroccan house of representatives (lower chamber), led by speaker Abdelouahed Radi, starts this Tuesday a three-day visit to Portugal. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Barak refuses the sovereignity of any Islamic party over Jerusalem
  Israeli prime minister Ihud Barak said that he does not refuse turning the sovereignity of al- Aqsa mosque to the Palestinians only, yet he refuses turning it also to any other Islamic front and within this frame the Israeli and Palestinian negotiators resumed negotiations in an attempt to bring together the stances concerning the final status causes. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Clinton proposes the US document for solving the question of Jerusalem
  US President Bill Clinton has prepared a document which he called the US proposal to solve the question of Jerusalem. Palestine-USA, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Algerian president to visit China in October
  Algerian president Abd El-Aziz Bu Taflika will head on the coming October the 10th to China to attend the forum of the African - Chinese cooperation with invitation from the Chinese president Jiang Zemin. Algeria-China, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Al-Majali, al-Zanoun meet in Amman Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Pope John Paul II to visit Syria in April, 2001
  The assistant for the spokesman of the Vatican Sero Peniditini stressed on Monday was announced by patriarch of Antioch and the Whole East Ignatius 4th Hazim on the intention of Pope John Paul II to visit Syria after the Easter. Syria-Vatican, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Egypt for ending the sufferings of the Iraqi people
  Egypt's foreign minister Amr Moussa has stressed that there is a great need to lift the sanctions imposed on Iraq and to end the sufferings of the Iraqi people resulted as a result of the embargo imposed on it since 1990. Egypt, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Lebanese minister warns against Israel's aggression against Shebaa farms
  Lebanese information minister Anwar al-Khalil has warned against any new Israeli aggression against Shebaa farms and part of Kafer Shoba lands where the Israeli occupation army is trying to annex a new area. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Mubarak to meet Schroeder in October in Cairo
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will meet the German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Cairo during his 3-day visit to Egypt on the coming October the 28th. Egypt-German, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Jordanian journalists Union denounces further normalization with israel
  The freedom committee at the Jordanian Journalists Union has strongly denounced the issuance of a bimonthly paper in Jordan, backed by Israel and is called " Sawt al-Salaam " ( the voice of peace ), calling for normalization with Israel. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 9/19/2000
• Sudanese efforts to end acts of violence
  The Sudanese Cabinet on Monday gave its directions to the specialized security sides to take decisive action guaranteeing security and stability and the safety of citizens and their properties as well as to halt the acts of violence taking place in several Sudanese provinces. Sudan, Politics, 9/19/2000
• King Mohammed received by Spanish king
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI, who is accompanied by his sister Princess Lalla Meriem, was received this Monday by King Juan Carlos of Spain at "El Pardo" Palace in Madrid. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/18/2000
• King's official visit to Spain, an outstanding event, politicians say
  The three-day official visit Moroccan King Mohammed VI starts this Monday to Spain, is described by politicians, the civil society and journalists as an outstanding event and a landmark in fostering cooperation between the two countries and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from al-Bashir Syria-Sudan, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Mubarak meets with party leaders Egypt, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Mubarak charts new agenda for social development
  Mubarak said that the "real gains" of a comprehensive development in Egypt would not be tangibly felt without a social development scheme "based on respecting the Egyptian citizen's right to a decent life in his homeland". Egypt, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Russian civil airplane flies to Baghdad airport Iraq-Russia, Politics, 9/18/2000
• A Libyan- Tunisian initiative to revive al-Maghreb federation Maghreb, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Syrian premier visits Bahrain on Wednesday Syria-Bahrain, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Al-Assad gets a message from Putin, agreements signed
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received the minister of industry, sciences and technology and chairman of the joint ministerial committee for trade, economic and scientific cooperation in federal Russia Alexander Dondokov. Syria-Russia, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Saudi crown prince visits Brazil today
  Saudi crown prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz today ( Monday) starts an official visit to Brazil which will last for several days during which he will meet with the President of Brazil. Saudi Arabia-Brazil, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Lebanese civilians break into Shabaa farms, hoist Lebanese flag over Bastara
  Hundreds of Lebanese civilians on Sunday broke into one of the occupied farms in Shabaa district and hoisted the Lebanese flag in it. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Gaddafi is to visit Jordan on coming Wednesday
  Libyan President Moammar El Gaddafi is to begin a few days visit to Jordan the day after tomorrow during which he is going to meet king Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss the different International and Arab causes as well as the bilateral ties between the two states. Jordan-Libya, Politics, 9/18/2000
• An American plan to settle the question of Jerusalem
  Amid news on a US plan which states the UN Security Council supremacy on al-Ibraheimi mosque and to divide Jerusalem with the aim to settle the Israeli- Palestinian disputes, the Israeli acting foreign minister Shloumo Bin Ami said that israel intends to keep its sovereignty on al-Ibraheimi mosque and will not give up " al-Haikal" site . He said " We have already have the Haikal and we will never give it up." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/18/2000
• France discuss rearming the Syrian army
  A delegation from the French senates council raised with Syrian officials the subject of rearming the Syrian army during a 5 day visit to Syria that was concluded yesterday. Syria-France, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Algerian mediation between Iran and Emirates, Bu Taflika sticks to policy
  Abd El Aziz Bel Khadam, the Algerian foreign minister said yesterday that his country is getting ready to begin a diplomatic move to end Iran's occupation to the three Emirate Islands Algeria-Iran, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Republican decree on coming elections
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak Sunday urged, in a republican decree, eligible voters to cast their votes in the country's legislative elections, starting in October. Egypt, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Palestinians recall Sabra, Shatila massacre
  Palestinians in Lebanon recalled on Saturday family and friends killed in Beirut by Christian militiamen 18 years ago in the worst atrocity of Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Rallies In London and Washington to Support Palestinians' Right to Return
  Approximately 4,000 supporters of the Palestinian Right to Return marched to the White House Saturday while in London a similar event was taking place with a turnout estimated by organizers at 2,000. Palestine, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Resuming the Palestinian - Israeli peace negotiations
  The Palestinian and the Israeli peace negotiators in Jerusalem convened in Jerusalem for the first time since the approval of the Palestinian government last week on delaying the declaration of the Palestinian country with its capital Jerusalem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Sudanese authority arrest 50 of Torabi's followers
  The Sudanese authorities arrested yesterday 50 followers of Hasan El-Torabi after demonstrations that broke out in the last few days in the cities of Fasher and Niala in west Sudan and Port Sudan in the East. Sudan, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Delay of international conference to reconstruct south Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 9/18/2000
• Kuwait calls on the world to take measures against Iraq
  Baghdad on Sunday renewed its accusations against Kuwait of stealing 300,000 oil barrels of the Iraqi oil every day and called for returning back these amounts. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 9/18/2000

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