Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/8/2001

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 8, 2001

• Israel fails to achieve its aims
  Egypt's People's Assembly Foreign Relations Committee Deputy Head Mostafa Al-Fiqi said that Israel couldn't achieve what it wanted in spite of having alliances with superpowers, the foremost of which is the USA and in spite of having the state-of-the-art war machine. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Lebanese president confers with Khaddam
  The statement said that discussions dealt with current regional conditions in light of recent developments and that view points were identical towards the need of confronting developments in a united Arab position towards the Israeli proposals which target incomplete solutions and maneuvers Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Jordanian King to visit Austria Jordan-Austria, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Iraq strongly criticizes Saudi foreign minister statements
  Iraq on Friday strongly criticized the Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal because of his recent statements he made in conclusion of meetings of the joint Saudi- Egyptian joint committee held last Tuesday, in which the Saudi foreign minister called on Baghdad to give up threatening its neighbor in order to bridge the rift and unify the Arab rank. Iraq-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Positive development in Bkerky stances towards Syria
  The Lebanese daily al-Mustaqbil said on its Friday's issue quoting sources close to the former Lebanese minister Fuad Butrous that the trend of dialogue between Bkerky and Damascus is proceeding for further positive development. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Erez negotiations start today, confrontations in the West Bank, One Palestinian killed
  Strong confrontations took place on Friday following Friday's prayers especially at the courtyard of al-Aqsa mosque which was cordoned by the Israeli forces since the early hours of Friday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Al-Baz: Middle East, not priority on Bush Administration's agenda
  "The current period does not allow more bargaining with the US side as regards the peace process since US President Bill Clinton's days in office are numbered," said Osama Al-Baz, Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak's Political Advisor. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Mubarak-Arafat review attempts to save peace process
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak and Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat yesterday probed the outcome of recent contacts to save the peace process and the Palestinian-Israeli security arrangements. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Three Lebanese military men hit by an Israeli mine
  Three Lebanese military men were including one army officer were hit when a land mine went off that was planted together with other tens of thousands in South Lebanon before their withdrawal. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Peace holds key to ME development
  Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor, Osama el-Baz Thursday expected a Palestinian-Israeli peace pact in the half of this year to be followed by another between Syria and Israel. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Arab Follow-Up Committee cautions against Israeli acts of deception
  The Arab Follow-up Committee, churned out by the latest summit in Cairo, warned on Thursday against the Israeli attempts to circumvent the international resolutions and create new of reference. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/13/2001
• Syria: vivid discussions of Syrian national dialogue on democracy and oppression
  A lecture was delivered at the house of the Syrian opposition parliament member Riyadh Seif on Wednesday in which ordinary citizens, intellectuals and politicians criticized the government's policy and the Baath party control of the authority and asked for more democracy. Syria, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Yemen: six killed in election differences Yemen, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Al-Assad confers with al-Hariri Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Premier Youssoufi undertakes official visit to Iran next week Morocco-Iran, Politics, 1/12/2001
• The One thousand statement calls for democracy and the revival of the civil society in Syria
  The " document "called for holding democratic elections at all levels and the " independence of the law" Syria, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Damascus: Six Jordanians were released Syria-Jordan, Politics, 1/12/2001
• One Palestinian killed; A new tripartite meeting expected soon in Washington
  The channel 2 at the Israeli TV on Thursday said that it is expected that a tripartite meeting to be held in Washington including the US President George Bush, the Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak and the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat to discuss the possibility of resuming negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2001
• A message from al-Assad to Tunisian counterpart Tunisia-Syria, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Arab follow up committee concludes meetings, commit to Arab principles
  The Arab follow up committee emerged from the urgent Cairo Arab summit in conclusion of its meeting which was held in Tunisia issued a statement in which it called for the need to firmly stand in confrontation of the escalated Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Turkey stresses strengthening relations with Syria Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Sharon: I regretted Sabra and Shatila massacres, but I was not responsible for them
  Leader of the Israeli rights Ariel Sharon, the likud candidate for the post of the prime minister in the coming elections to be held on February 6th has expressed " regret for the catastrophe took place at the Sabra and Shatila camps during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. But he renewed his statement: " I was not responsible for that." Israel, Politics, 1/12/2001
• Morocco - France, exceptional ties, renovated partnership, says ambassador
  France's ambassador to Rabat surveyed relations between the two countries in 2000 saying that they have been "productive and outstanding" and that the royal visit to Paris was the confirmation of exceptional ties binding the two countries and the need for a renovated partnership. Morocco-France, Politics, 1/12/2001
• King Mohammed meets Irish premier Morocco-Ireland, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Indian foreign minister arrives in al-Riyadh on January 19 Saudi Arabia-India, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Al-Assad desires to replace Presidential referendum by democratic elections Syria, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Saudi Arabia, Egypt for boosting relations, commitment to Arab issues
  A statement issued in al-Riyadh on Wednesday following the meeting between the Saudi and Egyptian foreign ministers said the two sides renewed the importance of continued work to strengthen Arab solidarity, based on complete commitment to the charter of the Arab League, the joint defense Arab treaty and economic cooperation among the Arab states and to the Arab resolutions in order to restore back all occupied Arab rights and strengthening national security. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Al-Assad confers with Chinese vice President
  President Bashar al-Assad at 6 p.m. at al-Shaab palace in Damascus received China's vice President Ho Jentao and members and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-China, Politics, 1/11/2001
• One Palestinian elderly killed, seven wounded by the Israeli bullets
  Palestinian medical sources said that at least 7 Palestinians were wounded by the Israeli army bullets in the West Bank and Gaza. The sources explained that four Palestinians were wounded in Selat al-Daher village near Nablus during confrontations with the Israeli army, while two others were wounded in al-Khudr village near Bethlehem when the Israeli soldiers opened fire on the Palestinians throwing them by stones. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Iraqi vice president visits Cairo
  The Saudi daily al-Watan quoted well-informed diplomatic sources as saying that the Iraqi vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan will pay a visit to Cairo within the few coming days during which he will meet with Egyptian officials. Iraq-Egypt, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Referendum on the national charter project
  The Bahraini daily al-Ayam said in its Wednesday's issue quoting well-informed sources that the referendum on the national charter project will be held on February under the supervision of legal figures, judges and other sides concerned. Bahrain, Politics, 1/11/2001
• US proposals still on table
  The American proposals are still on the table, Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said, adding that what was important now was to work on the Palestinian - Israeli track to reach a fair, peace accord. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Egypt and Saudi Arabia full backing to Palestinian people Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Arab follow up committee meets in Tunisia
  Works of the 3rd session of the Arab follow up committee in support of the Palestinian uprising was opened on Wednesday evening at the conferences palace in Tunisia with the participation of the foreign minister Farouk al-Shara' The committee is composed of the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and the secretary General of the Arab league Ismat Abdul Miguid. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 1/11/2001
• AL chief to start an African tour from Libya Regional, Politics, 1/11/2001
• UN to lift weapons ban from Ethiopia, Eritrea
  The UN Security council is intending to lift weapon banning on both Eritrea and Ethiopia on Wednesday, at a request by the US, despite doubts that ending the embargo will be a premature step after the cessation of battles between the two countries. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Blair attacked by protestors over death of Iraqi children
  The spokesman for the British policy said on Wednesday that the British prime minister Tony Blair was thrown by spoiled tomato and oranges by Arab demonstrators who were protesting against the imposed sanctions on Iraq. Iraq-UK, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Oman, Austria's FM s discuss bilateral issues, ME peace Oman-Austria, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Ruler of Qatar confers with Japanese foreign minister Qatar-Japan, Politics, 1/11/2001
• Brudi speaks on the phone with President al-Assad Syria-European Union, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Palestinians refuse security coordination with Israel
  The chairman of the Palestinian preventive security department in Gaza Muhammad Dahlan said that the Palestinians have refused to resume security coordination with Israel during the security meeting which was held in Cairo on Sunday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Message from Mubarak to Fahd
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa stated upon arrival in Riyadh yesterday that he was carrying a message from President Mubarak to King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2001
• China's vice president arrives today in Damascus Syria-China, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Return of Palestinian Refugees indispensable
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa described as critical and dangerous the current phase in the Middle East peace process. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Moussa warns against further imbalance in peacemaking
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa said the peace process was passing through a very critical stage, adding the comprehensive peace required extensive efforts and a true political will. Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Saudi prince Sultan concludes visit to Damascus Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Lahoud reviews security conditions in the country Lebanon, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Concerted efforts for Sudanese Reconciliation Conference
  Upon his arrival to Khartoum, Foreign Minister, Moussa told reporters that he was carrying a message from President Mubarak to President Bashir to congratulate him on his victory in presidential elections for a second term in office. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Moussa conveys a message from Mubarak to Al-Bashir
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa yesterday conveyed a message from President Mubarak to Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir including congratulations for his re-election for a second presidential term. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Syrian - Jordanian security cooperation on return of Jordanians
  The Jordanian weekly al-Bilaad quoted in its recent issue, well-informed Jordanian sources as saying that at the directives of the Jordanian King Abdullah II, the Jordanian ministry of the Interior and the public department for the Jordanian intelligence started to expand in permitting the return back of Jordanians of members of the army who left the country with the Palestinian fighters ( Fedayeen) following the events of September 1970 ( black September) to each of Syria and Lebanon. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Saudi Defense Minister in Morocco Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Palestinian Intifada against occupation continues
  More Palestinians on Tuesday were killed and wounded in their confrontations with the Israeli forces. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Al-Hariri visits Damascus tomorrow Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Japan's foreign minister starts a visit to Qatar
  He indicated that Japan imports from Doha 70% of crude oil and natural gas exports and that the volume of trade exchange between it and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC reached US $ 32 billion in 1999. Qatar-Japan, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Egypt, key player in ME peace
  "Egypt is one of the most influential powers in the ME peace process," said Presidential Political Advisor Osama El-Baz late Tuesday. Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Some 81 % of People polled by Qatari TV Channel say Sahara is Moroccan Morocco, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Portuguese foreign minister satisfied over visit to Morocco
  The two Mediterranean countries will carry on efforts to consolidate partnership between the European Union and Morocco and between the EU and the Maghreb. Morocco and Portugal are bound by a 1994 friendship and neighborliness treaty, making of Portugal one of Morocco's privileged partners in the European Union. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Barazani meets with Talebani
  The leader of the Kurdistani democratic party Mesout Barazani on Monday met with the leader of the Kurdistani democratic party Jalal al-Talebani, at Salah eddine, the general headquarters for al-Barazani, according to a statement made on Tuesday by the spokesman for the Kurdistani democratic party. Iraq, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Junblat opens a dialogue with Syria
  The chairman of the Lebanese socialist Progressive party Walid Jinblat has stressed that the telephone call he had received from the chairman of the security department in the Syrian forces working in Lebanon Lt. Gen. Ghazi Kanaan was not a reconciliation call, rather re-opening the dialogue " because we are not originally in disputes." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Saudi, Yemeni committee meets on border issue
  It was announced in al-Riyadh on Tuesday that the new round for the meetings of the committee to implement the International border treaty between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, led by the minister of the interior in the two states will be held on January 20. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Sudan's ambassador reviews developments in his country Sudan, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Jordan, Pakistan stress a just ME solution
  Jordan and Pakistan have stressed their commitment to peace which is based on international legitimacy resolutions to achieve a just solution for the problems facing the Islamic nation and the Arab region. Jordan-Pakistan, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Peres confers with Indian official
  Israel's minister of regional cooperation Shemon Peres has admitted the failure of negotiations with the Palestinian government. He added that these negotiations did not conclude any agreement, rather created what he called the ground to complete such an agreement in the future. Israel-Palestine-India, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Expected ministerial reshuffle in Jordan
  A well-informed Jordanian official has expected a reshuffle on the Jordanian government of Ali Abu al-Ragheb after the ordinary Arab summit due to be held in Amman in March or the beginning of April. Jordan, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Israeli plan to assassinate Mousa Arafat Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2001
• Baz warns against Israel waging a regional war
  Egypt's President Mubarak's political advisor, Osama el-Baz warned against Israeli resigned PM's threats with waging a regional war. "Such a war will not be at all in favor of Israel even if it used nuclear weapons, which will be a bad omen for it, since the Arabs have weapons that will deter them. This is in addition to the support by Islamic, African and some third world countries." Affirmed Baz. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/9/2001
• A decree to ratify administrative cooperation agreement with Algeria Syria-Algeria, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Sudanese message to the Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-Sudan, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Butaflika and the army in Algeria
  He said " In Algeria we see a blockade because there are two authorities. There is a clear authority in that Butaflika is a President and a hidden actual authority which is the army and for that reason Butaflika does not own the capabilities to settle the crisis Algeria has been passing. Algeria, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Al- Assad, Musharraf open technology center for information in Damascus
  As the Chief executive for the Pakistan Islamic republic gen. Perves Musharaf left Damascus after he took part in the inauguration of the Information technology Center. President Bashar al-Assad received at Damascus al-Shaab palace the second deputy premier and the defense and aviation minister in Saudi Arabia and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Saudi Arabia-Pakistan, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Saudi Arabia, Iran to sign security agreement Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Saudi foreign minister denies news on efforts failure over three islands
  The Saudi foreign minister prince Saud al-Faisal has denied news on the failure of the tripartite committee formed to discuss the question of the three islands between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Saudi defense minister concludes visit to Jordan
  prince Sultan held talked with the Jordanian King Abdullah and the prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb dealt with various current issues and developments during which the two sides stressed care to foster joint bilateral and defense relations and the exchange of visits between the two states. Jordan-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Clashes continue, Palestinians refuse American proposals
  Confrontations continued in the occupied Arab territories with the escalation of the Palestinian rejection to the American proposals which is viewed as violating Palestinian rights. The Palestinian Abdul Hameed al-Kharti ( 34 year old) was killed on Monday and other Palestinians were wounded by the Israeli bullets. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Portuguese foreign minister's talks in Rabat
  Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime Gama, who started on Monday a two-day official visit to Morocco held a series of talks with Moroccan officials over bilateral cooperation and preparations for the 5"5 ministerial meeting, in Lisbon this month. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Israeli official predicts the resumption of peace talks on the Syrian track Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Junblat and Damascus Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Turkish daily and the Syrian- Turkish relations
  The Turkish daily Hurriet said on Monday that Turkish- Syrian relations have entered a new crisis and that President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Turkey was suspended. A visit which is expected to improve bilateral relations between the two countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Ruler of Kuwait confers with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament
  The ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Monday in Kuwait received the Speaker of the Lebanese parliament Nabih Berri and members of the accompanying delegation on the occasion of its visit to the state of Kuwait. Kuwait-Lebanon, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Peres visits India Israel-India, Politics, 1/9/2001
• British envoy arrives in Amman
  The special envoy for the British prime minister Tony Blair, Lord Levy arrived in Amman on Monday coming from Israel in a one- day work visit to Jordan. Jordan-UK, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Eritrea warns Ethiopia from violating Algiers agreement
  Eritrea ambassador in Cairo Muhammad Omar Mahmoud has warned against any attempt by Ethiopia to retreat from implementing the peace agreement signed in Algiers on December 12 to end border wars between the two sides that lasted for two years in which tens of thousands were killed. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 1/9/2001
• European Commission president Romano Prodi tours Maghreb countries
  European Commission president Romano Prodi tours Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco January 11-15. Maghreb-European Union, Politics, 1/9/2001
• Frustration and anger in the ME, behind unresolved political problem
  In full secrecy, a four-way security meeting was held in Cairo in the presence of Palestinian, Israeli, US and Egyptian security delegations with the aim of stemming deteriorating positions in the occupied lands and easing down violence. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Saudi defense minister arrives in Damascus today Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Arab League Secretary General Visits Libya Tuesday Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Al-Assad, Gen. Musharraf discuss bilateral ties, regional issues
  President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday at the Damascus al-Shaab Palace received the Chief Executive of the Islamic republic of Pakistan General Perves Musharraf. Syria-Pakistan, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Portuguese FM Starts Visit to Morocco
  Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime Gama, started this Monday a two-day official visit to Morocco at the invitation of Moroccan peer Mohammed Benaissa. Morocco-Portugal, Politics, 1/8/2001
• The Intifada continues, Israeli settlers threaten to attack al-Aqsa
  Palestinian youth Fatimah Jalal Abu Jeish ( 20 year old) was killed by the Israeli occupation bullets when she was hit in the heart as the car she rode and driven by her sister was exposed to fire on a ring- road around Nablus overlooking Beit Dajan village. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Ruler of Kuwait confers with AL chief Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Moussa starts a tour of three Arab states
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa starts on Monday a four-day tour of some Arab states, that will take him to Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Minister blames corruption on red tape
  The Moroccan minister of administrative reform blamed corruption in the country on bureaucracy and complex administrative procedure. Morocco, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Qabous meets with Arafat Oman-Palestine, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Saudi- Egyptian joint committee to meet in al-Riyadh
  The joint Saudi- Egyptian committee chaired by the two countries's foreign minister will convene meetings of its 10th session in al-Riyadh on Tuesday and Wednesday. Saudi Arabia-Egypt, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Musharraf visits Jordan today Jordan-Pakistan, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Arafat expects Israel to kill more Palestinian activists Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Palestinian groups refuse American proposals
  Various Palestinian national forces, including the Fatah movement on Sunday released a statement in which they stressed their rejection of the American proposals. Palestine-Israel-USA, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Damascus denies any contact between President Bashar al-Assad and Pickering
  A Syrian official source has denied " any contact" to have taken place recently between the US Under secretary of State Thomas Pickering and the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad or any other Syrian official to convey American warnings towards Syrian backing for the Hizbullah party. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/8/2001
• British- Saudi relations reviewed Saudi Arabia-UK, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Jordanian King confers with Arafat
  Jordanian King Abdullah II has stressed that meeting all Palestinian legitimate rights is a set condition to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 1/8/2001
• A Yemeni - American security project
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am said on Sunday quoting western diplomatic sources in Sanaa that a Yemeni- American project for security cooperation between the two countries are now under study. Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Yemen's president and Clinton's Plan
  The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has renewed his backing for the Palestinian Intifada in the Palestinian territories and he denounced any new agreements outside the course of the international legitimacy resolutions. Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Moroccan parties renew people attachment to Morocco's territorial integrity
  The Moroccan political parties taking part in the third Euro-Mediterranean conference of leftist parties renewed the attachment of all Moroccans to Morocco's territorial integrity. Morocco, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Iraq criticizes the UN over British ­American violations of its airspace
  Iraq on Sunday renewed its criticism of the silence of the UN secretary General, the UN security Council and the UN inspection committee over the daily violations carried out by the American and British warplanes. Iraq, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Saudi- Iranian committee meets in al-Riyadh Saudi Arabia-Iran, Politics, 1/8/2001
• Rights groups accuse Israeli police of live firing
  Israeli and Arab human rights groups accused Israeli police on Sunday of firing live bullets at Arab protesters during clashes in October even though their lives were not in danger. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/8/2001

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