Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/12/2001
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 12, 2001
- Arafat to visit Syria within the two coming days Syria-Palestine, Politics, 2/17/2001
- Ruler of Bahrain ratifies national charter approved by people 's referendum
Ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa on Friday in al- Manama ratified the national work program approved by the Bahraini people in the referendum held on February 12 and 15. Bahrain, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Powel and Arafat on the phone Palestine-USA, Politics, 2/17/2001
- Egypt nominates Amr Moussa as Secretary-General of AL
Egypt has nominated its Foreign Minister Amr Moussa for the post of Secretary-General of the Arab League. The term of incumbent chief Esmat Abdel Meguid, an Egyptian diplomat, is due to end in May. Regional-Egypt, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Sudan stresses backing to Morocco's territorial integrity
Sudan has stressed its backing to the territorial integrity of Morocco. "Our position regarding the Sahara issue is constant. We are unionists," Sudanese foreign minister, Mustapha Othmane Ismail Sudan-Morocco, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Five Iraqis killed, 8 wounded by US- British air strikes
The Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday underwent air strikes carried out by 24 British and American planes and both London and Washington admitted of launching the air raids and the White House confirmed that President George Bush permitted these strikes. Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Mubarak Italian visit focus on political coordination
Talks will deal with the deteriorating positions in the Palestinian territories in the light of accession to power in Israel by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, ways of developing distinctive relations between Egypt and Italy. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Bouteflika lauds convergence of political will between Rabat, Algiers
President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria has lauded "the convergence of political will" between Morocco and his country. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Algeria and the Arab Maghreb federation
Algeria has renewed its complete readiness to contribute to the success of every effort that embodies the will of the whole of the Arab Maghreb people to achieve their ambitions towards building a united Arab Maghreb able of coping with the rapid developments taking place in the world. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 2/17/2001 - On Azmi Beshara and Knesset immunity
The Israeli radio said on Friday that the chairman of the bloc of Shas movement in the Israeli Knesset Yaer Bertes on Friday called on the Israeli general security department al-Shabak to lift the security umbrella given to Arab member at the Israeli Knesset Azmi Beshara who has the chance to hold repeated visits to Damascus. Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Sudanese rebellion forces kill former governor
The Sudanese daily al-Anbaa unveiled that the forces of the rebellion Mushar had killed Veter Kouj, the former governor of the Sudanese Mayout provinces who was kidnapped by the Southern Sudanese rebellion Movement in 2000. Sudan, Politics, 2/17/2001 - American muslim group criticizes US bombing of Iraq
"This kind of action does not serve the cause of peace and stability in the region," said CAIR, adding "a new administration should have a new vision for foreign policy to replace one that is outdated and ineffective." Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Egypt lauds the Vatican's call for respect of international legitimacy
Egypt's Ambassador to the Vatican Farouk Raafat said Friday the Holy See is highly interested in President Hosni Mubarak's Tuesday visit to the Vatican. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/17/2001 - UN Middle East envoy warns that fiscal collapse could cause massive violence
The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on Friday warned that an impending fiscal collapse of the Palestinian Authority could lead to an institutional collapse, which in turn might spawn further violence "and a situation that might get completely out of control." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Gravely concerned at Middle East violence, Annan urges restraint and dialogue
Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday expressed grave concern at the rising level of violence in the Middle East and appealed to the parties to prevent a further escalation and resume their dialogue. Regional, Politics, 2/17/2001 - China demands end to ongoing fighting, Mubarak recoginzed for efforts
China demanded an end for the ongoing struggle in the Middle East and urged the warring parties to observe the utmost self-restraint and halt further deterioration of matters. Egypt-China, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Sharon and peace with Syria
In its Friday's issue, the Israeli daily Jerusalem Post said in an article by its editor Herb Kenon that the Israeli prime minister elect Ariel Sharon said Thursday in a message he addressed to President Bashar al-Assad that Israel wants to start negotiations with all Arab states without prior conditions and that it expects Syria to suppress Hizbullah which has started its operation not only in South Lebanon but also inside Gaza. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Arab, Islamic states aborted Israeli bids to join SC
In the light of world-wide changes and transformations, the developing countries were obliged to look for advanced means to face the new changes, resulting in the influence of the big powers on the trends of the United Nations (UN), and the UN Security Council (SC). Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Palestinians defy the siege, three killed, 26 wounded
Confrontations escalated in the occupied Palestinian territories especially after Friday's prayers on Friday and the Palestinian youths confronted the Israeli occupation forces in marches of danger and three Palestinians were killed and 26 wounded by the Israeli bullets in Qilqelya, Khan Younis and Rafah. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Mubarak calls Israelis to extend hand to Arabs for better future and peace
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak has called the Israeli people, now that they have chosen a new Prime Minister, to extend a hand to Arab peoples for a better future for both sides. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - One Israeli soldier killed in Shebaa
The Lebanese National resistance had retaliated the Israeli violations of the Lebanese territories by an attack against an Israeli military on foot patrol in the occupied Shebaa farms resulted in killing one Israeli soldier and wounding two others. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/17/2001 - Bahraini opposition voices backing to reforms
The Shiite Bahraini opposition on Thursday voted for the reforms started already by the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa in the second day of the referendum for the national charter, which was characterized by intensive people's turnout on the election. Bahrain, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Syrian premier confers with Iraqi trade minister Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/16/2001
- Chief of the Iraqi intelligence visited Damascus, the two Baath party wings froze differences
Sources at the Iraqi opposition in Syria unveiled that the chairman of the Iraqi intelligence Lt. Gen. Taher Jalil al-Haboush has recently visited Damascus and that Damascus and Baghdad had agreed to put " the doctrine differences" between " the two wings of the Baath party" aside and to co-operate for attaining regional balance. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Tightened military and economic siege against the Palestinians
The Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak and the coming Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon held unanimous views to carry out large- scale military operations against the Palestinians following the Tel Aviv operation on Wednesday. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Israel brings in military build up to South Lebanon
Lebanese President Emil lahoud on Thursday reviewed with the representative for the UN Secretary General to South Lebanon Stavan Domistora the general conditions in South Lebanon and the work of the UN forces ( UNIFIL) in coordination with the Lebanese security systems. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Mubarak talks on phone with Qaddafi, Saleh and King Abdullah
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Thursday made two telephone calls with the Libyan President Muaammar al-Qaddafi and with the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Maghreban human resources commission meets in Nouakchott
The Maghreban human resources commission held its 9th session in Nouakchott, Mauritania, February 14-15 and participating ministers of education called for reactivating the commission and sub-commissions stemming from it. Mauritania-Maghreb, Politics, 2/16/2001 - Barak agrees to have the Israeli defense ministry in Sharon's government Israel, Politics, 2/16/2001
- The first referendum on political reform in Bahrain
The Bahraini people on Wednesday cast their votes in the first referendum of its kind since Bahrain's won independence from Britain in 1971. A referendum which has been closely observed by the rulers of the Arab Gulf states, neighboring Bahrain. The Bahraini authorities expected the referendum to result in a " unanimous" approval of political reforms that form a step forward towards building democracy. Bahrain, Politics, 2/15/2001 - King Mohammed meets Catalunia autonomous government president
Morocco's King Mohammed VI received in Tangier Wednesday the president of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Jordi Pujol, who is currently on an official to Morocco, and decorated him with the Grand Cordon of the Alaouite Wissam. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Al-Bashir discusses with Afourki, Deibi the development of bilateral relations
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has asserted continued efforts to develop Sudanese- Eritrea's relations and to attain full normalization between the two countries. Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Emir of Qatar gets a message from Pakistani counterpart Qatar-Pakistan, Politics, 2/15/2001
- Kurdsish views in Syria
The chairman of the Syrian democratic national coalition Muhammad Marwan al-Zarki has stated that this coalition attract the Kurds in Syria and has come as a result of an objective unity among themselves to alleviate the sufferings of the Syrian Kurds under certain extraordinary measures taken against them by the beginning of the 1960 s and its consequences still until now. Syria, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Peace stand chance if sticking to int'l legitimacy
Moussa reiterated that there would be no return to square one in any coming peace negotiations, unless the target was to set the whole region ablaze. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Gambia's President in Morocco Morocco-Gambia, Politics, 2/15/2001
- Powel to visit Damascus on February 26
Well-informed diplomatic sources in Damascus said on Wednesday that the US secretary of State Colen Powel will pay a visit to Syria on February 26 in the framework of his first visit to the region since he assumed his new post in the American administration, in order to meet with President Bashar al-Assad. Syria-USA, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Venezuela president to visit Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Venezuela, Politics, 2/15/2001
- Nine Israeli soldiers were killed, 21 wounded in a Palestinian operation
Nine Israeli soldiers were killed and other 21 wounded when the Palestinian bus-driver Khalil Abu Alia ( 35 year old) broke into his coach a station where Israeli soldiers gathered at Hazour to the South of Tel Aviv, near Holoun settlement. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Palestinian economic losses from latest crisis top $1 billion
Since the onset of the most recent crisis in the Middle East, the Palestinian economy has suffered losses of $1.15 billion, according to a United Nations report released Tuesday in Gaza. Palestine, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Algerian minister confers with Yugoslavian official Algeria-Yugoslavia, Politics, 2/15/2001
- UAE- Yemeni committee meetings start in Sanaa
The circle of joint committees between the United Arab Emirates and several Arab Gulf States has been expanded to cover Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen. United Arab Emirates-Yemen, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Arab League chief to be named through, coordination
Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa Wednesday denied differences among the Arab states on nominating a new secretary general for the Arab League (AL). Regional, Politics, 2/15/2001 - The new Kuwaiti government
The ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah on Wednesday issued an Emiri decree providing for the formation of the new Kuwaiti government chaired by crown prince Sheikh Saad al-Abdullah al-Sabah and includes 15 ministers. Kuwait, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Aznar's visit deepens bilateral relations
He underlined that these relations fall within his interests due to Egypt's strategic position and capabilities especially after the signing of two bilateral agreements on tourism development and small loans. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/15/2001 - US Senate delegation to visit Morocco Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/15/2001
- Egypt, Russia talks boosted
Asked whether Ivanov's projected meeting with US Secretary of State Colin Powell in Cairo during the latter's tour of the region would dwell on the latest developments in the region or would it deal with other issues, the Russian official said the meeting will deal with all issues of mutual interest, including the current situation in the region. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Indonesian President confers with Israeli official
Indonesia's foreign minister Elwei Sheab on Wednesday unveiled that Indonesia's President Abdul Rahman Waheed met by the beginning of January this year with an official in the Israeli government. Israel-Indonesia, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Preparations for UN Conference on Least Developed Countries Gain Momentum
Momentum is building for the adoption of concrete measures to help bolster the world's poorest economies, as the second preparatory meeting for this May's United Nations Conference on Least Developed Countries wrapped up its recent session in New York. Regional, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Preparations of a new anti-terrorism convention continue at UN headquarters
Against the backdrop of increasing incidents of terrorist acts worldwide, an ad hoc committee of the United Nations General Assembly is meeting this week in New York to further develop a new anti-terrorism treaty that will strengthen the existing network of conventions dealing with the problem, reported the UN news center. Regional, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Morocco, Equatorial Guinea agree to foster parliamentary cooperation
Morocco and Equatorial Guinea agreed to foster cooperation in parliamentary fields. Morocco-Equatorial Guinea, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Morocco rejects expulsion of undocumented immigrants from Spain
Moroccan justice minister, Omar Azziman, told the Spanish private radio Cadena Ser that Morocco rejects the expulsion of undocumented immigrants, although it encourages the voluntary return of immigrants to their country Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Morocco - Palestine ties, Strategic, Shaat
Relations between Morocco and Palestine are strategic and solid, Palestinian planning and international cooperation minister, Nabil Shaat, said Wednesday. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 2/15/2001 - Egypt, EU for reactivating peace process
After his meeting yesterday with Osama AL Baz, the Political Advisor to the Egyption President, European envoy to the Middle East peace process Miguel Moratinos said Europe supports the peace process and respects gains which have been accomplished during the past few years. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Al-Assad confers with King Fahd in al-Riyadh
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and members of the accompanying delegation arrived back in Damascus on Tuesday concluding a visit to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Bahrain 's foreign minister gets a message from Iranian counterpart Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 2/14/2001
- Enhancing the climate of confidence to sustain peace process
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak termed as good and historical relations between Egypt and Spain, expressing hope for stepping up cooperation between the two countries so that these ties may further progress and prosper. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/14/2001 - CEN-SAD countries pledge to achieve economic integration, preserve peace
Member countries of the Community of Sahel and Saharan States (CEN-SAD) pledged to achieve regional economic integration and preserve peace. Regional, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Morocco rules out contradiction in adhering to Maghreb and CEN-SAD groupings Morocco, Politics, 2/14/2001
- Sahel, Sahara declaration: eliminating wars and poverty
The Khartoum declaration issued late Tuesday marking the conclusion of the 3rd Sahel and Sahara summit, underlined the need for reaching final solution to regional wars and conflicts. Regional, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Egyptian source denies sending troops to the Gulf region Egypt-Gulf, Politics, 2/14/2001
- Saudi- Hungarian issues of mutual concern reviewed Saudi Arabia-Hungary, Politics, 2/14/2001
- Algerian- French talks
French- Algerian talks chaired by the Algerian minister of state for foreign affairs Abdul Aziz Balkhadem and the French foreign minister Hubert Vedrine started on Tuesday in Algiers in a close door meeting to which later joined members of the two delegations. Algeria-France, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Syrian conditions for Arafat's visit to Damascus
In a message from Damascus, the Lebanese daily al-Nahar said on Tuesday that the chairman of the Palestinian Salvation front Khaled al- Fahoum talked about the existence of four Syrian conditions to complete Arafat's visit to Damascus. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Morocco became Monday a full-fledged member of CEN-SAD
CEN-SAD was adopted by member states as official name of the grouping instead of COMESSA. CEN-SAD stand for the first letters in Arabic of the words Sahel and Sahara. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Reconciliation developments in Sudan
Leader of the Sudanese opposition al-Ummah party al-Sadeq al-Mahdi has ruled out that the foreign ministers of Egypt and Libya will hold a joint meeting with al-Ummah party during their current visit to Khartoum concerning the results of contacts to revitalize the joint Libyan- Egyptian initiative. Sudan, Politics, 2/14/2001 - One Palestinian high ranking officer assassinated, 26 houses demolished
Tension prevailed in various parts of the Palestinian territories and 2 Palestinians were killed and 65 wounded by the Israeli bullets and strong confrontations took place between the Arab youths and the Israeli forces and the settlers. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Saudi Arabia for further support to Libya
The Saudi ambassador to Libya has stressed that his country's efforts to close the file of Lockerbie and ending the sanctions on Libya will not stop until a solution satisfactory for " our Libyan brothers will be reached." Libya-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Contradictory news on resuming regular flights between Damascus, Baghdad
The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus said that news have been contradictory concerning the arrival of a Boeing 747 plane from Saddam Hussein's International airport to Damascus as an indication on the return back of the regular Iraqi civil aviation between the two countries. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Fishery issue between Morocco, Spain
The Moroccan dailies issued on Tuesday said that 25 Moroccan lorries loaded by 248 tons of Moroccan fishes are held at al-Jazira al-Khadra ( the green Island) port because of the strike observed by the Spanish fishermen. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Al-Hariri confers with the Arab League chief
The Lebanese prime minister Rafik al-Hariri on Tuesday in Beirut discussed with the secretary General of the Arab League (AL) Ismat Abdul Miguid developments of conditions after electing Ariel Sharon as a prime minister in Israel. Lebanon, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Arab League chief lashes out at Israel
Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdel Maguid accused Israel on Tuesday of exercising the most mean political manipulations. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Mubarak-Aznar focus on peace process
"The aspired council would contribute to creating joint mechanisms to realize all-out cooperation between Egypt and Spain in economy, trade, investment and culture,' he said. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Sahel, Sahara grouping calls for immediate lifting of embargo on Libya
The Community of Sahel and Saharan States (CEN-SAD) called the United Nations Security Council to immediately lift the "unfair" embargo imposed on Libya. Libya-Regional, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Gulf states secretary general confers with Hungary's Premier
Hungary's Prime minister Victor Orban met on Tuesday in al-Riyadh with the secretary general of the Arab Gulf Co-operation Council GCC Jamil al-Hujeilan. Gulf-Hungary, Politics, 2/14/2001 - Al-Assad arrives in Bahrain
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in al-Manama today in a visit to Bahrain. At the airport he was welcomed by the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa, the crown prince and commander of the Bahraini general force Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad al-Khaleifa and Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salman al-Khaleifa. Bahrain-Syria, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Moroccan Speaker Meets Algerian Ambassador Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/13/2001
- Al Bashir proposes a new plan for national reconciliation
Bashir added that the freedom of expression about the multi culture should be guaranteed in remarks to the armed opposition in Southern Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian tripartite summit Regional, Politics, 2/13/2001
- Enhancing the climate of confidence to sustain peace process
President Mubarak, answering the same query on Sharon's provocative statements, said we were used to such statements since Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who referred to Egypt as "our enemies in the south". Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Arafat to visit Damascus
Palestine's representative in Amman Omar al-Khatib told the Jordanian daily al-Rai issued on Monday in Amman that preparations are now underway for the visit of the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat to Damascus, stressing that this visit will be taking place very soon. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Egypt, a full member of Sahel and Sahara Grouping
Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa congratulated, on behalf of President Hosni Mubarak, Sudanese President Omar Bashir on his re-election for a second term in office. Egypt, Politics, 2/13/2001 - President of Catalunia autonomous government pleads for strategic vision in Moroccan-Spanish relations
President of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Jordi Pujol, who is currently on an official visit to Morocco, pleaded in Rabat Monday for the adoption of a strategic vision and for overcoming the short-term mercantile vision in Spanish-Moroccan relations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Morocco - Catalunia talks in Rabat
President of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Jordi Pujol, who started Sunday an official visit to Morocco, held separate meetings in Rabat Monday with several Moroccan officials. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Two Palestinians killed, 95 wounded by the Israeli bullets
The Palestinian youths Zeyad Abu Sawa ( 20 year old) was killed by the Israeli occupation forces. Another Palestinian youth was wounded in Bethlehem. The Palestinian youth Atif al-Nabulsi (35) was killed near Ramullah. He is from Jerusalem and the Israeli army refused to hand over his body. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/13/2001 - No nominations for the post of the AL Secretary General
The Arab league on Sunday denied to have received any nominations from Yemen or any other Arab state for the post of the secretary general of the Arab League. This denial was made after the Yemeni deputy premier and the foreign minister Abdul Qader Bajmal announced the nomination of the former prime minister Muhammad al-Aini to the post of the AL secretary general. Regional, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Prodi: We expect to finalize the Association Agreement this summer
He added that Damascus visit is his last stop in the region after his visit to Amman and Beirut noting that two main issues are of concern during this visit: 1. strong demand for an active European role in the economic stability in the region; 2. And the fact that the Middle East peace process is in a cross road with the coming of the new prime minister in Israel. Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Algerian minister starts visit to Britain Algeria-UK, Politics, 2/13/2001
- Syria, Turkey and the water tension
Turkey's deputy prime minister Maseout Yelmaz said replying to a question on what has been stated that Syria is not pleased about the Euphrates reservoir project which is being carried by Turkey saying: " we do not want to be in a conflict with Syria and we do appreciate the role played by Damascus in expelling members of the Kurdistani workers party, but the Euphrates reservoir is very important for the future of economic development in Turkey." Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Russian envoy in Amman today Jordan-Russia, Politics, 2/13/2001
- unswerving support for Palestinians, peace
Following the meeting, Osama Al Baz, the Political Advisor to the President said that President Arafat briefed President Mubarak on his visualization of the current critical situation and apprehension of the Palestinians after the negative statements by some figures which are close to Ariel Sharon. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Morocco voices wish to see Maghreban union revived
Morocco on Monday voiced wish to see the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) revived. Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 2/13/2001 - Morocco officially adheres to COMESSA Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/13/2001
- Czech President cuts short his visit to Kuwait
Czech President Vatslav Havel has cut short his official visit to Kuwait and left it following health problems. Kuwait-Czech Republic, Politics, 2/13/2001 - King Abdullah confers with members of the Arab follow up Jordan-Regional, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Morocco attends COMESSA summit
Moroccan Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, arrived in Khartoum Sunday to represent King Mohammed VI in the third Summit of COMESSA, a group gathering countries bordering the vast Sahara desert and the Sahel grassland zone to its south. Morocco, Politics, 2/12/2001 - King Mohammed sends message to Sudanese president
Talks with president El Bashir covered several issues of mutual concern and Morocco's adherence to the community of Sahel and Sahara States (COMESSA) as a full-fledged member during the 3rd COMESSA summit, opening this Monday in Khartoum, Benaissa said. Sudan-Morocco, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Bush calls King Mohammed Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Jordanian King asks Qaddafi not to boycott Amman Arab summit
The Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi discussed on Sunday with the Jordanian King Abdullah during his surprising visit on Sunday to Libya means of strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Arab solidarity. Libya-Jordan, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Iraqi opposition to halt activities harming to Iraq Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Iraqi opposition issue a new weekly
The Iraqi split Mishaan al-Jabouri who lives in Syria said on Sunday that his new weekly will call for a peaceful democratic change in Iraq as the Iraqi regime is in need of reforming itself. Iraq, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Iraq renew rejection to receive UN inspectors
He said that UN resolution 1284 is worse that its previous one 687, rejecting the possibility of accepting it after 7 years of its issuance, especially as Iraq has implemented all its obligations. Iraq, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Al-Assad to visit Algeria Syria-Algeria, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Peace cannot return to square one with every new Israeli government
Egypt's Prime Minister Amr Moussa said the return of Palestinian Israeli peace negotiations to square one would be rejected by the Arab states. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/12/2001 - On al-Assad's visit to Lebanon
The Qatari daily al-Watan said on Saturday quoting Syrian and Lebanese sources which it described as well-informed that contacts are being made between Damascus and Beirut to set a final date for the important visit President Bashar al-Assad in intending to make to Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Sharon brings back the ghost of the war Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Israeli planes violate the Lebanese airspace Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Aznar's second visit to Cairo mirrors the warmth of relations
These talks are expected to cover a lot of files including the stumbling Middle East peace talks, expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation between Egypt and Spain, deepening the friendship between the two peoples, and the issues pertaining to security and cooperation among the Mediterranean states. Egypt-Spain, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Oman's minister of state confers with UAE foreign minister Oman-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Water issue might lead to tension between Turkey, Syria
The BBC said that the wave of drought in the basin of the Tigris and the Euphrates might lead to a tension to due the shortage of water resources in the region. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Doors are open to freedom and democracy
Egypt's Minister of Information Safwat Al-Sherif said that the Publications law deals with all imported publications and books and any citizen can file a suit before courts against any publication. Egypt, Politics, 2/12/2001 - President of Catalunia autonomous government in Morocco
President of the autonomous government of Catalunia, Jordi Pujol, arrived in Rabat Sunday evening on an official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Arafat takes wait and see attitude on Sharon Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/12/2001
- Yemen, nominating al-Aini for the post of AL Secretary General
The Yemeni foreign minister Abdul Qader Bajmal said on Saturday that Yemen will nominate former prime minister Mohsin al-Aini to the post of the secretary general of the Arab League in succession of the AL secretary general whose term of office will end in the mid of May this year. Yemen-Regional, Politics, 2/12/2001 - Al- Sahaf tours Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand
The Iraqi foreign minister Muhammad Saeed al-Sahaf announced that he had discussed during his tour which covered Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand the implementation of article 50 of the UN charter to develop cooperation with Iraq in the commercial and economic fields. Iraq, Politics, 2/12/2001 - US concern over weapons embargo on Ethiopia and Eritrea
The UN Security Council has for the first time officially welcomed the peace agreement reached between Ethiopia and Eritrea in December after a delay linked to an attempt by the side of the US to lift the embargo on sending weapons to the countries. Eritrea-Ethiopia, Politics, 2/12/2001