Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/19/2001
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 19, 2001
- Saudi, Yemeni forces withdraw from border areas
It was reported in Sanaa that that the forces which are still deployed on the Saudi- Yemeni borders will be withdrawn shortly. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Al-Hariri confers with members of the Lebanese- Iranian joint committee Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 2/24/2001
- Issue of media and democracy widens in Egypt
Al-Sherif said that he believed in facing facts, and the right of the people to know so as to deepen democratic practice and dialogue with civilizations, while, maintaining the Egyptian identity at the same time. Egypt, Politics, 2/24/2001 - German President arrives in Doha Qatar-Germany, Politics, 2/24/2001
- Syria: civil society committees to reorganize themselves
The Syrian economic sciences society announced on Friday it will hold its 14th session next Tuesday, stressing that what is applicable on intellectual and political forums is not applicable on it as an economic society whose seminars are limited to economic topics. Syria, Politics, 2/24/2001 - For Morocco, Sahara is a national cause
The Sahara is for Morocco a national cause that "will never be put between quotes," Moroccan interior minister, Ahmed El Midaoui said Friday. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Iraqi- Tunisia free trade zone
An Iraqi source said that Ramadan who arrived in Tunisia will discuss during his visit the question of signing an agreement for free trade exchange similar to the two agreements he signed in January with Syria and Egypt. Tunisia-Iraq, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Annan to lead U.N delegation to meeting with Iraq
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan will head the United Nations delegation at the opening and closing sessions framing two days of high-level talks with a delegation from Baghdad, set to begin on Monday at UN Headquarters in New York. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Moroccan association decries US-British raids on Iraq Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 2/24/2001
- One Palestinian killed 40 wounded in Friday's confrontation
News reports from the Palestinian territories said that the Palestinian Raed Mahmoud Mousa was killed in Bethlehem and other Arab Palestinian teenagers were wounded in the confrontation took place on Friday in the city. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/24/2001 - China, Malaysia against US ÐBritish air raids on Iraq
China has expressed great concern over the recent US- British raids on Iraq and called for a just and acceptable solution to the Iraqi question in the framework of the UN Security Council and on the ground of honoring its resolutions. Iraq, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Al-Assad shows interest in the question of Imam Mousa al-Sader
The London- based al-Sharq al-Awsat daily said in its Friday's issue that Syria's President Bashar al-Assad showed clear interest in the question of the absence of Imam Mousa al- Sader and his two companions Sheikh Muhammad Yaqoub and Abbas Bader eddine whose trace vanished during a visit they were holding to Libya in 1978 Syria-Libya, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Mubarak, two Congressmen probe Egypt-US ties, peace process
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received US Senate delegation chired by Senator Edward Stevens. The President also received member of House of Representatives James P. Moran. Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Former Argentine president in Morocco Morocco-Argentina, Politics, 2/24/2001
- Arab parliamentary union council meeting in Emirates Regional-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/24/2001
- New cabinet reshuffle in Sudan
Seven ministers have kept their ministerial posts in the new Sudanese government. Sudan, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Powell's tour,represents new US policy towards region
Egypt's Ambassador in Washington Nabil Fahmi described, as a start of a new US era towards the Middle East region, the US State Secretary Colin Powell's tour of the Mideast region due, to start Saturday. Egypt-USA, Politics, 2/24/2001 - More Yemenis killed after the election results
Yemeni police sources said that five persons including two policemen were killed in armed conflicts took place to the west and south East of Sanaa. A matter which increases number of victims of the election competition to 20 since the beginning of voting for these elections on Tuesday. Yemen, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Egyptian-Pakistani relations, cordial and profound
Pervez Musharraf, the Chief Executive of Pakistan will arrive to Cairo tomorrow to take part in the summit of the Islamic eight states, under President Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Pakistan, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Islamic organizations defy the British law
Islamic extremist organizations, which take of London as a headquarters, vowed to defy the new British law designed for fighting terrorism which was put into implementation four days ago. Regional, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Israel under fire in US human rights report
In what is described as an unprecedented criticism, a US human rights report has slammed Israel's way of reacting to the Palestinian Intifada which erupted late in September. This came in an annual report on human rights, by the US Secretary of State. Israel-Palestine, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Egypt calls for essential amendments to int'l sanctions system
Egypt called for essential amendments to the United Nations sanctions regime to avoid harming the people or enfeebling their development capabilities. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/24/2001 - Prince of Bahrain to visit Moscow Bahrain-Russia, Politics, 2/23/2001
- Syria asks Powell to give interest to the peace process
Syria is intending to stress to the US secretary of state Colen Powell the importance of concentrating the American efforts of establishing peace in the Middle East instead of limiting these efforts to Iraq over which Syria said it honors UN resolutions concerning it but, on the other hand, refuses the continued sanctions imposed on the Iraqi people. Syria-USA, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Amnesty International condemns state assassinations in Israel/Occupied Territories
The targeting of Palestinians suspected of attacking Israelis amounts to a policy of state assassination, Amnesty International said today. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Serious development in Israeli attacks against Palestinians
Friday witnessed a great escalation in the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. As the Israeli forces broke into the western part of occupied Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Moroccan - Algerian talks to resolve differences: We are brothers
Upon arrival to the Algerian capital, the Moroccan interior minister stressed the similarity of views and objectives and commitment to fulfill these views as fairly and as rapidly as possible. "What is abnormal, is that we do not have normal relations and it is our duty to make all our possible so that normalization reflects prospects of common future," he said. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 2/23/2001 - On border demarcation agreement between Yemen and Saudi Arabia
The Yemeni minister of the Interior Hussein Arab on Thursday announced a nearby withdrawal of the military forces which are still deployed on the Saudi- Yemeni borders despite the border agreement signed between the two states in June 2000. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Sudanese Rai al-Shaab daily closed
The Sudanese authorities on Thursday suspended the publication of the " Rai al-Shaab" daily which is issued by the opposition Sudanese People's Congress party. Sudan, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Yemen: elections violence continues, two winning candidates, three police men killed
Three members of the Yemeni police and two opposition candidates who won elections of the municipal councils were killed on Thursday in the course of a wave of violence in Yemen resulted in killing 15 persons Yemen, Politics, 2/23/2001 - A message to President al-Assad from Putin
Earlier in the day, the Syrian foreign minister received the delegation representing the German federal Parliamentary council delegation led by Yuakhim Horster, the chairman of the parliamentary group for relations with the near east Arabic speaking states. Syria-Russia, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Moroccan press says Annan's proposals in Sahara issues unacceptable Morocco, Politics, 2/23/2001
- Rejection of foreign intervention in the Somali affairs
President Asyas Afourki of Eritrea and President Ismael Omar Gelli of Djibouti have called for giving support for rebuilding Somalia in order to achieve its national unity and stability. The two Presidents announced rejection of foreign intervention in the Somali affairs but did not, remark any accusation to any country in this regard. Somalia-Djibouti, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Israel continues its violations in South Lebanon
The Israeli occupation forces continued on Thursday their provocation and violations of the blue line which was drawn by the UN in South Lebanon, while the UNIFIL inspected the border areas and the consequences of the recent Israeli aggressions. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Senegal's Wade gets message from King Mohammed
Kabbaj added he discussed with Wade his plan and the vision he has for the future of Africa as well as the steps to make to translate it into reality. Discussions also covered the implementation of joint projects in all fields, especially those dealing with the development of the region, he said, lauding the launching on Wednesday of the Moroccan-Senegalese air company. Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 2/23/2001 - Oman congratulates Bahrain on reforms Oman-Bahrain, Politics, 2/22/2001
- Syrian- Saudi media protocol signed Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/22/2001
- Syrian official and the political forums
The London- based al-Hayat daily quoted in its Wednesday's issue the chairman of the foreign relations bureau at the Baath Party's National leadership Ali Diab as saying that the Syrian authorities have laid tough conditions for the activities of the forums Syria, Politics, 2/22/2001 - D-8 countries call rich to give priority to poorer
The draft declaration will also urge the advanced countries to respect their commitments, on allocating from 0.7 per cent to 2 per cent of their gross national product to the developing countries. The D-8 countries voiced concern over foreign debts, which pose a main obstacle to the development in the developing countries. Regional, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Israel should commit to peace conditions
Egypt's Presidential Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz said there are certain conditions that Israel has to be committed to if it wants to reach peace with the Arabs. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Britain Qatar and Iraq and the UN sanctions negotiations
British sources said that the British foreign ministry has made a contract with the Qatari foreign minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem al-Thani in 2000 to pave the way before a dialogue with Baghdad to be conducive to the implementation of UN resolution 1284 which calls for the restoration of the inspectors of the Iraqi weapons. Iraq-Qatar-UK, Politics, 2/22/2001 - A message for the Emir of Bahrain from Khatami Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 2/22/2001
- Turabi arrested in Sudan
Sudan's minister of culture and the information Ghazi Salah eddine, who is also the official spokesman for the Sudanese government said that the secretary general of the opposition people's congress Hassan al-Turabi was arrested together with leading figures in this party Sudan, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Sharon to find out possibilities of resuming negotiations with President al-Assad
In its program " this morning " the Israeli radio on Wednesday said that the Israeli prime minister elect Ariel Sharon is intended to feel Syria's impulse to find out the possibilities of resuming negotiations with President Bashar al- Assad. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Iraq welcomes reconciliation with Kuwait
Iraq's representative at the UN Muhammad al-Louzi has stressed that Iraq welcomes a reconciliation with Kuwait in order to unify Arab efforts in support of the causes of the Arab nation. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 2/22/2001 - New appointment in the Syrian foreign ministry
The London based paper al-Zamaan said in its Wednesday issue that the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara has recently made changes at his ministry's departments and appointed new figures in these administrations. Syria, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Beshara stops organizing visits of Palestinians of 1948 to their relatives in Syria
The Arab member at the Israeli Knesset Azmi Beshara decided on Wednesday to stop organizing visits of the elderly among the Palestinians of 1948 to their relatives residents in Syria. This measure was in light of the decision taken by the Israeli police to open investigations against those Palestinians. Beshara said that this suspension is temporary. Israel-Syria, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Seeing no progress in Sahara issue, annan recommends extension of UN mission
United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, recommended on Monday a two-month extension of MINURSO, UN mission deployed in the Sahara since 1991 to supervise cease-fire and preparations for the holding of a referendum. Morocco, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Israeli bombardment of Palestinian cities, towns continues
The funeral procession of the palestinian Osama al-Zgheir ( 18 year old ) who was killed by the Israeli bombardment of Beit Jala was converted into a popular rage demonstration. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Indonesian president to hold a ME tour Regional-Indonesia, Politics, 2/22/2001
- Three sessions for discussing economic cooperation between D-8 group
Egypt's President Mubarak next Sunday inaugurates the third summit of the developing eight (D-8) group that will be attended by seven heads of state and prime ministers. Regional, Politics, 2/22/2001 - The Czech understands US-Britain raids against Iraq
The Czech foreign ministry has showed understanding to the US- British aggression against Iraq under the pretext that Iraq refuses to subjugate its military forces to inspection. Iraq-Czech Republic, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Russian communist party leader in Egypt: relations are great
Speaking to the press upon arrival in Cairo Wednesday for a visit at the invitation of People's Assembly Speaker Fathi Sorour, Russian Communist Party leader Gennady Zuganov termed Egyptian-Russian relations as long-standing and special. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Yemeni elections and support for constitutional amendments
Some 23,000 candidates including at least 120 women were competing on 7032 seats in the local council which prepares development and supervision plans on implementing laws and encouraging investment and protection of the environment. Yemen, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Israel accused of using poisonous gas against Palestinians
In an official memorandum the Arab league AL received on Tuesday, Palestine added that the Israeli occupation forces resorted to the use of unknown gases that provoke great rage among the Palestinians and that such cases reported to hospital as a result of using this sort of gas reached 150 only within four days. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Ethiopia accelerates its withdrawal from Eritrea
Ethiopia has accelerated the process of withdrawing its forces from the Eritrean territories at a time when the plan provides for ending border war between the two countries is proceeding progressively. Ethiopia-Eritrea, Politics, 2/22/2001 - China, the US and air strikes on Iraq
China on Wednesday described the reports which claim there are Chinese workers who support Iraq in maintaining its air defense system in violating the UN embargo imposed on Iraq as an attempt to divert the attention from the US- British attacks against Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 2/22/2001 - Moussa, Vatican counterpart discuss Mideast peace
Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa and his counterpart in the Vatican Tuesday discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, especially in light of a new Israeli government, Egyptian Ambassador to the Vatican Farouk Raafat said. Talks also dwelt on present conditions in Iraq in the wake of Friday's US-British strikes on Iraq, he added. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Important meeting between Mubarak, Pope of Vatican
For the third day running, Italian quarters have concluded that President Mubarak's -visit to Italy will help reactivate efforts for shoring up the Mideast peace process, and garnering international community support for attempts which are aimed at resuming negotiations and abiding by international legitimacy resolutions. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Al-Assad confers with Saudi ministers on ME developments; free trade zone
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday in Damascus met with the Saudi foreign minister prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi minister of Finance Ibrahim al-Assaf and discussed with them Arab and regional conditions, latest developments in the region and bilateral relations. Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Yemeni president and the elections
On Tuesday the Yemenis cast their votes for extending the term of office for the Yemeni President from five years to seven years and the session of the Parliament to six years. Yemen, Politics, 2/21/2001 - On Iraq relations with neighboring states
The British daily " Financial Times' said in its Tuesday's issue that the Arab states neighboring Iraq like to rehabilitate it in the region for a strong reason which is that its return back is considered vital for the economics of the neighboring states which suffer recession. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Turkish President in D-8 gathering
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer arrives in Cairo next Saturday in the first official visit to Egypt to take part in the D-8 Summit to open Sunday, to be headed by President Hosni Mubarak ÊÊÊ Turkish ambassador in Cairo Aykut Cetirge said that Sezer would hold talks with President Hosni Mubarak on the side lines D-8 Summit. Regional-Turkey, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Moroccan home minister pays work visit to Algeria
Morocco's home minister, Ahmed El Midaoui, will pay this Feb.22-23 a work visit to Algeria, it was officially announced in Rabat. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Seif treatment raises question about legitimacy of legislative establishment
The London based al-Hayat daily issued on Tuesday said that member of the Syrian parliament Riyadh Seif has decided to convert the " national dialogue forum" he holds every week at his house into a " guest house' in the framework of adapting to the conditions set by the " political security in the country" for holding any forum and the decision taken by the speaker of the Syrian parliament Abdul Qader Qaddoura to bring Seif before the Attorney general for investigation. Syria, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Syrian- Lebanese summit
Well-informed sources told the Qatari daily al-Watan that a Lebanese- Syrian summit will be held between Presidents Emil Lahoud and President Bashar al-Assad will be held shortly in Damascus to discuss current developments in the region. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Mubarak Italian visit push bilateral ties
The next few months will witness the positive results of the visit, with Italian investments in Egypt enhanced and economic, political and cultural cooperation activated, Baz said. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/21/2001 - More Palestinians wounded in confrontations with Israeli forces
The Israeli forces on Tuesday continued their attacks against the unarmed Palestinians and this resulted in many casualties among the Palestinian children, and women and at the same time the Israeli forces tightened its siege against the cities and towns of the West Bank and Gaza. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Algerian ambassador hopes obstacles hindering UMA will be lowered
The diplomat told "Bayane Al Yaoum" if the union is to become a strategic entity with a say in the future of peoples, all member states should join efforts and show dedication, patience and make general interests prevail over personal ones. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 2/21/2001 - AL Cheif confers with Canadian official about ME situation
The Secretary General of the Arab league AL Ismat Abdul Miguid has asserted that stances of the Israeli prime minister elect Ariel Sharon and his history are not promising for the peace process which are based on UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the land for peace formula. Regional-Canada, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Cabinet reviews security situation, budget
The Egyptian Cabinet, at a meeting Tuesday under Prime Minister Atef Ebeid, reviewed reports on the security situation, the general State budget and the investment budget for fiscal year 2001/2002 and the government's civil servants welfare programme. Egypt, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Syria and Sharon
The Kuwaiti daily al-Anbaa issued on Tuesday said that Syria's evaluation of the coming phase in the Middle East after Sharon's accession to power is negative and the assessment is made on the ground of Sharon's bloody history. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Morocco renews backing to a referendum with all Sahrawis participating
Morocco on Tuesday renewed attachment to holding a self-determination referendum in its southern provinces with the participation of all Sahrawis without exception. Morocco, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Britain and the terrorist organizations
The British daily " daily telegraph" on Tuesday issued a list including that includes the names of terrorist organization on which the new British laws to fighting terrorism and terrorist organizations are applied and implemented as from Monday. Regional-UK, Politics, 2/21/2001 - The Vatican for supporting Arab issues
Egypt's ambassador to the Vatican Farouk Raafat has asserted that Vatican's position towards the Palestinian cause especially towards the occupied city of Jerusalem and backing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the need of implementing UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Pakistan stresses importance of D-8 summ
Pakistan underlined the importance of the Islamic D-8 summit meeting, to be hosted by Egypt and starts next Monday, with Executive Ruler Pervez Musharraf participating. Regional-Pakistan, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Iranian FM shares in D-8 gatherings
Iranian Foreign Minister Ramal Kharrazi will visit Egypt on Friday to take part in the D-8 summit to open Sunday. Regional-Iran, Politics, 2/21/2001 - American plan to topple Saddam
The Turkish daily "Hurriet" said on Tuesday quoting a well-informed Turkish source that the new US administration led by US President Bush is preparing a plan to topple the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/21/2001 - Mubarak, Ciampi urge Israel to show positive approach towards peace
"Israel should clearly declare resumption of peace talks with the Palestinians from the point reached by negotiations with the previous Israeli government," Mubarak was quoted as saying. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/20/2001 - King Mohammed congratulates Emir of Bahrain Morocco-Bahrain, Politics, 2/20/2001
- Intensive Syrian- Lebanese contacts Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/20/2001
- Mubarak: armed forces capable of defending homeland, 1967 setback will not be repeated
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has underlined the importance of continuing the Intifada which embodies the anger and the feelings of the Palestinian people towards the Israeli occupation. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Morocco backs Amr Moussa's candidacy to Arab League top position Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/20/2001
- Al- Bashir in Ethiopia to revitalize bilateral relations
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir took part in the celebrations of the 26th anniversary of the Tagrai people liberation front (the ruling side in Ethiopia). The celebrations were held on Sunday in the city of Maqli to the north of Ethiopia. Sudan-Ethiopia, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Al-Assad says Germany can play role in peace
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Monday said that Germany can play an effective role in the course of the European Union to help the realization of a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East region. Syria-Germany, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Mubarak, Italian PM stress importance of European role in peace process
Mubarak described as irrational Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon's demand for a halt of violence ahead of launching negotiations. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Somalia: Key opposition figure joins the government
One of the Somali opposition groups leaders on Saturday evening joined the government following talks which lasted for months between the government and the group of the ( United Somali Conference) which is led by Muhammad Qneiri Afrah. Somalia, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Air strikes against Iraq unjustified negative step
Moussa underlined that the threats of Israeli officials don't terrify anybody.He added that whatever the coming Israeli government be, It should abide by peace policy and not war. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 2/20/2001 - The Palestinian Intifada continues
The secretary of the Fatah movement in the West Bank Marwan al-Barghouthi said the uprising will be escalated against the Israeli occupation during the coming month and that Sharon and others will " not be able to force us to give concessions." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Al-Turabi welcomes opposition not joining government in Sudan Sudan, Politics, 2/20/2001
- Consultation meeting this month in preparation for Arab League council session
The permanent representatives of the Arab states will hold a meeting at the headquarters of the general secretariat of the Arab League (AL) on February 28 to make consultations on issues listed on the agenda of the 115th session of the AL council due to be held at the level of the foreign ministers on March 12 and 13. Regional, Politics, 2/20/2001 - King Abdullah postpones visit to Iran Jordan-Iran, Politics, 2/20/2001
- Students, teachers of Rabat's Iraqi school stage sit-in to protest British-US raids
Students, staff and teachers of the Iraqi school in Rabat staged on Monday a sit-in to protest the US-British air raids against Baghdad. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Iraq threatens Kuwait and Saudi Arabia
Iraq on Monday threatened to military reply the rulers of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the partners in the aggression against its territories following the raids launched last Friday by American and British planes against Baghdad and resulted in killing two persons and wounded 20. Iraq-Gulf, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Recent British-US raids on Iraq will not obstruct trade relations
The Turkish daily Millet said on Monday quoting the Turkish minister of State Tunka Tuskai that the recent US- British raids against Baghdad should not obstruct the already developing relations between Turkey and Iraq. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Israeli concerns over Syria's efforts to be a non- permanent member at UN Security Council
The Lebanese daily al-Mustaqbal issued on Monday said that the Israeli daily Maareve unveiled on Sunday that Tel Aviv has great fears and concern over the possibility of the success of the efforts made by Syria to win the non- permanent membership seat at the UN Security Council. Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Morocco's parliament denies it invited Spanish politician author of racist comments
The Moroccan house of representatives denied on Monday news circulated by the Association of Moroccan workers and immigrants in Spain that it had extended an invitation to a Spanish socialist politician who uttered anti-Moroccan racist comments. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Relations between Israel, US administration are good
The politician and analysist at the Israeli TV Eyal Aleima has stressed that relations between the new US administration and Israel are good and that there is a unanimous position in the American circles to continue support for Israel in all fields. Israel-USA, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Lieberman remarks are irresponsible, oblivious
Lieberman, repeating earlier threats to strike at the Aswan High Dam, said Israel possesses the air force capable of attacking the vital Egyptian installation. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Morocco to present bicameral experience in Nouakchott's conference
The conference will probe the role of the bicameral system in consolidating democracy and decentralization and ensure a large representation likely to guarantee political, economic and socio-cultural stability. Morocco, Politics, 2/20/2001 - Egypt -Italy promote political, security ties
Italian Interior Minister Enzo Bianco Sunday said Egypt-Italy relations are strong, cohesive, developing and outstanding, not only in economic, social, and cultural domains, but also in political and security affairs. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Bahrain to cancel security courts and law; the new charter
Bahrain's prime minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa has announced that the will has been directed towards canceling the state's security court and the state's security law and to take necessary measures to this effect in consolidation of what Bahrain enjoys of a precious confidence established between the people and their leadership. Bahrain, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Al-Assad confers with Hariri Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/19/2001
- Peace march, bilateral relations high on agenda of Mubarak's talks in Rome
Egypt's President Mubarak started on Sunday a three-day visit to Italy during which he would have important talks with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and Pope of the Vatican John PaulII. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Al-Shara discusses with Notomb ME developments Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/19/2001
- Libya, Tunisia release joint statement
Libya and Tunisia have expressed their satisfaction over the remarkable level in the relations between the two states at all levels. Libya-Tunisia, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Italian press highlights Mubarak's visit to Italy
Italian news media Sunday highlighted the three-day visit of President Hosni Mubarak to Italy. Mubarak is scheduled to hold talks with President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Prime Minister Ginliano Amato. Egypt-Italy, Politics, 2/19/2001 - UMA bodies to convene in Algiers starting next March
Algerian foreign minister, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, announced that a series of meetings of organizations, stemming from the Arab Maghreb Union, will be meeting in Algiers starting next March. Algeria-Maghreb, Politics, 2/19/2001 - King Mohammed pays official visit to India as of next Monday Morocco-India, Politics, 2/19/2001
- Khaddam warns the intellectuals: we will not allow to convert Syria in Algeria or Yugoslavia
Khaddam said "We, but always with freedom because it is the nature of human being and because supressing this freedom is a violation to the nature of man and kills creativity and progress. But we are not with total ultimate freedom." Syria, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Reform retreat, Khaddam and intellectuals in Syria
The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus has stated that the Syrian vice- President Abdul Halim Khaddanm has criticized the intellectuals who called for reconsidering the political and economic life in the country through a statement they had recently released. Syria, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Aziz and relations between Syria and Iraq
Iraq's deputy prime minister Tareq Aziz has stressed his country's backing for Syria and support for it in confrontation of the Israeli threats. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Israeli threats to repel Shebaa operation in South Lebanon
Israeli resigned prime minister Ehud Barak said that he is studying at the meantime plans to repel the recent Shebaa operation carried out by the Lebanese national resistance. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Al- Fahoum, Arafat and Syria
The chairman of the Palestinian National Salvation Front Khaled al- Fahoum has announced that Yasser Arafat will visit Damascus before the convening of the Arab summit in Amman before the end of March. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Saudi crown prince confers with Venezuela President
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations between the two countries and means of strengthening them in various fields. They reviewed most important current conditions on the international arenas. Saudi Arabia-Venezuela, Politics, 2/19/2001 - No peace without just Solution, Intifada is a manifestation of people's wrath
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak underlined the fact that there would be no peace or stability in the Middle East without a just solution to the Palestinian cause. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Iraq's bombardment outraged Arab public opinion
"We do not agree with what has happened at all and cannot accept, as a responsible Arab state, striking at Iraq in that manner and outside of international legitimacy," Moussa told the BBC correspondent in Rome. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 2/19/2001 - One Palestinian killed, 50 wounded in confrontations with Israelis
The Israeli military attacks continued against the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab lands and more Palestinians were killed or wounded, as the Israeli occupation forces tightened their siege on the Palestinian towns and villages. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Fears of a comprehensive war in the region
The Qatari daily al-Rai said on Sunday, according to a secret report prepared by the intelligence department at the Israeli army that the conditions in the Arab region proceed to a comprehensive war that might erupt between one time and another due to the escalated conditions in the Palestinian territories and the support of the Arab states to the Palestinian resistance. Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Egypt - Vatican to promote their distinguished relations
Terming as "distinguished" Egypt - Vatican relations, Egyptian ambassador to the Vatican Farouk Hussein Ra'fat said that President Hosni Mubarak would hold important talks in the Vatican on Tuesday that would add new dimension to bilateral relations. Egypt-Vatican, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Sahrawi tribes call for lifting siege on populations sequestered inTtindouf
The Moroccan identity of the Sahara is an irreversible reality, they insisted, renewing their attachment to the defense of Morocco's unity and territorial integrity. Morocco, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Turkey regrets US- British strikes against Iraq Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 2/19/2001
- Arab league denounces anti-Iraq aggression
The Arab attorneys federation condemned on Sunday the US-British warplanes attack against Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Maghreban academics call for using new information technologies for UMA promotion
The 9th session of the Maghreban winter university held this Feb.17-2 called Maghreban decision-makers to use the new information technologies to serve the Arab Maghreb Union project. Maghreb, Politics, 2/19/2001 - Premier meets US Senate delegation
Morocco's Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi met over the weekend in Rabat a delegation of the US senate. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/19/2001