Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/16/2001
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 16, 2001
- Belgium ambassador:Syria for Belgium is a key country for the stability of the ME region
" I consider that President Bashar al-Assad is representing the hope for the Syrian youths. He dedicates himself and engaged himself in two important reforms for the future of this country. In the economic and political fields." said the Belgium ambassador in Damascus Mr. Philippe Henri Arcq in a statement to Arabic News. Syria-Belgium, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Qaddafi stresses readiness of the Sudanese sides for peace Libya-Sudan, Politics, 7/21/2001
- Israeli army in the Golan in a state of alert
The BBC said on Friday that the Israeli army put its forces in the occupied Syrian Golan heights in a state of continued alert, " expecting a possible Syrian attack." Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Arab and world concern over Mubarak's statements to Chinese News Agency
"With Sharon, there is no solution," he said, in his fiercest attack on the Israeli prime minister to date. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Maher denies the convening of a Syrian- Egyptian summit Egypt-Syria, Politics, 7/21/2001
- Al-Hariri in Paris to discuss aid
The Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri will pay a visit to France by the end of this week following an absence of 4 months. Lebanon-France, Politics, 7/21/2001 - France hails Mubarak efforts to reach a solution to ME crisis Egypt-France, Politics, 7/21/2001
- Belgian attorney holds a press conference in Cairo
He stressed that he obtained sufficient evidence to convict Sharon, referring to the Kahane committee, which was formed in 1983 to probe the case under the pressure of the scandal and held Sharon, who was then the defence minister, responsible for the massacre. Israel-Belgium, Politics, 7/21/2001 - G-8 calls for dispatching international observers to Palestinian territories
The G-8 foreign Ministers yesterday called for dispatching international observers to the Palestinian territories in case of the Palestinians and Israelis consent. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Ebeid affirms Egypt's interest in strenghening ties with China
Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid said that Egypt is always keen on enhancing and expanding its deep and historical relationship with China in all fields and to wider horizon. Egypt-China, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Israeli attacks against Palestinians continues
The spokesman for the French foreign ministry Francois Revaso said in a statement on Friday " we strongly condemn this terrorist act which resulted in killing three Palestinians from one family and wounding the fourth." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Al-Bashir: Egypt approximated viewpoints to shove Sudanese problem
Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir praised the joint Egyptian-Libyan initiative that contributed to approximating the viewpoints to solve the Sudanese problem. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Mubarak sends message to G-8 summit on Africa
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sent a message late Friday to the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in his capacity as the Chairman of the current G-8 summit, now meeting in Genoa. Mubarak called on the summiteers to back the "New African Initiative" designed to realize the continent's bid to resolve its problems. Egypt, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Maher meets with British Minister
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher met on Thursday with British Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa Ben Bradshaw. Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Iraqi accusations against Iran
Iraq on Friday accused Iran of obstructing the efforts aiming at improving relations between the two countries and considered that there is lack of a political will in Tehran to that end. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Int'l Human Rights Conf. for expelling Israel from UN
Participants in the 4th international conference on human rights movement in the Arab world called for expelling Israel from the United Nations (UN) if it will not be committed to the UN Middle East related resolutions. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Moussa: Genoa summit has to rein in Israeli policies
Moussa said that the G-8 leaders have a responsibility towards taking the necessary steps to rein in Israel's irresponsible policies which, he said, are threatening peace in the Middle East, along with the very interests of the major eight industrialized nations in the region. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Maher confers with US charge d'affaires in Cairo
On the American attitude towards Israel's failure to put the Mitchell recommendations into effect, Harnish said that the US and the rest of Group of Eight (G-8) members had reaffirmed their commitment and willingness to see the Mitchell recommendations implemented. Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Human rights conference demands Israel's expulsion from UN
He accused successive Israeli governments of adopting racist policies against Palestinians. "Israel is the only country in the world which fights UN resolutions due to qualified support from successive US administrations," he added. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Israeli judiciary involved in torturing Palestinian children
Swedish Lawyer, B. Artistrom affirmed in a report that the Israeli judiciary is involved with the security authorities in torturing the Palestinian children. She added that she was an eyewitness of organized terrorism against Palestinian girls of no more than 14 years of age, to the extent that she lost conscious due to the brutal torture the children underwent. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Bush: Mubarak first class statesman Egypt-USA, Politics, 7/21/2001
- Israel continued military moves in South Lebanon
The Israeli occupation forces on Friday continued moves of its military vehicles in the areas of the Lebanese occupied Shebaa farms. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Denmark and Israel
Five anti- torture International organizations have called on the Danish government to refuse accepting the credentials of the next Israeli ambassador in Denmark, the former chairman of the Israeli intelligence department Karmi Jeilon as well as to abide by its obligations towards the UN anti- torture treaty. Israel-Denmark, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Iraqi official says international embargo stops Iraq from conveying its message to the world
The embargo enforced against Iraq is an obstacle hampering this country from conveying its message to the world public opinion, said an official at the Iraqi information ministry. Iraq, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Ghali's chances to keep Francophone post grow
"Chances for Boutros Ghali, Secretary-General of the Francophone Organisation, to keep his post for a second term are high," said Egypt's Ambassador in Paris Ali Maher. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/21/2001 - US senate confirms new U.S. ambassador to Morocco
The US senate has confirmed Ms Margaret Tutwiler as the new ambassador of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Morocco, a statement of the US embassy in Rabat announced. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Threats against Qatar
The Kuwaiti daily al-Seyasah said on Friday that it had received critical information from Egyptian sides saying that the Egyptian authorities fear over the carrying operations by extremists Arab sides inside Qatar and against its interests abroad might reach the level of liquidating certain political figures, in reply to the extreme dealing with Israel. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 7/21/2001 - A call to recruit Israelis in a war against the Arabs
The Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot has disclosed on Friday that the Israeli defense ministry is exerting continued efforts to recruit the Jews of the World in its lines in various parts of the world in preparation for the eruption of a comprehensive war in the region. Israel-Regional, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Moroccan man convicted for organizing illegal immigration to Spain
A Moroccan national was sentenced Friday by a court in Granada (southern Spain) to three years and a half in prison and a fine of 1.8 million pesetas for his involvement in illegal immigration organizing. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/21/2001 - Morocco's Princess Lalla Meryem winds visit to Lebanon Lebanon-Morocco, Politics, 7/20/2001
- A reception on the occasion of Iraq's national day Syria-Iraq, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Morocco-Tunisia : a shared will to develop cooperation
Morocco and Tunisia on Thursday renewed their shared will to develop their cooperation to hoist it the level of the mature political ties that have always bound Rabat and Tunis. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Libyan aids to Afghani refugees Libya-Afghanistan, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Al-Shara receives a copy of the credentials of the Argentine ambassador Syria-Argentina, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Syrian prime minister heads tomorrow for Yemen
The Syrian Prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro will tomorrow pay a visit to the Yemeni Arab republic in an official visit to Yemen at the invitation of the Yemeni prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro Abdul Qader Bajmal. Syria-Yemen, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Lebanese prime minister to head for France Lebanon-France, Politics, 7/20/2001
- A news explosion in Nathania, three Palestinians killed
Three Palestinians were killed including an infant and other four were wounded by the bullets of the Israeli settlers on Thursday evening, near the city of Hebron in the West bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Malawi, Iraq to strengthen relations Iraq-Malawi, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Tunisia: Opposition party refuses to nominate Bin Ali for a fourth term of office
In the first reply to the call made by the branches of the ruling democratic constitution coalition party in Tunisia, which had called for the nomination of the Tunisian President Zein al- Abidin Bin Ali for a fourth term of office that will last for five years as from the year 2004, the opposition progressive democratic party described this step as " a point which is very dangerous for our national life." Tunisia, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Algeria jails editorial manager
The Algerian criminal court on Thursday sentenced the editorial manager of an Algerian newspaper for six months "for defaming chairman of the finance labor union," Algeria, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Yemen's support for the Intifada Yemen-Palestine, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Morocco's writers decry extermination war against Palestinian people
The Union of Morocco's Writers (UEM) on Thursday decried "the extermination war waged by Israel against the Palestinian people." Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Yemen will not attend Doha economic conference if Israel takes part
The Yemeni armed forces newspaper ( September 26) said that Yemen will not take part in the meeting of the world Trade Organization which will be hosted by Qatar in November this year of Israel will be taking part. Yemen-Qatar, Politics, 7/20/2001 - British envoy to arrive in Syria on Tuesday
The Minister in charge of the Middle East and the Common - wealth affairs at the British Foreign ministry Bin Bradshow will pay a visit to Syria next Tuesday in a framework of a tour on the region that will cover several countries. Syria-UK, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Israeli military moves in Shebaa farms
The Shebaa occupied farms in South Lebanon on Thursday witnessed military moves carried out by the Israeli forces under an intensive sorties by the Israeli warplanes and helicopters in the airspace of the area. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Herald Tribune: the dissolution of ME peace Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/20/2001
- Bin Aleazer asks for USD 800 million from Rumsfeld
A statement by the Israeli ministry of defense said that Israel has asked additional USD 800 million of American military aid " to counter the strategic threats on the long run." And this was according to a former pledge vowed by Washington to support Israel after its withdrawal from South Lebanon. Israel-USA, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Morocco attends Arab-Brazilian forum
Morocco will attend the Arab-Brazilian forum, to be held July 24-25 in Rio De Janeiro. Regional-Brazil, Politics, 7/20/2001 - UN panel pays out $ 513 mln in damages arising from Iraqi invasion of Kuwait
A United Nations panel which disburses damage awards arising from Iraq's 1990 invasion and subsequent occupation of Kuwait on Thursday granted over $513 million in payments to successful claimants. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 7/20/2001 - Moroccan-Tunisian summit talks in Tangiers
Morocco's King Mohammed VI, accompanied by his brother Prince Moulay Rachid, held Wednesday in Tangiers talks with President Zine Al-Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia, who had arrived the same day in the northern city of Tangiers for an official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 7/19/2001 - A ministerial reshuffle in Syria Syria, Politics, 7/19/2001
- Mubarak: Sharon knows nothing but bloodshed,war
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said that he sees no hope for peace with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and criticized the Israeli government Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Saudi crown prince speaks on the telephone with Yemeni President Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 7/19/2001
- Iraqi president meets Russian envoy Iraq-Russia, Politics, 7/19/2001
- On the first anniversary of President al-Assad in power
The London- based al-Hayat daily has stated that the first anniversary marking President Bashar al-Assad in power in Syria has passed with the minimum rate of celebration, noting that this is in the context of reinforcing a new image for Syria but " without pictures" (pictures for Presidents ). Syria, Politics, 7/19/2001 - A special office in Syria for the Syrian Social Nationalist Party
In a statement to the United Arab Emirates UAE daily al-Khaleij issued on Wednesday, a source at the Syrian Social Nationalist Party said that the Party's leadership has formed a special political bureau in Syria, and this was in line with the contacts the party had reached recently with the Syrian leadership. Syria, Politics, 7/19/2001 - UAE ready to help Somalia
The Somali President Abdi Qasem Salad Hassan has stressed that President of the United Arab Emirates UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan promised him during their talks in Abu Dhabi to give aid to rebuild Somalia. United Arab Emirates-Somalia, Politics, 7/19/2001 - UAE minister vows backing for the Intifada
The United Arab Emirates UAE minister of state for foreign affairs Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan has stressed that the occupied Palestinian territories will return back to their owners. United Arab Emirates-Palestine, Politics, 7/19/2001 - On al-Assad's visit to Turkey
The Syrian journalist Muhammad Jamal Barout has said that the conditions for President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Turkey are not mature. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Morocco, Tunisia renew backing to Palestinian people
Morocco and Tunisia on Wednesday renewed "infallible" backing to the Palestinian people in its struggle against the Israeli occupation. Morocco-Tunisia, Politics, 7/19/2001 - The Arab conference on anti- racism
The conference's sessions will be attended by its guest of honor, the Belgian lawyer Luke Waleine, who will file the judicial case against the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon in his being a war criminal. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - On Arafat's visit to Damascus
Member of the executive committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO Abdul Rahim Mallouh has announced that the visit of the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat to Syria was postponed because of the contradiction and duplication in the timing between Arafat and President Bashar al-Assad who was in a visit to Spain. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Israeli forces continue bombardment of Hebron, Ramullah
While reports from the occupied Arab territories talked about Israeli military build up of tanks and armored vehicles on the outskirts of the Palestinian villages and towns in preparation for a large- scale attack at the Palestinian authorities areas, the Israeli occupation forces bombarded with heavy machine- guns and tanks several quarters in Hebron which witnessed on Wednesday armed clashes between the Palestinian Intifada youths and the Israeli forces. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - A Gulf country holds an Israeli ship heading for Qatar
The Jordanian weekly al-Bilad has published excerpts from press reports on Wednesday saying that a certain Gulf states,not mentioned by name, has recently held, for the second time during several weeks a ship loaded by Israeli commodities for Qatar without legal passage licensing and is hiding behind forged documents. Qatar-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Al-Bashir does not oppose early elections
The Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has stressed that the Sudanese government does not oppose to accelerate the process of carrying out an early general elections, if the basics and principles of the joint Egyptian- Libyan initiative will be agreed upon. Sudan, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Situation in ME becomes more grave
Palestinian President Yasser Arafat called on Wednesday for convening an emergency Arab summit to face the Israeli military escalation. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Barak was responsible for failure of negotiations with Syria, the Palestinians
Former US President Bill Clinton has held the former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak responsible for the failure of the negotiations with Syria and the Palestinian Authority. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Israeli message to Jordan
In its Wednesday's issue, the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot unveiled that the Israeli defense minister Benjamin Bin Aleazer had delegated by the end of last week to Jordan a secret envoy and asked him to carry a message to the Jordanian officials. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2001 - On the water issue between Syria and Turkey
The Turkish daily (Radical) said on Wednesday that Syria, in an attempt to develop relations with Turkey, extended an invitation to the supervisors for the Southern East Anadolia project "G A B" to visit Damascus although Damascus used to consider this project its greatest enemy. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/19/2001 - OAU urges UN forum to help combat illicit trade in small arms in Africa
African countries on Wednesday urged the ongoing United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons to pay special attention to curbing the spread of these armaments on the continent. Regional, Politics, 7/19/2001 - African ownership of development projects key to their success, ECOSOC told
As the United Nations Economic and Social Council ECOSOC moved into its third day of high-level debate on African economic advancement and poverty eradication, government officials Wednesday emphasized that African "ownership" of development programs was vital to the lasting success of these activities. Regional, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Morocco-EU ties reviewed in Rabat
Ties between Morocco and the European Union (EU), the Euro-Mediterranean process and preparations for the upcoming conference of the World Trade Organization were reviewed at a meeting in Rabat Wednesday between Moroccan industry, trade, energy and mining minister, Mustapha Mansouri, and visiting European MP Pere Esteve. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 7/19/2001 - Nayouf admitted to a hospital in Paris and vows to return back to Syria
The opposition Syrian journalist Nizar Nayouf arrived in Paris on Tuesday for medical treatment. He stressed he will not stay in Paris rather will return back to Syria for work as an opposition from inside the country and " chase those who commit crimes," noting that he has documents about the Lebanese detainees who died and those who are still alive and about Tadmur ( Palmyra ) massacres (claims of burnt prison of Palmyra included prisoners of the Muslim brothers members at least 10 years ago) which Rifaat al-Assad is held responsible for. Syria, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Al-Assad gets a message from Qaddafi Syria-Libya, Politics, 7/18/2001
- On statements made by Nayouf
The Jordanian daily " al-Arab al-Youm" on Tuesday strongly criticized the statements made by Nizar Nayouf which it described as "the Syrian communist" in which he disclosed secrets that he has no right to give out to the press or even to any other side. Syria, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Iraqi president speech on national day
The Iraqi President Saddam Hussein on Tuesday called on the Arabs to organize their lines and take a united position to counter the enemies of the Arab nation, foremost being Israel and its allies, stressing that the timing is now suitable for achieving this objective. Iraq, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Calmness returns back to Makadishu
Calm returned on Tuesday back to Makadishu following various confrontations that took place in the recent five days between supporters of war lords and police members that belong to the provisional government which claimed the killing of 70 victims. Somalia, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Military cooperation between India and Israel
The Israeli daily Haartez on Tuesday disclosed details of a contract signed on Monday evening by the Israeli air industries establishment with the Indian defense ministry at a cost of $ 2 billion, according to which Israel will provide India by advanced military equipment and a set of advanced products in the air field. Israel-India, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Four Palestinians killed, 14 wounded in a new Israeli aggression
The Israeli bullets went into the head of the Palestinian teenager girl Marwa al-Sharif in Doura town near Hebron after the Israeli forces broke into the town, while the Palestinian youth Tareq Abu al-Dabaat had his brain damaged because of the Israeli bombs, and later on Palestinian medical source that Tareq's heart had stopped and he is in a coma. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Egypt working hard to treat serious, acute Mideast crisis
Egypt is doing its utmost together with the U.S., E.U., Russia and the Palestinian and Israeli parties to rectify the grave and acute status of the Palestinian people in the occupied lands, the President's political advisor said. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Cairo's Arafat-Peres meeting successful
The Egyptian Presidential Political adviser Osama El-Baz on Tuesday said the recent meeting between Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres achieved progress. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Sudanese government is ready for talks with the opposition
In a step which might open the road before the efforts aiming at finding the proper solution for the political crisis in Sudan, according to debated initiatives, foremost being the joint Egyptian- Libyan initiative, the Sudanese government has announced its readiness to sit on the table of negotiations with the opposition. Sudan, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Sudanese- Algerian ministerial committee meets in Khartoum
Meetings of the Sudanese- Algerian ministerial committee started in Khartoum on Tuesday in order to discuss cooperation in the political and economic fields. It is a committee which was agreed to be convened by the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir and the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika during the latter's visit to Khartoum in November. Sudan-Algeria, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Kuwait calls for boycotting Doha conference
In retaliation to Qatar's declaration of Israel's participation at the World Trade Conference due to be held in Doha in November this year, the chairman of the Kuwaiti al-Ummah council ( parliament) Jasem al-Khurafi hoped that Kuwait will not take part in this conference because of Israel's participation in it. Kuwait-Qatar, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Israeli raids over south Lebanon
The Israeli warplanes on Tuesday renewed its explanatory raids at 12:20 p.m. ( Lebanon's local time ) over the occupied Lebanese Shebaa farms and carried out provocative raids over the line drawn by the UN between the hills of Kafer Shouba and Burket al-Naqqar. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Arab follow up committee holds a meeting in Cairo
A meeting was held on Tuesday in Cairo for several Arab foreign ministers, members in the Arab follow up and move committee formed by the Arab Cairo summit conference. Regional, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Middle East: Annan urges consolidation of fragile cease-fire
With the Palestinian economy facing a "virtual collapse," he called for a massive assistance program to help the affected people rebuild their lives. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Lebanon's Lahoud Meets Princess Lalla Meryem Lebanon-Morocco, Politics, 7/18/2001
- EU statement positive regarding the Palestinian - Israeli conflict
Egyptian Minister Ahmad Maher described as positive the statement by the foreign ministers of the European Union (EU), released on Monday. In press statements late Tuesday, Maher said that the EU ministers referred to the summary killings and unilateral provocations. Palestine-European Union, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Arafat confers with Satterfield Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/18/2001
- The UN, Israel and Hizbullah and the video tape
The spokesman for the UN Fred Ekhard announced that the UN has formed teams composed of six persons to investigate the way in which the question of the video tape was run, showing persons suspected to be member in the Lebanese Hizbullah party. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Mubarak plays main role in 'La Francophonie' organization
La Francophonie Secretary-General Boutros Ghali Tuesday, said President Hosni Mubarak plays main role in supporting the organization. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Former Iranian president confers with Jordanian ambassador
Former Iranian President Ayatatullah Sheikh Hashami Rafsanjani has called on all Arab and Islamic states to "support the Palestinian people and their heroic uprising in being the only way to restore back the occupied territories and the usurped rights." Jordan-Iran, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Sharon is under judicial pursuance Jordan-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2001
- Bin Aleazer cancels visit to the US
The Israeli defense minister Benjamin Bin Aleazer has announced the cancellation of his visit due to be today to the USA. Israel-USA, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Shura statement denounces Israeli practices
The Shura (Consultative) Council expressed deep concern over the Israeli aggressions and excessive use of force against the unarmed Palestinians and the continued policies of settlement building and demolition of Palestinians' houses. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Solana phones Peres Israel-European Union, Politics, 7/18/2001
- Canada nominates new ambassador to Morocco Morocco-Canada, Politics, 7/18/2001
- Egypt hosts COMESA, SADC meetings
Egypt hosts late this month an African meeting to exchange views and coordinate stances at the meetings of the fourth ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) slated for Doha in November. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/18/2001 - ECOSOC panel discusses peace-development link in Africa
Africa must take charge of its own peace and development, taking care to address post-conflict situations, foster the scientific and technological aspects and understand the political and social basis for peace, according to a high-level panel convened at the current session of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Regional, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Continued backing for African development initiatives
High-level government representatives on Tuesday expressed support for African efforts to spur lasting economic development as the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) entered the second day of its high-level segment debate on ensuring sustainable development for African countries. Regional, Politics, 7/18/2001 - Nayouf travels for medical treatment in France
Journalist Nizar Nayouf said he will leave for France on Sunday for medical treatment at the expense of the " Sans frontier journalists" after he had several days ago received an entry visa to France from the French embassy in Damascus. Syria, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Al-Assad congratulates on Iraq's national Day Syria-Iraq, Politics, 7/17/2001
- An explosion in Tel Aviv killing three Israelis, wounding 10
The Israeli radio on Monday announced the killing of three Israelis and wounding of 10 of them and are in critical conditions in a new " suicide" attack carried out at Benjamina train station near Tel Aviv. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2001 - A Tunisian- Moroccan summit tomorrow
The Tunisian President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali starts tomorrow a visit to Morocco, which is the first of its kind under the rule of the Moroccan King Muhammad 6th who visited Tunisia Twice. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Jordanian, Qatari crisis continues
The Jordanian weekly al-Majd said in its recent issue published on Monday that the Jordanian- Qatari crisis which erupted because of the official spokesman for the Hamas Movement Ibrahim Ghoushe and the Qatari plane which took him to Amman's airport has been calmed, yet still flaring under the ashes despite Ghoushe's return to Jordan and the return of the plane to Qatar. Jordan-Qatar, Politics, 7/17/2001 - European Union calls for deploying neutral observers in the occupied territories
The foreign ministers of the European Union EU on Monday expressed their deep concern over the situation in the occupied Arab territories. Palestine-European Union, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Sharon's war plan
The Jordanian weekly al-Jazira disclosed in its Monday's issue a plan set by the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to declare a war against Syria and to assassinate Yasser Arafat and Hussein Nasrullah. Regional-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Egypt warns against 'grave' Mideast situation
Palestinians say the measure is collective punishment and contrast it to the treatment of Jewish settlers who are punished individually if they attack Palestinians. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Halting violence without ending Israeli occupation, impossible
Egypt's Ambassador to France Ali Maher Monday said halting violence without ending the Israeli occupation or opening the door for negotiations is impossible. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Israeli military source and the Hizbullah party
An Israeli military source said that four members of the Hizbullah party on Sunday approached to a distance of two meters from the border strip in Raas al-Naqoura and pictured an Israeli military position in the area by video cameras. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Abu Nidal may try to leave Iraq
The Jordanian weekly al-Majd said in its Monday's issue that certain Arab countries adjoining Iraq have taken tough security measures along their borders and airports and crossing of fears that the secretary general of the Fatah movement Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Four Arab Gulf states agree on the Qatari candidate for the GCC secretary post
Press sources said that the Qatari candidate for the post of the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Rahman al-Ateyah, the secretary of the Qatari foreign ministry got the consent of four Arab Gulf states to this post. Gulf-Qatar, Politics, 7/17/2001 - King Mohammed congratulates Iraq's Hussein over national day Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 7/17/2001
- Premier Meets Mauritanian Speaker Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 7/17/2001
- Libya, Malta sign security agreement Libya-Malta, Politics, 7/17/2001
- Ruler of Kuwait confers with AL chief Kuwait-Regional, Politics, 7/17/2001
- Butaflika for restoring back Arab rights
The Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika has stressed that his country backs and supports the Arab efforts to achieve the just and comprehensive peace in the region. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Kuwait, Saudi Arabia review implementation of demarcating the continental rift
The Saudi crown province Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has received a message from the first deputy of the Kuwaiti premier and the foreign minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah giving to detailed explanations of the executive steps taken concerning the border demarcation Saudi Arabia-Kuwait, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Egyptian-Libyan initiative last-ditch bid to solve Sudanese problem
"Recent proposals of the Egyptian-Libyan initiative on Sudan is the last-ditch bid to solve the Sudanese problem," said Mahmoud Othman Al-Merghani, Leader of the Sudanese Opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Sudan, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Tunisia, Iranian FM s discuss relations
Meetings of the Tunisian- Iranian joint economic committee started on Sunday evening in Tehran in its fourth session under the chairmanship of the foreign ministers of the two countries al-Habib Bin Yahya and Kamal Kharazi, respectively. Tunisia-Iran, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Peres to visit Britain today
The Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres today will pay a visit to Britain during which he will meet with the British prime minister Tony Blair. Israel-UK, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Egypt is able to face challenges, merge into global economy
"The Egyptian-Japanese current cooperation reflects the strong economic relation binding the two countries, "said Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade Youssef Boutros Ghali at the opening of the conference on "Japanese Finance Lines and Aid Mechanisms" which was co-organized last week by the Egyptian-Japanese Business Council and the Japanese International Development Bank. Egypt-Japan, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Belgian lawyer in conference on Israeli apartheid
Belgian lawyer, L. Wallin, who filed a case on behalf of Sabra and Shatilla massacres' victims, will hold a press conference in Cairo Centre for Human Rights Studies next Friday. A number of officials in Arab and international human rights organizations will attend the press conference. Israel-Belgium, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Assistance to Africa is low, Morocco deplores
Public assistance to development devoted to Africa represent only 18 percent of all external resources, Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa, said Tuesday. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 7/17/2001 - Syrian drinking waters to Jordan
At Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's directives, Syria on Saturday provided Jordan with drinking waters at a daily rate of 33 thousand cubic meters from Bassel al-Assad Dam in the province of Daraa to the south part of Syria. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/16/2001 - More facilities provided for the Syrians to visit Iraq Iraq-Syria, Politics, 7/16/2001
- Al-Assad confers with UAE minister, gets a telephone call from Annan
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received the United Arab Emirates UAE minister of information Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who is also the chairman of the UAE side to the Syrian- UAE joint higher committee. Syria-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 7/16/2001 - The status quo in the occupied land, no longer acceptable
Egyptian President Mubarak yesterday met Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat Sunday for discussing latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories in the framework of sustained coordination and consultation between the Egyptian and Palestinian sides. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Speaker of Mauritania's senate arrives in Morocco Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 7/16/2001
- Mubarak confers with Russian envoy
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Sunday in Cairo met with the Russian special envoy for the ME peace process Andrea Vodvin and discussed with him the deteriorated conditions in the Middle East and the stalemate the ME peace suffers in the region at the meantime, on all tracks as a result of the continued Israeli escalation against the Palestinians and its threats against Syria and Lebanon. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Mubarak apprises Peres of Egypt's rejection of Israeli practices
Egyptian President Hosni Mubark strongly voiced Egypt's rejection to Israeli provocative practices against the Palestinian people and called on Israel to implement the Mitchell recommendations without any change. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Tunisian President to visit Syria Tunisia-Syria, Politics, 7/16/2001
- Maher: security inseparable from politics
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher underlined the need for an immediate implementation of the Mitchell recommendations. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/16/2001 - On Arafat's visit to Damascus Palestine-Syria, Politics, 7/16/2001
- Butaflika's visit to the US
The Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika on Friday showed his country's desire to strengthen its relations with the US in all fields. Algeria-USA, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Israeli intention to alienate Arafat from the West Bank, Gaza
The Kuwaiti daily al- Rai al-Am issued on Sunday quoted Palestinian sources in London as saying that the recent contacts which were held indirectly between European capitals and each of the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government unveiled that there is an intention with the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to alienate Arafat from the West Bank and Gaza. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Israeli settlers break into Hebron areas, One Islamic Jihad member kidnapped
Under a political cover from the government of Ariel Sharon and the protection of the Israeli army, scores of armed Israeli settlers on Sunday brokeinto al-Qasabah quarter in Hebron and occupied one of the houses after they had expelled its owners, stressing they will continue the policy of occupying the houses of the Palestinians under the pretext of security needs. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Syrian source denies launching of any Syrian missiles
In its issue of Sunday al-Majallah weekly said that the Syrian defense minister Lt. Gen. Mustafa Tlass stressed not one missile was launched from Syria even for testing. Syria-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Expected summit between Mubarak, al-Assad
The London- based al- Sharq al-Awsat daily said in its Sunday's issue, according to well-informed Egyptian sources that there are contacts taking place between Cairo and Damascus in order to convene a summit conference between President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Syria's President Bashar al-Assad very soon and the meeting is expected to be held in Damascus. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 7/16/2001 - On the redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon
The United Arab Emirates UAE daily al-Khaleij quoted an official Syrian source as saying that the redeployment process carried out by the Syrian forces working in Lebanon is a second phase and is expected to be completed by the beginning of August ( next month). Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Leftist organizations get unified
Three Moroccan leftist parties joined together to form a unified leftist bloc: "the Unified Socialist Left." Morocco, Politics, 7/16/2001 - AL secretary arrives in Saudi Arabia
The secretary general of the Arab league (AL) Amr Moussa on Sunday arrived in Saudi Arabia within a tour which will also cover Kuwait. Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Tunisian foreign minister arrives in Tehran
The Tunisian foreign minister al-Habib Bin Yahya on Sunday started a visit to Iran during which he presides his country's delegation to the meetings of the 4th session of the Tunisian- Iranian joint economic committee. Tunisia-Iran, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Egypt FM speak on the telephone with German counterpart, EU officials
The Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Maher on Friday in Cairo received two telephone calls from each of his German counterpart Yushka Fischer and the representative of the European Union EU for the foreign policy Javier Solana during which current developments in the Middle East region were reviewed. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 7/16/2001 - On the Turkish- Israeli alliance
The Jordanian daily al-Rai has stressed that the Turkish- Israeli alliance has entered an advanced phase that cannot be ignored despite the coolness that hit these relations once over renovating the Turkish war planes by Israel. Turkey-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - India, Israel and Lebanon
India on Sunday said that it is waiting for a report from its correspondent in Tel Aviv before taking any measures concerning the Israeli claims that the Indian soldiers working within UNIFIL in south Lebanon had helped Hizbullah in kidnapping three Israeli soldiers in October 2000. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2001 - Parliamentary cooperation between Lebanon, Yemen
The speaker of the Yemeni Parliament Abdullah al-Ahmar and his Lebanese counterpart Nabih Berri on Saturday in Sanaa signed an agreement aims at revitalizing cooperation between the two states parliamentarians and the exchange of expertise. Yemen-Lebanon, Politics, 7/16/2001