Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/7/2002

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 7, 2002

• Government reshuffle in Kuwait due to low quality government employees
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Seyasah said on Friday that a ministerial reshuffle will be made in Kuwait and will target ministers who are also members of the parliament ( nation's council) that may get out of the government and only one parliament member will stay as a minister. Kuwait, Politics, 1/12/2002
• With AL's chief coming visit to Baghdad, Iraq intensifies calls for Arab solidarity
  Iraq has recently increased its calls for maintaining Arab solidarity and freezing differences. Such calls have been coincided with the approaching date for the visit of the secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa to Baghdad. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Qaddafi and the Arab summit
  Libyan president Muammar al-Qaddafi has stated that Lebanon is the side which does not want to host the forthcoming Arab summit adding that this seems likely from calls by its ( Lebanon ) legislative establishments to postpone this summit. Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Arab League denies making contacts to transfer the place of the summit
  The Arab League (AL) assistant secretary general for political affairs Muhammad Zakaraya Ismael has denied any contacts made by the AL chief Amr Moussa to transfer the place of the forthcoming Arab summit, in line with a Libyan request Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Bin Aliazer proposes negotiation with Syria
  The London- based al-Sharq al-Awsat said on Friday that the Israeli defense minister Benjamin Bin Aliazer has announced he had proposed to the American mediator Anthony Zinni during their recent meeting to enlarge the scale of his mission so as to include the resumption of negotiations between Israel and each of Syria and Lebanon. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Sharon's accusations against Iran
  The Israeli radio said on Friday that the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has stressed that Iran is practicing its influence in the region. A matter which constitutes for Israel strategic changes that may lead to a state of war. Iran-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Negotiations between Khartoum, the rebels in Switzerland
  A spokeswoman for the Swiss foreign ministry said on Thursday that the Sudanese government and the People's Army For the Liberation of Sudan ( the southern rebellion movement) received invitation to hold negotiations next week in Switzerland under a joint sponsorship of this country ( Switzerland) and the US. Sudan, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Moussa stresses importance of holding IGAD summit
  Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa stressed the importance of holding the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit with African presidents members of the organization attending. Sudan-Somalia, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Mubarak receives message from Bashir, report on IGAD Summit
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher conveys a verbal message to President Mubarak from Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Maher: Egyptian-Sudanese relations distinguished
  "The IGAD countries have suffered much : Somalia is suffering the woes of war and Sudan is having a war in the south and Ethiopia has an important role in this region," he added. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Sahara: Annan expects parties to continue to cooperate with his special envoy
  United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan says in a new report, published in New York on Friday, on the situation in the Sahara he expects parties to continue to cooperate with his special envoy to reach a rapid, lasting and concerted settlement to the Sahara issue. Morocco, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Yemen: holding next Arab summit in Beirut a must
  The events of 11 September had a negative impact on the Yemeni economy, due to the drop in petroleum proceedings. Yemen-Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Syrian, Lebanese ports monitored by American vessels in the Mediterranean
  The Paris - based weekly " al-Muharrir news" issued on Friday said that the Israeli intelligence ( the Mossad ) unveiled on Tuesday that American naval vessels working in the Mediterranean are monitoring and inspecting ships heading for the Syrian and Lebanese ports in the context of a western campaign against terrorism. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Iraq, Thailand exchange ambassadors
  Officials concerned said that Iraq and Thailand agreed on Thursday on exchanging ambassadors for the first time since the suspension of relations between them more than one decade because of the Gulf war. Iraq-Thailand, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Tunisia: the government studies draft law on fighting terrorism
  In a meeting held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali the Tunisian Cabinet discussed the draft law pertinent to "terrorist crimes and resisting international terrorism," according to an official Tunisian source. Tunisia-Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Moroccan-Mauritanian cooperation meets this month in Rabat Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Lebanon rejects American statements, Hizbullah party has no connection to weapons ship
  The Lebanese foreign minister Mahmoud Hammoud on Friday rejected American statements which indicated that there is a link for the Hizbullah party to the ship seized recently by Israel and claimed it was carrying weapons for the Palestinian Authority. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Larsen denies Israel's intention to pullout from Shebaa farms
  The UN special coordinator for the UN peace Terry Rod Larsen has denied Israel's intention to pullout from the Shebaa farms. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Egypt still US strategic friend and ally, USAID Director says
  Egypt will always be the US's strategic friend and ally especially after the high-profile attitude it adopted regarding the current US-led terrorism-combat campaign, a high-level American source said Thursday. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Arab League chief to visit New York by the end of January
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa will visit New York by the end of this month in order to take part in the works of the international economic Davos Forum due to be held on January 31st though February 5 in solidarity with the US in its confrontation of terrorism. Moussa then will head for California where he will be meeting with members of the Arab community there. Regional, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Bush: Washington to help Egypt overcome September 11 repercussion
  Within the framework of President Hosni Mubarak's contacts with world leaders to resume Mideast peace talks, he received phone call form US President George W. Bush. The two Presidents tackled the latest developments in the Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts and the results of US peace envoy, Anthony Zinnits visit to the region. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Chinese media highlight forthcoming visit of Beijing
  President Mubarak will visit China from Jan 23-26 upon official invitation from Chinese Leader Jiang Zemin. Egypt-China, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Powell defends US efforts to revive Palestinian- Israeli negotiations
  The US secretary of state Colin Powell has defended hid administration's efforts to revive the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Salad Hassan denies the existence of terrorist groups in Somalia Somalia, Politics, 1/12/2002
• US congressman underlines Egypt's experience in combating terror
  A US House of Representatives' anti-terrorism and national security sub-committee met with President Hosni Mubarak Thursday at the republican palace in Heliopolis. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• ISESCO: Ajyad castle is not registered by UNESCO in the human heritage list Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Pecqui to head for the ME on Monday Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Nicaragua's new president receives Moroccan delegation
  Nicaragua's new president, Enrique Bolanos Geyer, received on Thursday the Moroccan delegation that represented King Mohammed VI in his oath-taking ceremony. Morocco, Politics, 1/12/2002
• US congress delegation meets wali of Marrakesh region
  A US congress delegation, currently on a visit to Morocco, met on Friday the wali (senior governor) of the central region of Marrakesh-Tensif-Al Haouz, Mohamed Hassad. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/12/2002
• Arab lawyers condemn American threats against Iraq Regional-USA, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Journalists call for press freedom in the Arab world
  Journalists have called on the Arab states to lift hard restrictions imposed on the mass media with the aim to establish democratic basics on the western style in the age of Globalization. Regional, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Al-Shara discusses with Larsen conditions in the ME region
  Larsen stressed that there is today an international consensus that any solution to the grave conditions in the Middle East should be built on the UN security council resolutions 242 and 338, ending the occupation and establishing the Palestinian states and that the bridge to negotiations should be built on economic and political bases Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Arab Maghreb foreign ministers meet in January, a summit expected this year
  The Tunisian foreign minister al-Habib Bin Yahya has stressed that the foreign ministers of the Arab Maghreb federation states will hold a meeting on January 16 and 17 in Algiers in order to revive and reactivate the federation's establishments in addition to selecting a new secretary general for the federation's secretary general in succession to Muhammad Amamou. Maghreb-Tunisia, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Morocco renews demand for immediate release of all Moroccans detained in Algeria
  Morocco has renewed, in a letter to the United Nations Security Council, demand for the immediate return and repatriation of all Moroccans detained in Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/11/2002
• US president stresses commitment to ME peace Regional-USA, Politics, 1/11/2002
• IGAD summit starts deliberation by a close door meeting
  Deliberations of the 9th session of IGAD's session started on Thursday in a close door session presided over by the Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. It was attended by IAGD's states seven presidents. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Palestinian authority warns over explosion after Israel's destruction of runway
  The Palestinian authority warned on Friday over risks of explosion in the whole Middle East region, following Israel's new incursion in the Palestinian territories and destruction of a runway at the Gaza international airport. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Saudi Arabia rejects western pressures to change the curricula
  The Saudi minister of education Muhammad Ahmad al-Rasheed has denied that Saudi Arabia is determinant to make any changes on its educational curricula in response to western calls. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/11/2002
• America appreciates Moroccan support after September 11 attacks
  America is deeply appreciative of the support and help it received of Morocco since Sep. 11th, U.S congressman, Richard Gephardt, said in a press statement made after the King received the U.S Congress delegation. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Bahrain starts preparations for the third Arab summit
  Bahrain's minister of information Nabil Yaqoub al-Homur has stressed his country's interest in the third Arab summit due to be held in March 2003 in being the first Arab conference at this highest level to be held in Bahrain. He indicated that sides concerned in Bahrain started actual preparations to host this big event by preparing necessary buildings, halls and equipment for this summit. Bahrain-Regional, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Sahara and Sahel observatory convenes meeting in Mauritania in march
  The managing board of the Sahara and Sahel Observatory will hold a meeting in Mauritania next March. Regional, Politics, 1/11/2002
• Young man gets five year prison sentence for mosque aggression
  The Cleverland court on Wednesday sentenced a young man to 5 years in prison for having crashed his car against an Islamic center in Cleverland, Ohio, six days after the September 11th attacks. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/11/2002
• On al-Qaddafi participation in the Arab summit Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/10/2002
• French diplomacy prevented placing Hizbullah on EU terrorism list Lebanon-France, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Mubarak gets a message from Yemeni peer Egypt-Yemen, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Emir of Bahrain receives message from King Mohammed Bahrain-Morocco, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Saudi crown prince confers with US senator
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on late Tuesday night in al-Riyadh met with a US Senate delegation led by Senator John Rockefeller. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/10/2002
• IGAD summit for serving regional cooperation Sudan, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Syria and the Beirut summit
  The Jordanian weekly al-Hilal ( the Crescent) said in its recent issue published on Wednesday in Amman that Damascus refused to postpone the forthcoming Arab summit in Beirut or to transfer it to another Arab capital. Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Baz denies Egyptians were aboard arms ship Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Syria and the Palestinian organizations offices
  The Lebanese weekly al-Osbo's al-Arabi said in its recent issue quoting American diplomatic sources as saying that Syria had informed the US through direct diplomatic channels a new stand saying that Damascus is ready to study the closure of the opposition Palestinian organizations offices which take Damascus as a headquarters and to suspend its activities in the Syrian and Lebanese territories. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Hundreds of Palestinians homeless after Israel razed houses
  Some 700 Palestinians were made homeless this Thursday after Israeli army bulldozers razed their houses in the southern Gaza Strip. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• A message from al-Assad to Butaflika
  The Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika on Wednesday received the Syrian minister of tourism Saad Allah Agha al-Qalaa who conveyed to his excellency a message from President Bashar al-Assad relating to bilateral relations and developments of conditions on the Arab and international arenas. Algeria-Syria, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Solana describes his visit to the ME as very important Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Al-Assad stresses to the Italian parliamentary delegation Syria's commitment to ME peace
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received Choustav Silva, chairman of the foreign relations committee at the Italian parliament and members of the accompanying delegation, which represents various Italian parties represented at the parliament. Syria-Italy, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Israeli Knesset member rebukes the US ambassador to Israel Israel-USA, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Morocco, Bahrain to Enhance Information, Culture, Tourism Cooperation
  Morocco and Bahrain agreed to enhance their cooperation in matters of information, culture and tourism. Bahrain-Morocco, Politics, 1/10/2002
• A meeting for the Saudi- Yemeni border authorities in Sanaa
  The Saudi side to the committee in charge of studying the regulation of the Yemeni- Saudi border authorities arrive in Sanaa on Tuesday to convene its 3rd session. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Iraq has good relations with most Arab Gulf states, minister says
  The Iraqi foreign minister Naji Sabri has stressed that his country's relations with most of the Arab Gulf states are good relations and that these relations are developing and growing. Iraq-Gulf, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Moscow seeks to organize an Arab- Israeli parliamentary meeting Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• A new party to be licensed in Jordan
  Member of the follow up committee of the Social nationalist party in Jordan, Amer al- Tel, applied for the Jordanian authorities to get a license to this " national and secular party," calling for the foundation of Greater Syria and the unity of " Proper Syria " on national bases with Jordan to be its base and to include each of Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Iraq and Kuwait. Jordan-Fertile Crescent, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Sharon, Rumsfeld talks on the American war against terrorism Israel-USA, Politics, 1/10/2002
• A new border center between Oman, UAE
  Teibat police center was opened on Tuesday between Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Oman-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Saudi Arabia: demolishing Ajyad castle is a Saudi issue
  An official source at the Saudi foreign ministry has stressed that demolishing "Ajyad" castle is a matter of concern to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/10/2002
• IGAD Summit is important
  Egyptian Ambassador in Khartoum Mohamed Assem Ibrahim termed as an "important matter" Egypt's participation in the Inter Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Summit, to open in Khartoum on Thursday, as its agenda involves a host of issues of interest to Egypt as a pivotal country in the region. Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Mubarak, Al Baz, US Jewish organizations discuss peace between Palestinians, Israelis
  Egyptian Presidential Political Advisor Osama Al-Baz met Wednesday with a U.S. Jewish organizations delegation under Marvin Kinder, Head of the Executive Committee of the Israeli Political Forum. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Situation is extremely difficult due to sustained Israeli practices
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Wednesday received EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief Javier Solana and his delegation. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Arab human rights organization condemns Israeli crimes
  The executive committee of the Arab human rights organization in Cairo on Tuesday condemned the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and said these are crimes of war and a blatant violation of the Geneva convention. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Four Israelis shot, including one army officer by Palestinian Intifada
  Four Israeli soldiers were killed including one army officer and other were wounded in an attack carried out by two Palestinians against a position for the Israeli forces to the east of Rafah to the south of Gaza on Wednesday at dawn. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Iraqi vice president calls for inter- Arab dialogue
  The Iraqi vice President Taha Yassin Ramadan has called for a " brotherly " dialogue among the Arab states in order to maintain inter- Arab solidarity to withstand challenged impeding the Arab nation. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Egypt keen on maintaining Sudanese unity Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 1/10/2002
• 940 Palestinians died since september 2000
  Mustafa Barghouthi, head of the Palestinian non-governmental health, development, information and policy institute said Wednesday 940 Palestinians died and another 25,000 were injured since September 2000 when the 2nd Intifadah started. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/10/2002
• Al-Qaddafi, Chad's counterpart highlight new development in Chad Libya-Chad, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Al-Assad confers with the US Senate delegation
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Damascus al-Shaab palace on Tuesday received W Owens and members of the US Senate: Richard Durban, David Price and Jim Dives and members of their accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Premier and foreign minister Farouk al-Shara and the US ambassador in Damascus Theodore Qattouf. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Jordanian King arrives in Bahrain today
  The Jordanian king Abdullah II arrives today in Bahrain in a work visit during which he will hold talks with the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa dealing with conditions at the regional and international levels especially the deteriorated conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories as a result of the Israeli aggressions against the Palestinian people and means of supporting the Palestinian people as well as bilateral relations between the two countries. Jordan-Bahrain, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Emirates defense minister confers with US defense department representative United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Al- Tureiki talks on the telephone with Arab League chief on summit Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Libya and Beirut's summit
  The London- based al-Hayat daily said in its Tuesday's issue that Syria has strongly joined the line of dealing with the consequences which pushed Libya forward to propose transferring the Arab summit which will be held in Beirut in March 2002. Libya-Syria, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Indian- Israeli security, intelligence cooperation Israel-India, Politics, 1/9/2002
• King Mohammed receives former French home minister
  He argued that the Morocco-European Union association agreement should not be limited to a mere free-trade zone, adding structural funds should be earmarked for Morocco to develop its infrastructure and address priority sectors like education, health and housing. Morocco-France, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Zinni arrived back in Washington Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Moussa: convening the summit in March depends of Arab states answers to Arab League memorandum
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa has stressed that convening the periodical Arab summit in Beirut by the end of March depends on the response of the Arab states to the memorandum sent by the Arab League general secretariat to these states. Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Turkish criticism over the Saudi decision to demolish Ottoman castle
  The Turkish minister of culture Stimehan Talai said that Turkey will submit a complaint to UNESCO against the Saudi decision to demolish " Ajyad" castle of the Ottoman era which overlooks the al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. The Turkish minister described this Saudi situation as " barbaric." Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Maher holds talks with Solana
  Egypt's FM Ahmed Maher held talks late Tuesday with EU Security Chief Javier Solana and EU peace Envoy Miguel Moratinos attending. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Washington suspends financial aids to Iraqi opposition
  The US on Monday announced it has suspended financial aids to the Iraqi opposition because of the bad management of these sums, rather than a change in the US policy towards the ruling system in Baghdad. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Moroccan FM visits Cairo
  Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, paid a visit to Egypt Tuesday for talks with his Egyptian peer, Ahmed Maher, on bilateral relations and on regional and international issues of mutual concern, mainly the situation in the Middle East. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Sharon government's regrets Washington doubts of Israel's claims on the destination of the weapon ship
  An official source at the court ( divan) of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon expressed regret of the Israeli government over the fact that the US has not spontaneously followed the Israeli claims concerning the weapons ship it seized in the Red sea. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Turkish foreign ministry summon Saudi advisor at the Saudi embassy in Ankara over castle demolishing issue
  The Turkish daily " Hurriet" issued on Tuesday said that the Turkish foreign ministry has summoned Suleiman al-Sareih the advisor of the Saud embassy in Ankara and addressed to him a verbal warning message following the Saudi authorities demolishing of " Ajyad" castle in Mecca with the objective to build a hotel and a trade center in its place. Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Moroccan FM confirms his participation in UMA foreign ministers meeting
  Morocco's minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, confirmed on Tuesday he will take part in the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) foreign ministers session this January 16-17 in Algiers. Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Lebanon denies to have links to weapons ship seized by Israel
  The Israeli radio on Tuesday commented on the weapons ship seized by Israel in the Red Sea. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Moussa starts an Arab tour today
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa starts today a tour covering several Arab states. Moussa's first leg is Saudi Arabia. Regional, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Jordanian prime minister stresses convening Arab summit at due time in Beirut
  The Jordanian prime minister Ali Abu al-Ragheb has stressed the need of convening the forthcoming Arab summit at its set date in Beirut and to work for providing its works a success so as to strengthen common Arab work plan. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 1/9/2002
• U.S. Congress delegation expected in Morocco today
  A delegation of US congressmen and staffers is expected in Morocco this Wednesday. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Ruler of Kuwait returns back from London on January 15
  The Emir's court in Kuwait said that the ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah will return back from London to the country on January 15th after "the Almighty God has his grace on full recovery of the Emir 'a health." Kuwait, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Peres holds constructive military talks with Indian defense minister
  The Israeli foreign minister Shimon Peres on Tuesday in new Delhi held with the Indian defense minister George Fernandiz, amid atmospheres on reciprocated agreement on fighting terrorism and means of accelerating military co-operation. Israel-India, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Maher Chairs Egypt's Delegation to IGAD Summit Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Moroccan model should be taken as example by several countries, French ambassador
  French ambassador in Morocco, Michel de Bonnecorse, who has ended his six-year assignment in the kingdom, said Morocco should be taken as an example by several countries, owing to the wisdom, continuity and solidity of its options. Morocco-France, Politics, 1/9/2002
• Al-Qaddafi, Hamad review ME developments Libya-Qatar, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Yemeni- Omani talks
  The Yemeni foreign minister Abu Baker al-Qurabi has described his country's relations with Oman as an example to be followed in maintaining care to develop relations between the two states. Yemen-Oman, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Egypt will not accept US attack on an Arab state
  Egypt will not accept a US attack on any Arab state under the pretext of fighting terrorism, Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher said. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Turkish security belt in north Iraq Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Al-Assad confers with US Senator
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the Damascus al-Shaab palace on Monday received the US senator J. Rockefeller and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/8/2002
• US delegation hails Mubarak's efforts to achieve peace
  Egyptian President Mubarak discussed at his meeting yesterday with a US Congress delegation ways of enhancing cooperation in combating terrorism and establishing peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Spanish local official considering visit to Morocco this month
  Head of the local Andalusian government (southern Spain), Manuel Chaves, might visit Morocco this month, said Andalusian presidential advisor, Gaspar Zacarias. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Moussa: intensive contacts to hold Arab summit at due time Regional, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Iranian president voices readiness to cooperate with al-Quds committee
  Iranian president, Mohamed Khatami, said in Tehran Monday his country is entirely ready to cooperate with Al-Quds committee, chaired by King Mohammed VI, for the triumph of the Palestinian people cause. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 1/8/2002
• IGAD summit to review three files
  The IGAD summit, to be held in Khartoum on January 10-11, will review three files, Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Sami Yassa said late Monday. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Arab ministers of the interior meet in Beirut Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Burns in an Arab tour Regional-USA, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Arab League prepares for the summit, a preliminary meeting on March 24th
  The Syrian Foreign minister Farouk al-Shara on Monday received a telephone call from the secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa during which talks dealt with the tour to be held by the AL chief on many Arab states to prepare for the next Arab summit due to be held in Beirut in the last week of March, 2002. Regional, Politics, 1/8/2002
• French presidential candidate starts visit to Morocco
  Of last September's terror attacks against the USA, Jean-Pierre Chevenement said the struggle against terrorism should encompass fighting the causes of terrorism. We cannot leave unresolved old problems, such as the Palestinian and Iraqi issues," said Chevenement, who had resigned from government during the gulf war. Morocco-France, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Turkey to host Islamic- European foreign ministers joint conference Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Peres confers with Indian ministers Israel-India, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Experts from 11 Arab states study means of fighting terrorism
  Some 50 security experts from terrorism fighting departments in 11 Arab states are taking part in the deliberations of a practical course in al-Riyadh seeking to get the participants familiar with most advanced methods to fighting terrorism and to formulate an effective Arab mechanism to exchange information and expertise in this regard. Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Israeli- Palestinian meeting had no tangible results
  Israeli sources stressed the failure of the tripartite security meeting held between Israel and the Palestinian authority at an American participation. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Arab League: Israel claims over weapons ship to Palestinians aims at escalating conditions
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amre Mousa has described the Israeli claims concerning the weapons ship seized by Israel in the Red Sea as a sort of provoking problems so as to continue hostilities against the Palestinians and foil attempts aiming at re-setting the peace process into its right track. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Mubarak receives La francophone Secertary General
  Following the meeting, Ghali told reporters he reviewed the activities of the organization and the reasons behind the postponement of its summit, slated for last October, till October this year, pointing out that it will be hosted by Beirut and all arrangements have been taken in this respect. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Sudanese minister confers with British international cooperation minister
  Sudan's Vice President Mousa Mashar has stressed during his meeting with the British international cooperation minister Claire Short on Monday in Khartoum the seriousness of the Sudanese government to reach a just and comprehensive peace in the country through the debated initiatives on the Sudanese arena. Sudan-UK, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Italy, Egypt work to prop up tolerance between civilizations
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher on Monday received the head of the foreign relations committee at the Italian parliament and his accompanying delegation. Regional-Italy, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Chinese airline resumes flights to the Middle East
  The southern China airline company on Sunday resumed its flights to the Middle East after a three months suspension. Regional-China, Politics, 1/8/2002
• Al-Assad crown prince Abdullah discuss ME developments on telephone Syria-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Saudi- Yemeni military committee Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Syrian source welcomes the convening of the Arab summit in Lebanon
  The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus quoted Syrian sources as saying that Syria has repeated its welcome to convening the Arab summit in Beirut in March as implied in the statements recently made by the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara. Syria-Libya, Politics, 1/7/2002
• King Mohammed renews resolve to preserve neighborliness relations with Spain
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI has renewed in a message of congratulations to King Juan Carlos I of Spain on the occasion of his birthday resolve to preserve the relations of neighborliness and exemplary cooperation binding Morocco and Spain. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Libya withdrew consent to convene the Arab summit in Beirut
  The Lebanese paper " al-Kifah al-Arabi" said in its Saturday issue that the secretariat of the Libyan African unity has informed the secretary general of the Arab league officially to draw back its consent to convene the next Arab summit in Beirut and asked for holding it in another Arab country. Lebanon-Libya, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Efforts to deal with al-Sader issue
  The Lebanese minister of culture Dr. Ghassan Salamah has unveiled efforts made by Syria, Iran and Lebanon and other sides to deal with the question of Imam Mousa al - Sader. Lebanon-Libya, Politics, 1/7/2002
• UAE, Serbia for enhancing cooperation United Arab Emirates, Politics, 1/7/2002
• New party to be licensed in Jordan
  The official said that it is the first Jordanian party which proposes the idea of the unity of " Greater Syria" which includes Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, al-Shaam, Iraq and Kuwait on the ground that Jordan will be the base to restore back this unity Jordan-Fertile Crescent, Politics, 1/7/2002
• An American plan to topple Saddam Hussein
  Western sources told the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued on Saturday that the US draft plan aiming at toppling the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein started to raise Iran's concern because the options debated by this plan is the foundation of the Iraqi Shiite regime without men of religion and not a friend to Iran. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Egyptian president's visit to Morocco postponed
  Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmad Maher, announced in Cairo Monday that Morocco and Egypt agreed to postpone to a later date a scheduled visit by Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Moroccan FM hands royal message to Iran's Khatami
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, who started Sunday a two-day visit to Iran, conveyed this Monday President Mohamed Khatami a message from King Mohammed VI. Morocco-Iran, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Arab League calls for protecting Palestinians against Israeli violence
  Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa has underlined the need for protecting Palestinian civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Abu al-Ragheb arrives in Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-Jordan, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Algerian- Saudi economic talks
  The Saudi minister of industry and electricity Hashem Yamani has discussed with the Algerian minister of small and intermediate industries establishments Abdul Qader Sammari means of developing industrial and trade cooperation between the two states. Saudi Arabia-Algeria, Politics, 1/7/2002
• US congress delegation in amman Jordan-USA, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Arab foreign ministers to meet prior to Arab summit Regional, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Morocco's FM meets Bahrain's vice-emir and head of government
  Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, held on Saturday a meeting with the vice-emir of Bahrain, Sheikh Salmane Ben Hamad Al Khalifa and head of government, Sheikh Khalifa Bensalmane Al-Khalifa. Bahrain-Morocco, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Views identical over issues of Egyptian-Omani talks
  Asked on reports that Libya requested to move the next Arab summer from Bruit to Cairo and whether this poses a threat, Maher said he does not believe so, referring to determination to hold the Arab summit. Egypt-Oman, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Beilin, Sarid call for Palestinian state, return of refugees
  Former Israeli justice Minster Yussi Beilin and Israeli Meretz movement leader Yussi Sarid underlined the importance of eliminating Jewish settlements from the Palestinian lands establishing an independent Palestinian state, guaranteeing the Palestinian refugees' right of return and resuming Palestinian- Israeli peace talks. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Jordan has recognized Afghanistan Jordan-Afghanistan, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Baz meets Beilin, Sarid on rescuing Midesat peace
  The Egyptian Presidential advisor Osama el-Baz described former Israeli justice minister Yussi Beilin as one of strongest peace advocates in Israel. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/7/2002
• US suspends funding to Iraqi opposition
  The US has suspended paying money to an opposition Iraqi group over the way millions of donated US dollars given to this group were spent. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Saudi crown prince, Arafat hold telephone talks
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday in al-Riyadh received a telephone call from the Chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat. Saudi Arabia-Palestine, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Saddam Hussein's speech on the Iraqi army foundation day
  The Iraqi President Saddam Hussein said on Sunday in a televised speech on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the foundation of the Iraqi army that any aggression against Iraq will doom to failure. "The same happened in all previous confrontations," he said. Iraq, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Demand to be increased on domestic production
  Egyptian Prime Minister Atef Ebeid will declare before the People's Assembly a number of strategies, decisions and measures to be carried out by the government . Egypt, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Arafat to make a change in the Palestinian negotiating team
  The Palestinian official in charge of Jerusalem file in the Palestinian Authority Serri Nuseibah has stressed that the chairman of the Palestinian authority Yasser Arafat has decided to make a change on the negotiating Palestinian team. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Sharon exploits the 'weapon ship' incident for further escalation against the Palestinians
  Despite the Israeli- Palestinian security meetings taking place under the auspices of the American envoy Anthony Zinni and with the presence of other three international envoys in the region, the Israeli prime minister continues to escalate security conditions in an attempt to undermine the international efforts currently made to settle conditions. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Somalia and the US
  The US New York Times said on Sunday that one of the Somali war Lords Hussein Muhammad Aided proposed to the US help for fighting terrorism. Somalia-USA, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Egypt Morocco, identical views on necessity of ending Israeli aggression
  "President Hosni Mubarak and king Muhammad VI of Morocco are exerting efforts with all parties concerned to put an end to Israeli aggression on Palestinians" Egypt's ambassador in Rabat Ashraf Za'za said Sunday. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Moroccan association launches international campaign for release of prisoners held by separatists
  The Moroccan Sahara association will stage, starting this January 11, an international campaign to claim the liberation of Moroccan soldiers and civilians held in the separatist Polisario's prisons in Algerian territory. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/7/2002
• Mubarak stresses importance of communication between officials, youths
  "President Hosni Mubarak always refers to the importance of keeping communication channels between officials and young people, "said Osama El-Baz, the Presidential Political Advisor, on Sunday. Egypt, Politics, 1/7/2002

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