Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/14/2002

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 14, 2002

• Arab League chief arrives in Baghdad Iraq-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Envoys delegated by Arafat to the Arab leaders Palestine-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Jordanian king confers with parliament member in China Jordan-China, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Increasing Saudi discontent over presence of American forces, paper says
  In a report published in its Friday's issue, the US daily " Washington Post" said that the dissatisfaction of the Saudi rulers towards the presence of the American forces in their country has been growing. The paper expected that those Saudi rulers may ask these forces shortly to leave. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/19/2002
• American pressure on Saudi Arabia reaches new high
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Seyasah said on Monday said that the American pressures on Saudi Arabia reached on Wednesday a new high since the events of September because of which relations have been disturbed between Riyadh and Washington. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Chinese president calls for resuming peace talks in the ME Regional-China, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Sudanese minister returned back to Khartoum Sudan, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Iraq got only half of medicines it needs in the frame of oil-for-food program
  Iraq announced on Friday it only got half of the medicines and medical items it asked foreign companies for in the framework of the oil-for-food program. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Syrian source denies secret messages to the Israeli government
  A well-informed Syrian source denied in a statement to the London- based daily al-Zamaan issued on Thursday what was published by certain media quoting high ranking Israeli sources in that secret messages reached the Israeli government saying that Damascus is ready to resume negotiations without prior conditions. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2002
• German FM calls on Israelis, Palestinians to resume negotiations Palestine-Germany, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Isreal tightens relations with India
  The radio said by this visit which will be made by Sharon, it will be the first by an Israeli prime minister to India, noting that the talks will be deal with current contacts between the two countries on the deal of selling early warning Falcon Israeli made anti - missiles Heits missiles. Israel-China, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Two Palestinians were killed, 100 wounded in F-16 Israeli raids
  In a new escalation steps against the Palestinians, Israeli F 16 warplanes on Friday morning bombarded several villages in north of Ramullah and the headquarters of the Palestinian authority in Toulkarem. This resulted in wounding tens of the Palestinians and heavy damages in the buildings and the electricity rid. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Territorial integrity, stability are key to inter-maghreban ties promotion, Benaissa
  Algeria's direct involvement in the issue of the Sahara, through its support to the Polisario separatists, has always been cited among the major stumbling blocks to the construction of a homogeneous Maghreban Union Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 1/19/2002
• UN permits a film on kidnapping three Israeli soldiers to their families Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Maghreban meeting helped overcome psychological barriers, FM
  Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa, on Friday said that the meeting of Maghreban foreign ministers in Algiers helped overcome psychological barriers between member states of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA). Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Egypt continues contacts with USA to establish Palestinian State
  On the issue of an Arab Common Market, Mubarak said "our economic future as an Arab nation hinges on our ability to set up that market which was declared in 1949 prior to the European Common Market." Egypt, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Prohibiting Arafat from attending Arab Summit, very dangerous
  A senior Egyptian official yesterday warned of the perils of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East due to Israeli practices. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Bin Aleazer confers with US official Israel-USA, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Turkish official underestimate differences with Saudi Arabia over Ajyad castle
  The Turkish minister of defense Sabbah Eddine Oglo has underestimated the importance of the differences between Saudi Arabia and Turkey over Ajyad castle, recently demolished by the Saudi authorities. Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/19/2002
• Lawyers of a Tunisian opposition member refuse his imprisonment sentence
  Lawyers of the Tunisian opposition figure Hemma al-Humami who has been living in disguise on Tuesday filed an objection over the sentence in absentia released against him in 1999, stated to jail him for nine years, according to press statements made by the wife of the verdict lawyer Radyah al-Nasrawi. Tunisia, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Somalia's Salad Hassan is to visit Egypt
  It was scheduled that Salad Hassan would have arrived in Cairo this week after his participation at IGAD's summit conference held in Khartoum last week, but he headed for Tripoli to meet with the Libyan President Somalia-Egypt, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Ruler of Bahrain confers with Iraq's foreign minister
  Iraq's foreign minister Naji Sabri Ahmad, currently visiting Bahrain met on Tuesday with the ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa. Bahrain-Iraq, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Kuwaiti- Sudanese parliamentary agreement to strengthen bilateral cooperation
  The memorandum which was co-signed by al-Taher and the chairman of the Kuwaiti nation's council Jasem al-Khurafi:" urged the two countries's governments to give a push forward to economic, technical and trade relations through investment in available areas in Sudan." Kuwait-Sudan, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Al-Assad confers with Spanish foreign minister
  Syrian President bashar al-Assad on Thursday at the Damascus al-Shaab palace received the Spanish foreign minister Josep Picqui and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-European Union, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Jordanian King holds talks with Chinese officials
  The Jordanian King Abdullah II held talks with the Chinese President Jiang Zemin in Beijing on the Middle East question and the international campaign on fighting campaign and other international and bilateral issues. Jordan-China, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Libya, Burkina Faso back full restoration of Arab rights
  Libya and the Republic of Burkina Faso have stressed their solidarity with the struggle mounted by Syria and Lebanon to restore back their occupied territories and their support to the Palestinians for full restoration of their legitimate rights and the establishment of their own independent state with Jerusalem as a capital. Libya-Burkina Faso, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Five Israelis were killed, 30 wounded in a Palestinian operation in al-Khudeira
  Five Israeli settlers were killed and other 30 wounded in an attack targeted a night club in al-Khudeira city to the north of Tel Aviv on Thursday evening. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Terrorist threats against the American embassy in Sanaa
  The US has suspended its consulate services following " terrorist threats" in Yemen which is launching unprecedented campaign against persons suspected to belong to al-Qaida organization led by Osama Bin Laden. Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Sudan rejects US inspection of one of its ships in the Arab Sea
  The Sudanese foreign ministry has announced its rejection to the inspection operation of one of the Sudanese ships by the American forces in the Arab Sea last Tuesday. The Sudanese ship was in its way from Sallalah port in Oman to the port of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Sudan-USA, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Washington commends Yemen's efforts in chasing extremist groups
  The US under secretary of state for the Middle East affairs William Burns on Thursday expressed his country's satisfaction over the efforts made by Yemen in chasing those who are suspected to be involved with terrorist organizations. Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Morocco, Egypt resolved to upgrade cooperation
  Morocco and Egypt are prompted by the same resolve to upgrade their bilateral cooperation and to carry on consultation on issues of mutual concern, said Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher, in Cairo Thursday evening upon return from Morocco. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Tunisia president meets with Turkish defense minister Tunisia-Turkey, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Libya for closer cooperation with White Russia Libya-Belarus, Politics, 1/18/2002
• New secretary general for Arab Maghreb Union
  Tunisian Lahbib Boulares has been installed as the new secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union in replacement of Mohamed Amamou, another Tunisian. Maghreb, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Moroccan ambassador hands credentials to president of Honduras
  Morocco's ambassador to Mexico and Central America, Youssef Amrani, on Wednesday handed his credentials to outgoing President of Honduras, Carlos Roberto Flores, as Morocco's non-resident ambassador to Tegucigalpa. Morocco-Honduras, Politics, 1/18/2002
• Al-Qaddafi approves Libya's participation in Beirut's Arab summit
  Libyan President Muammar al-Qaddafi has approved the convening of the next Arab summit in their due time and place. This was announced by the secretary general of the Arab League (AL) during his meeting with al-Qaddafi on Wednesday afternoon. Libya-Regional, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Jordanian journalist released at a guarantee Jordan, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Tunisian president calls for limiting extremist groups activities in Europe
  Tunisia's President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali has called on the international community to put an end to the move of the extremist groups members in the European capitals and to reconsider rules relating to giving political asylum. Tunisia, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Arab League chief arrives in Tripoli Regional-Libya, Politics, 1/17/2002
• King Mohammed voices Morocco's concern over serious developments in Palestinian cause Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Same Syrian conditions to resume political negotiations with Israel
  The Israeli radio said on Wednesday that Syria has once again set conditions for resuming political negotiations with Israel by making such negotiations on the ground of the commitment given at that time by the Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin to the Syrian side which is explained by Damascus as meaning a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Golan heights until the western bank of the Tiberies Lake. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Two Syrian decrees to ratify agreements with Yemen, Sudan Syria-Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2002
• The US and Libya
  American officials said on Tuesday evening that a high ranking American official met with Libyan officials in London last week to urge Libya to pay compensations for families of the victims of the American Pan Am plane which went off over Lockerbie in 1988 and in return Libya's relations with the US will be consolidated. Libya-USA, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Ahmad Saadat's arrest denounced
  The People's Front For the Liberation of Palestine has expressed its denunciation and strong condemnation to the Palestinian Authority's arrest of its secretary general Ahmad Sadaat. Palestine, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Israel is preparing a large scale attack at the Arab states Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Palestinian groups and forces denounce the arrest of Sadaat
  The Palestinian national and Islamic forces have stressed their rejection to the detention of Ahmad Sadaat the secretary general of the People's Front For the Liberation of Palestine by the Palestinian authority. Palestine, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Israeli warplanes violate the Lebanese airspace Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Cabinet reviews Egypt's policy statement
  The Egyptian Cabinet, meeting Wednesday under Prime Minister Atef Ebeid, said that policies pursued by the Israeli government pose a threat to security and stability in the entire area and warned against the danger of Israel continuing policies of violence, killing and intimidation against the Palestinians and biased Israeli allegations which are without foundation. Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Split of Sudanese minister denied
  The Sudanese government has denied that Lam Cool, the minister of transport has split from it or turned to be a rebellion against it. Sudan, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Morocco's attachment to the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) equals its deep attachment to its territorial integrity
  Morocco's attachment to the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) equals its deep attachment to its territorial integrity, Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa said in Algiers Thursday. Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Al-Assad gets an invitation from Lahoud to attend Beirut summit
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday at al-Rawda Presidential palace received the Lebanese foreign minister Mahmoud Hammoud. The meeting was attended by the foreign minister Farouk al-Shara. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Mubarak sends message to Morocco's King
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak sent a message to King Mohammad VI of Morocco. The message dwelt on a number of international issues, especially the situation in the Middle East. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Mubarak warns against international community leniency and bias to Israel
  Egyptian President Mubarak has warned anew against the risks of the Israeli government practices, including acts of demolition,land scraping and aggression in the Palestinian territories, saying these practices will lead to more violence and much risks not only to the whole region but rather to the security and stability of the whole world. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Al-Tureiki confers with Qatar, French officials
  The secretary of the people's general committee for African Unity in Libya Ali Abdul Salaam al-Tureiki has received a message from the foreign minister of Qatar Libya-Qatar, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Israeli forces break into Nahhalin, Sharon threatens more repression acts
  An Israeli military force broke into Nahhalin village near Bethlehem and arrested three citizens under the charge of resisting the occupation, while an Israeli settlers coach was greatly damaged in confrontations in Baqah village in the west bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• A lecture by former US ambassador to both Syria and Israel Edward Djerjian on regional issues
  I believe that terrorists, no matter who they are or where they come from have a political agenda. Many seek political power through the reversal of existing regimes or systems or to create events that will destabilize a situation in a country or the international order. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Mubarak meets US envoy to Sudan
  John Danforth told a press conference in Khartoum that no progress was made during his five-day trip to Sudan. Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Opposition parties boycott meeting over elections
  Moroccan opposition parties have boycotted a meeting the Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, had planned to hold with them on Wednesday to examine proposals on the polling system for next September's legislative elections. Morocco, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Dutch parliamentary delegation confers with Moroccan officials
  Moroccan-Dutch talks covered bilateral relations at the political, economic and parliamentary scales, the progress scored by Morocco to promote human rights and the rule of the law as well as the situation of the 250,000 strong Moroccan community settled in Holland. Morocco-Holland, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Algerian president receives UN secretary general's special representative for Sahara
  Algerian president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, received on Wednesday in Algiers, the UN secretary general's special representative for the Sahara, William Lacy Swing. Algeria, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Drastic conditions of Lahd hireling militia members in Israel Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 1/17/2002
• The American ambassador at the UN to start a ME visit
  The US ambassador at the UN John Negroponty will carry out a Middle East tour next week and Syria will be his main destination in its being a new member at the UN Security Council. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Moroccan association holds series of events in support of Palestinian people struggle
  The Moroccan association of support to the Palestinian people's struggle (AMSLP) announced a series of actions to support the Palestinian people struggle for the establishment of a state with Al-Quds as its capital. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Ruler of Qatar gets a message from Musharraf
  The ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Wednesday received a message from the President of Pakistan B. Musharraf relating to latest regional developments and cooperation relations between the two countries. Qatar-Pakistan, Politics, 1/17/2002
• African countries to present concerns at summit
  Next month's African-French Summit will give African nations an opportunity to discuss their concerns with France, which is keen to address these issues, an Egyptian diplomat said yesterday. Regional-France, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Thai parliamentary delegation holds meetings with Moroccan officials
  A Thai Senate delegation currently on a visit to Morocco together with a group of Thai businessmen held on Wednesday a series of meetings with Moroccan officials, including prime minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi. Morocco-Thailand, Politics, 1/17/2002
• Syria: the formation of an independent legal commission to defend detainees
  A group of independent Syrian lawyers has announced the formation of what they called the national committee for defending " detainees of the opinion," with Damascus as a headquarters, stressed that this commission is not in contradiction with the Syrian laws, noting that this movement does not adopt a political attitude. Syria, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Syrian delegate expected to visit Libya Syria-Libya, Politics, 1/16/2002
• King Mohammed gets message from Egyptian president Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Emir of Bahrain permits the return back of nine families from abroad
  The ruler of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa has permitted nine families composed of 37 persons who live abroad to return back to Bahrain in the framework of the openness policy taking place in the island. Bahrain, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Moroccan FM attends Maghreban ministerial council meeting in Algiers
  Minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, will lead the Moroccan delegation to the 19th session of the foreign ministers council of the member countries of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) convening in Algiers this January 16-17. Morocco-Maghreb, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Arafat wants full coordination with Syria
  Member of the central committee of the Fatah movement Abbas Zaki on Monday in Damascus said he had informed the Syrian vice president that the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat " has readiness for full coordination" with Syria. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Maher speaks on the telephone with Powell Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Saleh visits UAE to discuss the summit, regional, international issues
  President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan on Monday discussed with the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh the current Arab conditions and developments in the occupied Palestinian territories in light of the continued escalated aggressions against the Palestinian people. United Arab Emirates-Yemen, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Egypt 's FM meets with EU ambassadors accredited in Cairo Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Ha'aretz: Israel's destruction of Palestinian houses is war crime Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Iraqi- Iranian talks on bilateral cooperation
  The Iranian news agency said that the Iranian transport minister Ahmad Khouram on Monday held talks with his Iraqi counterpart Ahmad Murtadi Ahmad on increasing bilateral cooperation especially in air transport between the two countries. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Buleraas is secretary general for the Maghreb federation
  Well-informed sources reported that Tunisia has nominated former minister Habib Buleraas to replace also the Tunisia Muhammad Amamou as a secretary general for the Arab Maghreb federation, whose headquarters is in al-Rabat. Maghreb, Politics, 1/16/2002
• $ billion trade agreements to be signed during Mubarak's visit to China
  Egyptian-Chinese new project-agreements, exceeding one billion dollar, are expected to be officially concluded during President Mubarak's prospective visit to China, later this month. Egypt-China, Politics, 1/16/2002
• ISESCO says Ajiad Fortress not monument of universal legacy Saudi Arabia-Turkey, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Egypt welcomes Musharraf's decision to defuse tension with India Egypt-Pakistan, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Spanish NGOs, socialist party condemn Melilia authorities decision to expel families of delinquent minors
  Several social and non-governmental organizations and the Spanish socialist labor party (PSOE/opposition) denounced on Tuesday measures projected by the authorities of Melilia (Moroccan northern city still under Spanish rule) to expel non-Spanish families in case their minor children breach the laws. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Libyan- French- joint higher committee meets February
  The French Foreign minister Hubert Vedrine will pay a visit to Libya during February to preside over his country's delegation to the meetings of the Libyan- French joint committee which will be held in Tripoli to discuss means of supporting cooperation between the two countries in all fields. Libya-France, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Egyptian FM in Morocco to transmit Mubarak's message to king
  Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher, arrived in Casablanca on Tuesday to convey King Mohammed VI a message from Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak. Morocco-Egypt, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Mubarak receives US Senator
  Emerging from the 90-minute meeting, Kerry said we've had a very lengthy conversation that mostly focused, though not exclusively, on the peace process and the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories". Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Al-Assad confers with US congressional delegation
  Al-Assad questioned if the Americans agree with what the Israeli government is doing of acts of assassination, bombardment by planes and demolishing houses and whether these acts are the way to establish peace. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Maher, Pique discuss Mideast cause, international developments
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher yesterday held an expanded session of-talks with his Spanish counterpart Josep Pique. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Egypt keen on Sudan's national interest
  Egyptian Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Youssef Wali on Tuesday confirmed that Egypt is keen on promoting relations with Sudan in all domains especially economic ones. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/16/2002
• A disaster could take place in the region because of Israel's practices against Palestinians
  Egyptian President Mubarak said the issue of the weapon-laden ship which Israel has intercepted in the Red Sea is a mysterious story and all information about it are contradictory. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Mubarak receives Spanish Foreign Minister
  Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak receives today Spanish Foreign Minister Josef Pique who is currently on a visit to Egypt as part of a regional tour and carries a set of European principles in support of the Palestinians, Egypt 's ambassador to Spain Hussein EL Haridi said. Egypt-European Union, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Moroccan majority parties opt for list system
  The majority parties stressed the need to hold an extraordinary session of the parliament to adopt a number of texts, such as the bill on public freedoms that is already tabled before the parliament, the electoral law and the law regulating political parties that will be shortly submitted to the parliament. Morocco, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Israel has started the violence and worked on escalating it
  Israel has carried out mass killings and punishment of Palestinians, shattered their homes and ignored Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's bold initiative on December 16 to halt the violence, Baz said. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 1/16/2002
• One Israeli army officer, one settler killed
  Groups of the al-Aqsa martyrs of the Fatah movement has announced the killing of an Israeli army officer working for the intelligence in Bethlehem after opening firing at him in an operation near " Maalee Adomim settlement." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/16/2002
• UN Security Council examines latest interim report of secretary general on Sahara
  The United Nations Security council held on Tuesday a meeting behind-closed-doors to examine the latest interim-report of UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, on the situation in the Sahara. Morocco, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Egypt renews need for resumption of Israeli-Palestinian political negotiations
  Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher, stressed on Tuesday the need to carry on efforts to resume political negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/16/2002
• German government lifts travel restrictions to Yemen
  Yemen and Germany have signed an agreement on financial cooperation, according to which the German government offered 25 million German Marks to the Yemeni side to be used in main infrastructure projects. Yemen-Germany, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Tunisian president confers with Prince Nayef
  Tunisia's President Zein al-Abidin Bin Ali on Monday received Saudi arabia's minister of the interior Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz and discussed with him "brotherly and fraternal relations between the two sisterly countries as well as current international events." Tunisia-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/16/2002
• On the meeting between the Sudanese President, Garang Sudan, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Emir of Kuwait returns back home
  The Ruler of Kuwait Sheikh Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah on Tuesday arrived in Kuwait from London where he had spent for four months during which he underwent medical treatment after he had a brain shock followed by a vacation. Kuwait, Politics, 1/16/2002
• The US asks Arafat for more measures against persons wanted by Israel
  The spokesman for the US state department Richard Boucher has considered the detention of several Palestinians following Israel's seizure of the Karine weapons ship as a positive matter, but he also called for more measures and that more be done by the Palestinian Authority. Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Maher receives Sudanese information minister
  Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher on Tuesday received Sudanese Information Minister Mohamed Mahdi Ibrahim, currently visiting Egypt. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Arafat: Palestinians stick to peace despite pessimism
  The Palestinian Authority is committed to peace as strategic option despite the pessimistic atmosphere on the possibility of resuming the peaceful march under the Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, said Palestinian leader, Yasser Arafat. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/16/2002
• UMA secretary general: member countries agree to face modern challenges
  All of Maghreban states agree that facing modern challenges require that they join efforts and coordinate action, said secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union, Mohamed Amamou. Maghreb, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Morocco and Thai Legislators Set up Friendship Parliamentary Group
  Members of the chamber of advisors (Moroccan upper chamber) set up on Tuesday a Moroccan-Thai parliamentary friendship group. Morocco-Thailand, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Moroccan parliamentary delegation in Turkey
  A Moroccan parliamentary delegation started on Tuesday a five-day visit to Turkey at the invitation of the Turkey-Morocco parliamentary friendship group. Morocco-Turkey, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Development in religious discourse does not change core of Islam
  People's Assembly Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour said that developing the religious discourse did not mean changing the principles of Islam. Rather, he added, it means developing the means, by which one could address people about the principles of Islam in a way preventing overlapping and misunderstanding with others beliefs. Egypt-UK, Politics, 1/16/2002
• Jordanian journalist arrested Jordan, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Al-Assad says the USA needs to define terrorism
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday received a telephone call from the US President George Bush during which latest regional developments were discussed. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Al-Shara, Hammoud hold discussions on preparations for Beirut summit Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Demolition of Palestinian homes, an act of collective punishment, Amnesty International says
  Amnesty International condemned on Monday the demolition of dozens of homes in Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, as an act of collective punishment and a grave breach of international humanitarian law. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Prince moulay Rachid received by France's Chirac Morocco-France, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Saudi crown prince confers with Lebanese army commander Saudi Arabia-Lebanon, Politics, 1/15/2002
• March of solidarity with Palestinian people sunday in Rabat Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 1/15/2002
• One senior Fatah official assassinated by the Israeli forces
  The Israeli forces on Monday demolished 13 houses in Jerusalem and displaced their people and assassinated one of the al-Aqsa martyrs group in Toulkarem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Dutch parliamentary delegation visits Morocco Morocco-Holland, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Seven new ministers in the government of Abu al-Ragheb
  The prime minister and the ministers took their oath before King Abdullah II who stressed that the new government has to carry out the new parliamentary elections with transparency Jordan, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Libya and the Beirut summit
  Libya's permanent representative at the Arab League Abdul Menem al-Houni has stressed his country's position towards transferring the forthcoming Arab summit from Beirut to Cairo due to divisions in the lines of the Lebanese government towards the convening of this summit. Libya-Lebanon, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Indyk, Israel and the Palestinians Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Al-Barazani and the Kurdish state
  The Turkish daily Hurriet unveiled in its Monday's issue that the Turkish intelligence has prepared a report on violations made by the chairman of the Kurdistani democratic party Masout Barazani in behaving like the head of state for Kurdistan. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Al-Assad confers with the governor of Cordoba
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday received the governor of the Spanish city of Cordoba Mrs. Rossa Aghela and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Spain, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Sudan, rebels to meet in Bern
  The Sudanese government announced on Sunday that it had received an invitation to make talks with the rebels in Switzerland. Simultaneously, the US special envoy John Danforth arrived in Khartoum on Sunday evening. Sudan, Politics, 1/15/2002
• US intelligence delegation in Kuwait
  The Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am issued on Monday quoted well-informed sources at the Kuwaiti foreign ministry as saying that an American intelligence delegation is making meetings with several security, financial and banking officials in Kuwait in order to collect information about bank accounts and names in the framework of the terrorism -fighting campaign. Kuwait-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Jordanian, Iraqi foreign ministers meet in Amman
  A meeting was held on Monday in Amman between the Jordanian foreign minister Abdul Illah al-Khatib and the Iraqi foreign minister Naji Sabri during which they exchanged view points regarding several regional and international issues. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 1/15/2002
• UN, US delegations in Somalia
  Somalia's president Abdul Qasem Salad Hassan has unveiled that an American delegation and another UN delegation will visit Somalia shortly in order to take sure that the country is free from terrorist groups. Somalia-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• AL chief: Unanimous Arab care to provide Beirut's summit a success
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa has stressed that he felt during his talks in Damascus Syria's great support and readiness to provide the Arab summit to be held in Beirut in set time a success. Regional, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Burns visit Qatar
  The ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani on Monday held talks with the US under secretary of state for the Middle East affairs William Burns dealt with several regional and international issues of mutual concern. Qatar-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• American source denies the return back of Zinni
  The Israeli Hebrew language daily on Monday quoted a well-informed sources that the US administration has not decided yet on dispatching its envoy Anthony Zinni to the region again Palestine-USA, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Member of managing board of German bank in Morocco
  Member of the managing board of the German public bank Kreditanslat fur Wiederaufbau (KFW), Ingrid Matthaus-Maier, is expected in Morocco this Tuesday on a five-day visit. Morocco-Germany, Politics, 1/15/2002
• Al-Assad confers with Arab League chief Syria-Regional, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Bahrain 's prime minister arrives in Riyadh
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Sunday discussed with Bahrain's prime minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa in al-Riyadh developments on the Arab and international arenas, bilateral relations and means of strengthening them between the two states. Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Mubarak discusses ME developments with US congress delegation Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Syrian source denies American naval inspection
  A well-informed Syrian source has ruled out reports saying that American naval vessels had inspected ships heading for Syria and Lebanon, considering the deployment of these vessels as they are not basically to monitor the Syrian or Lebanese coasts, rather is linked to the war waged by the US against terrorism, especially in Afghanistan. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Turkish border measures to deter 'Iraq, Iranian missiles'
  The Turkish daily " Zamaan " ( the Times) said on Sunday that the Turkish defense ministry has officially asked officials of Malatia province, to the south of Turkey which is close to the Syrian border for the need that citizens have to get official licenses to carry out construction works, in the villages close to Malatia airport. Turkey-Iraq, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Moroccan association holds solidarity rally with Palestinian people
  The petition states that signatories, in their capacity as inhabitants of the globe, urge Mary Robinson to set up a fact-finding commission to investigate Sharon's participation in war crimes against humanity, in accordance with the Human Rights Universal Declaration Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Jordanian King to visit Washington by the end of January Jordan-USA, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Saudi embassy in the Czech republic Saudi Arabia-Czech Republic, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Further deterioration in the occupied Arab territories
  The chairman of the Israeli " Merits " movement Yusi Sarid admitted that the policy of demolishing the Palestinian houses is but a strategic projects carried out by the government of Sharon and has no connection to the operations carried out by the Palestinians against israeli targets. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Arab legal experts to study UN resolution 1373 on fighting terrorism Regional, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Sudan, Ethiopia for further cooperation
  Ethiopia's prime minister Meles Zenawi has described his visit to Sudan as practical and as a manifestation of the joint desire to maintaining cooperation between the two countries especially in the economic fields. Sudan-Ethiopia, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Syrian information minister confers with CNN chief
  The minister of information Adnan Omran on Sunday received Chief of the CNN Easen Jordan. Syria-USA, Politics, 1/14/2002
• King Mohammed names rector of Amazigh culture institute
  The sovereign also recalled the contents of the speech he had delivered in Khenifra (Middle Atlas Mountain City) when he sealed the Dahir setting up the institute, insisting that Amazigh is a fundamental component of national identity and that it belongs to all Moroccans, without any exception. Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Picqui calls for intensifying international efforts to halt deterioration in the ME
  The Spanish foreign minister Jose Picqui has called for intensifying the international efforts to halt the deterioration in the Middle East as a result of the Israeli practices in the Palestinian territories, stressing that the solution in the region requires an American commitment. Regional-European Union, Politics, 1/14/2002
• US congressman renews us support to Baker's initiatives in Sahara issue
  US congressman, Richard Gephardt, who is leading a US congress delegation in a visit to Morocco, said his country supports initiatives by the UN secretary general's special envoy for the Sahara, James Baker, to find a solution to the Sahara issue. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Comoros: possible resignation for the president to re-nominate himself Comoros, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Maghreban space holds first seminar on Maghreban cultural communication
  The Maghreban Space, set up last May in Oujda (Morocco), dedicated its activities in Algiers this January 11-12 with a seminar on Maghreban cultural communication. Maghreb-Algeria, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Egyptian FM in Morocco Tuesday
  Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Maher, is expected in Morocco Tuesday on a two-day visit during which he will convey King Mohammed VI a message from President Husni Mubarak. Egypt-Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Lebanese president sends invitation for Arab summit
  A statement of the Lebanese presidency office published this Monday says Lebanese culture minister, Ghassane Salame, will be travelling to Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania to extend an invitation from Lebanese president, Emile Lahoud, to attend the Arab ordinary summit, slated for next March. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Moroccan-Mexican cooperation probed in Mexico
  Moroccan-Mexican cooperation was probed at a meeting in Mexico City Friday between visiting Moroccan secretary of state for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taieb Fassi Fihri, and Mexican deputy foreign minister, Marin Boch. Morocco-Mexico, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Morocco's el aynaoui qualifies to 2nd round of Melbourne tennis tournament
  Morocco's Younes El Aynaoui, 21 seeded, qualified this Monday to the second round of the international tennis tournament of Melbourne, after beating Czech Jiri Vanek Morocco, Politics, 1/14/2002
• Kuwaiti crown price gets a message from Sudan's parliament speaker Kuwait-Sudan, Politics, 1/14/2002

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