Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/11/2002
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 11, 2002
- Additional three private publications licensed in Syria
News reports in Damascus said that the Syrian Cabinet licensed the Syrian specialist in insurance affairs Abdul Latif Abboud to issue what will be considered the third private periodical in Syria while the ministry of information submitted the request proposed for licensing two additional private periodicals for approval. Syria, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Saudi crown prince explainsnormalization idea, will tell Cheney the mistake of attacking Iraq
The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has announced he will propose his peace initiative which include the questions of Jerusalem and the refugees and full normalization of Arab- Israeli relations after the pullout to 1967 border during the next Arab summit in Beirut but he said that the US did not officially support the initiative in full, noting that the details of "the negotiations on the refugees are left for the Israelis and the Palestinians." Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Mubarak: Israeli policy fuels hatred
"Asking about the decision, Clinton told me that the proposal was an Israeli sovereignty over Al Haram Al Sharif," Mubarak said. "Let us be more frank, the Islamic world would never accept an Israeli sovereignty over Al Haram Al Sharif," Mubarak reiterated. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Miro and one third of the Syrian government is in Beirut today Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/16/2002
- Syrian: The Iraqi pipeline is just for a test, to be canceled
The Syrian oil minister Ibrahim Haddad said on Friday in Vienna that Syria is still testing the oil pipeline which is extended from Iraq since 20 years, but it will work to cancel this line for using a new line to be used in the framework of the oil-for-food agreement between Iraq and the UN. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Mubarak receives Iraqi official
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak received on Thursday Iraqi Vice Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council, Ezzat Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Nagui Sabri. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Morocco, Algeria convene to maintain contact over cooperation
Morocco and Algeria on Friday convened to maintain permanent contact with a view to promoting fruitful bilateral cooperation. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Egyptian- Yemeni security cooperation
The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has stressed that Egypt's security is of concern to Yemen and vice versa. This was expressed during the meeting between President Saleh and the Egyptian minister of the interior Habib al- Adili. Yemen-Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Arafat confers with Zinni
The chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat met with the US envoy Anthony Zinni. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Oreikat said that what is required is an integrated plan that starts from the implementation of Tenet understandings and ends with mechanism to end the occupation and complete Israeli withdrawal until June 4, 1967 border lines. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Most Israeli support unilateral pullout from settlements
An opinion poll conducted by the Israeli daily Maareve said that that most of the Israelis have become supporters for a unilateral withdrawal without peace agreement from the settlements in Gaza and that 36% of the Israelis demand total Israeli pullout until June 4, 1967 border lines. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2002 - British churches condemn Israeli occupation
Heads of the British churches on Friday expressed their support to the calls which demand Israel end its occupation of the Arab territories it occupied since 1967. Palestine-UK, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Lebanon denies the Israeli claims
Lebanon has denied what was said by Israel that the gunmen who killed 6 Israelis in the north of Israel this week sneaked through Lebanese borders into Israel. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Verbal message from Mubarak to Ethiopian President
Maher said that the 75th meeting of the Ministerial Council of the OAU is an important and historical occasion in view of the vistas it will open for pan-African action. Egypt-Ethiopia, Politics, 3/16/2002 - On the Sudanese opposition
The Sudanese minister of the interior Lt. Gen. Abdul Rahim Hussein has announced that the government will not permit any political organization or an opposition party of a military wing the right to practice political activity inside Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Maher to deliver a message from President Mubarak to Blair
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher visits Britain on March 19-21 to convey a verbal message from President Hosni Mubarak to British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Maher was giving press statements in which he said that Mubarak has met with Blair more than once. Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2002 - International Parliamentary Union to issue historic recommendation, official
The International Parliamentary Union (IPU) will make historic recommendations during its 107th session, to open Monday in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh, speaker of the Moroccan house of representatives (lower chamber), Abdelouahed Radi, said. Regional, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Powell meets south Sudan rebel leader
Both the Secretary and Mr. Garang noted the momentum that seems to be starting up in the process of resolving the issues in Sudan Sudan-USA, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Minister of Interior: No one away from terrorism
In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram reporter at Sanaa, Minister of Interior Habib El-Adli confirmed the existence of full security cooperation and exchange of information between Egypt and the USA in combating terrorism. Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Egypt urges world parliaments to hammer out terrorism-defining agreement
Egyptian People's Assembly Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour underscored President Hosni Mubarak's proposal to conclude an international anti-terrorism agreement under the aegis of the United Nation. Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Egypt calls on UN to condemn Jewish settlements in occupied territories
Egypt called on the United Nations (UN) to condemn Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2002 - Demonstration in Majdal Shams in solidarity with the Intifada Syria-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002
- Al-Assad discusses with Talibani the American threats against Iraq
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday discussed the American threats against Iraq with the secretary general of the Kurdistani National Federation party Jalal al-Talibani who stressed his party's rejection to striking Iraq and its commitment to the unity of the Iraqi territories. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 3/15/2002 - King Mohammed gets message from president of Guinea Bissau Morocco-Guinea-Bissau, Politics, 3/15/2002
- Damascus renews backing to crown prince Abdullah's initiative
Damascus on Thursday stressed that Israel has to approve complete withdrawal from the territories it occupied in 1967 before Syria will agree to making talks on peace conditions, noting simultaneously that it is in complete compliance with the Saudi position voiced in the initiative launched in February by the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/15/2002 - U.S. calls for complete Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian areas Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/15/2002
- No German attack against Iraq without UN mandate Iraq-Germany, Politics, 3/15/2002
- Conviction of Libyan by a Scottish court in the Lockerbie case upheld Libya, Politics, 3/15/2002
- Syria: UN resolution 1397 ignores the land for peace principle
Syrian minister of information Adnan Omran described the said resolution as vague, incomprehensive and ignores any sign to the principle of land for peace. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Lahoud: UN resolution 1397 is vague
The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Thursday criticized the decision taken by the UN security council no 1397 and considered it as vague, according to a statement issued by the Lebanese Presidency. The statement added that this resolution is controversial. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Egypt, Jordan, Morocco welcomes UN resolution 1397
The secretary general of the Arab League has welcomed the recent UN Security Council resolution no 1397 and called for its implementation especially through sending UN observation force. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Arab intellectuals address Arab leaders before Beirut March 27 summit
They questioned that it is not logic , nor rightful that the Arab nation is floating on a sea of wealth, while most of its people are drowned in poverty and illiteracy. Regional, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Saleh, Cheney discuss security, military cooperation, terrorism in Yemen, striking Iraq
US Vice President Dick Cheney on Thursday received the support of Sanaa for the efforts made in not converting Yemen to another Afghanistan and to prevent al-Qaida organization forces from reuniting their lines in Yemen. Yemen-USA, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Arab citizens conference in Beirut to support the Palestinian Intifada
The secretary general of the Islamic Jihad movement Ramadan Shalah on Thursday stressed that the Palestinian Intifada is continuous and he also talked about a long battle against Israel. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Jordanian king - Blair call for revitalizing ME peace
The Jordanian King Abdullah II and the British prime minister Tony Blair have discussed the need of "revitalizing" the peace process in the Middle East and this was during talks they held on Thursday in London. Jordan-UK, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Jordan will prevent an anti- Israel demonstration
The Jordanian minister of the Interior Qaftan al-Majali said that the Jordanian authorities will prevent a demonstration against Israel, called upon by Islamists today without getting a prior licensing. Jordan, Politics, 3/15/2002 - House of representatives passes press code
The Moroccan house of representatives (lower chamber of parliament) on Tuesday passed a new press code. Morocco, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Algerian Home Minister in Morocco
Algerian home minister, Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni, arrived in Rabat this Friday morning on a work visit at the invitation of his Moroccan peer, Driss Jettou. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/15/2002 - A Palestinian mother bids farewell for her son before 'martyrdom'
" I wish I had 100 sons like Muhammad ( her son) so as I will sacrifice all of them for the sake of God," said the Palestinian woman Mariam Farhat Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Middle East developments evidence failure of Sharon's policy
The latest developments in the Middle East evidence the failure and bankruptcy of Israel's policy, Hassan Barghouti, Chief of the Palestinian Workers Rights Center, said. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Funeral march, before the Israeli embassy in Tokyo
Peace activists in Tokyo on Thursday held a "funeral march" around the Israeli embassy demanding for an immediate withdrawal for the Israeli army from the areas fall under the Palestinian self rule authorities. Palestine-Japan, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Protests in France over holding a party evening in support of the Israeli army
Several organizations in France on Thursday protested the determination of the "Israeli soldier prosperity society" to hold an entertainment evening next Sunday in Marseilles in support of the Israeli army. Israel-France, Politics, 3/15/2002 - The White Houses opposes extra aid to Israel
An American official announced on Thursday that the American presidency refused a request made by the US State Department provided for giving Israeli an additional military aids estimated at USD 200 million. Israel-USA, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Yaaloun to succeed Mofaz as chief of staff for Israeli army
The media advisor for the Israeli defense minister Benjamin Bin Aliazer said that it was announced on Thursday to recommend the government appointing Maj. Gen. Moshe Yaaloun, the deputy chief of staff for the Israeli army as its chief. Israel, Politics, 3/15/2002 - Damascus: Seif's sentence next week
The third and last defendant witness in the trial of the independent parliament member Riyadh Seif on Wednesday denied Seif to have had demanded the change of the constitution illegally or provoked any sectarian provocation or even forming a secret society. Syria, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Message to Arab summit: it is time to restore the Arab nation's international position
Your excellencies, majesty, the Arab kings, Presidents and princes. In this phase in which the Arab League is being held, our Arab nation and its surrounding are witnessing fundamental changes which are in reality part of greater world changes which started with the collapse of the old world system. Regional, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Qatar's second conference for democracy on March 26
Qatar's second conference for democracy and free trade will be held on march 26 to 29 at Ritz Carlton. It is organized by the Gulf studies center at Qatar university in collaboration with the foreign ministry in Qatar. Regional-Qatar, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Mubarak and Cheney discuss Palestine, Iraq
Egyptian President Mubarak yesterday received in Sharm EL Sheikh Richard Cheney the US Vice President who arrived in Egypt from Jordan in the context of a Middle East tour that will take him to eleven countries. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Message from al-Assad to Austrian President
Al-Shara highly appreciated Austria's stances towards the Middle East. He explained "the grave and inhuman acts committed by Israel and stressed that the Palestinian resistance confronts the Israeli army on its occupied territories. A thing which is the simplest means for self-defense and therefore the Palestinians should not be asked to stop violence while they are vulnerable to all forms of Israeli violence, killing and destruction." Syria-Austria, Politics, 3/14/2002 - 'Human Rights in Islam' under the spotlight
An international symposium entitled "Human Rights in Islam and Protection of its Basic Freedoms" will be held March 14-15, at the U.N. headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, with several international experts attending. Regional, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Al-Assad confers with former Lebanese presidents, two sons Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/14/2002
- Message from Lebanon's Lahoud to king Mohammed Lebanon-Morocco, Politics, 3/14/2002
- Italian communication secretary of state in Morocco Morocco-Italy, Politics, 3/14/2002
- King Mohammed instructs commission entrusted with amending personal statute to submit draft before year's end
The sovereign, who is keen on seeing the new personal statute code materialized promptly, ordered the commission to submit to his appreciation the new code before the end of the current year. The commander of the faithful insisted that the code amendment be thorough and comprehensive. Morocco, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Military action against Iraq not necessary, Morocco says
Morocco on Wednesday said military action against Iraq is not necessary and called for peace efforts instead. Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Morocco calls for face to face talks with Algeria over Sahara
Morocco on Wednesday called for face to face talks with Algeria over the issue of the Moroccan Sahara. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Turkey: we share Syria a joint desire to develop friendship, cooperation ties
The Turkish minister of housing and construction Abdul Qader al-Jaan has stressed that the Syrian and the Turkish leaderships have the joint desire to develop relations and strengthen ties of neighborhood and fraternity between the Syrian and Turkish peoples. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Moussa and the Saudi initiative
The secretary general of the Arab league (AL) Amr Moussa has announced that a normalization of relations with Israel is not debated in the Saudi initiative in "language or formulation " used by the press, stressing that this formulation as stated in these media was not precise. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Israeli cabinet discuss military measures and tightening the siege on Palestinians
Member of the Israeli Knesset Yusi Sarid called on the US to agree to deploying UN observers in the Palestinian territories to supervise closely what is taking place. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - UN Security Council issues a resolution for a vague 'vision' to establish a Palestinian state
Syria's representative at the UN Mikhael Wahba said that the decision of the UN security council is weak because it does not deal with the main reason for violence mainly because of the Israeli occupation. He said that this resolution puts the assassin and the victims on equal footing. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Full text of UN security council resolution 1397 on Palestine - Israel
The UN Security Council on the ground of its previous resolutions concerned especially UN resolutions 242 of ( 1967) and 338 of 1973, committing to a perspective based on an area of where the states of Israel and Palestine coexist side by side within secure and recognized borders Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Annan appeals to Arab leaders not to give up search for peace
He called on Israel to stop the bombing of civilian areas, the assassinations, the unnecessary use of lethal force, the demolitions and "the daily humiliation of ordinary Palestinians." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Moroccan-French talks in Rabat
Moroccan Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi conferred here Wednesday with visiting secretary of state for foreign trade, Francois Huwart, who started Tuesday a two-day work visit to Morocco. Morocco-France, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Sahara Issue at the Focus of Benaissa-Bradshaw Talks in London
The latest developments in North Africa and the contention with Algeria over the Sahara issue were at the hearth of talks held in London Wednesday by Moroccan foreign affairs and cooperation minister, Mohamed Benaissa, and British secretary of state to the foreign office in charge of North Africa and the Middle East, Ben Bradshaw. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Survivors of Polisario jails get strong backing in Sweden
The Association of the Survivors of the Tindouf (south-western Algeria) Jails (ASOCAPOS) has won a strong backing in Sweden where a solidarity committee with the association was set up. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Bush says the Iraqi president is a problem and he is going to fix it
US President George Bush talking about Iraq said yesterday, "This is a nation run by a man who is willing to kill his own people by using chemical weapons; a man who won't let inspectors into the country; a man who's obviously got something to hide. And he is a problem. And we're going to deal with him." Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Israel Raids UN-Run School in Palestinian Camp, Trapping staff and Causing Damage
The United Nations relief agency assisting Palestine refugees reported Tuesday that one of its schools in the Ramallah area had been occupied by Israeli troops and turned into an observation and detention point, trapping many UN staff who were unable to leave the premises, fearing for their lives. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Algeria: 50 wounded in confrontation between the Berber and the security forces
At least 50 persons were wounded among the protesting Berber groups in clashes with the Algerian security forces in al Qabayel area. This comes following the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika recognition of the Amghazi language as an official language beside the Arabic language with the aim to alleviate tension in the region. Algeria, Politics, 3/14/2002 - Al-Assad confers with Lebanese parliament member Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/13/2002
- Bahrain: five societies taking part in the municipal elections
Five political societies in Bahrain on Tuesday announced their participation in the municipal elections which will be held this May in the country, but expressed "great concern" over the distribution of the electoral departments. Bahrain, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Urgent Qatari donation to the Palestinians Qatar-Palestine, Politics, 3/13/2002
- King Abdullah on regional peace and Iraq
He considered that striking Iraq is a catastrophe and that there is no way to solve issues pending with Iraq except through dialogue between Baghdad and the UN. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Palestinians calls for sending UN forces to Palestinian territories Palestine, Politics, 3/13/2002
- US ambassador commends Saudi Arabia's peace ideas Regional-USA, Politics, 3/13/2002
- Al-Assad meets with Izzat Ibrahim
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday met with the deputy chairman of the revolution's leadership council in Iraq Izzat Ibrahim and the Iraqi foreign minister Naji Sabri al-Hadeithi. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Israel reoccupied Palestinian areas, 10 Palestinians killed, scores wounded
Eye- witnesses said that in defiance to the instructions of the Israelis, women and children took the street and the men stayed in the houses and the Palestinian authority asked the men not to surrender them selves. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Emirates vows to rebuild Palestinian houses destroyed by Israel
Board chairman of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Red Crescent Khaleifa Nasser al-Sweidi said that the UAE decided to build houses of the Palestinians destroyed by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza and to provide USD 500 as an urgent aid for each family of the "Palestinian martyrs and prisoners." United Arab Emirates-Palestine, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Fahd, Berlskony discuss in Jeddah the Arab- Israeli conflict
Italian prime minister Silvio Berleskony held in Jeddah on Tuesday talks with the Saudi King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz talks concerning the Arab - Israeli conflict. Saudi Arabia-Italy, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Mubarak meets Cheney on situation in Palestinian territories
Egyptian Foreign Minster Ahmed Maher said the situation in the middle east will figure high on the agenda of the talks President Hosni Mubarak will hold with US Vice-President Richard Cheney who is due in Cairo today. Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/13/2002 - France denounces Israeli practices, calls for int'l observers
France expressed its deep concern and dismay for the persistent Israeli armed aggressions against the Palestinians. Palestine-France, Politics, 3/13/2002 - New plan for Sharon to evacuate the Palestinians
Well-informed diplomatic sources told the Jordanian weekly al-Bilaad in its recent issue published on Tuesday in Amman about a secret plan the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon will carry out following the end of the Arab summit conference in Beirut. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/13/2002 - An opposition member: Saddam Hussein's days are numbered
Gen. Nizar al-Khazradji, chief of staff of the Iraqi army between 1986- 1990 has stressed that the days of the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in authority have become numbered, noting his continued contacts with leaders of the Iraqi opposition abroad. Iraq, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Mubarak determines guidelines of the government performance
The importance of control and field follow-up of the performance of the organizations, sectors and ministries affiliated to the Ministers and probing problems and issues on the ground and evaluating the performance of the heads of sectors and organizations and leaderships on the basis of their ability to do their role and upgrade their utilities on the ground. Egypt, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Egypt hails Annan's statement on Israel
Annan has asserted that the real problem comes out of the continued "illegal occupation" of Palestinian lands, he added. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Al-Shara discusses in Austria for strengthening bilateral relations
The Deputy Premier and foreign minister Farouk al- Shara arrived in Vienna on Tuesday in an official visit to the Republic of Austria. Syria-Austria, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Tony Blair gets message from King Mohammed
British Premier Tony Blair on Tuesday got a message from King Mohammed VI dealing with the latest developments in North Africa and the evolution of the Moroccan-Algerian conflict on the Moroccan Sahara issue. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Jordanian FM meets with Moratinos
The Jordanian Foreign minister Marwan al-Mashaar on Tuesday in Amman met with the EU ME peace process special coordinator Miguel Moratinos and discussed with him conditions taking place in the Palestinian territories under the continued Israeli aggressions. Jordan-European Union, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Egyptian-Tunisian higher committee convenes soon in Cairo
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will receive today a message from Tunisian President Zein Alabedeen Bin Ali on the latest developments in the Middle East and efforts exerted to establish peace in the region. Egypt-Tunisia, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Latest Israeli aggressions attempt to foil peace efforts
Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Maher described the recent Israeli atrocious aggressions on Jaballa refugee camp and the Palestinian Authority headquarters in Ramallah as a very dangerous, a matter that reflects an early attempt to foil the surging peace efforts. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/13/2002 - Tunisia's Ben Ali gets message from King Mohammed Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 3/12/2002
- Damascus: arresting a banker, changes targeting director generals
Syrian official sources said that the director of the Syrian commercial Bank Nadim Mithqal was arrested and brought before the economic security investigation judge, at the time when the prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro had changed directors general in various sectors in the country within few days. Syria, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Al-Assad, Abdullah discuss new developments, urge strong summit decisions
The talks held between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday in Damascus dealt with developments in the region, the practices conducted by the Israeli forces against the Palestinians and the current contacts made in preparations for the Arab summit. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Arafat: Israeli escalation proceeds according to plan
Arafat said that the current practice by Israeli occupation forces of tattooing numbers on the bodies of detainees in Tulkarm camp is reminiscent of earlier similar practices by the Nazis in their detention camps during World War II. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Ezzat Ibrahim in Damascus Syria-Iraq, Politics, 3/12/2002
- Maher reviews key issues with top Arab diplomats
Treiki said Egypt and Libya are awaiting the response of the Sudanese National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to the initiative, adding that he met the NDA leader Mohamed Othman Merghani Monday to discuss this issue. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Saudi defense minister meets with Lebanese prime minister Saudi Arabia-Lebanon, Politics, 3/12/2002
- Vedrine: Israel's policy based on security complicates situations
French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine said the solution to the Middle East problem will not come from Washington but from a change in the Israeli government's policy. Palestine-France, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Mubarak asserts to Sharon the need for making breakthrough in peace
Egyptian President Mubarak has underlined the need for making a genuine breakthrough in the peace process and easing down siege on Palestinian leadership the Palestinian people and improving living conditions for Palestinians. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Peres, Solana discuss recent developments Israel-European Union, Politics, 3/12/2002
- Zinni to seek immediate implementation of Tenet plan
US Special Middle East Envoy General Anthony Zinni, who is returning to the region this week following the heavy Israeli-Palestinian violence, will seek the immediate implementation of the Tenet security work plan, State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters March 11. Palestine-USA, Politics, 3/12/2002 - O'Neill cites U.S.-Saudi action against terror
The United States and Saudi Arabia are joining forces in the fight against terrorist financing, acting jointly to block the assets of the Somalia and Bosnia-Herzegovina branches of a Saudi-based charitable foundation. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 3/12/2002 - US determination to topple the Iraqi regime
The Saudi daily al-Watan issued on Monday said that the US Vice President Dick Cheney will inform the Arab leaders with whom he will meet during his current tour to the region of a clear and strong message stressing that the administration of President George Bush is persistent to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein, whatsoever the criticism and objections to be addressed to this administration to this end. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/12/2002 - US diplomatic source praises Mubarak's visit
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's visit to the US scored great success due to its timing, said a senior US diplomatic source, describing it as useful to Egypt and the US, Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Gulf foreign ministers voice support to just ME peace
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has stressed that just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will be only attainable by the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions, especially UN Security Council resolutions no. 242, 338 and 194. Gulf-Regional, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Israel continues assaults on refugee camps, rounds up hundreds of young men and children
ADC President Ziad Asali said "this policy of rounding up hundreds of men, and even many young children, without any reason and holding them in internment camps without charge is yet another outrageous violation of human rights, the Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the Israeli occupation authorities. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Al-Shara confers with Moratinos on Palestinian situation
The Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara on Monday in Damascus met with the European ME special envoy Miguel Moratinos and members of the accompanying delegation. Senior foreign ministry official attended the meeting. Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Kuwaiti source denies reports on timing to striking Iraq Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 3/12/2002
- Bin Aliazer contacts Mubarak
The Israeli defense minister Benjamin Bin Aliazer on Monday asked the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in a telephone call to pressure chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat to "halt terrorism and violence." Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Israel refuses UN observers in Palestinian territories
Israel has renewed its rejection to the deployment of UN observers or multi-national forces in the occupied Palestinians territories to ensuring the protection of the Palestinian and to reduce the level of violence. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2002 - An agreement on diplomatic cooperation between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have signed an agreement on diplomatic and consulate cooperation that states that the diplomatic mission or consulate for any of each the two Kingdoms to supervise the interests of the other in the countries where one of them does not have a representation. Saudi Arabia-Bahrain, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Syrian intellectuals call on Europe to shoulder its responsibilities
Some 60 Syrian intellectuals and writers have called on Europe to shoulder its responsibility towards the Palestinian people and to make greater efforts to halt "the war of extermination against the Palestinians." Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Security council holds open session on middle east
The United Nations Security Council holds an open meeting on the Middle East this Tuesday following a request by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who asked for the session to make a public plea to the two sides to the conflict, a spokesman for Annan announced Monday. Palestine, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Makadishu: two persons were killed in an attack at a house of minister
Officials in Makadishu said on Monday that two passers by in the Somali capital Makadishu were killed when armed men attacked the house of the minister of the interior in the Somali provisional government. Somalia, Politics, 3/12/2002 - French group seeks to ban a party for the Israeli army
A French group opposing the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories has condemned on Monday hosting a music concert to honor the Israeli army in Paris and said it seeks to convince the French government of prevent this concert. Israel-France, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Mubarak appoints three new ministers
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak Monday issued presidential decrees appointing three new ministers for health and population, civil aviation and transport. Egypt, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Morocco-European union association committee meets in rabat
The Morocco-European Union association committee holds its second meeting in Rabat on Wednesday to carry on dialogue on political and regional issues of mutual concern in light of the situation prevailing on the national and international scene. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/12/2002 - Changes in the Syrian security forces, airline company
In its Saturday's issue the London- based al-Hayat daily said that changes are continuous in theinternal security forces in Syria and the Syrian airline company just few days after the prime minister Muhammad Mustafa Miro vowed to implement directives made by President Bashar al-Assad in order to revitalize the principle to that "no body is above the law." Syria, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Al-Assad to visit Egypt, King Abdullah today in Damascus Syria-Regional, Politics, 3/11/2002
- Libyan leader receives message from king Mohammed Morocco-Libya, Politics, 3/11/2002
- Arab FMs unanimously agree to all resolutions backing Palestinians
The Arab League Council, which met at the level of Arab Foreign Ministers, Sunday issued its final statement in which it dealt with the following issues: Regional, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Prince Sultan: Helping Israel is an unforgivable crime Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 3/11/2002
- King Mohammed urges world leaders to take necessary moves for immediate resumption of middle east peace negotiations
the sovereign vehemently denounced the systematic resort to military action by Israel, which stubbornly opts for the logic of force, imposes blockade against the Palestinian people, causes unacceptable tragedies and human sufferings and exacerbates the feelings of frustration and despair among the Palestinian population. Morocco-Palestine, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Borders opened between Morocco, Mauritania Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 3/11/2002
- Message To Mubarak from Saudi Monarch and his crown Prince
Foreign Minister Maher, on his part, said Israel has two choices: either to continue to blunder and hold on to a policy that has not brought it any peace, security or suppressed the fervent Palestinian resistance - or to accept peace, towards which current Arab efforts are geared, foremost the Saudi Crown Prince's efforts. Egypt-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Jordanian King to start a new European tour Jordan-European Union, Politics, 3/11/2002
- Arab League committee dedicates $ 55 million per month for Palestinians
The Palestinian International cooperation minister Nabil Shaath has announced that the follow up committee of implementing the Cairo summit resolutions, held at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo approved giving USD 55 million per month for the Palestinian authority along the current year. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Plan to merge IGAD, Libyan- Egyptian initiative on Sudan
A Kenyan plan was disclosed in Khartoum that is secretly prepared towards merging the two initiatives of the IGAD organizations with the joint Libyan- Egyptian initiative concerned with establishing peace in Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 3/11/2002 - French parliament member: Syria has to help us improving her image abroad
Chairman of the French- Syrian Parliamentary friendship society Philip Meirini said on Sunday that Syria has to work for improving its image abroad. Syria-France, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Mofaz: we killed 200 Palestinians, arrested 1200 Palestinians
The Israeli occupation forces on Sunday continued their brutal acts against the Palestinian people amid assertions made by the Israeli prime minister Shaoul Mofaz that the war against the Palestinians will continue. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Algerian minister postpones visit to Morocco
A visit which was presumed to be held on Sunday to Morocco by the Algerian minister of commerce on top of a delegation representing Algerian businessmen was postponed. The postponement was made at the last moment. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Yemeni local elections postponed
Yemeni sources unveiled said that a proposal to increase number of election circles in the country has been under study and implies the increase in the number of these circles from 301 to 401. Yemen, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Sharon releases Arafat, opening the door for his participation at Beirut's summit
Israel has canceled the home arrest measure imposed on the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat in Ramullah. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Moussa: Firm Arab stance to confront recent developments
There is a firm Arab stance to deal with the recent developments in the occupied territories, said Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa. Regional, Politics, 3/11/2002 - The US, Britain and striking Iraq
The British government on Sunday denied reports quoted by the British daily " the Observer" on the request made by the US to Britain to prepare a plan provided for dispatching some 25, 000 British troopers to join American redeployment that will work to topple the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq-UK, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Preliminary presidential elections in Comoros postponed
The preliminary presidential elections in Comoros which were due on Sunday in the Greater Comoros island was postponed until next Friday after eight of the nine candidates announced their withdrawal as candidates. Comoros, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Holland's prime minister criticizes Israeli military acts against the Palestinians
The Dutch prime minister Vim Cook on Friday evening criticized the Israeli military acts around the Palestinian camps in the occupied territories. He expressed his hope that the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon would return back to rightfulness. Palestine-Holland, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Australia supports the American move to topple Saddam Hussein
The Australian foreign minister Alexander Downer has announced that his country will support any American moves to topple the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in case diplomatic means will fail to achieve this objective. Iraq-Australia, Politics, 3/11/2002 - Syria- EU multi-faceted cooperation 1996- 2002
Syria and the European Union have been linked since 1978 by a Cooperation Agreement. Since 1995 relations between the two sides have developed with the framework of the " Euro-Mediterranean Partnership" set up at the Barcelona conference between the EU 15 member states and the 12 Mediterranean partners. Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/11/2002