Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 7/15/2002
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of July 15, 2002
- Update: Spanish forces withdraw from Morocco's island
The Spanish government has withdrawn its forces from the Moroccan Toaura/Leila islet, announced the official spokesman of the Moroccan ministry of foreign affairs and cooperation Saturday evening. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Leading party wants Spain to deal with occupied Moroccan towns
The Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP/) ed by prime minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi) said dialogue with Spain should include all pending issues, including the Spanish colonial presence on the Moroccan coasts, particularly in the two occupied Moroccan northern towns of Sebta and Melilia. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Morocco says islet still occupied by Spain
Moroccan secretary of state for foreign affairs and cooperation, Taib Fassi Fihri, noted Friday the Moroccan Mediterranean islet of Leila is still occupied by Spain, adding that in this situation Morocco will not start any negotiations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Syria's human rights society opens for membership
The Human rights society in Syria has held the first meeting of its general commission, following its foundation. Its president Haitham al-Maleh was reelected. The society's board was also elected in the presence of a representative for the security and under the absence of a representative of the ministry of Labor and social affairs as well as the press. Syria, Politics, 7/20/2002 - King Mohammed holds second phone talks with Powell Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002
- Yemen halts judicial measures against journalists
Yemeni press sources announced that the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh gave instructions to halt judicial measures taken during the past weeks against several Yemeni journalists and certain correspondents of the foreign media. The same sources said that the directive of the Yemeni President implies assertions to to journalists on the need not to publish stories that violates national unity and principles. Yemen, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Iraq foreign minister visits Algeria Algeria-Iraq, Politics, 7/20/2002
- Mubarak meets with Zayed, King Fahd in Geneva
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak on Friday in Geneva held a meeting with each of the Saudi Arabia's King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz and the United Arab Emirates UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. The meeting was held in an undeclared visit to Switzerland and came just hours after the talks held in the White House with the participation of the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Some of Mauritania's debt forgiven Mauritania-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002
- Spain offers dialogue with Morocco to find way out to islet crisis
Spanish prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, stressed the importance of maintaining good relations with Morocco and offered "contacts" with the Moroccan authorities to find a way out to the crisis over the Moroccan Mediterranean islet of Leila. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Saudi Arabia, Emirates, Bahrain side with Morocco in dispute with Spain
A spokesman for the UAE government said in a statement carried by the UAE news agency WAM that "the state of the United Arab Emirates affirms its backing to Morocco and sides with the kingdom in its demand for the withdrawal of Spanish forces from the Moroccan Leila islet." Regional-Morocco, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Washington's commitment to peace is stronger than believed Jordan-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002
- Huda Abdul Nasser quits her post as head of al-Ahram center
Huda Abdul Nasser, the elder daughter of the late Egyptian President Jamal Abdul Nasser has resigned from the post to supervise the Egyptian revolution studies unit, which belongs to the strategic and political studies center at al-Ahram newspaper in protest of titles of a press report. Egypt, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Lahoud discusses with Clerides developments in the region
Lebanese President Emil Lahoud on Friday in Cyprus held talks with the Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides that dealt with conditions in the region in light of the grave escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Lebanon-Cyprus, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Maher: Violence between Palestinians and Israelis result of conflict
Maher said that Cairo was opposed to any military strike against Baghdad, adding that there was a unanimous stance among all the Arab states on rejecting military strike against Iraq. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Five Iraqis killed in an American attack
Five Iraqis were killed and other 17 wounded in a raid carried out by American planes on Friday a residential areas in the southern part of Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Leila islet crisis: it is blatant trickery, said Joe Bassano
Referring to the crisis between Morocco and Spain following the latter's military occupation of Leila island on Wednesday, Joe Bassano, leader of the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party, said that "Britain cannot negotiate in good faith with Spain" over Gibraltar. Morocco-UK, Politics, 7/20/2002 - London calls for peaceful settlement of Moroccan-Spanish crisis
The British government called on Thursday for a rapid and peaceful settlement of the Moroccan-Spanish crisis over the Leila islet. Morocco-UK, Politics, 7/20/2002 - EU has not taken any position on status of Leila islet
The European Union has not taken any position on the legal status of the Leila islet which was invaded on Wednesday by Spanish forces, said in Brussels Friday spokesman for the European Commission, Jonathan Faull. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Bush meets with three Arab foreign ministers
US President George Bush announced that all sides including the US have responsibilities towards reaching the founding of a Palestinian state. During his meeting with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, President Bush said that Washington will present what he called a security reform plan for the Palestinians and the Israelis prepared by the CIA chief George Tenet. Bush did not disclose details of this plan. Regional-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Ireland: Sahara issue has lasted too long
The Irish foreign minister said the Sahara issue has lasted for too long and that his country appreciates Morocco's availability, expressing hope that the issue would be settled quickly. Morocco-Ireland, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Syrian- Lebanese cooperation dismantling landmines
The Lebanese army has announced it has continued cooperation with the Syrian forces working in Lebanon to dismantle mines implanted by the Israeli occupation forces in southern Lebanon and the Western Bekaa over a period of 20 years. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Washington says Israel should not punish innocent people
"We expect that Israel's actions in its campaign against terror will be based on information that's related to an individual's culpability, not to personal or family relationships. We think that taking punitive actions against innocent people will not solve Israel's security problems" Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Russia welcomes Quartet group decisions
Russia has welcomed the UN Security Council support for the decisions of the Quarter committee taken four day ago in New York. Palestine-Russia, Politics, 7/20/2002 - ADC reminds Bush that Palestine is a Captive Nation under occupation
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee said, This summer, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands has acquired not only the distinction of being the last remaining military occupation in the world according to the U.N. Security Council, it has surpassed Japan's 34 year long occupation of Korea and become the longest military occupation in recent history. Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Jordan - Israel canal linking the Dead to red Sea
The Jordanian daily Jordan Times said Friday quoting a high ranking official that Jordan has started "non official" contacts with Israel in order to revive a project that aims at digging a canal to fight against the drying up of the Dead Sea. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Morocco readies to host second summit of Mano River countries
Morocco is readying to sponsor for the second time another summit of the Mano river countries, under the auspices of King Mohammed VI, given the regional dimension of peace and security, said here Thursday Morocco's permanent delegate to the UN, Mohamed Bennouna. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 7/20/2002 - UN forum on middle east peace process concludes in copenhagen
The Special Coordinator noted that there was "deep consensus" in the international community on how the conflict must end, including the principles of providing Israel with real and permanent guarantees of its own security as well as providing the Palestinians with real and permanent independence. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/20/2002 - Morocco complains to Security Council about Spain's invasion of islet
Morocco called, in a memo to the UN Security Council, Spain's dawn invasion on Wednesday of the Mediterranean islet of Leila a "thoughtless and dangerous" act in a sensitive area in the Gibraltar strait. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Morocco wants Spain out of invaded of islet
Benaissa likened Spain's occupation of the islet to "an act of war" and described the invasion as "a blatant violation of the form and essence of the Moroccan-Spanish treaty of friendship, neighborliness and cooperation, signed in 1991, and which provides for the respect of the independence of the two countries and for settling all disputes, whatever their nature and under whatever circumstances, through dialogue and peaceful means. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Spain had accepted concrete efforts before invading Moroccan islet
Morocco said Spain had accepted, in phone talks, Moroccan offer to withdraw its six security agents deployed in the islet on the condition that Spain never sets foot again on the Islet soil. Few minutes later, Spain rescinded its commitment and invaded the islet. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Libya wants to defuse Morocco's tension with Spain
Libya’s Leader of the Revolution Colonel Muammar al Qathafi has dispatched Secretary of the Gen. People's Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation, Abd al-Rahman Mohamed Shalkam, to Morocco and Spain in a bid to find a peaceful way out to the two countries' dispute over the Leila islet and avoid any escalation. Libya-Morocco, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Tunisia voices deep worry over Moroccan Leila islet situation
Tunisia has expressed this Thursday "deep worry" over the situation resulting from the occupation by Spanish forces of the Moroccan Leila islet. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Washington contacts with Morocco and Spain for peaceful settlement of islet issue
The US Department of State said on Wednesday close consultations have been held with both sides (Morocco and Spain) over the Moroccan Mediterranean islet of Leila to reach a peaceful settlement. Morocco-USA, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Spanish representative acknowledges Morocco's right to claims on all territories occupied by spain
If Spain is claiming sovereignty over Gibraltar, it is logical that Morocco also lays claims on Sebta and Melilia and all other northern areas occupied by Spain, said Wednesday Spanish representative, Joan Puigcercos, of the opposition party Esquerra Republicana Per Catalunya. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Senegal backs Morocco in dispute with Spain over Leila islet Morocco-Senegal, Politics, 7/19/2002
- Sultan Qaboos donates $ 3 million victims of Zayzoun dam burst Syria-Oman, Politics, 7/19/2002
- Al-Anbaa: Sudan government and Umma separatists reach agreement
issued a joint statement on a national program that includes the foundation of a democratic state in which "citizenship to be the base for duties and rights." The program states of recognizing and honoring "of all religions and beliefs, tolerance, preventing of religious harassment and any act that provokes ethnic or religious difference." Sudan, Politics, 7/19/2002 - King Mohammed congratulates Iraqi president on national day Morocco-Iraq, Politics, 7/19/2002
- Lebanese president to sign cooperation agreements in Cyprus
The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud today starts a visit to Cyprus during which he will sign several cooperation agreements with the Cypriot government including several issues of mutual concern. Lebanon-Cyprus, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Arab League chief heads to Madrid over Moroccan islet crisis
Arab League Secretary General, Amr Moussa, announced yesterday he would make a trip to Spain next Tuesday to discuss with Spanish officials the crisis over the Moroccan Leila islet. Regional-Morocco, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Baghdad: Vienna's talks achieved progress
The Iraqi foreign minister Naji Sabri on Thursday announced that the third round of dialogue between Iraq and the UN which was held in Vienna "achieved progress" and was "useful" in bringing view points together between his country and the UN towards finding out a comprehensive solution for the Iraqi issue. He stressed that contacts will continue with the UN general secretariat in order to reach "the objective of the targeted dialogue." Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Barghouthi's detention extended for 15 days
The Israeli supreme court on Thursday decided to extend the detention of the Palestinian secretary of the Fatah Movement in the West Bank Marwan Hussein Bargouthi who is also member of the Palestinian Legislative council for additional 15 days without trial "due to the complexity of his file and the need for extra time to be able to prepare the statement of accusation within the coming weeks," according to the Israeli judge Dourith Benish. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Mubarak confers with Lord Levy
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Thursday held talks on the Middle East with the Lord Levy special delegate for the British prime minister Tony Blair. Egypt-UK, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Three Palestinians challenge Arafat for presidency
So far, three Palestinian figures including the Palestinian National Authority President Yasser Arafat announced determination to nominate themselves for the presidential elections due to be held in January 2003. Palestine, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Syria's parliament speaker confers with member of Jordanian Upper House
The Speaker of the People's Assembly (PA) in Syria Abdul Qader Qaddoura on Thursday received Marwan al-Hamoud, member of the Jordanian al-A'yan (the upper chamber of the national assembly) who is also the secretary general of the forum for Arab states and African parliamentarians for populations and development. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Historical proofs evidence Leila islet is Moroccan, researcher
There is an exchange of letters dating back to 1808, through which the British consul in Tangier was asking the Moroccan sultan's governor in Tetuan for authorization to let British ships put in in the island, said Bennouna, an expert in Moroccan-Spanish relations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - 'Status quo' referred to by Spain is not mentioned anywhere, Says Journalist Zakia Daoud
The very geographical location of the Leila islet doesn't let room to any fallacy. The islet status is Moroccan. And given its very position in the sea, even a division of the territorial waters can not be raised, said Zakia Daoud, journalist and author of many books on the Maghreb. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Tetuan governor: setting surveillance post in Leila islet is a mere security measure
The Islet is located in the administrative territory of Tetuan and more precisely in the rural commune of Taghramt, on the right bank of the Gibraltar strait inside Moroccan territorial waters, the wali said at a press conference. Morocco, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Nasrullah confers with Dutch ambassador in Beirut
The secretary general of the Hizbullah Party Hassan Nasrullah has discussed with the Ducth ambassador in Beirut Yant Beit Tlaeikh the issue of Israel's continued detention of the Lebanese hostages in its prisons. Lebanon-Netherlands, Politics, 7/19/2002 - Moroccans protest Spain's invasion of Moroccan islet
Moroccans demonstrated this Thursday in capital city Rabat and in the northern city of Tetuan, to protest Spain's invasion of the Moroccan Leila islet. In Rabat, some 200 persons representing human rights, information and civil society associations demonstrated in front of Spain's embassy at the call of the Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH). Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/19/2002 - History confirms Leila islet is Moroccan territory, testimonies
Geographer Cala Galiano, head of the hydrographic department at the Spanish navy ministry, published on November 22, 1887 in the paper "Epoca" an article evidencing that the Leila islet was indeed Moroccan land. On December 3 of the same year, the Spanish Prime minister, Moret, made an unambiguous statement at the House of Representatives, that there was no doubt the islet was Moroccan. He reiterated the same statement before the upper house. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Lahoud starts a visit to Cyprus tomorrow Lebanon-Cyprus, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Moroccan government condemns Spanish aggression of Moroccan islet
The Moroccan government strongly deplores and denounces the Spanish aggression on Moroccan territory and condemns the Spanish military deployment in front of Moroccan Mediterranean coast, said this Wednesday official spokesman of the Royal palace following an extraordinary session of the ministers council. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Egyptian intelligence chief to arrive in the Palestinian territories Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Arab League's 'deep regret' at Spain's forces to occupation of Leila islet
Arab League Secretary General voiced "deep regret" after Spain used force and concentration of military units to occupy the Moroccan Leila islet and called Spain top withdraw its forces from the islet. Regional-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - King Mohammed sends message to Norwegian premier
Morocco's King Mohammed VI has sent Norwegian prime minister, Magne Kjell Bondevik, a message on the developments of the Sahara issue, mainly as regards the role of the UN Security Council. Morocco-Norway, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Hizbullah, Israel mediation on prisoners exchange Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Annan concerned over evolutions in Moroccan-Spanish relations
UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, expressed concerns at the evolutions in Moroccan-Spanish relations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Spain's Llamazares: invasion of Leila islet smacks of colonialism
The Spanish left coalition "Izquierda Unida" on Wednesday openly condemned Spain's invasion of the Mediterranean islet of Leila as a move "resuscitating Spain's colonial and Africanist spirit of past centuries." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - The Guardian: impossible not to side with the Moroccans over Leila islet
Commenting the latest developments of the Moroccan-Spanish crisis over the Mediterranean Leila Islet, British daily "the Guardian" said Tuesday "it is impossible not to side with the Moroccans, almost to the point of taking out temporary Moroccan citizenship." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Leila Islet Crisis: Paris calls for appeasement
France has voiced concern over "the current situation of tension" between Spain and Morocco, following the Spanish military intervention in the Moroccan Leila islet and expressed the wish for "appeasement." Morocco-France, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Sudanese army overtakes rebel base
The Sudanese army announced it has controlled Loronjo base which is considered the biggest base for the Southern Sudan rebels to the east of Nourit city in southern Sudan. Sudan, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Moroccan and Algerian press over Moroccan-Spanish row over Leila islet
Moroccan daily "Al Ittihad Al Ishtiraki" criticized this Wednesday the Algerian media for having marked off from all other media in the Arab world, taking an anti-Moroccan stance in the Moroccan-Spanish crisis over the Mediterranean islet of Leila. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Kuwait denies mediation in Saudi- Qatari difference
Kuwait's first deputy prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad has denied any Kuwaiti or non Kuwaiti mediation in the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, noting that the difference erupted between the two states is a matter that belongs to the two sides and will be settled in the very near future. Qatar-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Hussein: the US, allies will not be able to topple Iraq's regime
The Iraqi President Saddam Hussein said on Wednesday in a televised speech on the occasion of July 17 revolution ( the accession of the Iraqi Baath Party to rule Iraq ) that the US and its allies will not be able to topple his regime. Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Speaker of Belgian Walloon community parliament visits Morocco Morocco-Belgium, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Founding a Palestinian state not dependent on any one person, says Egypt, Jordan
European and American officials have announced that members of the so-called "quartet committee" on the Middle East (US, Russia, Europe and the UN) intend to send a team of experts in the area of intelligence from the US, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia in order to help the Palestinians reforming their security system. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 7/18/2002 - US rejects transfer of Lockerbie prisoner to Tunisia or Egypt
The US has refused the possibility of transferring the convict Abdul Basit al-Miqrahi, who is sentenced to life- long imprisonment in the Lockerbie case to Egypt or Tunisia to carry out his imprisonment term instead of Scotland. Libya-USA, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Milliyet: Turkey's conditions for accepting a strike against Iraq
Turkey's conditions are that: it will not to accept the foundation of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq; it will have to be compensated Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 7/18/2002 - British spokesman calls for ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories
the spokesman denounced the building of the Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories, noting that his country consider these settlements as illegal and a bulwark in the road to peace. Palestine-UK, Politics, 7/18/2002 - US administration admits disagreements with Arab and European countries on Arafat's future
US President George Bush will meet tonight with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan in the context of efforts which are aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement in the Middle East on the basis of establishing two Palestinian and Israeli states with both living within secure and recognized international borders. Palestine-USA, Politics, 7/18/2002 - 'Quartet' Joint Statement
Following is the text of a joint statement issued by the "Quartet" (United Nations, Russian Federation, the United States and the European Union) following their meeting in New York. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 7/18/2002 - Sharon presides over Israeli higher guidance committee Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Israeli PM media advisor on a European tour Israel-European Union, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Israel postpones meeting with Palestinians over attack 'operation' Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/18/2002
- Morocco expects Spain's immediate unconditional withdrawal from Leila islet
helicopters of the Spanish army supported by several gunboats, landed on the Moroccan islet of Leila, violating Morocco's air space and territorial waters. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Iraq - Iran exchange remains of missing Iraq-Iran, Politics, 7/17/2002
- Spain calls back its ambassador to Morocco over Leila islet crisis
The Spanish government has recalled its ambassador in Morocco for consultations, announced on Tuesday night the Spanish foreign department. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Mubarak telephones Sharon
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Tuesday made a phone call with the Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon during which they discussed the grave situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Hussein to Al-Sharq: Iraq wants to open new page with the Arab states
The Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has stressed that his country wants to open a new page in the history of its relations with the Arab states. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Al-Assad gets a message from North Korea's President
President Bashar al-Assad held a meeting in Damascus on Tuesday evening with the chairman of the higher people's assembly presidency commission in the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (PDRK). Syria-North Korea, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Al-Bashir: Sudan's government to include opposition
The Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir has stressed the seriousness of the Sudanese national salvation front in the efforts to achieve peace in the country and its readiness to expand the base of the ruling system in case current negotiations in Nairobi will succeed between the government and the rebel movement under the auspices of IGAD states. Sudan, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Leila Islet: Organization of Islamic Conference, Arab League Voice Solidarity with Morocco
Several Arab and Islamic organizations have voiced solidarity and support to Morocco in the crisis that broke out with Spain after Morocco opened a surveillance post on the Mediterranean islet of Leila. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Syrian- Turkish water talks Syria-Turkey, Politics, 7/17/2002
- Iranians repatriate from Iraq
Of the approximately 8,000 individuals who have applied to repatriate from Iraq under UNHCR's voluntary programme, Iran has approved the applications of 480 families. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Bin Ali confers with the Iranian foreign minister
The Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Tuesday in Tunis received the Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi, currently visiting Tunisia in order to take part in the meetings of the Tunisian- Iranian joint committee. Tunisia-Iran, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Ben Eliezer statements after meeting Mubarak
Following his meeting with President Mubarak, Israel's Defense Minister Benyamin Ben Eliezer gave press statements in which he said his meeting with the President was constructive and fruitful and a chance to explain to the President the situation in Israel. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Mubarak asks Sharon to receive Egyptian intelligence chief
The Israeli Hebrew language radio said on Tuesday that Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak on Tuesday made a phone call with the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002 - France can help Morocco, Spain settle dispute over Leila islet
France has "a vocation to play a moderating role" with Morocco and Spain "which are two very close friends of France," said Tuesday French foreign minister, Dominique De Villepin, in remarks about the dispute that erupted after Morocco set up a surveillance post on the Mediterranean Leila Islet. Morocco-France, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Morocco renews commitment to fair and lasting political settlement to Sahara conflict
Morocco has renewed commitment to negotiate "a fair and lasting political settlement" to the Sahara issue on the basis of the UN draft framework agreement. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Chirac discusses with al-Faisal ME developments
French President Jacques Chirac on Tuesday in Paris received the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and reviewed with him the situation in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Israeli radio: Abu Rudinah calls on four- member committee to pressure Israel Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002
- US: Iraq lifts travel restriction on diplomats
Washington announced on Monday evening that Iraq informed Poland which represents the American interests in Baghdad that Iraq will lift the restrictions it imposes on the moves of US diplomats on its territories. Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/17/2002 - El Mondo: Israeli president to visit Spain Israel-Spain, Politics, 7/17/2002
- TTA: Arafat to have only a symbolic role as president
The Paris weekly TTA which is concerned with strategic news talked about the existence of an agreed upon perception between Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the European Union taking into account the American- Israeli decision not to deal with Yasser Arafat. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Egypt to prevent weapons smuggling into Palestinian territories
The Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said that President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has informed Israel's Defense Minister Benyamin Ben Eliezer during their meeting in Alexandria on Monday that Egypt will work for halting weapons smuggling operations from the Egyptian side to the Palestinian authority territories in Rafah. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Six killed in clash between warring groups
Six persons were killed, three of them from a landmine explosion, during confrontation between warring armed groups in southern Somalia. Somalia, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Association of victims of Polisario human rights violations opens branch in spain
The association of victims of human rights violations by the Polisario opened on Monday an office in Algesiras (extreme southern Spain). Morocco, Politics, 7/17/2002 - Moussa: Arabs need to look at criticism constructively Regional, Politics, 7/16/2002
- North Korea's Kim Yong Nam starts official visit to Syria Syria-North Korea, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Leila islet case: Morocco convinced dialogue is best path
The Moroccan government said on Monday that the deployment of security forces since July 11 on the Moroccan Mediterranean islet of Leila is a mere surveillance operation in a sensitive area and that the deployment will be maintained for the time being, adding it is convinced that dialogue is the best path to build the future of Moroccan-Spanish relations. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Iraqi national council vows support for Saddam Hussein Iraq, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Official statement on Morrocan Leila islet
"The Islet of Leila has always been part and parcel of the Moroccan territory. History is indeed full of facts evincing that the Islet is Moroccan territory. After the signing of the Moroccan-Spanish peace treaty of 1860 (which does not mention at all the islet of Leila), there were some Spanish incursions in the islet that were counteracted by Sultan Hassan 1st, as testified in the letters sent by the Sultan Hassan 1st to the Pacha of Tangiers on 26/11/1887, 28/09/1888 and 25/11/1892. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Egypt: we did not ask permission to be in the four- member committee meeting Egypt-Regional, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Ismael: Sudan's peace talks enter decisive phase
The Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael said that the current ongoing negotiations held in Kenya between the governments and the southern rebels will stop for two weeks as from July 20 in order to study and evaluate concluded results. Sudan, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Lahoud to visit Algeria next week
Well-informed sources said that at the invitation of the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika, the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud will pay an official visit to Algeria for two days starting as from July 23. Lebanon-Algeria, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Mubarak meets Saeb Ereka on Palestinian situation Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Al Baz confers with Israel's Burg Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Al-Hayat: Syria did not walk out of foreign ministers' meeting
well-informed Syrian sources as saying that Syria has expressed its wonder that the Arab- four member committee did not respond to the request made by the Saudi foreign minister prince Saud al-Faisal to convene an official meeting with the foreign ministers of the committee of the Arab peace initiative which includes 10 ministers Syria-Regional, Politics, 7/16/2002 - BBC: Jordan postpones 'cultural festival' events Jordan, Politics, 7/16/2002
- Israeli Labor's peace plan, Ben Eliezer talks with Mubarak
In a press conference he held after meeting with Ben Eliezer, Mubarak said "we feel the suffering of the Palestinians and that these sufferings can be settled only through peace, when there will be hope for all citizens to live in peace." Mubarak added that it was also agreed to continue these contacts. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Moussa: Arab states to prevent any threats against Iraq
Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa underlined that there is an Arab diplomatic drive to prevent any threat against Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Al-Nas: Yemen underestimates American military support
The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has underestimated the importance of the American military support for Yemen, noting that this American support is limited to providing expertise and certain technical equipment. Yemen-USA, Politics, 7/16/2002 - Bahrain establishes a constitutional court
The Bahraini cabinet on Sunday approved a draft law providing for the establishment of a court of cassation specialized in settling disputes over constitutionality of laws and lists. Bahrain, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Al- Assad meets with Fares, gets a message from Algerian President Syria-Algeria, Politics, 7/15/2002
- Jordan: resignation of media higher council chairman
Jordanian official sources announced on Saturday that the chairman of the higher council for the media in Jordan Kamel Abu Jabber left his post and gave no reason on the motives behind this resignation. Jordan, Politics, 7/15/2002 - El Pais: Morocco wants to use Leila Island to fight terrorism
The official told Spanish wide-circulation daily "El Pais" that Morocco is not occupying this island, a 13.5 Hectares wide-land located less than 200 meters from the Moroccan Mediterranean coast at 40 KM east of Tangiers, because it is already part of its territory and does not belong to Spain. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Sudanese Umma party to be represented in Sudanese government
Mubarak al-Fadel explained that the participants in the meeting seek to build the Umma party on grounds of "renewal, reforms and democratic practice" and to build bridges of cooperation with all, the government and the opposition. Sudan, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Al-Assad reviews developments with Iranian, French officials
President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday in Damascus received the chief of the Judiciary Authority in Iran Ayatullah Sayyed Mahmoud Hashimi Shahroudi and members of the accompanying delegation. Syria-Regional, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Israel's defense minister to present peace plan during talks with Mubarak
Israel's Defense Minister Benyamin Ben Eliezer will brief Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during their talks today in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on his plan to revive the long-stalled peace process in the region, said official sources in Israel's Defense Ministry. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 7/15/2002 - French sources speak of US attack on Iraq
Well-informed French sources disclosed on Sunday that the French authorities asked The ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani during his recent visit to Paris to carry a message to the Iraqi leaders saying that the "count down for a large military operation in Iraq has started." Iraq-USA, Politics, 7/15/2002 - London's conference elects a military council for the Iraqi opposition
Some 70 Iraqi separatist former army officer concluded their conference in London on Sunday by electing a military council representing them. This was made in the framework of the contacts they are making with the USA to topple the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Al-Jarullahto al-Anbaa: Iraq still constitutes a threat for Kuwait
The Kuwaiti foreign ministry secretary Khaled al- Jarullah has stressed that Iraq still constitutes a threat to Kuwait and to the countries of the region because it still refuses the implementation of UN resolutions concerned relating to the occupation of Kuwait. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Moussa, Abul Ragheb discuss the occupied territories, Iraq
Jordanian Prime Minister Ali Abul Ragheb on Sunday in Amman met with the secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa and they discussed developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and the joint Arab work as well as the situation in Iraq. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 7/15/2002 - BBC: Lebanon denied links between Hizbullah, al-Qaida
Member of the Lebanese Parliament Muhammad Raad, who is the chairman of the al-Wafa bloc for the Lebanese national resistance at the Lebanese parliament denied any link between the Hizbullah Party and al-Qaida organization. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Al-Hayat: The US appreciates Syria's support
A US diplomatic source told the London- based al-Hayat daily on Saturday that the administration of the US President George Bush highly appreciated the support given by Syria in the framework of fighting al-Qaida organization. Syria-USA, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Palestinians face new entry procedures to Jordan
Jordan has started to implement new procedures for Palestinians of the West bank who carry "temporary" passports and want to enter into the Jordanian territories. The new law includes introduction of justice or banking guarantees. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Al-Ayam: More relief operations for southern Sudan
The humanitarian aid commission in Sudan has announced that the air relief operations which start today will cover more 40 positions in the southern part of the country and this will be in implementation of an agreement between the government and the UN secretary general. Sudan, Politics, 7/15/2002 - Israeli official to visit the US Israel-USA, Politics, 7/15/2002