Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 8/16/2004
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of August 16, 2004
- Moroccan King expresses resolve to protect Morocco against fanaticism, decadence
King Mohammed VI of Morocco expressed, Friday, resolve to protect Morocco against fanaticism and decadence. Morocco, Politics, 8/21/2004 - On development in al-Najaf
News reports in Najaf said that the American forces withdrew today ( Saturday) morning from certain areas it had besieged while artillery bombardment were heard from al-Salam cemetery where fighters of al-Mahdi army of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader are fortifying. Iraq, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Al-Sader supporters hand over keys of al-Haidari courtyard to the Shiite authority
Representatives for the Shiite Clergy Muqtada al-Sader handed over the keys of the Haidari courtyard and the tomb of Imam Ali in al-Najaf to the representatives if the higher authority of the Shiite in Najaf, Ali al-Seistani, in a step observers find as an indicator of the nearby end for the bloody crisis in the city which left behind scores of killed persons. Iraq, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Sudan: confident in convincing the UN Security Council of progress in Darfur
Sudan's foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael stressed yesterday that his country's government is confident it will convince the UN Security Council of the progress it had attained in Darfur. Sudan-UN, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Morocco, Mauritania sign partnership convention
Moroccan and Mauritanian officials signed in Rabat Friday a partnership and cooperation convention between the Mauritanian region of Gorgol and the Moroccan region of Rabat-Sale-Zemmour-Zaer. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 8/21/2004 - An explosion targets a telecommunications center in Southern Lebanon
News reports in Beirut said that one explosive went off yesterday in Ein al-Helweh camp for the Palestinian refugees south Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Cautious calm in Najaf; clashes in Basra, bombardment in Falluja
The Iraqi ministry of health said yesterday that at least 77 Iraqis were killed and other 70 injured in the clashes that took place between al-Mahdi army and the American forces during the past 24 hours in Najaf. Iraq, Politics, 8/21/2004 - UN warns against a new wave of displacement in Darfur
The UN has warned against a new wave of displacement of refugees from Darfur -- in the west of Sudan -- to Chad fleeing attacks they were recently exposed to in the region. Sudan-UN, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Washington lifts restrictions from its diplomats in Beirut
The US yesterday lifted an embargo it had imposed since two months on its diplomats in Beirut provided for banning them from heading to certain quarters in the southern part of the capital. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Palestinians under 45 year old prohibited from prayers in al-Aqsa mosque
News reports in the occupied Palestinian territories said that the Israeli occupation forces prevented persons under the age of 45 from getting into al- Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem to perform Friday's prayers. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Hamas and the warrant of arrest against Abu Marzouk
The Islamic resistance movement ( Hamas ) considered that the American administration by issuing a warrant of arrest against Moussa Abu Marzouk, its deputy chairman of the political office, and its detention of two presumed members in it, "a process from which it intends to please the Jewish Lobby at the doors of the American presidential elections." Regional-USA, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Keftaro condemns the US attacks on Najaf Syria-Iraq, Politics, 8/21/2004
- Azhar demonstration condemns events in Najaf Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 8/21/2004
- Youth of Hawaii offer Stele of peace to Morocco
The youth of Hawaii have offered to the Moroccan capital a stele of peace that was inaugurated Friday in "Nouzhat Hassan," at the center of Rabat, part of the 4th national festival of Moroccan youth Forum, held this August 18-24 in Bouznika (near Casablanca). Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/21/2004 - Minister urges to hasten private radios licensing
Syria's Minister of Information Ahmed Al-Hasan on Thursday emphasized the Ministry support to establishing private radio stations in Syria. Syria, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Violent fighting in Najaf, al-Sader rejects conditions of the government
A spokesman for the Shiite clergy Muqtada al-Sader announced his rejection to demands set by the interim Iraqi government to end the fighting in Najaf. Ahmad al-Sheibani, said in statements to pressmen at Imam Ali shrine in Najaf that the fighters of al-Mahdi army reject the demands of the government. Iraq, Politics, 8/20/2004 - American forces bombard Najaf, Falluja; al-Sader handed over Imam Ali Shrine keys to Shiite clergy
The American forces continued their air and land bombardment against Najaf city to the south of Iraq following the final warning voiced by the Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi to al-Mahdi army to drop the weapons and evacuate the shrine of Imam Ali. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/20/2004 - American forces break into al-Sader city in Baghdad
Masoum stressed that the 81 elected members on Wednesday represent all Iraqi people social strata and secular, Islamic and liberal parties in addition to independent figures and heads of tribes and also al-Sader trend. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Assabah: Negotiation with Polisario would lead to Africa's Balkanization, Minister
"Any negotiation with Polisario would lead to the balkanisation of Africa," asserted Moroccan Foreign Minister, Mohamed Benaissa, in an interview published Thursday by "Assabah" daily. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Khartoum announced implementation of most obligations over Darfur
Sudan's minister of state at the ministry of the interior Ahmad Muhammad Haroun announced that the government completed the implementation of 90% of its obligations stated in the plan agreed upon with the UN over Darfur. Sudan, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Assaults on al-Najaf condemned
Iranian Speaker of the Shoura Council ( Parliament ) Gholamali Haddad Adel Thursday in Tehran expressed "regret over the inhuman practices and violations of the US occupation troops against the holy places in the Iraqi city of Najaf" which claimed the lives of scores of innocent people. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Syrian People of Golan solidarity with Palestinians
Syrian People of the occupied Golan Thursday expressed solidarity with the hunger strike of the Palestinian captives at the Israeli occupation prisons. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Saleh: al-Houthi ideas are racist, sectarianist
Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh criticized Hussein al-Houthi and his thoughts and described his behavior as " deviationist from the values of Islam." Yemen, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Means to protect Moroccan community in Corsica probed following aggressions
Morocco's ambassador in France, Hassan Abouyoub, has held several work sessions with French officials to probe means for the protection of the Moroccan community in Corsica, after an upsurge of aggressions against Moroccans established in the French island, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday in a release. Morocco-France, Politics, 8/20/2004 - al-Rai: Jordan denies providing American forces with ammunition
Jordan denied yesterday that it has supplied the American forces in Jordan with ammunition, noting that the US is not in need of any military aid. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Al-Seisnatini leaves the hospital in London
Iraq's Ayatullah al-Ozma Ali al-Seistani left Cromwell hospital in the UK where he is receiving medical treatment after he underwent heart surgery. Iraq-UK, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Christian Science Monitor comments on Berber teaching in Morocco: At last, an ancient tongue will be taught
The Christian Science Monitor run on Wednesday a comment on Morocco's decision to start in 2008 teaching Berber in schools stressing in a headline "at last an ancient tongue will be taught." Morocco, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Sudanese media deplores Rwanda soldiers as having AIDS
The Sudanese mass media on Thursday deplored the practices of the 150 soldiers who came from Rwanda and deployed in Darfur, noting that "they carry the AIDS virus and they took part in the operations of genocide in their country." Sudan-Rwanda, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Syrian- Hungarian ties are speedily boosting
Hungary is interested in strengthening its ties with Syria and these ties are moving at speed wanted by the two countries due to the presence of the needed ground, Hungary's Ambassador in Syria said in a statement. Syria-Hungary, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Abul-Gheit, Suleiman to visit Israel, Ramallah late this month for talks with Sharon, Arafat
Foreign Minister Ahmed Abu-Gheit and Minister Omar Suleiman will visit Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories by the end of this month for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian President Yasser Arafat. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 8/20/2004 - US congressman strongly criticizes Syria
US democratic congressman Tom Lantos said that his visit to Damascus on Wednesday was a "great disappointment." The congressman from California justified his assessment to the press in the American embassy in Amman to that Syria has not severed yet its relations with what he called "terrorist groups." Syria-USA, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Organization of Islamic Conference Condemns Israeli practices
Organization of Islamic Conference ( OIC ) Thursday urged the countries members of OIC to continue extending their support to the Palestinian people in their right struggle to end the occupation and restore their usurped rights. Israel-Regional, Politics, 8/20/2004 - Syria's statement on Najaf incidents Syria-Iraq, Politics, 8/20/2004
- Moussa asks Arab states to launch Darfur popular fund-raising campaigns Regional-Sudan, Politics, 8/20/2004
- Abul Gheit: Egypt urges Israel to listen to voice of reason, stop construction of barrier Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/20/2004
- al-Dostour: Israel releases one Jordanian detainee Jordan-Israel, Politics, 8/20/2004
- King of Bahrain on a visit to Morocco Morocco-Bahrain, Politics, 8/19/2004
- Egypt denies freezing the activities of the minister of housing
The official spokesman for the Egyptian Cabinet, Majdi Radi, denied news which rumored on security sides inspection for the office of the minister of housing Muhammad Ibrahim Suleiman and that it had ordered freezing of his activities. Egypt, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Lifting travel embargo for former Syrian minister
The Syrian authorities lifted the decision providing for seizing assets of each former minister of industry Issam al-Zaem and his assistant Barakat Shahin, one year after the two men were accused of granting a monetary guarantee at millions of Syrian Liras for a German company which rehabilitated a local textile factory in Syria. Syria, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Iran threatens to strike Dimona reactor if Israel attacks it
The commander of the Iranian revolution guards has warned that his country will attack the Israeli Dimona reactor, if Tel Aviv will attack the Iranian nuclear Bushaher reactor. Iran-Israel, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Washington refuses to say 'genocide' about the situation in Darfur
American officials said that the US does not have enough evidences to announce that genocide is taking place in Darfur and might find it is difficult to prove there is the intention of a mass killing behind the violence in west Sudan. Sudan-USA, Politics, 8/19/2004 - US ambassador: Washington supports Morocco-Algeria dialogue on Sahara issue
US ambassador to Rabat, Thomas Riley, voiced Wednesday, support to dialogue between Morocco and Algeria, "two important countries," for the settlement of Sahara issue. Morocco-USA, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Jordan's Premier is to visit Damascus next Sunday Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/19/2004
- Lahoud demands complete Israeli withdrawal from Shebaa Farms Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 8/19/2004
- Resolving problem of prisons overcrowding is top priority of Justice Ministry
The Justice Ministry has made the problem of prisons overcrowding a top priority, assured Moroccan Justice Minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, in an interview published Wednesday by the daily "Aujourd'hui le Maroc." Morocco, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Washington doubts al-Sader's acceptance of the mediation conditions, two American soldiers killed
The US administration has doubted the news which talked about the acceptance of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader for a peace plan to end the violent fighting in Najaf. Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/19/2004 - A statement by the Syrian Committee for Supporting the Intifada
The Syrian Arab Committee for Supporting the Intifada and Resisting the Zionist Scheme called on the Syrians and all Arabs to announce solidarity with the Palestinian detainees in the Israeli jails. Syria-Palestine, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Iraqi defense minister threatens of a critical battle in Najaf
Iraq's defense minister Hazem al-Shaalan gave a grace period to the fighters of al-Mahdi army of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader in Najaf for hours in order to hand over their weapons and abide by the will of the government. Iraq, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Lebanese Grand Mufti deplores practices against the Palestinians
Lebanese Grand Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Rashid Kabbani, Wednesday said "the Palestinian people encounter genocide at the hands of Israeli occupation troops, in addition to displacement and houses demolishing." Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Lantos demands Damascus to change its policy: The Lebanese people have to decide their fate on their own
US Congressman Tom Lantos said after his meeting with the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara in Damascus yesterday that he demanded Syria to change its policy so as to bring a change in the American policy towards it. Syria-USA, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Fighting renewed in Iraq, withdrawals from the congress party
Two mortar shelling fell at the building of the ministry of the interior in Baghdad but no damages were reported. Another shelling fell at the building of the foreign ministry near the Green Zone, also no casualties were reported. Iraq, Politics, 8/19/2004 - UN Security Council extends the mission of monitoring weapons banning to Somalia
The UN Security Council on Tuesday approved monitoring the illegal flow of weapons to Somalia for additional 6 months, on the ground of tightening the weapons embargo imposed on this country which is situated in the east of Africa. Somalia-UN, Politics, 8/19/2004 - Two Iraqis killed in Abu Ghreib prison Iraq-USA, Politics, 8/19/2004
- Saudis demand the release of three reformers
Some 100 Saudis including 12 women addressed a petition to the Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz demanding the release of three reformers who are being tried on charge of calling for the establishment of a " constitutional monarchy in the Kingdom." Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Khartoum specified certain areas in Darfur for the return back of refugees
The Sudanese government has announced it specified 11 areas around the capitals of the three states of Darfur situated to the western part of the country on being safe areas that displaced persons can returned back to. Sudan, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Nouakchott continues detentions, the ruling party organizes a march
Acts of detentions continue in the lines of the army and security forces in Nouakchott on the background of what the government said was a coupe attempt. The opposition stressed that the matter is just a tribal and politics in the army. Mauritania, Politics, 8/18/2004 - UN Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances takes charge of dossier of missing in Tindouf
For the first time, the United Nations Working Group on Forced or Involuntary Disappearances has officially taken charge of the dossier of Sahrawis missing in the prisons of Tindouf camps (south-western Algeria), that are ruled by the Polisario separatists. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/18/2004 - News on detaining four wanted in Saudi Arabia, al-Qaida confirms one of its activists killed in Saudi Arabia
Several Islamic web sites yesterday quoted a statement by al-Qaida organization in which the network of al- Qaida in Saudi Arabia confirmed the killing of one of its activists to the south of Mecca, southern west of the country. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Ghali hails cooperation with authorities concerned to protect human rights
Head of Egypt's National Council for Human Rights Boutros Boutros Ghali praised steps taken by the government for protecting and respecting human rights. Politics, 8/18/2004 - Riyadh: an advertisement campaign in 19 American states on being a US ally
Saudi Arabia is planning to launch a radio advertising campaign in 19 US states aiming at challenging the criticism addressed to its role in fighting terrorism. The campaign will be based on the report of the Congress committee of September 11, which indicates the role played by Saudi Arabia as " faithful ally " in the war against al-Qaida organization. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 8/18/2004 - EU diplomat is optimistic over EU-Syria association accomplishment
A senior European diplomat at the EU delegation in Damascus on Monday expressed hope over prospects to finalize the EU-Syria Association Agreement and said cooperation between the two sides is very strong. Syria-European Union, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Moussa and the Israeli practices in the occupied lands
Arab League Secretary General Tuesday condemned the inhuman practices of Israeli occupation troops against the Palestinian captives at Israel's prisons. Regional-Israel, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Kuwait launches a campaign to rehabilitate youths coming back from Iraq
A Kuwaiti official said that Kuwait is intending to launch an " orientation" campaign" to correct any wrong ideas juvenile coming back from Iraq have," where they had gone to resist the American forces. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Yediot Ahronot: US delegation to visit Palestinian territories to monitor Israel settlement activities
"A US delegation will visit the occupied Palestinian territories next month to monitor the Israeli implementation of its obligations on the settlement activities as stipulated in the Roadmap Plan," said a spokesman for the US embassy in Israel. Palestine-USA, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Mubarak informs Sharon on security arrangements in Gaza
In a telephone call, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt informed the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon on the " security measures " taken by Egypt along the borders with Israel and Gaza. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Qurei': PA Seeks application of Geneva Convention to Palestinian Prisoners
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei' on Tuesday appealed to the international community to shoulder its responsibility with respect to the dangers threatening Palestinian prisoners who went into the third day of an open-ended hunger strike in Israeli jails to protest their detention conditions. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/18/2004 - One Hamas leader survived assassination; five Palestinians killed in an Israeli bombardment in Gaza
Five Palestinians were killed and other seven injured today at dawn in an Israeli air raid carried out by one Israeli helicopter at the house of a leading figure from the Islamic resistance movement ( Hamas) in al-Shuja'eya quarters to the east of Gaza. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/18/2004 - US Congressman demands preventing weapons smuggling to Israel
Jewish Congressman from California at the US house of representatives Tom Lantos, currently visiting Cairo accused the Egyptian government as having not made enough efforts to prevent weapons smuggling to Israel. Egypt-USA, Politics, 8/18/2004 - Al-Assad continues meeting with Lebanese officials Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 8/18/2004
- Khaddam confers with Iraqi delegation Syria-Iraq, Politics, 8/18/2004
- Nigerian president on visit to Morocco Morocco-Nigeria, Politics, 8/18/2004
- Aktham Naise released from prison
Syria's Higher State Security Court agreed Sunday in a session to release on bail the defendant Aktham Naise. Syria, Politics, 8/17/2004 - The Pope proposes to mediate to rescue al-Najaf
The state secretary in the Vatican, Cardinal Angelo Sudano, said yesterday that the Pope has announced readiness to mediate in order to rescue the city of Najaf from conflict. Iraq-Vatican, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Iraq's president in Turkey
The Interim Iraqi President Ghazi Elyawer said that his talks with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Necdet Cezer were of positive spirit. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Al-Sader agrees to receive two delegations for mediation
The Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader agreed to receive the UN delegation led by the representative of the UN secretary general in Iraq, Ashraf Qadi, and the delegation of the Iraqi national congress in order to discuss means of ending the clashes in Najaf city. Iraq, Politics, 8/17/2004 - New database on Arab oil projects
Egypt will be a venue to hold a forum under the title of "Investment Expansion in gas and petroleum sectors from a future viewpoint," organized by the Arab Economic Unity Council (AEUC). Regional, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Saudi Arabia concerned over the bloodshed in Iraq
The Saudi Arabian government yesterday expressed its strong " regret " over the deteriorated conditions in certain Iraqi areas, and called on the UN to play a greater role for halting the drastic deterioration in certain Iraqi areas and in order to stop blood shed. Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Allawi: the need to accelerate the trial of Saddam Hussein and his aides
The Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi yesterday urged the Iraqi judges to accelerate efforts to try the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his aides. Iraq, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Two were killed in Gaza, a third in Nablus; The Palestinians maintain solidarity with hunger strike
The Palestinians maintained solidarity with the open hunger strike which entered its second day in four of the Israeli occupation jails which are Nafha, alo-Sabaa, Haddarim and Shatta. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Algeria: Ali Balhah was detained Algeria, Politics, 8/17/2004
- France Honors 85,000 Moroccans dead to liberate Europe from Nazism
France paid tribute on Sunday to 256,000 African soldiers, including 85,000 Moroccans, who fought 60 years ago in the "Dragoon operation" for the liberation of France from the rule of Nazism. Maghreb-France, Politics, 8/17/2004 - French President pays tribute to late King Mohammed V; D-day Provence landing
French president Jacques Chirac paid a moving tribute to the late king Mohammed V (grandfather of King Mohammed VI) during the official ceremony held on Sunday to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-day Provence landing in France, held with the participation of heads of state from north Africa and southern Africa, including King Mohammed VI and his spouse Princess Lalla Salma. Morocco-France, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Al-Fayez to visit Damascus on Sunday Jordan-Syria, Politics, 8/17/2004
- Cairo hosts inter-Palestinian dialogue
An inter-Palestinian dialogue is expected to take place in Cairo in September with all Palestinian factions participating. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Palestinian security men trained in Egypt
An agreement was concluded with the Palestinian side to train the Palestinian security cadres in Cairo. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Egypt, Jordan seek promoting regional judicial, administrative systems
Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul -Gheit received yesterday Jordanian Minister of Justice Sallah Eddien Bashir. Egypt-Jordan, Politics, 8/17/2004 - Withdrawals from the Iraqi national Congress after the renewal of fighting in Najaf
The Iraqi National Congress was exposed to a strong setback upon its inauguration after a large number of participants left the hall where the conference was convened because of the eruption of fighting in Najaf al-Ashraf city. Iraq, Politics, 8/16/2004 - The defendant committee for Saddam Hussein before the Iraqi courts
The defendant committee in defense of Saddam Hussein said on Saturday that the Iraqi bar association agreed to its request to that they defend in the Iraqi courts the toppled Iraqi President, stressing persistence that a medical team from its side to visit him. Iraq, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Zaqzouq: Egypt supports moderate Islamic mind
Egypt's Minister of Awkaf (Endowments), Mahmoud Hamdy Zaqzouq said Egypt, the country that houses Al-Azhar for more than one thousand years, would be a hub for Moderate Islamic mind. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Algeria holds the keys for Sahara issue that impedes Maghreb construction, FM
The Sahara issue "is an obstacle to Arab Maghreb Union project" said the Moroccan minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Mohamed Benaissa, stressing that "Algeria holds the keys to the settlement of this issue," and that it is the "only party capable of re-launching the Union." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Nearby bombardment expected on Najaf, bombarding Falluja
The Iraqi ministry of the Interior announced that the American forces at the support of the Iraqi forces will shortly launch a large attack against the militias of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader in order to end the fighting in Najaf. Iraq, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Rwanda forces vow to protect civilians in Darfur
President of Rwanda Paul Kaghami announced that the forces in Rwanda whose vanguards arrived on Saturday to Sudan will use force if this will be necessary to protect the civilians in Darfur. Sudan-Rwanda, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Khartoum denies differences with the African Union
Sudan's foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael denied the information over differences with the African Union over the number of the soldiers who will be deployed in the area, stressing that the problem lies in the nature of their mission, renewing his country's rejection that these forces to be converted to peace keeping forces. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Al-Ammari confirms optional retirement from the Algerian army
Former Algerian army chief of staff lt. gen. Muhammad al-Ammari who resigned from his post on August 3 said he withdrew from the army after his own request after he had completed his mission. Algeria, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Indian Ambassador hilights relations with Syria
Indian Ambassaor to Syria Aref Shahed Khan stressed his country's support to the Arab just issues, calling for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions on the Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Arab countries, including the Syrian Golan. Syria-India, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Al-Qaida threatens to attack Italy after the end of the grace period
In a statement, a group alleged to have connections with al-Qaida organization on its site on the Internet called on all its cells to attack every possible target before it in Italy after the end of the grace period it had set for the Italian government to withdraw from Iraq. The grace period expired on Sunday. Regional-Italy, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Irrigation Minister: Egypt will not provide Israel with Nile water
Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Dr. Mahmoud Abu Zeid dismissed reports claiming that Egypt would provide Israel with Nile water via Sinai. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Al-Seyassah: Bishop of Jerusalem Episcopal Church warns against Judaization
Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem Revd. Riah Hanna Abu El-Assal warned against Israel's continued Judization of the holy city of Jerusalem. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Palestinian prisoners start an open strike, one Palestinian killed in Jerusalem
Thousands of Palestinian prisoners started in four Palestinian detention centers an open food strike in order to improve their detention conditions; while the Israeli authorities before hand refused to give any concession. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 8/16/2004 - On the Jordanian firms working in Iraq
The General Manager of a Jordanian firm working in Iraq stressed that Israeli firms exploited their strong relations with American counterparts to win deals that facilitate the implementation of projects and export of goods to Iraqi markets via Jordanian and Turkish lands. Jordan-Iraq, Politics, 8/16/2004 - Al-Assad confers with Lebanese dignitaries Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Egyptian Foreign Minister statement on Darfur Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Saudi crown prince threatens al-Qaida members of killing Saudi Arabia, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Egyptian FM, Baradei joint Press Conference in Cairo Egypt-Regional, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Belarusian Minister of Defense Arrives in Damascus Syria-Belarus, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Ross and the Arab-Israeli Conflict Regional-USA, Politics, 8/16/2004
- Arab Foreign Ministers' Council hold 122nd Session Regional, Politics, 8/16/2004