Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 9/13/2004
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of September 13, 2004
- Italy will no longer observe sanctions against Libya Libya-Italy, Politics, 9/18/2004
- American report confirms that Iraq is free from mass destruction weapons
A new report stressed that the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein sought to have a nuclear bomb, but was not able to own the necessary means for that. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/18/2004 - South African decision regarding so-called SADR contrary to friendship spirit
The Moroccan house of counselors expressed deep surprise over the decision of the South African government to recognize the so-called Sahrawi Republic (SADR), stressing this "act is contrary to the spirit of friendship and to the history of the common fight waged by the Moroccan and South African Peoples." Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Bahrain expresses 'astonishment' at South Africa's decision to establish relations
Bahrain has expressed "astonishment" over South Africa's decision to establish diplomatic relations with the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR," when "the United Nations is exerting serious efforts to reach a political solution to the (Sahara) conflict that has been straining relations between brotherly Maghreban countries for third decades." Bahrain-South Africa, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Moroccan political parties call Pretoria to withdraw 'SADR' recognition
The three Koutla parties have called Pretoria to withdraw its "illogic recognition" of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR" to "join the international community's positive action in favor of a political solution preserving regional stability and world peace." Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/18/2004 - By recognizing SADR, South Africa 'excludes itself' of rapprochement with parties, official
By recognizing the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "RASD," South Africa "excludes itself of the rapprochement process with the parties as recommended by the Security Council," Moroccan Minister-delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Khartoum accuses Washington and the rebels of foiling the negotiations
The Sudanese government announced yesterday that the peace talks which lasted for three months with Darfur's rebels in Abuja ended and accused the US of increasing the determination of the rebels to avoid compromising for a solution. Sudan-UN, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Protest for not inviting the Arab states to the G-8 Forum
Several Arab foreign ministers have protested over that the G-8 right to not invite Arab states to attend the "future forum" of the foreign ministers to be held in New York in September. Regional, Politics, 9/18/2004 - 15 killed in violent clashes in Somalia
Some 15 persons were at least killed in violent fighting that erupted to the south of Somalia between warring groups in a new round of fighting described as a new obstacle in the way to attaining stability. Somalia, Politics, 9/18/2004 - American-Libyan meeting on abrogating the sanctions
The US Department Of State considered that abrogating sanctions on Libya was the subject of discussion in a meeting held in London between the US under secretary of state William Buns and Libyan officials. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/18/2004 - News on start of campaign for Mubarak's fifth term of office
The Egyptian ruling "National Party" continued preparations for convening its second annual conference on Tuesday. A conference which is said will contain a repeat of the same reform subjects that the party advocated in its last year's conference. Egypt, Politics, 9/18/2004 - New representative for Iraq at the UN, American soldier killed in al-Anbar
The US army announced the death of one American Marine by the bullets of gunmen in al-Anbar province to the west of Iraq. No further details were given. Iraq, Politics, 9/18/2004 - U.S. to propose broad middle east initiative during U.N. meetings
The United States, backed by other major industrialized nations, will call for a broad multilateral initiative to help countries in the Middle East in areas such as education, job creation and development, says Under Secretary of State Alan Larson. Regional-USA, Politics, 9/18/2004 - On the file of hostages in Iraq
Regarding the kidnappings and hostages, an Iraqi security official said that gunmen released a Syrian truck driver they had kidnapped on the road between al-Musil and Karkouk. He added that the driver, Ammar Daqmaq, notified the police that the kidnappers released him because they consider that Syria supports Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Falluja victims, 56 killed, 40 injured
At least 13 Iraqis were killed and other 50 injured most of them are members of the Iraqi police in a booby trapped car explosion that targeted a main inspection point for the Iraqi police at al-Rasheed street in the downtown of Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Powell says he expects Iraq security situation to improve
US Secretary of State Colin Powell says U.S. and Iraqi officials do not expect the security situation in the Sunni Triangle to continue in its present state of insurgency. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Jordan denies differences with Syria
Jordan's foreign minister Marwan Muasher said that no differences took place between Jordan and Syria during the meetings of the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo on the background of Amman's support for the UN Security Council resolution number 1559 concerning Lebanon, noting that Jordan's position is "principled" in not opposing the UN Security Council resolutions. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Iraq war based on international law, Powell says
Coalition action against the government of Saddam Hussein in Iraq was both necessary and consistent with international law, US Secretary of State Colin Powell says. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Moroccan prisoners detention conditions in Tindouf brought to ICRC official attention
The detention conditions of the 412 Moroccan prisoners in the Polisario Tindouf camps, South West Algeria, was brought to the attention of Herald Schmid De Gruneck, representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross by Taieb Fassi Fihri, Moroccan Foreign minister delegate. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/18/2004 - Obeid confers with French Ambassador on regional issues Lebanon-France, Politics, 9/18/2004
- Hisham Abdel-Razek outlines Palestinian conditions Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/18/2004
- Sanaa accuses Saudi sides of supporting al-Houthi
News reports quoted sources close to the Yemeni government as saying yesterday that Shiite Saudis were among the sides which supported the rebellion of the Zaidi clergy Hussein Bader Eddine al-Houthi in Sadaah governorate to the north west of the country. Yemen-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Darfur's rebels position decides the fate of Abuja talks
Caution prevails the peace negotiations in Abuja following the announcement of the two rebel movements in Darfur on the collapse of the talks with the Sudanese government. The negotiators of the African Union waited for the final stand to be taken by the delegation of the "Justice And Equity" before issuing a final announcement over the fate of this round of talks. Sudan, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Three Iraqi truck drivers were assassinated, two Americans, one British were kidnapped in Baghdad
Unidentified gunmen yesterday un Baghdad yesterday at dawn kidnapped two Americans and one Britain working with " GSCS company," which has the United Arab Emirates as a headquarters and won construction contracts in Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Shukri Ghanem: Israel is a mistake in the political geography
The Libyan foreign minister Shukri Ghanem in Vienna yesterday considered that the major superpowers use of the military force to ensure the security of its oil supplies come up with negative results because this will lead to terrorism. Libya-Israel, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Final touches on the Syrian- EU Association Agreement
News reports in Damascus said that Syria and the European Union started to put the final touches in the last text of their Association Agreement. Syria-European Union, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Mubarak confers with Abizaid
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt yesterday in Alexandria met with the head of the US Central leadership, Army Gen. John Abizaid who arrived in Egypt in a 48- hour visit in conclusion of which he will head to Europe, according to the Middle East News Agency. Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Three American soldiers were killed in Iraq
The American occupation army in Iraq yesterday announced the killing of three of its soldiers in al-Anbar governorate to the west of the country, noting that one of them was killed in the fighting yesterday, while the two others died of their injuries in previous clashes. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Rafah: Egyptian police detain 7 armed Palestinians
Sources in the Egyptian police announced that seven Palestinians surrendered to the local authorities in Rafah city to the south of Gaza after they were besieged for 36 hours after they resorted to a farm, threatening to blow up bombs. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Morocco, Spain renew commitment to crack down on illegal migration
Morocco and Spain renewed, in Cordoba Wednesday, firm commitment to crack down on illegal migration, underscoring a significant drop in dinghies crossing to Spain in the summer of 2004. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Egypt trains 45 Palestinian security officers late this month Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 9/17/2004
- Al Amal Association strongly condemns the maneuvers aiming to harm Morocco's territorial integrity
The Al Amal association for Legality and Territorial Integrity strongly condemned the maneuvers aiming to harm Morocco's territorial integrity, particularly following the decision of South Africa to recognize the so-called Sahrawi republic SADR. Morocco, Politics, 9/17/2004 - Al-Assad, Mubarak for Iraq, Lebanon's stability
Both sides agreed on continuing consultation and coordination in the forthcoming stage on issues of mutual interest in a way that activates the Arab joint action Syria-Egypt, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Morocco recalls its ambassador after recognition of Sahrawi Republic by South Africa
Morocco has decided to recall its ambassador in Pretoria in protest against the "biased, stunning and ill-timed" recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR" by South Africa. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Iraq: France's stand on war unchanged, minister
France's position against war in Iraq remained unchanged, said French interior minister, Dominique de Villepin, who wrapped up Tuesday a two-day working visit in Morocco. Iraq-France, Politics, 9/16/2004 - BBC: Annan: Invasion of Iraq is illegitimate
The UN secretary general Kofi Annan considered yesterday in an interview broadcast by the BBC ( world section) that the American invasion of Iraq in 2003 "was illegitimate." Iraq-UN, Politics, 9/16/2004 - U.S. plans to promote democracy in the united nations
Democratic nations share a common commitment to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United States believes that democratic nations must work more closely together in order to help the United Nations live up to its founding principles. Through the formation of a Democracy Caucus at the United Nations Regional-UN, Politics, 9/16/2004 - State's Armitage says Iraqi judges vital to Iraq's democracy
US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage has told a gathering of Iraqi judges that the United States, Britain and the Czech Republic will not rest until the judges "are seated on the bench, making just and wise decisions for the Iraqi people." Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Speaker of the interim parliament in Somalia elected
The interim Somali parliament elected Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden as its speaker in the second round of voting after none of the 11 candidates won the post by a two third majority, according to the Somali constitution. Somalia, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Spanish right and pro-PP media wage war on Morocco, Press
The Spanish right and the press supporting the Popular Party (PP) are waging "a media war" on Morocco and incite the public opinion to hamper the "noteworthy rapprochement" between Rabat and Madrid initiated since the socialists took power in Spain, the London-based "Asharq Al Awsat" daily said. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Darfur talks break off
Sudan's rebels and government broke off peace talks on security in Darfur region yesterday after three weeks with little progress and no deal. The government blamed the United States for the failure. Sudan, Politics, 9/16/2004 - On the hostages in Iraq
A Turkish diplomatic source said that one Turkish translator was released. He was held by gunmen in Iraq and will return back home again. Iraq, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Ben Ali calls on Africa to withstand globalization challenges
In a speech he addressed to the African Bank Forum for development currently held in Tunisia, the Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali said that "our world today" is witnessing accelerated developments, that it makes it imperative to make more efforts to enable the African continent to cope with these changes and joining developing countries's march and achieving sustainable development. Tunisia-Regional, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Arab League Council adopted resolutions
Arab League ( AL) Council on Wednesday stressed rejection to the so-called "Syria Accountability Act" as a violation to the basis of international law, and the AL charter. Regional, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Egypt- US negotiations next October on free trade area
Minister of Foreign Trade and Industry Rashid Mohammed Rashid announced yesterday that Egypt and US will launch next October a new round of negotiations on the proposed free trade area and means of boosting the currently operative TIFA agreement. Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Qurei' describes as crimes new Israeli practices in Jenin, Nablus Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/16/2004
- Hariri meets with Elyawer Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 9/16/2004
- Khamenei for Islamic trading block
The Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei called on Islamic countries to broaden scope of cooperation and trade exchanges among them. Iran-Regional, Politics, 9/16/2004 - Syria's Speaker of the People's Assembly meets Sezer Syria-Turkey, Politics, 9/16/2004
- Mubarak in Damascus today
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak will hold a short visit today to Damascus during which he will discuss with his Syrian peer Bashar al-Assad means of dealing with the UN Security Council resolution 1559 concerning Lebanon, in the course of practicality and realism, taking into account the need of starting the Syrian- Israeli negotiations Egypt-Syria, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Mubarak probes with Chinese FM bilateral relations, ME issues
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak received yesterday Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his accompanying delegation at Borg el-Arab Airport VIP lounge. The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit and the Chinese ambassador to Egypt. Egypt-China, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Peace negotiations on Darfur stumble, Egypt supports Sudan's efforts to control the situation
It was announced in the Nigerian capital Abuja yesterday that the negotiations between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebels stopped because of the two sides stuck to their own stands, while the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak expressed " Egypt's complete support for the Sudanese efforts to restore back things to normal in Darfur district. Sudan, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Syrian PA speaker holds talks in Ankara
Speaker of the People's Assembly Mahmoud al-Abrash on Tuesday conferred with the Turkish Speaker of the Parliament Bulent Arinc on means of enhancing the advanced parliamentary relations between the two Parliaments to go along with the advanced relations between Syria and Turkey. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Moussa: resistance is not by chopping heads of people
The secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa deplored the operations of kidnapping and killing of civilians in Iraq, refusing to enlist that as "resistance against occupation," considering that " resistance does not mean cutting the heads of people." Regional-Iraq, Politics, 9/15/2004 - In a historical visit to its headquarters in Brussels, Elyawer demands the help of NATO
The Iraqi President Ghazi Elyawer yesterday asked NATO for more commitment to his country, especially with the approaching date of the elections expected in January 2005, which he stressed to be held within its set date. Iraq, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Interior minister: Moroccan-French talks part of renewed partnership set up by king Mohammed VI, president Chirac
Talks between Moroccan and French officials are held in the frame of the "renewed partnership set up by King Mohammed VI and President Jacques Chirac," said, on Monday, visiting French interior minister, Dominique De Villepin praising the "spirit of cooperation and mutual respect" marking bilateral relations. Morocco-France, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Moroccan FM calls for urgent intervention to make Israel abide by international law
Morocco's Foreign Minister, Mohamed Benaissa, called on Tuesday the international community for an urgent intervention to make Israel abide by international law and halt its assassination of Palestinian leaders. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Garang: Genocide 'embedded' in Sudan's war strategy
Sudanese rebel leader John Garang says the violence in Darfur by government - supported militias called Jingaweit is the logical conclusion to a method of waging civil war that has genocide at its very core. Sudan, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Moroccan press: Spanish Popular Party is behind new anti-Morocco campaign
The Moroccan press accused Monday the Popular Party of former Spanish premier, Jose Maria Aznar, of lying "behind the new anti-Morocco campaign." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/15/2004 - Al-Shara holds telephone talks with Moratinos Syria-Spain, Politics, 9/15/2004
- British MP and Peace in the Middle East Regional-UK, Politics, 9/15/2004
- Egypt, China refuse imposition of sanctions on Sudan, Washington is ready to amend its proposal at the UNSC
The US under secretary of state Richard Armitaj said yesterday the US is ready to amend its proposed resolutions to the UN Security Council calling for imposing sanctions on Sudan after objections in the Security Council surfaced to this effect. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Muslim Brothers: we will comply with state principles
Official spokeswoman for the Jordanian government Asmaa Khuder said that the agreement reached between the Muslim Brothers group and the Jordanian government, following the dispute resulting from detaining several mosque preachers " is a positive matter that falls in the general interests" at a time when the Muslim Brothers group vows its preachers will not violate the "state principles" in Friday's sermons. Jordan, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Al-Assad receives Sheikh Hamad, a message from the Amir of Qatar
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad on Monday received Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber Al Thani. The Meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara. Syria-Qatar, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Moussa: No security system can be set up in ME while double-standard policy still exists
Moussa said that attempts to make Israel the only nuclear power in the region would certainly affect the credibility of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Regional-Israel, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Morocco hails China's stance over Sahara question
Moroccan Foreign Minister, Mohamed Benaissa, hailed in Cairo Monday, the stance of China over Morocco's national causes, especially the question of its territorial integrity and sovereignty over all its territory. Morocco-China, Politics, 9/14/2004 - 18 Iraqis were killed in Falluja, Allawi removes al-Rubei
The number of Iraqis killed as a result of the continuous American air and land military operations in Falluja city since yesterday morning increased to 18 killings and 20 wounded. Iraq, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Two Australians kidnapped, two Asians, one Turkish was beheaded, Rome asks help to release its citizens
Italy intensified yesterday its efforts to release its kidnapped citizens in Iraq. From Kuwait, the Italian foreign minister Franco Frateini started a Gulf tour in order to help in releasing them, while Paris said that the two French hostages in Iraq are still alive. Iraq, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Al-Haidari courtyard to be opened for visitors next week
In a new development, the Shiite authority ( Waqf) department decided to reopen the doors of the Haidari courtyard before visitors and worshippers next week following five months of the control of the al-Mahdi army of the Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sader on it. Iraq, Politics, 9/14/2004 - Some 10,000 Sudanese are dying monthly in Darfur Sudan, Politics, 9/14/2004
- Lahoud: Syria's presence in Lebanon is legitimate Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/14/2004
- AL chief confers with China FM Regional-China, Politics, 9/14/2004
- Powell: Burns held good talks in Damascus Syria-USA, Politics, 9/14/2004
- Khamenei calls for Islamic countries unity Iran-Regional, Politics, 9/14/2004
- One Bahraini accused of terrorism fled from court hall Bahrain, Politics, 9/14/2004
- Three year after imprisonment, Syria releases two of human rights activists
The Syrian authorities released two human rights activists who had been held since the end of 2001. Syria, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Demands to release political detainees in Syria
A society in charge of human rights demanded the Syrian authorities release all political activists detained since September 2001. Syria, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Tunisia releases journalist al-Zwari, monitors him
The Tunisian authorities on Saturday released journalist and leading figure on the Islamic al-Nahda movement Abdullah al-Zwari after he had spent 13 years in prison of which 7 years were in a separate cell. Tunisia, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Riyadh: municipal elections on February 10
Saudi Arabia's ministry of rural and municipal affairs announced on Saturday the postponement of the date of the first municipal elections in the country until February 10th after it was expected to be held in November. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Bahrain attorney extends imprisonment of four Islamists
Attorney general in Bahrain asked yesterday extension of the imprisonment of four Islamists accused of preparing to create sabotage acts and maintaining ties with al-Qaida organization for 45 days until considering enough evidences. Bahrain, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Syria supports security and stability of the region
"Syria dealt with visit of the U.S Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns and an accompanying delegation in a serious way based on keenness on her interests and on security and stability in the region." A well-informed source at the Syrian Foreign Ministry said after Burns meeting with President Bashar al-Assad Saturday. Syria-Regional, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Mubarak confers with William Burns on developments
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt on Sunday stressed the necessity of the Israeli complete withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Golan, pointing out that this withdrawal should be one topic of the Syrian-American discussions that aimed at solving all problems in the region. Egypt-USA, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Al-Assad confers Burns and Rodman
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad received on Saturday U.S Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns and U.S Assistant Secretary of Defence Peter Rodman and the accompanying delegation. Syria-USA, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Syrian Lebanese information ministers highlight constructive, stimulated dialogue with USA
On Lebanon's move in facing repercussions of the UN Security Council resolution No. 1559, Smaha said " it is a Lebanese internal affair.." "From informational side the content of the resolution can be explained as a blow against the Palestinians inside Palestine and Lebanon's stability through settling Palestinians in Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Following threats to kill the two hostages within 24 hours, Italy delegates its foreign minister for rescue
The Italian foreign minister Franco Frateini will head within the few coming hours to the Gulf region in an urgent mission to ensure the release of the two Italian hostages in Iraq after threats announced to kill them. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 9/13/2004 - More than 100 Iraqis killed in a grave escalation; Allawi clings to elections timing
Some 110 Iraqis were killed at least in various parts of Iraq on Sunday in a drastic escalation of acts of violence during which Baghdad was shaken by clashes and booby trapped car explosions. Iraq, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Erbakan deplores Israeli plots against Al-Aqsa Mosque
Former Leader of the Turkish Welfare Party, Necmettin Erbakan, stressed that Israel is planning to pull down al-Aqsa mosque and replaces it with the so-called Temple of Suleiman as part of a wider plot to create "Greater Israel." Turkey-Palestine, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Mubarak phones Arafat, Qurei' to close Palestinian ranks
President Hosni Mubarak phoned Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei' urging them to set their differences aside and unite Palestinian ranks, said Presidential Spokesman Maged Abdel Fattah. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Algeria- Chad talks to hand over al-Seifi
The Algerian government is carrying out talks with the republic of Chad over reaching an agreement according to which an Islamist held by a rebels group in Chad since several months will be handed over. Algeria-Chad, Politics, 9/13/2004 - Abul Gheit: Egypt qualified to hold UN SC permanent seat Egypt-UN, Politics, 9/13/2004
- Middle East Churches' message to UN chief to Annan Regional-UN, Politics, 9/13/2004
- Al-Sahra receives Lebanese Information minister Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 9/13/2004
- ad-Dustour: Iraqi defense minister: relations with Syria are good Iraq-Syria, Politics, 9/13/2004
- Libya investigate into the allegations of Mauritania Libya-Mauritania, Politics, 9/13/2004
- Islamic World League calls for collective efforts to fight terrorism Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/13/2004