Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 9/20/2004
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of September 20, 2004
- First meeting of its kind since 35 years; Powell asks Shalqam of explanation over assassination attempt of crown prince Abdullah
In the first meeting between the two countries at this level since 35 years, the Libyan foreign minister Muhammad Abdul Rahman Shalqam in New York on Thursday met with his American counterpart Colin Powell who asked for "more efforts in the terrorism file." He, in particular indicated the need of giving convincing explanations on the allegations that Tripoli conspired to assassinate the Saudi crown prince Abdullah. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Sudan announces foiling a coupe by Turabi supporters
The Sudanese authorities announce yesterday it had foiled a coupe attempt against the government, hours before its implementation, and attributed it to Islamists members in the People's Congress party which is led by Hassan al-Turabi. Sudan, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Morocco expresses strong reservations about UNHCR's Tindouf camps budget
Morocco expressed "strong reservations" before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) about the budget allocated by the body to the populations of the Tindouf camps, Algeria, deeming that his would be approval of these populations' tragedy, "which has lasted over more than three decades." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Allawi calls for supporting Iraq
The interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi has called on the international community to help Iraq. Iraq-Regional, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Bush order removing Iraq's name from terrorism sponsoring states list
The US President George W. Bush yesterday issued a decision for removing Iraq's name from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism after the toppling of the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Rajoub arrives in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials
Palestinian Presidential Advisor Jibril Al-Rajoub arrived yesterday from Ramallah via Amman for talks with a number of Egyptian officials on Palestinian developments. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Kuwait: $ 367 million for persons damaged from the Iraqi invasion
The Kuwaiti News agency said yesterday that the board of directors of the UN compensations committee approved on Thursday giving a sum of $ 367 million for compensating damaged sides "persons and companies" over the losses that resulted from the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Morocco, Spain examine new cooperation in fisheries
Moroccan Secretary General for fisheries, Tijani Rhanmi, said Morocco and Spain are examining a new cooperation in fisheries, noting that cooperation between the two countries in fishing research is multifaceted and "would benefit Morocco's policy in this realm." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Lahoud and foreign intervention in Lebanon Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 9/25/2004
- U.S. troops must reside where needed, welcomed, Rumsfeld says
The changes envisioned for America's re-positioning of its military forces around the world are just part of a much wider strategy of making those forces more agile and efficient in order to meet the challenges of 21st century threats, says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Regional-USA, Politics, 9/25/2004 - Sanaa: arresting scores of the 'believing youths' Yemen, Politics, 9/25/2004
- Mubarak calls to accelerate new reforms
At the end of the second annual congress of the National Democratic Party NDP, President Hosni Mubarak, the NDP Chairman called on the government to accelerate the implementation of new reform policies and legislation. Egypt, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Gamal Mubarak: NDP reform proposals conform to opposition requests
Gamal Mubarak, the National Democratic Party (NDP)'s Policies Committee Secretary, said Thursday the party proposals on political, social and economic reforms go in line with the requests of the opposition parties. Egypt, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Ruling party in Egypt for reform, but in an extended time period
The ruling National Democratic Party in Egypt refused in the final days of its second conference demands raised by the opposition to achieve political reform in one stroke in the country. Egypt, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Bush rejects to withdraw forces from Iraq, Allawi thanks him for the invasion
In a joint press conference with the Interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi, the US President George W. Bush announced that what is called violence in Iraq might increase from now until the elections in January, 2005. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/24/2004 - A historical meeting between the Libyan foreign minister and his American peer
The meeting reflects the recent evidence on the improvement of relations between the US and Libya following a long hostility because of the American accusations to Tripoli of supporting terrorism. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Washington: Darfur peace is linked to peace in the south
The American envoy to Sudan stressed that the political solution for the Darfur district crisis lies in Nivasha peace agreement with the southern rebels so as to end the central authority. Sudan-USA, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Straw: little hopes to rescue Begley, Allawi refuses to release Rihab Taha
The Prime minister of the interim Iraqi government Eyad Allawi, decided not to release the woman official in the former regime Rihab Taha, hours after an appeal addressed by the British hostage who is threatened to lose his life if the Iraqi women held in the occupation jails are not freed. Iraq, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Al Raia: SA recognition of SADR has not changed power balance
"The unexpected recognition" of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi republic (SADR) by South Africa "has not changed much the balance of power and the political equation," said the Jordanian "Al Raia" daily. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Al-Azhar vigorously condemns kidnappings in Iraq
Al-Azhar's interfaith dialogue committee vigorously condemned on yesterday the kidnapping of civilians in Iraq. Regional-Iraq, Politics, 9/24/2004 - New Zealand withdraws its forces Iraq-New Zealand, Politics, 9/24/2004
- Nazif attends signing Sudanese import deal
Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif attended the signing of a deal on purchasing 30,000 tones of frozen and boneless Sudanese meat on Wednesday. Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Iranian navy holds Iraqi fishing boats Iraq-Iran, Politics, 9/24/2004
- Zapatero lauds Morocco-Spain cooperation to fight illegal migration
Spanish prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, hailed Wednesday Morocco-Spain cooperation in fighting illegal migration, saying the "strong and continuous" fight against this phenomenon is the "result" of the improvement of relations between the two countries since the Spanish government took office last March. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Greek Minister of Tourism Arrives in Damascus Syria-Greece, Politics, 9/24/2004
- Cairo airport receives first Iraqi airliner in 14 years
After a 14-year hiatus, the first Iraqi Airlines plane landed at Cairo Airport this week. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 9/24/2004 - No decision for the moment to renew fisheries agreement with Spain, minister
Morocco's Minister of communication and spokesman for the gobernment, Nabil Benabdellah, said Thursday "there is no decision for the moment to renew the fisheries agreement with Spain," insisting that, fisheries issues can, however, be discussed part of moves to improve bilateral ties. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/24/2004 - Europe lifts weapons ban from Libya
Two days after the American trade embargo was lifted from Libya, the European Union yesterday approved to lift the economic sanctions imposed on Tripoli in addition to lifting arms sales to it. This is under the pretext of helping Libya to withstanding the wave of illegal African immigrants who leave its coats towards Europe especially Italy. Libya-European Union, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Syria continues withdrawing its forces from Lebanon
Syrian military units withdrew from Lebanon in the early hours of today (Thursday) morning in the framework of a large- scale redeployment operation by the Syrian forces. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Southern Sudan negotiations resumed on October 7th
The Kenyan mediation committee said that the Sudanese government and the rebels of the people's army for the liberation of Sudan will resume on October 7th peace negotiations which reached a deadlock since the end of July. Sudan, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Ankara denies intention to recognize Polisario
Turkey said it has no intention to recognize the Polisario separatists or their self-proclaimed republic "SADR," that lays claim to Morocco's southern Provinces (known as the Sahara). Morocco-Turkey, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Former resistors say South Africa's recognition of puppet Sahrawi Republic an 'act of ingratitude'
Former resistors and membners of the lioberation army said in a release South Africa's recognition of the puppet Sahrawi Republic, proclaimed by the Polisario separatists, is "an act of ingratitude" towards Morocco. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Bush condemns beheading hostages operations
The US president George W. Bush denounced the hostages beheading operations in Iraq. He stressed that these actions will not undermine the will of the US to continue its mission in Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Booby trapped car targets American vehicle in Baghdad
In an attack which is the second of its kind yesterday, several persons were killed and others injured in a booby trapped car explosion near an American military vehicle in al-Ameerat (princesses) streets in al-Mansour quarters in the downtown of Baghdad, according to sources in the Iraqi police. Iraq, Politics, 9/23/2004 - On the British hostage in Iraq
The American embassy in Baghdad denied any intention to release two Iraqi women detainees by the American forces in Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Italy doubts the killing of its two hostages
Sources close to the Italian government presidency said that the Italian authorities have no information confirming reports that the two Italian women held in Iraq Simona Bari and Simona Torita were killed. The same sources called for highest caution in dealing with this information. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Syria's role appreciated by Italy
Italy expressed appreciation over Syria's efforts in combating terrorism, pointing to its important role in foiling a terrorist attack that was targeting the Italian and Western interests in Lebanon. Syria-Italy, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Middle East and G8 countries prepare forum to pursue reforms
Government, business and civil society leaders from the broader Middle East region and the G8 countries are scheduled to meet in New York September 23 and 24 to begin laying out the structure of the "Forum for the Future," which the G8 countries pledged to establish at their June 2004 Sea Island Summit. Regional-USA, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Roadmap only way forward to mideast peace, Powell says
President George W. Bush "remains totally committed to the vision he laid out to the world on June 24, 2002, and we will continue to pursue that vision as we meet with the Quartet," Powell said. Palestine-USA, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Food aid convoy for the Palestinians on Ramadan
A convoy of humanitarian aid left Syria on Wednesday heading to Palestine as a present from the Syrian people to the Palestinian people on the occasion of the advent of holy Ramadan. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Sharon threatens to kill Yasser Arafat
The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has implicitly threatened to kill the Palestinian President Yasser Arafat saying that "Arafat will get what he deserves," noting that Israel has killed several leaders of the Islamic Hamas movement. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Lebanese Attorney General highlights Syrian- Lebanese security Cooperation Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/23/2004
- Al-Shara and Powell meet in New York Syria-USA, Politics, 9/23/2004
- Assafir: al-Nour groups threaten Syria and Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 9/23/2004
- Spain backs political, just, lasting solution to Sahara conflict
Spanish Prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, said, here Tuesday, he is for "a political, just, lasting solution" to the Sahara conflict, that is "accepted by all parties." Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/23/2004 - Two Saudi women to join municipal elections
Two Saudi women yesterday announced they intend to be nominated for the first municipal elections in February, 2004 in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Lebanon links Syrian withdrawal to the situation in the region
The Lebanese minister of defense Mahmoud Hammoud announced that the complete withdrawal of the Syrian forcers from Lebanon will be made after ending the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Reform is on top of the agenda of the National Democratic Party in Egypt
Works of the second conference of the ruling National Democratic Party in Egypt started yesterday morning. Its three-day agenda topped by the issue of reform. Egypt, Politics, 9/22/2004 - American energy secretary considers visiting Tripoli
The US energy secretary Spencer Abraham said he thinks "seriously" of accepting an invitation he had received on Monday to visit Tripoli. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004 - NDP paper stresses women's rights
The National Democratic Party (NDP) has floated a paper on ways to empower women and maintain their rights in Egypt. Egypt, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Europe discusses lifting the sanctions from Libya
The European Union announced yesterday that it is discussing lifting the sanctions partially from Libya and added it inclined towards alleviating the weapons embargo to this country. This was upon the US announcement ending trade embargo on Tripoli. Libya-European Union, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Syrian Lieut. Gen Turkmani and the redeployment in Lebanon
Syria's Defence Minister Lieut. Gen. Hassan Turkmani discussed with Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud the redeployment of the Syrian troops working in Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Al-Shara to meet with Powell today
A meeting will be held at the headquarters of the UN between the US secretary of state Colin Powell and his Syrian counterpart Farouk al-Shara on the sideline of the UN General Assembly meeting. The meeting was the first of its kind between the two countries since the deterioration of bilateral relations following the war on Iraq. Syria-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Last impediments before the Syria- EU association agreement removed
The European Union announce yesterday it has initially agreed with Syria on September 15 on the precise formula of the article pertinent banning the dissemination of the mass destruction weapons in the European Association Agreement (AA) between the two sides. Syria-European Union, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Addressing UN Assembly, Annan urges nations to restore respect for rule of law
Decrying what he described as "shameless" disregard for the rule of law around the globe, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday urged world leaders gathered at the General Assembly to do everything within their power to restore respect for the fundamental principles of law -- in domestic affairs, as well as on the international arena. Regional-UN, Politics, 9/22/2004 - King Mohammed VI calls for reform, invigoration of UN working methods, organs
King Mohammed VI of Morocco called in New York Tuesday for the reform and invigoration of the working methods and organs of the United Nations Organization to be able to "manage the current international situation, in a peaceful and civilized way." Morocco-UN, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Khartoum studies the increase in the number of observers in Darfur, denies fighting eruption
Sudan's deputy foreign minister Najib al-Kheir Abdul Wahab said that Khartoum will negotiate with the African union to increase number of the observers of the cease fire agreement working in Darfur to the west of Sudan. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 9/22/2004 - AL delegation to Sudan; denial of obstructing aid
The AL assistant secretary general for political affairs Ahmad Bin Hali said that the AL is making contacts with various Sudanese sides concerned with the Darfur crisis in order to reach a peaceful settlement for the crisis. Sudan-Regional, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Al-Zarqawi group assassinates the second American hostage
An Islamic website on the Internet issued a statement for al-Tawhid Wal Jihad group which is led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in which it claimed responsibility for the killing of the second American hostage held by it after the end of the period of time set to respond to their demands to release Iraqi detained women. In the American jails in Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Powell says insurgency in Iraq must be defeated
US Secretary of State Colin Powell reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to confronting the insurgency in Iraq and supporting the Iraqi interim government's efforts to hold elections by January 2005. Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Sahara issue: King reiterates Morocco's readiness to cooperate for political solution guaranteeing territorial integrity
Morocco's King Mohammed VI reiterated Tuesday Morocco's readiness to "cooperate with the United Nations and all the parties concerned" to achieve "a final, negotiated political solution" to the Sahara issue, "which guarantees the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of Morocco." Morocco, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Kuwaiti paper: SA's recognition of 'SADR' harms its own ideals
The Kuwaiti daily " Assiyassa al Koweïtiya" commented Monday that South Africa's recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic "SADR" harms the ideals defended by its historic leader Nelson Mandela. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/22/2004 - U.S. Treasury Delegation in Damascus discuss bank money laundering charges
A U.S. delegation of Department of Treasury held discussions at the Commercial Bank of Syria with a number of official circles. Syria-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Lahoud: pressure Lebanon is exposed to are not new Lebanon-UN, Politics, 9/22/2004
- Israel, an obstacle to establishment of WMD-free zone in ME, Minister
"Israel's attitude is a serious obstacle to the establishment of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)-free zone in the Middle East and to the restoration of a fair and sustainable peace" in the region, said Monday Moroccan Energy and Mining Minister, Mohamed Boutaleb. Regional-Israel, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Al-Assad confers with Iranian Minister of Culture Syria-Iran, Politics, 9/22/2004
- Bush urges U.N. to support Iraq, Afghanistan, Fight Terrorism Regional-USA, Politics, 9/22/2004
- Spanish-Moroccan joint troops to be deployed in Haiti in October
Spanish defence minister, José Bono, confirmed Monday in Santiago (Chile) his government will dispatch troops part of the joint Spanish-Moroccan contingent to be deployed in Haiti in the second half of October part of the peace-keeping mission in the western side of "La Espanola" island. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 9/22/2004 - Vast redeployment of the Syrian forces working in Lebanon starts today
In a step preceding the report of the UN secretary general Kofi Annan to be on October 3rd concerning the Syrian presence in Lebanon, Syria announced by its ambassador in Washington Imad Mustafa that the Syrian forces will start today ( Tuesday) a large scale redeployment process for its forces in Lebanon. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Mubarak: reforms will be economically and politically interlinked
The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said on the eve of the conference of the ruling National Democratic Party that the coming phase will be witnessing a close cohesion between economic reforms, on the one hand, and the political reforms, on the other. Egypt, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Libya welcomes lifting the American sanctions imposed on it
Libya welcomed lifting some of the American economic sanctions that used to be imposed on it. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Allawi describes relations with Syria as excellent
Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on Monday described Iraq's relations with Syria as excellent and are moving in the right direction in the interest of the two states' peoples. Iraq-Syria, Politics, 9/21/2004 - al-Razami surrenders himself to the authorities
One official in the local authority in Sadaa to the Northern east of yemen said that the second man in the "al-Shabab al-Mou'min" ( believing Youths) Abdullah al-Razami, surrendered himself together with other two to the authorities yesterday. Yemen, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Two scholars in the Muslims commission in Iraq assassinated
Gunmen assassinated one Sunni scholar as he was entering in Baghdad to perform noon prayers. A second act of assassination yesterday targeted scholars affiliate to the influential Muslim Scholars Commission in Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 9/21/2004 - One American killed, Zarqawi group assassinates one of its hostages Iraq-USA, Politics, 9/21/2004
- 'Passport for Freedom' Coordinator to negotiate with Algeria Moroccan POWs liberation
Coordinator of the European initiative "Passport for Freedom," Dominique Rambaud, said, in Rabat Saturday, she will negotiate during her upcoming visit to Algeria the liberation of Moroccan prisoners of war (POWs) who are held in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps (southwestern Algeria). Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Jordan al-Fayez talks on a nearby ministerial reshuffle
Jordan's prime minister Faisal al-Fayez announced he will make in October a ministerial reshuffle in his government which he had formed one year earlier. Jordan, Politics, 9/21/2004 - Lahoud reiterates social unity in Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 9/21/2004
- Tantawi holds talks with Chinese opposite numbers Egypt-China, Politics, 9/21/2004
- Egyptian French cooperation in military domains Egypt-France, Politics, 9/21/2004
- Equatorial Guinea president on private visit to Morocco Morocco-Equatorial Guinea, Politics, 9/21/2004
- Saudi Academic sentenced for five year imprisonment
A court in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, sentenced yesterday to five year imprisonment the Islamists Saudi Academic, Saed Bin Zaer, after he was found guilty of "provoking sedition and provoking to oppose the rulers." Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Washington might lift trade embargo form Libya today
US officials expected that the US President George W. Bush will officially abrogate today the American trade embargo on Libya, as a reward to Tripoli over abiding by its promises to give up mass destruction weapons. Libya-USA, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Iraqi ambassador in Tehran submits his credentials
Iraq's ambassador in Tehran Muhammad Miguid al-Sheikh assumed the mission of his post on Saturday, for the first time since the eruption of the Iraqi- Iranian war in 1980. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Sudan abides by UN Security Council resolution to avoid sanctions, AL deplores
The Sudanese government announced its commitment to the UN Security Council resolution which threatens it of economic sanctions unless it speeds efforts to solve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, west Sudan. Sudan-UN, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Saddam's trial in October; Salem Chalabi resigns court presidency,
The Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi said yesterday that the trial of the toppled Iraqi regime Saddam Hussein and his aides might start in October. Iraq, Politics, 9/20/2004 - South Africa's recognition of 'SADR' not genuine surprise, Official
South Africa's recognition of the self-proclaimed Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) was "not a genuine surprise," commented Friday Moroccan minister-delegate for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Taib Fassi Fihri, saying there have been indicators in this sense for several years. Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/20/2004 - South Africa's paper says Pretoria's decision to recognize SADR is 'precipitous' Morocco-South Africa, Politics, 9/20/2004
- Al-Assad, Mubarak discuss the situation in Iraq, Palestine, by telephone
Syrian President basher al-Assad and the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday made a telephone call that dealt with the situation on the Syrian- Iraqi borders, according to the Egyptian Middle East news Agency. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Cairo to host new round of Sudan talks on Sept. 28
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), an umbrella group of Sudanese opposition parties, Saturday said that it would begin a new round of talks with the Khartoum government in Cairo on September 28 Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 9/20/2004 - On the Syrian-Malaysian relations
The Malaysian Embassy in Damascus celebrates on Monday the 47th anniversary of independence, marked by ever-growing, distinguished bilateral relationship over the past fifty years between the two countries of Syria and Malaysia. Syria-Malaysia, Politics, 9/20/2004 - US Treasury delegation in Damascus regarding Iraqi assets
A delegation representing the US treasury department started an official visit to Syria lasting for two days with the aim to draw a final settlement for the Iraqi assets file deposited in the Syrian bank, estimated at $ 300 million. Syria-USA, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Three Kurds beheaded, threats to kill 13 hostages including two Americans, one Britain
One armed group yesterday announced the beheading of three Kurdish "rebels" from Masoud al-Barazani party and threatened to behead other 10 hostages, announced as kidnapped on Saturday, if the American-Turkish company in which they work will not withdraw from Iraq and the beheading of the two Americans and the one Britain if the occupation forces will not release all women prisoners in its jails. Iraq, Politics, 9/20/2004 - Riyadh refuses American accusations over religious freedoms Saudi Arabia, Politics, 9/20/2004
- Galloway calls for the release of Iraqi detainees in American jails in Iraq Iraq-UK, Politics, 9/20/2004