Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/24/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 24, 2005

• Iraqis abroad cast their votes
  Ballot centers were opened in Asia, Europe, and North America to receive some 280,000 Iraqi eligible voters who are casting their votes in the first legislative elections since the fall of the government of the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Iraq, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Extreme violence escorts the Iraqi elections
  While the Independent Higher Commission For The Iraqi Elections, which supervises the Iraqi elections inside Iraq, started to distribute the ballot boxes, seven members of the Iraqi police were killed and other 4 injured including two civilians in two separate attacks Iraq, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Hamas wins major seats of municipality seats
  The Palestine elections committee announced that the Islamic resistance movement ( Hamas) won with a great majority the municipal elections in Gaza. Palestine, Politics, 1/29/2005
• People's movement opens an office in Khartoum
  The Sudan People's Liberation movement (southern rebels) yesterday inaugurated the opening of its first headquarters in Khartoum expected to be the second main headquarters. The celebration was attended by hundreds of Sudanese from the north and the south and most of the prominent Sudanese political figures. Sudan, Politics, 1/29/2005
• UN Security council renews for UNIFIL, rejects Lebanese claims on Shebaa farms
  The UN Security Council on Friday renewed the mission of the United Nations Interim Forces In South Lebanon UNIFIL, noting simultaneously it will "reconsider" it in the end of the new mission. It also rejected Beirut's allegations that Shebaa farms are Lebanese. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Mubarak and 53 African leaders discuss African problems in Abuja tomorrow
  Abuja summit to discuss issues of Darfur, Cote d'Ivoire, and Greater Lakes, combating poverty, AIDS and malaria Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Morocco, Tunis set to boost bilateral cooperation
  Ghannouchi underlined, however, that bilateral trade is still below joint aspirations, noting that the volume of exchanges in 2004 was estimated at around US $139 million. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Algerian liberation front reconvenes 8th conference
  The Algerian National Liberation Front is preparing to convene its conference next Saturday and Sunday with the aim to unify their ranks after the split that took place prior to the recent presidential elections took place in the country. Algeria, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Independent Oil-for-Food panel interviews UN Secretary-General
  United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan was interviewed this week by members of the Independent Inquiry Committee (IIC) he commissioned to examine allegations of corruption surrounding the now-defunct Oil-for-Food programme for Iraq. Iraq-UN, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Egypt: clashes in al-Areesh between the police and demonstrators
  Clashes took place on Friday between the Egyptian police and 750 demonstrators in the Egyptian city of al-Areesh, while demanding the release of their relatives, detained following the Taba explosions which took place in October 2004. Egypt, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Sweden expels one Libyan diplomat
  The Swedish foreign ministry announced yesterday it had expelled one foreign diplomat, the local press said he is Libyan, suspected to have spying activities against the Libyans living in Sweden. Libya-Sweden, Politics, 1/29/2005
• European MPs highlight reform process initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI
  European representatives highlighted, in Brussels Thursday, the reform process initiated under the leadership of King Mohammed VI and the sovereign's political will to promote human rights in Morocco. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/29/2005
• UNSG renews call to free The Moroccans detained in Polisario Tindouf camps
  UN secretary general, Kofi Annan renewed his call to free all the Moroccans the Polisario still detains in the camps in Tindouf, South-West Algeria. Morocco-UN, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Iranian rejects Israeli practices
  Member of the Iranian Council of Expediency Imami Kashani denounced on Friday the "brutal crimes" and "oppressive practices" perpetrated by Israeli forces of occupation against the Palestinians in the occupied Arab territories. Iran-Regional, Politics, 1/29/2005
• U.S. sees 'promising moment of opportunity' for mideast peace
  The Bush administration is committed to taking advantage of "the most promising moment of opportunity" for Middle East peace "that any of us have seen in recent years," said US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs William Burns. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Palestinian security forces completed deployment
  In another development, the Palestinian national security forces completed its deployment in south Gaza. A Palestinian security source said that 2000 Palestinian police man were deployed along the border with Egypt, noting that the deployment process was completed without incidents. Palestine, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Enrico Macias: King Mohammed VI continues tradition of tolerance and peace
  Renowned French singer, Enrico Macias said King Mohammed VI of Morocco continues, like the great sultans of Morocco, to perpetuate the tradition of tolerance and peace, both within his country and all over the world." Morocco, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Russian spokesman and Syria's role Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Arab Maghreb states thanks Qathafi Libya, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Rice vows to use 'tools of diplomacy' to advance democracy Regional-USA, Politics, 1/29/2005
• Turkish fears over the demographic structure change of Karkouk
  The Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan considered that the elections due to be held in Iraq by the end of this month will not be fully democratic. Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Muscat: recent detentions covered men of religion
  Diplomats and activists in Muscat announced yesterday that the Omani authorities detained a group of Islamists during January over suspicion that they are campaigning for religious extremism in the country. Oman, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Al-Assad: Syria has the right to possess defensive weapons
  Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad stressed that the connection between the state visit to Russia and a weapon deal is a wrong matter. "Process of buying missiles is not necessary to be accomplished during a state visit to the Russian president, but there are institutions which are concerned with that." President al-Assad said in an interview with the Russian first channel T.V ahead of his visit to Russia. Syria, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Washington calls on Khartoum, rebels to stop fighting
  The US has called for "immediate halting" of the acts of violence in Darfur district to the west of Sudan and accused the Sudanese government and the rebels of being behind it. Sudan-USA, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Lahoud stresses unity of Lebanese people
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud said Thursday that the strategy Lebanon has adopted many years ago had protected it in the face of the developments occurred in the region. Lebanon, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Tunisian president highlights need to enhance cooperation with Morocco
  Tunisian president, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, has called for the development of the Moroccan-Tunisian cooperation, said official sources. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Reactions to president al-Assad's visit to Russia
  Arab officials and newspapers paid attention on Thursday to the current visit of President Bashar al-Assad to Moscow noting to the importance of reactivating the Russian role in the Middle East. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Sharon praises Abbas, considers a historical achievement with the Palestinians
  The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon announced his readiness to give concessions concerning the situation in the Middle East. He considered that it has become possible to achieve a historical progress with the Palestinians in the course of the peace operation. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Israeli to release 900 Palestinian detainees
  In an attempt showing the good intention, the Israeli government initially approved to release of some 900 Palestinian prisoners, shortly. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Abul Gheit: Cooperation between Egypt, African continent political decision
  Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the African continent is a political decision taken at the highest level. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/28/2005
• American congress staffers get informed on Sahara issue in Laayoune
  A delegation of staffers of the American congress held a series of talks with deputies and civil society representatives of the Moroccan Southern town of Laayoune as part of a visit meant to garner information on the real situation in the Southern provinces of Morocco. Morocco-USA, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Morocco urges for immediate release of Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf
  Morocco called on Thursday for the immediate release of Moroccans that are sequestered in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps (southern Algeria), voicing concern over their degrading conditions. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Voting for the Iraqi elections starts in Australia Iraq-Australia, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Syrian prime minister visits Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Abbas's tour starts from Jordan Palestine-Regional, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Lebanese expatriate and Arab economic integration Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Lebanese embassy in Baghdad seeks to release Kidnapped Citizens Iraq-Lebanon, Politics, 1/28/2005
• Albright against imposing reforms on ME Regional-USA, Politics, 1/28/2005
• One Sudanese human rights activist detained Sudan, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Finance minister says debts settlement boosts cooperation with Russia
  Syria's Minister of Finance Muhammad al-Hussein said Wednesday that agreement on settling debts, signed between Syria and Russia today, is in the interests of both countries and opens the way for more advanced relations. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Al-Assad's meets Gryzlov in Moscow Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Mubarak to take part in Brazil Forum Egypt-Brazil, Politics, 1/27/2005
• King Abdullah discusses the division of Jordan to three districts
  The Jordanian King Abdullah II said he will reconsider the administrative divisions in the Kingdom in order to form three districts of elected local councils, with each district including several governorates. Jordan, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Amnesty International praises Morocco's 'Increasing openness on human rights'
  Amnesty International has welcomed "greater openness (in Morocco) on human rights, including in public debates about the legacy of past violations, and encouraging signs of progress towards greater respect for the rule of law." Morocco, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Jordanian police disperse trade union meetings
  The Jordanian police pervented on Wednesday a meeting by force for the trade union organizations presumed to be held in the trade union complex in Amman. Jordan, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Burns speaks about comprehensive peace in the Middle East Regional-USA, Politics, 1/27/2005
• King Fahd removes chairman of the intelligence department from his post
  King Fahd of Saudi Arabia issued a royal decision for removing the chairman of the general intelligence prince Nawaf Bin Abdul Aziz from his post and appointing him as a special advisor for the royal court at the grade of a minister. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Sudan's cooperation agreement with the European Union
  Sudan and the European Union signed at the headquarters of the Commission in Brussels a cooperation agreement following 15 years of cessation, following the end of the longest war in Africa. Sudan-European Union, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Curfew in Iraq to maintain security for the elections
  The Iraqi minister of the interior Falah al-Naqib said that as from tomorrow Friday, curfew will be introduced from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. for three days in order to ensure the security of the elections. Iraq, Politics, 1/27/2005
• More Iraqis killed, injured
  In Beiji to the north of Baghdad, 11 schools directors abstained from opening their schools to be used as election centers of fears to be blown up by gunmen. Iraq, Politics, 1/27/2005
• India shares Syria positions over the region
  Indian Ambassador in Damascus Arif S. Khan said Wednesday that India shares Syria her vision and attitude over all causes that trouble the region. Syria-India, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Israeli - Palestinian security, political meetings resumed
  Security and political meetings resumed between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Two meetings were held in Jerusalem and the West Bank, hours after the consent of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to resume contacts with the Palestinian authorities after he had frozen it on January 14 following a Palestinian operation in Gaza. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/27/2005
• NGO calls for 'Algerian commitment' to determine fate of disappeared Sahrawis
  The Sweden-based Association for the Defense of the Population Sequestered in Tindouf (ADESETI) has called for Algeria's commitment to determine the fate of the Sahrawis who disappeared in Tindouf camps, southern Algeria. Morocco-Sweden, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Suleiman Awwad: Mubarak to receive Abbas Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/27/2005
• EU allocates 1 million euro to Moroccan HM associations
  The European Union launched, in Rabat Wednesday, a one million program destined to fund micro projects of Moroccan NGO operating in human rights, announced the Union's delegation. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Madeline Albright: Washinghton looks forward to Mubarak's visit Egypt-USA, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Expected American sanctions on Sudan over Darfur Sudan-USA, Politics, 1/27/2005
• Syria and Russia upbeat talks result and settle debts issue
  The President also announced a number of accords have been signed mainly in the energy field in addition to some accords that will regulate these relations and pointing out that the issue of building the free trade zone was raised and will be studied in the future. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Russia's foreign minister commends Syrian-Russian historical relations
  Russian Foreign Minister Sergy Lavrov on Tuesday underlined the importance of President Bashar al-Assad's visit to Russia saying "The visit would contribute in deepening political dialogue between the two friendly countries Syria and Russia." Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Former Algerian president vows to militate for reopening of Moroccan-Algerian borders
  Former Algerian president, Ahmed Ben Bella, vowed to fight for "the re-opening of Moroccan-Algerian land borders," closed in 1994 after it was established that a group of Algerian-born nationals were involved in the shooting of a luxury hotel in Marrakech. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Syria calls for the resumption of peace negotiations, Israel sets conditions
  Syria has renewed its call to Israel to resume peace negotiations between the two sides unconditionally. Syria-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Next public hearing of human rights victims to be held in Figuig
  The Justice and Reconciliation Commission (IER) will start on January 29 in Figuig (south-eastern Morocco) the third session of public hearings into human rights abuses committed between 1956 and 1999. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Turkey develops relations with Syria and Iran
  Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, underlined yesterday Turkey's readiness to advance its relations with Syria and Iran. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Bank of Lebanon denies receiving illegal Iraqi money
  The governor of the Central Bank of Lebanon, Rida Salameh, put an end to rumors which talked on transferring $ 300 million in cash from Iraq to Lebanon illegally, stressing that there are no illegal sums in the Lebanese banks. Lebanon-Iraq, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Measures to ensure security of the elections
  News reports said that two American soldiers were injured in a bomb explosion that targeted their vehicle in the downtown of Tikrit. Ten election centers in various parts of Salah Eddine governorate were attacked by explosives and mortars alleged by al-Qaida Organization In Mesopotamia led by the Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Iraq, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Morocco's Islamic party welcomes upgrading of religious realm
  Secretary General of the Party of Justice and Development (PJD- only authorized Islamic party in Morocco) affirmed that he appreciates the evolutions registered in Morocco with regard to upgrading the religious realm. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Arab League denounces Israel's confiscation of Palestinian lands
  The Arab League denounced the Israeli government's decision on the annexation of new Israeli settlements to the racial separation wall, expressing deep concern over Tel Aviv's intention to confiscate Palestinian lands in the occupied Jerusalem. Regional-Palestine, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Israeli forces invade Toulkarem, resistance bombards Gaza settlement
  More than 40 Israeli military vehicles invaded Sida village, to the north of Toulkarem in the West Bank, and imposed curfew and confiscated one school and several houses and evacuated many of them and converted them into military barracks, threatening to demolish houses of Palestinian activists. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Lebanon rejects change to UNIFIL's mission
  Lebanon has officially complained against the possibility of changing the mission of the UN Interim Forces working in South Lebanon UNIFIL by the UN Security Council or decreasing its work mission which is renewed every 6 months. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Moroccan human rights association denied existence of any spokesperson abroad
  The Moroccan human rights association (AMDH/independent) said it has no official nor semi-official spokesperson abroad, denying a news items by French agency "AFP" that quotes what it calls an AMDH spokesman abroad. Morocco, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Southern associations denounce Polisario practices as contrary to ICRC recommendations
  Three local associations in the southern provinces have denounced the Polisario practices as contrary to recommendations of the International Committee of the Red Cross, following the death on Monday of a Moroccan held captive by the separatist group after he was released on Saturday. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Al-Assad confers with Russian Council Speaker Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/26/2005
• An official source: Egypt committed to NPT obligations
  Egypt said on Tuesday it is fully committed to the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NDP) signed 21 years ago. Egypt, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Ahmed Abul Gheit :SPLM leader welcomes Egypt's role in Sudan 's peace Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Burns to start a ME tour very soon Regional-USA, Politics, 1/26/2005
• Syria is the most important partner for Russia in the Middle East: Russian spokesman
  Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Yakovenko on Sunday described the Syrian-Russian relations as "friendly and of rich history." "Syria is the most important partner for Russia in the Middle East" Yakovenko said. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Al-Assad' s visit to Russia supports the economic relations
  Chief of the Syrian-Russian Businessmen Council Abdul-Rahman al-Attar said "President Bashar al-Assad's upcoming visit to Russia would support the economic relations between Syria and Russia." Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Al-Assad starts a four-day visit to Russia
  Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and his wife arrived on Monday evening in Moscow in a state visit to the Federal Republic of Russia. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Accusations for Baghdad and Washington of torturing the Iraqis
  Human Rights Watch has accused the Iraqi government of routine torture for prisoners accusing what it called "International observers in Iraq" of neglecting this matter. Iraq-USA, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Aoun, Junblat renew rejection of the Syrian presence in Lebanon
  Two main figures of the Lebanese opposition Maj. Gen. Michael Oun and the Druz leader Walid Junblat on Monday stressed their cling on the need of the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. This was a reaction to the announcement made by the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara that his country's forces will stay in Lebanon for two years. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Parliament of southern rebels in Sudan ratifies peace agreement
  The parliament of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (southern rebels) on Monday unanimously approved the peace agreement which was signed on January 9th in Nairobi with the Sudanese government. Sudan, Politics, 1/25/2005
• AL chief calls for honoring UN resolutions including 1559: total agreement on Algeria summit issues
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa announced that Algeria and the Arab League have reached a total agreement on all issued to be debated at the Arab summit to be held in Algiers on march 22 and 23. Regional, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Moscow, Damascus deny determination to finalize missiles deal
  Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has denied in an interview published before his visit to Moscow on Monday the existence of any deal to buy Russian missiles. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Concerns over the Iraqi elections
  Concerning the elections to be held on January 30th, the interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi vowed on Monday to keep the doors open for parties which announced intention to boycott the elections. Iraq, Politics, 1/25/2005
• New security measures introduced in Najaf
  Part of the preparations for the elections on January 30 and as a precaution of the escalation of attacks, the commander of Najaf police, Ghaleb al-Jazaeri, announced banning any persons, not a resident of Najaf city, to stay in it the day of casting votes. He explained that the security plans for the city divides it to four security Zones. Iraq, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Two aides for Zarqawi detained in Baghdad
  The Interim Iraqi government said that it had detained two aides for Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who were behind planning for several operations, especially the attack against the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Iraq, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Abu Zeid: New Nile water agreement cancels quotas
  Nile Basin member states Water Resources ministers will meet on February 5 in Uganda to lay final touches on a new agreement on benefiting from Nile River water. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Bush commends Yemen's efforts in democracy, terrorism fighting
  In a message of congratulations on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, the US President George W. Bush commended the efforts made by the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to fighting "terrorism" and in the field of democracy and economic development. Yemen-USA, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Abul-Gheit:Abu Mazen to visit Cairo soon for continuing dialogue with Palestinian factions
  Amidst positive indications that Mahmoud Abbas, the chairman of the Palestinian Authority has managed to contract differences with the Palestinian factions for concluding a conditional truce that could open the door before settlement process Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Abul-Gheit :Cooperation with IAEA in full swing
  Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul -Gheit yesterday said that cooperation between Egypt and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is serious and in full swing. Egypt, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Moroccan soldier repatriated from Tindouf, dies
  A Moroccan soldier held captive for 17 years by the Polisario separatist group in Tindouf camps (Algeria) and repatriated Saturday to Morocco, died Monday in the military hospital of "Avicenne" in Marrakech. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Sahara: Parliamentary Assembly of Europe's Council for a a mutually accepted political solution
  The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has reaffirmed its "strong support" to the efforts made by the UN secretary general and his personal envoy to reach a "mutually acceptable political solution" to the Sahara conflict. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/25/2005
• al-Jazeera: Palestinian figure on Israeli methods to Judaize Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Ukraine president: Relations with Arab states are important Regional-Ukraine, Politics, 1/25/2005
• Russians hail visit of President al-Assad to Moscow
  Chairman of the Union Eurasian Party in Russia Alexander Dugin on Saturday described the upcoming visit of President Bashar al-Assad to Federal Russia as historic and very significant. Syria-Russia, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Al-Shara: the Syrian forces might stay in Lebanon about two years
  The Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara said yesterday that the Syrian forces in Lebanon might stay there only "for two years." Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Safwat al-Sherif:15 parties participate in national dialogue conference
  Egypt's Secretary General of the National Democratic Party (NDP) Safwat al-Sherif stressed that there are no red lines during discussing all views on reform during the national dialogue conference according to the President's call for deepening democracy. Egypt, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Heated debates between Chalabi, Shalan
  Concerning the heated debates between the Iraqi defense minister Hazim Shalan and the chairman of the Iraqi National Congress group, Ahmad Chalabi, the latter said that the defense minister (Shalan) took millions of dollars outside Iraqi illegally. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Poor participation of Iraqis in the Diaspora in the elections
  The spokesman for the Iraqi Islamic party on Saturday announced that his party and the commission will not taking part in the local councils elections and confirming continued boycott of the legislative elections which will be held the same day. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Tape recording for Zarqawi announces war on the elections
  In a voice tape, the Jordanian Abu Musab al-Zarqawi threatened to launch a fierce war against the elections in Iraq, describing the elections as a conspiracy from the side of the US, as he alleged. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Intensive attacks in Iraq, leading figure killed
  al-Qaida organization in Mesopotamia led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility in a statement on the Internet of killing Salem Jafar al-Minani, the leading figure in the national reconciliation party which is led by the Interim Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi. Iraq, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Saudi Arabia hosts a conference for fighting terrorism next month
  The Saudi King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz have called for international cooperation to fight terrorism. They confirmed in this regard, al-Riyadh's hosting of an international conference to fight terrorism to be held on February 5 through 7. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Khartoum accuses Darfur rebels of killing scores of civilians
  An official in the Sudanese army said a group of Darfur rebels killed scores of Sudanese and injured others in an attack against villages in al-Malam area to the north of Darfur. Sudan, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Palestinian groups deny Mofaz's statements over truce agreement
  Palestinian groups denied what was stated by the Israeli defense minister Shaoul Mofaz over its agreement with the chairman of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on a truce with Israel for a one month period. These groups reiterated "the possibility of accepting to attacks if Israel stops its atrocities, first." Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Sharon threatens to attack Gaza
  The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon renewed his threat to launch a large scale military attack against Gaza if attacks of the Palestinians continue. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Iran plays down US Threats
  Senior Iranian officials on Saturday played down US threats of possible future attacks against Iran saying they should not be taken seriously. Iran-USA, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Moussa arrives in Algiers in preparation for the Arab summit
  The secretary general of the Arab league (AL) Amr Moussa arrived on Sunday evening in Algiers in the course of preparations for the Arab summit due to be convened in this country on March 22 and 23. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Media campaign against condemnation of former 'Diario 16' director, Jose Luis Guttierez, denounced
  Chairman of the civil chamber at the Spanish supreme court, Roman Garcia Varela, denounced, on Friday, the media campaign against his decision confirming condemnation in 1999 of former "Diario 16" director, Jose Luis Guttierez, for harming the honor of the Late King Hassan II. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/24/2005
• European MP: IER a unique experiment in the Arab-Moslem world Morocco-European Union, Politics, 1/24/2005
• Djibouti expels experts from France, stops France radio broadcasting
  France announced that Djibouti decided to expel said French experts and stop a broadcasting station for the International France Radio after the French Judiciary demanded hearing of the chairman of the intelligence department in Djibouti Hassan Saeed in the course of investigation in the assassination of the French Judge Bernard Burweil in 1995. Djibouti-France, Politics, 1/24/2005

Previous Week · Politics · Business and Economics · Local · Algeria · Bahrain · Comoros · Djibouti · Egypt · Iraq · Jordan · Kuwait · Lebanon · Libya · Mauritania · Morocco · Oman · Palestine · Qatar · Syria · Saudi Arabia · Somalia · Sudan · Tunisia · United Arab Emirates · Yemen