Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 1/31/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of January 31, 2005

• Allawi's list makes progress in the elections, three American soldiers killed
  Preliminary partial results of the Iraqi elections showed the lead of al-Seistani supported list by getting more than 2 million votes. The Higher commission for the Iraqi elections said on Friday in a press conference that the list of the United Iraqi Coalition collected 2.212 million votes in 10 governorates in the central and southern parts of the country against more than half a million of votes for the list of the interim prime minister Eyad Allawi. Iraq, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Sharm el-Sheikh summit starts with two meetings
  A high level official source described President Hosni Mubarak's initiative to call for a quadrilateral summit in Sharm el-Sheikh as the onset of a long-term plan that aims at removing obstacles and launch a new language of dialogue and understanding. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Demonstrations calling for reforms in Cairo
  Scores of Egyptian demonstrated on Friday in Cairo demanding the introduction of political reforms amid tough security measures. The demonstrators raised banners deploring the policies of the ruling national party, demanding simultaneously a "free government." Egypt, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Europe: we differ with the US on how to democratize Syria
  The European Union announced yesterday that it differs with the USA on ways to reach the establishment of democratization in Syria and Iran. Syria-European Union, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Sudan's Liberation Army in Darfur isolates political leadership
  Almost ten members of the military leaders of the rebel Sudan's Liberation Army in Darfur announced the isolation of the military leadership of their movement and their intention to appoint a new leadership. Sudan, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Clashes in Sinai between security forces and suspects
  News reports said that clashes took place on Friday between the Egyptian security forces and several suspects in their involvement in Taba explosions to the central and southern parts of Sinai. The clashes resulted in casualties between the two sides including 8 security men. Egypt, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Kuwait detains one Islamist lawyer on charge of financing a terrorist cell
  The Kuwaiti security forces yesterday detained a lawyer known for his defense of the Islamists under the charge of financial support for the leader of a terrorist cell. Kuwait, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Kuwaiti security officer killed, more gunmen were arrested
  One Kuwaiti security officer died in hospital because of wounds he got during armed clashes between the security forces and gunmen on Monday in al-Qarin area to the south of the Kuwaiti capital, according to the Kuwaiti TV. Kuwait, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Lebanese officials cling to national unity, appreciation for Syria's role
  Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hamoud underlined Syria's keenness on Lebanon's unity and solidarity, particularly during the current circumstances. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Annan vows prompt action on Oil-for-Food report
  Declaring that he did not want a shadow to hang over the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday again pledged prompt action after an interim report by an independent panel faulted the official in charge of the UN-managed Iraqi Oil-for-Food Program for "ethically improper" conduct. Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/5/2005
• US welcomes Israel's initiatives to release detainees
  The US has welcomed Israel's approval to release hundreds of Palestinian detainees at a time this subject and others raised Israeli- Palestinian differences resulted in foiling a preliminary meeting between the two sides for the Sharm al-Sheikh summit set for next week. Palestine-USA, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Other Sudanese conflicts may harm peace mission for country's south, Security Council told
  The top United Nations envoy cautioned the Security Council Yesterday that unless solutions are found to the conflicts plaguing Darfur and other regions of Sudan, the UN peace-support mission planned for the country's south will suffer. Sudan-UN, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Rice: Iran's energy projects can eventually be used for weapons programs
  US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice alleged Iran is attempting to hide its nuclear weapons-related activities “under cover of civilian nuclear power,” and should live up to its obligations to have verification inspection of its nuclear sites. Iran-USA, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Moroccan, UAE ministers to consolidate justice cooperation Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Lemrabet press statements on Sahrawi populations are inadmissible, Sahrawi associations
  Spokesman of human rights associations in Morocco's southern provinces, Ahmed El Kher, described, on Thursday, statements made by journalist Ali Lemrabet on the populations sequestered in Tindouf as "inadmissible." Morocco, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Rabat court grants conditional discharge for seven people
  The Rabat appellate court decided on Friday to grant conditional discharge to seven indicted people, residing in Sidi Slimane, North Morocco, for "terror apology" contained in CDs and other documents sold in public and incitation for terror acts. Morocco, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Lebanon stresses attachment to national principals Lebanon, Politics, 2/5/2005
• French minister of defense in Libya Libya-France, Politics, 2/5/2005
• Seistani supported list advances the elections in Iraq
  The Independent Higher Commission Of Elections in Iraq announced the completion of counting some 1.6 million voting cards and that the list which is sponsored by the religious clergy Ayatullah Ali al-Seisatni got 72% of these votes. Iraq, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Four were sentenced to life imprisonment over Mauritania coupe
  Following two days of deliberations, the criminal court in Nouakchott on Thursday gave final sentences on 100 civilian and military men accused of being involved in two failed coupe attempts against the government of President Mu'aweya Wedl Seidi Ahmad al-Taye'. Mauritania, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Former detainee Skounti: we aspire to real democracy that fights corruption and guarantees equality
  Ali Skounti said that he and his companions of fight aspire to "a real democracy that fights against corruption and guarantees equality." Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Mrs Merrou Hammi: 'We lived in suffering, only'
  "We lived in suffering, only" said Mrs Merrou Hammi of the March 1973 events when her husband, Zayed Bassou, was arrested, telling of her hardships at the time, at a public hearing on past human rights violations held on Wednesday in the Southern town of Errachidia. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Mohamed Ghacha describes his sufferings in the late 80s and early 90s
  Mohamed Ghacha, one of the victims of past human rights abuses, reports the suffering and humiliation he and his family endured during his detention in the late 1980s. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Former rights abuse victim relates his plight in several prisons
  As part of Wednesday's public hearing session held in this central Moroccan city, Mohamed Fadili, related the sufferings of his painful journey through several detention centers in the Kingdom. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Ben Khou: Tazmamart was an ordeal for a whole village
  President of the Tazmamart Association for Culture and Development, Brahim Ben Khou, affirmed Wednesday that Tazmamart was not only a secret detention center, but also "an ordeal for the inhabitants of a whole village who have been besieged for several years." Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Former detainee Melkaoui: I was jailed 10 years because I loved my country
  Former detainee, Alla Melkaoui, said Wednesday at the 4th session of hearings into past human rights violations (committed from 1956 to 1999), that he was condemned to ten years in jail because he loved his country and wished it would advance in terms of democracy and prosperity. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Aicha Ouharfou: My sister died in a detention center
  Former detainee, Aicha Ouharfou, gave Wednesday a moving testimony about her arrest, along with her family members, in Goulmima (southern-central Morocco) following the events of March 1973, deploring that her sister died in a secret detention center. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Rkia Ahabou: I did not have means to cure my son who died because of torture
  Rkia Ahabou, spouse of former detainee Said Boudrik, affirmed, here Wednesday that her son perished because she did not have the means to cure him from the wounds he was inflicted under torture. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Former detainee Laaraj recounts atrocities he lived in detention centers
  Former detainee, Addi Laaraj, described Wednesday at the 4th session of hearings into human rights violations committed from 1956 to 1999, his multiple arrests in the prisons of Goulmima, Fes, Corbis and Derb Moulay Cherif, and the atrocities he witnessed in those penitentiaries. Morocco, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Information Minister: Mu'allem mission in Lebanon has no link to UN resolution 1559
  Syria's Information Minister Mehdi Dakhlallah on Thursday stressed that the recent visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed al-Mu'alem to Lebanon had no relation to the coming report by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan of the UN Security Council regarding resolution no. 1559. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Junblat criticizes Damascus, Karami threatens opposers of the Syrian presence
  The leader of the Lebanese democratic socialist party Walid Junblat has strongly criticized Syria and accused for the first time, in open, the pro Syria's Baath party in Lebanon of standing behind the assassination of his father Kamal Junblat in 1977. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Lebanese opposition intensified against Syria
  The Lebanese opposition forces has been unifying their ranks against Syria demanding complete withdrawal of the Syrian forces and non- interference in the Lebanese internal affairs in implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Syria's ambassador rebuffs untrue image on Syria
  Syria's ambassador to Britain rejected on Wednesday the image depicted by some Western and US media circles of Syria saying it has no basis in reality. Syria-Regional, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Iran's ambassador denies any interfering in Iraq
  Iran's ambassador to Syria categorically denied on Wednesday talks about Tehran's interference in Iraq and said Iran is keen on Iraq's unity. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Italian opposition calls for withdrawal from Iraq
  Italian opposition parties demanded once again on Thursday withdrawal of the Italian troops from Iraq, pointing out that the situation is still dangerous in spite of performing the Iraqi elections. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Israel studies initiatives, rules out negotiations in Sharm al-Sheikh
  The Israeli mini security council discussed on Thursday what is called the series of initiatives towards the Palestinians at a time when it ruled out negotiations with the Palestinians in Sharm al-Sheikh which will be held next Tuesday between the leaders of Israel, the Palestinian authority and Egypt in addition to Jordan. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Oman: continued detention for 10 Islamists
  Western citizens in Muscat yesterday announced that 10 Islamists are still detained by the Omani authorities accused of forming an organization aiming to destabilize the national security. Oman, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Israeli expectations for the return back of Jordan, Egypt ambassadors to Tel Aviv Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Arab League chief calls US to reconsider policy on Syria Syria-USA, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Israeli, Palestinian preparation meetings for Sharm al-Sheikh summit Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Arab Jerusalem newspaper and al-Assad's visit to Moscow Syria-Russia, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Al-Shara in talks with Cypriot deputy foreign minister Syria-Cyprus, Politics, 2/4/2005
• Al-Assad, Abdullah discuss efforts to revive peace in the region
  The Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday concluded a short visit to Amman during which he discussed with the Jordanian king conditions in the Middle East region. Jordan-Syria, Politics, 2/3/2005
• NDP, other political parties agree in principle to revise constitutional
  Egyptian Political parties involved in the ongoing national dialogue, including the National Democratic Party (NDP), have a consensus on the principle of revising a number of constitutional articles, said NDP Secretary General Safwat El-Sherif. Egypt, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Syria removes tarrifs on Lebanese at border points
  Syria's Minister of Transport Makram Obeid depicted on Wednesday the cabinet endorsement on the draft law that exempts all Lebanese from tariffs on Syrian border points and entrances as important. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Mubarak calls for a summit brings together Sharon and Abbas in Egypt
  The office of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon said yesterday that the Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak extended an invitation to Sharon and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to convene a summit in Sharm Esh Sheikh in Egypt next Tuesday. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Washington welcomes Quartet summit in Sharm el-Sheikh
  In response to an initiative launched by President Mubarak, Sharm el-Sheikh will host next Tuesday a four way summit among President Mubarak, King Abdullah' II of Jordan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Palestine-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Muslim Scholars Commission question legitimacy of Iraqi elections
  The Iraqi elections votes selection process which took place on January 30 inside and outside Iraq continued on Wednesday. Iraq, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Madrid wants to support its policy change in North Africa with tangible
  Madrid is currently seeking to support with "tangible results" the change of its foreign policy in Latin America and the Maghreb, particularly regarding the Sahara issue, said minister of foreign affairs and cooperation, Miguel Angel Moratinos, at the lower chamber of parliament. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Iraq is test of U.S. commitment to advance freedom, bush says
  U.S. President George W. Bush delivered his annual State of the Union address February 2, saying the January 30 elections for Iraq's national assembly "opens a new phase" of U.S. involvement in the country as the United States increasingly focuses its efforts toward training and preparing Iraq's security forces. Regional-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Washington intensifies efforts for imposing oil sanctions on Darfur
  Washington has intensified its efforts to issue a resolution by the UN Security Council in order to impose oil sanctions on Khartoum with the aim to pressure the Sudanese government "to move seriously" in order to improve conditions and halt violence in Darfur. Sudan-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Balkhadem is secretary general of the Liberation Front, Butaflika an honorary president
  The Algerian foreign minister Abdul Aziz Balkhadem was elected a secretary general for the national Liberation Front in conclusion if its 8th conference in Algiers. Algeria, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Iranian official and Iraq's sovereignty
  Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamidreza Assefi stressed Wednesday Iran's adherence to the Iraqi people's sovereignty over their land. Iraq-Iran, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Iraq demands lifting sanctions, halt inspection finance
  Iraq has request the UN to lift all international sanctions prescribed on it and to stop payment of the country's oil revenues to compensate persons effected by the Gulf war in 1991 and salaries of UN weapons inspectors. Iraq-UN, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Lemrabet never applied to launch new publication, prosecutor
  The prosecution at the Rabat first instance court denied that Ali Lemrabet submitted to the court any application to launch a new newspaper. Morocco, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Mahmoud Abbas to fulfill official visit to Iran
  The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has accepted an official invitation to visit Iran whose relations have known tension with leaders of the Palestinian authority since some time. Palestine-Iran, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Egyptian intelligence chief talks with Palestinian leaders Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/3/2005
• On Rice's visit to Israel, PA
  Before her expected visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, the US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice expressed Washington's readiness to help in training and providing equipment for the Palestinian forces. Palestine-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Stumbled Israeli- Palestinian negotiations
  News reports on Wednesday indicated the stumbled negotiations between the Israeli defense minister Shaoul Mofaz and the Palestinian former minister of the interior Muhammad Dahlan. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/3/2005
• We are convinced Sahara is an integrant part of Morocco, Mauritanian HR activist
  "We clearly support Morocco's territorial integrity and we are convinced the Sahara is an integrant part of the kingdom, affirmed president of the Mauritanian Human Rights Directorate, Mohamed Belmokhtar Chenguiti. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Audiovisual Communication Higher Council ruled 2M to allow PJD to reply
  the headline "sexual tourism and Tsunami: a preventive alarm to Morocco before it's too late," where the paper sustains that the tsunami that his south-eastern countries of Asia is due to God's wrath because of "sexual tourism" in the region. Morocco, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Washington calls for an African court, oil sanctions on Khartoum
  The US has defended its use of the word "Genocide" to describe what is taking place in Darfur and called for the formation of a special African court to try those who are involved in what is described as crimes against humanity in the district. Sudan-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• American NGO: Algeria, Polisario bear full responsibility for death of Moroccan POW Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Lebanon and Belarus support peace in the Middle East Lebanon-Belarus, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Mubarak, Qathafi discuss Arab issues over phone Egypt-Libya, Politics, 2/3/2005
• UAE Justice Minister in Morocco to promote bilateral cooperation Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/3/2005
• Elyawer for participation of all Iraqis in drawing a constitution
  The Interim Iraqi President Ghazi Elyawer has stressed the need of getting all Iraqi forces involved in drawing the constitution, even sides which did not take part in the election. In a press conference he held in Baghdad, he called for a reconciliation dialogue and frankness including all, with the exclusion of those who resorted to violence. Iraq, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Sherif: Developments require revision of the constitution
  Safwat el-Sherif, the Secretary General of the National Democratic Party said that the NDP believes that current developments necessitate revision of the constitution. Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Al-Assad visits Jordan today
  The Jordanian news agency Petra said that the Syrian Persident Bashar al-Assad will today pay a visit to Amman in order to hold talks with the Jordanian King Abdullah. Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Al-Moallem, Hammoud on Lebanese - Syrian relations
  Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud announced that Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister's current visit to Lebanon comes within the framework of coordination and cooperation policy between Foreign Ministries in both countries. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/2/2005
• New militant group threatens the Kuwaiti ruling family
  An Islamic group, seemed to be a Saudi, declaring itself for the first time, threatened on one of the Islamic sites in the Internet the Kuwaiti government of "a big war" unless the American forces leave Kuwait. Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Egypt announces the killing of one of the participants in Taba attacks
  The Egyptian ministry of the interior stressed the killing of one of the wanted who took part in the blowing up of tourism sites in Sinai Peninsula four months ago, in a clash between the security forces and wanted men in Sinai desert on Tuesday. Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Kuwaiti parliament grants wide authorities to security forces Kuwait, Politics, 2/2/2005
• No human rights violations were committed in Darfur, Sudanese diplomat
  Sudan's ambassador to Morocco, Ahmed Mekki Ahmed Yahia, said, in Rabat Monday, the report drawn up by the Sudanese probe commission on the situation in the province of Darfur revealed that "what has been said by some western parties" on human rights violations in the province "is devoid of truth." Sudan, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Austrian president for better relations with Syria
  Austrian federal President Heinz Fischer said Tuesday his country is very interested in enhancing bilateral relations with Syria in the cultural, political and economic fields, describing bilateral relations as excellent. Syria-Austria, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Egypt talks to Hamas and Al Jihad abroad Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Abbas in Ankara, optimistic on achieving peace
  The Palestinian Authority has stressed that peace in the Middle East has witnessed progress despite the vagueness in the fate of the undeclared truce between the Palestinians and Israel. Palestine-Turkey, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Next human rights public hearings to take place in Errachidia
  The 4th session of the public hearings on past human rights violations in Morocco between 1956 and 1999 is to take place on Wednesday in the southern-central town of Errachidia. Morocco, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Lebanese president gets a message from Syrian peer Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Moroccan PM hails Colombia's stance on Sahara issue Morocco-Colombia, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Ten million Dhs to support Laayoune regional TV channel
  The Council of Laayoune-Boujdour-Sakia Al Hamra Region allocated a budget of 10 million Dhs, 1 million euros, to support Laayoune TV station, launched November 6, 2004. Morocco, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Lebanese minister stresses right to resist Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Islamic revolution and Palestine festival Iran-Palestine, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Rafsanjni and relations with Syria and Lebanon Iran-Lebanon, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Egypt surprised by claims of possession of WMDs Egypt, Politics, 2/2/2005
• Allawi calls on the Iraqis for unity
  Interim Iraqi prime minister has called on the Iraqi people to maintain unity, eliminate obstacles and differences of the past, saying that the Iraqis have achieved a great victory in the elections which took place on Sunday "thanks to their determination to live freely and in democracy." Iraq, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Three American soldiers killed in Iraq, group claims responsibility for downing British plane
  The "Green squad", one of the groups of "the 1920s revolution", the military wing of the National Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for the operation of downing the British military plane to the north west of Iraq on Sunday. Iraq, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Lebanese president receives Syrian premier
  President Emil Lahoud of Lebanon underlined necessity of continued cooperation between Syria and Lebanon, particularly in the current complicated circumstances to "face the challenges targeting the Arab nation." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Leader of the Egyptian al-Ghad party rejailed
  The Egyptian higher state security court decided on Monday to extend imprisonment for the leader of the opposition al-Ghad party, Ayman Nour, for 45 days, for investigations under the accusation addressed to him of falsifying authorizations of applicants for the party's foundation. Egypt, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Abderrahim Ouazzan: My family wants to know the fate of my father
  Abderrahim Ouazzan, son of Belkacem Ouazzan, a victim of past human rights violations committed in Morocco, affirmed Saturday that the only thing his family requires is to know what became of his father, because "money would never compensate for our suffering." Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Several Muslim Brothers members arrested in Egypt
  The Egyptian security forces on Monday arrested 9 leading figures of the Ikhwan al-Muslimin (Muslim Brothers) groups in al-Sharqia governorate to the north east of Cairo after breaking into their houses and inspecting them. Egypt, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Malika Senhadji: my father died under torture
  Malika Senhadji, daughter of Mohamed Senhadji, a victim of past human rights violations, said she was shocked by the death of her father who perished under torture in the Gendarmerie Royale station in Figuig, two days after his arrest following March 1973 events. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Khadija El Malki: I was subjected to torture and practices that I cannot describe
  Khadija El Malki, daughter of Ahmed El Malki (alias Jha), who found refuge in Algeria because of his activities within the National Union of popular forces (UNFP- an opposition party), related here Saturday, the sufferings and the torture that she, and her family, endured in the late 1950s and during the 1960s. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• I was incarcerated for trade union reasons, Mohamed Kada
  Mohamed Kada said, in Figuig Saturday, that he was incarcerated because he was an activist in the Union Marocaine du Travail (UMT). Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Abdelhak Benabdallah tells of the torture he was inflicted as a student
  Abdelhak Benabdallah told the public hearing on human rights violations, held here over the weekend, of his arrest in 1984 and his condemnation to four years in prison in the wake of the events that occurred in several Moroccan towns at the time. Politics, 2/1/2005
• Former detainee Boudrara: when an individual is tortured it is all the society that is harmed in its dignity and freedom
  "My testimony is one of the collective memory of the Moroccan wound, for when an individual is tortured it is all the society that is harmed in its dignity and freedom," said Mohamed Boudrara. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Former detainee wife tells of the suffering of her family after her husband's arrest
  Fatima Saad Eddine, wife of a former detainee, told in Figuig on Saturday of her sufferings and the hardships of her family after her husband was arrested in the morrow of the 1973 events. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Mohamed Zaidi: my testimony is to remind of the truths of the past so that justice prevail
  Mohamed Zaïdi said in Figuig Saturday the goal of his testimony about the sufferings of his family in the wake of his father abduction is to "remind of the truths of the past so that justice prevail." Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Karami supports the return back of Gen. Aoun to Lebanon
  The Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami welcomed the return back of Maj. Michael Aoun who opposes the Syrian presence in Lebanon and lives in his exile in Paris since 14 years. Lebanon, Politics, 2/1/2005
• UN report finds Khartoum not guilty over genocide in Darfur
  The report by the UN investigation committee on human rights in Darfur issued on Monday evening said that the Sudanese government "has not embarked on a genocide policy in Darfur." Sudan, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Reconciliation commission discusses development projects in Figuig
  The justice and reconciliation commission, in charge of considering past human rights violations, discussed here Sunday with several local associations issues of a vision on compensation of collective prejudice relating to human rights violations that occurred in Morocco during the second half of last century. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Rohani, US threats and nuclear file Iran-USA, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Ruling party in Algeria unified ranks in annual conference
  The Liberation Front party, the largest Algerian party, opened works of its 8th conference which is described as the reconciliation and settling disputes conference. Algeria, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Cairo's conference on Weapons of Mass Destruction
  Blix had said "the Commission has not at any time during the inspections in Iraq found evidence of the continuation or resumption of programmes of weapons of mass destruction or significant quantities of proscribed items -- whether from pre-1991 or later." Regional, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Moussa on the Iraqi elections Regional-Iraq, Politics, 2/1/2005
• An International conference on terrorism in Riyadh on Saturday
  A statement by the Saudi government said recently that an international conference on terrorism fighting will be held in Riyadh on February 5 through 8 with the participation of representatives for more than 50 Arab, Muslim and foreign countries in addition to representatives for international, regional and Arab organizations. Regional-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Sahrawi associations strongly denounce 'lies' of Ali Lamrabet
  Members of a dozen of Sahrawi associations have strongly denounced the recent statements of the journalist Ali Lamrabet as "very offensive," an insult to the memory of the people who sacrificed their lives for the dignity of the country and a profanation of the graves of the brave and valiant soldiers of the Royal Armed Forces who died in the field of honour in the service of the homeland. Morocco, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Arab Water Symposium: new ideas on water distribution bad for the region
  Symposium for discussing water problems in the Arab states entitled "Arab Water…Crisis…..Problems and Solutions" opened in Damascus on Monday with the participation of experts from several Arab states. Regional-Syria, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Muslim Scholars commission doubts the legitimacy of the elections Iraq, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Berri and Otari hold talks in Beirut Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/1/2005
• Historic election in Iraq, participation of voters varied by region
  Atmospheres of prediction and caution started to overwhelm the Iraqi street waiting for the results of the Iraqi elections. The higher commission for the elections started to select the votes following the closure of the ballot centers. Iraq, Politics, 1/31/2005
• The first elections campaign in the history of Saudi Arabia launched
  The campaign for the first municipal elections in the history of Saudi Arabia was launched on Sunday. Its first phase will be held in Riyadh and its quarters on February 10th. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 1/31/2005
• First political party to be established in Kuwait
  Islamists in Kuwait announced on Sunday the formation of "al-Ummah party" the first political party in the Arab Gulf states despite the fact the Kuwaiti authorities have not recognized the political parties and there are no law to such parties in Kuwait. Kuwait, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Mubarak to nominate himself for elections, rejects constitutional changes
  President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has renewed his rejection for the demands set by the Egyptian opposition to amend the constitution to choose the President of the Republic by direct elections among more than one candidate. Egypt, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Three persons were killed in confrontations in Kuwait
  The Kuwaiti government announced that three persons were killed in the confrontations which took place on Sunday between the Kuwaiti security forces and wanted persons in al-Salameyah quarters in the capital. Kuwait, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Tunis and Rabat say UMA is 'strategic choice'
  Moroccan Prime Minister, Driss Jettou, and his Tunisian peer, Mohamed Ghannouchi affirmed, in Tunis Friday, that the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) is a strategic choice and a means to achieve complementariness between countries of the Union. Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Sudanese forces deployed in Port Sudan, accusations of extermination against the government
  The Sudanese security forces were intensively deployed in the coastal port Sudan city following confrontation in the city between the police men and demonstrators -- members of one of a rebel movement there. These clashes resulted in killing 14 persons, according to the government. Sudan, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Michael Aoun decided to return back to Lebanon before the parliamentary elections
  The Lebanese opposition figure Michael Aoun announced he intends to return back to Lebanon before the parliamentary elections due in Spring. Lebanon, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Resumption of trial of those involved in coupe attempts in Mauritania, including Weld Hedalah
  The criminal court in Wad al-Naqqa to the east of the Mauritanian capital on Sunday resumed its sessions in the context of trying 195 military and civilian persons accused of being involved in three coupe attempts that took place in 2003 and 2004, by bringing five detainees before the judiciary. Mauritania, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Sahara: Annan ready to help parties move towards mutually acceptable political solution
  UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said in an interim report to the Security Council he is ready to help parties reach a mutually acceptable final solution to the Sahara conflict. Morocco-UN, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Shark: Iranian Defense Minister warns of US trouble making in the region
  Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani has condemned the expansionist policy adopted by Israel against the Palestinian people and states of the region. Regional-Iran, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Iran deplores Israeli aggressions on Lebanon
  Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani on Sunday condemned Israeli threats and violations of Lebanon, calling on the international community and organizations to practice pressure on Israel to stop violations of Lebanese air spaces. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Israeli-Arab conflict has disastrous consequences on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, Speaker
  Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representative (lower parliament chamber), Abdelouahed Radi, stated, in Rome Monday, that the Israeli-Arab conflict has disastrous consequences on Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Regional-Israel, Politics, 1/31/2005
• New association to sensitize public opinion on question of Moroccans sequestered in Tindouf
  A new association dubbed "Watanouna" was set up on January 20 in Casablanca to sensitize the public opinion on the question of Moroccans who are sequestered in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 1/31/2005
• El-Baradei, feeling the nuclear heat of the US
  It is no secret that the Bush administration does not want to see Mohamed ElBaradei win a third term as director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear watchdog. Regional-USA, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Moroccan PM holds talks with Tunisian president Tunisia-Morocco, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Some 2.5 million Euro to improve Morocco's image in Spain
  The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) has devoted a budget of 2.5 million Euro to improve Morocco's image in Spain and put an end to the widespread cliches concerning the country. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 1/31/2005
• Turkish official: Syria fruitful relation with Turkey Syria-Turkey, Politics, 1/31/2005

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