Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 2/21/2005
Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of February 21, 2005
- Mubarak stresses constitutional amendments, paving way for multi-candidate polls
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said he asked the parliament to amend the constitution to allow multiple candidates to run for the presidential elections. Egypt, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Major Sunni groups in Lebanon withdraw from government's coalition
The Islamic Group in Lebanon, the major Sunni groups, announced withdrawal from Ein Altineh meeting which includes the Lebanese groups and political forces which support the government and is an alley for Syria. Lebanon, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Amal Movement: relations with Syria are principled
Deputy Head of the political bureau in Lebanese Amal Movement Nseb Hutet stressed Friday that Lebanon's relation with Syria is a principled and considered one of the firm principles that Lebanon is committed to in facing the Israeli objectives in the region as well as the foreign pressures and challenges. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/26/2005 - UMA SG conditions better partnership with EU to UMA integration
Secretary general of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) conditioned better partnership between the north African grouping and the European Union to the UMA ability to become a more integrated and efficient entity. Maghreb, Politics, 2/26/2005 - UN team starts investigations in the Hariri assassination Lebanon-UN, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Syria: relations with Kuwait are deep
The Syrian-Kuwaiti ties are watching a remarkable development in all fields to meet the common desire of the two political leaderships in both states and reach to a progressive stage translating the popular aspiration to both, a report on Friday said. Syria-Kuwait, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Iranian officials: Iran's right to peacefully use of nuclear energy
Head of Iran's Guardian Council, Ayatollah Ahmad Janati, on Friday asserted that Iran-EU nuclear talks are going on well. Iran-European Union, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Turkish campaign in solidarity with Syria
Two Turkish non-governmental organizations announced on Friday solidarity with Syria and rejection of pressures made on her, saying they would organize a trip in this respect from Ankara to Damascus. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/26/2005 - US supports comprehensive peace in Sudan
The Department Of State spokesman Richard Boucher, in a question and answer session said yesterday: The United States is taking a number of actions to support the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan Sudan-USA, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Hamas delegation to take in Cairo dialogue
The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas said yesterday it will take part in the inter-Palestinian dialogue, due in Cairo on March 15. Palestine-Egypt, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Palestinian groups deny involvement in the explosion
The Islamic Jihad movement, and al-Aqsa Martyrs Groups denied responsibility for the operation after news reports said they had adopted the operation. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Sharon responds to Ben Ali's invitation to visit Tunisia
One official in the office of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon said that the prime minister agreed to the invitation extended to him by the Tunisian President Zine al-Abidin Ben Ali to visit Tunisia. Official circles stressed that Tunisia had extended this invitation. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 2/26/2005 - Israel vows to establish diplomatic relations with 10 Arab states in 2005 Regional-Israel, Politics, 2/26/2005
- UN rebuffs fixing time for Syria's pullout from Lebanon Syria-UN, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Qathafi receives Faure Eydema Libya-Togo, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Lebanese foreign minister: redeployment in line with the Taif agreement Lebanon, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Armitage: US does not want tension with Syria Syria-USA, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Switzerland will not send investigators to Lebanon Lebanon-Switzerland, Politics, 2/26/2005
- Somali president, prime minister arrived in their country
President of Somalia Abdullah Youssef and the prime minister Muhammad Ali Jeddi returned back home for the first time since 14 years in a visit to assess conditions. Somalia, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Ayman Nour observes hunger strike
Chairman of the Egyptian opposition al-Ghad party Ayman Nour started hunger strike in prison. Egypt, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Syria is to put the Taif accord into force
Syria underlined on Thursday strong keenness on cooperation with UN Secretary General Special envoy Terji Roed Larsen, and reiterated commitment to implement the Taif agreement as well bilateral accords with Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Jewish Rabbi for dismantling Israeli settlements
Spokesman of Natouri Karata, which is an anti Zionism institution, Israel David Wice, demanded Thursday the dismantling of Israeli settlements which are located on land that belongs to the Palestinian people. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Butaflika: Algeria losses since 1992: 150,000 killing, $ 30 billion
The Algerian president Abdul Aziz Butaflika announced on Wednesday that the acts of violence attributed to armed Islamists resulted since 1992 on the killing of 150,000 persons and financial losses estimated at $ 30 billion. Algeria, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Syria's statement on a new withdrawal from Lebanon
A Syrian official source announced the following on Thursday: Following the successful visit of the international envoy, Terry Rod Larsen, early this month to Syria and Lebanon, Syria's people and government express complete surprise over the media and political escalation that has preceded the wrapping up of the international envoy's mission in pursuing the implementation of the resolution 1559. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Junblat welcomes the Syrian redeployment
Chairman of the Lebanese socialist progressive party Walid Junblat welcomed the Syrian announcement on the redeployment of the Syrian forces in Lebanon but he simultaneously called for a direct negotiations with the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for the interests of the two states. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/25/2005 - UN, US continue pressures on Syria
While international pressures are continuous led by the USA on Syria, the UN denied news which stated that the UN secretary general Kofi Annan called for a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon before April and that he had warned Damascus that arrangements might be taken by the UN Security Council if this will not take place. Syria-USA, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Arab umbrella for the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, led by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Algeria
Arab diplomatic sources in Riyadh disclosed moves carried out by Egypt and Algeria as well as Saudi Arabia in order to ensure what it described as an Arab cover for the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. Regional-Syria, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Sheikh Nasser al-Sabah to Al-Ahram praises relations with Egypt
In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohamed Al-Sabbah, Minister of Kuwait's Amiri Court said that his country won't be worried about its Arab dimension in the presence of Egypt under President Hosni Mubarak Kuwait-Egypt, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Qurei government takes constitutional oath
The Palestinian government led by Ahmad Qurei on Thursday took its constitutional oath on Thursday before President Mahmoud Abbas, while Arab and international circles in addition to Israel welcomed the new government considering it as representing a step towards a better future for the peace process in the Middle East. Palestine, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Egyptian, international support to the new Palestinian government
The Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak called for providing "necessary support for the new Palestinian government and called on the USA and Europe to fulfill their obligations for the sake of peace through "a move on the ground." Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 2/25/2005 - US forces to be reduced to pre-election level
U.S. military aircraft are not flying reconnaissance missions in Iran's airspace, Pentagon spokesman Lawrence Di Rita said said early this week. Regional-USA, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Moroccan Southern authorities brief US congress staffers on Sahara issue
A visiting delegation of US congress staffers was briefed, in Laayoune Thursday, by local authorities on the Sahara issue and on economic and social achievements in the Southern provinces of Morocco. Morocco-USA, Politics, 2/25/2005 - Syria refutes Iraqi claims Syria-Iraq, Politics, 2/25/2005
- AL chief: Arab summit will be held as scheduled Regional, Politics, 2/25/2005
- Al-Shara meets Speaker of the Hungarian parliament Syria-Hungary, Politics, 2/25/2005
- Yemeni Nasserite Unionist party stands against pressures on Syria Yemen-Syria, Politics, 2/25/2005
- Israel welcomes Syrian new withdrawal from Lebanon Syria-Israel, Politics, 2/25/2005
- Saudi Arabia might permit women to vote shortly; Straw urges reform
The Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal announced yesterday that women may be permitted to vote in the next round of municipal elections in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Judicial organizations criticize Tunis's hosting of the second media summit
Judicial groups accused Tunisia of practicing torture and considered it as a venue which is not suitable for hosting a summit on the media due to be held in November under the auspices of the UN. Tunisia-Regional, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Calls to release Tunisian detainees
The "International bourse organization for the freedom of expression" called on the Tunisian government to release the chief editor of the Tunisian weekly al-Fajer( dawn) Hammadi Jabali and hundreds of detainees because of their religious and political beliefs, who never resorted to violence or advocated it. Tunisia, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Karami denies intention to resign
The Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami said he has no intention to quit the presidency of the Cabinet except in case the Lebanese parliament cast non confidence in his government. Lebanon, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Egyptian efforts to defuse the Syrian crisis in Lebanon
Egypt has started efforts with Syria to help it in dealing with the increasing pressures imposed on it by the USA and Europe after the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri. Egypt-Lebanon, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Additional Arab pressure on Syria
The Jordanian King Abdullah 11 joined the campaign of Arab pressures to force Syria to accelerate the withdrawal of its forces from Lebanon following the atmospheres created by the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri. Regional-Syria, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Right body examines warding off violence as a strategy of political management
The Justice and Reconciliation commission (IER) which has held a series of hearings for victims of human rights violations organized on Tuesday a conference to debate means to ward off the use of violence as a strategy of political management. Morocco, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Morocco, Gabon sign four cooperation accords
Visiting King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Gabonese President, El Haj Omar Bongo Ondimba, co-chaired, in LibrevilleThursday, the signing of four cooperation accords in fisheries, trade and industry. Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Patriarch Sfair: President al-Assad's statements are positive
Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Sfair depicted President Bashar al-Assad's statements quoted by Amr Moussa on the implementation of the Taif agreement as positive. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Lebanese people call for dialogue
Lebanese Minister of State Karam Karam called Wednesday for establishing a fast and serious investigation to uncover the responsible for Rafic Hariri assassination. Lebanon, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Arab officials stress commitment to the Taif agreement
Saudi Ambassador in Beirut Abdullaziz Khouja on Wednesday described Syrian-Saudi relations as very strong. Regional-Lebanon, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Lebanon confirms the Palestinian right to return support
Lebanese President Emile Lahoud stressed Wednesday his country's supporting for the Palestinians' "right of return" which is implied in the 194 UN resolution. Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 2/24/2005 - Ali al-Turiki: Egypt, Libya, Sudan hold urgent talks to discuss Darfur crisis Libya-Sudan, Politics, 2/24/2005
- Damascus notifies British ambassador regret over Straw's statements Syria-UK, Politics, 2/24/2005
- A new telephone call between Chirac, the Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 2/24/2005
- Syria stresses implementation of international resolutions Syria-Regional, Politics, 2/24/2005
- Moratinos and Arab Peace Initiative Regional-European Union, Politics, 2/24/2005
- UAE paper calls for non intervention in Arab affaires United Arab Emirates-Regional, Politics, 2/24/2005
- Italian students prevent Israeli ambassador to deliver a speech Israel-Italy, Politics, 2/24/2005
- On the visit of Syrian prime minister to Jordan Syria-Jordan, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Jordan stresses deep relation with Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Libya announces end to the crisis with Mauritania
The Libyan (foreign minister) Abdul Rahman Shalqam announced the end of the crisis in the relations between his country and Mauritania on the background of recent accusations against Libya of being involved in a coupe attempt against the President of Mauritania, Mu'aweya Wild Taye'. Libya-Mauritania, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Iraqi Coalition nominates Jaafari to preside over the interim government
News reports said that the list of the United Iraqi Coalition chose the spokesman for the Islamic Call party, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, as a candidate for the presidency of the next interim Iraqi government, which means that assuming this post by him has become almost certain. Iraq, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Border disputes erupt between Saudi Arabia, UAE; Riyadh denies
Arab Gulf officials said relations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have intensified because of the return back of border differences that goes back to the 1970s to be added to other regional problems. Saudi Arabia-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Egypt holds 2400 persons without charge after Taba explosions Egypt, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Morocco lifts some reservations on international human rights conventions
Morocco decided Monday to lift reservations on some articles of international conventions on racial discrimination and torture, which the north African country had ratified. Morocco, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Moroccan Press: King's African tour to consolidate South-South relations
The Moroccan press underscored Tuesday that King Mohammed VI's tour in three African countries, namely Gabon, Senegal and Burkina Faso, that started Monday, will consolidate South-South relations. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Egyptian newspaper condemns straw's statements on Syria
The Egyptian newspaper of al-Gomhuria condemned the Britain's Foreign Secretary's statements regarding the assassination of Former Lebanese Premier as "a bad intention against Syria." Syria-UK, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Lebanon cooperates with UN on the Hariri investigation
Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud stressed on Tuesday that Lebanon is committed to cooperate with the UN on preparing a report to the UN Security Council on the reasons and circumstances of the heinous assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafic Hariri. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Hariri's assassination and the Saudi government Saudi Arabia-Lebanon, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Chirac accuses the Syrian intelligence of running Lebanon
The French President Jacques Chirac renewed his call for Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon accusing of what he called its spies of controlling it. Lebanon-France, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Satterfield prepares to visit Lebanon
The spokesman for the US Department Of State, Richard Boucher, denied news which said that the US assistant secretary of state for the Middle East affairs David Satterfield had arrived in Lebanon but said that Satterfield will leave for Lebanon before the end of the current week. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Israeli preparations to withdraw from Gaza
Concerning the preparations made by the government of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to withdraw from Gaza, Israeli sources said that the occupation authorities seek the possibility of reducing the time set to evacuate the settlements from 9 weeks to only five weeks. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Qurei amends ministerial formation, proposes it to parliament today
The Palestinian prime minister Ahmad Qurei gave up the formation of his government discussed before the Palestinian legislative council and asked the parliament to convene a session today to introduce his new government. Palestine, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Ayman Nour admitted to hospital Egypt, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Al-Assad exchanges views with Mubarak on developments Syria-Egypt, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Junblat invites Nasrullah to join the opposition Lebanon, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Lebanese leadership response to American European warning Lebanon-USA, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Qaddoumi: Resolution 1559 contradicts UN Convention Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Arab fms to hold preparatory meeting early March in Egypt Regional, Politics, 2/23/2005
- Speaker of the Hungarian parliament arrives in Damascus Syria-Hungary, Politics, 2/23/2005
- More Australian forces to Iraq Iraq-Australia, Politics, 2/23/2005
- NGO inquires on situation of former detainees in Southern Algeria
Members of a London-based NGO inquired, in Laayoune Monday, about the situation of former detainees that were held by the Polisario separatists. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/23/2005 - Parliamentary meeting to discuss the Hariri assassination
The Lebanese opposition received a preliminary consent from the speaker of the Lebanese parliament to convene a general session to discuss the assassination of former prime minister Rafic Hariri. Such discussions will permit the opposition to debate the issue of confidence in the government. Lebanon, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Massive Lebanese demonstrations demanding withdrawal of Syrian forces
Scores of thousands of Lebanese demonstrated yesterday in the downtown of Beirut at the request of the opposition, chanting slogans calling for sacking the government and the withdrawal of the Syrian forces. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Hoss: Syrian presence in Lebanon is legitimate
Former Lebanese Premier Salem al-Hoss said Monday that the Syrian troops presence in Lebanon doesn't violate Lebanese sovereignty because it was based on the acceptance of Lebanese government. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Syria's position on Lebanon outlined by Arab League chief
The secretary general of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, said that the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad showed great interest in making a rapid investigation to disclose who was behind Hariri's assassination. Syria-Regional, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Egyptian al-Ghad party rejects foreign intervention
The Egyptian al-Ghad party rejected any foreign aids, ignoring criticism addressed by the US administration over the detention of the party's leader Ayman Nour. Egypt, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Demonstrations in Cairo against extension for President Mubarak
Hundreds of Egyptians demonstrated on Monday before Cairo university against extension for President Hosni Mubarak for a fifth term of office that may allow him to stay in power for 30 years. The demonstrations were also against what has been rumored on inheriting the rule by his younger son Jamal. Egypt, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Bush warns Syria
US President George W. Bush strongly warned Syria, demanding Damascus to end its occupation to Lebanon. Syria-USA, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Amnesty International: Iraqi women not in better condition than under Saddam's rule
Amnesty International said that women in Iraq are not in a better situation of what they were under the rule of Saddam Hussein, two years after the invasion of Iraq which was led by the USA. Iraq, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Differences in Fatah postpones the ratification of the legislative council on Qurei's government
The Palestinian Legislative Council on Monday postponed voting confidence for the new Palestinian government chaired by Ahmad Qurei until today ( Tuesday) in order to make more consultations inside the Palestinian national liberation movement ( Fatah) because of differences between members of Fatah bloc in the council against the formation of the government. Palestine, Politics, 2/22/2005 - Israel releases 500 Palestinian prisoners
Israel has released 500 Palestinian prisoners. This was in the course of what Tel Aviv describes as positive inclinations and confidence building measures with the Palestinian authority. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/22/2005 - King Mohammed VI arrives in Gabon Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 2/22/2005
- Lebanese minister and assassination of Hariri Lebanon, Politics, 2/22/2005
- Syrian foreign ministry statement on resolution no. 1559 Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 2/22/2005
- CNN: US secret talks with insurgents in Iraq Iraq-USA, Politics, 2/22/2005
- Peterlan: Syria chose peace as strategic option Syria-France, Politics, 2/22/2005
- Al-Abrash receives Turkish delegation Syria-Turkey, Politics, 2/22/2005
- Kuwaiti government calls on parliament to give women political rights
The Kuwaiti government called on the Kuwaiti Ummah ( nation) council to allocate a special session to consider granting women "full political rights." Kuwait, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Sharon's government approves officially the withdrawal plan from Gaza
In a session which was described as historic, the Israeli cabinet on Sunday gave green light to implement the plan of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon and to start withdrawal from Gaza after five months, and modifying the wall of separation in certain areas to be near the "green line". Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Iraqi Sunni calls for involvement in the political process
Some 200 Sunni figures in Iraq called on the sides which took part in the recent legislative elections to consider the Sunnis as real partners in the process of formulating the constitution and the current political process in the country. Iraq, Politics, 2/21/2005 - On the file of Hariri's assassination
The Lebanese authorities said on Monday it intends to inquire from the United Nations over appointing investigation teams in the assassination of Rafic Hariri, chaired by the Irish officer Peter Gerald, while the Lebanese defense minister Abdul Rahim Murad ruled out that the Lebanese authorities will show flexibility in dealing with the UN delegation which will head for Beirut within the few coming days. Lebanon, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Junblat prefers direct dialogue with Damascus
The crisis between the Lebanese government and the opposition over the assassination of the former prime minister has inclined to more tension with the rejection of the opposition the dialogue initiative proposed by the Lebanese authorities parties, rather demanding direct dialogue with Damascus. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/21/2005 - On UN's investigation into the Hariri assassination Lebanon, Politics, 2/21/2005
- The Observer: Israeli and U.S. allegations make no sense
The British "Observer" newspaper said that the image which had begun to crystallize on the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri completely differs from what Israel, Washington and Lebanese opposition have portrayed in accusations and allegations. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Egyptian daily: Israel is behind the assassination of Rafic Hariri
The Egyptian 'al-Osbo' newspaper stressed that Israel is the first beneficiary from assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Rabat, Algiers work for reinforcing mutual trust, Algerian FM
Algerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, who took part Thursday in the meeting of the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA)'s foreign ministers, stated that Morocco and Algeria are working for the reinforcement of mutual trust. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Lebanon stresses strong relations with Syria
Lebanese Minister of Social Affairs Ghazi Z'eter said Sunday that the Lebanese people strongly adhere to solidarity and the unity of Syrian-Lebanese track in the face of difficulties and threats. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 2/21/2005 - King's visit to Gabon highlighted by several media and officials
The visit Morocco's King Mohammed VI is paying as of this Monday to Gabon is important at the political level, which confirms once again, the exceptional relations existing between the two countries, Gabonese media stories commented over the weekend. Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 2/21/2005 - AL chief heads for Damascus to discuss implications of Hariri's assassination
The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa headed for Damascus on Sunday in a visit during which he will discuss with the Syrian officials the political crisis taking place in Lebanon since the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri last Monday. Regional-Syria, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Official: Amazigh culture part of our democratic society
Promoting Amazigh (Berber) culture is part of our democratic society project, said, in Tiznit (South of Morocco) Saturday, Moroccan Minister of Communication and Spokesman of the Government, Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah. Morocco, Politics, 2/21/2005 - United States hints at adopting a similar strategy with Iran as that followed against Iraq
Bush:ÊThe Iraqi situation was one where many good people tried diplomacy to solve the problem.Ê Remember, the whole world thought the man had weapons of mass destruction.Ê The United Nations thought he had weapons of mass destruction.Ê And that's why -- one of the reasons why they passed 16 resolutions.Ê I mean, this was an issue where diplomacy had been exhausted. And I went to the United Nations, and said, let's, one more time, hold the man to account.Ê And the United Nations said, disclose, disarm or face serious consequences.Ê That's what the world body said.Ê The United Nations Security Council voted 15 to nothing for that resolution.Ê The Iranian issue hasn't even been to the United Nations yet.Ê Regional-USA, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Saudi Arabia summons ambassador from Hungary
Riyadh on Sunday summoned its ambassador from Hungary after the Hungarian prime minister Verenik Georkasani described, as kidding, members of the Saudi football team as "Arab terrorists," according to a Saudi source. Saudi Arabia-Hungary, Politics, 2/21/2005 - The return of Palestinian evacuees
Israel on Sunday permitted 16 Palestinians expelled from the West Bank to return back to Gaza since 2003 to return back to their houses. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2005 - New Jordanian ambassador arrives in Israel
The new Jordanian ambassador arrived on Sunday to Tel Aviv after a four year absence because of the Palestinian- Israeli conflict, according to a spokeswoman for the Jordanian embassy. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Egypt appoints its ambassador in Khartoum to Israel
Egypt has decided to appoint its ambassador to Sudan, Muhammad Asem Ibrahim, as an ambassador to Israel and he is expected to start his work officially during the coming weeks. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Tourists to Lebanon decrease following the Hariri assassination
Officials in the Lebanese Middle East Airlines ( Middle East) announced that more than 65% of the volume of booked reservations on its flights coming to Lebanon were cancelled since the assassination incident of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri last Monday. Lebanon, Politics, 2/21/2005 - President meets al-Qaddoumi Syria-Palestine, Politics, 2/21/2005
- Mubarak receives former German President Egypt-Germany, Politics, 2/21/2005
- Saudi Arabia hands over Yemen 19 persons arrested in security cases
It was announced in Riyadh on Saturday that the Saudi ministry of the interior handed over 19 Yemenis arrested in various security cases to the authorities of their country. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 2/21/2005 - Chirac, Saudi crown prince discuss Lebanese developments Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 2/21/2005
- Lebanese deputy calls for national dialogue Lebanon, Politics, 2/21/2005
- Abu al-Gheit: Arab Foreign Ministers meeting postponed Egypt-Regional, Politics, 2/21/2005