Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/7/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 7, 2005

• Syria withdraws from north Lebanon
  The Syrian forces on Friday withdrew from its the last and main position in north Lebanon near the Syrian borders, while these forces accelerate withdrawal from the mountain overlooking Beirut, at a time when the pace of international pressure increased on Damascus. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/12/2005
• First convoy of Syrian soldiers crosses the Bekaa towards Damascus
  The first convoy of Syrian soldiers who withdrew from Lebanon crossed the western borders into inside the Syrian lands at (Jdidat Yabous) border point coming from the Lebanese al-Masna' area. By that, the Syrian forces completed withdrawal from its positions in north Lebanon. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Pressure on Syria to leave Lebanon
  The Syrian ambassador to the USA said on Tuesday that the Syrian forces will withdraw from Lebanon by the fall of May, the date for the legislative elections. Syria-UN, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Bahraini security disperse solidarity sit-in with detainees
  The Bahraini security forces used force to prevent a sit-in started on Thursday evening demanding the release of three detainees arrested on charges of installing a bulletin board site provoking hatred against the regime. Bahrain, Politics, 3/12/2005
• The Shiite, Kurds in Iraq sign agreement for the formation of a government tomorrow
  Adnan Ali, one of the aides for Ibrahim al-Jaffari, the candidate for the next Iraqi prime minister, from the United Iraqi Coalition supported by the Shiite clergy Ayatullah Ali al-Seistani, announced reaching a common understanding agreement with the Kurds that will be signed tomorrow, Sunday. Iraq, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Spanish press: Moroccan King 'most distinguished figure in Madrid ceremony'
  The Spanish press described Saturday the presence of King Mohammed VI of Morocco in the memorial ceremony of Madrid attacks victims as the "most distinguished" among foreign dignitaries. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/12/2005
• African states calls on the government of Somalia to move to Mogadishu
  Each of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti called on the interim Somali government which takes Nairobi as a headquarters to accelerate moving to Mogadishu. Somalia-Regional, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Abdullah visits the US on Monday: talks to cover Lebanon and Syria
  The Jordanian foreign minister Hani al-Malqi said on Friday that King Abdullah II will discuss with the American officials during his visit to Washington on Monday situation in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Palestine and Israel. Jordan-USA, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Political, economic advances in Morocco highlighted at Oxford University
  The Political, economic and cultural strides made in Morocco in the latest years were highlighted Friday at Oxford University before a group of politicians, university professors and diplomats. Morocco-UK, Politics, 3/12/2005
• With military threats failing against Iran's nuclear activities, US tries diplomacy
  In order to support the diplomatic efforts of the European Union 3 (EU-3) with Iran, the United States will drop its objection to Iran's application to join the World Trade Organization "and will consider, on a case-by-case basis, the licensing of spare-parts for Iranian civilian aircraft, in particular from the EU to Iran," says U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Iran-USA, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Algeria Arab summit to be attended by large number of leaders, says Algerian ambassador
  He added that the summit would also set up a follow-up committee to make sure that the resolutions have been put into effect. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Dangerous wastes effecting Somalia due the tsunami
  A UN report issued in February said that the waves of the floods took out dangerous materials in Somalia which has been used since years as a burial for nuclear wastes for other countries. Somalia, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Russia: Syria's pullout should be gradual
  "Syrian pullout from Lebanon should be gradual in order not to hurt stability in Lebanon," a senior Russian official said Friday. Syria-Russia, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Hours after Mubarak-Mofaz meeting, Sharon says Israeli troops will not remain in one inch in Gaza
  In an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine published yesterday, Sharon said Israel also wants the Gaza Strip to be an open area and that is why his country has agreed at last month's Sharm el-Sheikh summit that the Palestinians rebuild the Strip's seaport and airport. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Israeli schoolbooks racial, anti-peace Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Seale on US pressure on Syria
  It is better suited for the US president to work upon solving the big problems in the world, like the US occupation of Iraq and the Israeli occupation of Syrian and Palestinian lands, rather than practice pressure on Syria and Iran, a British writer and journalist said. Syria-USA, Politics, 3/12/2005
• King Mohammed in Paris for meeting with French president Morocco-France, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Abu al-Gheit stresses Syria's desire for peace Egypt-Syria, Politics, 3/12/2005
• UN Spokesman highlights Larsen's talks in Syria and Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/12/2005
• French communists criticize American pressures against Syria and Lebanon Syria-France, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Egyptian newspaper on American accusations against Syria Egypt-Syria, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Gov't studies subsidy policy modification Egypt, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Morocco's reforms are deeper than in other Arab state, US journalist on NPR Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/12/2005
• Karami invites the opposition to form a national unity government
  The designated Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami on Thursday called on the Lebanese opposition to get involved in a national unity government. This was less than an hour after the Lebanese opposition considered his designation for forming a new government as an extension of the crisis and a provocation for the feeling of the opposition side. Lebanon, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Political developments in Iraq
  Concerning the efforts aiming at forming the new Iraqi government to succeed the government of Eyad Allawi interim government, consultations continue between the Shiite list and the list of the Kurdistani coalition in order to come out with a formula of agreement between the two main parties as representatives in the National Assembly. Iraq, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Jordan proposes re-envigoration of the Arab peace initiative at Algeria's summit
  As preparations are underway to convene the periodical Arab summit in Algeria on march 22, Jordan prepares to propose an amended formula for the Arab peace initiative which was adopted at the Beirut's summit in 2002. Jordan-Regional, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Abul Gheit rebuts Bush's views on mideast sudden democratic shift
  "What model are we talking about in Iraq? Bombs are exploding everywhere, and Iraqis are killed every day in the streets," Abul Gheit said." Palestinian elections? There were elections seven years prior." Regional-USA, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Mubarak, Mofaz agreement in implementing Sharm al-Sheikh understandings Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Expatriate minister confers with British delegation
  Syria respects every resolution of international law, but at the same time the international community should also follow up and implement all of its resolutions with no selectivity, Syria's Expatriate Minister Buthaina Shaaban said on Thursday. Syria-UK, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Syrian Catholics deplore accusations against Syria
  Catholic Church Metropolitans Council denounced on Thursday accusations and pressures put on Syria for its patriotic and pan-Arab position. Syria, Politics, 3/11/2005
• US military detains Iraqi journalist
  Reporters sans frontieres (RSF), Paris has called for the immediate release of Iraqi journalist Majed Fadhil Zaboun, of the independent daily "Al-Fourat." Zaboun has been held by US military forces since he was arrested on the Syrian border, on 28 February 2005, as he was returning from a conference in Damascus. Iraq, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Washington, London criticize Karami's reappointing
  The US has criticized the reappointing of the resigned Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami to form a new government. The state department said that Karami's government will not be effective. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/11/2005
• A bloody attack in Musil
  The last 24 hours witnessed explosions in various parts of Iraq the most violent of which and bloodiest was the attack which targeted a Shiite mosque in Musil to the north of Iraq which inflected 47 killing and more than 100 persons as injured, according to a medical source in the city. Iraq, Politics, 3/11/2005
• British writer assessment on Beirut demonstration
  British writer and analyst, Robert Fisk described the demonstration staged in Beirut last Tuesday as warning to the United States and an expression of the Lebanese people's rejection of the American plots against Lebanon and the region. Lebanon, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Butaflika, Weld al-Taye, prince Rasheed meets with Peres in Madrid conference
  The Israeli Haaretz said that the Israeli deputy premier Shimon Peres met on Thursday in Madrid the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika, on the sideline of the terrorism fighting conference in Madrid. Regional-Israel, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Condition of Moroccan women exposed at forum hosted by US first lady
  The Moroccan experience in the promotion of women's rights was exposed Wednesday in a State Department forum hosted by America's first lady, Laura Bush. Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Zalmai Khalil Zada is America's ambassador in Baghdad
  The American embassy announced yesterday that the US President George W. Bush is planning to appoint his ambassador to Kabul Zalmai Khalil Zada as his ambassador in Baghdad. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Lahoud-Berri meet on parliamentary consultations Lebanon, Politics, 3/11/2005
• King Mohammed VI receives Saudi defense and aviation minister Morocco-Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Government allocates MAD 50 million to support press companies
  Moroccan communication minister and spokesman of the government, Nabil Benabdallah, announced on Friday that King Mohammed VI has instructed the government to allocate a budget of MAD 50 million to support press companies. Morocco, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Al-Hoss calls Lebanon's national unity Lebanon, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Lebanese national forces observe a sit in against UN resolution 1559 Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Prince Moulay Rachid meets French FM in Madrid Morocco-France, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Meeting with Mubarak: Larsen says syria's moves are positive Egypt-UN, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Book shows Moroccan soldiers' role in liberating Netherlands from Nazis
  "Cemeteries in a Wet Land: Freedom and Moroccan Liberators" is the title of a book that has recently appeared in the Netherlands, shedding light on the role of the Moroccan soldiers in the liberation of Holland from the Nazis during World War II. Morocco-Netherlands, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Hillary Clinton lauds Morocco's achievements in women's rights Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/11/2005
• European parliament calls for putting an end to Hizbullah terrorist acts
  The European Parliament on Thursday announced support for taking measures aiming at "putting an end to terrorist activities" by the Hizbullah party and called on Syria not to be tolerant towards "any form of terrorism," Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 3/11/2005
• Larsen is in Syria on Saturday Syria-UN, Politics, 3/11/2005
• A call to protest against the emergency law in Damascus on Thursday
  The Arab organization for human rights in Syria called for organizing a sit-in on Thursday in Damascus in protest of the emergency law applied in the country since 42 years. Syria, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Egyptian parliament approves direct elections for the president
  The Egyptian People's Assembly unanimously approved the amendment of article 76 of the constitution providing for electing a president for the country by direct vote between than more than one candidate. Egypt, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Cairo lifts embargo from al-Ghad part paper Egypt, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Al-Shara, Iranian deputy FM meet in Damascus Syria-Iran, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Iranian deputies: Israel and America Iran-Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Lebanese opposition regrets Karami's nomination
  The Lebanese opposition considered the nomination of the resigned Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami to form and preside over a new government as a "negative development" and a completion for a government constitutes what they called a facade for the Syrian security forces which it holds responsible for the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri and demands the resignation of heads of its security departments. Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Karami accepts the formation of the government
  The resigned Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami said he will accept the formation of a national unity government including the opposition after he was nominated by a parliamentarian majority. Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Nasrallah's speech to Beirut Rally
  Secretary General of Hizbullah Party, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, said "No one can drive Syria out of Lebanon ... President al-Assad is present in Lebanon if not physically then in Lebanon's spirit and mind." Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/2005
• NY Times: U.S. policy change regarding Hizbullah
  The New York Times reported yesterday that the US has decided on a new course in terms of the way it views and deals with the Hizbullah party in Lebanon in light of the political support it has within the Lebanese people. This is following the massive demonstrations that Hizbullah showed in support of the pro Syrian role in Lebanon. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/10/2005
• U.S. supports 'reliable census' of Tindouf population, urges Algiers and Polisario to cooperate with HCR
  Morocco's call for a "reliable and modern census" of the population in the Polisario-controlled camps of Tindouf (southwest Algeria) was echoed by the U.S. delegation in Geneva which urged the separatist movement and its backer Algeria, to collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (HCR). Morocco-USA, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Settlement of Sahara dispute should be the 'fruit of negotiations' between the parties, Kofi Annan
  United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday insisted that the Sahara dispute opposing Morocco to the Algerian-backed separatist movement "Polisario" should be settled through negotiations between the parties. Morocco-UN, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Tindouf population size overestimated by UN bodies, says Morocco
  Morocco renewed on Wednesday its call to the United Nations High commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) to conduct a reliable census of the populations in the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps (southern Algeria), insisting that the actual size of this population is overestimated by the UN various bodies. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Former UN official expects political compromise on Sahara
  Time may bring a political compromise on the Sahara issue, said former UN secretary general's special representative for the Sahara, Hon Erik Jensen. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Al-Khazen and Beirut march
  Lebanese Minister of Tourism Wade al-Khazen stressed Wednesday that Beirut witnessed a unique march yesterday where the majority of Lebanese people said with one voice "no to foreign interference and yes to Syria's al-Assad." Lebanon, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Syria's withdrawal and al-Hayat Daily
  Al-Hayat daily described Wednesday Syria's decision of withdrawing from Lebanon as wise and put things into their right track. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Extended regionalization may be solution to Sahara dispute, Seminar
  Participants in a seminar pointed out, in Rabat Wednesday, that the Sahara issue may be resolved through an "extended regionalization," while other participants called for withdrawing this question from the United Nations Security Council to submit it to the General Assembly. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Israeli- Palestinian Areiha meeting failed
  The Palestinian and Israeli sides have failed to reach an agreement to hand over security authorities in Areiha in the West Bank to the Palestinian authority, despite the announcement made by Israel of its consent to hand the city to the Palestinians. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Israeli defense minister to meet with Mubarak today
  The Israeli defense minister Shaoul Mofaz meets today in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt, for the first time with the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in order to discuss the arrangements concerning the Egyptian security presence on the Egyptian- Palestinian borders following the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Benin Speaker hails Morocco's initiatives in favor of Africa Morocco-Benin, Politics, 3/10/2005
• AL secretary general warns against Israeli settlement policy Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Syrian citizens of occupied golan stage a sit-in Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Larsen and Solana discuss resolution 1559 Regional-UN, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Italian foreign minister commends Syria's troops withdrawal Syria-Italy, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Iraqi planning minister survived an assassination Iraq, Politics, 3/10/2005
• Syria vows complete withdrawal before May
  The Syrian ambassador in Washington Imad Mustafa said that Syria started to withdraw its forces from Lebanon as from Tuesday and that the withdrawal will be completed before May. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Murad: Syrian troops withdrawal to Bekaa to be complete this month
  The joint Syrian-Lebanese Military Committee met on Tuesday in Damascus in the framework of the Taif Accord and the two states' Treaty and Cooperation, Fraternity and Coordination agreement. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Syrian forces are withdrawing from Lebanon
  News reports in the Bekaa in Lebanon said that some Syrian military trucks crossed the borders and entered the Lebanese lands to transport soldiers and equipments in preparations for the withdraw completed on Tuesday evening. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Nasrullah restores back to Syria its consideration, clings to Lebanon's unity
  The secretary general of the Lebanese Hizbullah party, Hassan Nasrullah, called on all Lebanese to maintain unity and solidarity and preserve the gains of the Taif accord. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• The largest demonstration in support of Syria
  The Lebanese demonstration on Tuesday afternoon in support of Syria took the main streets of Lebanon on Tuesday and was called for by the Lebanese Hizbullah party under the motto "faithfulness to Syria and rejection of foreign intervention." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Lahoud: Lebanese people showed loyalty to Syria
  "There is a big opportunity for Lebanese people to form a new government that will come in response to what we aspire for ... a national government that includes all parties," President Lahoud said. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Lebanese opposition delegation in Brussels regarding Syrian presence
  In a new development, a Lebanese parliamentary delegation representing all Lebanese opposition sides visits Brussels and Paris this week in order to explain the demands of the opposition over the complete Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and the formation of an interim government and the file of the late Lebanese prime Minister Rafic Hariri. Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Egypt bans al-Ghad paper, its leader nominates for Presidential elections
  The Egyptian authorities banned the distribution of al- Ghad magazine, mouthpiece of the opposition al-Ghad party led by Ayman Nour in which he announced his determination to launch a bid in the Presidential elections set on September this year. Egypt, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Bahraini regret over raising Khameini pictures in Ashoura celebrations
  Bahrain has expressed its regret that a certain Bahraini group raised the pictures of the Iranian leader Ali Khamaeni during the celebrations of Ashoura ( a religious occasion for the Shiite community) celebrated recently. Bahrain-Iran, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Iran: we will not halt our nuclear development programs
  Asked what will Iran do if the Europeans refuse to accept the country"s position, Asefi said, "We will strongly stand against them and say "no" to their proposals. Iran-USA, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Morocco has 'come back with force to African scene', seminar
  Morocco has come back with force to the African scene, filling the gap caused by its withdrawal from the former Organization of the African Union (OAU) in 1984, deemed, on Tuesday, participants in a conference on the Sahara being held in Rabat. Morocco, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Balkhadem calls for reform of the Arab League
  The Algerian foreign minister Abdul Aziz Balkhadem said that the Arab summit in Algiers by the end of the current month will witness a great turnout in comparison to earlier Arab summits. Regional-Algeria, Politics, 3/9/2005
• IER to resume public hearings on past human rights violations in Morocco IER to resume public hearings on past human rights violations in Morocco
  The Justice and Reconciliation Commission (IER) will hold on March 16 in Marrakech (south) and Al-Hoceima (north-east) a new series of public hearings to shed light on past human rights violations in Morocco during the 1956-1999 period and seek out-of-court settlement to these breaches. Morocco, Politics, 3/9/2005
• War on terrorism requires advance of freedom, Bush says
  The promotion of democracy is necessary to defeat terrorism and protect the United States, President Bush said in a March 8 speech at the National Defense University in Washington. Regional-USA, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Annan and Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon
  The secretary general of the UN Kofi Annan said that UN resolution 1559 does not specify a certain schedule for the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, though it asks for this withdrawal to be complete. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/9/2005
• President Ghazali concludes visit to Libya Libya-Comoros, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Moroccan-Spanish jointly patrol southern Spanish coasts
  A Moroccan-Spanish joint patrols started on Monday monitoring the Spanish southern coasts off the city of Almeria after the 1st stage of this operation was conducted from Feb.7 through 13 on the Moroccan Mediterranean coasts. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/9/2005
• AL chief: Syria reacted positively Syria-Regional, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Mrs. Mubarak receives British minister Egypt-UK, Politics, 3/9/2005
• Kuwaiti women demonstrate demanding political rights
  Hundreds of Kuwaiti activist women demonstrated outside the Ummah council ( (parliament) demanding their political rights. They raised banners demanding the right of woman to vote and nominated in elections, and stressed that this does not contradict with the Islamic Sharia law. Kuwait, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Kuwait's parliament agrees to discuss giving women political rights Kuwait, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Further reforms needed to promote women's situation in Morocco, media
  The Moroccan press underlined Tuesday, on the occasion of the International Women's Day, that despite the important strides made in Morocco, further reforms are needed to give women their due status. Morocco, Politics, 3/8/2005
• UAE: trade negotiations with America do not obligate us to change our foreign policy
  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister of state for finance and industry Muhammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash said on Monday that his country's joining negotiations with the USA to signs a free trade agreement does not oblige it "to change its foreign political positions" in remarks to information on American conditions to link proceeding in the negotiations to Abu Dhabi halting its boycott of Israel. United Arab Emirates-USA, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Presidents al-Assad, Lahoud minutes; Khouri's statement
  Khouri said both sides are determined to correct any failure that could involve the process of cooperation in the framework of the existing establishments set up in line with the Syrian-Lebanese Treaty of fraternity and Cooperation which is still the only legal and proper framework to tackle any difficulties and to outline future prospects of those relations. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/8/2005
• UN Security Council meeting over Darfur
  The secretary general of the UN Kofi Annan has called for an emergency meeting to the UN Security Council at the ambassadorial level in order to discuss the crisis in Darfur district and to dispatch a peace keeping force to the south of Sudan. Sudan-UN, Politics, 3/8/2005
• No contradiction between Islam and modernity, King's advisor Morocco, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Saudi Arabia announces from Washington its campaign to fight terrorism
  Saudi Arabia announced on Monday in Washington its new efforts to fight "terrorism" noting that it had arrested 700 persons suspected to be involved in "terrorism" and has started a series of tough measures to control financing of "terrorism." Saudi Arabia, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Assafir: Former lebanese premier stresses Syria's importance to Lebanon
  al-Huss called to remind the United States over Iraq that due to its occupation of Iraq it was she who controls the Iraqi side of the Syrian-Iraqi border. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Campaign of arrests in Iraq
  The American army announced the detention of 52 persons suspected to be involved in attacks targeted the American forces. This was in a campaign of inspection and arrest in al-Doura area to the south of Baghdad. Military sources said that among the detainees were 39 women and one child arrested in one house and they will be interrogated later. Iraq, Politics, 3/8/2005
• One Bulgarian soldier killed by American bullets Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Sahara is part and parcel of Morocco, former diplomat
  "Moroccans should remain mobilized to defend this cause because the Sahara is part of the spiritual and historical capital of Morocco," said Snoussi in an interview published Tuesday by the "Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb." Morocco, Politics, 3/8/2005
• AU Executive Council asks for 2 African permanent seats at UNSC
  The African Union Executive Council yesterday urged that Africa be given two permanent and five non-permanent seats at the UN Security Council. Regional-UN, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Morocco to help Mauritania in artificial rain
  Morocco will bring technical assistance to a Mauritanian artificial rain program, it was announced at the end of private talks held here this Monday between visiting King Mohammed VI and Mauritania's president Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya. Morocco-Mauritania, Politics, 3/8/2005
• King Abdullah promises Israel to amend Beirut's summit initiative
  The Jordanian King Abdullah II on Monday promised Israel to work for renovating the Arab Peace Initiative which was approved at Beirut's summit in 2002 and to achieve peace between it and all Arab states and this will be for reaching a peace agreement with the Palestinians including withdrawal from the occupied lands. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Morocco: A model of women rights in the Arab states, meeting
  The promotion of women rights through the adoption of a new Family Code in Morocco was discussed at a round table organized by the American Council on Foreign Relations, on "Morocco as a model for the Arab world." Morocco, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Al-Assad receives phone call from Yemeni counterpart on developments Yemen-Syria, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Faure Eydema phones Qathafi Libya-Togo, Politics, 3/8/2005
• US says partial troop withdrawal is half measure Syria-USA, Politics, 3/8/2005
• Mubarak discusses Constitution amendment with political group Egypt, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Al-Assad meets with Lahoud in Damascus, Syrian forces prepare for withdrawal
  Syria's President Bashar al-Assad and the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud today, Monday, held meetings in Damascus to approve the plan of the Syrian forces withdrawal from Lebanon. Its first phase is expected to start immediately after the summit meeting between the two presidents by the redeployment of the Syrian forces to the Bekaa plain. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Mubarak, al-Khalifa commend President Assad's Speech Regional-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Egyptian parliament and al-Assad's speech Egypt-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Syria starts today redeployment of its forces in Lebanon
  The resigned Lebanese minister of defense Abdul Rahim Murad announced that the Syrian withdrawal to the Bekaa will start today, Monday, following a meeting for the Lebanese- Syrian Higher council in Damascus under the chairmanship of President Bashar al-Assad and President Emil Lahoud. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Anti-Semitic law probed by conference in Cairo tomorrow Egypt, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Al-Assad's speech before the People's Assembly
  Syria's President Bashar al-Assad delivered a landmark speech before the People's Assembly yesterday evening outlining Syria's position over Lebanon and announcing the full withdrawal of the Syrian troops under the Tail Accord, as well as, refuting US accusations over Iraq and renewing calls for peace talks without conditions. Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Lebanese pro Syria parties meeting
  The pro Syria Lebanese parties and political forces announced following a meeting in Beirut on Sunday rejection for the UN Security Council resolution 1559. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Shura Council approves constution amendment
  The Egyptian Shura Council yesterday unanimously approved in principle the amendment of Article 76 of the Constitution allowing multi-candidate Presidential elections. Egypt, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Kuwait's parliament prepared to discuss woman rights law
  The Kuwaiti parliament is preparing to consider today in the draft law proposed by the government to accelerate the discussions of civil rights of women. This trend has attracted the focus of Kuwaiti political scene between its supporters and opposers. Kuwait, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Gigantic march voices outrage over continued sequestration of Moroccans in polisario camps
  They came on Sunday in tens of thousands to Rabat filling all downtown streets, stretching over kilometres, to ask in unison for the immediate and unconditional liberation of the Moroccans Sequestrated in polisario camps in Tindouf, South-West Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Egypt: Ayman Nour supporters escalate moves
  Supporters of the leader of "al-Ghad" opposition party, the detained Ayman Nour, on Sunday organized a new demonstration demanding his release. The spokeswoman for the party and Nour's wife Jamila Ismael announced the escalation of the efforts during the current week. Egypt, Politics, 3/7/2005
• King Mohammed starts visit to Mauritania
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI arrived this Monday afternoon in Nouakchott, on a working and friendship visit, coming from Senegal. Mauritania-Morocco, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Amir of Qatar starts an official visit to UAE
  The Amir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani stressed that the visit he had started yesterday to the United Arab Emirates aims at consolidating bilateral relations and consultations in various regional and international issues. United Arab Emirates-Qatar, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Europe asks for scheduling the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon
  The higher coordinator for the foreign policy in the European Union Javier Solana demanded the Syrian and Lebanese authorities to draw a set mechanism and timetable as soon as possible to implement the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon. Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Polisario separatists burn Moroccan detainees in southwest Algeria, NGO
  A Moroccan Sahara-based NGO has accused the separatists of being behind the recent arson that claimed the life of a family in a camp in southwest Algeria, controlled by the Polisario. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Marches in Lebanon to support al-Assad's speech
  Public spontaneous marches rushed Saturday in many Lebanese cities, including Beirut, Tripoli, al-Nabatei Halba, Akar and Bala'albak to support stances expressed by President Bashar al-Assad during his speech before the Syrian Assembly. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Delegation from Garang movement in Khartoum for the first time after the agreement
  Some 70 main leaders representing the Sudan People's Liberation Army (southern rebels) which is headed by John Garang will arrive in Khartoum. The delegation will be led by the communications officials in the movement Neyal Diniq. The visit came with the aim of actual implementation for the peace agreement between the government and the movement signed on January 9th in Kenya. Sudan, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Lebanese army general highlights relations with Syria
  Lebanese Army Commander General Michel Suleiman stressed Sunday that Syria's decision to withdraw from Lebanon will not affect the deep-rooted relations between Syrian and Lebanese armies. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Better aware of their rights, women are more apt to enjoy them
  If the rights of Moroccan women have experienced significant evolutions, it remains nevertheless true that better awareness of these rights make women more apt to exercise them. Morocco, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Arab League, Saudi Arabia, and President al-Assad's Speech
  Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa on Sunday stressed that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's speech included a positive direction towards carrying out the Taif Accord and preserving the general framework of the Syrian-Lebanese relations. Regional-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• The first meeting for the Iraqi elected national assembly after ten days
  Amid atmospheres of prediction, the Iraqi deputy prime minister Barham Saleh expected that the elected national assembly will convene its first meeting after ten days, whether an agreement is made on the formation of the new government or the disputes continue to persist. Iraq, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Attacks escalated in Iraq, Iraqi police use of TV questioned
  In an official statement, the party accused sides from the Iraqi police of "fabricating these programs at a very sensitive time when certain 'hired' terrorists sides kill Iraqis in order to perpetuate sectarianism and trying relentlessly to flare up civil war." Iraq, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Sit-ins abroad for release of Moroccan detainees in southern Algeria
  Moroccan expatriates in London, Paris and Montreal rallied Sunday to call for the release of their fellow countrymen who are detained in the Tindouf camps (southwest Algeria) by the Algeria-backed Polisario front that is claiming the separation of the kingdom's Southern Provinces (known as the Sahara). Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Moussa: Sudan issue tops priority for Arab League
  No independent Arab policy towards Darfur was approved, he underlined. Regional-Sudan, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Shaath asks Israel to put into effect Sharm understandings
  Palestinian Authority expressed yesterday worries over threats by Jewish extremists to attack Palestinians. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Israel: Shebaa farms are Syrians, Nasrullah statements are media campaigning
  The spokeswoman for the Israeli foreign ministry Ameera Oroun considered that the optimism expressed by the secretary general of the Hizbullah party Hassan Nasrullah on the nearby Israeli withdrawal from Shebaa farms is "just media campaigning." Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Moroccan civil society calls for ending the tragedy of sequestrated Moroccans
  The Moroccan civil society on Sunday called the international community to act to put an end to the tragedy befalling the Moroccans sequestrated in polisario Tindouf camps, located in South-West Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Berri call for participation in tomorrow's mass rally Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Moussa urges Quartet to act firmly vis-a-vis Israeli settlement policy Regional-Palestine, Politics, 3/7/2005
• AU discusses Africa's permanent representation in UNSC Regional, Politics, 3/7/2005
• Abu Zeid: Rumors on transferring Nile water to Israel aims to endanger Egypt's relations with Nile Basin countries Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/7/2005

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