Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 3/14/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of March 14, 2005

• Riyadh denies mediation with Tripoli, resort to judiciary
  Riyadh confirmed on Friday it resorts to the judiciary over allegations on a Libyan conspiracy to assassinate the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, denying information to have had achieved results out of a mediation with Tripoli to this end. Saudi Arabia-Libya, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Syria to complete withdrawal from Lebanon ASAP, Mustafa says
  The Syrian ambassador to Washington Imad Mustafa announced that his country will complete the withdrawal of its forces and intelligence forces from Lebanon as soon as possible when the Lebanese security forces are ready to replace them. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Sfeir warns against calls for Lahoud's resignation
  Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Nasrullah Sfeir, currently visiting the USA, warned against the consequences of the calls for the resignation of the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud for fears of creating a constitutional vacuum. Lebanon, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Annan for complete Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon before Lebanese elections
  The secretary general of the Arab league AL Kofi Annan said he expects a complete withdrawal for the Syrian forces and intelligence from Lebanon before the Lebanese parliamentary elections. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Algeria denies Arab summit seeks to normalize relations with Israel
  Algeria's permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdul Qader Hajjar, denied what was quoted by the mass media to that the Arab summit his country will host next Tuesday and Wednesday will be dedicated for normalization with Israel. He said that the anyone who wants such normalization can do in his own country. Algeria-Regional, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Message from al-Assad to Qathafi on developments
  Syria's Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara on Friday conveyed to Libyan Leader Muammar al-Qathafi a message from President Bashar al-Assad. Syria-Libya, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Syria: an investigation committee with leader of the people's army
  The Syrian "all for Syria" website said that the regional leadership of the Baath party issued a decision to form an investigation committee with the leader of the people's army lt. gen. Ibrahim al-Ali over an interview with the Syrian TV in which he called for the abrogation of the Baath Party Pan Arab national leadership. Syria, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Fighting in the Somali parliament over forces re-deployment
  A row took place in the Somali parliament in Nairobi after parliamentarians voted against a call made by President Abdullah Youssef calling for the deployment of peace keeping forces from the neighboring states to keep order in the country. Somalia, Politics, 3/19/2005
• The Algerian perception of auto-determination is variable, Moroccan Ambassador
  "The Algerian perception of auto-determination is variable," said Moroccan Ambassador to the UNO in Geneva, Omar Hilale, in response to a presentation of Algerian peer, Idriss jazari, who accused Morocco of denying the right to auto-determination to the Sahrawis. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Seale criticizes US schemes on the middle east
  British journalist Patrick Seale slammed Friday US schemes over the Middle East warning that they would not salvage America from terror risks. Regional-USA, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Polisario activists assault Swiss woman for asking disturbing questions
  A Swiss woman was savagely assaulted in Geneva Friday by polisario activists after she asked questions they did not like at a meeting they held in the offices of the World Meteorological Organisation. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/19/2005
• American ambassador in Ankara resigns
  The American embassy in Ankara announced yesterday that ambassador Ereck Idealman resigned from his post in Turkey as well as from his missions inside the US state department. Turkey-USA, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Boueiz: Hizbullah is part and parcel of Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Lebanese defense minister highlights relations with Syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Syria blames Israel's attitude to peace proposals Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/19/2005
• British Gas sees high potentials for natural gas in Egypt
  Executive Chairman of British Gas said there were high potentials for natural gas investments in Egypt. Egypt-UK, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Bishara stresses Palestinians' legitimate right to return home Palestine-Lebanon, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Manar prevention decision is illegal Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Bahrain Crown Prince starts private visit to Morocco Morocco-Morocco, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Bush to meet Sharon Israel-USA, Politics, 3/19/2005
• Syrian army completed first phased of withdrawal from Lebanon
  The Syrian army on Thursday completed the first phase of its withdrawal to the east of Lebanon so that to end the operation it had started on March 8th. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Lebanese security chief submits Lebanese opposition accusations to the attorney general
  The director of the Lebanese general security Lt. gen. Jamil al-Sayyed decided to submit the accusations addressed by the opposition against the Lebanese security over the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri to the Attorney General. Lebanon, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Consultations resumed between Shiite and Kurds on government formation
  Consultations resumed between the representatives of "the Kurdistani coalition" list and the "United Iraqi coalition" list at a faster pace after the National Assembly ( parliament) held its first session to discuss the issue of forming the government. Iraq, Politics, 3/18/2005
• The outline of the distribution of posts in Iraq
  Shiite official Jawad al-Malki said the Iraqi persident will be Kurdish and will have two deputies one is Shiite and the second is Sunni. The speaker of the Iraqi parliament will be Sunni and the post of the prime minister will be for Ibrahim al-Jafaari ( Shiite). Iraq, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Government adopts draft bill on political parties
  The draft bill on Political parties has been adopted by the Government council, meeting in Rabat Thursday, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Driss Jettou, announced Moroccan Minister of Communication and government Spokesman, Nabil Benabdallah. Morocco, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Lahoud calls for a national unity government
  Lebanese President Emile Lahoud called for a national unity government to face the recent developments in Lebanon and the region. Lebanon, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Nasserallah calls for an internal Lebanese Dialogue
  Secretary General of the Lebanese Hizbullah Party, Hassan Nasserallah has reiterated his call for dialogue among all the Lebanese parties. Lebanon, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Junblat renews call on Lahoud to resign
  The opposition Druz leader Walid Junblat renewed his demand to the resignation of the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud to resign. Lebanon, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Qathafi inclined to boycott Algeria's Arab summit
  An Arab diplomatic source in Tripoli disclosed that the Libyan leader col. Muammar al-Qathafi is inclined to boycott the works of the Arab summit to be held on March 22 and 23 in Algeria, noting efforts to convince him to take part. Libya-Regional, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Preliminary meetings and main files for the Arab summit
  Preparatory meetings started in Algeria for the 17th Arab summit with meetings at the levels of representatives and ambassadors at the Arab League. Regional, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Qathafi proposed compensations for Mousa al-Sader family
  The family of the Shiite leader Mousa al-Sader said that the Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi proposed financial compensations for closing the file of the disappearance of al-Sader 26 years ago during his visit to Libya. Libya-Lebanon, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Arabs support Egypt nomination to permanent UNSC seat
  Permanent representatives to the Arab League share an agreement to support Egypt's nomination to a permanent UN Security Council seat in case of enlarging its membership, Arab sources said Thursday. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Iran counteracts US threats to take Iran to the Security Council
  The US effort to force Iran to permanently stop its Uranium enrichment program seems heading for a diplomatic showdown where Iran may pull out of the nuclear Non Proliferation treaty if Iran is forced to abandon legal rights it has to such efforts, by dragging Iran before the UN Security Council. Iran-USA, Politics, 3/18/2005
• UN Human Rights Commissioner invited to visit Morocco
  Moroccan justice minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, has invited the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Louise Arbour, to visit Morocco to find out about the wide reforms undertaken in the north African country. Morocco, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Sudanese restrictions on the movement of American diplomats
  In a new indicator in the tense relations between Washington and Khartoum, the Sudanese government decided to impose restrictions on the moves of American diplomats in retaliation to similar measures carried out by the USA. Sudan-USA, Politics, 3/18/2005
• US congress calls for punishing Lebanese officials supporting Syria
  The US senate almost unanimously adopted a decision, demanding the US President's administration to freeze all assets of Lebanese officials who support "Lebanon's occupation by the Syrian Arab Republic." Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Palestinian groups vow to ease down in return to Israel's commitment
  In conclusion of its dialogue in Cairo, the Palestinian groups agreed to an open ease down with Israel without a time frame, but the resistance groups confirmed the truce is linked to the extent of the Israeli commitment to this peace. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Algeria strongly weighing in Sahara issue, Algerian journalist
  "Algeria strongly weighs in the Sahara issue" writes an Algerian journalist-author in a book titled "un regard calme sur l'Algerie" (a quiet look at Algeria) published last February. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Preparatory meeting of First Arab-Latin American countries summit to start on March 25
  The preparatory ministerial meeting of the first Arab and South American countries summit will take place March 25-26 in the southern Moroccan city of Marrakech, announced Thursday a ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation communique. Regional, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Tindouf, longest human tragedy in current history, Minister
  "If the countries concerned are keen on preserving their reputation, they should act in a positive way vis-a-vis the resolutions adopted by the United Nations in this question," said Benabdellah who noted that the detention of Moroccans is a breach of the most basic international laws. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Al-Oufi calls for attacking American targets in the region, supports al-Zarqawi
  Al-Qaida branch in Saudi Arabia voiced support for the organization's branch in Iraq, expressing readiness to provide it with what it needs of gunmen. Saudi Arabia-Iraq, Politics, 3/18/2005
• New Egyptian ambassador arrived in Israel
  The Egyptian ambassador Muhammad Assem Ibrahim arrived in Tel Aviv in order to assume his new post of office after it had remained vacant for more than four years because of al-Aqsa Intifada. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Mubarak calls for mobilising Arab efforts to render Algiers summit a success Egypt-Regional, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Egypt, Qatar commend Syria forces withdrawal from Lebanon Regional-Syria, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Moroccan-Spanish relations know a 'remarkable development', PM Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Bush says US wil be Iraq till it can defend itself Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/18/2005
• Despite American pressures; Turkish president: Of course I will visit Syria
  The Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said he will visit Syria in April, despite the call made by the US on Ankara to join the international efforts on Damascus, while Ankara stressed that "democracy and the dissemination of freedoms in various parts of the region is Turkey's basic policy." Syria-Turkey, Politics, 3/17/2005
• A new Iraqi government to be formed within two weeks
  Chairman of the al-Dawa ( call) party said that the two next weeks will witness the birth of a new government denying that the Kurdish- Shiite talks to this effect have reached a deadlock. Iraq, Politics, 3/17/2005
• 112 prisoners are released from the jails of the People's Movement in Sudan
  The committee in Charge of Eliminating the Kidnapping of Women and Children ( CEWAC) announced the release of 112 prisoners from the jails of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (southern rebels). Sudan, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Yemeni president criticizes the US and accuses it of violating human rights
  The Yemeni president questioned the reason why America embarks on the doubled standard policy in the region, adding "why do not they respond to our demands to reforming the UN which is the umbrella for all so as to end dictatorship and comprehensiveness in decision taking." Yemen-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Karami prevents pro Syria supporters demonstration
  The designated Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami is preventing a demonstration by Syria's supporters due tomorrow Friday. He called on the opposition parties to do the same and prevent all its demonstrations. Lebanon, Politics, 3/17/2005
• By incepting rights violations hearings, King opened 'way to democracy building', former detainee
  "HM King Mohammed VI opened the way to the building of democracy and the people has to support the sovereign in consolidating the process," said former detainee, Mohamed Mahri, at a public hearing on past human rights violations that occurred in Morocco between 1956 and 1999. Morocco, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Authors of human rights violations should be excluded from decision-making centers, victim
  Ms. Widad El Bouab, a victim of human rights abuses committed between 1956 and 1999, said at the public hearing session held on Wednesday in Marrakech, authors of human rights violations should be excluded from decision-making centers and called the state to apologize for these practices. Morocco, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Hizbullah party rejects Bush's call to drop arms
  The Lebanese Hizbullah party announced cling to resistance, rejecting thereby the call advocated by the US President George W. Bush to give up its weapons. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Washington inclines for establishing full diplomatic relations with Libya
  The US President George W. Bush administration notified that Congress on its intention to establish full diplomatic relations with Libya, despite doubts around Libya's involvement in the assassination attempt of the Saudi crown prince Abdullah. Libya-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Bush meets with Maronite patriarch Sfeir
  The US President George W. Bush yesterday renewed his demands to Syria to leave Lebanon. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Hattab calls for dropping weapons
  Leader of al-Salafeyah group for fighting and the call ( al-Dawa Wal Qital) in Algeria Hassan Hattab has called on all fighters to stop fighting and drop the weapons as well as to join national reconciliation and the general amnesty advocated by the Algerian President Abdul Aziz Butaflika. Algeria, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Official Source: Syria supports China on Taiwan issue
  Syria on Wednesday supported the Chinese anti-secession legislation recently enacted by the National People's Congress, Parliament. Syria-China, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Commander of the American joint forces is in Iraq
  three Iraqi soldiers were killed and other five injured and two civilians were also wounded in a booby trapped car explosion near an inspection point for the Iraqi army at the northern entrance for Baqouba city. Iraqi sources said that the wounded were admitted to a nearby American military base for medical treatment. Iraq-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Berlusconi gives up statements over withdrawal from Iraq
  The Italian prime minister said that his country will not withdraw its forces from Iraq if this withdrawal is opposed by its two allies the US President George W. Bush and the British prime minister Tony Blair. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Mubarak reviews with Abu Mazen progress of inter-Palestinian dialogue
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas who is currently taking part in the inter-Palestinian dialogue hosted by Cairo. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Hundreds participate in PPC's anti wall protest
  Approximately 500 Palestinian young men and women took to the streets of Ramallah on Monday, 13 March, 2005, to protest against the Israeli unilateral actions and the ongoing building of the illegal segregation wall in the West Bank. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Adli: Interior Ministry respects human rights Egypt, Politics, 3/17/2005
• British petroleum investment in Egypt Egypt, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Lahoud for urgent formation of new government Lebanon, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Al-Shara in Libya today Syria-Libya, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Moussa: Algeria summit for reform, amending Charter Regional, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Palestinian dialogue tackled agreement on truce and political participation Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Rafsanjani deplores US Intervention in countries affairs Iran-USA, Politics, 3/17/2005
• Lahoud underlines inter-Lebanese national unity and dialogue Lebanon, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Iraqi parliament convenes first meeting
  The Iraqi national parliament today holds its first sessions in the Green Zone in Baghdad amid tough security measures. Iraq, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Continued Kurdish- Shiite consultations to form the Iraqi government
  Amid atmospheres of caution and prediction over what the Iraqi parliament session will come up with, consultations on forming the Iraqi government are underway between the Shiite and Kurdish groups. Iraq, Politics, 3/16/2005
• More Syrian forces withdraw from Lebanon
  Witnesses said that Syrian intelligence employees evacuated their last base in Beirut on late today, Wednesday morning, in a step bringing Damascus closer to meet the demands set by the USA and the Lebanese opposition. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Mubarak holds important talks with al-Assad on topics to be tackled at Algeria summit
  Topics to be addressed by the Arab summit which will be held in Algeria next week, development of the Syrian Lebanese relations and bilateral relations, were the subject of the visit of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak with Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad. Syria-Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2005
• UN facts finding commission ends mission in Lebanon
  At a time when demonstrations in support of or against the Lebanese government continued, the UN team in charge of facts finding in the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri concluded its mission. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Egypt welcomes cooperation with all international and Non-Governmental Human Rights Organizations
  A responsible source in Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Egypt welcomes cooperation with all international governmental and non-governmental human rights organizations. Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2005
• On the formation of the new Lebanese government
  Several Lebanese opposition parliamentarians on Tuesday called on the Lebanese President Emil Lahoud to resign so as to avoid the country "a political and economic crisis." Lebanon, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Bush and Hizbullah party
  The Lebanese President George W. Bush has kept the door opened on Tuesday before the Lebanese Hizbullah party which is placed by the USA in its terrorist list in order to play a main political role in Lebanon. He urged the Hizbullah party to prove that it is not a terrorist organization. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Morocco's appeal for release of Moroccans in Algeria triggers undiplomatic response from Algeria
  Algerian delegate to the 61st session of the UN human rights commission reacted in an undiplomatic way to an appeal launched on Tuesday by Morocco for the release of Moroccan prisoners held in the Tindouf camps, in Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Kuwait: Shiite reject having their mosques monitored
  The chairman of the Shiite scholars gathering in Kuwait, Muhammad Baqer al-Mahri, yesterday refused plans by the Kuwaiti Islamic ministry of al-Awqaf plans to monitor mosques affiliate to the Shiite community. Kuwait, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Saudi crown prince postpones visit to Paris
  The Elysee palace announced, following a meeting between President Chirac and the Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal that the visit which the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to France on Saturday was postponed for reasons pertaining to dates and appointments. Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 3/16/2005
• State is responsible for past violations in Morocco, MP
  The State, with all its institutions and apparatuses, is responsible for the human rights violations committed in the past, said, on Tuesday, Moroccan deputy Driss Lachgar, calling for reforms to consolidate the rule of law. Morocco, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Karami begins consultations on a new government
  Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami on Tuesday began parliamentary consultations to form a new Lebanese government. Karami met former Lebanese Premiers Rashid al-Sulh, Saleem al-Hoss and Amin al-Hafez and two former Speakers of Parliament Kamel al-Asa'ad and Hussein al-Husseini. Lebanon, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Solving Sahara conflict crucial for Maghreban integration, Chaves
  Solving the Sahara conflict in a manner that is "as satisfactory as possible" is crucial for the Maghreb integration process, said on Wednesday visiting President of the autonomous government of Andalusia. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Italian forces to withdraw from Iraq by September
  The Italian prime minister Sylvio Berlyskoni announced he will start the withdrawal of his forces gradually as from September after the consent of the parliament to extend the presence of the Italian forces composed of 3000 troops for other 6 months. Iraq-Italy, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Mubarak greets Egyptian women for all their achievements
  President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday said that the achievements realized by contemporary Egyptian women crown all their struggle to regain their rights and to build themselves and their country a better life. Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2005
• New York Times: Bush aims for bypassing Nuclear Prolifiration Treaty with Iran
  A report by the New York Times said that the US is trying to prevent Iran from producing enriched Uranium for its nuclear plants, while conceding that Iran has such legal rights, because the US fears Iran is taking the negotiation path pursued by North Korea. Iran-USA, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Syria proceeds implementation of Association Agreement with EU
  The Syrian cabinet has prepared a suggestion to run the inked accord late last year during the coming period, Abdullah al-Dardari told SANA. Syria-European Union, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Tunisian who threatened to launch attacks if Sharon visits Tunisia, detained
  The Tunisian news agency said on Tuesday that the authorities arrested a young Tunisian and brought him before the judiciary after he had made threats on a site on the Internet to launch attacks after an invitation was extended to the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to visit Tunisia. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2005
• ICRC briefed on case of Moroccan POWs detained in southern Algeria
  Moroccan Justice Minister, Mohamed Bouzoubaa, met, here Tuesday, with officials from the International Committee of the Red Cross whom he briefed on the tragic situation of 408 Moroccans still held by the Polisario in the Tindouf camps, southern Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Egyptian parties laud Mubarak's initiative on amending constitution Egypt, Politics, 3/16/2005
• UN calls for accountability law of the weapons traffickers in Somalia
  The UN Security Council showed determination to maintain accountability for persons responsible for selling weapons to Somalia. The council called on all world countries to firmly implement the law providing for embargoing selling weapons to Somalia which has been enacted and enforced since 1992. Somalia-UN, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Sorour turns down invitation to visit Israel Egypt-Israel, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Morocco's reforms confer credibility to its advanced status with the EU, ambassador Morocco-European Union, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Morocco, Spain resolved to draw benefit of geographic proximity, Moroccan premier Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/16/2005
• Baz: Mubarak's Initiative on amending constitution responds to citizens' desire Egypt, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Talibani: differences with the Shiite over Karkouk, Bashmargha
  Chairman of the Kurdistani National Union party, Jalal al-Talibani, stressed that there is a difference between the Kurds and the Shiite United Coalition over Karkouk and the fate of the Kurdish Bashmargha militias, but he indicated continued talks. Iraq, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Lebanese opposition massive demonstration in Beirut
  Scores of thousands of Lebanese gathered at al-Shuhadaa ( martyrs) square in the downtown of Beirut on Monday at the invitation of the opposition parties on the occasion of one month following the assassination of the Lebanese former Prime minister Rafic Hariri. News reports estimated number of participants in the demonstration at 300,000. Lebanon, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Saudi Arabia's details on crown's prince assassination conspiracy
  Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday evening that it is about to complete special investigation on what it described as the Libyan conspiracy to assassinate crown prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz in 2003. Saudi Arabia-Libya, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Cairo- demonstration against Mubarak
  Demonstrators in Cairo yesterday hoisted the Egyptian flag in an opposition demonstration to the election of President Hosni Mubarak for a fifth term of office saying that they aspired the idea from the demonstrations Lebanon had witnessed and resulted in the collapse of the government. Egypt, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Spanish judiciary decided to release journalist Allouni, keep him under house arrest
  Manaa indicated that the international campaign in defense of Allouni is the most important campaign for journalists in the world where 7000 societies took part including a local organization in a village up to the international committee in defense of Allouni which called for giving Allouni a chance to be tried under healthy and humanitarian conditions. Regional-Spain, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Moroccan Journalists want more press freedom
  Moroccan journalists called on Saturday for more press liberties by suppressing prison sanctions against journalists and guaranteeing their right not to reveal the sources of information. Morocco, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Egypt moves to host a five member summit on Darfur
  Egypt announced on Sunday evening it is discussing the possibility of convening a five-member summit very soon in Cairo on the question of Darfur to the west of Sudan "with the participation of the Presidents of Sudan, Egypt, Nigeria, Chad and Libya." Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Jordanian newspapers on the pressures on Syria
  the daily asked "why does the campaign against Syria continue particularly after President Bashar al-Assad's latest announcement on the Syrian troops withdrawal from Lebanon?" Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Najaf governorates demand Iraqi parliament to offer Iraqi nationality to al-Seistani
  The council of Najaf governorate asked the new Iraqi National Council to offer the Shiite clergy Ali al-Seistani the Iraqi nationality. Iraq, Politics, 3/15/2005
• First batch of Golan apples arrive to Syria
  The first batch of apples from the occupied Syrian Golan arrived in the motherland on Monday through the International Red Cross Organization and with the help of the UN Disengagement Observer Force UNDOF. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Syria reacts to groundless Israeli accusations
  "Pointing unfair accusation fingers at Syria in some events which happened recently gives us an impression that Israel itself acts as if it is part of the plot and execution of those incidents," the message added. Syria-Israel, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Group threatens of booby trapped cars in reaction to Sharon's visit to Tunis
  A Tunisian group warned on the Internet the Tunisian government to retaliate by booby trapped cars if the expected visit of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon will be made to Tunisia. Tunisia-Israel, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Mubarak, al-Assad discuss developments in a phone call Egypt-Syria, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Moussa urges handling all international resolutions same way like UNSC Resolution 1559 Regional-UN, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Lebanese deputies and Syrian-Lebanese Relations Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Al-Shara and Papandereou talks Syria-Greece, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Bulgarian premier starts official visit to Morocco Morocco-Bulgaria, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Omani, Kuwaiti senior officials highlight Syria's stances Syria-Regional, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Japan, Germany welcome Syria's pullout from Lebanon Syria-Regional, Politics, 3/15/2005
• Awwad: Mubarak's visit to Washington was not originally scheduled to be adjourned Egypt-USA, Politics, 3/15/2005
• The schedule of Syrian forces withdrawal from Lebanon
  The Lebanese foreign minister Mahmoud Hamoud said that the Syrian forces will not complete its withdrawal from Lebanon before the convening of a meeting between Syria and Lebanese military officials on April 7th which will define the final date for this operation. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Demonstration supporting the Lebanese government in al-Nabatieh Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Lahoud: agreement with Syria on withdrawal
  "Syrian-Lebanese leaderships agreed on implementing a series of military measures related to Syria's withdrawal from Lebanon within the framework of the Taif Accord," Lebanese president Emile Lahoud said on Sunday. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Larsen: total agreement with Lebanese FM over withdrawal of the Syrian forces
  The UN special envoy to Lebanon Terry Rod Larsen stressed that there is a total agreement with the Syrian foreign minister over UN resolutions 1559 which demands the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Lebanese president underlines distinguished relations with Syria
  President Emil Lahoud of Lebanon said the distinguished relations with Syria will be clearer and stronger in the future, pointing out that those who reject the Syrian presence now "were the most who had benefited from such a relation." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Bahrain decides to teach democracy, human rights
  The government of Bahrain has approved a suggestion by the parliament to teach the subject of "democracy and human rights in the state run preparatory and secondary schools." Bahrain, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Riyadh- Sana exchange border demarcation documents
  Yemen and Saudi Arabia have exchanged documents on the ratification of the agreement to organize protection for joint borders. This was in conclusion of the visit carried out by the Saudi minister of the interior prince Nayef to Sanaa. Saudi Arabia-Yemen, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Kurdish - Shiite agreement fails
  Current discussions have failed between the two Shiite and Kurdish blocs in reaching an agreement that pleases the two parties on forming a new Iraqi government. Iraq, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Mubarak vows to introduce more political reforms
  The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak vowed to introduce more political reforms after having called on the parliament to amend the constitution so as to permit the nomination of more than one person to the post of the President of the republic, noting that the way towards reform is still long. Egypt, Politics, 3/14/2005
• The most famous Internet prisoner in Tunisia dies
  Zuheir al-Yahyawi, the most famous" Internet" prisoner in Tunisia died on Sunday from a heart attack. Tunisia, Politics, 3/14/2005
• IER holds new public hearings in Marrakech
  Justice and Reconciliation Commission (IER) will organize this March 16 new public hearing sessions in the city of Marrakech (Centeral South), where ten victims of past human rights violations, perpetrated between 1956 and 1999, will present their testimonies. Morocco, Politics, 3/14/2005
• US, France say Syrian withdrawal is a positive step
  US President National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley described Sunday preliminary reports on Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon as positive. Lebanon-Regional, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Iran wants to talk about nuclear issue but is resolute on right to develop nuclear industry
  Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi Sunday said "Iran is not concerned over the possible referral of its nuclear case to the UN Security Council," the Iranian News Agency IRNA reported yesterday. Iran-USA, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Pope Shenouda denies permitting Copts to visit occupied Jerusalem
  The patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Shenouda III on Sunday denied he will permit Copts very soon to visit the occupied city of Jerusalem under the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Kabalan-Hoss for inter-Lebanese dialogue Lebanon, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Iranian dignitary: Syria, Iran under pressure Syria-Iran, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Lebanese foreign ministry deplores Straw's statements Lebanon-UK, Politics, 3/14/2005
• Abdel Kader Haggar stresses depth of Egyptian-Algerian relations Algeria-Egypt, Politics, 3/14/2005
• GCC commends Syrian Move in Lebanon Gulf-Syria, Politics, 3/14/2005
• President of the Andalusia Autonomous government in Morocco for talks on cooperation Morocco-Spain, Politics, 3/14/2005

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