Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/11/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 11, 2005

• US and UK turned blind eye to illegal trade of Iraqi oil Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Miqati starts today consultations to form the Lebanese government
  Lebanese parliamentarian Najib Miqati is due to start today his special consultations to form the next Lebanese government after he was assigned to that officially by the Lebanese president Emil Lahoud, on the ground of his nomination by a parliamentary majority including opposition parliamentarians. Lebanon, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Egypt judges demand real authority, an independent judicial system
  Hundreds of Egyptian judges threatened not to supervise the next presidential elections if the government will not amend several laws that said to have had limited their authority. Egypt, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Egyptian report on human rights deterioration commended
  The US on Thursday commended the first annual report issued by a human rights group supported by the Egyptian government, and gave credibility to accusations rumored at a large scale on torture practices at the hands of the police. Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/16/2005
• A rally in commemoration of the American NATO failed Aggression / Libya-USA, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Priorities of Miqati's government Lebanon, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Junblat meets Aoun, calls on opposition to take part in new government
  Observers consider that the Najib Miqati nomination to form the new Lebanese government might accelerate the process, but not the organizing of the elections, especially as the new government has to embark on an election law and debate it for a vote before the parliament. A matter which needs several weeks. Lebanon, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Seisatni calls Iraqi coalition to dedicate efforts for constitution's formulation
  An official in the list of the United Iraqi Coalition list ruled out the formation of the new Iraqi government before the end of the next week. Iraq, Politics, 4/16/2005
• UN Human Rights Committee's new resolution on Golan
  The committee called upon Israel to "abide by the UN relevant decisions mainly the UN Security Council Decision 497 in 1981 that considers Israel's decision to impose its laws and authority over the Occupied Syrian Golan as null and void." Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Palestinian sneaks to the Golan to kidnap an Israeli officer
  An Israeli military source in the Golan said that the armed man who sneaked to the Golan on Friday morning is a Palestinian youth who had planned to kidnap an Israeli officer to the Syrian territories from which he had come. Palestine-Syria, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Zoellick meets with Garang, visits Darfur
  US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick met with the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM/SPLA) John Garang in the course of a tour carried out by the American official in Sudan. Sudan-USA, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Al-Rai al-Am: Abu al-Ghait: we will contain any crisis in Lebanon, work to calm Washington-Damascus issues
  In an interview with the Kuwaiti daily "al-Rai al-Am" the Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Abu al-Ghait said that Egypt is ready to contain any crisis in Lebanon when matters move in a negative way. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Senior officials voice solidarity with Syria
  Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ali Tuygan on Friday called upon Washington to cooperate with Syria and Iran for solving pending issues and to avoid confrontations. Syria-Regional, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Ukraine to withdraw 40 percent of its forces from Iraq
  The polish contingent announced that Ukraine decided to withdraw about 40% of its forces in Iraq, estimated at 1400 soldiers during the four coming weeks. Iraq-Ukraine, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Fatah said to aim for postponing elections
  "The Palestinian Authority (PA) is likely to postpone the upcoming legislative elections in July in order to avoid a possible defeat by its main rival, the Islamic resistance movement, Hamas," IRNA reported. Palestine, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Catalonian official: regularisation of Moroccan emigrants situation proceeds well
  The regularisation process of Moroccan emigrants in Spain is proceeding in good conditions, said, in Rabat Thursday, visiting secretary General for emigration in the Catalonian government, Adela Ross. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/16/2005
• UN reports 'removal' at Iraqi nuclear sites, but no conclusions can yet be drawn
  Satellite imagery reveals "significant dismantling and removal activities" at 37 Iraqi sites linked to Saddam Hussein's clandestine nuclear programme since his fall two years ago, but without on-site inspections no conclusions can be drawn, the United Nations atomic watchdog says in its latest report. Iraq-UN, Politics, 4/16/2005
• Oman discloses extremists group that includes remarkable figures
  The authority in Oman disclosed the detention of scores, who were described by diplomatic sources as influential persons, accused of being members in an extremist Islamic trend to restore a ruling regime based on Imam hierarchy. A system which was abandoned in 1959. Oman, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Sezer describes talks with president al-Assad as fruitful; underlines Syria's importance in the region
  Turkish President Ahmed Necedet Sezer described Thursday talks with Syria's President Bashar al-Assad as "fruitful" where both sides discussed historic ties between Syria and Turkey as well as regional issues. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Lahoud calls for parliamentary consultations to nominate the prime minister
  The Lebanese President Emil Lahoud called for carrying out parliamentary consultations today, Friday, in order to nominate a new prime minister designated to form a government to lead the country into parliamentary elections and to supervise them. Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Lebanese opposition unify ranks against postponing the elections
  The Lebanese opposition on Thursday evening held a meeting to take a unified stand in confrontation of what parliamentarian Naela Mu'awad described as attempts made by the authority to destroy the elections. She indicated that the opposition might also nominate another candidate for presiding over the government. She said that streets sit-ins are to be made. Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Michael Aoun: I can convince Hizbullah to lay down weapons
  The Lebanese Lt. Gen. Michael Aoun, who lives in exile, said he intends to return back to Lebanon in May and that he can convince Hizbullah to dismantle its weapons in implementation of UN Security Council resolution and the demands of the USA. Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Crown prince Abdullah: Lebanon is loved by all, no difference between it and Syria
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz said in conclusion of an official visit to Paris that lasted for two days that Lebanon is "beloved by all," considering that there is no difference between it and Syria. Saudi Arabia-Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Lmrabet sued by MAP correspondents in Madrid for slandering
  Ali Lmrabet, a Moroccan-French journalist living in Spain, has been sued by two correspondents of Morocco's state-owned new agency "Maghreb Arab Press" (MAP) in Madrid for slandering, legal sources revealed in Madrid Wednesday. Morocco, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Pope Shenouda lashes out at Jewish extremists threats to Aqsa Mosque
  Head of the Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Shenouda III of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Mark Diocese criticized threats by Jewish extremists to attack Al Aqsa Mosque, saying that they represented a clear setback to the latest Middle East peace efforts. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Muslim Brothers in Egypt seek to organize a massive demonstration in Cairo
  The deputy for the General Guide of the banned Ikhwan al-Muslimin (Muslim Bothers) group in Egypt, Muhammad Habib, said that his group is making negotiations with the Egyptian authorities over plan to organize a massive demonstration in Cairo in rejection of foreign pressures that aim at forcing internal reform for the sake of change. Egypt, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Syrian forces evacuate last tanks position in the Bekaa Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Syria's Defense minister: We seriously implements UN resolutions
  Syria's Defense Minister Lieu. Gen. Hasan Turkmani on Thursday criticized the United Nations for not condemning the military superpower policies, which unilaterally and selectively apply pressure on other countries. Syria-UN, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Egyptian statesman calls on washington to be positive to Syria
  Former Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher called on Thursday the United States to adopt a positive stance towards Syria praising Syria's decision to pull out from Lebanon. Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Berri; Moeller discuss latest developments
  The Mufti, said in a statement that wars in Lebanon have gone without return, stressing Lebanon is the land of co-existence, amity and unity. Lebanon-Denmark, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Lebanese personalities reject foreign interference, stress the importance of the Taif accord
  Lebanese Interior Minister resignate Sulaiman Franjeh stressed Thursday attachment to the Lebanese national line, calling for enhancing national unity in order to form a new Lebanese government to pave the way for establishing the election. Lebanon, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Rice sees growing realm of political possibilities in the Middle East
  The United States, through its efforts to encourage democratic reforms in the Middle East, is opening "the realm of the possible" to the people of the region, according to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Regional-USA, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Iraqi leaders intent on drafting constitution, Zoellick says
  US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick says the leaders of the Iraqi transitional government are committed to advancing the political process to meet the August 15 deadline for drafting a new constitution. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/15/2005
• On the withdrawal of the British forces from Iraq
  The British foreign office secretary Jack Straw said that Britain might start withdrawal of its forces from Iraq next year, but Straw ruled out in press statements to the Financial Times the reduction of number of the British forces in Iraq estimated at 7,000 soldiers by the end of the current year. Iraq-UK, Politics, 4/15/2005
• 15 persons killed, injured in acts of violence in Algeria
  At least 5 Algerians were killed and other ten injured in new acts of violence by what were described by the Algerian dailies as extremist Islamic groups, despite the fact that a general pardon is expected before the end of the current year in this regard. Algeria, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Japan seeks Morocco's support for permanent seat in UN Security Council
  Japan is currently seeking Morocco's support to obtain a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Morocco-Japan, Politics, 4/15/2005
• United States remains committed to diplomacy on Iran's nuclear ambitions
  US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said in an interview on Wednesday with the Wall Street Journal that she does not expect Iran to remain immune to the changes that are taking place in the Middle East, and threatened Iran with being referred to the U.N. Security Council over the nuclear differences in points of view. Iran-USA, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Mubarak receives phone call from Butaflika Egypt-Algeria, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Al-Assad discusses with Kharazi Iraq neighbors meeting Syria-Iran, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Rice names Wolfensohn special envoy for Gaza disengagement Palestine-USA, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Syrian minister: Arab electrical linkage is successful Syria-Regional, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Iran warns against Zionists threats of breaking into al-aqsa Palestine-Iran, Politics, 4/15/2005
• European intellectuals call for ending struggle in the world Regional-European Union, Politics, 4/15/2005
• Syria and Turkey voice desire to push ties forward
  Syria and Turkey expressed on Wednesday genuine desire to push bilateral relations forward and showed identical view points over latest developments in the Middle East. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Karami quits, Lahoud accepts his resignation
  Designated Lebanese Prime minister Omar Karami quit his post on Wednesday and apologized over his inability to form a new government. This was six weeks after he was re-designated to form this government. Lebanon, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Nasrullah calls France to support inter-Lebanese dialogue, rejects to dismantle weapons
  The secretary general of the Hizbullah party has called on France to take part in pushing forward national dialogue and internal reconciliation in Lebanon which is in a political crisis following the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafic Hariri. Lebanon-France, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Lebanese opposition threats regarding elections delay
  The Lebanese opposition threatened to organize massive demonstrations demanding the making of the elections in its due time, accusing Syria's allies of trying to delay the political process. Lebanon, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Lebanese figures call for cementing relations with Syria
  President of the Lebanese Maronite League Michel Edde said the Syrian-Lebanese relations are set to develop and continue, asserting that the Syrian-Lebanese economic relations constitute the basis for economic growth in both countries. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Dakhlallah underlines common Syrian-Turkish interests
  Ties Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah underlined Wednesday the importance of Syrian-Turkish relationships, pointing out at their reflection upon enhancing direction towards a just and comprehensive peace in the region. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Mrs. al-Assad meets Mrs. Samraa Sezer
  Syria and Turkey discussed means of activating cultural cooperation on all levels between both countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Sudanese opposition welcomes taking part in the drafting of the constitution
  News reports in Khartoum said that the Sudanese government and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) have made concessions concerning the percentages stated in the peace agreement between the government and the movement in order to represent the Sudanese political forces, which welcomed that, in the committee to drafting the interim constitution. Sudan, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Chirac commends Saudi reforms, support Saudi efforts against terrorism
  The French President Jacques Chirac commended the ambitious programs for transformations in Saudi Arabia and stressed that France will be in support of the Saudis in fighting what he called terrorism. Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Addoum stresses continued investigations on the Hariri assassination
  Investigations into the crime that claimed the life of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri are going on, said Lebanese Minister of Justice, Addnan Addoum on Wednesday. Lebanon, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Chinese senior official: Syria has key role in ME peace Syria-China, Politics, 4/14/2005
• The Guardian: Iraqi anger over US occupation
  British paper The Guardian said Wednesday that number of Iraqi victims is extensively increasing as much as Iraqi prisoners who are not tried, noting that the number of the Iraqi security prisoners reached about 17000 person. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Libya remembers American attack targeting Qathafi
  The Libyan people commemorate Thursday, 14 of April, the anniversary of their brave stand in the face of the failed American - NATO aggression on the Jamahiriya in 1986, as they pray for mercy for the innocent children, women, and elderly, whose bodies were torn apart by bombs of that aggression Libya-USA, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Liz Cheney: Morocco could be a model for countries of the region
  Liz Cheney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs believes "Morocco could be a model for countries of the region," noting that "King Mohammed VI has put the country on the path of modernization while respecting Morocco's culture and traditions." Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Iraqi government expected by Sunday Iraq, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Civil society stresses Lebanese-Syrian relations Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Syrian official source denies Iraqi claims Syria-Iraq, Politics, 4/14/2005
• No commercial relations between Morocco and Israel, Minister Morocco-Israel, Politics, 4/14/2005
• US links aid to Sudan to end of brutal acts Sudan-USA, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Patriarch- of Antioch and Israeli threats to attack al-Aqsa Mosque Regional-Palestine, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Moslems, Christians warn against Israeli violation of holy places Regional-Palestine, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Continued visits of American officials to Iraq Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/14/2005
• Court bans Lmrabet from exercising journalism for 10 years
  The verdict issued Tuesday by the First Instance Court of Rabat against journalist Ali Lmrabet, sentenced for defamation to a 10-year ban from exercising journalism has sparked different reactions with some Sahrawi NGOs deeming it a "light sentence" while the Press Union is asking for reconsidering the verdict. Morocco, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Political vacuum in Lebanon
  Lebanon has entered into a political vacuum after disagreements between the Lebanese politicians resulted in a delay in the formation of the new government, where postponing the parliamentary elections due in May has become an increasing possibility. Lebanon, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Turkish figures and president Sezer's visit to syria
  Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Parliament Sadek Yakout said Wednesday's important visit by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to Syria came as part of a new stage marked by promising enhanced bilateral relations. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Saudi crown prince: peace can't be achieved through wars Saudi Arabia-European Union, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Turabi's health deteriorating
  Sources close to the leader of the Sudanese People's Congress party, Hassan al-Turabi, who has been detained by the authorities since one year, said he was taken to a doctor to receive medical treatment for his ears and that his family knew nothing about it. Sudan, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Minister of information stresses media role in change
  Syria's Minister of Information called on Tuesday to make media a means of change and development in all domains urging to upgrade it to match national and pan-Arab responsibilities. Syria, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Qathafi receives Uganda president on completing African Union institutions and structures
  The Leader of the Revolution, Muammar al-Qathafi, received Tuesday evening, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and his accompanying delegation, who arrived in Libya Tuesday evening. Libya-Uganda, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Bush compares toppling Saddam Hussein to the fall of the Berlin wall
  Rumsfeld warned the new government against political cleansing operation, in remarks to the intention of certain members of the coalition list to make cleansing operations in the security and military departments Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/13/2005
• The UN Septamber summit: towards development, security and human rights for all
  In September 2005, world leaders will come together at a summit in New York to review progress since the Millennium Declaration, adopted by all Member States in 2000. The Secretary-General’s report proposes an agenda to be taken up, and acted upon, at the summit. These are policy decisions and reforms that are actionable if the necessary political will can be garnered. Regional-UN, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Syria accelerates withdrawal from Lebanon
  Lebanese officials stressed that the presence of the Syrian forces in Lebanon reduced to its lowest levels and those remaining will leave the Lebanese territories before April 30, the date which the Syrian President Bashar al-Assad gave to the UN in this regard. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Lebanese figures for inter-dialogue, reject intervention
  Lebanese parties and national organizations on Tuesday reiterated rejection of foreign intervention in the Lebanese internal affairs. Lebanon, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Shalom calls Arab states for normalization, the Palestinians to fight terrorism
  The Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom in the joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmad Abu al-Gheit in Cairo referred to what he called the roadmap to normalize relations with the Arab states and asked Egypt to support Israel in this effort. Regional-Israel, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Abul-Gheit: Participation of all Iraqis in political process important
  Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said yesterday that the participation of all Iraqi parties in the political process would help achieve security and stability in the war-torn country. Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Cheney hailed reforms ushered in Morocco by king Mohammed VI
  Visiting U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Near Eastern Affairs Bureau and Coordinator for Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiatives (IPMO), Elizabeth L. Cheney hailed, in Rabat Monday reforms ushered in Morocco under the auspices of King Mohammed VI. Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Qaddoumi: UN is responsible for protecting holy places
  Head of the PLO Political Department, Farouk al-Qaddoumi held Israel responsible for any act of terror committed by the extremist Israelis against al-Aqsa Mosque, calling for a serious Arab and Islamic stance to curb those threats. Palestine-UN, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Egyptian concern over Israel practices
  In his meeting with the Israeli foreign minister Silvan Shalom, the Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Abu al-Ghait tried to concentrate on the issue of the settlements which was ignored by Shalom, stressing that continued Israeli settlement is a huge obstacle before the foundation of a Palestinian state, as stated in the Roadmap. Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Khatami, Muller discuss Middle East peace
  the Danish Foreign Minister added that European-Iranian talks in this field enjoys great priority as every country had a right to take its own decision regarding its nuclear power needs. Iran-Denmark, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Iran: report on Iran's uranium smuggling fabrication
  Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi today "strongly rejected a news released by Reuters on Iran's smuggling of uranium to other countries," the official news agency IRNA reported. Iran, Politics, 4/13/2005
• NGO calls for investigation on children deported to Cuba
  A youth NGO called, in Geneva Monday, for sending experts to the Polisario-controlled Tindouf camps (western Algeria) and to Cuba to probe the situation of children deported to the south American country. Morocco-Cuba, Politics, 4/13/2005
• After Annan's call for generosity, donors pledges $4.5 billion for Sudan
  A two-day donors' conference to support the peace accord between the Government and rebels in southern Sudan has pledged $4.5 billion for 2005-2007, nearly $2 billion more than the amount United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan identified as needed to resurrect the ravaged region over the next two and a half years. Sudan-UN, Politics, 4/13/2005
• King receives Gabonese defense minister Morocco-Gabon, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Lebanese foreign minister; Pederson discuss situation south Lebanon Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/13/2005
• European commission launches 5-year work program to reinforce Euro-Mediterranean partnership
  The European Commission unveiled Tuesday a wide-range work program to reinforce the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, The Barcelona Process, over the next five years, where the Commission outlined proposals for concrete progress in three areas which are education, sustainable economic growth, and human rights and democracy. Regional-European Union, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Intifada committee seeks contributions Syria-Palestine, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Al-Arabia: Otte calls on Israel to stop aggressions on palestinians Palestine-European Union, Politics, 4/13/2005
• Kuwait: Parliamentarians demand minister's resignation for corruption
  Several Kuwaiti ministers on Monday demanded the Minister Of State For Cabinet Affairs, Muhammad Deif Allah Sharar, to resign, over accusations of corruption and mal-administration. Kuwait, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Prosecutor charges for corruption managers of the oldest charity in Morocco
  Several managers of the first Islamic Charity Association in Morocco have been charged for corruption and embezzlement by the General Prosecutor after their arrest following an enquiry ordered by King Mohammed VI. Morocco, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Increasing number of the Saudi Shoura council
  Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz on Monday issued a royal decree for increasing the number of members of the Shoura council from 120 to 150. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Sezer's visit to Syria to boost relations
  Turkish political parties on Monday underlined the importance of the upcoming Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's visit to Syria in developing bilateral relations. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Karami fails once again to form a government
  News reports in Beirut said that the meeting between the designated Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami and the speaker of the Lebanese parliament Nabih Berri in the Presidential Palace failed in settling the disputes pertaining to the formation of the new Lebanese government. Lebanon, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Saudi crown prince to visit, France, USA, Canada
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz will as from tomorrow hold a tour that will lead him to France, the USA and Canada, during which he will in particular hold talks with the French President Jack Chirac and the American George W. Bush dealing with latest international issues, conditions in the region, including the Lebanese file. Saudi Arabia-Regional, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Syrian message to the Saudi crown prince
  The Saudi crown prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz on Monday in Riyadh received the Syrian deputy foreign minister Walid al-Mu'allim who also held talks on Sunday with the Saudi foreign minister Saudi al-Faisal, on which a Saudi source explained it falls in the course of continued consultations on developments in the region." Saudi Arabia-Syria, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Moussa: Arabs reject forced reforms which must be home-grown
  Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the 2004 Arab world human development report contains points that will be studied and analyzed, especially pertaining to political conditions in the Arab region. Regional, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Statement on the sufferings of the Golan people under occupation
  "The International Labor Organization's reports reflect the situation and suffering of our people in the occupied Syrian Golan due to the practices and restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities particularly regarding employment, human rights and main services," Syria's Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Diala Hajj Aref said Monday. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Bush urges Sharon to halt settlements in the West Bank
  The American President George W. Bush urged the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to halt the settlement activities in the West Bank and dismantle what he described the illegal positions there. Palestine-USA, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Sharon abides for the Roadmap
  The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon has stressed commitment to the Roadmap and to dismantle what he described as the illegal sites there, and to freeze settlements in the Palestinian territories. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Mubarak receives Chinese defence minister
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak received yesterday Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan and his accompanying delegation, currently visiting Egypt. Egypt-China, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Actor George Clooney voices pride to oppose Iraq war
  American actor George Clooney reiterated on Monday his pride in his political activities that rejected the war on Iraq. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Political developments in Iraq Iraq, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Al-Ahram: Allegations on 'Egypt's uranium enrichment' groundless Egypt, Politics, 4/12/2005
• At donors' conference for south Sudan, Annan appeals for $2.6 billion for peace
  Convening to put financial backbone in an accord ending two decades of war in southern Sudan, yet meeting under the shadow of ongoing conflict in the country's western Darfur region, an international donors' conference opened yesterday with United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appealing for $2.6 billion to fan the flames of peace. Sudan-UN, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Al-Hakim and relations with Syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Convoys of Muslim scholars tour Europe to rectify image of Islam Egypt-European Union, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Iraqi security forces gain strength
  In less than a year, the Iraqi Regular Army and Intervention Forces grew from one operational battalion to 27 operational battalions. Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/12/2005
• As-Safir: Algerian foreign minister and Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Algeria-Syria, Politics, 4/12/2005
• UN agencies to boost peace in Lebanon Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Iran supports just and comprehensive ME peace Regional-Iran, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Iranian newspapers denounce Israeli targeting of Aqsa mosque Palestine-Iran, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Yeni Safak: Turkish foreign minister for the establishment of a Palestinian state Palestine-Turkey, Politics, 4/12/2005
• Attempts to bridge between the Sudanese government and Turabi's party Sudan, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Allawi takes part in the new Iraqi government
  The Iraqi prime minister Eyad Allawi agreed that his parliamentary bloc will take part in the new government over which negotiations are being made over distributing ministerial bags. Iraq, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Al-Azhar Imam calls on international community to protect Aqsa Mosque Egypt-Palestine, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Junblat denies support for UN resolution 1559
  The leader of the Lebanese Druz opposition socialist progressive party has been careful to deny accusations addressed to him of supporting UN resolution 1559. He stressed commitment to the Taif accord as a base to organize relations with Syria and organizing inter-Lebanese relations. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Attorney General: bomb incident is an individual act, no implications to tourism or security
  Counselor Maher Abdel Wahed, the Attorney General said Al Azhar bombing was an individual act saying it would neither affect tourism nor the stable security situation in Egypt. Egypt, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Meeting in Algiers between Moroccan health minister and Algerian president Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Iranian official and Israeli attempts against al-Aqsa Mosque Palestine-Iran, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Al-Qathafi: Security Council reform problems can be overcome by genuine UN democratic reform
  With the international calls for genuine reform of the United Nations, some of the UN Security Council members countinue to dodge the main issues of reform, and to abfuscate and delay the reform process that would transform this body into a genuine democratic institution that is accountable to all its members. Regional-UN, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Victims of Cairo explosion increased, three Islamists arrested
  The number of persons killed in the explosion which took place in al-Azhar quarters in Cairo on Thursday increased to four after the death of a French tourist of his wounds as he was transported by air on Saturday evening back home. Egypt, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Israeli attempts to storm al-Aqsa Mosque deplored
  Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) expressed deep concern over the Israeli extremists' intention to storm into al-Aqsa Mosque calling upon the international community, international organizations, and the UN Security Council's members to rapidly work to stop such an act warning against the dangerous results of such an act. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Sezer's forthcoming visit to Syria highlighted
  Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's forthcoming visit to Syria is expected to add another layer and a new dimension to the standing relations to the friendship between the two neighboring countries. Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Michael Aoun announces intention to return to Lebanon
  The leader of the Christian opposition against Syria, Mucheal Aoun, announced his intention to return back to Lebanon on May 7th after he had spent 14 years in exile in France, at a time when the designated Lebanese prime minister Omar Karami announced he would form the government today, Monday. Lebanon, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Lebanese minister calls for inter-lebanese dialogue
  Lebanese Minister of Information Eli Ferzli on Sunday said his country will never be a point for any conspiracy against Syria or a platform to stab the national resistance. Lebanon, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Yemeni opposition reject use of power as violation of the constitution
  The Yemeni opposition parties rejected the use of force and violence outside the framework of the constitution and the law, and deplored all forms of "sectarian, tribal, and regional extremism forms." Yemen, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Mayors of Hasbayia: Shebaa Farms are Lebanese
  Shebaa farms, which have been occupied by Israel, are Lebanese, as well as Kafer Shouba hills, Mayors of Lebanon's Hasbaia region stressed Sunday, offering documents to prove their claim. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Butaflika phones Qathafi Libya-Algeria, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Iran to resume uranium enrichment
  Iran does not want to rely on foreign fickle sources to meet essential energy needs the Iranian parliament seems to indicate in its latest decision to move ahead with requiring internal Iranian capabilities to enrich uranium. Iran-European Union, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Abdelwahad Radi re-elected speaker of the House of Representatives
  Abdelwahad Radi was re-elected on Friday speaker of the House of representatives by 136 votes out of the 256 voters at a second ballot. Morocco, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Mubarak to discuss with African leaders issues of reform, peace, stability
  Sharm el-Sheikh will witness next week intense political activities on the African arena, where President Hosni Mubarak will hold four summits. Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Continued withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon
  The Syrian forces on Sunday continued their withdrawal from the Lebanese territories. Scores of tanks and military vehicles were pulled out from positions in the Bekaa plain and crossed the borders into inside Syria. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Syria- EU Association Agreement to be signed soon
  Member of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Rapporteur of the European-Syrian Partnership Association Mrs. Veronique De Kissier expressed hope that the association agreement could be signed as soon as possible, adding that the Europeans are waiting and keen for this signature. Syria-European Union, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Al-Bashir: Darfur issue is tribal issue Sudan-UN, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Lebanese MPs call for bolstering relations with Syria
  Lebanese MP Marwan Fares called Sunday for deepening the Syrian-Lebanese relations and looking for a bright future through the implementation of the Taef Accord and forming a Lebanese government that assumes boosting the pan-Arab and national stances as well as holding the parliamentary elections in its due time. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Libya- US oil talks Libya-USA, Politics, 4/11/2005
• Sino-Arab meeting to start on Monday Regional-China, Politics, 4/11/2005

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