Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/18/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 18, 2005

• Saudi Arabia: men of religion expects Islamists to win the elections
  It seemed on Friday that Islamist candidates for the municipal elections in Saudi Arabia, who are supported by the men of religion, are inclined to achieve a great victory in Jeddah, the same as in most of the cities in the two first phases in this election process. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Security leaders at the command of the political authority
  The director general of the internal security forces in Lebanon lt. gen. Ali al-Haj followed Lt. Gen. Jamil al-Sayyed and put himself at the disposal of the new government during the investigation carried out on the assassination of the former prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri. Lebanon, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Miqati clings to elections on time
  On the election affairs, the Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati stressed that the elections will be held at the due time on May 29th. He explained that his government will propose in its ministerial statement a mechanism to make the elections Lebanon, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Kuwait to exchange diplomats with Iraq
  The Kuwaiti foreign minister Muhammad al-Sabah announced on Friday that Kuwait has taken necessary measures to exchange diplomats with Iraq, noting that the Kuwaiti embassy will be opened following the completion of the Iraqi government formation. Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Iraqi president is frustrated over the delay in announcing the iraqi government
  Amid drastic security conditions in Iraq, coupled by the repeated failures to form the government, the Iraqi President Jalal al-Talibani expressed his frustration over the delay of announcing the new Iraqi government which he attributed to the differences over the distribution of ministerial bags. Iraq, Politics, 4/23/2005
• French geo-politician: pressures are to change Syria pro-peace stance
  Pressures and threats against Syria aim at changing her opposing-war stance which calls for the just and comprehensive peace according to the international resolutions, Chairman of the French Seminar for Middle East Geopolitics Gille Munier said Thursday. Syria-France, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Mubarak addresses 2nd army in Ismailia
  President Hosni Mubarak visited on Saturday the 2nd army headquarters in Ismailia and addressed officers and soldiers on the occasion of the start of celebrations marking Sinai Liberation Day. Egypt, Politics, 4/23/2005
• The Guardian: British professor depicts Israel as illegal and racist
  A British professor at Birmingham University said on Friday Israel is an illegal entity that practices a past policy of apartheid against the Arab and Palestinian students. Israel-UK, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Lebanese committee observes sit in to release prisoners in the Israeli jails
  Secretary General of the Lebanese Follow Up Committee for Supporting Prisoners in Israeli jails, Mohammad Safa, on Friday called on the EU and the U.N. and other human and international organizations to work hard to release prisoners at Israeli jails. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Morocco reiterates commitment to negotiate with all parties Sahara issue solution
  Morocco reiterated on Thursday its commitment to hold negotiations with all parties, under the United Nations auspices, to reach a fair, final and mutually-acceptable solution to the Sahara issue. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Fleihan funeral
  A huge funeral was held on Friday for the Lebanese parliamentarian Bassel Fleihan from the Rafiq al-Hariri house in Beirut with the participation of thousands of eulogizers, led by his son Saad Eddine al-Hariri. Lebanon, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Mubarak in my word to the history for three running days
  Under the title "my word to history" the Egyptian TV starts as from tomorrow and for three running days to broadcast an interview with the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that lasts for seven hours, its content is not disclosed yet, according to the Egyptian al-Ahram daily. Egypt, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Asian-African summit opens in Indonesia
  The summit of Asian and African leaders, which will adopt a strategic partnership declaration that will be aimed at strengthening cooperation among countries of the two continents, began in Jakarta on Friday. Regional, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Lebanese government for consolidating relations with Syria
  The Lebanese government has stressed determination to establish more consolidated relations with Syria in all fields. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/23/2005
• UN team in Beirut to make sure of the Syrian withdrawal shortly
  The spokesman for the UN Steven Doyaritch said on Friday that a UN team will arrive in Beirut shortly to make sure of the full withdrawal of the Syrian army and its military intelligence from this country. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Qathafi boycotts Jakarta summit over being banned to deliver Friday's sermon
  The Libyan leader Muammar al-Qathafi canceled his plans to take part in the Afro-Asian summit in Jakarta after Indonesia being refrained from delivering Friday's sermon in one of its mosques. Libya-Indonesia, Politics, 4/23/2005
• US warns citizens from traveling to Lebanon
  Concerning the security situation in Lebanon, the US Department Of State has warned the Americans from traveling to Lebanon unless there is an urgent need to that. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Kashani condemns Israeli practices against palestinians
  Member of the Expediency Council in Iran denounced Friday Israeli practices against the Palestinian people as crimes and oppressive actions. Iran-Palestine, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Iraq: residential units for the Palestinians who were displaced after the collapse of Baghdad
  One Palestinian diplomat in Baghdad announced on Friday that the UNHCR, under the supervision of the Iraqi ministry of immigration and the expatriates, rented housing units for the Palestinians who were expelled from their houses after the fall of Baghdad. Iraq-Palestine, Politics, 4/23/2005
• 37 Copts visited Jerusalem despite ban by Pope Shanoudah
  Some 37 Egyptian Copts traveled from Cairo to occupied Jerusalem despite the embargo imposed by the Pope of Alexandria and al-Karazza Patriarchy Shanouda III against visiting the city as long as it is under occupation. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Investment Minister briefs US officials on reform measures
  US Under-Secretary of State Robert Zoelick hailed the recent steps towards political, economic reforms and trade liberalization in Egypt, a senior Egyptian official said on Friday. Egypt-USA, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Mubarak to declare integrated plan to support low-income families
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak will declare features of an integrated plan to support the low-income families and realize the social stability which constitutes an essential base of Egypt's rule. Egypt, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Neighboring countries of Iraq meeting in Ankara Iraq-Regional, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Turkish foreign minister and relations with neighboring countries Regional-Turkey, Politics, 4/23/2005
• EU delegation suggested offers help for the Lebanese parliamentary election Lebanon-European Union, Politics, 4/23/2005
• Human Rights Watch: Tunisia pledges to end long solitary confinement
  The Tunisian government promised Tuesday that it will no longer place prisoners in solitary confinement for more than 10 days, Human Rights Watch said. In addition, the government also approved access for Human Rights Watch to Tunisian prisons, where prisoners have been held in isolation for years on end. Tunisia, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Moroccan NGO presses on for restitution of embezzled public funds
  The Moroccan organization for the protection of public funds sent on Wednesday a letter to the House of Representatives requesting the creation of an independent truth commission on the restitution of embezzled public funds. Morocco, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Lebanese officials prepare for cabinet declaration
  A Committee for formulating the ministerial declaration of the Lebanese new government on Thursday concluded a meeting headed by Lebanese Premier Najib Miqati. Lebanon, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Miqati government starts mission
  The new Lebanese government chaired by Najib Miqati started its works officially after it held on Wednesday its first meeting. Its first priority is to arrange for a quick election and cooperate with the UN over the assassination of the former prime minister Rafic Hariri. Lebanon, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Lebanese stress cling to resistance's weapon
  Lebanese national parties and forces meeting demanded the new government Thursday to issue a ministerial statement that dictates to total commitment to al-Taif Accord as well as distinguished relations with sisterly Syria. Lebanon, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Egypt refuses to encourage the Arabs to normalize relations with Israel
  The Egyptian foreign minister Ahmad Abu al-Gheit said on Thursday that his country refuses to carry out a role to encouraging the Arab states to encourage relations with Israel in case the latter asked for that, stressing that Cairo is attached to the Arab Peace Initiative. Egypt-Israel, Politics, 4/22/2005
• New Iraqi government formation delay
  Talibani ruled out what he called those "whose hands murdered Iraqis" from the pardon he had proposed after he took his constitutional oath on April 7th. Iraq, Politics, 4/22/2005
• 11 killed in Bulgarian helicopter downing in Baghdad
  Armed attacks escalated in Iraq. Police sources in Beiji to the north of Baghdad said that the body of 19 persons for members of the national guards were found. Iraq, Politics, 4/22/2005
• American desire to military cooperation with Libya
  Deputy commander of the European leadership in the American army Gen. Richard Wald said on Thursday in Washington that the American forces want to establish official relations with the Libyan armed forces, under the precondition that Tripoli will convince the administration of the US President George W. Bush that it had given up terrorism. Libya-USA, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Mufti-Aqsa appeals to repelling the mosque
  Mufti of Jerusalem Oakrama Sabri has appealed to the Islamic countries to shoulder their responsibilities in repelling the Israeli settlers from storming al-Aqsa mosque on 9th of May following their failure to do so early this month. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/22/2005
• First political appearance for Saad Hariri Lebanon, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Ukraine parliament approves sending soldiers to the Golan
  Ukraine's parliament approved on Friday sending 200 Ukraine soldiers to join UNDOF working in the occupied Syrian Golan heights. Syria-Ukraine, Politics, 4/22/2005
• Demands for the release of Bin Zaer
  The Arab committee for human rights called on the Saudi authorities to release the media section teacher at the al-Dawa ( call) and information faculty, Saad Bin Zaer, who was detained one year earlier after he had made statements via telephone to al-Jazeera TV, in which he expressed the futility of repression in confrontation of the acts of violence taking place in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Moroccan government unveils anti-corruption action plan
  The Moroccan government unveiled on Wednesday a new action plan to struggle against corruption. Morocco, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Kuwait confiscates the last issue of Ara'
  the magazine's publication of an opinion poll carried out by the center in Baghdad in March showing that 32% of the Iraqis consider that Kuwait is the country most damaging for Iraq among the neighboring state Kuwait-Iraq, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Miqati convenes first meeting; two explosions in Beirut,
  A Lebanese security source said that three persons including two Syrians were injured in a bomb explosion in the Cola area in the capital Beirut. Lebanon, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Hossam Eddin el-Hefni: Half a century of diplomatic ties with China
  "China's leaders want to render the strong relationship between the two countries even stronger," said Egyptian ambassador to China, Hossam Eddin el-Hefni, referring to Egypt's role in this via hosting the African-Chinese Ministers Conference in Cairo in four years' time. Egypt-China, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Madagascar deems 'very important' Morocco's completion of its territorial integrity
  Visiting President of Madagascar, Marc Ravalomanana has deemed it "very important" for Morocco to have a united territory and to complete its territorial integrity. Morocco-Madagascar, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Iran supports new Lebanese government
  Iran on Wednesday voiced support to the Lebanese new government headed by Premier Najib Miqati. Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Syria has chosen peace as a strategy
  Syria chose peace as a strategic choice and has been working to realize it, the matter which guarantees security and stability in the region and restores rights to their legal owners according to the international resolutions, head of the Higher Education office and Research Ghiath Barakat said Wednesday. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Saad Eddine Hariri to succeed his father in the political scene in Lebanon
  The family of the late Lebanese former prime minister Rafic Hariri who was assassinated on February 14 decided his second eldest son Saad Eddin al-Hariri to continue in his father's political footsteps. Lebanon, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Allawi survives assassination attempt in Baghdad Iraq, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Sunni Waqf chairman, Shiite tribal leader killed in Iraq
  scores of the students of the jurisprudence sciences faculty demonstrated in front of the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, and called for the departure of members of the Iranian intelligence from Iraq. Iraq, Politics, 4/21/2005
• UN chief ready to help parties reach 'political solution' to Sahara dispute
  United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has voiced willingness to help "parties" reach a political solution to the Sahara dispute opposing Morocco to the Algerian-backed separatist movement "Polisario." Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Ham-Shahri: Iran: American intervention is behind insecurity in ME
  Iran's Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said his country has always sought to achieve security and stability in the Middle East through constructive relations with states of the region. Iran-USA, Politics, 4/21/2005
• US warns its citizens against terrorist operations in Tunis
  The US Department Of State warned against the dangers of what it called terrorist attacks in Tunisia, but without defining the sources of these attacks and who stands behind it. Tunisia-USA, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Otari: Syria will remain supporter to Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Freed Jordanian prisoners return back today
  The Jordanian prisoners on whom Israel announced their release on Sunday will arrive today in Amman. Jordan-Israel, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Kharrazi rejects presence of foreign troops in the Arab Gulf Gulf-Iran, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Al-Assad receives members of the syrian social national party Syria, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Nabulsi stresses: resistance is Lebanon's protection Lebanon, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Boycotting Board of US Products and Companies Regional-Israel, Politics, 4/21/2005
• Kuwaiti parliament approves woman participation in municipal elections
  The Kuwaiti Ummah council ( parliament) on Tuesday ratified a preliminary reading on a law that gives the right to woman in Kuwait to nomination and voting in the elections in the next municipal council expected later this year. Kuwait, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Scores of Syrians respond to government's call, exiled army officer, plastic artist return back home
  A Syrian army officer sentenced to death following a failed coupe attempt against the ruling Baath Party in the 1960s and an artist in exile have returned back home. Syria, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Mini Lebanese government formed
  The Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati on Tuesday announced the formation of a mini cabinet, all of them agreed not to be candidate for the parliamentary elections due in May. Lebanon, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Nasrullah: Hizbullah will not give up its weapons
  The secretary general of the Lebanese Hizbullah party, Sheikh Hassan Nasrullah, said that the party will not give up its weapons. This was expressed following statements made by the US President George W. Bush calling on the party to give up its weapons. Lebanon, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Lahoud stresses national unity Lebanon-Germany, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Positive, reserved reactions of the Lebanese opposition towards Miqati government
  The reaction of the Lebanese opposition towards the formation of the new government led by Najib Miqati ranged between positive and reserved, especially towards the foreign minister Mahmoud Hammoud and the defense minister Elias al-Murr. Lebanon, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Russian parliamentary delegation rejects threats on syria
  A Russian parliamentary group leader said on Tuesday any threat directed to Syria would be considered a threat against Russia. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Fate of hundreds of missing Kuwaitis in Iraq still unknown
  The UN Security Council has commended the new Iraqi government over the help to search for hundreds of missing Kuwaitis, who have been missing since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990. Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 4/20/2005
• New mass graves for Kuwaitis in Iraq found Iraq-Kuwait, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Bush: International community wants to help a free Lebanon
  US President George W. Bush said the United States expects Syrian troops and intelligence services to be "completely out" of Lebanon before that country's parliamentary elections.Ê He added that the international community will want to help Lebanon build its economy and democracy following the end of occupation. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 4/20/2005
• The crisis of al-Madayen city in Iraq
  The national Islamic resistance in Iraq warned against what it called the attempt to provoke the spirit of sectarianism among the people of the country. It considered in a statement that what had happened in al-Madayen is an attempt to divert the attention of the Arab and Iraqi street of what it described the drastic failure in forming the government. Iraq, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Romania backs political solution to Sahara issue, official
  "Romania has never recognized SADR" (Sahrawi republic, self-proclaimed by the Polisario separatists) and it has always supported Morocco's territorial integrity, noted the special representative who started on April 13 a seven-day visit to Morocco. Morocco-Romania, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Congratulations to the new Pope
  In his quality of Commander of Faithful and chairman of Al-Qods Al-Charif (Jerusalem) Committee, the monarch voiced willingness to work with the new Pope to consecrate justice, equality and coexistence among all the peoples of the world "without distinction in terms of faith or culture notably in the Middle East." Regional-Vatican, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Foreign Media Department statement on American al-Hurra
  Syria's Director of Foreign Media Department at the Ministry of Information Nezar Mayhoob said Tuesday the ministry has offered all available possibilities to al-Hurra TV channel to broadcast its live program "Free Hour" from Syria. Syria-USA, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Morocco, a model for countries in the region, US official
  Morocco is realizing interesting projects that bring high hopes to Moroccans and that make the country a model to follow for countries in the region, each according to its traditions and priorities, said on Monday American under secretary for the Middle East, David Welch. Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/20/2005
• UAE supports Syria's just stances United Arab Emirates-Syria, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Miqati for cementing relations with syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/20/2005
• France welcomes announcement of new Lebanese government Lebanon-France, Politics, 4/20/2005
• AL chief, Jerusalem mufti discus latest developments Regional-Palestine, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Palestinian Judge: Israel is planning to Judaize Jerusalem Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Plea for new approach to reinforce Euro-Med cooperation
  Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives, Abdelwahed Radi, pleaded, Monday, for a new approach to reinforce Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Maghreb-European Union, Politics, 4/20/2005
• Beirut hosts meeting in solidarity with Palestinian detainees Lebanon-Palestine, Politics, 4/20/2005
• King reaffirms support to Syria's right to recover Golan Morocco-Syria, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Miqati annouces new government
  Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati started on Monday his parliamentary consultations with the aim to form a new government presumed to have a basic mission to supervise the elections due to be held next month. Lebanon, Politics, 4/19/2005
• al-Sharaq al-Awsat: Israel is not committed to peace process, AL chief Regional-Israel, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Oman tries a secret Abadi organization
  The trial of inspecified number of citizens started on Monday in Oman. They were detained earlier this year for being members of an Islamic secret movement and planning to conspire against the state. Oman, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Talibani opposes death penalty for Saddam
  The interim Iraqi president stressed his intention to refuse signing any death penalty against the toppled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein if he is convicted to committing war crimes. Iraq, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Al-Bashir - Zenawi summit postponed
  News reports in Cairo said that the tripartite summit which was due on Monday between the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, and the Ethiopian prime minister Malas Zenawi might be postponed until today, Tuesday. Sudan-Ethiopia, Politics, 4/19/2005
• The Lebanese celebrate Qana anniversary
  The Lebanese President Emile Lahoud stressed in a speech he delivered on this occasion that the Qana massacre anniversary contributed to revealing the true face of Israel since its very existence in the region, based on expansion, violence and fabricating seditions and conspiracies. Lebanon, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Junblat warns against American schemes in the Middle East
  In the context of foreign interactions with the Lebanese internal crisis, the Druz leader Walid Junblat made press statements issued on Monday over what he called the American schemes in the Middle East region that are perpetuated under slogans of freedom and democracy. Lebanon-USA, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Bassel Fleihan dies
  A source at the UN office in Beirut said on Monday that the UN secretary general Kofi Annan will submit today to the UN Security Council his report on the developments of implementing UN Security Council resolution no. 1559 over the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. A resolution which calls among many other things for the disarmament of the Lebanese Hizbullah party. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Lahoud underlines elections on schedule
  President Emile Lahoud of Lebanon yesterday voiced determination to hold parliamentary elections as soon as possible and to provide all necessary measures to ensure they are going to be fair and democratic. Lebanon, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Lebanese parliamentary blocs call for distinguished relations with Syria
  Chairman of Lebanese Resistance Bloc at the Parliament 'Wafaa' Mohammad Raad said the ministerial statement of the forthcoming Lebanese government should include a clear and frank stance towards boosting distinguished relations with Syria as well as protecting resistance. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Lebanese liberation and development bloc for good relations with syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Al-Madayen crisis ends, resulted in killing 13 Iraqis
  They explained that "matters were exaggerated because the Shiite who won the elections and could not translate that to maintain a political force over their rivals, including the Sunnah who had been once a predominant force." Iraq, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Dakhlallah confers with Russian delegation
  Syria and Russia on Monday stressed interest in developing cooperation in all domains, particularly in the field of media. Syria-Russia, Politics, 4/19/2005
• NGO denounces 'atrocities' in Tindouf camps before UN rights commission
  An NGO has strongly denounced, on Monday, before the United Nations human rights commission, the "atrocities" and "barbarous violations" committed by the Polisario Front in Tindouf camps (Algeria). Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Qaddoumi calls international community to defend palestinian captives
  Chairman of the Central Committee of the Palestinian Fatah Movement called on Monday upon the international community and the United Nations to defend the Palestinian captives and detainees in the Israeli jails. Palestine-Regional, Politics, 4/19/2005
• King Mohammed VI receives US assistant secretary of state for Middle East Morocco-USA, Politics, 4/19/2005
• Seminar qualifies as 'excessive' decision to ban Lmrabet from reporting
  A seminar of Mediterranean journalists described, in Ameria, Spain, Saturday, as "excessive" the Moroccan justice's decision last Tuesday to ban the Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet from reporting for 10 years. Morocco, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Kuwaiti parliamentarians join international organization to fight corruption
  Several former and current members of the Kuwaiti parliament decided to establish a special unit to fight corruption so as the Ummah council (parliament) will be the third Arab parliament to take this step following the Palestinian legislative council, and the Yemeni parliament. Kuwait, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Convergence between Lebanese government supporters and opposition
  Designated Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati continued his consultations to form a new Lebanese government after a decrease in the pace of difference among the alienated parties with the consent of main supporters on a mini government and the resignation of the security forces heads. Lebanon, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Al Ahram Al-Arabi: relations between Morocco, Algeria grow warmer
  The participation of Morocco's King Mohammed VI in the Arab summit, held last March in the Algerian capital, helped Morocco and Algeria take steps toward warmer relations, commented on Friday the Egyptian magazine "Al Ahram Al-Arabi." Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Israeli court sentenced one Syrian Golanese
  An Israeli court on Sunday sentenced the Syrian citizen Wiam Amasha, of the occupied Syrian Golan village of Baqa'atha, to 20 years in prison on charges of resisting the occupation. Syria-Israel, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Turbulent meeting for the Iraqi parliament
  Al-Madayen crisis overwhelmed works of the Iraqi National Assembly (parliament) which resumed its works on Sunday morning. Iraq, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Miqati's consultations to form a Lebanese government
  The designated Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati started official consultations to form a new government by meeting with three former Lebanese prime ministers. Lebanon, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Egypt ends differences with Ethiopia, brings together al-Bashir and Zenawi
  News reports in Cairo said that a tripartite summit including the Egyptian President Honsi Mubarak, the Sudanese president Omar Hassan al-Bashir and the Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi will be held today in Sharm al-Sheikh. Egypt-Ethiopia, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Chad resumes mediation over Darfur
  The African moves to support peace negotiations in Darfur coincide with Chad's decision to resume mediation efforts to solving Darfur crisis after getting promises from Khartoum to take measures against Chad's rebels, Chad says they are stationed in Sudan. Sudan-Chad, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Yemen supports Syria's efforts to realize just and comprehensive peace
  Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on Sunday stressed Yemen's support to Syria's efforts to realize just and comprehensive peace in the region in accordance with the international resolutions and to restore the occupied Arab territories and Arab rights. Yemen-Syria, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Jeune Afrique l'Intelligent: Serious drop in number of countries recognizing Polisario's SADR
  The number of countries recognizing the Polisario Front's self-proclaimed Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) is "seriously dropping," noted "Jeune Afrique l'Intelligent" weekly in its latest edition. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/18/2005
• North-south accord key to peace in Sudan, Zoellick says
  "We think that the North-South Accord has the potential to be an historic accord, not only for North-South relations but for all of Sudan and, we hope, for this part of Africa," Zoellick said. Sudan-USA, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Tension to incite sectarianism in al-Madayen
  News reports coming from al-Madayen, south Baghdad, said that hundreds of the Iraqi and American forces took their positions around the town in a large scale military operation to retake control of the city. Iraq, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Jordanian king calls for Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, after Gaza
  The Jordanian king Abdullah II stressed the need that the Israeli withdrawal from the Palestinian territories not to be limited for Gaza only, rather to be followed by a withdrawal from the West Bank and freezing the building of settlements. Jordan-Palestine, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Wolfensohn will visit Gaza shortly; elections on time
  Abbas announced the readiness of the Palestinian Authority to coordinate with Israel over the withdrawal from Gaza. Abbas will be hold talks with the Jordanian king Abdullah II following his talks in Sharm al-Sheikh with the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Palestine-USA, Politics, 4/18/2005
• On Israeli withdrawals from the Palestinian territories
  The Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon denied his intention to carry out other unilateral withdrawals after the withdrawal from Gaza set in July. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Massive demonstrations on Palestinian prisoner day
  On the occasion of the Palestinian prisoner day, the Palestinian territories in the West Bank and Gaza witnessed massive demonstrations and aggregations in solidarity with thousands of Palestinian prisoners in the Israeli occupation jails. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Assafi: Syrian - Iranian relations are strategic Syria-Iran, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Chad contributions to solving Darfur problem Libya-Chad, Politics, 4/18/2005
• Al-Mahdi and national solution for the Sudanese crisis Sudan, Politics, 4/18/2005
• African Union mediates to resume negotiations over Darfur Sudan-Regional, Politics, 4/18/2005

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