Arabic News Weekly Edition for Politics, 4/25/2005

Weekly Edition, Politics - Week of April 25, 2005

• Former Yemeni ambassador in Damascus, asks political asylum in London
  Al-Hosni said "I have come here (Britain) after an assassination attempt against me in Damascus," adding that "the attempt was planned for by the Yemeni authorities." Yemen-UK, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Turabi under home arrest after prison
  The son of the Islamic opposition Hassan al-Turabi said that his father was taken from prison to home arrest in a house for the security forces in Khartoum. Sudan, Politics, 4/30/2005
• King's visit to Singapore to spur bilateral cooperation, ministers
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI's visit to Singapore will give a new impetus to economic and technical cooperation between Morocco and the Asian nation, said, here Friday minister of Finance and Privatisation, Fathallah Oualalou. Morocco-Singapore, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Putin visits Ramullah, Abbas started to implement obligations over truce
  Upon his arrival in Ramullah on Friday morning, the Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the tomb of the late Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and laid a wreath on his tomb in a visit which is the highest of its kind to Arafat's tomb since his death and for the West Bank since the eruption of the Palestinian Intifada since four and a half years. Palestine-Russia, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Bush phones Jaafari; American soldier killed in Iraq
  Bush refused to set a schedule for the withdrawal of his forces from Iraq. He said after telephoning the Iraqi Prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari to congratulate him on winning the confidence of the Iraqi parliament Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Zarqawi claims responsibility for 10 booby trapped car explosions, 160 killed, injured in Iraq
  The leader of al-Qaida organization in Mesopotamia, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi on Friday called members of the Iraqi resistance to escalate attacks against the American occupation forces which he refused any dialogue with, at a time when his group claimed responsibility for more than 10 booby trapped cars explosions Iraq, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Morocco, Turkey want 'better life' for their expats in EU
  Morocco and Turkey will work together to provide their nationals living in the European Union with the best life conditions, said, in Rabat Thursday, Turkish minister of State, Mehmet Aydin. Morocco-Turkey, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Abbas detains Fatah members over attacks on Israel
  The Palestinian Authority on Thursday detained two members of al-Aqsa martyrs groups of the Fatah movement over links to missile attacks against Jewish settlements. Palestine-Israel, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Drafting Committee of Article 76 meets at People's Assembly Tuesday Egypt, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Syria is the lung of Lebanon: Salameh Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/30/2005
• US, UN welcome Syria's pullout from Lebanon Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/30/2005
• Arab Sunni quit the Iraqi government
  The front of the Arab Sunni forces which includes the front of the national forces and the national dialogue council announced its withdrawal from the formation of the Iraqi government. Iraq, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Many seats vacant in the Iraqi government
  The Interim Iraqi parliament gave confidence at a great majority to al-Jaafari government. Some 180 out of 185 parliamentarians who attended the session voted for the government. Iraq, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Lebanese security officials quitted
  The Lebanese government decided on Thursday evening to remove three heads of security departments in addition to the court of appeal attorney general which the opposition demanded their resignation since the assassination of the former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq al-Hariri on February 14. Lebanon, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Moroccan rights organizations launch campaign to abolish capital punishment
  A group of Moroccan human rights organizations launched Thursday a nationwide campaign to abolish capital punishment in Morocco that is among 21 African countries where death penalty is still in effect. Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Welcome to the new Iraqi government
  International welcome to the formation of the Iraqi government chaired by Ibrahim al-Jaafari has continued after the Interim Iraqi parliament vowed confidence to this government at great majority. Iraq, Politics, 4/29/2005
• King's visit to Singapore, new impetus to economic cooperation
  King Mohammed VI of Morocco Started Thursday an official visit to Singapore at the invitation of President Sellapan Rama Nathan. Morocco-Singapore, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Two UN teams in Beirut
  Two UN teams arrived in Beirut on Wednesday evening, one of them is in charge of investigating the full and complete withdrawal for the Syrian forces from Lebanon, while the second is preparing to help the UN disclose persons and sides which are involved in the assassination of Rafiq al- Hariri. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Adoption of year 2000 Lebanese elections law
  The Lebanese parliamentary committees meetings dedicated to discuss the elections law could not reach an agreement on this law because because of a lack of a quorum at the parliament hearings, while both the Lebanese supporters and opposition sides exchanged accusations over the responsibility if the failure. Lebanon, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Khalaf al-Jarad on the role of media in confronting terrorism
  Meetings of the Arab work team in charge of studying the issue of media role in confronting terrorism were concluded recently at the headquarters of the Arab League general secretariat in Cairo. Syria, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Ghanaian speaker regrets Morocco's absence from African Union
  Morocco's absence from the African Union (AU) had a negative impact on the pan-African joint action, regretted on Wednesday, visiting speaker of the Ghanaian parliament, Ebenezer Begyina Sekyi Hughes. Morocco-Ghana, Politics, 4/29/2005
• King proved that political will decisive to advance democracy, woman activist
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI gave evidence that political will is decisive to advance democracy and human rights, and to ensure a better future to all the Moroccan people, said Latifa Jbabdi, chairwoman of Feminine Action Union (UAF). Morocco, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Egyptian officials hail Syria's active role
  Syria is pursuing a wise and brave policy in dealing with the recent developments that the region is witnessing, Egyptian President political advisor said Thursday. Egypt-Syria, Politics, 4/29/2005
• European parliament hails Morocco's efforts in human rights
  The European parliament hailed Thursday Morocco's efforts in human rights, expressing support to the reforms ushered in the country, notably those related to the Family Code and the incrimination of torture. Morocco-European Union, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Morocco calls for moratorium on nuclear weapons in Middle East
  Morocco called on Wednesday for a moratorium on nuclear weapons manufacturing, acquisition or possession of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, saying Israel is the only country in the region which is not member to the Non-proliferation treaty. Morocco-Israel, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Polisario's negative attitude on UN chief Sahara report shows disarray, government spokesman
  The negative attitude shown by the Algeria-backed Polisario regarding the latest report of the UN secretary general on the Sahara is an indication of the mercenaries' "state of disarray," said here Thursday Moroccan communication minister and government spokesman. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Chad to get observer status at the Arab league
  The secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa said on Thursday that Chad will be shortly an observer member in the Arab League. This decision came following Moussa's meeting on Thursday with Chad's foreign minister Najoum Yamasoum. Regional-Chad, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Sherif: NDP supports Mubarak as leader of Egypt Egypt, Politics, 4/29/2005
• UN Security Council extends MINURSO mandate
  The UN Security Council decided Thursday to extend the mandate of MINURSO (French acronym for the UN mission deployed in the Sahara since 1991) for a further six months. Morocco-UN, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Syria stresses keenness on Lebanon's stability Syria-Lebanon, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Lebanese premier emphasizes economic cooperation importance with Syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Sherif to French TV: Mubarak rejects principle of bequeathing rule Egypt, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Al-Shara meets Romanian counterpart Syria-Romania, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Rafsanjni condemns US policies in the region Iran-USA, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Spain for 'a positive answer' to Moroccan advanced status with EU, diplomat
  Spanish foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Wednesday his country is for "a positive answer" to the Moroccan request on "an advanced status" with the European Union (EU) within the latter's new neighbour policy. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Mideast peace efforts should focus on Gaza withdrawal, Rice says Regional-USA, Politics, 4/29/2005
• Miqati government wins confidence of Lebanese parliament
  The government of the Lebanese prime minister Najib Miqati has won the confidence of the Lebanese parliament at a great majority. Lebanon, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Jaafari presents government to parliament Iraq, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Morocco, UAE call on private sector to boost bilateral trade
  Visiting King Mohammed VI of Morocco and his host President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, have called on both states' private sector to step up efforts to boosting trade and economic cooperation. United Arab Emirates-Morocco, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Mubarak-Putin summit deals with peace process, economic and military cooperation
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak held an important session of talks with visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin last night at Abdine Palace dealing with the developments in the Middle East, the joint Egyptian Russian cooperation for pushing forward the Middle East peace process and ways of shoring up stability in the region. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Over 200 charities to be audited in Morocco in 2005, Minister
  250 state-subsidized charities will be audited in Morocco in 2005 part of a campaign that will include around 250 other charities in 2006, announced, in Bouznika (South of Rabat) Tuesday, Moroccan minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity, Abderrahim Harouchi. Morocco, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Reconciliation commission 'courageous and daring step' to step up democracy, French Senators
  French senators said the Moroccan decision to deal with past human rights violations is "a courageous and daring step" towards reconciliation and making up for past prejudices and democracy consolidation. Morocco-France, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Kefaya ( enough) organizes new demonstration against extension for Mubarak
  The Egyptian opposition movement Kefaya is intending to organize new demonstrations today in 14 Egyptian governorates during which it will advocate against extension of terms of office for President Hosni Mubarak or for inheriting his son Jamal the authority. Egypt, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Continued acts of detention in Mauritania
  The police in Mauritania continued acts of detentions which targeted almost 18 members of the Islamic trend, in addition to several unidentified persons, according to sources close to the Islamists. Mauritania, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Mauritania justifies detaining Islamists over their alliance with al-Qaida
  The government of Mauritania justified a new campaign of arrests in the lines of Islamists opposition members for maintaining alliance with "al-Salafeyah group for the call and fighting" in Algeria, which is close to al-Qaida organization. Mauritania, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Putin calls to back Syria and president Al-Assad's stances
  Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Wednesday to "boost Syria's position as well President Bashar al-Assad who kept his promises to withdraw the Syrian Arab forces working in Lebanon back to Syria." Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Lebanese FM: Shabaa is Lebanese land
  Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud on Wednesday said that the occupied Shabaa Farms are Lebanese territories, and the United Nations should reconsider this matter. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Romanian hostages in Iraq weigh on troop withdrawal
  The Romanian presidency asked the kidnappers of the three Romanian journalists in Iraq to extend the period they set to carry out their threats to execute them in case it does not withdraw its forces from Iraq. This period expired on Wednesday evening. Iraq-Romania, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Public hearings points out 'Polisario' human rights violations
  Several human rights NGOs of the Moroccan Southern towns of Laayoune and Boujdour held, in Laayoune on Tuesday, public hearings on human rights violations perpetrated by "Polisario" in the camps and prisons of Tindouf, South-West Algeria. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Iranian newspaper warns against Israeli nuclear arsenal Iran-Israel, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Morocco, Mexico resolved to boost cultural cooperation
  Morocco and Mexico have voiced resolve to back projects able to reinforce bilateral cooperation in the field of culture. Morocco-Mexico, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Saudi Arabia accuses gunmen and terrorists of being drug addicts Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Syria,Turkey to open new border crossing Syria-Turkey, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Sudanese energy minister looks forward to more oil cooperation with egypt Sudan-Egypt, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Spanish party fails to pass motion condemning Morocco
  The Spanish Popular Party (PP) failed in its move to have the Senate vote for a motion condemning Morocco regarding Spanish prisoners serving sentences in the North African country. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Al-assad discusses NPF work to boost it Syria, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Saad al-Hariri meets with Clinton Lebanon-USA, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Saddam Hussein celebrates his birthday today Iraq, Politics, 4/28/2005
• Syria notifies UN of withdrawing all its forces from Lebanon
  Syria has notified the UN secretary general Kofi Annan it has completed on Tuesday the withdrawal of all its forces positioned in Lebanon in line with the UN Security Council resolution number 1559. Syria-UN, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Jafaar government: 33 ministers including 17 Shiite, 8 Kurds, 6 Sunni
  Following three months of bargaining over the formation of the new Iraqi government, its designated chief Ibrahim al-Jaafari succeeded in formulating a list including the names of its members which he presented on Tuesday to the Iraqi President Jalal al-Talibani. Iraq, Politics, 4/27/2005
• King Mohammed and UAE president hail Morocco-UAE excellent relations
  Morocco's King Mohammed VI and president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan hailed this Tuesday the excellent longstanding relations that were launched by the late King Hassan II and Cheikh Zayed. United Arab Emirates-Morocco, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Syrian forces withdrawal from Lebanon complete
  More than 2 thousand persons at the Syrian- borders welcomed the return back of the Syrian forces deployed in Lebanon. Some 300 soldiers crossed the borders in military trucks amid slogans commending President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Mubarak in the second part of Word for History: It is our interest to make joint exercise with the West
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said the Defresoir "Bulge" following the main battles of October 6,1973 was a counter-attack by the Israelis and a reaction to the shock of the sudden war and Egyptian troops crossing the Suez Canal. Egypt, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Mubarak in the last part of Word for History: Muslim, Christians and Jews in Egypt are equal
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said he will not make a decision on running for the coming presidential elections until debates on the amendment of article no 76 of the Egyptian Constitution are completed. Egypt, Politics, 4/27/2005
• U.N. convention, denying safe haven to corrupt officials on agenda
  A June international meeting in Brasilia, Brazil, is expected to bring attention to new ways to implement a U.N. anti-corruption convention and efforts to deny safe haven to corrupt officials, a U.S. State Department official says. Regional, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Putin begins a historic visit to the Middle East from Egypt
  The Russian President Vladimir Putin started on Tuesday his first tour on the Middle East since he assumed presidency in 2000. Putin starts his historical visit with Egypt to be the first Russian president to visit it in more than 40 years, when it was visited by the President of the former Soviet Union Khoroshov in 1964. Egypt-Russia, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Saudi internal affairs not discussed with Bush; Saad al-Hariri role welcomed
  The Saudi foreign minister Saud al-Faisal said in a press conference held in Dallas on Tuesday that the US welcomes Saad al-Hariri, to succeed his father Rafiq al-Hariri, noting simultaneously that the Saudi- American summit wich was held in Texas on Monday "did not discuss the Saudi internal issues" especially reforms. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/27/2005
• U.S., Saudi Arabia vow to forge new, strengthened partnership
  While the United States considers that nations will create institutions that reflect the history, culture, and traditions of their societies, it does not seek to impose its own style of government on the government and people of Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Syria: Lebanon remains alive in our heart
  Habib said "Syria's power in Lebanon is not taken from its military presence there, but rather due to the cultural, historical and geographical ties and ties of kinship that are libel to keep Syria in the conscience of Lebanon's sons and feelings as Lebanon will remain alive in the heart and conscience of Syria of Arabism sons." Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Morocco, 'fundamental axis' of Spain's foreign policy, Spanish deputy PM
  Morocco is a "fundamental axis" of Spain's foreign policy, said upon arrival, in Rabat Monday, Spanish first deputy-Prime Minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/27/2005
• UN chief calls on Syria, Lebanon to cooperate with UN team over withdrawal completion
  During the few next hours a UN team is expected in Beirut to investigate the Syrian withdrawal. The UN secretary general Kofi Annan has called on both Damascus and Beirut to cooperate with the team. Lebanon-UN, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Closed land borders not an obstacle to trade between Morocco and Algeria, Moroccan business leader
  Closed land borders between Morocco and Algeria are not for the moment an obstacle to the development of trade and economic relations between the two neighbour countries, said chairman of the Moroccan trade and industry federation, Abdelhakim Kemmou. Algeria-Morocco, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Putin's visit to Israel, Palestine
  After his visit to Egypt, Putin will move to Israel in a visit which lasts for two days during which he holds talks with the Israeli officials. Analysts say that Moscow's good relations with "Israel's enemies" in the region might warp its shadow on the visit. Palestine-Russia, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Syrian official source-no Syrian-Iraqi clash took place across borders
  A Syrian official source on Tuesday denied as unfounded and baseless a statement by the Iraqi Defense Ministry that Syrian and Iraqi troops exchanged fire across the borders on Friday. Syria-Iraq, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Cairo, Khartoum probe implementation of Four Freedoms Agreement Egypt-Sudan, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Polisario separatists reject negotiations on final political solution to Sahara issue
  The Polisario announced that it refuses to indulge in any final political solution to the Sahara dispute opposing the Algeria-backed separatists to Morocco. Morocco-Algeria, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Lebanese premier stresses deep Syrian- Lebanese relations Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Morocco, Spain deem illegal immigration 'delicate problem'
  Morocco and Spain have described illegal immigration as a "delicate problem" whose solution must go through a "difficult process" that requires time. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Nassrulah: rejection of foreign intervention in Lebanon Lebanon, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Iran TV hails Syria's role in Lebanon Iran-Lebanon, Politics, 4/27/2005
• Mubarak in 'Word for History': Success of the air force strike in October 1973 was the happiest moment in my life
  Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak said that the success of the air strike on October 6, 1973, was the happiest moment in his life. In the first of episodes called "Word for History" with media man Emad Eddin Adib, the president dealt with various stages of his life and his experience in the Egyptian Air Force. Egypt, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Political differences postpone Iraqi government
  Member of the Iraqi parliament said that differences between the political forces emerged in the last minute and led to postponing the formation of the government which was expected yesterday. Iraq, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Lebanese security leader resigns
  The Lebanese general security director Lt. gen. Jamil al-Sayyed presented his resignation in responce, in part, to the demands of the opposition to the resignation of all security leaders Lebanon, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Washington support for Saudi security plans
  the American president said that Saudi Arabia wants to pump more oil in the markets in order that prices will reach an acceptable level. He explained that the unprecedented increase in prices "will destroy the markets." He added that fuel prices increase because of the oil price increase and the huge economic growth in India and China. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Riyadh finds no neeed for mediation between Washington and Damascus
  This came while the Saudi crown prince held talks with the American President George W. Bush dealt with the increase of fuel prices in the USA and increasing the Saudi oil production Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Persons accused of seeking to topple Qaboos regime deny accusations, ask for pardon
  A specialized Omani court in the state security affairs resumed consideration in the case of a group of 31 persons detained three months ago under the charge of belonging to a secret organization and seeking to topple the ruling system by means of armed force in order to bring in the "Imam system" which was abandoned in 1959. Oman, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Sunday Telegraph: British professors boycott Israeli universities Israel-UK, Politics, 4/26/2005
• U.S. firm on democratic reform in Middle East, USAID chief says
  The Bush administration is firmly committed to fostering democracy in the Arab Middle East, even though the emerging democracies might well have a strongly anti-American tilt in the short run, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development says. Regional-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Bush administration welcomes Saudi energy plan
  US President George W. Bush's National Security Advisor (NSA) Stephen Hadley said Saudi leaders brought a "very ambitious plan" for investment in expanding oil-production capacity to their April 25 meeting with the president at Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Al-Ahram: Putin: No peace in Mideast without Syria and Lebanon
  President Vladimir Putin of Russia said just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East can't be achieved without solving the region's issues and moving on the Syrian and Lebanese tracks. Regional-Russia, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb: Sahara issue does not mar Morocco-Spanish ties, Spanish official
  Issues relating to the Sahara "are not obstacles that hinder our relations" with Morocco, said Spanish first deputy-prime minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, who is starting this Monday a two-day official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/26/2005
• US congressional draft resolution on Jerusalem as Israel's capital denigrates peace efforts
  "Parties which market this resolution aim at damaging the situation in the Middle East at this particular time which seems to entail solution for the Palestinian issue," he added. Palestine-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Shalom hopes to normalize with Lebanon after the Syrian withdrawal
  News reports in Beirut said that a UN team will arrive in Beirut on Wednesday to pave the way for the work of the UN investigators team who will consider the implications of the assassination of Rafiq al-Hariri. However, the Lebanese foreign ministry announced earlier that the visit was due yesterday, Monday. Lebanon-Israel, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb: Illegal migration 'issue of utmost importance' for Morocco and Spain, Spanish deputy-PM
  The phenomenon of illegal migration is "an issue of utmost importance" for Morocco and Spain, countries of entry and exit of Africa and Europe, said Spanish first deputy-prime minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega, who is starting, as of Monday, a two-day official visit to Morocco. Morocco-Spain, Politics, 4/26/2005
• King Mohammed VI arrives in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates-Morocco, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Al-Akhbar: Mubarak-Putin summit enhances bilateral relations Egypt-Russia, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Lebanese MPs stress distinguished relations with Syria Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/26/2005
• American calls to avoid political crisis in Iraq Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Al-shara receives a letter from Kharrazi on developments Syria-Iran, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Kharrazi calls for Lebanese solidarity Lebanon-Iran, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Shara, Qaddoumi discuss developments Syria-Palestine, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Gul underlines importance of Turkey's meeting of Iraq neighbors Iraq-Turkey, Politics, 4/26/2005
• Damascus ends withdrawal from Lebanon
  The Syrian army escalated the pace of the withdrawal of its forces during recent hours from the Lebanese territories. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Human rights watch demands Bush interfere to release Saudi opposition
  Human Rights Watch organization concerned with defending human rights urged the American President George W. Bush to interfere and urge the Saudi crown prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to release immediately three Saudi opposition figures detained by the authorities since more than one year because these persons had proposed a petition demanding the creation of a constitutional monarchy in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia-USA, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Sit-in in Damascus deploring emergency law and special courts
  More than 200 Syrians including several Kurds on Sunday observed a sit-in in Damascus at the invitation of the freedom defense committees and human rights in Syria. Syria, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Aktham Naisseh's trial postponed Syria, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Security source: Egyptian authorities released four Muslim Brothers members
  An Egyptian security source said that the authorities released four members of the banned Muslim Brothers group in Egypt among other 28 who were detained on Saturday. Egypt, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Saudi national meeting on diversity of opinion in Abha
  he said it intends to allow the opportunity and the freedom of expression for citizens to express their own thoughts and crystallize views in results and recommendations to be submitted to the decision-makers." Saudi Arabia, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Mubarak: Egypt will not live in isolation from the main issues of the region
  "Sinai, the land of war and peace, carries symbols and indications that call us to look forward to achieve peace, security and stability for the rest of the Middle East countries and peoples," Mubarak said Egypt-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Inter Iraqi political forces meeting postponed
  A meeting that was due to be held on Sunday including the fifth member committee for the Arab Sunni forces with the Kurdish list was postponed in an attempt to get out of the bottleneck facing the formation of the Iraqi government. Iraq, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Pardon of Samir Jaajaa imminent, wife says
  Lebanese parliament member Ne'mat Allah Abu Nasser said on Sunday that a parliamentary committee approved initially a proposal to pardon the leader of the dissolved Lebanese forces militias Samir Jaajaa and the persons detained as a result of al-Denyah and Majdal Anjar incidents in the Lebanon. Lebanon, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Moroccan new family code cited among positive evolutions in UNDP Arab world report
  Morocco's adoption of a new family law, recognizing equality between men and women and protecting family and children rights is one of the positive liberalization and democratization evolutions in the Arab world, said a UNDP official. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2005
• American soldiers killed in two explosions Iraq-USA, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Morocco eager to contribute to success of Africa-Asian initiative, says king Mohammed VI
  He called, in this respect for "an institutional framework based on sound foundations that include strong political will, involvement of the private sector and of NGOs, as well as greater regional integration." Likewise, went on the royal message, "it should capitalize on the media to consolidate African-Asian friendship. Morocco-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Khouri to boost Syria-Lebanon relations
  Secretary General of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council Nasri Khouri on Sunday called for boosting relations between the two states in the interest of the two peoples. Lebanon-Syria, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Prince Moulay Rachid receives China's deputy-premier
  Morocco's Prince Moulay Rachid received in Rabat on Friday afternoon china's deputy-prime minister Hui Liangyu. Morocco-China, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Proposed UN reforms would improve performance, Annan says
  UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Saturday advocated support for his proposals to reform the United Nations, calling them the most far reaching ever put forward in its 60-year history. Regional-UN, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Jordanian prime minister visits Syria Jordan-Syria, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Moroccan king to pay visit to UAE, Singapore Morocco-United Arab Emirates, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Syrian aid convoy heads to Iraq Syria-Iraq, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Khatami warns against conspiracies targeting Syria and Lebanon Iran-Regional, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Israel threats regional and international peace and security, Asefi Iran-Israel, Politics, 4/25/2005
• Madrid meetings on Syria- EU Association Agreements Syria-European Union, Politics, 4/25/2005

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