-Caveat Lector- >From ArabicNews.CoM Bahrain's defense minister stresses his country's refusal to use its lands for striking Iraq Bahrain, Politics, 2/11/99 Bahrain's defense minister and deputy commander in chief of the Bahraini Army, Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Ahmad al-Khaleifa, has said that his country opposes striking Iraq or changing its current government. He asserted that, "Bahrain did not and will not allow the use of its lands or skies to achieve these objectives." In a statement he made on Wednesday in Manama following his meeting with British Defense Minister George Robertson, Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Ahmad Khaleifa reiterated that, "Bahrain condemns international aggressions in all its forms, regardless of its reasons and motives, because it constitutes a danger threatening all humanity and in contradiction with doctrines of Islam which regrets violence and terrorism and calls for tolerance, integration, security and peace." Sheikh Khaleifa has called upon "certain countries" to reconsider their policies concerning people given sanctuary in cases of terrorists. He asserted the need for collective international efforts to eliminate this phenomenon. He asked these countries not to give sanctuary to extremist groups or terrorists in using their territories to practice activities threatening the security and safety of other countries. On Wednesday, Bahraini Emir Sheikh Issa Bin Salman, Prime Minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamad Bin Issa al-Khaleifa discussed with Robertson the latest developments and current conditions in the region and on the Arab and international arenas as well as issues of mutual concern. The ruler of Bahrain stressed his country's desire to strengthen security in the Arab Gulf region. He highlighted the role played by Britain in maintaining the region's security and stability. For his part, British defense minister stressed cooperation with Britain especially in military training. Iraq's Aziz to visit Turkey in the mid of this month Iraq, Politics, 2/11/99 Turkey said on Wednesday that Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz will visit Ankara for 24 hours at the beginning of next week in order to discuss bilateral relations. An official at the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that Tariq Aziz will arrive on February 15, "at his request." Earlier, the Iraqi News Agency said that Tariq Aziz will visit Turkey at the invitation of the Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, who had recently criticized the "absence of a clear US policy towards Iraq." Ecevit expressed his dissatisfaction for the possibility of establishing a Kurdish state in northern Iraq as a result of the air embargo imposed by the Western planes over northern Iraq under the pretext of protecting the Kurds. Last week Turkey called for revision of principles which govern the activity of the Western planes in the context of what is called "the process of monitoring northern Iraq." Turkey says that imposing sanctions on Iraq causes it losses estimated at US $30 billion. Israel opposes UN Geneva Convention conference on its practices Palestine, Politics, 2/11/99 The UN General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution calling for convening a conference on July 15 in Geneva to consider Israel's continued violations of the 1949 Geneva Convention in the occupied Arab lands, particularly the ban on settlements. In a resolution issued with 115 member countries voting for the resolution and the US and Israeli against, with the abstention of five countries, the GA recommended that the signatories to the Convention should attend this conference at the UN office in Geneva. The resolution confirmed that it is necessary to make future efforts to return the Middle East peace process to its track, despite its disruption because of the Israeli government's non-commitment to the signed agreements. Meanwhile, the Palestinian observer at the UN, Nasser al-Kidwa, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude to the countries which voted for the UN General Assembly decision calling for convening a conference in Geneva, to discuss Israel's incessant violations in the occupied Palestinian lands. The conference is seen is a chance to put pressure on Israel, compelling it to honor the Geneva Convention in the occupied Palestinian lands. The Palestinians stressed that Israeli settlements in occupied Arab lands, which are condemned by the UN, are a violation of the Geneva Convention. Israeli ambassador Dore Gold alleged that the GA decision is a distortion of international law in order to serve political aims. Gold added that the Geneva Convention is not applicable to Israel, alleging that 97% of Palestinians live under Palestinian rule. Arab ministers satisfied over progress on trade free zone Regional, Economics, 2/11/99 The 63rd Arab Economic and Social Council on Wednesday expressed satisfaction on measures adopted by Arab states for the implementation of the Arab free trade zone. A statement released at the end of the meeting underlined the importance of common and comprehensive measures adopted by Arab states in this respect. The statement said the activities of the free zone should be expanded to include joint ventures and stimulate employment. The council praised the 14 states that applied the agreed annual 10 percent cut on customs tariffs last year namely Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria Libya, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco and Iraq. Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, Palestine and Somalia have not yet started application of the Arab Free trade Zone agreement due to enter into effect in the year 2007. Three Arab states, Algeria, the Comoro Islands and Djibouti have not yet joined the agreement. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ A<>E<>R The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. -Marcel Proust + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + Forwarded as information only; no endorsement to be presumed + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without charge or profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! 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