February 2004
Formation of a Permanent Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Africa - 2004-02-28
African Union leaders approved the creation of a multinational peacekeeping force to address internal conflicts in Africa, with plans for establishment next year, though it…
European Union Allocates Over $300 Million to Strengthen Peacekeeping Programs in Africa - 2004-02-27
The European Union has committed over $300 million to support peacekeeping initiatives in Africa, as announced by Romano Prodi during a summit in Libya. This…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Comments by the European Union's Foreign Affairs Commissioner on Relations with Iran - 2004-02-27
The European Union's Foreign Affairs Commissioner discussed the EU's relationship with Iran after meeting with Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi. This dialogue highlights the…
Avian Influenza in Asia Could Cost Governments Over $100 Million
The outbreak of avian influenza in Asia is projected to cost governments over $100 million, significantly impacting the poultry industry due to import bans. The…
Muammar Gaddafi Opens African Union Summit
Muammar Gaddafi opened the African Union summit in Libya, calling for unity among African leaders to enhance their global influence. The conference will address key…
The US and Europe Criticize Iran's Election Process - 2004-02-24
The US and EU criticized Iran's recent parliamentary elections due to the exclusion of reformist candidates, which allowed conservatives to dominate. Richard Boucher from the…
Turkish Court Refuses to Release 4 Former Legislators
A Turkish court denied the release of four former legislators linked to separatist rebels for the eleventh time. They were originally sentenced in 1994, and…
A Senior EU Official Calls for Enhanced Security in Afghanistan
A senior EU official has called for increased security in Afghanistan before upcoming elections, highlighting the slow voter registration process and the threat posed by…
Conference of Leaders from Sixteen African Countries Begins in Rwanda
A two-day conference of leaders from sixteen African countries has started in Rwanda to evaluate governance and economic development. The event, opened by President Paul…
Financial Aid for Liberia's Reconstruction Exceeds Expectations - 2004-02-07
A UN donor conference has raised over $300 million for Liberia's reconstruction, surpassing expectations. Key contributions include $200 million from the U.S. and $120 million…
Democracy Conference in Yemen
A democracy conference was held in Yemen on February 3, 2004, with over 50 countries participating to discuss democratic establishment in the Middle East. Key…
Prohibition of Muslim Girls' Headscarves in France - 2004-02-02
The French National Assembly is set to discuss a bill that would ban religious symbols, including Muslim headscarves, in public schools. The bill is expected…
Two Suicide Bombings in Erbil, Iraq Leave 56 Dead
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, killed 56 people and injured over 200, including a senior Kurdish official. The U.S. military also reported casualties from…
President Bush May Agree to an Independent Commission to Investigate the Issue of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq - 2004-02-01
President Bush is considering the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the intelligence reports on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which were pivotal…
56 Killed in Sunday Bombing in Northern Iraq
A twin suicide bombing in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in 56 deaths and 200 injuries, including Kurdish leader Sami Abdul Rahman. The attack occurred during…
Two Bombs Shake Northern Iraq - 2004-02-01
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in at least 7 deaths during an Eid al-Adha celebration. The attacks targeted political party offices, highlighting…