April 2004
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Two-Day Anti-Semitism Conference in Germany Concludes
A two-day conference on anti-Semitism in Berlin concluded with a commitment from the OSCE to combat anti-Semitic activities across its 55 member states. This initiative…
The Spanish Combat Brigade that Participated in the Iraq War has been Dissolved - 2004-04-30
The Spanish combat brigade that served in Iraq has been officially dissolved, with Prime Minister Zapatero honoring returning soldiers. This marks the end of Spain's…
UN Secretary-General Denies Allegations of His Son's Involvement in Financial Scandal - 2004-04-29
Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, has denied allegations that his son Kojo was involved in the 'Oil for Food' scandal. The program allowed Iraq to…
Agreement by U.S. Military Officials for Withdrawal of U.S. Marines from Fallujah - 2004-04-29
U.S. military officials have agreed to withdraw Marines from Fallujah, allowing a new Iraqi security force to take control. This development follows recent violence in…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Security Council Resolution on Chemical Weapons and Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2004-04-29
The UN Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution to prevent terrorist groups from accessing chemical weapons and weapons of mass destruction. This decision is…
Clash Between Armed Men and Security Forces in Damascus Leaves 4 Dead
A violent clash in Damascus's diplomatic district resulted in the deaths of 4 individuals, including armed men, a police officer, and a civilian. The incident…
Afghan Security Forces Arrest 16 Suspected of Planning Attacks in Kabul - 2004-04-28
Afghan security forces have arrested 16 individuals suspected of planning attacks in Kabul, with 58 arrests made since early April. The arrests include at least…
Official Visit of Turkish Defense Minister to Pakistan - 2004-04-28
The Turkish Defense Minister, Vecdi Gönül, is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan to strengthen bilateral relations. This visit is seen as an opportunity…
American Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces to Patrol Fallujah
American soldiers and Iraqi security forces are set to patrol Fallujah after deadly clashes resulted in multiple casualties. The situation remains tense with ongoing violence…
Muammar Gaddafi's First Trip to Europe in 15 Years
Muammar Gaddafi visited Belgium for talks with EU officials, marking his first trip to Europe in 15 years. This visit signifies improving relations between Libya…
Arrest of a Moroccan in Spain Suspected of Involvement in Madrid Bombings
A Moroccan man was arrested in Spain as part of the investigation into the March 11 Madrid train bombings. He is among several suspects linked…
Explosion and Gunfire Near British and Iranian Embassies in Damascus, Capital of Syria - 2004-04-27
Explosions and gunfire occurred near the British and Iranian embassies in Damascus, with reports of multiple blasts. The British Foreign Office confirmed the incidents but…
Voices and Messages, April 26: Reconstruction Efforts in Bam
The program discusses the current status of reconstruction efforts in the Bam region following a significant disaster. Listeners are invited to share their thoughts and…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: The Third Edition of the Tribeca Film Festival Begins
The Tribeca Film Festival is starting its third edition, highlighting Iranian and Middle Eastern cinema. This event is significant as it showcases the cultural contributions…
International Companies Reassess Their Activities for Iraq Reconstruction - 2004-04-23
International companies are reassessing their reconstruction activities in Iraq due to ongoing violence against foreign citizens. This has led to the suspension of critical work…
At least two suspected militants killed by gunfire in Jeddah
Saudi security forces killed at least two suspected militants in Jeddah during a standoff. This incident follows a deadly suicide attack in Riyadh by a…
Oil Producers Strive to Meet Market Demands - 2004-04-23
Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi defended OPEC against criticism for rising gasoline prices in the U.S., stating that oil producers are trying to meet market…
Muslim Militants Attack Opposition Party Headquarters in Kashmir, India - 2004-04-23
Suspected Muslim militants launched an attack on the Congress party headquarters and an opposition election rally in Kashmir, injuring at least 11 individuals, including police…
Criticism from the Ministry of Defense on the Release of Photos of American Soldiers' Coffins - 2004-04-23
The U.S. Department of Defense criticized the release of photos showing American soldiers' coffins, which were published by an activist. President Bush supports the ban…
Mordechai Vanunu Released from Prison
Mordechai Vanunu, who revealed Israel's nuclear secrets, was released from prison after 18 years. He expressed pride in his actions but stated he has no…
A Militant Arrested in Connection with the Explosion of an American Warship in Yemen - 2004-04-22
A militant linked to the 2000 explosion of the USS Cole in Yemen has been arrested. He is suspected of being part of al-Qaeda and…
A South African Security Guard Shot and Killed in Baghdad - 2004-04-22
A South African security guard was shot and killed in Baghdad while working for the U.S.-led coalition. The assailant, who concealed his identity, reportedly called…
The Largest Political Party of Greek Cypriots Requests the People of Cyprus to Vote No in Referendums
The largest political party of Greek Cypriots, AKEL, has called on the public to reject the UN plan for resolving the division of Cyprus in…
17 Arrested in Afghanistan on Suspicion of Planning Attacks on Kabul - 2004-04-22
Seventeen individuals were arrested in Afghanistan on suspicion of planning attacks on Kabul, with four detained near a stadium and others in a raid on…
Small Explosion Occurs in Bus Carrying Military Personnel on the Outskirts of Istanbul - 2004-04-22
A small explosion occurred in a military personnel bus in Istanbul, causing no injuries but damaging two other vehicles. The police are investigating and searching…
A Saudi militant group claims responsibility for the Riyadh explosion
A Saudi militant group has taken responsibility for a suicide bombing in Riyadh that resulted in multiple casualties. The attack targeted security forces, highlighting ongoing…
Revised Resolution Proposal Regarding the Cyprus Issue - 2004-04-21
British diplomats are presenting a revised resolution to the UN Security Council to support Kofi Annan's plan for Cyprus. This comes after concerns were raised…
At least 10 killed in car bomb explosion in Riyadh
A car bomb explosion in Riyadh killed at least 10 people, including a senior security officer, and injured over 60 others. The attack is attributed…
Annan: The Security Council Should Officially Approve the Plan for Resolving Ethnic Disputes in Cyprus
Kofi Annan has urged the UN Security Council to officially approve his plan to resolve ethnic disputes in Cyprus before a critical referendum. This plan…
German Foreign Minister's Visit to Afghanistan - 2004-04-20
German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer visited Afghanistan to meet with German soldiers and Hamid Karzai. The visit highlights Germany's role in reconstruction efforts in the…
Israeli Soldiers Open Fire on Crowd of Palestinians Throwing Stones - 2004-04-20
Israeli soldiers shot at Palestinians throwing stones in Gaza, resulting in two deaths. This incident occurred amid ongoing discussions at the UN regarding a resolution…
Freddy Adu, 14-Year-Old Star of D.C. United, Scores First Professional Goal
Freddy Adu, a 14-year-old soccer prodigy, scored his first professional goal for D.C. United during a match against the MetroStars. Despite his achievement, D.C. United…
Eight Arrested in Afghanistan on Suspicion of Ties to Al-Qaeda
Eight individuals were arrested in Afghanistan on suspicion of links to Al-Qaeda and a local militant group. One of the detainees is believed to be…
New Special Force Established for Security at Large Public Gatherings in the U.S.
The U.S. is creating a new special force to improve security at large public events, particularly in light of potential terrorist threats. Key events include…
Saudi Security Forces Defuse Large Bomb Planted in Vehicle - 2004-04-17
Saudi security forces defused a large bomb in a vehicle in Riyadh, marking the third such incident in five days. The U.S. has warned of…
Egyptian Security Officials Arrest Kuwaiti Passenger Attempting to Hijack Qatari Plane - 2004-04-17
A Kuwaiti passenger attempted to hijack a Qatari plane traveling from Morocco to Qatar. The incident was thwarted by the pilot, and the plane safely…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Interview with Mehdi Haeri, Siege of Bochum Mosque - April 17, 2004
On April 16, 2004, German security forces besieged the Bochum Mosque, prompting an interview with Mehdi Haeri by journalist Nasrin Mahdavi. This incident highlights tensions…
Six Moroccan Suspects Released in Madrid
Six Moroccan suspects were released in Madrid after being cleared of involvement in the train bombings. Eighteen others remain detained as investigations continue. This incident…
Three Czech Hostages Abducted in Iraq on Sunday Have Been Released - 2004-04-16
Three Czech journalists kidnapped in Iraq have been released and are safe at their embassy. A Chinese national was also freed recently, while Japanese hostages…
President Bush and Tony Blair Express Support for the Role of the United Nations in Iraq - 2004-04-16
President Bush and Tony Blair reaffirmed their commitment to the United Nations' role in Iraq during a White House speech. They outlined plans for cooperation…
Invitation Extended to Daei and Mahdavikia for the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of AFC
Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Daei have been invited to the 50th anniversary ceremony of the AFC in Kuala Lumpur, alongside other notable football figures. The…
Arrest of Senior Commander of a Militant Group in Afghanistan - 2004-04-14
A senior commander of a militant group in Afghanistan was arrested by international peacekeepers, posing a threat to local residents and foreign entities. The commander…
Al Jazeera: Missing Russians Likely Taken Hostage in Iraq - 2004-04-13
Al Jazeera reports that 11 missing Russians are likely hostages in Iraq, amidst ongoing dangers for foreigners in the war-torn country. Meanwhile, 7 Chinese hostages…
Four Saudi Police Killed in Suspected Militant Attack
Four police officers in Saudi Arabia were killed in a militant attack on a checkpoint. The attackers are also suspected of being involved in a…
Meeting of the Turkish President with Ilham Aliyev - 2004-04-13
Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to discuss the ongoing conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh. They expressed a…
A Dutch Hostage Kidnapped Near the Chechen Border Two Years Ago Has Been Released
Arjan Erkel, a Dutch medical aid worker kidnapped near the Chechen border two years ago, has been released and is now at the Dutch embassy…
Security and Military Officials in Iraq Warn Shiites Traveling to Karbala and Najaf
Iraqi security officials have issued warnings to Shiite pilgrims heading to Karbala and Najaf due to potential terrorist threats. U.S. General Ricardo Sanchez highlighted the…
Jack Straw's Opinion on the Situation in Iraq One Year After the Fall of Baghdad - 2004-04-09
Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, expressed concern about the serious situation in Iraq one year after the fall of Baghdad, noting that the tensions…
Russia Calls for an End to the War in Iraq
Russia has urged for the cessation of hostilities in Iraq, citing the looming threat of a humanitarian crisis. The Russian Foreign Ministry stresses the importance…
Severe Security Measures Across Spain - 2004-04-08
Spain is ramping up security measures ahead of Easter celebrations due to fears of potential terrorist attacks following the March 11 bombings. Officials are particularly…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with an Iranian Member of the Local Parliament in Sweden - 2004-04-08
An Iranian individual has been elected to the local parliament in Sweden, and an interview has been conducted to discuss their experiences and perspectives. This…
Bombing Conspiracy Charges Against One of Eight Terrorist Suspects in London - 2004-04-07
British authorities have charged a 17-year-old suspect with conspiracy to commit bombing as part of a group of eight arrested last week for possessing large…
Foiling Plans for a Terrorist Attack in London - 2004-04-06
British authorities have thwarted a planned terrorist attack in London involving toxic chemicals intended to cause harm to civilians. The plot was linked to al-Qaeda…
Head of Riyadh Prisons Dismissed from Position
The head of Riyadh prisons was dismissed following a deadly fire in a correctional facility that killed 68 inmates. Investigations pointed to staff negligence and…
Nigeria National Football Team's Training Camp in Paris - 2004-04-05
The Nigeria national football team is preparing for an important Olympic qualifying match against Tunisia by training in Paris. The team is currently leading their…
Separatists in Indian Kashmir Attack Military Patrol Unit in Border Village
Suspected separatists attacked a military unit in a border village in Indian Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to seven others.…
Powell Acknowledges Evidence Regarding Mobile Biological Labs in Iraq Was Likely Incorrect - 2004-04-03
Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, admitted that the evidence he presented about mobile biological labs in Iraq was likely incorrect. This acknowledgment raises…
Photography and Fingerprinting Program for Foreign Travelers to the U.S. - April 3, 2004
The U.S. is expanding its photography and fingerprinting program for foreign travelers, affecting citizens from 27 countries, including key allies. This move is part of…
Los Angeles Report: OPEC Countries' Decision to Reduce Oil Production - 2004-04-02
OPEC countries have decided to cut oil production, which is significant given the U.S. concerns about transportation continuity. This decision comes amid a speech by…
Bomb Discovered on High-Speed Train Line in Spain - 2004-04-02
A bomb was found on a high-speed train line in Spain, similar to those used in previous terrorist attacks. Four suspects were released due to…
Uzbek Security Forces Searching for Perpetrators of Recent Attacks in Tashkent
Uzbek security forces are actively pursuing suspects linked to recent attacks in Tashkent that killed at least 17 people. The Attorney General reported 19 arrests…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei Regarding OPEC's Decision to Cut Oil Production - 2004-04-01
Dr. Siamak Shojaei discussed OPEC's decision to cut oil production and its implications for Iran's economy. He answered questions from listeners about various economic issues,…
End of the International Conference on Aid to Afghanistan - 2004-04-01
The international conference in Berlin concluded with donor countries pledging billions for Afghanistan's reconstruction and security ahead of its first democratic elections. Key figures include…
Arrest Warrant Issued for Tunisian in Connection with Madrid Bombings
A Spanish judge has issued an arrest warrant for Serhan Abdulmajid Fakhit, a Tunisian identified as the leader of the group responsible for the Madrid…