September 2003
Former Iranian Diplomat Iraj Sadri Sentenced to Two and a Half Years in Prison in Germany
Iraj Sadri, a former Iranian diplomat, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison in Germany for spying on Iranian dissidents. He claimed…
Saudi Intellectuals Call for Social, Political, and Economic Reforms - 2003-09-30
Over 300 Saudi intellectuals and businessmen have urged Crown Prince Abdullah to implement reforms addressing social, political, and economic issues. They argue that the absence…
Kofi Annan Ordered the Withdrawal of UN Staff from Baghdad - 2003-09-30
Kofi Annan ordered the evacuation of 50 UN staff from Baghdad due to security concerns following a bombing. The UN spokesperson indicated a daily decrease…
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe: Opponents of Ilham Aliyev are Treated Unfairly
The OSCE has reported unfair treatment of political opponents in Azerbaijan ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. The organization highlights government support for Ilham Aliyev's…
Under the Microscope: Increasing Pressures for Signing the Additional Protocol - 2003-09-29
International pressures are mounting for Iran to sign the Additional Protocol to the NPT, prompting the National Security Council to review the situation. Additionally, Mohsen…
Jordanian Security Officials Arrest Two Fugitives During Operation - 2003-09-27
Jordanian security forces arrested two fugitives, including a senior Muslim preacher, during an operation in Mafraq. They are wanted for their involvement in deadly clashes…
Conviction of Two Muslim Clerics in a Moroccan Court - 2003-09-27
Two Muslim clerics were convicted in Morocco for their roles in the Casablanca bombings that killed 33 people. They received sentences of 20 and 30…
Announcement of the Winners of the International Press Freedom Awards - 2003-09-27
The Committee to Protect Journalists announced the winners of the International Press Freedom Awards, recognizing journalists from Afghanistan, Morocco, Russia, and Cuba for their commitment…
EU Allocates $75 Million to Support Afghan Police Force
The European Union is providing $75 million to help establish the Afghan police force, with immediate funds allocated for police salaries and election security. This…
Increased Withdrawal of UN International Staff from Iraq - 2003-09-25
The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has ordered an increased withdrawal of international staff from Iraq due to security concerns. This decision follows discussions with senior…
World Health Organization Commits to Providing AIDS Medications by 2005 - 2003-09-24
The World Health Organization has pledged to ensure access to essential AIDS medications for millions by 2005, highlighting a global health crisis due to inadequate…
OPEC Reduces Oil Production by 3.5%
OPEC has decided to cut oil production by 3.5%, reducing daily output by 900,000 barrels starting November 1. This decision comes as Iraq's new oil…
Conference on AIDS in Africa Canceled
Dozens of HIV-positive activists disrupted an AIDS conference in Nairobi, Kenya, demanding more medication from their governments. The protest highlighted the urgent need for better…
Iraq's Return to OPEC - September 24, 2003
Iraq is set to return to OPEC on September 24, 2003, but its status as a member or observer remains uncertain. This will be Iraq's…
Iraq Returns to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
Iraq is rejoining OPEC, but its status as a full member or observer remains uncertain. This is the first representation of Iraq in OPEC since…
Clash Between Saudi Security Forces and Armed Men - 2003-09-23
Saudi security forces engaged in a firefight with armed men in Jizan province, resulting in the deaths of one police officer and three militants. The…
Calendar Day, September 22: Death Sentence of a Teacher for Espionage - 2003-09-23
On September 22, 2003, a teacher in Connecticut was executed by the British Empire's army for espionage during a conflict with Americans. This event highlights…
Statements by the UN Secretary-General Regarding Terrorism - 2003-09-23
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the need to address the root causes of terrorism rather than relying solely on military force. Key figures, including U.S. Senator…
Job Advertisement - 2003-09-23
Voice of America's Persian section is looking for experienced professionals in journalism, translation, and broadcasting for its programs. Interested candidates are invited to submit their…
Life and Progress in America: A Family That Weathered Isabel Better
Hurricane Isabel impacted the eastern coast of the U.S. last week, with some families managing to cope better than others. This article focuses on one…
An Iranian Ministry of Intelligence Agent is Wanted in Connection with Zahra Kazemi's Death - 2003-09-22
An Iranian judge has issued a pursuit order for a Ministry of Intelligence agent linked to the death of Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian journalist who…
President Bush: I Will Tell the United Nations That the Attack on Iraq Was the Right Decision - 2003-09-22
President Bush plans to address the UN General Assembly, asserting that the decision to invade Iraq was correct despite lacking Security Council approval. He will…
Iran's Negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency - 2003-09-21
Iran is currently discussing its response to a UN deadline requiring proof that it does not pursue a nuclear weapons program. The IAEA has set…
New Operating System to Replace Windows in Iran
Iran is planning to replace Windows with a national operating system due to the need to comply with WTO regulations and copyright laws. The Secretary…
Turkey's National Security Council Reviewed Deployment of Troops to Iraq - 2003-09-19
Turkey's National Security Council is considering a U.S. request to send troops to Iraq, with the government willing to deploy over 10,000 soldiers. However, there…
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, Meets with Indonesian Security Minister - 2003-09-19
Colin Powell met with Indonesia's Security Minister to commend the country's anti-terrorism efforts, especially regarding the Bali bombing investigation. The meeting comes amid concerns over…
Kofi Annan: The Security Council Should Define the Role of the United Nations in Iraq
Kofi Annan is seeking clarity from the UN Security Council on the role of the United Nations in Iraq before sending staff back, especially after…
Security Preparations for the Annual Meeting of the World Bank in Dubai - 2003-09-18
Dubai's security forces are implementing extensive security measures for the upcoming annual meeting of the World Bank and IMF. This event is significant as it…
Security Forces in Indian Kashmir Kill Over 12 Suspected Islamic Militants
Indian security forces have killed over 12 suspected Islamic militants in Kashmir, with 8 killed while trying to cross from Pakistan and 4 in another…
Royal Food Caviar May Soon Become a Thing of the Past
A report suggests that the beluga fish population in the Caspian Sea is much lower than previously reported, potentially leading to the extinction of the…
India to Consider Sending Troops to Iraq
India is contemplating sending troops to Iraq as part of a multinational peacekeeping effort, contingent on UN Security Council approval. Prime Minister Vajpayee's discussions in…
Broadcast of New Video Tape of Saddam Hussein - 2003-09-17
A new video of Saddam Hussein has been broadcast, urging Iraqis to resist U.S. forces and warning Americans of dire consequences if they do not…
Jose Maria Aznar, Prime Minister of Spain, Travels to Tripoli, Capital of Libya Today - 2003-09-17
Jose Maria Aznar, the Spanish Prime Minister, is visiting Libya for the first time since 1992, aiming to discuss various regional issues with Muammar Gaddafi.…
The U.S. Government and the Veto of the UN Security Council Resolution - 2003-09-17
The U.S. vetoed a UN resolution urging Israel to retract threats against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, claiming the resolution inadequately addressed Palestinian terrorism. This action…
Security Forces in Chechnya on High Alert Following Bomb Explosion in Ingushetia - 2003-09-16
A bomb explosion in Ingushetia has led to security forces in Chechnya being placed on high alert. The attack resulted in three fatalities, including the…
Bomb Explosion in Ingushetia Republic, Russia - 2003-09-16
A bomb exploded in Ingushetia, Russia, killing 2 and injuring at least 25, including a high-ranking security official. The attack's responsibility is still unknown, and…
US and Russia Collaborate to Keep Biological Weapons Out of Terrorists' Hands - 2003-09-16
The US and Russia are working together to prevent biological weapons from falling into terrorist hands through the Bio-Industry Initiative. This initiative aims to convert…
Four Suspected Members of a Regional Terrorist Group to Be Tried in Thailand Later This Year
Four suspected members of an Islamic group are facing trial in Thailand for allegedly planning attacks on foreign embassies. The trial is scheduled for November,…
One-Day Meeting of Leaders from Britain, France, and Germany on Iraq - 2003-09-16
Leaders from Britain, France, and Germany are meeting to discuss a unified approach to Iraq amidst differing positions on the war. The U.S. is pushing…
UN Security Council Meeting on Israel's Threat to Dismiss Yasser Arafat - 2003-09-15
The UN Security Council is discussing a resolution against Israel's threat to remove Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. The meeting follows international criticism of Israel's stance,…
Another American Soldier Killed in Iraq - 2003-09-15
An American soldier was killed in Iraq during Colin Powell's visit, marking the second casualty in two days. The ongoing violence includes attacks on coalition…
Under the Microscope: Powell in Iraq - The Bribery Case of Rafsanjani's Son - 2003-09-15
The article discusses Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh's insights on U.S. Secretary of State Powell's visit to Iraq, the IAEA's stance on Iran, and the closure of…
Explosion of a Truck Full of Explosives in Southern Russia - 2003-09-15
A truck filled with explosives exploded near a Russian security forces headquarters in Magas, killing at least two and injuring over twenty. Local reports vary…
Valladolid's Defeat by the Famous and Historic Real Madrid - 2003-09-15
Real Madrid decisively defeated Valladolid 7-2, with Raúl scoring three goals. The match highlighted the struggles of Valladolid's defense, including an own goal by Julio…
First Part of Day Two - 74 and 120 Kilogram Weight Classes - 2003-09-13
Hadi Habibi won his match against Ivan Diaconu from Moldova with a score of 8-2 in the 74 kg category, while Alireza Rezaei won against…
UN Secretary-General Says 5 Security Council Members Agree on Power Transfer in Iraq - 2003-09-13
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan announced that the five permanent members of the Security Council support a swift transfer of power to the Iraqi people. This…
Israeli Officials Remain Committed to Decision to Expel Yasser Arafat from Palestinian Territories - 2003-09-13
Israeli officials are determined to expel Yasser Arafat from Palestinian territories, viewing him as a terrorist and an obstacle to peace. This decision comes despite…
Sanctions Against Libya Lifted
The UN Security Council has lifted sanctions against Libya after the country accepted responsibility for a 1988 plane bombing and agreed to pay compensation. This…
Israel to Take Action to Remove Yasser Arafat - 2003-09-11
The Israeli security cabinet has announced plans to remove Yasser Arafat, labeling him a barrier to peace. Arafat and Palestinian officials have warned that such…
Seven Suspected Muslim Militants Killed by Police in Kashmir, India
Seven suspected Muslim militants were killed by police in Kashmir after entering an area under Indian control. The incident highlights ongoing violence in the region,…
Bush Discusses Iraq and Other Issues in Phone Call with Indian Prime Minister - 2003-09-09
President Bush and Indian Prime Minister discussed Iraq and the possibility of troop deployment, contingent on a UN directive. They also touched on upcoming WTO…
France Threatens to Veto Resolution Lifting Economic Sanctions Against Libya - 2003-09-09
The UN Security Council has delayed a vote to lift sanctions against Libya due to France's threat to veto the resolution. The resolution follows Libya's…
Thailand: The Country Will Be Completely Safe for the Gathering of 21 World Leaders Next Month
Thailand is preparing for the upcoming gathering of 21 world leaders, including President Bush, ensuring heightened security measures in the capital. This follows recent terrorist…
Families of French Airline Victims Have No Protest Against Lifting Economic Sanctions on Libya
Families of victims from the 1989 U-T-A airline bombing are not protesting the lifting of UN sanctions against Libya until they receive full compensation. The…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: France and Germany Oppose U.S. Proposed Resolution - 2003-09-06
French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder have publicly opposed a U.S. resolution intended for the UN Security Council. Their disagreement highlights transatlantic…
UN Special Envoy: Need for More Peacekeepers in Liberia - 2003-09-06
The UN Special Envoy to Liberia, Jacques Klein, has called for the deployment of at least 15,000 additional peacekeepers to stabilize the country amidst ongoing…
Discussion on Iraq Resolution Draft at the United Nations Security Council - 2003-09-05
The UN Security Council is discussing a US-prepared resolution draft concerning Iraq, with German and French leaders criticizing it for not prioritizing the transfer of…
Council of Europe Calls on Chechen Authorities
The Council of Europe is urging Chechen officials to conduct free elections next month, emphasizing the importance of transparency for the local population. The security…
Colin Powell: The United States is Prepared to Consider and Accept the Proposal to Form a Multinational Force in Iraq - 2003-09-05
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. is ready to consider a proposal for a multinational force in Iraq under U.N. authorization and U.S. command. This…
FBI Seeks Four Men Following Potential Terrorist Threats in America - 2003-09-05
The FBI is searching for four men linked to potential terrorist threats in the U.S., including two Saudis, a Moroccan, and a Tunisian. This comes…
British Airways Resumes Flights to Saudi Arabia - 2003-09-05
British Airways is set to resume flights to Saudi Arabia after a suspension due to security threats. The decision follows the implementation of new security…
Selection of Two Prosecutors by the UN Security Council for International Courts - 2003-09-05
The UN Security Council appointed two new prosecutors for international courts dealing with the Rwandan genocide and former Yugoslav war crimes. Carla Del Ponte will…
Indian Kashmir Officials Say Soldiers Neutralized Two Suspected Muslim Militants
Indian Kashmir officials reported that soldiers killed two suspected Muslim militants who had previously killed a woman and injured three others. The incident occurred as…
OSCE Calls for an Open and Fair Electoral Process in Azerbaijan
The OSCE has urged Azerbaijan to conduct a transparent and fair presidential election next month, emphasizing its importance for regional democracy. Critics argue that the…
Approval of New Contracts for the Modernization of India's Armed Forces - 2003-09-03
India's Security Council has approved new contracts to modernize its armed forces, including the purchase of 66 Hawk training jets from Britain and the establishment…
Negotiations Between the Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe and the Turkish Defense Minister - 2003-09-02
General James Jones of the U.S. has arrived in Turkey to discuss the potential deployment of Turkish troops to Iraq as peacekeepers amid public protests.…
Funeral Ceremony of Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir Hakim - 2003-09-02
Ayatollah Mohammad Baqir Hakim was killed in a bomb explosion at Imam Ali Mosque, leading to a massive funeral attended by hundreds of thousands in…
Five Members of Terrorist Group Charged with Conspiracy to Attack Foreign Embassies and Tourist Centers
Five members of Jamaah Islamiyah have been charged in Thailand for plotting attacks on foreign embassies and tourist sites. The charges stem from actions taken…
Russia Arrests Three in Connection with Two Suicide Bombings in Chechnya
Russia has arrested three suspects linked to two deadly suicide bombings in North Ossetia, resulting in significant casualties. The arrests are part of ongoing efforts…
Approval of the Afghan Defense Ministry Reform Plan - 2003-09-02
President Hamid Karzai has approved a reform plan for the Afghan Defense Ministry, aiming to fill 22 key positions within two weeks. The reforms seek…
Libya and France Engaged in Drafting Compensation Agreement
Libya and France are negotiating a compensation agreement for victims of a 1989 plane explosion. This deal may influence the lifting of sanctions against Libya,…
At least one Hamas militant killed in Israeli helicopter attack - 2003-09-02
Israeli helicopters targeted a car in Gaza, killing a Hamas militant and injuring many others. The incident marks the sixth such attack in recent weeks,…
India: Bomb Blast by Muslim Militants in Kashmir Kills Two Police Officers - 2003-09-02
A bomb blast in Kashmir, attributed to suspected Muslim militants, resulted in the deaths of two police officers. This incident coincides with accusations against four…
Two American Soldiers and Four Taliban Fighters Killed in Afghanistan
In a recent conflict in Afghanistan, two American soldiers and four Taliban fighters were killed during a firefight in Paktia province. The U.S. forces responded…
Charges Against Four Individuals in Connection with the 2003 Mumbai Bombing
Four individuals have been charged in connection with a deadly bombing in Mumbai that killed 52 and injured around 150. Three of the suspects are…