February 2003
The International Atomic Energy Agency Condemns North Korea for Resuming Construction of Its Main Nuclear Reactor - 2003-02-28
The IAEA has condemned North Korea for resuming construction of its nuclear reactor, indicating a disregard for international commitments. U.S. officials reported that North Korea…
Preliminary Results of Human Rights Commission Investigations on Arbitrary Detentions in Iran - 2003-02-28
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has released preliminary findings regarding arbitrary detentions in Iran, coinciding with upcoming city council elections. This highlights ongoing human…
Interview with Mohammad Reza Khatami by Italian Newspaper - 2003-02-28
The article features an interview with Mohammad Reza Khatami discussing the implications of the Iraq crisis. Khatami, as a prominent political figure, shares insights that…
Pentagon Increases Estimated Costs of War with Iraq - 2003-02-27
The Pentagon has raised its estimated costs for the Iraq war to approximately $95 billion, with immediate military operations costing between $60 to $95 million.…
Interview with the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan on the Eve of President Karzai's Trip to America - 2003-02-27
Hamid Karzai, the leader of Afghanistan's Transitional Government, is visiting the U.S. for two days with several ministers and advisors. An interview with Foreign Minister…
In the event of a U.S. attack on Iraq, Iraq may strike its neighbors, Turkey and Kuwait - 2003-02-26
Taha Yassin Ramadan, Iraq's Vice President, warns that Iraq may retaliate against Turkey and Kuwait if the U.S. attacks. He asserts Iraq's right to self-defense…
Preparations for Aid to One Million Potential War Victims in Iraq - 2003-02-26
The U.S. government is preparing to assist over one million Iraqis who may be affected by the impending war by stockpiling food, shelter, and medical…
Trial of 155 Notorious Mafia Criminals Begins in Vietnam
The trial of 155 notorious mafia criminals has commenced in Vietnam, with key figures including Nam Cam accused of serious crimes. This significant legal proceeding…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Crash of an Afghan Minister's Plane Near Pakistani Waters - 2003-02-25
A plane carrying an Afghan minister and six others crashed in the waters near Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the death of all onboard. This incident…
Turkey's Parliament Has Not Yet Approved the Use of Its Military Bases by the U.S.
Turkey's Parliament has not approved the U.S. use of its military bases amid ongoing discussions about the Iraq crisis and international legitimacy. The Speaker of…
Visit of Disarmament Experts from South Africa to Baghdad - 2003-02-24
A South African delegation of disarmament experts is in Baghdad to help Iraq cooperate with UN weapons inspectors. South Africa, which opposes war against Iraq,…
Political Controversy in the Philippines Over the Role of the U.S. Military in Its Southern Islands - 2003-02-23
A political controversy has erupted in the Philippines over the U.S. military's involvement in operations against Muslim insurgents. The Philippine government is resisting calls for…
Yasar Yakis stated that the likelihood of an agreement with the U.S. is very high - 2003-02-23
Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis indicated that a deal allowing U.S. troops to use Turkey as a base for operations against Iraq is likely to…
Pakistani Police Suspects Sunni Muslim Militant Group in Attack on Shia Mosque - 2003-02-23
Pakistani police suspect the militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in a deadly attack on a Shia mosque in Karachi, which resulted in nine fatalities. The attack may…
Agreements Have Been Reached with Turkey - 2003-02-22
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced progress in negotiations with Turkey for U.S. military access to Turkish bases in case of action against Iraq.…
Closer Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency with Iran - 2003-02-22
The IAEA is set to enhance cooperation with Iran regarding its nuclear program, which Iran asserts is for peaceful purposes. President Khatami defended Iran's right…
Arrest of Two German Merchants for Selling Equipment to the Iraqi Government - 2003-02-21
Two German merchants have been arrested for allegedly supplying electronic equipment to the Iraqi government. This incident highlights ongoing international scrutiny regarding trade relations with…
Hamid Karzai Assures Tokyo That He Can Establish Stability in Afghanistan by Disarming Private Armies - 2003-02-21
Hamid Karzai is in Tokyo to reassure the international community about Afghanistan's potential for stability through the disarmament of private armies. He expresses satisfaction with…
Peter Strack: Germany Calls Back Its Troops from International Security Forces in Afghanistan - 2003-02-21
Germany is recalling its troops from Afghanistan due to rising tensions and threats from insurgents. The evacuation will first involve civilian aid workers, followed by…
Turkish Parliament Will Not Vote on Deployment of American Soldiers in Turkish Military Bases Before Tuesday
The Turkish Parliament is set to delay voting on the deployment of American troops in military bases until after Tuesday, pending an agreement on U.S.…
Anti-War Protests in Japan - 2003-02-19
Thousands of Japanese citizens protested against a potential U.S. war in Iraq, marking the third demonstration in a week. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi criticized the…
An Inside Look: Interview with Soheila Sazgara Regarding the Abduction of Her Husband - 2003-02-19
Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara, a reformist journalist and political activist, was arrested in Tehran for criticizing the Iranian government. His wife, Soheila Sazgara, reported that plainclothes…
President Bush: I Will Not Allow Widespread International Protests to Hinder Iraq Disarmament - 2003-02-18
President Bush asserts that international protests will not prevent the U.S. from pursuing military action against Iraq to enforce disarmament. He emphasizes the need for…
Saudi Arabia Takes a Hardline Stance Against the Iraq War - 2003-02-18
Saudi Arabia has firmly opposed the Iraq War, with Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal stating that a U.S. attack would be seen as aggression rather than…
Saudi Arabia to Trial 90 Individuals Suspected of Ties to Al-Qaeda - 2003-02-18
Saudi Arabia is set to trial 90 individuals suspected of having links to Al-Qaeda, with 250 more under investigation. This move follows ongoing scrutiny of…
Many Iraqi Experts Willing to Be Interviewed
UN weapons inspectors report that many Iraqi experts are willing to be interviewed but want their discussions recorded due to fears of misinterpretation. Inspectors reject…
Jose Maria Aznar Meets President Bush on Iraq Crisis at Bush's Ranch - 2003-02-16
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar is set to meet with President Bush to discuss the Iraq crisis. This meeting follows an upcoming EU leaders'…
Berlin Film Festival - February 16, 2003
The Berlin International Film Festival has announced its selections for its fifty-third edition, focusing on films that address historical and serious human issues. This year's…
Approximately 250,000 People Took to the Streets in Australia on the Second Day of Anti-War Protests
On February 16, 2003, around 250,000 people protested in Australia against a potential U.S.-led war in Iraq, part of a global wave of anti-war demonstrations.…
Pakistan's Military Aid to Afghanistan for Rebuilding Its National Army - 2003-02-16
Pakistan is providing substantial military aid to Afghanistan to help rebuild its national army, including weapons and training support. This shift follows Pakistan's previous support…
In Potential War Against Iraq, Millions of Iraqis Will Face Dire Situations - 2003-02-16
A Swiss official has warned that a potential war against Iraq could lead to dire humanitarian conditions for millions of Iraqis, especially if the UN's…
Extraordinary Arab Leaders Summit on Iraq Crisis in Cairo - 2003-02-16
Arab League foreign ministers are meeting in Cairo to discuss the Iraq crisis and plan an extraordinary summit for Arab leaders. The summit is likely…
Five Hundred Suspected Infiltrators Linked to Al-Qaeda Expelled from Iran - 2003-02-16
Iran has expelled over five hundred individuals suspected of having ties to Al-Qaeda, according to Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi. This move is part of Iran's…
Five Members of a Terrorist Network Arrested in Bahrain - 2003-02-15
Bahrain has arrested five men allegedly linked to a terrorist network, who were reportedly planning a terrorist act that threatened innocent lives. The arrests come…
North Korea Criticizes the International Atomic Energy Agency
North Korea has condemned the IAEA for seeking UN intervention in its nuclear crisis, calling its experts U.S. agents and claiming the agency has no…
Only Iraq's Full Cooperation with Weapons Inspectors Can Prevent Military Attack - 2003-02-14
The head of the IAEA, Mohamed ElBaradei, emphasizes that Iraq must fully cooperate with UN weapons inspectors to avoid military action. President Bush insists on…
International Atomic Energy Agency Decides to Refer North Korea's Nuclear Issue to the UN Security Council - 2003-02-13
The IAEA has decided to refer North Korea's nuclear activities to the UN Security Council due to violations of international nuclear safety regulations. Russia and…
Bin Laden Claims He Will Become a Martyr This Year - 2003-02-13
Osama bin Laden has reportedly stated in a new audio tape that he will become a martyr this year. The tape was received by the…
Increased Security Measures in New York and Washington - 2003-02-13
Following U.S. government warnings about a heightened risk of terrorist attacks, security measures have been intensified in New York and Washington. CIA Director George Tenet…
The Ivory Coast Agreement Has Intensified Disputes Among Contracting Parties
The power-sharing agreement in Ivory Coast, intended to end civil conflict, has led to increased tensions among involved parties. Key actors include President's advisor Toussaint…
Romania to Provide Military Forces and Bases to Coalition Forces in Case of Potential War
Romania's parliament has approved the deployment of military forces and bases to support coalition forces in a potential war against Iraq led by the U.S.…
German Government Rejects U.S. Claims of Link Between Baghdad Regime and Al-Qaeda - 2003-02-12
The German government has dismissed U.S. allegations of a connection between the Baghdad regime and Al-Qaeda, particularly in light of a new message purportedly from…
Continued Search by UN Weapons Experts in Northern Iraq - 2003-02-12
UN weapons experts are in northern Iraq to destroy mustard gas-filled artillery shells that the Iraqi government has failed to eliminate. British Prime Minister Tony…
Forty-Four More Japanese Added to List of Abductees by North Korea - 2003-02-11
A total of forty-four more Japanese nationals have been added to the list of those believed to have been abducted by North Korea for espionage…
North Korean Delegation Arrives in Seoul for Economic Cooperation Talks - 2003-02-11
A North Korean delegation led by Pak Chang Ryon has arrived in Seoul to discuss economic cooperation amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the nuclear…
Mohammad Khatami, President of Iran, announces discovery of uranium in central Iran - 2003-02-10
President Mohammad Khatami of Iran announced the discovery of uranium in central Iran and plans to build facilities for nuclear fuel production. This development has…
New Regulations for Aircraft Flights in Washington Established - 2003-02-09
New flight regulations have been implemented near Washington, D.C., in response to an elevated terrorist threat level. The Federal Aviation Administration aims to protect key…
Tomorrow, the issue of the civil war in Côte d'Ivoire will be addressed - 2003-02-09
A summit conference is scheduled for tomorrow to address the civil war in Côte d'Ivoire, involving West African leaders, the Ivorian government, and rebels. The…
UN Spokesperson: Afghanistan Police Academy to Recruit and Train More Women
The UN has announced that Afghanistan's police academy is starting to recruit and train more women, particularly those who were denied education under the Taliban.…
The Death Toll from the Colombia Bombing Has Reached 25 - 2003-02-08
A bombing at the El Nogal club in Bogotá has resulted in 25 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is seeking international…
Suspension of U.S. Interests Office Activities at the Polish Embassy in Baghdad - 2003-02-08
The U.S. has suspended its interests office activities at the Polish Embassy in Baghdad due to security concerns amid rising tensions. This move affects around…
Mr. Blix and Mr. ElBaradei Demand More Evidence Regarding Disarmament Process - 2003-02-08
Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are in Baghdad seeking more evidence on Iraq's disarmament efforts. They plan to report their findings to the UN Security…
The Head of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Believes the Time for Military Operations in Iraq is Near - 2003-02-08
John Shipman, the head of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, has stated that military operations in Iraq are imminent. This statement highlights the growing…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: 39th Global Security Policy Conference - 2003-02-08
The 39th Global Security Policy Conference has started in Munich, Germany, under tight security and amidst protests against the Iraq war. This event involves international…
Rescuers Search for Small Plane Carrying Colombian Cabinet Minister - 2003-02-07
A small plane carrying a Colombian cabinet minister and four other passengers has gone missing in the Andes. Rescuers are actively searching for the aircraft…
Americans Should Be Aware of the Increasing Danger of Terrorism - 2003-02-07
The U.S. government has issued a warning to its citizens about the rising threat of terrorism both domestically and internationally, highlighting the potential use of…
Three Tamil Rebels Detonate Themselves and Their Arms Boat
Three Tamil rebels committed suicide by detonating themselves and their arms boat after ceasefire observers discovered weapons. This act of desperation occurred just as peace…
On This Day, February 6: China's Official Calendar Changed to the Gregorian Calendar - 2003-02-07
On February 6, 1912, China officially adopted the Gregorian calendar. This change marked a significant shift in the country's timekeeping system. It reflects China's modernization…
Hans Blix: Baghdad Appears to Be Trying to Cooperate with Inspectors - 2003-02-07
Hans Blix reports that Iraq is seemingly trying to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors, although more evidence of cooperation is needed. This development comes as…
Disruption of Hajj Rituals Will Be Met with an Iron Fist
Saudi Arabia has heightened security for the Hajj pilgrimage due to fears of protests against a potential U.S. war in Iraq. Around two million Muslims…
Bulgarian Government Cooperation with the United States in Potential War Against Iraq - 2003-02-06
The Bulgarian government has agreed to allow U.S. military operations in its airspace for a potential conflict with Iraq, specifically for the purpose of addressing…
Fighting Continues in Afghanistan Near Kandahar - 2003-02-05
Fighting near Kandahar has resulted in the deaths of three Afghan soldiers and five suspected Taliban insurgents. The conflict is ongoing, following recent clashes involving…
Leader of Turkey's Ruling Party Says Not Participating in Potential War Against Baghdad Regime Led by the U.S. Could Be Detrimental to Turkey - 2003-02-04
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that Turkey's failure to engage in a potential U.S.-led war against Iraq could jeopardize its long-term interests and security. The Turkish…
North Korea's State Radio Accuses US Military Officials of Conspiring to Crush North Korea - 2003-02-04
North Korea's state radio accused US military officials of plotting against the country amid US plans to increase its military presence in the Pacific. The…
U.S. Secretary of State: We Will Present Documented Evidence of Iraq's Deception This Week - 2003-02-04
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced that he would present new evidence of Iraq's failure to disarm, including reconnaissance images and intercepted communications. Iraq…
The Security Council Will Hold a Special Meeting Next Week on North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program - 2003-02-04
The UN Security Council will convene next week to address the stalemate regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Mohamed ElBaradei from the IAEA will report…
Interview with Manijeh Hekmat, Iranian Filmmaker and Winner of Amnesty International Award
Manijeh Hekmat, an Iranian filmmaker, has received the Amnesty International Award for her feature film at the Rotterdam Festival. This recognition highlights the contributions of…
Leaders from Various Asian Countries Thank Columbia Astronauts for Their Sacrifice and Efforts in the Pursuit of Science - 2003-02-03
Leaders from Asian countries have expressed condolences and gratitude to the Columbia astronauts who died in the shuttle disaster, emphasizing the importance of their contributions…
On This Day, February 3, 2003: Establishment of the Provisional Government of the Confederate States in the South - 2003-02-03
On February 3, 1861, a committee in Alabama created the Provisional Government of the Confederate States during the American Civil War. This event marked a…
The Head of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Head of the UN Weapons Inspectors Will Visit Iraq - 2003-02-02
The heads of the IAEA and UN weapons inspectors are set to visit Iraq amid global pressure for disarmament. This visit aims to prevent war…
Journalists Held Hostage by Colombian Leftist Rebels Released - 2003-02-02
Two foreign journalists, Ruth Morris and Scott Dalton, were released by Colombian rebels after being held hostage for over a week. Their capture occurred while…
Russia to Reduce Work on Its Space Station Due to Suspension of U.S. Spacecraft Flights and Columbia Disaster - 2003-02-02
Following the Columbia disaster, Russia announced a significant reduction in work on the International Space Station due to the suspension of U.S. spacecraft flights. Russia…
Kalpana Chawla: One of the Two Female Crew Members of the Columbia Space Shuttle
Kalpana Chawla, a celebrated astronaut and one of the two female crew members of the Columbia shuttle, was honored in her hometown of Karnal, India,…
At least thirty people killed in explosion in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial center - 2003-02-02
An explosion in Lagos, Nigeria, has resulted in at least thirty fatalities, with reports suggesting the number could be as high as fifty. The incident…
Train Collision in Zimbabwe Leaves 40 Dead
A train collision in Zimbabwe resulted in 40 fatalities and numerous injuries when a passenger train hit a freight train carrying flammable materials. The incident…
On This Day, January 30: The First Social Security Check Was Paid in 1940
On January 30, 1940, the U.S. issued its first social security check to an American citizen, marking a significant milestone in social welfare legislation during…
Israeli Government States That People of Israel Pray for Columbia Space Shuttle Astronauts
The Israeli government expressed solidarity with the global community in praying for the astronauts of the Columbia space shuttle, which tragically disintegrated. Prime Minister Ariel…
Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate in Ivory Coast Against France - 2003-02-01
Hundreds of thousands protested in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, against a French-backed peace plan intended to end a civil war. They urged President Laurent Gbagbo not…