February 2004
A Soldier from Coalition Forces in Iraq Killed - 2004-02-29
An Estonian soldier serving with coalition forces in Iraq was killed while investigating an IED. This incident marks the first casualty of Estonian troops in…
The National Budget Law Approved
The Iranian parliament approved the national budget for 1383 (2004) at over 100 billion tomans, focusing on increased borrowing, foreign trade liberalization, and healthcare expansion.…
Donor Conference in Abu Dhabi and Discussion on Iraq's Debt Reduction - 2004-02-28
At the donor conference in Abu Dhabi, Iraq's Minister of Planning announced that donor countries agreed to a 60% reduction of Iraq's $120 billion debt…
Debate Over a Temporary Constitution in Iraq - 2004-02-28
Iraqis are in a deadlock over a temporary constitution that was due for completion, with key issues such as the role of Islam, women's rights,…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Melissa Fleming's Interview with the Heit Journal - 2004-02-28
Nasrin Mahdavi reports on an interview conducted by Melissa Fleming of the IAEA with the Heit Journal, which was covered in the German press. The…
UN Spokesperson: Installation of Listening Devices Constitutes Violation of 3 International Treaties
The UN spokesperson condemned the alleged installation of listening devices by British intelligence in the UN Secretary-General's office, calling for an immediate halt to such…
Colin Powell: The Completion Stage of Iraq's Temporary Constitution is Very Close - 2004-02-27
Colin Powell announced that the U.S.-led coalition and the Iraqi Transitional Governing Council are nearing completion of Iraq's temporary constitution. The completion deadline is set…
Colin Powell Questions the Continuation of Haiti's President
Colin Powell has raised doubts about Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ability to lead effectively amid ongoing crises. Aristide insists he will not resign and plans…
The Wreckage of the President of Macedonia's Plane Found in Southern Bosnia - 2004-02-27
The wreckage of President Boris Trajkovski's plane was discovered in southern Bosnia, resulting in the deaths of the President, six officials, and two pilots. Trajkovski,…
New Regulations for American Travelers to Cuba - 2004-02-27
President Bush has implemented stricter regulations for American travelers to Cuba, allowing the Department of Homeland Security to block unauthorized vessels. This move is aimed…
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…
Drafting of Iraq's Temporary Constitution Will Not Be Completed by Saturday Deadline
The Iraqi Governing Council is struggling to finalize the temporary constitution by the upcoming Saturday deadline due to unresolved disagreements on key issues such as…
Possibility of Alcohol Testing for Spectators at Euro 2004 Matches
The Portuguese government has proposed a bill allowing alcohol and drug testing for spectators at Euro 2004 matches to prevent misbehavior. General Lionel Carvalho emphasized…
The Security Council Holds a Meeting to Address the Situation in Haiti - 2004-02-26
The UN Security Council is convening to discuss the worsening situation in Haiti, where rebel groups have gained control over the north and are demanding…
President of Macedonia Killed in Plane Crash
The President of Macedonia, Boris Trajkovski, died in a plane crash in Bosnia while heading to an investment conference. His presidency was marked by efforts…
Five Afghan Aid Workers Killed in Ambush in Eastern Kabul
Five Afghan aid workers were killed in an ambush in eastern Kabul while working on government reconstruction projects. The attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced…
Under the Microscope: U.S. State Department Reports on Human Rights Situation in Iran - 2004-02-26
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses U.S. State Department reports on human rights in Iran, the U.S. representative's report to the IAEA, and concerns from Iranian…
Under the Microscope: Promises of Some Officials of the Iranian Regime - 2004-02-25
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the promises of Iranian officials to adopt successful economic models from Japan and China, alongside previous threats from Khatami's administration…
Calendar Day, February 24: Registration of the First Invention in America - 2004-02-25
On February 24, 1790, the U.S. federal government registered the first invention by an American. This event marks a significant milestone in American innovation and…
Death Toll in China Mine Explosion Rises to 32
A mine explosion in Heilongjiang, China, has resulted in 32 fatalities, with rescuers still searching for 5 missing miners. The mine owners ignored a closure…
Continued U.S. Efforts Regarding International Peace Plan in Haiti - 2004-02-25
U.S. officials are working to secure opposition approval for a peace plan that would allow President Aristide to remain in power with limited authority. Opposition…
Gerhard Schröder: Germany is Ready to Collaborate with the U.S. to Stabilize Iraq
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced Germany's readiness to work with the U.S. to stabilize Iraq through non-military means, including debt forgiveness and police training. This…
Shirin Ebadi: The Gap Between the Tehran Government and the People of Iran is Widening
Shirin Ebadi highlights the increasing disconnect between the Iranian government and its citizens due to low voter turnout in parliamentary elections. Despite this, she advocates…
Under the Microscope: Bush's Remarks Condemning the Regime's Behavior in the Elections - 2004-02-25
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the Iranian government's attempts to exaggerate voter turnout and President Bush's condemnation of the regime's actions during the elections. The…
Palestinian and Israeli Protesters Flood the Streets of The Hague and Palestinian Cities - 2004-02-24
Protests erupted in The Hague and Palestinian cities as the International Court of Justice began hearings on the legality of Israel's wall in the West…
Haitian Opposition Requests 24-Hour Extension
Haitian opposition leaders have requested a 24-hour extension to consider an international peace plan amid ongoing political unrest. The U.S. and allies have agreed to…
ElBaradei: Libya Seeks Permission to Retain Part of Its Nuclear Equipment - 2004-02-24
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, announced that Libya has requested to retain part of its nuclear equipment for civilian purposes during his visit. This…
The Hague Court to Investigate Mass Killing of Ugandans by Rebels
The Hague Court will investigate the mass killing of over 200 Ugandans by the Lord's Resistance Army in a refugee camp. This incident follows claims…
Rejection of Human Rights Advocates' Request to Attend Terrorists' Trial in Guantanamo - 2004-02-24
Human rights organizations have had their request to attend the trials of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay denied by the U.S. Department of Defense. This…
Discussion on the Timing of Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-24
The Iraqi Governing Council is discussing the timing of elections following a UN report suggesting they could occur late this year or early 2005. Security…
Israeli Bulldozers Flatten Palestinian Lands
Israeli bulldozers have begun flattening Palestinian lands for a security wall despite ongoing legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice. Palestinian villagers attempted to…
Payam Fazli Nejad Arrested - 2004-02-24
Payam Fazli Nejad, an Iranian writer and journalist, was arrested again after revealing details about the parallel intelligence operations in Iran. He had previously been…
Life and Progress in America: The 100th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss - 2004-02-22
The article announces the upcoming 100th anniversary of Dr. Seuss, a beloved American author, and mentions that the U.S. government will issue a commemorative stamp…
At least eight killed and over 60 injured in suicide bombing in Jerusalem - 2004-02-22
A suicide bombing in Jerusalem killed at least eight and injured over 60, with the attack claimed by the 'Brigade of the Martyrs of Al-Aqsa.'…
Islamic Republic: We Purchased Necessary Parts for Nuclear Program from South Asian Brokers - 2004-02-22
Iran admitted to sourcing some components for its nuclear program from South Asian brokers but did not confirm any links to a Pakistani nuclear transfer…
Reactions to the Results of Iran's Elections in French Media and Protests Outside the Iranian Embassy in Paris: Mohammad Reza Shahid - 2004-02-21
The article discusses the reactions of French media to the results of Iran's elections and highlights protests by the Association for the Defense of Political…
Iranian Elections in the Media of the Political Capital of the United States - 2004-02-21
The article discusses the coverage of Iranian elections in U.S. media, emphasizing the attention these elections receive from international observers. This is significant as it…
Israel to Demolish Part of Security Wall in Coming Days - 2004-02-21
Israel plans to demolish a section of the security wall in the West Bank ahead of a court hearing regarding its legality. Israeli officials justify…
Extraordinary Security Measures in Japan - 2004-02-21
Japan has heightened security measures at sensitive locations to prevent potential terrorist attacks following two explosions near its defense agency. An unnamed official indicated this…
International Committee of the Red Cross Visits Saddam Hussein, Former President of Iraq - 2004-02-21
The International Committee of the Red Cross visited Saddam Hussein in U.S. custody for the first time since his capture. The visit included an examination…
140 Japanese Ground Troops Depart for Iraq
140 Japanese soldiers have been deployed to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, joining existing troops in Samawah. This deployment comes amid increased security measures in…
Iraq's Shiite Leader Will Agree to Delay Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani is willing to accept a delay in Iraq's elections if the interim government's power is limited. This comes after Kofi Annan…
South Korean Government's Readiness to Offer Concessions to North Korea - 2004-02-20
The South Korean government is ready to offer concessions to North Korea if it agrees to stop its nuclear weapons program. This proposal will be…
Iraq’s Progress toward Democracy
Iraq is making strides toward democracy following the fall of Saddam Hussein, with local elections taking place in Dhi Qar province. The U.S. and its…
Ten Iraqis Killed and Dozens Injured in Two Suicide Attacks South of Baghdad - 2004-02-19
Two suicide attacks near a Polish military base in southern Baghdad resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Iraqis and injuries to dozens, including…
Increase in Casualties from Freight Train Incident in Khorasan Province - 2004-02-19
A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed and exploded in Khorasan Province, resulting in at least 182 deaths, primarily among emergency responders. The incident was…
Please Do Not Forget to Support the People of Iran - 2004-02-19
An Iranian citizen expresses the urgent need for U.S. support for the Iranian people against their oppressive government. They emphasize the widespread discontent with the…
The U.S. Remains Determined to Transfer Power in Iraq by the Scheduled Date - 2004-02-18
The U.S. is committed to transferring power in Iraq by June 30, despite challenges from the Iraqi Governing Council regarding the selection process for a…
Pakistan Will Not Allow International Inspectors to Inspect Its Nuclear Weapons - 2004-02-18
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf announced that the country will not permit international inspections of its nuclear arsenal, asserting that Pakistan has nothing to hide. This…
British Embassy in Syria Closed
The British Embassy in Syria has been closed since February 10 due to security concerns. This closure coincides with warnings from the British government about…
Announcement of Ceasefire by Basque Separatist Group - 2004-02-18
The Basque separatist group ETA has declared a ceasefire in Catalonia, prompting a swift rejection from the Spanish government, which views it as a threat…
Israel's Security Barrier Violates International Law - 2004-02-18
The International Committee of the Red Cross has declared that Israel's security barrier in the West Bank violates international law, impacting Palestinian access to essential…
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…
Start of Dialogue Between Sudanese Government and Rebels - 2004-02-17
The Sudanese government and the main rebel group are beginning talks in Kenya to end a 21-year civil war. Key figures involved are Vice President…
Debate Over the Formation of a Temporary Government in Iraq - 2004-02-17
Members of the Iraqi Governing Council have withdrawn support for a U.S.-backed plan to form a temporary government through regional meetings, citing controversy. Some propose…
Resumption of Peace Talks Between the Sudanese Government and Rebel Groups - 2004-02-17
The Sudanese government and the main rebel group have resumed peace negotiations focusing on disputed regions and power sharing. The talks are led by Vice…
Witness Report: Should Iran's Parliamentary Elections Be Approved or Not?
The article raises the question of whether Iran's upcoming parliamentary elections should be approved. It highlights media coverage in France regarding the elections scheduled for…
Anti-Government Protests in Haiti - 2004-02-15
Opponents of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide are set to hold anti-government protests in Haiti, despite government forces blocking their planned route. The opposition demands Aristide's resignation,…
Meeting of Indian and Pakistani Officials to Resolve Kashmir Issue - 2004-02-15
Indian and Pakistani officials are meeting to discuss the Kashmir issue, aiming to set the stage for a future meeting between their foreign ministers. This…
Philippine Government and Communist Rebels Investigate Human Rights Violations - 2004-02-14
The Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed to investigate human rights violations and formed a joint committee after negotiations in Oslo. The government will…
At least 21 killed in insurgent attack on Fallujah
Insurgents launched an attack on a police station and a government building in Fallujah, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including police and civilians. The…
Report on the Majlis Elections in Iran - 2004-02-14
The article discusses the Majlis elections in Iran, highlighting the coverage by a Voice of America reporter. This event is significant as it reflects the…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: Germany's 2 Million Euro Aid to Bam Earthquake Victims - 2004-02-13
The German government plans to donate an additional 2 million euros to the victims of the Bam earthquake. This aid is part of ongoing international…
Donald Rumsfeld: The U.S. Has the Right to Detain Suspected Terrorists Without Trial
Donald Rumsfeld asserted the U.S. right to detain suspected terrorists without trial, suggesting indefinite imprisonment. He announced a commission to review Guantanamo detainees' cases, amid…
USA: Everyone Can Participate in Non-Construction Bids in Iraq
The U.S. has announced that all nations can bid on $6 billion worth of non-construction contracts in Iraq, with a notable exception for a $330…
Leader of the United Arab Emirates Abolishes Travel Visa Regulations
The leader of the UAE has abolished travel visa regulations for foreign workers, a decision made shortly after a tragic plane crash that killed 43…
Israeli Government Decides to Boycott Sessions on Security Barrier Construction - 2004-02-12
The Israeli government has chosen to boycott the International Court of Justice sessions regarding the legality of its security barrier in the West Bank, claiming…
Findings of United Nations Weapons Inspectors in Iran - 2004-02-12
United Nations weapons inspectors discovered blueprints in Iran that could be used to create materials for an atomic bomb, which Iran did not disclose during…
British Airways Cancels Flights to the USA and Saudi Arabia
British Airways has canceled flights to the USA and Saudi Arabia due to security concerns following a government recommendation. This decision impacts travelers between London…
Amnesty International's Request for Turkey to Implement Democratic Reforms - 2004-02-12
Amnesty International urged Turkey to implement democratic reforms after a meeting between Irene Khan and Prime Minister Erdoğan. While acknowledging some progress in human rights,…
France Aims to Strengthen Its Military Role in Afghanistan - 2004-02-12
France plans to enhance its military presence in Afghanistan and increase financial support following discussions between Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin and Afghan leader Hamid…
Report Shahid: Interview with Prince Reza Pahlavi - 2004-02-11
Prince Reza Pahlavi held a press conference in Paris, where he discussed various issues. A Voice of America correspondent conducted an interview with him afterward.…
Germany to Host an International Conference on Afghanistan
Germany will host an international conference on Afghanistan from March 31, focusing on financial support and political future. Hamid Karzai's government is seeking $30 billion…
Iraq's Interim Government Accepted as Observer in World Trade Organization
Iraq's interim government has been accepted as an observer in the World Trade Organization, marking a significant step towards full membership. This status allows Iraq…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Conference on the Status of the Mojahedin in Iraq - 2004-02-10
A conference in Berlin discussed the situation of Mojahedin-e Khalq members in Iraq, featuring insights from international lawyers and an independent journalist. This event highlights…
Iranian Passenger Plane Crash in the United Arab Emirates - 2004-02-10
An Iranian passenger plane crashed in the UAE, resulting in the deaths of 43 people. This tragic event highlights ongoing concerns about aviation safety in…
Bomb Explosion in Iraq Kills One American Soldier - 2004-02-09
A bomb explosion in Iraq killed an American soldier, while U.S. forces responded to an attack in a Sunni area, resulting in one death and…
UN Delegation Consults with Iraqi Politicians - 2004-02-09
A UN delegation is in Iraq discussing the possibility of early nationwide elections with local politicians, including the Iraqi Governing Council. Shia leaders are pushing…
An Egyptian Man Stabbed Two Foreign Tourists in Cairo
An Egyptian man stabbed two foreign tourists in Cairo, citing anger over Middle Eastern events as his motivation. The victims, an Australian man and a…
Deployment of Japan's First Ground Troops to a War Zone Since World War II - 2004-02-09
The Japanese parliament has approved the deployment of ground troops to Iraq, marking the first such action since World War II. This decision faced significant…
Hamid Karzai's Appeal to the International Community to Combat Drug Trafficking - 2004-02-09
Hamid Karzai has urged the international community to help Afghanistan combat drug trafficking, which he claims is detrimental to the nation's economy and security. This…
Trial of 5 Suspected Members of a Greek Terrorist Group Begins in Athens
The trial of five suspected members of a Greek terrorist group has commenced in Athens, with one defendant confessing to membership. The group is linked…
Issues with Broadcasting Voice of America Programs on the Persian Section Website - 2004-02-08
Voice of America has acknowledged issues with the repetitiveness and outdated content of its programs on the Persian section website. The organization is working to…
UN Political Experts Meet with Iraqi Governing Council - 2004-02-08
UN political experts convened with the Iraqi Governing Council to discuss the possibility of early elections at the request of Shia leaders. This meeting is…
Sri Lankan President Dissolves Parliament and Calls for New Elections - 2004-02-08
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has dissolved parliament and called for new elections, accusing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of being too lenient towards Tamil Tiger…
Israeli Warplanes Break Sound Barrier Over Lebanon - 2004-02-08
Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over Lebanon and were targeted by Hezbollah's anti-aircraft fire. This incident marks the first such occurrence since a recent…
Dubai Report on Parliamentary Elections in Iran - 2004-02-07
The Voice of America reports on the ongoing crisis surrounding the parliamentary elections in Iran, highlighting the latest updates. This situation involves the Iranian government…
Surgery to Remove Second Head of a Girl from the Dominican Republic - 2004-02-07
An international medical team is performing a complex surgery to remove the second head of Rebeca Martinez, a girl from the Dominican Republic, which is…
Meeting of Finance Ministers from Seven Major Industrial Countries in Florida - 2004-02-07
Finance ministers and central bank heads from the G7 are meeting in Florida to address the declining value of the dollar and related economic issues.…
Iraqi Wrestlers' Training Camp in the USA - 2004-02-06
The U.S. plans to train Iraqi wrestlers ahead of the Athens Olympics, with support from the IOC. This initiative is significant as it could allow…
Initiation of the Process of Disposing of Libya's Chemical Weapons Stockpile - 2004-02-06
The U.S. and U.K. officials met with Libyan representatives to enhance political relations, following Gaddafi's decision to end his WMD program, which may lead to…
Kamal Kharrazi's Request to the German Government for the Search of Missing Islamic Republic Diplomats in Lebanon - 2004-02-06
Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's Foreign Minister, has asked Germany to help find missing Iranian diplomats in Lebanon. This situation reflects ongoing regional tensions and Iran's focus…
Approximately 500 Canadian Soldiers Will Remain in Kabul - 2004-02-05
Canadian officials announced that around 500 soldiers will stay in Kabul following the withdrawal of a larger military unit. The exact roles of these soldiers…
ElBaradei: Abdul Qadeer Khan is Just a Small Part of the Nuclear Black Market
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, emphasized that Abdul Qadeer Khan is only a small part of the global nuclear black market. He raised concerns…
USA: The Pakistani Government Assured That It Has Not Been Involved in the Proliferation of Nuclear Technology - 2004-02-04
The U.S. government received assurances from Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf that his administration was not involved in the proliferation of nuclear technology. This follows reports…
Moscow: Russian Officials Did Not Accept Bribes from Saddam Hussein's Regime - 2004-02-04
The Russian Foreign Ministry has denied allegations that its officials accepted bribes from Saddam Hussein's regime, asserting that all oil exports were part of the…
US Welcomes Pakistan's Investigation into Illegal Nuclear Technology Transfer
The US has expressed support for Pakistan's investigation into Abdul Qadeer Khan's illegal transfer of nuclear technology to Iran, Libya, and North Korea. Khan's admissions…
Iran's Political and Electoral Crisis from the Perspective of Egyptian Newspapers - 2004-02-03
The article discusses the political and electoral crisis in Iran as viewed by Egyptian newspapers, highlighting the regional perspective on Iran's internal issues. This matters…
Deployment of Japanese Soldiers for Humanitarian Mission in Iraq - 2004-02-03
Japan has deployed approximately 80 soldiers to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, marking the first such deployment since World War II. Despite public opposition, the…
Bomb Explosion Near a Commercial Center in Southern Russia - 2004-02-03
A bomb exploded near a commercial center in Vladikavkaz, southern Russia, resulting in at least one death and several injuries, including military personnel. This incident…
Searching for the Missing American Pilot
Captain Michael Scott Spicher, a U.S. Navy pilot, was shot down during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and his fate remains unknown. The U.S. government…
Statements from a Friend of the Founder of Pakistan's Nuclear Program on the Transfer of Nuclear Technology - 2004-02-03
A friend of Abdul Qadeer Khan claims that senior Pakistani military officials, including President Musharraf, were aware of the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran,…
Reflection of Iran's Parliamentary Crisis in Egyptian Press - 2004-02-02
The article discusses how the ongoing parliamentary crisis in Iran is being reported and analyzed by the Egyptian media. This situation involves the Iranian government…
Ariel Sharon: Eventually No Jews Will Live in the Gaza Strip - 2004-02-02
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon plans to evacuate all Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, asserting that no Jews will eventually reside there. This move…
Norwegian Court Orders Founder of Ansar al-Islam Group to Remain in Custody
A Norwegian court has decided to keep Mullah Krekar, the founder of the Ansar al-Islam group, in custody for four more weeks while evidence is…
Trial of 4 Men Accused of Bombing Israeli Hotel in Kenya Begins
The trial of four men accused of a 2002 bombing at an Israeli hotel in Kenya has resumed after a brief delay due to juror…
Over 750 People Injured in Turkey During Eid al-Adha Celebrations
During Eid al-Adha celebrations in Turkey, over 750 people were injured while performing animal sacrifices. The Turkish government has recommended that butchers handle the sacrifices…