December 2003
Risk of Exhumation of Earthquake Victims in Bam by Opportunistic Individuals
The burial of over 30,000 victims of the Bam earthquake has raised concerns about the potential exhumation of bodies and theft of valuables by opportunistic…
Kiarostami to Make a Film About the Bam Earthquake
Abbas Kiarostami is in Bam to create a film about the recent earthquake, aiming to complete a trilogy on earthquake-related themes. This project follows his…
Leaders of East Asian Countries Emphasize Security and Economic Growth as They Welcome the New Year
Leaders of East Asian nations are prioritizing security and economic growth as they enter 2004. Key figures include Australian PM John Howard, Indonesian President Megawati…
The Venezuelan Government Plans to Send Two Million Dollars in Aid to Bam
The Venezuelan government is planning to send two million dollars in aid and emergency supplies to the city of Bam, which has been devastated by…
Nearly 11 Million Children Die Worldwide Each Year - 2003-12-31
UNICEF has reported that nearly 11 million children die each year before the age of five due to insufficient government attention and investment in children's…
Approval of Several Constitutional Amendments to Strengthen the Powers of Pervez Musharraf - 2003-12-30
The Pakistani Parliament has passed constitutional amendments that enhance President Pervez Musharraf's powers. The ruling party secured the votes after the opposition walked out, and…
Kuwait Revises School Textbook Content
Kuwait is revising its school textbooks to remove content that may promote religious extremism, emphasizing tolerance instead. This initiative, led by Education Minister Rashid Al-Hamad,…
Parliamentary Results in Serbia's Sunday Elections - 2003-12-29
In Serbia's recent elections, the Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Šešelj, won 27% of the votes but lacks sufficient support to…
Approval of Constitutional Amendments by the National Assembly of Pakistan - 2003-12-29
The National Assembly of Pakistan has approved amendments allowing President Pervez Musharraf to dismiss the government. The radical opposition abstained from voting following an agreement…
Daily Calendar, December 29: Strengthening the Democracy Arsenal - 2003-12-28
On December 29, 1940, the U.S. President urged Americans to bolster their military capabilities, termed the Democracy Arsenal. This call to action highlights the historical…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: European Cyclists Have Been Released - 2003-12-28
The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the release of European cyclists. This event highlights Iran's diplomatic actions regarding foreign nationals. It is significant as…
European Cyclists Kidnapped in Iran Earlier This Month Have Been Freed
Three European cyclists, two Germans and one Irishman, who were kidnapped in southeastern Iran earlier this month have been released. The Iranian government refused to…
The Moans and Cries of the Injured Trapped Under the Rubble, Saadi, Kerman - 2003-12-27
The article describes the desperate situation of the people in Bam, Iran, following a devastating earthquake, highlighting their cries for help and the inadequacy of…
5 to 6 Thousand People Killed in the Earthquake of the Historic City of Bam - 2003-12-26
A devastating earthquake struck the historic city of Bam, resulting in 5 to 6 thousand fatalities and 30,000 injuries. The disaster caused significant destruction, including…
Peace Negotiations Begin Between Sudanese Government and Rebels - 2003-12-26
The Sudanese government and rebels have resumed peace talks after a brief pause, aiming to resolve key issues including power sharing and oil wealth distribution.…
Israel to Renew Targeting and Killing of Suspected Palestinian Militants
In response to a suicide bombing near Tel Aviv, Israel plans to renew its operations targeting and killing suspected Palestinian militants, specifically focusing on the…
No Communication Signals Received from Europe's First Mars Spacecraft
European space officials have not received any communication from the 'Beagle-2' spacecraft, which was expected to land on Mars. They caution that this does not…
Report by Shahid: Signs of Possible Terrorist Operations in Western Capitals - 2003-12-25
European and American intelligence agencies have detected signs suggesting the potential for terrorist operations in Western capitals. The report emphasizes the seriousness of these indications…
Science and Society: The Disappearance of the Mars Lander - 2003-12-25
The Mars lander 'Beagle 2', launched by the UK with EU collaboration, failed to land on Mars as planned and has disappeared. This incident highlights…
Explosion at a Bus Station in the Suburbs of Tel Aviv - 2003-12-25
A Palestinian suicide bomber attacked a bus station near Tel Aviv, killing himself and three others, while Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed a militant leader…
President of Pakistan Survives Second Assassination Attempt
President Pervez Musharraf survived a second assassination attempt in two weeks, with 14 bystanders killed in the bombing. This attack follows his recent agreement to…
Four Thousand Iranian Families on the Brink of Death
Four thousand families in Masjed Soleiman are at risk due to gas leaks intensified by recent earthquakes. Local representative Omidvar Rezaei highlights the urgent need…
Most Norwegians Oppose Joining the European Union - 2003-12-23
A recent survey shows that a majority of Norwegians are against joining the European Union, with 44% opposing and 40% in favor. This reflects a…
Presidential Elections in Guinea - 2003-12-22
The presidential elections in Guinea took place despite an opposition boycott, with low voter turnout reported. Former Prime Minister Sidya Touré and other opposition leaders…
State of Emergency Security in Kuwait - 2003-12-21
Kuwait has implemented heightened security measures ahead of the 24th annual Gulf Cooperation Council conference. This is significant as it reflects the government's response to…
Voters in West African Country Participate in Presidential Elections
Voters in Guinea participated in presidential elections, with Lansana Conté expected to win amid opposition protests against a constitutional change allowing him to run for…
Science and Society: European Mars Lander on the Brink of Landing - 2003-12-21
The European Mars lander has successfully separated from its mother ship and is on course to land on Mars on December 25. Mansour Farasioon discusses…
Opposition Leader in Zimbabwe Calls for Encouragement of Robert Mugabe's Government to Negotiate - 2003-12-20
The opposition leader in Zimbabwe is urging increased pressure on Robert Mugabe's government to negotiate a political solution to ongoing disputes. This call comes during…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Increased Control of Air Passengers - 2003-12-19
Nasrin Mahdavi reports on a new agreement between the EU and the US focused on enhancing air passenger security and fighting international terrorism. This collaboration…
India Successfully Tests Surface-to-Air Missile
India has successfully tested the Trishul surface-to-air missile, hitting a moving target during the launch. This development is significant as it showcases India's growing defense…
Pope John Paul II Called for Renewed Respect for International Laws and Human Rights - 2003-12-17
Pope John Paul II emphasized the need for renewed respect for international laws and human rights in his World Peace Day message. He criticized the…
Report: U.S. Special Envoy's Consultations in Europe for Iraq Debt Forgiveness - 2003-12-16
The U.S. special envoy is traveling to Europe to discuss the possibility of forgiving Iraq's debts. This initiative is part of broader efforts following the…
Iran Calls for Saddam Hussein to be Tried in an International Court - 2003-12-15
Iran has called for Saddam Hussein to be tried in an international court for war crimes committed during the Iran-Iraq War. The Iranian government emphasizes…
Efforts to Approve the European Union Constitution Have Reached a Deadlock - 2003-12-13
European Union leaders have failed to resolve disagreements over voting rights, leading to a deadlock in the approval of the EU constitution. Silvio Berlusconi, the…
Optimism Expressed Regarding Improvement of Peace Conditions in the Region - 2003-12-13
The UN Middle East representative expressed optimism about peace prospects due to reduced military operations and Palestinian attacks. US Secretary of State Colin Powell met…
Report by Mohammad Reza Shah on the Drafting of a Constitution for the European Union - 2003-12-13
The article discusses a report by Mohammad Reza Shah regarding the drafting of a constitution for the European Union, which aims to unify twenty-five European…
European Commission President Criticizes U.S. Actions
European Commission President Romano Prodi criticized the U.S. for excluding countries opposed to the Iraq war from reconstruction contracts. British Prime Minister Tony Blair supported…
220 Million Dollar Loan for Pakistan - 2003-12-12
The Asian Development Bank has approved a 220 million dollar loan for Pakistan to fund development projects in Sindh province, focusing on education and health…
Human Trafficking and Sexual Slavery on the Rise in Southeast Asia
A recent report highlights the increasing rates of human trafficking and sexual slavery in Southeast Asia, with authorities struggling to respond effectively. The report, produced…
Knowledge and Society: Europeans Protest Against Noise Pollution - 2003-12-11
European Union member countries are uniting against noise pollution in their crowded cities, implementing a long-term program to address the issue. This initiative highlights the…
Under the Microscope: Shirin Ebadi Receives the Nobel Peace Prize - 2003-12-10
Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian human rights lawyer, received the Nobel Peace Prize, which has sparked discussions on Iranian politics, including criticisms from Behzad Nabavi towards…
Criticism from French, German, and Russian Officials on the U.S. Defense Department's Decision - 2003-12-10
French, German, and Russian officials have criticized the U.S. Defense Department's decision to exclude companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from reconstruction contracts.…
Meeting of German and Russian Foreign Ministers - 2003-12-10
The German Foreign Minister urged Russia to address international concerns about media access for political parties ahead of parliamentary elections. This meeting between Joschka Fischer…
Cyber Oscars Awards for ICT Activists
The inaugural Cyber Oscars will be awarded to 23 global winners for their innovative use of ICTs to address community issues during the WSIS in…
Double Life Sentences Requested for Leader of 17 November Terrorist Group
A Greek prosecutor has requested double life sentences for Alexandros Giotopoulos, leader of the 17 November terrorist group, for his role in numerous high-profile killings.…
FIFA Rejects Olympique Marseille's Request
FIFA has rejected Olympique Marseille's request to sign goalkeeper Fabian Barthez from Manchester United. Barthez, currently the third-choice goalkeeper at United, hoped to revitalize his…
Colin Powell Optimistic About Peace Between Sudan Government and Rebels - 2003-12-09
Colin Powell is optimistic about a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and rebels, expecting it to be finalized by the end of the month.…
Members of the Mojahedin Organization Will Be Expelled from Iraq by the End of This Month - 2003-12-09
The Iraqi Governing Council has unanimously decided to expel members of the People's Mujahedin Organization from Iraq by the end of the month, aiming to…
The European Union Will Send Its Foreign Policy Chief to Iran Next Month - 2003-12-09
The EU plans to send its foreign policy chief to Iran next month to renew negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and a trade agreement. The…
Failure of EU Foreign Ministers to Draft Constitution
EU foreign ministers failed to make progress on a draft constitution before an upcoming summit, with key issues including voting reform and the power of…
NATO Will Not Expand Its Role in Iraq - 2003-12-09
NATO Secretary General George Robertson announced that NATO will not expand its role in Iraq as it focuses on Afghanistan. He indicated that a larger…
Germany and Italy: We Will Not Abandon Our Efforts to Join the European Union Voting System
Germany and Italy reaffirmed their commitment to rejoin the EU voting system during a meeting between Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The…
Zimbabwe Withdraws Membership from the Commonwealth - 2003-12-08
Zimbabwe has officially withdrawn from the Commonwealth, a move made by President Mugabe after the renewal of its suspension due to a lack of democratic…
Conviction of Leader of the Marxist Terrorist Group November 17
A Greek court has convicted Alexandros Giotopoulos, the leader of the Marxist terrorist group November 17, for his involvement in a long series of murders.…
Dialogue to End Two Decades of Civil War in Sudan - 2003-12-06
The Vice President of Sudan and the leader of the main rebel group are in talks in Kenya to end a long-standing civil war. They…
Meeting of 10 European and African Countries Against Terrorism - 2003-12-06
Leaders from 10 European and North African countries met in Tunisia to strengthen collaboration against terrorism. They committed to combating extremist fundamentalism and addressing issues…
Conference on Social Issues of Iranian Women - 2003-12-05
A conference addressing the social issues faced by Iranian women took place at Johns Hopkins University, featuring insights from Dr. Mahnaz Afkhami and Dr. Tavakoli.…
Thousands of Sudanese Welcome a Rebel Delegation in Khartoum
Thousands of Sudanese welcomed a rebel delegation in Khartoum, marking a significant moment in peace efforts after two decades of civil war. The visit aims…
President Bush Cancels Controversial Tariffs on Steel Imports - 2003-12-04
President Bush has announced the cancellation of tariffs on steel imports that were imposed in 2002. This decision aims to prevent a trade war with…
U.S. Defense Secretary: The United States Intends to Strengthen Relations with Azerbaijan - 2003-12-04
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced plans to strengthen U.S.-Azerbaijan relations during his visit to Baku. This includes military and economic cooperation, despite concerns over…
Pope's Message to Iraqi Bishops - 2003-12-04
Pope John Paul II called on Iraqi bishops to help their country find peace and stability. He emphasized the need for unity among believers to…
Latvian Parliament Extends Peacekeepers' Mission in Iraq
The Latvian Parliament has voted to extend the deployment of its peacekeepers in Iraq until October 2004, with 113 soldiers currently serving. This decision reflects…
Letters of a Dead Man
The article discusses the film 'Letters of a Dead Man,' directed by Konstantin Lopushansky, which portrays the aftermath of a catastrophic nuclear war that has…
FIFA President: Premier Leagues Should Comprise 16 to 18 Teams
Sepp Blatter announced that national leagues should consist of 16 to 18 teams and plans to limit annual club matches to 45. He rejected financial…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Colin Powell's Arrival in the Netherlands - 2003-12-02
Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, arrived in the Netherlands to attend the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This event marks a…
Signing of Draft Energy Cooperation Agreement Between Israel and Palestinians - 2003-12-02
Israel and the Palestinians have signed a draft agreement to connect their electricity networks, facilitated by the European Union. This agreement includes plans for a…
Oxford Research Organization: 90% of Iraqis Want a Democratic Government - 2003-12-02
A recent study by the Oxford International Research Organization reveals that 90% of Iraqis support a democratic government, despite concerns about democracy's effectiveness. The study…
Indonesia to Send Representative to North Korea Next Week
Indonesia is sending a diplomat to North Korea to address the nuclear weapons program deadlock. Nana Sutresna aims to meet Kim Jong Il and promote…
Daily Calendar, December 1: OPEC Oil Reduction and Gas Lines in America - 2003-12-01
On December 1, 1973, OPEC announced a reduction in oil production, which resulted in decreased oil imports to the U.S. This event is significant as…