February 2004
Formation of a Permanent Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Africa - 2004-02-28
African Union leaders approved the creation of a multinational peacekeeping force to address internal conflicts in Africa, with plans for establishment next year, though it…
Greek and Turkish Leaders of Cyprus Achieve No Significant Progress in Negotiations
The Greek and Turkish leaders of Cyprus concluded a week of negotiations without any significant advancements towards resolving the island's unity issues. Alvaro De Soto…
European Union Allocates Over $300 Million to Strengthen Peacekeeping Programs in Africa - 2004-02-27
The European Union has committed over $300 million to support peacekeeping initiatives in Africa, as announced by Romano Prodi during a summit in Libya. This…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Comments by the European Union's Foreign Affairs Commissioner on Relations with Iran - 2004-02-27
The European Union's Foreign Affairs Commissioner discussed the EU's relationship with Iran after meeting with Iranian human rights activist Shirin Ebadi. This dialogue highlights the…
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…
Cyprus President Criticizes Proposed Amendments to Peace Plan
The President of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, has criticized amendments proposed by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to a peace plan, warning that they could obstruct…
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…
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…
President Bush's Discontent with the Conduct of Parliamentary Elections in Iran - 2004-02-24
President Bush criticized the Iranian parliamentary elections for the disqualification of thousands of candidates, which he claims undermines free choice for the Iranian people. He…
The US and Europe Criticize Iran's Election Process - 2004-02-24
The US and EU criticized Iran's recent parliamentary elections due to the exclusion of reformist candidates, which allowed conservatives to dominate. Richard Boucher from the…
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…
Participation of Iraqi Athletes in the Athens Olympics
Iraqi athletes are set to participate in the Athens Olympics despite the Iraqi National Olympic Committee being suspended. The event will feature 13 to 19…
The Largest Northern City of Haiti Falls to Armed Rebels - 2004-02-23
Armed rebels have seized control of Cap-Haïtien, the largest city in northern Haiti, after capturing the airport, resulting in at least two deaths. The extent…
Reza Pahlavi's Statement on the People's Victory in Boycotting Elections - 2004-02-21
Reza Pahlavi issued a statement celebrating the success of the people's boycott of the elections, asserting it as a significant step towards democratic change in…
FIFA Announces World Club Championship Schedule
FIFA has unveiled the schedule for the World Club Championship set for 2005, featuring 6 teams from different continents. The tournament aims to replace the…
Second Day of Talks Between Greek and Turkish Cypriot Leaders - 2004-02-20
The Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders held their second day of talks in Nicosia without significant progress on the island's division. Tassos Papadopoulos and Rauf…
Turkish Court Refuses to Release 4 Former Legislators
A Turkish court denied the release of four former legislators linked to separatist rebels for the eleventh time. They were originally sentenced in 1994, and…
Greek and Turkish Cypriot Leaders Conclude First Round of Negotiations
The Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have finished their initial negotiations aimed at resolving the division of Cyprus before it joins the EU. The talks…
Death Toll from Iran Freight Train Accident Continues to Rise
A freight train explosion in Iran has resulted in at least 320 deaths and over 460 injuries, with the toll expected to rise as more…
Interview with Dr. Darvishpour Regarding Activities Against Elections - 2004-02-18
Ibrahim Biparva interviews Dr. Darvishpour about the Solidarity Movement's opposition to the seventh Majlis elections in Iran. This movement seeks to challenge the legitimacy of…
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…
UN Envoy: Unity and Reunification of Cyprus is Imminent - 2004-02-18
The UN envoy believes that an agreement for the reunification of Cyprus between Greek and Turkish leaders is imminent. Alvaro de Soto is set to…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: European Police Conference on Combating International Terrorism - 2004-02-17
A two-day conference focused on international terrorism was conducted by European police in Bonn, Germany. The event involved various law enforcement agencies from Europe. This…
A Letter from a Basij Member in Iran: Utilizing Basij Resources in Elections, Isfahan - 2004-02-17
Basij forces in Isfahan are using state resources to promote right-wing candidates in the upcoming elections, despite legal prohibitions against such actions. This raises concerns…
USA: Venezuelan Election Officials Should Support the Referendum
The U.S. is pressing Venezuelan officials to support a referendum against President Hugo Chavez, citing significant public demand with 4 million signatures gathered. This situation…
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…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: The German Aid Convoy Heads Towards Bam - 2004-02-16
A significant aid convoy from Germany is on its way to Bam, Iran, to assist the earthquake victims. This initiative reflects international solidarity and humanitarian…
An Iraqi Child Killed in Bomb Explosion Outside School in Baghdad - 2004-02-16
An Iraqi child was killed by a grenade explosion while playing outside a school in Baghdad. Two American soldiers also died from roadside bombs in…
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,…
Dialogue Between Greek and Turkish Cypriot Leaders in New York - 2004-02-14
Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders have committed to discussions on reunification before Cyprus joins the EU. The talks, facilitated by Kofi Annan, aim to resolve…
Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in the Quarterfinals of the Siebel Open - 2004-02-13
Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi both advanced to the quarterfinals of the Siebel Open tennis tournament in California. Agassi defeated Wesley Moodie, while Roddick overcame…
Opposition Forces Cancel Protest March in Haiti - 2004-02-12
Opposition forces in Haiti canceled a protest march due to road blockades by supporters of President Aristide. This decision came after violent clashes resulted in…
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…
Mohammad Khatami's Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami emphasized his commitment to political reforms during the 25th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, warning conservatives against ignoring the demands of…
A 5 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Parts of the Middle East - 2004-02-11
A 5 magnitude earthquake struck the Middle East, particularly affecting Israel, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. While it caused panic and minor damage, there were…
Negotiations Begin to Resolve 30-Year Dispute Over Cyprus Division in New York - 2004-02-11
Negotiations have begun in New York to resolve a long-standing dispute over Cyprus between Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders. The talks are facilitated by UN…
Bill to Ban Religious Symbols in French Schools Approved
The French National Assembly has passed a bill banning religious symbols in public schools, including Islamic headscarves, with significant support. This legislation aims to reinforce…
Reduction in Oil Production Starting April 1
OPEC has announced a reduction in oil production by one million barrels per day starting April 1 to address overproduction by some member countries. This…
Visit of the British Crown Prince to the Earthquake-Stricken City of Bam
Prince Charles of Britain has arrived in Iran to visit Bam, a city devastated by a recent earthquake that killed at least 40,000 people. His…
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…
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…
Michelle Wie, the 14-Year-Old Golf Prodigy
Michelle Wie, a 14-year-old golf prodigy from the U.S., has been selected for the Curtis Cup, becoming the youngest participant in its history. This event…
Request for Investigation into Sale of Nuclear Secrets by Khan - 2004-02-07
Opposition parties in Pakistan are demanding an investigation into Abdul Qadeer Khan's sale of nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya, and North Korea. President Musharraf recently…
Negotiation Between Turkish and Greek Leaders of Cyprus at the United Nations - 2004-02-07
The leaders of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos and Rauf Denktash, are set to negotiate at the UN regarding the Cyprus issue, with a deadline for an…
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.…
NATO Increases Its Forces in Afghanistan - 2004-02-07
NATO has decided to increase its troop presence in Afghanistan ahead of the upcoming elections in June. Several countries have offered additional soldiers for the…
Financial Aid for Liberia's Reconstruction Exceeds Expectations - 2004-02-07
A UN donor conference has raised over $300 million for Liberia's reconstruction, surpassing expectations. Key contributions include $200 million from the U.S. and $120 million…
The Sit-In Protest of Representatives, Mohsen Younesi - 2004-02-05
After the disqualification of a significant number of parliament members, some representatives staged a sit-in and a political fast, questioning the motives behind their actions…
Democracy Conference in Yemen
A democracy conference was held in Yemen on February 3, 2004, with over 50 countries participating to discuss democratic establishment in the Middle East. Key…
Prohibition of Muslim Girls' Headscarves in France - 2004-02-02
The French National Assembly is set to discuss a bill that would ban religious symbols, including Muslim headscarves, in public schools. The bill is expected…
According to the Japanese House of Lords Committee, Iraq is too unsafe for Japanese soldiers to be sent there - 2004-02-02
The Japanese House of Lords Committee has delayed a bill to send non-combat troops to Iraq due to safety concerns raised by opposition lawmakers. Prime…
Two American Officials Express Hope for Dialogue on North Korea
Two senior U.S. officials are hopeful about imminent multilateral talks concerning North Korea's nuclear program. Richard Armitage and James Kelly both indicated a positive outlook…
New Diplomatic Talks Begin to Address Global Concerns Over North Korean Nuclear Weapons - 2004-02-01
James Kelly, the U.S. representative in South Korea, has started new diplomatic talks to address global concerns about North Korea's nuclear weapons. He is optimistic…