April 2004
Report: As of the first minute of Saturday, May 1, the European Union will become 25 countries
On May 1, the European Union will expand to include 25 member states. This significant enlargement involves several countries joining the EU, marking a pivotal…
John Negroponte Approved as New U.S. Ambassador to Iraq
John Negroponte has been approved by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee as the new U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, with a push from lawmakers to…
Sudan Issues Entry Visas for Members of the U.S. International Development Organization
Sudan has agreed to issue visas for 28 members of the U.S. International Development Organization to assess the situation in Darfur. This decision follows criticism…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Two-Day Anti-Semitism Conference in Germany Concludes
A two-day conference on anti-Semitism in Berlin concluded with a commitment from the OSCE to combat anti-Semitic activities across its 55 member states. This initiative…
Report by Shahid: Jacques Chirac's Press Conference on New EU Members and Domestic and International Issues - 2004-04-29
French President Jacques Chirac held a press conference discussing the new members of the European Union and related domestic and international issues. This event is…
March by Families of Three Italian Hostages Taken in Iraq - 2004-04-29
Families of three Italian hostages in Iraq marched in Rome demanding their release, supported by a message from the Pope. The kidnappers threatened to release…
French President's Opinion on Turkey's EU Membership - April 29, 2004
French President Jacques Chirac expressed that Turkey's accession to the EU is currently undesirable due to unmet conditions, particularly regarding human rights and judicial reforms.…
The U.S. Condemns the Islamic Government of Sudan - 2004-04-29
The U.S. has criticized the Sudanese government for neglecting the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, where thousands have died and millions are displaced. The Sudanese government…
Gaddafi: Libya is Committed to Playing a Key Role in Achieving Global Peace
Muammar Gaddafi declared Libya's commitment to global peace during a visit to Brussels, addressing past accusations of terrorism linked to its support for liberation movements.…
Muammar Gaddafi's First Trip to Europe in 15 Years
Muammar Gaddafi visited Belgium for talks with EU officials, marking his first trip to Europe in 15 years. This visit signifies improving relations between Libya…
Expansion of Relations Between the European Union and Russia - 2004-04-27
The EU and Russia have signed an agreement to strengthen ties with 10 new member states, preventing a potential crisis ahead of the EU's expansion.…
USA Accuses Greek Cypriot Leaders
The USA has accused Greek Cypriot leaders of manipulating a referendum that rejected a UN reunification plan for Cyprus, while Turkish Cypriots supported it. This…
Attack on Bulgarian President's Convoy During Visit to Bulgarian Troops in Iraq - 2004-04-26
Georgi Parvanov, the President of Bulgaria, faced an attack on his convoy while visiting Bulgarian troops in Iraq, but no injuries were reported. The incident…
Discussions Aimed at Ending Conflicts in Western Sudan - 2004-04-25
Discussions are underway in Chad to address the severe humanitarian crisis in Western Sudan, particularly in Darfur, where thousands have died and one million are…
Optimism Expressed by Finance Ministers of 7 Major Industrial Countries Regarding the Global Economy - 2004-04-24
Finance ministers from the G7 countries have expressed optimism about the global economy while cautioning about the potential negative impact of rising oil prices. This…
Cyprus Greek Community Rejects UN Unity Plan
The Greek community of Cyprus has rejected a UN plan aimed at unifying the island, with 76% opposing it. This decision comes as Cyprus prepares…
Report by Shahid: Gaddafi's Visit to Brussels and New Efforts in the Fight Against Terrorism - 2004-04-23
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is set to visit Brussels to engage with the European Union, coinciding with new initiatives aimed at combating terrorism. This visit…
Economic Officials from Around the World Gather in Washington - April 23, 2004
Senior economic officials from nearly 200 countries have convened in Washington to discuss key global economic issues. The gathering is significant as it includes discussions…
The U.S. Rejects Amendments to the Resolution Criticizing Sudan
The U.S. has rejected proposed amendments to a UN resolution criticizing Sudan for human rights abuses in Darfur, emphasizing ongoing ethnic cleansing in the region.…
Oil Producers Strive to Meet Market Demands - 2004-04-23
Saudi oil minister Ali al-Naimi defended OPEC against criticism for rising gasoline prices in the U.S., stating that oil producers are trying to meet market…
Greek Officials Express Satisfaction with Special Forces Exercises for Olympic Security
Greek officials are pleased with the security training conducted by special forces in preparation for the upcoming Summer Olympics. The exercises included simulations of terrorist…
Under the Microscope: European Officials' Priorities in Meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister and the Situation in Iraq - 2004-04-21
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the priorities of European officials during their meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister, focusing on the situation in Iraq and a…
General Wiranto, Former Chief of the Indonesian Army, Nominated for Presidential Election
General Wiranto has been nominated by his party for the Indonesian presidential election despite facing accusations of human rights violations. He will compete against current…
The U.S. Calls for Faster Progress in Sudan Peace Talks
The U.S. is urging quicker progress in the peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and the SPLA, which have been ongoing in Kenya. Despite some…
Goodwill of the Sudanese Government and Rebels for Achieving Final Peace - 2004-04-20
The Sudanese government and southern rebels express confidence that the U.S. will not impose sanctions due to delays in the peace process. They claim to…
UN: 50,000 People Displaced in Recent Clashes in Sudan - 2004-04-20
Recent clashes in southern Sudan have left at least 50,000 people homeless, despite a ceasefire agreement. The fighting involves militias loyal to a rebel leader…
Recent Fighting in South Sudan Has Left at Least 50,000 Homeless
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in over 50,000 people becoming homeless, despite a ceasefire agreement. The violence is primarily attributed to government-backed militias…
New Spanish Cabinet Introduced to the King
The new Spanish cabinet, led by Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, was introduced to King Juan Carlos. The cabinet includes notable figures such as…
The U.S. Appreciates Anti-Terrorism Efforts of Countries in the Horn of Africa - 2004-04-17
The U.S. has acknowledged the anti-terrorism efforts of Horn of Africa nations, highlighting collaboration with Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Yemen. This cooperation has…
One Palestinian Killed and Four Israelis Injured in Attack at Crossing Between Israel and Gaza Strip - 2004-04-17
A Palestinian suicide bomber attacked a crossing between Israel and Gaza, killing himself and injuring four Israelis. The attack was claimed by Hamas and the…
European Ministers' Meeting on Counter-Terrorism - 2004-04-17
European ministers convened in Vienna to address counter-terrorism efforts after rejecting a ceasefire proposal from Osama bin Laden. The meeting included representatives from 11 EU…
Colin Powell: Intelligence Officials Believe the Audio Tape Features Osama bin Laden - 2004-04-16
Colin Powell announced that U.S. intelligence believes a recently released audio tape features Osama bin Laden, who offers a ceasefire to European nations withdrawing from…
Spain's Prime Minister-Elect Commits to Fight Against Terrorism
Spain's prime minister-elect, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, has committed to prioritizing the fight against terrorism and strengthening security forces in response to the March 11…
The U.S. Will Contribute $400 Million to the Reconstruction of Cyprus
The U.S. has pledged $400 million for the reconstruction of Cyprus, contingent on approval of a UN proposal by both Turkish and Greek communities in…
Likelihood of John Negroponte Being Appointed as the New U.S. Ambassador to Iraq
John Negroponte is expected to be appointed as the new U.S. Ambassador to Iraq following the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi government. He has…
Opposition in Armenia Calls for Robert Kocharian's Resignation
Opposition leaders in Armenia are demanding the resignation of President Robert Kocharian, citing electoral fraud in his re-election. Police clashed with protesters in Yerevan, resulting…
Clashes Between Armenian Police and Protesters - 2004-04-13
Clashes erupted in Yerevan between Armenian police and protesters opposing President Robert Kocharian. The protests, fueled by allegations of election fraud, have led to injuries…
European Union Considers Sending Troops to Sudan - 2004-04-13
The European Union is contemplating the deployment of troops to Darfur, Sudan, due to ongoing attacks by Arab militias that have displaced over 700,000 people.…
Thousands Protest Against Government in Armenia on Second Day of Demonstrations
Thousands of Armenians protested in Yerevan against President Robert Kocharian, demanding his resignation over alleged electoral fraud. The opposition claims the presidential elections were marred…
Pope John Paul II inaugurated Easter celebrations with a sermon at St. Peter's Basilica - 2004-04-11
Pope John Paul II opened the Easter celebrations with a sermon at St. Peter's Basilica, baptizing seven new Catholics. The event was attended by thousands…
Russia Protests EU Draft Resolution on Human Rights in Chechnya - 2004-04-09
Russia has objected to an EU draft resolution condemning human rights violations in Chechnya, claiming it has political motives. The resolution highlights the inability of…
Jack Straw's Opinion on the Situation in Iraq One Year After the Fall of Baghdad - 2004-04-09
Jack Straw, the British Foreign Secretary, expressed concern about the serious situation in Iraq one year after the fall of Baghdad, noting that the tensions…
Pope John Paul II Conducts Good Friday Service in Rome - 2004-04-09
Pope John Paul II held the Good Friday service in Rome, marking an important Christian tradition. He renewed his vows to priests globally and emphasized…
Iraqi Militants Release 7 South Korean Clerics
Iraqi militants released 7 South Korean clerics but are still holding three Japanese civilians and two Arabs. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and risks for…
At least 9 killed in grenade explosion in Kashmir, India
A grenade explosion at an election rally in Kashmir resulted in at least 9 deaths and over 50 injuries, including state ministers. The attack was…
NATO Secretary General Meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow - 2004-04-08
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss enhancing cooperation on global issues like terrorism. They addressed concerns…
At least 26 police killed in a landmine explosion in eastern India - 2004-04-08
A landmine explosion in eastern India killed at least 26 police officers while they were en route to confront suspected Maoist rebels. The incident occurred…
President of Cyprus Rejects UN Plan for Resolving Division of Mediterranean Island
The President of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, has rejected a UN plan aimed at resolving the island's division and is urging Greek Cypriots to vote against…
EU Aid to the Philippines Conditional on Ceasefire Agreement in Mindanao - 2004-04-06
The EU has offered to assist the Philippines if Muslim militants in Mindanao agree to a ceasefire. This initiative aims to foster peace and development…
Chandrika Kumaratunga's Party Leads Ahead of Rivals
Preliminary election results show President Chandrika Kumaratunga's party leading but not achieving a parliamentary majority. The elections are a critical contest between the President and…
Second Day of Protests by Thousands of Monarchy Opponents in Kathmandu - 2004-04-03
Thousands of protesters opposed to the monarchy clashed with police in Kathmandu for a second day, demanding the return of a democratic government. The protests…
Renewed Request for Recount of Presidential Election Votes in Taipei - 2004-04-03
In Taipei, opposition supporters are demanding a recount of the presidential election votes and an independent investigation into the shooting of President Chen Shui-bian. The…
Nasrin Mahdavi Germany: Ceremony for the Membership of 7 European Countries to NATO in Brussels - 2004-04-02
The article reports on the ceremony in Brussels where seven European countries officially joined NATO. This expansion is significant for enhancing European security and reflects…
Retrial of 4 Former Kurdish Legislators in Turkey
A Turkish court has postponed the retrial of four former Kurdish legislators to April 21, who were originally sentenced in 1994 for supporting Kurdish rebels.…
Los Angeles Report: OPEC Countries' Decision to Reduce Oil Production - 2004-04-02
OPEC countries have decided to cut oil production, which is significant given the U.S. concerns about transportation continuity. This decision comes amid a speech by…
Under the Microscope: Condemnation of Uranium Enrichment in Iran, Burning of Four Americans - 2004-04-02
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the condemnation of Iran's uranium enrichment by three major European nations and the incident involving the burning of four American…
Arrest of Dozens of Terrorism Suspects in Europe - 2004-04-01
Dozens of suspects linked to a Turkish Marxist extremist group were arrested across five European countries. The arrests involved 41 individuals in Italy, Turkey, Germany,…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei Regarding OPEC's Decision to Cut Oil Production - 2004-04-01
Dr. Siamak Shojaei discussed OPEC's decision to cut oil production and its implications for Iran's economy. He answered questions from listeners about various economic issues,…