August 2002
World Trade Organization Rules in Favor of the European Union
The World Trade Organization has ruled in favor of the European Union, allowing them to impose a $4 billion trade penalty on the U.S. due…
Opposition March Against Hugo Chavez's Economic Policies - 2002-08-30
Opposition groups in Venezuela protested in Maracay against President Hugo Chavez's economic policies, including heavy taxation and unemployment. The demonstration was met with a counter-protest…
Denmark Claims to Have New 'Roadmaps' for Middle East Peace
Denmark announces it has new plans for Middle East peace, aiming to establish a Palestinian state by 2005. Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller will disclose…
Fair Share in Food Aid to Afghanistan - 2002-08-30
The U.S. criticized the EU for not contributing fairly to food aid for Afghanistan, claiming its aid is significantly larger. Gene Dewey highlighted the EU's…
Clean Water is Essential for Sustainable Development - 2002-08-29
Nelson Mandela emphasized the importance of clean water for sustainable development at the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. The conference aims to address poverty and environmental…
Explosion at Radio Station in Zimbabwe - 2002-08-29
An independent radio station in Zimbabwe was bombed, likely linked to government repression of dissent. No injuries were reported, but the U.S. government suspects involvement…
Today's Agenda of the Earth Summit: Cooperation Between Government and Private Sector - 2002-08-29
The Earth Summit in Johannesburg is focusing on government-private sector cooperation, with the U.S. proposing measures to combat hunger and pollution. The summit aims to…
Denmark Calls for the Establishment of an Independent Palestinian State by 2005 - 2002-08-28
Denmark has proposed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005 as part of the EU's efforts to revive the Middle East peace process.…
EU Relief Fund Established to Assist Flood Victims - 2002-08-28
The European Commission has launched a relief fund of at least $500 million to support EU member states and candidates affected by recent floods. This…
Environmental Activists Express Discontent with Earth Conference
Environmental activists are dissatisfied with the Earth Conference in Johannesburg, claiming that corporate interests are undermining its goals of poverty reduction and environmental protection. Approximately…
Arrest of Two Palestinian Extremists - 2002-08-28
Israeli forces arrested two leaders of a Palestinian militant group in Ramallah, coinciding with the anniversary of a previous assassination. The Palestinian Authority's Minister of…
Continued Discussions on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg
World leaders are meeting in Johannesburg to discuss sustainable development, focusing on agricultural subsidies from developed countries that hinder developing nations. The lack of willingness…
The U.S. Threatens to Change Relations with NATO
The U.S. has threatened to alter its NATO relations if European nations do not exempt American peacekeepers from International Criminal Court prosecution. Secretary of State…
U.S. Bombers Target Iraqi Radar Base Near Mosul - 2002-08-27
U.S. bombers attacked an Iraqi radar base near Mosul that had targeted coalition reconnaissance planes. This incident follows a similar confrontation near Erbil, highlighting ongoing…
U.S. State Department: The United States Remains Committed to NATO - 2002-08-27
The U.S. State Department reaffirmed its commitment to NATO despite concerns over the International Criminal Court. The U.S. seeks to negotiate agreements with European nations…
Deployment of Army Health Experts to North Carolina - 2002-08-25
The U.S. Army has sent health experts to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to investigate recent murders involving soldiers and their spouses. This situation raises concerns…
Increase in Presidential Powers in Azerbaijan - 2002-08-25
Azerbaijan held a referendum to amend its constitution, allowing the president to choose a successor, which has been criticized by opposition groups as undemocratic. President…
Azerbaijan: A Clear Majority Has Voted in Favor of Constitutional Amendments - 2002-08-25
Azerbaijan's voters have overwhelmingly approved constitutional amendments that allow President Heydar Aliyev to appoint his successor. This move is seen as a way to strengthen…
Ethiopia to Release War Prisoners with Eritrea - 2002-08-23
Ethiopia has committed to releasing prisoners captured in the border war with Eritrea, following a similar announcement from Eritrea. This agreement was facilitated by the…
Benazir Bhutto Banned from Participating in Elections - 2002-08-22
Benazir Bhutto has been barred from the upcoming parliamentary elections due to a recent corruption conviction. This decision follows General Pervez Musharraf's unilateral constitutional amendments,…
First Court Session of the Occupiers of the Iraqi Embassy - 2002-08-22
Five men occupied the Iraqi embassy in Berlin and took hostages, including the Iraqi ambassador. They are believed to be Iraqi nationals and have claimed…
Confessions of a Former Abu Nidal Associate - 2002-08-22
A former associate of Abu Nidal claims that the Revolutionary Council of Fatah was involved in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. This confession was made during…
Opposition to General Musharraf's Increased Powers - 2002-08-22
General Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan has announced constitutional amendments that enhance his powers, leading to widespread opposition from political parties. Critics argue that these changes…
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State's Visit to Sri Lanka - 2002-08-22
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage visited Sri Lanka to promote peace talks between the government and Tamil rebels. He expressed support for the…
Iraq Provides No Information Regarding American Pilot
The U.S. has accused Iraq of failing to cooperate regarding the fate of an American pilot missing since the Gulf War. John Negroponte highlighted Iraq's…
The U.S. Condemns Nigeria's Islamic Court Ruling
The U.S. has condemned an Islamic court ruling in Nigeria that sentenced Amina Lawal to stoning for adultery. The ruling has drawn international criticism, with…
Shoulder to Shoulder: How to Stay Healthy - 2002-08-21
The article discusses the health benefits of chocolate, optimism, and a strong marital relationship in disease prevention. It emphasizes the importance of these factors for…
End of the Occupation of the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin - 2002-08-20
The German police intervened to end the occupation of the Iraqi embassy in Berlin by a group opposing Saddam Hussein. This group aimed to demand…
The Pope Returns to Rome - 2002-08-20
Pope John Paul II returned to Rome after a four-day visit to Poland, where he expressed concern for the economically struggling population and encouraged them…
Arrival of the President of the European Commission - 2002-08-20
The President of the European Commission has arrived in Europe for an emergency summit focused on countries affected by floods. This involvement highlights the EU's…
Occupation of the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin - 2002-08-20
An unknown Iraqi group has occupied the Iraqi embassy in Berlin, demanding the ousting of Saddam Hussein. They claim their action is a peaceful step…
President of the International Committee of the Red Cross Visits Eritrea and Ethiopia - 2002-08-20
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross is visiting Eritrea and Ethiopia to address humanitarian issues following a devastating border war. This…
Brother of Senior Palestinian Militant Killed
On the first day of a security agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, Mohammad Saadat, brother of senior militant Ahmad Saadat, was killed by Israeli…
Philippine Rebels React to Being Added to US Terrorist List - 2002-08-19
Communist rebels in the Philippines threaten to attack American citizens if US forces assist Philippine troops against them. This follows the US designating the Communist…
Release of Hassan Turabi from Prison in Sudan Denied
A Sudanese court has denied the release of Islamist leader Hassan Turabi, who was imprisoned after signing a peace deal with southern rebels. His lawyers…
Warning from Pope John Paul II - 2002-08-18
Pope John Paul II delivered a warning during a Eucharistic ceremony in Krakow, emphasizing the Church's opposition to genetic engineering, abortion, and euthanasia. He highlighted…
Pope Calls for an End to Wars and Suffering of People Worldwide - 2002-08-18
Pope John Paul II, during his visit to Poland, called for an end to global wars and suffering, emphasizing his emotional appeal during a Mass…
River Flooding in Europe Adds to Flood Damage - 2002-08-16
Central European rivers have flooded, causing extensive damage and displacing tens of thousands, particularly in Dresden, Germany. The flooding has resulted in around 90 fatalities…
Unity of Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif - 2002-08-16
Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have united their opposition parties in Pakistan to challenge President Musharraf's supporters in the upcoming elections. Bhutto is also contesting…
The Pope Arrives in Poland - 2002-08-16
Pope John Paul II has arrived in Poland for his ninth visit since becoming pope. He will spend four days in Krakow, where he previously…
Pope's Visit to His Homeland
Pope John Paul II is visiting Poland for four days, marking an emotional return to his homeland. He aims to connect with the Polish people,…
Harassment of Radio Free Europe Journalists by the Belarusian Government - 2002-08-15
An international organization has called on the Belarusian government to cease the harassment of journalists from Radio Free Europe and to provide them with credentials.…
Injury of Saddam's Son
An Iraqi opposition group claims that Qusay, the younger son of Saddam Hussein, was injured in a shooting during an assassination attempt. The incident reportedly…
Floods Continue to Threaten Central Europe - 2002-08-15
Central Europe is facing severe flooding, leading to mass evacuations, particularly in Dresden and Bratislava. Military efforts are underway to assist in evacuations and protect…
President Bush's Visit to the Midwestern States of America - 2002-08-15
President Bush is touring the Midwestern states to promote his economic policies and support Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. He addressed corporate fraud…
The U.S. Position on the Immunity of Its Peacekeeping Forces - 2002-08-14
The U.S. government, led by the Bush administration, is not planning to pressure other nations to grant immunity to its peacekeepers from the new International…
Candidate Countries for EU Membership Cannot Grant Immunity to Americans
The European Union has instructed candidate countries for membership not to sign agreements granting immunity to Americans from international prosecution. This decision has been criticized…
An American Soldier Killed in Afghanistan - 2002-08-13
Sergeant First Class Christopher James Speer, an American soldier, was killed in Afghanistan from injuries sustained during an enemy attack. He was part of a…
Unified EU Policy on Immunity for American Citizens - 2002-08-13
The European Union is urging member states not to sign separate agreements granting immunity to American citizens from prosecution in the International Criminal Court. This…
Powell Calls for Protection of American Peacekeeping Forces
Colin Powell has urged foreign governments to protect American peacekeeping forces from prosecution in the International Criminal Court, amid EU criticism of separate agreements with…
Efforts to Establish Peace in Sudan - 2002-08-12
Peace talks are underway in Kenya to end a nineteen-year civil war in Sudan, involving the Islamic government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army. A…
The First Meeting of the Leaders of the Two Koreas Was Positive - 2002-08-12
North and South Korea held their first high-level talks in almost a year, expressing optimism about the outcomes. The meetings are significant as they follow…
River’s Edge
The article discusses the film 'River’s Edge,' which portrays the dark realities of American youth through the story of a young girl's murder by her…
Sudanese President Lifts Ban on Political Parties - 2002-08-11
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has lifted a 13-year ban on political parties, allowing only those that existed before his 1989 coup to apply for licenses,…
Second Round of Negotiations to End the Sudanese Civil War Resumes
Negotiations to end the long-standing civil war in Sudan are resuming in Kenya, focusing on power sharing and wealth distribution. The talks involve the Sudanese…
President Bush Continues Consultations on Iraq - 2002-08-11
President Bush is consulting with Congress and allies about Iraq, emphasizing there is no military timeline yet. Iraqi opposition groups are optimistic about U.S. support…
People of Upper Karabakh Go to the Polls Today for Presidential Election - 2002-08-11
The people of Upper Karabakh are voting for a new president today, with Arkadi Ghukasyan as the leading candidate. The election is controversial, facing opposition…
Constitutional Reform in Indonesia - 2002-08-10
The Indonesian parliament approved a constitutional amendment allowing for the direct election of the President and Vice President by the people starting in 2004. This…
Examining the Future of Iraq After Saddam - 2002-08-10
Iraqi opposition groups have pledged to work together for a democratic regime if Saddam Hussein is ousted. They have communicated their vision for Iraq's future…
Resumption of Civil War in Sudan - 2002-08-10
The civil war in Sudan has resumed as the central government and southern rebels blame each other for renewed hostilities. This escalation occurs just before…
Change of Names for Days and Months in Turkmenistan - 2002-08-09
The President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, is proposing to rename the months of the year and days of the week to honor national figures and…
Meeting of American Officials with Iraqi Kurdish Leaders - 2002-08-09
American officials met with leaders of six Iraqi opposition groups to discuss plans for overthrowing Saddam Hussein. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation among the…
Decrease in the Number of Afghan Refugees Willing to Return
The UN Refugee Agency reports a significant decline in Afghan refugees returning home, with only 300,000 returning in July, a 25% drop from May. This…
Confronting the Threat from Iraq
President Bush emphasizes the need to address the threat from Iraq, planning to consult with Congress and allies before deciding on a course of action.…
Niyazov Wants to Rename the Months of the Year
Saparmurat Niyazov, the President of Turkmenistan, plans to rename the months of the year and several days of the week to honor national figures, including…
Iraq Defends Itself Against Possible U.S. Attack - 2002-08-07
The Iraqi government is preparing to defend against a potential U.S. attack intended to topple Saddam Hussein. German officials have expressed concerns that such an…
Chen Shui-bian says his remarks on Taiwan independence were misinterpreted - 2002-08-06
Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian clarified that his recent comments about Taiwan's independence were misinterpreted, emphasizing the sovereignty of both Taiwan and China. His statements have…
UN General Assembly Calls for Israel's Immediate Withdrawal to Pre-2002 Positions
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding Israel's immediate withdrawal to its positions from two years ago, amidst escalating violence with Palestinians. The resolution…
Meeting of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia - 2002-08-06
The Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia are set to meet on August 14 to discuss the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. This meeting follows decades of conflict…
North Korean Army and UN Forces Dialogue - 2002-08-06
North Korean and UN forces have engaged in discussions to prevent further hostile encounters following a deadly clash in the Yellow Sea. The talks, held…
Palestinian Children Suffer from Malnutrition - 2002-08-06
A report reveals that over 20% of Palestinian children are malnourished, a significant increase from two years ago. This situation is particularly dire for children…
Under the Microscope: Letter from 151 Members of the Islamic Parliament - 2002-08-05
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discussed a letter from 151 members of the Islamic Parliament warning against the repression of reformists by extremists and the upcoming…
Retired American General's Visit to Indonesia - 2002-08-05
Retired U.S. General Anthony Zinni is visiting Aceh, Indonesia, to facilitate discussions between the government and separatist representatives amid ongoing conflict. This visit is part…
The European Union Requests Details on Turkey's Human Rights Reform Program
The European Union has asked Turkey for details on its newly approved human rights reform program aimed at facilitating its EU membership. Key reforms include…
Vatican Disqualifies 7 Women from Church Service as Priests - 2002-08-05
The Vatican has disqualified seven women from serving as priests, claiming their ordination by a dissident bishop has offended the Catholic Church. The women, from…
Referendum in Taiwan - 2002-08-04
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has called for a referendum on the island's future, asserting that Taiwan is a separate country from China. This statement is…
Broadcasting of Kurdish Language Radio and Television Programs in Turkey Has Been Permitted
The Turkish Parliament has approved a bill allowing Kurdish language broadcasting, marking a shift in government policy against Kurdish separatism. This move is seen as…
Science and Society: Launch of a New Spacecraft Towards the Moon - 2002-08-03
A European spacecraft is set to launch in eight months to further investigate the Moon's formation. This mission is significant for understanding lunar science. The…
Abolition of the Death Penalty in Turkey - 2002-08-03
The Turkish Parliament has abolished the death penalty and approved reforms aimed at improving minority rights and freedoms in anticipation of joining the European Union.…
US Financial Aid to Indonesia for Counter-Terrorism - 2002-08-02
The US will provide $50 million to Indonesia to support its counter-terrorism efforts, as announced by Secretary of State Colin Powell. This aid comes as…
Iran in the Mirror of World Media, August 2 - 2002
The article discusses new accusations against Iranian intellectual Aghajari, the Islamic Republic's narrative of a potential U.S. military attack, and Russia's military maneuvers in the…
Fifteenth Arrest in Greece - 2002-08-02
Greek authorities have made their fifteenth arrest related to the November 17 terrorist group, with the latest suspect linked to the assassination of a Turkish…
The Fate of Turkey's Parliamentary Reform Program Remains Unclear - 2002-08-01
Turkey's parliamentary committee has approved a reform program aimed at EU membership, but its future is uncertain due to opposition from the ruling coalition, particularly…
Confrontation with Separatist Rebels in Indonesia
President Megawati Sukarnoputri of Indonesia has pledged to confront separatist rebels in Aceh more seriously, asserting that the nation is no longer at risk of…
First Native American Saint - 2002-08-01
Pope John Paul II has canonized Juan Diego, a 16th-century Native American, and will grant absolution to two indigenous martyrs during a Mass in Mexico…
Nigeria Will Remain a Member of OPEC
Nigeria has confirmed it will remain a member of OPEC, dispelling rumors of its exit to boost oil production. Rilwanu Lukman, an advisor to the…
Turkey's Elections to Be Held on November 3
Turkey's Parliament has approved early elections to be held on November 3, 2002, despite Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's opposition. This decision aims to resolve the…