Securities and Exchange Commission
December 2003
Under the Microscope: Iran's Reaction to the U.S. Secretary of State's Remarks on Aid to Earthquake Victims - 2003-12-31
The program discusses Iran's officials' reactions to the U.S. Secretary of State's positive remarks about Iran accepting aid for earthquake victims. It also touches on…
Armed Guards to be Deployed on Foreign Passenger Planes in the U.S.
The U.S. is implementing regulations for armed guards on foreign passenger planes due to new intelligence suggesting terrorist threats against commercial aviation. This decision follows…
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…
Taliban Remnants Claim Responsibility for Sunday’s Explosion in Kabul
The Taliban remnants have claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Kabul that killed five Afghan security officials and promised further attacks. This comes as…
An American Tourist Died in the Bam Earthquake - 2003-12-29
An American tourist died during the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Bam, where 11 other foreign tourists were injured. The incident highlights the vulnerability of historical…
Three Arrested in Pakistan for Involvement in Failed Assassination of Musharraf - 2003-12-29
Three individuals were arrested in Pakistan for their involvement in a failed assassination attempt on President Pervez Musharraf. This incident is part of a series…
James Baker Cancels Trip to South Korea to Discuss Iraq's Debt - 2003-12-26
James Baker has canceled his planned trip to South Korea to discuss Iraq's debt restructuring. The South Korean National Security Advisor suggested that the cancellation…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Meeting of the UN Secretary-General with the Head of the Interim Council Regarding the Role of the Organization in Iraq - 2003-12-25
The Head of the Interim Council of Iraq has agreed to meet with the UN Secretary-General next month in New York to discuss the UN's…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Security Council Praises Libya's Cooperation
The UN Security Council has commended Libya for its cooperation in disarmament efforts related to weapons and chemical arms. This report comes from Nazi Baghlari,…
Cancellation of Three Air France Flights from Paris to Los Angeles - 2003-12-24
Air France canceled three flights from Paris to Los Angeles due to heightened security concerns following a raised terrorism alert in the U.S. The cancellations…
Iranian Security Forces Expand Security Measures Around British, Turkish, and Swiss Embassies
Iran has heightened security around the British, Turkish, and Swiss embassies due to al-Qaeda's threats of attacks. This follows recent incidents of violence against diplomatic…
Fingerprinting and Photography of Foreigners Entering the U.S. to Begin January 5
Beginning January 5, the U.S. will implement fingerprinting and photography for foreigners entering the country as part of enhanced border security measures. This initiative aims…
NGOs Welcome Extension of Sanctions Imposed Against Liberia
Non-governmental organizations have expressed support for the UN Security Council's decision to extend sanctions against Liberia due to ongoing issues with arms, diamond, and timber…
Hamburg Court Rejects Prosecutors' Request to Re-detain Moroccan Man
A Hamburg court has decided that Abdelghani Mzoudi, accused of supporting the 9/11 attackers, can remain free during his trial. Prosecutors had sought to re-detain…
Trial of 36 Suspects Linked to the Assassination of the Serbian Prime Minister
The trial of 36 suspects linked to the assassination of the Serbian Prime Minister has been postponed as defense attorneys seek more preparation time. The…
Four Rockets Hit Kabul - December 22, 2003
Four rockets struck Kabul while the Loya Jirga was discussing a new constitution, with no reported casualties. Taliban remnants are suspected of the attack, and…
The U.S. Announces Serious Threat of Terrorist Attacks
The U.S. government has raised the alert for potential terrorist attacks to its highest level since 9/11, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. Tom Ridge,…
Jordanian Prosecutor Accuses Three Iraqi Men of Planning Terrorist Attacks
A Jordanian prosecutor has charged three Iraqi men with plotting terrorist attacks against U.S. and Israeli targets in Jordan. Two suspects are in custody, and…
A Woman Killed in Explosion at a Shiite Extremist Group's Building in Baghdad - 2003-12-19
A bomb exploded in a building linked to a Shiite extremist group in Baghdad, killing a woman and injuring at least seven others. This incident…
Poland's National Security Agency Warns of Possible Terrorist Attacks in Recent Days - 2003-12-18
Poland's National Security Agency has issued a warning about an increased threat of terrorist attacks during the upcoming holiday season. This warning is based on…
Announcement of Cooperation Between the U.S., France, and Germany to Reduce Iraq's Foreign Debt - 2003-12-17
The U.S., France, and Germany have agreed to work together to reduce Iraq's foreign debt to aid in its reconstruction. James Baker, the U.S. Special…
Violation of Arms Embargo to Somalia - 2003-12-17
The UN Security Council is investigating violations of the arms embargo on Somalia, requesting a six-month investigation into countries that may have supplied weapons. This…
Donald Rumsfeld: The CIA Will Oversee the Interrogation of Saddam Hussein - 2003-12-17
Donald Rumsfeld announced that the CIA will supervise the interrogation of Saddam Hussein. President Bush emphasized the need for Saddam to face justice, while Kofi…
Iraq - Continued Resistance Against Coalition Forces - 2003-12-16
On December 16, 2003, two suicide bombings in Baghdad highlighted ongoing resistance against coalition forces following Saddam Hussein's arrest. Protests erupted in Tikrit, while James…
Kofi Annan: All International Standards Must Be Observed in Saddam's Trial - 2003-12-16
Kofi Annan emphasized the importance of adhering to international standards in the trial of Saddam Hussein to promote national reconciliation in Iraq. He called for…
Saddam Hussein Does Not Cooperate with U.S. Investigators - 2003-12-15
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced that Saddam Hussein is not cooperating with U.S. investigators regarding weapons of mass destruction. Despite refusing to answer…
Colin Powell, U.S. Secretary of State, Undergoes Prostate Cancer Surgery - 2003-12-15
Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, has undergone surgery for prostate cancer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He will be hospitalized for a…
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…
Explosion of a Package Containing Explosives at a Newspaper Office in Kuwait - 2003-12-11
A package containing explosives exploded at the office of the newspaper Al-Siyasa in Kuwait, injuring a secretary. The package was sent from Beirut to the…
Arrest of a Suspect by Guards at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut - 2003-12-10
A man carrying explosives was arrested by U.S. Embassy guards in Beirut, and a Palestinian man was also detained nearby, potentially linked to the incident.…
Proposal to Reduce Restrictions on Quran Classes in Turkey Suspended
The Turkish government has suspended a proposal to allow Quran classes in public buildings, aiming to increase state control over religious education. This decision follows…
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…
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.…
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.…
One American Soldier Killed, Three Others Wounded — Casualties in Iraq on Monday
On December 9, 2003, one American soldier was killed and three others wounded in separate attacks in Mosul, Iraq. The incidents highlight ongoing violence in…
Russia Approves Passage of German Soldiers and Military Equipment Through Its Territory
Russia has granted permission for German military personnel and equipment to transit through its territory to Afghanistan for peacekeeping efforts. This cooperation highlights the active…
A Militant Killed During Shooting in Riyadh - 2003-12-08
A militant was killed by Saudi security forces during a shootout in Riyadh. He was one of twenty-six individuals wanted for terrorist activities. This incident…
An American soldier killed and two others injured in northern Iraq - 2003-12-07
An American soldier was killed and two others injured in a roadside bomb attack in Mosul, Iraq. The attack occurred during a military convoy's passage…
Dutch Authorities Arrest Two Suspects in the Murder of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić
Dutch authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić at Belgrade's request. This incident highlights ongoing legal actions…
Kofi Annan Encouraged by the Presentation of an Informal Middle East Peace Plan
Kofi Annan has expressed optimism about the Geneva Accord, an informal peace plan that has encouraged dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis. This development follows discussions…
Warning from Turkish Security Forces about New Terrorist Attacks, Nazi Baghlari - 2003-12-06
Turkish security forces have warned of potential new terrorist attacks based on recent intelligence. This alert highlights ongoing security concerns in Turkey, which could have…
U.S. Secretary of State Encourages Geneva Peace Designers
Colin Powell met with Israeli and Palestinian designers of the Geneva Accord, encouraging their efforts to advance a U.S.-backed peace roadmap. The Israeli government criticized…
Colin Powell Meets with Israeli and Palestinian Writers in Washington - 2003-12-05
Colin Powell met with Israeli and Palestinian writers to discuss an informal peace plan, which Israel opposes. The Geneva Accord proposes a Palestinian state in…
Train Explosion in Southern Russia Kills 37 and Injures Over 100
A train explosion in southern Russia has resulted in 37 deaths and over 100 injuries, attributed to a bomb detonated by a group of four…
Report by Shahid: Interview with Mr. Donald Rumsfeld by Figaro Journalist - 2003-12-05
The article discusses an interview conducted by U.S. Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld with a Figaro journalist in Paris. This interview is reported by VOA…
Colin Powell Calls for NATO to Take a Greater Role in Post-War Iraq - 2003-12-04
Colin Powell urged NATO to enhance its involvement in Iraq following the war, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability for member nations. This call…
Rocket Explodes Near U.S. Embassy in Kabul
A rocket exploded near the U.S. Embassy in Kabul shortly after a meeting between Afghan leader Hamid Karzai and U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.…
U.S. Secretary of State: The Roadmap for Middle East Peace is Not Dead
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell asserts that the Roadmap for Middle East peace is still viable while also engaging with proponents of the Geneva…
Colin Powell Dismisses Possibility of Delay in New Round of Six-Party Talks
Colin Powell has rejected claims of a delay in the upcoming six-party talks about North Korea's nuclear program, stating that he expects negotiations to start…
Israel Condemns Informal Middle East Peace Plan
Israel has condemned an informal peace plan for the Middle East and urged U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell not to engage with its creators.…
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…
Colin Powell's Visit to Three North African Countries - 2003-12-02
Colin Powell is visiting Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria to promote support for the fight against terrorism and encourage political reforms. His discussions focus on democracy,…
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister: Powell's Meeting with Informal Middle East Peace Designers Would Be a Mistake - 2003-12-02
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has urged U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell not to engage with informal peace plan designers, claiming it would…
A Bosnian Serb Army Officer Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison
Momir Nikolic, a Bosnian Serb army officer, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. This case highlights…
First Official Trip of the Interim President of Georgia
Nino Burjanadze, the interim president of Georgia, is on her first official trip to the Netherlands for an OSCE conference. She plans to meet with…
The World Has Failed in the Fight Against AIDS
Tommy Thompson, the U.S. Secretary of Health, declared that the global fight against AIDS has failed and called for increased efforts to combat the disease.…