February 2004
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide Leaves Haiti - 2004-02-29
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has left Haiti amid armed uprising and international pressure to resign. He is reportedly heading to the Dominican Republic and seeking asylum…
North Korea Blames the U.S. for the Failure of Recent Beijing Negotiations - 2004-02-29
North Korea has accused the U.S. of being responsible for the failure of recent nuclear negotiations in Beijing. While North Korea demands a change in…
The U.S. and Pakistan Have Initiated Further Actions to Kill or Capture the Leader of Al-Qaeda
The U.S. and Pakistan are intensifying efforts to locate and capture Osama bin Laden, who is believed to be hiding near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This…
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…
Donor Conference in Abu Dhabi and Discussion on Iraq's Debt Reduction - 2004-02-28
At the donor conference in Abu Dhabi, Iraq's Minister of Planning announced that donor countries agreed to a 60% reduction of Iraq's $120 billion debt…
Man Detonates Himself Near Mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan - 2004-02-28
A suspected suicide bomber detonated himself near a mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a Shia observance, resulting in no other injuries. This incident highlights ongoing…
Debate Over a Temporary Constitution in Iraq - 2004-02-28
Iraqis are in a deadlock over a temporary constitution that was due for completion, with key issues such as the role of Islam, women's rights,…
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…
End of Six-Party Talks on North Korean Nuclear Crisis - 2004-02-28
The six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear crisis ended without significant outcomes, with the U.S. expressing satisfaction. China highlighted ongoing serious disagreements and distrust…
More than 6,000 International Peacekeepers to be Sent to Ivory Coast
The UN Security Council has authorized the deployment of over 6,000 international peacekeepers to Ivory Coast, including existing West African troops. This move, supported by…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Special Envoy Visits Iraq to Review Reconstruction Program - 2004-02-27
The UN Secretary-General's special envoy is in Iraq to assess the reconstruction program, coinciding with the World Bank's announcement of its potential support for the…
UN Spokesperson: Installation of Listening Devices Constitutes Violation of 3 International Treaties
The UN spokesperson condemned the alleged installation of listening devices by British intelligence in the UN Secretary-General's office, calling for an immediate halt to such…
Colin Powell: The Completion Stage of Iraq's Temporary Constitution is Very Close - 2004-02-27
Colin Powell announced that the U.S.-led coalition and the Iraqi Transitional Governing Council are nearing completion of Iraq's temporary constitution. The completion deadline is set…
Mikhail Saakashvili: Russia Must End Its Harmful Policies in the Abkhazia Region
Mikhail Saakashvili, the President of Georgia, called on Russia to cease its support for the separatist region of Abkhazia during a speech at the UN…
Libya Begins Destruction of Thousands of Bombs - 2004-02-27
Libya has started destroying thousands of bombs intended for chemical warfare, with a deadline set by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The…
Muammar Gaddafi Opens African Union Summit
Muammar Gaddafi opened the African Union summit in Libya, calling for unity among African leaders to enhance their global influence. The conference will address key…
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Requests Neighboring Countries of Haiti to Provide Asylum
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has called on neighboring countries of Haiti to shelter those escaping violence in Haiti. Hundreds have fled since early…
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…
Armed Groups of Government Supporters Have Shut Down the Capital of Haiti - 2004-02-27
Armed groups supporting the Haitian government have shut down the capital in response to advancing rebels. The rebels have taken control of key cities and…
Drafting of Iraq's Temporary Constitution Will Not Be Completed by Saturday Deadline
The Iraqi Governing Council is struggling to finalize the temporary constitution by the upcoming Saturday deadline due to unresolved disagreements on key issues such as…
Vladimir Putin: Military Action Against Iraq Was a Mistake - 2004-02-27
Vladimir Putin criticized the military intervention in Iraq, calling it a mistake due to the resulting instability that has allowed for the rise of terrorism.…
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…
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…
The Security Council Holds a Meeting to Address the Situation in Haiti - 2004-02-26
The UN Security Council is convening to discuss the worsening situation in Haiti, where rebel groups have gained control over the north and are demanding…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul in Iraq Assassinated - 2004-02-26
The Deputy Police Chief of Mosul was assassinated by armed attackers, marking a continued trend of violence against Iraqi security forces working with U.S. troops.…
Libya Once Again Accepts Responsibility for the Lockerbie Explosion - 2004-02-26
Libya has reaffirmed its acceptance of responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing while the Prime Minister claims that compensation to victims' families does not equate to…
Iraq's Shia Leader Seeks UN Guarantees for Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the leader of Iraq's Shia community, is calling for international guarantees from the UN to ensure that elections for an independent…
North Korea Accuses the U.S. of Hindering Progress in Negotiations
North Korea has accused the U.S. of blocking progress in nuclear negotiations, urging an end to its hostile policies. The U.S. insists on a complete…
The United States Lifts Travel Ban on American Citizens to Libya
The United States has lifted the travel ban on its citizens to Libya, marking a step towards normalizing relations after Libya's commitment to abandon weapons…
Report by Shahid: Brief News from France - 2004-02-25
The report highlights Shirin Ebadi's comments at UNESCO about the intersection of religion and democracy, along with issues concerning Iraqi women's lives. This is presented…
Flood of International Aid to Northern Morocco - 2004-02-25
A significant earthquake in northern Morocco has resulted in at least 564 fatalities, prompting an influx of international aid. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but locals…
Gerhard Schröder: Germany is Ready to Collaborate with the U.S. to Stabilize Iraq
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced Germany's readiness to work with the U.S. to stabilize Iraq through non-military means, including debt forgiveness and police training. This…
69 People Prosecuted in Turkey for Involvement in 4 Deadly Explosions
In Turkey, 69 individuals are being prosecuted for their involvement in four deadly explosions that killed over 60 people in November. The attacks targeted Jewish…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul Killed by Gunmen - 2004-02-25
The deputy police chief of Mosul was assassinated by gunmen while on his way to work. This incident follows a threat from an unidentified militant…
ElBaradei: Libya Seeks Permission to Retain Part of Its Nuclear Equipment - 2004-02-24
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, announced that Libya has requested to retain part of its nuclear equipment for civilian purposes during his visit. This…
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…
Discussion on the Timing of Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-24
The Iraqi Governing Council is discussing the timing of elections following a UN report suggesting they could occur late this year or early 2005. Security…
Al-Qaeda Still Considers Attacking America a Major Goal - 2004-02-24
The CIA Director, George Tenet, reported that despite significant losses, Al-Qaeda remains committed to attacking the U.S. This statement highlights ongoing threats and failures in…
Thirty Percent Legitimacy - 2004-02-24
The article discusses the legitimacy crisis of the Iranian parliamentary elections, highlighting the impact of reformist boycotts and the manipulation of votes by the ruling…
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…
Iranian Human Rights Group: UN Should Pressure for Leadership Change in Iran
An Iranian-American human rights group is calling on the UN to pressure for a leadership change in Iran following a controversial parliamentary election marked by…
Free Persian Books Available Online - 2004-02-24
A website dedicated to free Persian books is launching a project to digitize and make Persian literature accessible online, inspired by the Gutenberg Project. This…
John Charles, Former Football Star, Passes Away
John Charles, a celebrated footballer known for his time with Leeds United and Juventus, has died at 72. His contributions to football and his legacy…
Conservatives Claim Victory Following Friday's Elections in Iran - 2004-02-23
Conservatives in Iran are claiming victory after the recent parliamentary elections, which saw significant boycott participation from reformists. Unofficial results show conservatives winning the majority…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Dr. Houshang Amir Ahmadi - 2004-02-22
This article features an interview with Dr. Houshang Amir Ahmadi, a prominent figure in Iranian-American relations, discussing the role of the Iran and America Council.…
Iran's Interior Ministry Claims Conservatives Secured Majority Votes - 2004-02-21
The Iranian Interior Ministry claims that conservatives won a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, following the disqualification of thousands of reformist candidates. This…
140 Japanese Ground Troops Depart for Iraq
140 Japanese soldiers have been deployed to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, joining existing troops in Samawah. This deployment comes amid increased security measures in…
Conservatives Have Secured Over 146 Seats Out of 289 - 2004-02-21
Conservative candidates in Iran's parliamentary elections have won a significant majority, securing over 146 seats. This victory comes despite the exclusion of many reformist candidates…
Angry Struggles of Reformists Against the Guardianship Council's Selections - 2004-02-20
As Iran prepares for its seventh parliamentary elections, reformists are expressing their anger and resistance against the candidates approved by the Guardianship Council. This situation…
United States Warns Citizens to Leave Haiti as Unrest Continues - 2004-02-20
The U.S. has issued a warning for its citizens to evacuate Haiti amid ongoing unrest against President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The situation is deteriorating with increasing…
Kofi Annan Welcomes Recent Agreement Between India and Pakistan - 2004-02-20
Kofi Annan has expressed support for the recent agreement between India and Pakistan to begin negotiations to resolve their disputes. The foreign ministers of both…
Iraq's Shiite Leader Will Agree to Delay Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani is willing to accept a delay in Iraq's elections if the interim government's power is limited. This comes after Kofi Annan…
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…
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…
Malaysian Police: Abdul Qadeer Khan Sold Parts of a Nuclear Centrifuge to Iran for Three Million Dollars
Abdul Qadeer Khan, a Pakistani nuclear scientist, sold parts of a nuclear centrifuge to Iran for three million dollars, facilitated by a Sri Lankan intermediary.…
Iraq’s Progress toward Democracy
Iraq is making strides toward democracy following the fall of Saddam Hussein, with local elections taking place in Dhi Qar province. The U.S. and its…
Ten Iraqis Killed and Dozens Injured in Two Suicide Attacks South of Baghdad - 2004-02-19
Two suicide attacks near a Polish military base in southern Baghdad resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Iraqis and injuries to dozens, including…
Increase in Casualties from Freight Train Incident in Khorasan Province - 2004-02-19
A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed and exploded in Khorasan Province, resulting in at least 182 deaths, primarily among emergency responders. The incident was…
The U.S. Expresses Concern Over Iran's Parliamentary Elections - 2004-02-19
The U.S. has raised concerns about the upcoming Iranian parliamentary elections, fearing they will not reflect the people's will due to disqualifications of reformist candidates.…
Kofi Annan to Present His Proposals for Conducting Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-19
Kofi Annan is set to announce his proposals for elections in Iraq, aligning with the U.S. view that elections are impractical before the June power…
Kofi Annan's Agreement with the U.S. on Not Holding Direct Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-19
Kofi Annan has agreed with the U.S. that direct elections in Iraq will not be held before the June 30 transfer of sovereignty. This decision…
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…
Protests by Hundreds of Palestinians Against New Israeli Security Measures - 2004-02-18
Hundreds of Palestinians protested new Israeli security measures causing delays for workers, blocking borders with Gaza. The protests were sparked by the death of a…
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…
The U.S. Remains Determined to Transfer Power in Iraq by the Scheduled Date - 2004-02-18
The U.S. is committed to transferring power in Iraq by June 30, despite challenges from the Iraqi Governing Council regarding the selection process for a…
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…
Haitian Prime Minister: Coup is Imminent - 2004-02-18
Haitian Prime Minister Ivan Neptune warns of an imminent coup as armed rebels gain control over key cities. He calls for international support for Haiti's…
Election Campaigns in Iran to Halt at Midnight Local Time
Iran's election campaigns will cease at midnight before a crucial vote on 290 parliamentary seats. Reformists feel the elections are unfair due to the disqualification…
Knowledge and Society: Hunger in Poor Countries, a Prelude to Obesity Crisis?
The article discusses how hunger in poor countries may contribute to a future obesity crisis, particularly affecting children born to malnourished mothers who are shifting…
Plans to Equip Russia with the Latest Types of Weaponry - 2004-02-18
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to modernize the military with new weaponry, including a missile defense system, while assuring that these developments are…
China's Concern Over U.S. Media Reports Regarding the Origin of Libya's Nuclear Weapons - 2004-02-17
China is worried about U.S. media reports claiming that nuclear weapon designs from China were found in Libya. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has not confirmed…
United Nations Report on the Rise of AIDS Cases - 2004-02-17
The UN has reported a significant rise in HIV cases in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, potentially reaching 1.8 million infected individuals. The…
Debate Over the Formation of a Temporary Government in Iraq - 2004-02-17
Members of the Iraqi Governing Council have withdrawn support for a U.S.-backed plan to form a temporary government through regional meetings, citing controversy. Some propose…
Letter from Dozens of Reformist Members of Iran's Parliament to the Supreme Leader
Dozens of reformist parliament members criticized the exclusion of reformist candidates from upcoming elections in a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader. They accuse the Guardian…
Harun Dogan Joins Turkish National Team at Takhti Cup
Harun Dogan is joining the Turkish national wrestling team for the Takhti Cup in Iran, which has attracted teams from various countries. This event highlights…
Los Angeles Report: The 101st Anniversary of Sadegh Hedayat's Birth - 2004-02-17
The article marks the 101st anniversary of the birth of Sadegh Hedayat, a significant figure in Iranian literature. It features an interview with Dr. Homayoun…
Iranian Reformists Predict Their Defeat!
Iranian reformists anticipate defeat in the upcoming parliamentary elections due to the disqualification of their leaders. The 'Iran Coalition' warns that reformists will lose their…
Mahdi Karroubi Considers Elections Unfair but Will Participate
Mahdi Karroubi, despite deeming the elections unfair, will participate in the parliamentary elections, believing that reformist presence is crucial. Many reformist parties are boycotting due…
Khatami: People Should Participate in the Islamic Consultative Assembly Elections
Former President Mohammad Khatami has called on Iranians to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections despite the disqualification of many reformist candidates. He warns that…
Conference of Leaders from Sixteen African Countries Begins in Rwanda
A two-day conference of leaders from sixteen African countries has started in Rwanda to evaluate governance and economic development. The event, opened by President Paul…
Regional Security Conference for Iraq's Security Concludes Today in Kuwait - 2004-02-15
A regional security conference aimed at enhancing Iraq's security concluded in Kuwait, with foreign ministers expressing hope for a final statement. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar…
Senior Iraqi Officials and Neighboring Countries Call for a Central Role for the UN in Baghdad
Senior Iraqi officials and foreign ministers from eight neighboring countries have urged the UN to take a leading role in forming a new government in…
Former Head of Ba'ath Party in Iraq Arrested
Mohammad Zama Abdul Razak, the former head of the Ba'ath Party in Iraq, was arrested by Iraqi police and is on the U.S. wanted list.…
Meeting of Indian and Pakistani Officials to Resolve Kashmir Issue - 2004-02-15
Indian and Pakistani officials are meeting to discuss the Kashmir issue, aiming to set the stage for a future meeting between their foreign ministers. This…
Murder of Four Afghan Mine Workers in Western Afghanistan - 2004-02-15
Four Afghan mine workers were killed in a sudden attack in western Afghanistan, prompting condemnation from the United Nations. UN representative Jean Arnault called for…
Interview with Dr. Asad Homayoun Regarding the Nuclear Activities of the Islamic Republic - 2004-02-15
Iraj Aryanpour interviews Dr. Asad Homayoun about Iran's nuclear activities and ambitions. This discussion sheds light on Iran's nuclear program and its implications for international…
Philippine Government and Communist Rebels Investigate Human Rights Violations - 2004-02-14
The Philippine government and communist rebels have agreed to investigate human rights violations and formed a joint committee after negotiations in Oslo. The government will…
A Region in Northern Haiti Faces a Humanitarian Crisis - 2004-02-14
Haiti is experiencing widespread unrest, particularly in the northern region controlled by rebels, leading to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 150,000 people. The Red Cross…
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…
New Arabic Television Network Al-Hurra Launched for the Middle East - 2004-02-14
The U.S. has launched a new Arabic-language satellite television network called Al-Hurra aimed at reaching audiences in 22 Middle Eastern countries. The network will provide…
Kamal Kharrazi: Iran Capable of Producing Nuclear Fuel
Kamal Kharrazi announced that Iran can produce nuclear fuel and is prepared to enter the international market with it. He emphasized Iran's commitment to cooperating…
550 Reformist Candidates Withdraw from Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
550 reformist candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran in protest against the disqualification of thousands of other liberal candidates. This situation…
Stability in Afghanistan
The U.S. government is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in Afghanistan this June, aiming to establish a stable government that does not harbor terrorists.…
Elections in Iraq Could Be Held in Early Next Year
The UN announced that elections in Iraq could take place early next year, following a meeting between UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Ayatollah Sistani, who…
Interview with Bijan Kian about the Visit of Several U.S. Congressional Staff to Iran - 2004-02-13
Several U.S. Congressional staff visited Iran after meeting with the Iranian UN representative, raising discussions about a possible shift in U.S. policy towards Iran. Bijan…
The United States Sends a Diplomatic Delegation to Jerusalem - 2004-02-13
The U.S. is dispatching a diplomatic team to Jerusalem to assess Israel's withdrawal plan from Gaza settlements and its potential impact on the peace process.…
Turkish and Greek Communities of Cyprus Agree on Negotiation Procedures - 2004-02-13
The Turkish and Greek communities of Cyprus have agreed on negotiation procedures to address the island's division. This agreement is based on a UN proposal,…
Ayatollah Khamenei Calls on People to Participate Vigorously in Elections
Ayatollah Khamenei has called for strong public participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, while reformists have announced a boycott due to perceived unfairness. The situation…
South Korean Scientists Extract Pluripotent Stem Cells from Embryos - 2004-02-12
South Korean scientists have cloned a human embryo and extracted pluripotent stem cells, sparking renewed debate over human cloning. The research, conducted at Seoul National…
UN Team Meets with Ayatollah Ali Sistani - 2004-02-12
A UN team led by Lakhdar Brahimi met with Ayatollah Ali Sistani to discuss the possibility of early nationwide elections in Iraq. Sistani emphasized the…
Israeli Government Decides to Boycott Sessions on Security Barrier Construction - 2004-02-12
The Israeli government has chosen to boycott the International Court of Justice sessions regarding the legality of its security barrier in the West Bank, claiming…
Findings of United Nations Weapons Inspectors in Iran - 2004-02-12
United Nations weapons inspectors discovered blueprints in Iran that could be used to create materials for an atomic bomb, which Iran did not disclose during…
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…
The Electoral Campaign for Parliamentary Candidates in Iran Has Officially Begun
The electoral campaign for parliamentary candidates in Iran has begun, with many conservatives running and reformist candidates barred from participation. President Khatami warns that ignoring…
The U.S. Has No Doubts About Tehran's Final Intentions in Producing Nuclear Weapons
The U.S. is convinced that Iran is still attempting to develop nuclear weapons, as stated by Deputy Secretary of State John Bolton. This assertion comes…
Restoration of U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Libya - 2004-02-11
The U.S. has resumed its diplomatic presence in Libya after years of hostility, with one diplomat currently stationed at the Belgian embassy in Tripoli. This…
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…
Meeting of Security Officials and Experts from 16 Asian Countries in Almaty - 2004-02-11
Security officials and experts from 16 Asian countries convened in Almaty to establish a legal framework for a regional security organization. The discussions will focus…
Middle East Challenge
The U.S. government expresses concern over the failure of many Middle Eastern countries to secure basic human rights, leading to increased extremism. The U.S. has…
At least 45 killed in bomb explosion in southern Iraq
A bomb explosion at a police station in Iskandariyah, southern Iraq, killed at least 45 people, mostly civilians seeking employment. The attack highlights the ongoing…
Afghan Court Sentences Two Men to Death for Killing a French Woman
An Afghan court has sentenced two Taliban militants to death for the murder of a French aid worker. The incident has drawn international attention and…
Report Shahid: Interview with Pari Saberi, Theater Director - 2004-02-09
Two theatrical works directed by Pari Saberi were showcased at UNESCO in Paris. An interview with Saberi was conducted prior to the performances, highlighting her…
Bomb Explosion in Iraq Kills One American Soldier - 2004-02-09
A bomb explosion in Iraq killed an American soldier, while U.S. forces responded to an attack in a Sunni area, resulting in one death and…
UN Delegation Consults with Iraqi Politicians - 2004-02-09
A UN delegation is in Iraq discussing the possibility of early nationwide elections with local politicians, including the Iraqi Governing Council. Shia leaders are pushing…
Hamid Karzai's Appeal to the International Community to Combat Drug Trafficking - 2004-02-09
Hamid Karzai has urged the international community to help Afghanistan combat drug trafficking, which he claims is detrimental to the nation's economy and security. This…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Efforts in Iraq - 2004-02-09
The UN delegation in Iraq has committed to making every effort to address the political crisis in the country. This involves international engagement in Iraqi…
Dialogue, Questions, Answers, February 9, 2004: Interview with Saeed Rajaei Khorasani
The article features an interview with Saeed Rajaei Khorasani discussing the parliamentary crisis in Iran. Khorasani, a former ambassador to the UN, provides insights on…
Khamenei: Both Sides Should Set Aside Their Differences
Ayatollah Khamenei urged both conservatives and reformists to put aside their differences ahead of the March 1 parliamentary elections, emphasizing the elections' vital importance. Despite…
Transfer of Thousands of Sudanese Refugees to a New Center Inside the Country
Thousands of Sudanese refugees are being relocated from a camp near the Chad border to a new facility after the camp was bombed by Sudanese…
Under the Microscope: Prince Charles's Visit to Iran and Student Protests - 2004-02-09
Prince Charles visited Iran amid significant student protests at major universities. Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses the implications of the visit and the protests. This situation…
Ladan Boroumand Discusses the Political Crisis in Iran - 2004-02-08
Ladan Boroumand discusses the ongoing political crisis in Iran and the implications of a U.S. congressional delegation's planned visit. This conversation highlights the intersection of…
Kofi Annan Says Disagreements Over Iraq Are Diminishing
Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, indicates that global leaders are beginning to recognize the importance of collaboration to tackle various global challenges, suggesting a reduction…
Mohammad Reza Shahid: Gathering of Mojahedin Members in Paris - 2004-02-08
Members of the Mojahedin gathered in Paris to raise awareness about their demands. The event was reported by Mohammad Reza Shahid from Voice of America,…
Finance Ministers of the Wealthiest 7 Industrialized Countries Condemn Currency Trading Disruptions - 2004-02-08
The finance ministers of the G7 countries condemned disruptions in currency trading, particularly the declining value of the dollar against the euro, which threatens European…
Germany and France Say They Do Not Support U.S. Proposal for NATO Involvement in Iraq Reconstruction - 2004-02-08
Germany and France have expressed their opposition to the U.S. proposal for NATO to participate in Iraq's reconstruction. While Germany is open to NATO deployment…
UN Political Experts Meet with Iraqi Governing Council - 2004-02-08
UN political experts convened with the Iraqi Governing Council to discuss the possibility of early elections at the request of Shia leaders. This meeting is…
Sri Lankan President Dissolves Parliament and Calls for New Elections - 2004-02-08
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has dissolved parliament and called for new elections, accusing Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe of being too lenient towards Tamil Tiger…
Former UN Weapons Expert Accuses Tony Blair of Exaggerating Iraq Threat
Hans Blix, a former UN weapons inspector, accused Tony Blair of exaggerating the threat from Iraq to justify the war. He highlighted the lack of…
On This Day, February 9: John Quincy Adams Became President of the United States - 2004-02-08
On February 9, 1825, John Quincy Adams was elected as the sixth President of the United States by the House of Representatives. This event is…
Governments Worldwide Condemn Bomb Explosion in Moscow Subway - 2004-02-07
A bomb explosion in the Moscow subway killed at least 39 people and injured over 130. President Bush and Russian President Putin condemned the attack…
Qasem Shoaleh Saadi's Views on Parliamentary Elections
Qasem Shoaleh Saadi, a former Iranian MP, advocates for UN oversight of parliamentary elections in Iran. His comments highlight concerns about the integrity of 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…
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.…
Investigation into Allegations of Bribery in Nigeria - 2004-02-07
The Nigerian government is investigating allegations that Halliburton's agent bribed officials to secure a contract worth $180 million in the late 1990s. This investigation follows…
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…
Sri Lankan President Dissolves Parliament
Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has dissolved Parliament and announced early elections for April 2. This move comes amid ongoing disputes with Prime Minister Ranil…
UN Political Experts Arrive in Baghdad to Assess Possibility of Elections - 2004-02-07
UN political experts have arrived in Baghdad to evaluate the feasibility of holding elections in Iraq before the June 30 power transfer. Kofi Annan hopes…
New Kofi Annan Representative in Afghanistan - 2004-02-07
Kofi Annan has appointed Jean Arnault as the new UN representative in Afghanistan, replacing Lakhdar Brahimi. Arnault has a background in various UN missions, and…
Azerbaijan's President Calls for Demilitarization of the Caspian Sea
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has called for the demilitarization of the Caspian Sea during his visit to Moscow, emphasizing cooperation with Russia on resource utilization.…
The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Says His Government Will Hold Parliamentary Elections on Schedule
The Iranian President announced that parliamentary elections will proceed as scheduled despite significant protests from reformist leaders over the disqualification of many candidates. Khatami and…
Initiation of the Process of Disposing of Libya's Chemical Weapons Stockpile - 2004-02-06
The U.S. and U.K. officials met with Libyan representatives to enhance political relations, following Gaddafi's decision to end his WMD program, which may lead to…
Negotiations on the Reunification of Cyprus - 2004-02-06
Rauf Denktash, the leader of Turkish Cyprus, is set to attend UN-led negotiations for the reunification of Cyprus. He plans to submit a letter of…
Ariel Sharon Considering Transfer of Jewish Residents from Gaza Strip - 2004-02-06
Ariel Sharon is exploring the relocation of Jewish settlers from Gaza to the West Bank as part of Israel's plans to annex the area. Palestinian…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report on the NATO Defense Ministers Meeting - 2004-02-06
The NATO Defense Ministers meeting addressed security challenges and collective defense strategies among member countries. Key defense ministers participated, reinforcing their commitment to NATO's operational…
Witness Report: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Views on Islam, Iraq, and American Policies in the Region - 2004-02-06
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal shares his insights on Islam, the aftermath of the Iraq War, and the impact of U.S. policies in the Middle East.…
UN Experts Examine Possibility of Early Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-06
UN experts are traveling to Iraq to assess the feasibility of early elections requested by the Shiite majority. Kofi Annan emphasized the importance of engaging…
Khamenei: Parliamentary Elections Will Not Be Delayed - 2004-02-05
Ayatollah Khamenei confirmed that the parliamentary elections in Iran will proceed as scheduled, despite calls for a review of disqualified reformist candidates. This decision comes…
Kofi Annan: The U.S. Deadline for Establishing a Transitional Government in Iraq May Be Delayed - 2004-02-05
Kofi Annan indicated that the U.S. deadline for establishing a transitional government in Iraq might be delayed. This comes amid ongoing violence in Iraq, including…
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…
Clashes in the Counties of Khalkhal and Kiwi - 2004-02-05
Clashes between left and right factions have led to the declaration of martial law in Khalkhal and Kiwi, with security forces deployed to the area.…
Most Disqualified Candidates Still Prohibited from Participating in Elections
Most disqualified candidates in Iran remain barred from elections despite a directive from the Supreme Leader for review. The Guardian Council reinstated only a small…
ElBaradei: Abdul Qadeer Khan is Just a Small Part of the Nuclear Black Market
Mohamed ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, emphasized that Abdul Qadeer Khan is only a small part of the global nuclear black market. He raised concerns…
Ambe Ligabo's Report on the Status of Freedom of Expression in Iran - 2004-02-05
Ambe Ligabo, the UN Special Rapporteur, has released a report on freedom of expression in Iran, highlighting concerns about the current situation. The report is…
Kofi Annan: A UN Diplomatic Team Will Head to Iraq
Kofi Annan announced that a UN diplomatic team will travel to Iraq to help resolve disputes over forming a temporary government. The initiative comes amid…
North Korea Will Present Its Demands to the U.S. in the Next Round of Negotiations - 2004-02-04
North Korea plans to present its demands to the U.S. in upcoming nuclear negotiations in Beijing. A North Korean minister emphasized the need for reciprocal…
Anti-Terrorism Conference in Bali
An anti-terrorism conference in Bali saw participants from 25 countries, including Australia and Indonesia, commit to increased cooperation against terrorism in Southeast Asia. They agreed…
Sharon Proposes Referendum on the Evacuation of Jewish Settlements - 2004-02-04
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has proposed a referendum for the evacuation of certain Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which has…
Tripartite Negotiations Between the US, UK, and Libya for Lifting Sanctions - 2004-02-04
The US, UK, and Libya are set to negotiate the possible lifting of sanctions against Libya due to its decision to dismantle weapons of mass…
Moscow: Russian Officials Did Not Accept Bribes from Saddam Hussein's Regime - 2004-02-04
The Russian Foreign Ministry has denied allegations that its officials accepted bribes from Saddam Hussein's regime, asserting that all oil exports were part of the…
Letters from the People: Your Strike May Not Be Wrong, But It's Too Late
A citizen expresses frustration with Iranian representatives regarding their recent strike, arguing that it is too late to make a difference and questioning their commitment…
Deployment of Japanese Soldiers for Humanitarian Mission in Iraq - 2004-02-03
Japan has deployed approximately 80 soldiers to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, marking the first such deployment since World War II. Despite public opposition, the…
Meeting of Dozens of Reformist Legislators with Mohammad Khatami - 2004-02-03
Dozens of reformist legislators met with former President Mohammad Khatami to demand the reinstatement of disqualified candidates and to urge a postponement of the upcoming…
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…
Student March Against Disqualification of Candidates Banned on Wednesday
The Iranian authorities have banned a student march protesting the disqualification of reformist candidates. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions between reformist lawmakers and President…
Two Suicide Bombings in Erbil, Iraq Leave 56 Dead
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, killed 56 people and injured over 200, including a senior Kurdish official. The U.S. military also reported casualties from…
Avian Influenza Remains a Serious Threat in Asia and the Pacific
Avian influenza continues to pose a significant threat in Asia and the Pacific, with new cases reported in Thailand, China, and Vietnam. Both Thailand and…
Islamic Participation Front Boycotts Parliamentary Elections
The Islamic Participation Front has decided to boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections, citing concerns over fairness and the disqualification of their candidates. This decision comes…
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…
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…
117 Members of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Parliament Resign
117 members of Iran's Parliament resigned in protest against the disqualification of reformist candidates, escalating the electoral crisis ahead of next month's elections. The resignations…
Two Bombs Shake Northern Iraq - 2004-02-01
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in at least 7 deaths during an Eid al-Adha celebration. The attacks targeted political party offices, highlighting…
UN Resolution on Imposing Further Sanctions Against Taliban and Al-Qaeda - 2004-02-01
The UN Security Council has approved a resolution to increase sanctions against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. This decision involves international efforts to combat terrorism and…
Paul Wolfowitz: The War in Iraq Was Necessary - 2004-02-01
Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, argues that the Iraq war was justified despite the absence of found weapons of mass destruction. He…
UN Sends Equipment for Victims of Water Taxi Incident in Congo - 2004-02-01
A tragic fire on a water taxi in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in approximately 200 people missing or dead, with around 500…
56 Killed in Sunday Bombing in Northern Iraq
A twin suicide bombing in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in 56 deaths and 200 injuries, including Kurdish leader Sami Abdul Rahman. The attack occurred during…