United States Minor Outlying Islands
December 2003
Rescue Workers in Iran Focus Their Efforts on Helping Survivors of the Bam Earthquake - 2003-12-31
A devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, has led rescue workers to shift their focus from finding survivors to assisting the injured and homeless. The disaster…
The U.S. Provides $75 Million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees - 2003-12-31
The U.S. government announced a $75 million aid package to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, primarily aimed at helping refugees in Africa and South…
Approximately 28,000 Bodies Buried in Bam to Date - 2003-12-30
A devastating earthquake in Bam has led to approximately 28,000 bodies being buried, with officials warning that the final death toll could reach 50,000. Rescue…
Two Groups Suspected of Links to Al-Qaeda Added to UN Sanctions List - 2003-12-30
The UN has added two groups linked to Al-Qaeda to its sanctions list, including the Islamic Haramain Foundation in Bosnia and the Hohberg company in…
Japan's Concerns Over Referendum Plans in Taiwan - 2003-12-30
Japan has voiced concerns about Taiwan's proposed referendum, which aims to condemn China's missile threats. The Japanese envoy has advised caution to Taiwanese President Chen…
Japan Will Not Lift Ban on Beef Imports from the U.S. Until Investigation Results Are Clear - 2003-12-29
Japan has decided to maintain its ban on U.S. beef imports until the U.S. completes its investigation into mad cow disease. This decision follows meetings…
North Korea Agrees to Resume Six-Party Talks to Halt Its Nuclear Weapons Program - 2003-12-28
North Korea has agreed to resume six-party negotiations to stop its nuclear weapons program, a shift from its earlier position that required concessions from the…
The U.S. Sends Thousands of Kilograms of Medical Supplies from Its Bases in Kuwait to Iran - 2003-12-27
The U.S. and various countries are providing humanitarian aid to Iran following a devastating earthquake in Bam. This includes medical supplies and rescue teams from…
The International Community Rushes to Aid Earthquake Victims in Bam
An earthquake in Bam, Iran, has left thousands homeless and caused significant casualties, with estimates of 20,000 dead and 30,000 injured. The international community, including…
North Korea Increases Military Spending
North Korea has raised its military spending due to heightened tensions with the U.S. over its nuclear program. Deputy Prime Minister Ro Tu Chol emphasized…
Meeting of the Presidents of Egypt and Syria - 2003-12-24
The Presidents of Egypt and Syria called for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction following Libya's decision to stop its nuclear program.…
North Korea Criticizes Japan's Decision to Purchase Missile Defense System - 2003-12-24
North Korea has condemned Japan's decision to acquire a U.S. missile defense system, claiming it will escalate tensions. Japan insists the purchase is for defensive…
North Korean Army Chief Calls for Increased Military Readiness
The Chief of the North Korean Army has urged for heightened military preparedness in response to U.S. pressure regarding its nuclear program. General Kim Yong-chun…
Under the Microscope: The Electoral Campaigns of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran - 2003-12-22
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the electoral campaigns for Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly and Libya's agreement with the U.S. on weapons of mass destruction. This…
Libya Allows UN Inspectors to Enter Without Prior Notice - 2003-12-22
Libya has agreed to permit UN inspectors to enter the country without prior notice as part of its decision to abandon its weapons of mass…
The U.S. is establishing bases in southern and eastern Afghanistan - 2003-12-22
The U.S. plans to create military bases in southern and eastern Afghanistan to enhance security for aid workers, as stated by General David Barno. This…
At least 82 people in the Philippines have died in a landslide - 2003-12-21
A landslide in the Philippines has resulted in at least 82 confirmed deaths, with fears that the toll could rise above 200. The Red Cross…
Attack on Oil Facilities in Baghdad, Iraq Faces Fuel Shortages
Insurgents attacked oil facilities in Baghdad, exacerbating fuel shortages in Iraq. The attacks have damaged critical infrastructure and hindered reconstruction efforts by the U.S. and…
China Implements Stricter Controls on the Export of Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2003-12-20
China is set to enforce stricter controls on the export of technologies related to weapons of mass destruction, effective January 1. This move aims to…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Increased Control of Air Passengers - 2003-12-19
Nasrin Mahdavi reports on a new agreement between the EU and the US focused on enhancing air passenger security and fighting international terrorism. This collaboration…
U.S. Expresses Concern Over France's Proposal to Ban Religious Symbols in Public Schools
The U.S. has voiced concerns regarding France's proposal to ban religious symbols, including Islamic headscarves, in public schools. French President Jacques Chirac supports the ban…
Vladimir Putin: Russia and the United States are Partners in the War on Terrorism
Vladimir Putin affirmed Russia's partnership with the U.S. in combating terrorism while criticizing the Iraq invasion. He stressed the need for Security Council approval for…
Israeli Soldiers Attack Nablus City in the West Bank - 2003-12-18
Israeli soldiers killed 4 armed Palestinians in Nablus while searching for militants. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is expected to announce unilateral measures Israel may take…
Iran Signs Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty - 2003-12-18
Iran has signed the Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, allowing IAEA inspectors unannounced access to its nuclear facilities. This move is intended to build…
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…
Egypt's Foreign Minister to Visit Israel Next Week - 2003-12-17
Egypt's Foreign Minister is set to visit Israel next week amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire between Palestinian militants and Israel. Despite these diplomatic…
Two Killed and Several Injured in Anti-Aircraft Gun Incident in Bushehr
An anti-aircraft gun in Bushehr, Iran, accidentally killed two people and injured 13 during a military exercise. The incident raises concerns due to its proximity…
Calendar Day, December 13: Wilson's Trip to the Peace Conference in Europe - 2003-12-15
On December 13, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson of the United States traveled to Paris for the peace conference following World War I. This event was…
Holding a Referendum During Taiwan's Presidential Election in March
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian plans to hold a referendum in March, asking voters to support a request for China to remove missiles aimed at Taiwan.…
Georgia to Send 700 More Soldiers to Iraq - 2003-12-13
Georgia has committed to sending an additional 700 soldiers to Iraq to support peacekeeping efforts, joining the 70 already deployed. The U.S. is involved in…
President Khatami Says His Country Has Never Attempted to Produce Nuclear Weapons - 2003-12-11
President Khatami of Iran asserts that the country has never sought to develop nuclear weapons, citing Islamic prohibitions against indiscriminate killing. He challenges U.S. claims…
President Bush Officially Declares December 10 as Human Rights Day in America
President Bush has declared December 10 as Human Rights Day in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of global freedom and democracy. He highlighted ongoing efforts…
Shirin Ebadi's Speech at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony - 2003-12-10
Shirin Ebadi delivered a speech upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, advocating for human rights and criticizing Western democracies for using terrorism as a justification…
Under the Microscope: The European Union's Decision Regarding the IAEA Report - 2003-12-09
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses the implications of the IAEA report on Iran, the imprisonment of student leaders, and a U.S. message regarding Al-Qaeda members. These…
NATO Will Not Expand Its Role in Iraq - 2003-12-09
NATO Secretary General George Robertson announced that NATO will not expand its role in Iraq as it focuses on Afghanistan. He indicated that a larger…
Indonesia: Australia's Participation in US Missile Defense Program Could Cause Instability
Indonesia has voiced concerns over Australia's involvement in the US missile defense program, warning it could destabilize the region and trigger an arms race. This…
The United States Raises Security Alert Level in Saudi Arabia - 2003-12-06
The U.S. has increased the security alert level in Saudi Arabia due to ongoing security concerns, advising embassy staff to limit their movements. This decision…
Clashes Between Israeli Peace Activists and Palestinian Protesters with Israeli Riot Police - 2003-12-03
Israeli peace activists and Palestinian protesters clashed with riot police while trying to stop the construction of a new Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem. The…
Daily Calendar, December 1: OPEC Oil Reduction and Gas Lines in America - 2003-12-01
On December 1, 1973, OPEC announced a reduction in oil production, which resulted in decreased oil imports to the U.S. This event is significant as…