December 2003
Leaders of East Asian Countries Emphasize Security and Economic Growth as They Welcome the New Year
Leaders of East Asian nations are prioritizing security and economic growth as they enter 2004. Key figures include Australian PM John Howard, Indonesian President Megawati…
Five Russian Students Arrested in Egypt
Five Russian students studying at Al-Azhar University in Cairo have been arrested by Egyptian authorities. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed the arrests, but the…
Proceeds from the Match Between Esteghlal and Stuttgart Will Be Donated to Earthquake Survivors
The proceeds from a friendly football match between Iran's Esteghlal and Germany's Stuttgart will be donated to survivors of the Bam earthquake. This initiative involves…
Foreshocks the Night Before the Bam Earthquake Indicated a Disaster - 2003-12-27
On December 27, 2003, Iranian state television reported that several foreshocks occurred before a devastating earthquake in Bam, which resulted in at least 20,000 deaths…
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…
Visit of the Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports to the National Olympic and Paralympic Academy of Iran
The Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports visited Iran's National Olympic and Paralympic Academy to discuss expanding sports cooperation between the two countries. This visit…
Explosion in Central Kabul - 2003-12-25
An explosion occurred in Kabul at a UN complex, causing minor damage but no casualties. This incident follows recent rocket attacks in the city, raising…
Meeting of Georgia's Interim Leader with the President of Russia in Moscow - 2003-12-25
Nino Burjanadze, the interim leader of Georgia, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss reducing tensions and the upcoming presidential elections in…
Explosion and Toxic Gases in a Natural Gas Mine in China Kills at Least 191 People - 2003-12-25
A catastrophic explosion at a natural gas field in southwestern China resulted in at least 191 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The cause of the…
Seminary Teacher in Qom: Torture is for Awakening Humans - 2003-12-25
Mohsen Ghorvian, a teacher at Qom Seminary, argues that torture is misinterpreted and can be justified under certain regulations in Islam. He distinguishes between torture…
South Korean President Asks Parliament to Approve Troop Deployment to Iraq - 2003-12-24
The South Korean President has requested parliamentary approval to send 3,000 troops to Iraq for reconstruction efforts, with support from the main opposition party. This…
South Korea to Send Three Thousand Non-Combat Troops to Iraq in Late April
South Korea is set to deploy three thousand non-combat troops to Iraq in late April to aid in reconstruction efforts. Despite public opposition, parliamentary approval…
Armed Men Kill Senior Judge in Mosul, Iraq
On Monday evening, armed men killed a senior judge in Mosul, Iraq, raising concerns about security in the region. U.S. forces arrested 26 individuals, potentially…
Al Jazeera's Troubling Days, Arash Irani - 2003-12-23
A senior Qatari official is seeking to reopen Al Jazeera's office in Kuwait after it was closed due to its coverage of the U.S. invasion…
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…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Goethe Cultural and Educational Institute - 2003-12-23
The Goethe Cultural and Educational Institute released a report detailing its activities in 2003 across different countries. This report is significant as it highlights the…
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…
Russian Companies Plan to Invest Over $4 Billion in Iraq
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian companies are ready to invest over $4 billion in Iraq's reconstruction. This discussion took place during talks with…
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…
One of Russia's Largest Liberal Opposition Parties Will Not Participate in Next Year's Presidential Election
The Yabloko party, a major liberal opposition group in Russia, has decided not to participate in the upcoming presidential election due to concerns over the…
Colombian Rebels Will Release 5 Foreign Tourists Early This Week - 2003-12-20
Colombian rebels are set to release five foreign tourists they have held since September, with the release expected early this week. The National Liberation Army…
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…
Russia is Ready to Forgive Iraq's $8 Billion Debt to Moscow - 2003-12-19
Russia is prepared to forgive an $8 billion debt owed by Iraq as part of negotiations to reduce Iraq's overall liabilities. U.S. envoy James Baker…
Vladimir Putin Welcomes Strengthening of Military Cooperation Between China and Russia - 2003-12-18
Vladimir Putin has expressed support for enhanced military cooperation with China during a meeting with the Chinese Defense Minister. The visit aims to strengthen military…
Possibility of Resignation of Head of American Weapons Inspectors Team in Iraq - 2003-12-18
David Kay, head of the American weapons inspectors in Iraq, may resign soon as he returns to Washington for the holidays. The Supreme Council for…
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…
Vladimir Putin to Run for Second Term in Presidential Elections
Vladimir Putin has officially announced his candidacy for a second presidential term in the upcoming March 2004 elections. This decision was expected, and he is…
Mohammad Hakim Killed in Assassination Attempt in Baghdad - 2003-12-18
Mohammad Hakim, a senior official of the largest Shia political party in Iraq, was assassinated in Baghdad, reportedly by loyalists of Saddam Hussein. This incident…
13 October Protesters Released in Riyadh
Thirteen protesters arrested during October demonstrations in Riyadh have been released, including three women who apologized for their actions. The protests, organized by the Islamic…
The Spread of AIDS in Iranian Schools - December 16, 2003
Experts are raising concerns about the spread of AIDS in Iranian schools, highlighting a limited number of infected students. An anonymous source warns that lack…
Iranian Women's Fashion; A Report from Reuters - 2003-12-16
A Reuters report highlights the growing interest of Iranian women in fashion, despite societal and governmental pushback. The recent public fashion show by designer Mahla…
Reactions of Some African Leaders to the Arrest of Saddam Hussein - 2003-12-15
African leaders have shown a slow response to Saddam Hussein's arrest, with mixed reactions from different countries. Notably, Desmond Tutu has called for an international…
Resignation of 300 Iraqi Soldiers Due to Insufficient Pay - 2003-12-13
300 Iraqi soldiers have resigned due to inadequate salaries, prompting U.S. military officials to reconsider their pay structure. This situation highlights the challenges faced by…
The Number of Attacks on Coalition Soldiers in Iraq Has Decreased to About 20 Per Day
The number of daily attacks on coalition forces in Iraq has dropped significantly, attributed to improved intelligence from local citizens. However, concerns remain about potential…
Abdul Ghani Mazoudi Has Requested Asylum from the German Government - 2003-12-13
Abdul Ghani Mazoudi, a Moroccan man accused of involvement in the 9/11 attacks, has requested asylum in Germany after being released from custody. He fears…
Pakistani Scientist Arrested for Transferring Nuclear Technology to Iran Released
A Pakistani scientist, Yasin Chohan, arrested for allegedly transferring nuclear technology to Iran, has been released. Farooq Muhammad, another scientist involved, remains under investigation. This…
Investigation into New Activities at North Korea's Nuclear Facilities - 2003-12-11
South Korea is investigating reports of new activities at North Korea's nuclear facilities, including the detection of steam columns by a U.S. spy satellite. The…
Pakistan Denies Islamabad's Cooperation in the Development of Iran's Nuclear Program - 2003-12-11
Pakistani officials have denied allegations that two scientists were arrested for transferring nuclear technology to Iran. The scientists, identified as Farooq Muhammad and Yasin Chauhan,…
Report Witness: Establishment of Two Annual Awards by Reporters Without Borders - 2003-12-11
Reporters Without Borders has announced the establishment of two annual awards aimed at recognizing contributions to media and freedom of speech. This initiative highlights the…
Driver Killed in Car Explosion Outside Synagogue in Northern Italy
A car explosion occurred outside a synagogue in northern Italy, resulting in the death of the driver who reportedly set himself on fire. Italian police…
Cyber Oscars Awards for ICT Activists
The inaugural Cyber Oscars will be awarded to 23 global winners for their innovative use of ICTs to address community issues during the WSIS in…
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.…
Sri Lankan Army Chief Accuses Tamil Tigers of Ignoring Ceasefire Terms - 2003-12-08
The Sri Lankan Army Chief has accused the Tamil Tigers of bolstering their military strength by disregarding a ceasefire. Tensions between the President and Prime…
Three European Tourists Kidnapped in Southeastern Iran - 2003-12-08
Three European tourists, two Germans and one Irishman, were kidnapped while traveling by bicycle in southeastern Iran, specifically in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The kidnappers…
Bodies of Two South Korean Workers Returned from Iraq
Two South Korean workers were killed in an ambush in Iraq and their bodies have been returned to South Korea. The incident highlights the ongoing…
Efforts to Secure Palestinian Factions' Agreement to Halt Attacks on Israelis - 2003-12-08
Palestinian factions attempted to negotiate a ceasefire with Israel but failed to reach an agreement. Nabil Abu Rudeineh emphasized the Palestinian Authority's commitment to the…
International Federation for Human Rights Calls for Protection of Shirin Ebadi's Life - 2003-12-07
The International Federation for Human Rights has called for the protection of Shirin Ebadi after she was attacked during a speech at Alzahra University by…
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…
Phone Conversation Between the President of Russia and the Acting President of Georgia - 2003-12-06
Vladimir Putin emphasized the need for friendship between Russia and Georgia during a phone call with acting President Nino Burjanadze. Burjanadze expressed a desire for…
Emadeddin Baghi Sentenced to One Year in Prison
Emadeddin Baghi has been sentenced to one year in prison for promoting opposition to the Iranian regime. This ruling highlights the ongoing repression of dissent…
Can America Help the Opponents of the Tehran Regime?
The American Enterprise Institute hosted a seminar discussing the potential for U.S. assistance to opponents of the Tehran regime. The event featured discussions between panels…
Atmosphere of Terror by Russian Forces in Chechnya - 2003-12-05
A human rights group in Russia has condemned the ongoing violence and abductions in Chechnya, reporting 431 cases last year with 47 fatalities. They attribute…
Moscow Will Not Sign International Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Moscow's chief economic advisor announced that Russia will not sign the international greenhouse gas reduction agreement unless it is revised, citing economic growth concerns. The…
London Court Refuses to Release British Man on Bail
A London court has denied bail to Sajid Badat, accused of collaborating with bomber Richard Reid and possessing illegal explosives. This case is part of…
South Korea to Send More Troops to Iraq Upon Parliamentary Approval - 2003-12-03
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun announced plans to send more troops to Iraq following parliamentary approval, emphasizing the need for South Korea to support U.S.…
14 People Arrested in the UK During a Series of Anti-Terrorism Raids - 2003-12-02
In the UK, 14 individuals were arrested during anti-terrorism operations amid heightened security alerts due to new threats of terrorist attacks. Prime Minister Tony Blair…
Delay in New Round of Six-Party Talks on North Korea Nuclear Crisis
The new round of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program may be postponed until next year due to unspecified obstacles. U.S. officials, including Deputy…
Russia Likely Will Not Sign Kyoto Protocol for Greenhouse Gas Reduction - 2003-12-02
A senior Russian official indicated that Russia is unlikely to sign the Kyoto Protocol, citing economic growth concerns. This decision is crucial as Russia's ratification…
The Spread of AIDS in Qom - 2003-12-02
AIDS cases in Qom have risen sharply, with official numbers indicating 60 cases, but experts believe the true figure is much higher. The majority of…
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…
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.…
Indonesia to Send Representative to North Korea Next Week
Indonesia is sending a diplomat to North Korea to address the nuclear weapons program deadlock. Nana Sutresna aims to meet Kim Jong Il and promote…
In Clashes in Iraq, 46 Fedayeen Killed and 8 Iraqis Captured - 2003-12-01
On December 1, 2003, U.S. forces killed 46 Iraqi guerrillas and captured 8 in Samarra. The South Korean government condemned the attacks on its citizens…