April 2004
Abu Bakar Bashir Rearrested After Release from Prison - 2004-04-30
Abu Bakar Bashir, a Muslim cleric suspected of terrorism, was re-arrested in Indonesia immediately after being released from prison due to new evidence against him.…
South African President Introduces New Cabinet - 2004-04-29
South African President Thabo Mbeki has unveiled his new cabinet, retaining key ministers while increasing the number of women in leadership roles. Notably, he dismissed…
Deployment of Three Thousand South Korean Soldiers to Iraq Delayed
South Korea has postponed the deployment of 3,000 soldiers to Iraq to allow for further discussions with U.S. and Iraqi officials. The troops will focus…
Explosion Last Week Caused Approximately $350 Million in Damages to North Korea
A train explosion in North Korea caused significant damage estimated at $350 million and resulted in 161 deaths and 1,300 injuries. North Korea has requested…
US Provides $100,000 Aid to Victims of Train Explosion in North Korea - 2004-04-27
The US is providing $100,000 in aid to North Korean train explosion victims, where 150 died and 1,300 were injured. The aid will be managed…
The United States' Intent to Reduce Military Presence Along the Korean Border - 2004-04-27
The U.S. plans to reduce its military presence at the Korean border, withdrawing nearly all troops from Panmunjom by late October. This move aims to…
North Korea Requests Aid from South Korea
North Korea has requested aid from South Korea after a tragic train explosion that killed 161 people. The request includes construction materials and school supplies.…
Gathering of Afghan Human Rights Activists in Front of UN Offices in Islamabad - 2004-04-27
Afghan human rights activists protested in Islamabad against the current Afghan government and the upcoming elections, criticizing the inclusion of former fundamentalists in power. They…
North Korea Rejects South Korea's Proposal to Aid Victims of Train Explosion
North Korea has turned down South Korea's offer to provide emergency aid for victims of a recent train explosion. The rejection may be linked to…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Closure of the Goethe Institute in Tehran - 2004-04-26
The Goethe Institute in Tehran has been closed, prompting an interview with political and human rights activist Nasrin Basiri. This closure raises concerns about cultural…
For the Sixth Consecutive Year; Iran Became the Champion of Asian Futsal
The Iranian national futsal team won the Asian Futsal Championship for the sixth consecutive year by defeating Japan 5-3 in the final. This victory secures…
Futsal Championship of Asia; Iran Reaches Final for the Sixth Time
The Iranian national futsal team defeated Thailand 6-1 in the semifinals of the 2004 Asian Championship, securing a place in the final against Japan. This…
Weekly Discussion, April 22, 2004: Conversation with Benafsheh Pourzand and Reza Moini - April 23, 2004
The article features a discussion led by Behrouz Abbasi with Benafsheh Pourzand, the daughter of imprisoned journalist Siamak Pourzand, and Reza Moini from Reporters Without…
Iran National Futsal Team Defeats Kuwait by 10 Goals
The Iran national futsal team achieved a significant victory over Kuwait, winning 10-3, and advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Futsal Championship. Other teams,…
Five Wanted Fugitives Killed in Clash in Jeddah by Saudi Authorities - 2004-04-23
Five wanted fugitives were killed by Saudi security forces during a clash in Jeddah. This incident followed a deadly suicide bombing in Riyadh, raising concerns…
Iranian Prisoners in Need of Medical Treatment, United Press - April 23, 2004
An American organization has called on the Bush administration to intervene for the medical treatment of two Iranian political prisoners, Manoochehr and Akbar Mohammadi. Both…
Five Pakistani Elders Expected to Surrender to Tribal Council
Five Pakistani elders wanted for sheltering militants are set to surrender to their tribal council. This development follows delays by the Pakistani government in apprehending…
Warning to Rebels in Fallujah to Surrender Their Weapons
U.S. General James Conway warned Fallujah rebels to surrender their weapons within days or face renewed military action. Despite a ceasefire, clashes continue, resulting in…
A South African Security Guard Shot and Killed in Baghdad - 2004-04-22
A South African security guard was shot and killed in Baghdad while working for the U.S.-led coalition. The assailant, who concealed his identity, reportedly called…
Israeli Soldiers Attack Tulkarm City in West Bank - 2004-04-22
Israeli soldiers launched an attack on Tulkarm, killing three militants from the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade. In response to Israeli actions, militants in Ramallah expressed their…
South Korea's Hope for Progress in Next Round of Six-Party Talks
South Korea is optimistic that Kim Jong-il's recent trip to China will facilitate progress in the upcoming six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program. The…
Collision of Two Trains Carrying Flammable Materials Near the China Border - 2004-04-22
A collision between two North Korean trains carrying flammable materials near the China border may have caused thousands of casualties. North Korean officials have not…
General Wiranto, Former Chief of the Indonesian Army, Nominated for Presidential Election
General Wiranto has been nominated by his party for the Indonesian presidential election despite facing accusations of human rights violations. He will compete against current…
Uzbekistan National Futsal Team Fails to Compete Against Iran
The Iran national futsal team defeated Uzbekistan 8-1 in the Asian Championship qualifiers, with Vahid Shamsaei scoring four goals. This victory secured Iran's advancement to…
U.S. State Department: No Role for Hamas in Gaza Administration
The U.S. State Department has declared that Hamas will not have a role in governing Gaza after Israel's withdrawal, following the assassination of Hamas leader…
Italian Authorities Seize 7,500 Kalashnikovs Intended for Shipment to the U.S.
Italian customs officials seized 7,500 Kalashnikov rifles meant for shipment to a Georgia-based company in the U.S. The seizure occurred during a routine inspection, and…
Iran National Futsal Team Crushes Cambodia with 24 Goals
The Iran national futsal team achieved a remarkable victory over Cambodia, scoring 24 goals to 1. This win follows previous victories against Hong Kong and…
Shamsai Tops Scoring Table in Asian Futsal Championship
Vahid Shamsai leads the scoring table in the Asian Futsal Championship, having scored 13 goals in just two matches. This performance highlights his significant contribution…
Kenyan Runners Win Both Men's and Women's Categories at London Marathon
Kenyan runners dominated the London Marathon, winning both the men's and women's categories. Evans Ruto and Margaret Okayo were the respective champions, showcasing Kenya's strong…
Report: L'Humanité Celebrates 100 Years - Siamak Pourzand in Coma for 36 Hours - 2004-04-18
The French newspaper L'Humanité has reached its centenary, while concerns are raised for Iranian journalist Siamak Pourzand, who has been in a coma for 36…
The Dalai Lama, Exiled Religious Leader of Tibet, Travels to Canada for a Series of Lectures
The Dalai Lama is in Canada for lectures and discussions, joined by Shirin Ebadi and Desmond Tutu. He is expected to meet with Canadian Prime…
Iran National Futsal Team's Dominant Victory Against Hong Kong
The Iran national futsal team won their opening match in the sixth Asian Futsal Championship against Hong Kong with a score of 15-0. This victory…
The U.S. Appreciates Anti-Terrorism Efforts of Countries in the Horn of Africa - 2004-04-17
The U.S. has acknowledged the anti-terrorism efforts of Horn of Africa nations, highlighting collaboration with Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Yemen. This cooperation has…
Dick Cheney Appreciates South Korea for Assistance in Rebuilding Iraq - 2004-04-16
Dick Cheney thanked South Korea for its support in Iraq and efforts against North Korea's nuclear threat during his Asia trip. The discussions included troop…
Kidnappers Release Chinese National in Iraq - 2004-04-16
A Chinese national kidnapped in Iraq has been released and returned to the Chinese embassy. The situation remains tense as kidnappers still hold numerous foreign…
Six Moroccan Suspects Released in Madrid
Six Moroccan suspects were released in Madrid after being cleared of involvement in the train bombings. Eighteen others remain detained as investigations continue. This incident…
Interview with Michael Ledeen Regarding the Dispatch of an Iranian Delegation to Iraq - 2004-04-16
Michael Ledeen discusses the implications of an Iranian delegation being sent to Iraq amid the ongoing crisis. This situation involves Iran's potential role in stabilizing…
Dick Cheney's Warning About North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Program - 2004-04-15
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney warned in South Korea that failing to control North Korea's nuclear program could trigger a regional arms race. He expressed…
Dick Cheney, U.S. Vice President, Arrives in South Korea Today - 2004-04-15
Dick Cheney, the U.S. Vice President, is visiting South Korea to discuss North Korea's nuclear program and to thank the South Korean government for its…
Suspected Taliban Militants Kill 7 Afghans
Suspected Taliban militants executed seven Afghans, including three provincial officials, in Paktika. The attackers posed as government forces and targeted individuals based on their support…
Exclusive Interview with Dariush, the Famous Iranian Artist - 2004-04-13
Thousands of Iranians in Europe protested in Amsterdam against the Dutch government's strict policies on Iranian asylum seekers. Dariush, a well-known Iranian artist, spoke at…
Arrest of 7 More Suspects in Connection with Madrid Bombing
Spanish authorities have arrested 7 additional suspects linked to the March 11 train bombing in Madrid, which killed 191 people. This brings the total number…
Thousands Protest Against Government in Armenia on Second Day of Demonstrations
Thousands of Armenians protested in Yerevan against President Robert Kocharian, demanding his resignation over alleged electoral fraud. The opposition claims the presidential elections were marred…
A Dutch Hostage Kidnapped Near the Chechen Border Two Years Ago Has Been Released
Arjan Erkel, a Dutch medical aid worker kidnapped near the Chechen border two years ago, has been released and is now at the Dutch embassy…
Abdelaziz Bouteflika Wins with 83% of Votes in Algerian Elections
Abdelaziz Bouteflika won the Algerian presidential election with 83% of the votes, despite claims of fraud from his main rival, Ali Benflis. The U.S. government…
Polling Stations Closed at the End of Algeria's Presidential Election on Thursday - 2004-04-09
Polling stations closed after Algeria's presidential election, where voters chose among six candidates, including incumbent President Bouteflika and former Prime Minister Benflis. Preliminary reports suggest…
Algerian President Re-elected Again
Abdelaziz Bouteflika has been re-elected as President of Algeria, winning 83% of the votes against five opponents. His main rival, Ali Benflis, has rejected the…
Under the Microscope: The Expulsion of Kazemi Qomi, the Charge d'Affaires of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Iraq and Criticism of Religious Democracy - 2004-04-09
Kazemi Qomi, the Iranian Charge d'Affaires in Iraq, was expelled amid protests from officials and clerics in Iran against the political climate and the legitimacy…
Nazi Baghlari's Report from New York: Interview with Mr. Mamoun Fandi, Middle East Expert on the Situation in Iraq - 2004-04-09
Nazi Baghlari reports from New York on an interview with Mamoun Fandi, a senior Middle East expert, who provides insights into the current state of…
Three Japanese Civilians Kidnapped in Iraq - 2004-04-08
Three Japanese civilians, believed to be journalists, were kidnapped in Iraq by a group called the Mujahideen Brigades, who threatened to kill them unless Japan…
Algerian Voters Go to the Polls Today
Algerian voters are casting their votes today to decide on President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's re-election against five challengers, amid allegations of electoral fraud. The main opposition…
NATO Secretary General Meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow - 2004-04-08
NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss enhancing cooperation on global issues like terrorism. They addressed concerns…
A Russian Scientist and Weapons Expert Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Igor Sutyagin, a Russian scientist and weapons expert, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for allegedly selling classified military information to a British consulting…
President Bush's Phone Conversation with Vladimir Putin - April 8, 2004
President Bush and President Putin had a 20-minute phone conversation addressing Iraq, the war on terrorism, and bilateral relations. They also discussed Kosovo and Afghanistan.…
Riot Police Attack Citizens in Isfahan - 2004-04-08
Riot police in Isfahan violently attacked citizens protesting the loss of their savings in credit unions. The protesters were peacefully marching towards the governorate when…
Iraqi Militants Release 7 South Korean Clerics
Iraqi militants released 7 South Korean clerics but are still holding three Japanese civilians and two Arabs. The situation highlights ongoing tensions and risks for…
Two Senior Shia Leaders in Iraq Call for Calm in the Country - 2004-04-08
Two senior Shia leaders in Iraq are urging for peace after escalating violence, suggesting that dialogue with Muqtada al-Sadr's supporters is necessary. The situation highlights…
Under the Microscope: Mr. ElBaradei's Visit to Tehran - 2004-04-07
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses Mr. ElBaradei's visit to Tehran, highlighting the conflicting statements from Iranian officials and the links between Muqtada al-Sadr and the…
Report by Shahid: Latest Information on the Arrest of a Suspect in a Terrorist Operation in France - 2004-04-07
A suspect has been arrested in France in connection with a terrorist operation. The report details the latest developments surrounding this arrest. This incident is…
Bombing Conspiracy Charges Against One of Eight Terrorist Suspects in London - 2004-04-07
British authorities have charged a 17-year-old suspect with conspiracy to commit bombing as part of a group of eight arrested last week for possessing large…
Kofi Annan's Warning Regarding Genocide in Rwanda - 2004-04-07
Kofi Annan warned that military intervention might be needed to prevent genocide in Rwanda, reflecting on the past atrocities of 1994. He proposed a system…
Calendar Day, April 7: Names of the First American Astronauts - 2004-04-07
On April 7, 1959, the United States revealed the names of its first astronauts, marking a significant milestone in the space race. This event involved…
French Police Arrest 13 in Connection with Last Year's Bombings in Morocco
French police have arrested 13 individuals linked to last year's bombings in Morocco, which killed 45 people. The arrests are part of a broader investigation…
Nigeria National Football Team's Training Camp in Paris - 2004-04-05
The Nigeria national football team is preparing for an important Olympic qualifying match against Tunisia by training in Paris. The team is currently leading their…
Jacques Chirac Meets Vladimir Putin in Moscow - 2004-04-04
French President Jacques Chirac met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss space cooperation and international anti-terrorism efforts. The meeting also addressed the…
Bomb Discovered on High-Speed Train Line in Spain - 2004-04-02
A bomb was found on a high-speed train line in Spain, similar to those used in previous terrorist attacks. Four suspects were released due to…
Arrest of Dozens of Terrorism Suspects in Europe - 2004-04-01
Dozens of suspects linked to a Turkish Marxist extremist group were arrested across five European countries. The arrests involved 41 individuals in Italy, Turkey, Germany,…