Israeli
troops gun down four Palestinians
Arab News, December 17, 2002
GAZA, 17 December 2002 — Israeli soldiers shot dead four Palestinians,
including two Hamas members, in and around Gaza Strip yesterday, Palestinian
witnesses said.
Blair
plan for Arab summit
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Tony Blair is to intervene directly in the moribund Middle East peace process
by hosting a conference in Britain next month in an attempt to help the Palestinians
prepare for running their own viable state.
Nablus
Residents Defy Curfew, Clash With IOF Troops
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
"Thousands of residents-- women, men, and children-- were chased by IOF tanks
and armored vehicles, which raided the city in an attempt to enforce a curfew
.." -- NABLUS, West Bank - Nablus’ residents, who have been living under
Israeli occupation and curfew for months, were again the targets of Israeli
Occupation Forces (IOF), who opened fire Sunday at thousands of civilians
trying to reach their schools and work, a day after IOF troops raided and
closed the city’s major university.
Mofaz
in NY: Israel may need to 'clean up' South Lebanon
Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2002
WASHINGTON In an off-the-record meeting with the Conference of Presidents
of Major American Jewish Organizations in New York on Monday, Defense Minister
Shaul Mofaz said, according to one source, that Israel may have to "clean
up" south Lebanon if Hizbullah begins firing missiles.
Annan
asks Israeli Defence Minister for report on killing of British aid worker
United Nations News, December 17, 2002
17 December – The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, has
asked Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz for a thorough probe of the circumstances
surrounding the death of British aid worker Iain Hook, who was fatally wounded
by an Israeli soldier in the Jenin refugee camp last month.
Labor
platform would give up control of the Temple Mount
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The Labor Party will reportedly propose in its election platform that Israel
give up control of the Temple Mount. This emerges from a draft of the party
platform to be presented to the Labor bureau for approval on Thursday.
Firemen
battle for hours against blaze at Haifa Chemicals
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
Dozens of firemen, policemen, Environment Ministry workers and Haifa Chemicals
employees battled for hours Tuesday morning to extinguish a fire that broke
out in one of Haifa Chemicals' fertilizer warehouses near Haifa Bay.
A
Palestinian Constitution, But No State
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
CAIRO - Efforts to write down a Palestinian Constitution came under fire Monday,
December 16, from a leading resistance group, dubbing the move as “pre-mature”,
while the head of the Constitution Committee defended the project as a counter
measure to the U.S. roadmap for the Middle East.
US
expected to veto Arab UN motion against Israel killing UN workers
Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2002
Arab nations pushed for condemnation of Israel for the recent killings of
three UN workers and the United Nations urged the Israeli government to stop
using excessive force in civilian areas...Several council diplomats said the
resolution might get the backing of 14 of the 15 members, but the United States,
Israel's closest council ally, was almost certain to oppose it and would likely
cast a veto if necessary.
Two
Key Likud Members Arrested over Election Bribery
Islam Online, December 17, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM, December 17 (IslamOnline & News Agencies)
- Officers of the Israeli national police fraud division arrested
two key members of the Likud Central Committee late Monday,
December 16, for attempted bribery in connection with the scandal-shadowed
Likud primaries, in which the committee ranked the party's candidates
for January 28 general elections.
Israel
Imposes New Restrictions on Palestinians’ Movements, ‘Considering’
Re-Deploying Troops in Bethlehem
Palestine Media Center, December 17, 2002
".. travelers will be forced to change the busses in every roadblock they
pass through, thus being subjected to strict security procedures, which include
ID checking and personal search." -- Reminiscent of last century’s apartheid
regime practices in South Africa, Israeli occupation authorities announced
that they will allow the movement of a small number of Palestinian busses
from one West Bank city to another, whose travelers will be subject to various
strict security procedures, Israeli officials said Monday.
Mofaz
discusses Israel’s special aid request with Cheney, Powell
Globes, December 17, 2002
"Mofaz said that preparations for a possible war with Iraq were a heavy burden
on Israel, which was consequently asking the US to increase its military aid."
-- Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz yesterday discussed Israel’s
request for more military aid with US Vice-President Richard Cheney and Secretary
of State Colin Powell. He will also discuss the matter today with Secretary
of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.
Eight
Palestinians killed in Israeli raid were unarmed civilians, says UN inquiry
The Independent, December 17, 2002
A United Nations inquiry has found that, contrary to claims by the Israeli
army, eight of the 10 Palestinians killed in a raid in the Gaza Strip were
unarmed civilians.
Arafat
Accepts British PM’s Invitation to Send PNA Delegation for London Talks
Palestine Media Center, December 17, 2002
The Palestine National Authority (PNA) has welcomed an invitation from British
Prime Minister Tony Blair to attend talks in London next month aimed at boosting
the Middle East peace process and Palestinian reforms.
Israeli
Army Invades Nablus University
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
"For the first time in fifteen years, Israeli troops invaded the campus, ordering
security, staff and faculty to evacuate the building .." -- NABLUS, West Bank
(PC) - On Saturday, December 14th, Israeli forces invaded al-Najah University
in Nablus. At 8:30 in the morning, two Israeli tanks stopped in front of the
main gate as thousands of students were arriving to the campus.
Army
Kills Three Men, Wounds Two Sisters in Gaza Strip
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
GAZA CITY - In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian activist was killed by the Israeli
occupation army early Monday near the illegal Israeli settlement of “Neve
Dekalim”, Palestinian medics said, in what Israeli military sources
claimed was an infiltration bid.
Israel
Says It Killed Unarmed Palestinian
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
JERUSALEM (AP) - A suspected bomber killed by troops in the Gaza Strip turned
out not to have been carrying explosives but had rushed an army patrol at
night in an area off limits to Palestinians, the army said Tuesday.
British
envoy questions Israel on terrorism
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Britain's ambassador in Tel Aviv has described terrorism as justified, if
defined in certain ways, drawing parallels between the Jewish fight for a
state of Israel and the present day Palestinian struggle.
Three
Palestinians killed by Israel, scores of houses demolished
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
The two Palestinians, Abdul karim Shabbat and Muhammad Faraj Edwan, from Beit
Hanoun and a third Palestinian near Neve Dakalim settlement were killed by
the Israeli bullets, while the Israeli army demolished 15 Palestinian houses
near Moraj settlement in Rafah and leveled vast areas of agricultural lands.
Meretz:
international forces to the territories
Alternative Information Center, December 17, 2002
"..the first time..a Zionist political party proposes..international forces
replace the Israeli army in the territories." -- “An ‘international
trust force’ must be established to replace the Israeli occupation in
the territories.” So determines the new and central part of Meretz’s
political platform for the upcoming elections.
Middle
East: UN envoy urges closing gap between peace vision and reality
United Nations News, December 16, 2002
16 December – Amid a growing consensus on the need for a two-State solution
to the Middle East conflict, bloodshed and economic collapse are intensifying
in the region, Terje Roed-Larsen, the senior United Nations envoy in the region,
told the Security Council today, urging international efforts to reconcile
plans with reality.
Annan
recommends extending UN’s Israel-Syria disengagement force
United Nations News, December 16, 2002
16 December – United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is calling
for a six-month extension of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
(UNDOF), which since 1974 has monitored a ceasefire between Israel and Syria.
Dangers
Facing Middle East, Perils of Inaction Should Not Be Neglected, Special Coordinator
Tells Security Council
United Nations News, December 17, 2002
“We should not neglect the dangers facing the Middle East –- or
the perils of inaction during this critical period”, Terje Roed-Larsen,
Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative
of the Secretary-General, told the Security Council this afternoon during
a briefing on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of
Palestine.
US
plans covert propaganda operations in friendly countries
Arab News, December 17, 2002
WASHINGTON, 17 December 2002 — The Pentagon is considering a secret
plan to establish covert propaganda operations in countries it considers its
allies in order to improve the image of America and to discredit hostile factions,
it was revealed yesterday.
Pentagon
to target allies with covert propaganda
The Independent, December 17, 2002
The Pentagon is considering a plan to establish covert propaganda operations
in countries it considers its allies in order to improve America's image and
discredit hostile factions.
Al-Assad
- Blair meet on bilateral issues
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
"No one is seeking war, anybody who looks for war as a goal in itself is psychologically
ill'' Syria's President Bashar Assad said yesterday in London. In a joint
press conference with the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, President al-Assad
asserted that his talks with Blair were realistic and constructive and focused
on Iraq, the Middle East peace process and terrorism.
Hear
Palestine, December 16, 2002
NEWS: Beit Hanoun: Two Palestinians Killed in Tank Fire at Dawn / Khan Younis:
Palestinian Killed in Israeli Military Attack / Rafah: Military Invasion;
Demolition of 15 Homes / Al-Bireh: Vast Areas Confiscated for Huge Settlement
Roads Project / Bethlehem: Occupation Soldiers Prevent Movement Despite Lifting
of Curfew / Al-Mawasi: Residents Placed Under Curfew / Jenin: Raids and Arrests
in City and Surrounding Villages / Nablus: At Least 10 Wounded in Israeli
Random Attacks against Residents / Tulkarem: Occupation Army Tightens Military
Grip / Qalqilya: Intentional Delays and Oppressive Measures at City Entrance
FEATURES: Khan Younis: Shalloula Killed While Attempting to Save a Donkey
/ Rafah: No Refuge for the Residents of Ariba / Beit Hanoun: Fear of Israeli
Expansion Activities Under "Security" Pretexts / Bir Zeit: Occupation Soldiers
Subject Over 150 People to Oppressive Measures / Hebron: City Divided into
Isolated Ghettos
Hear
Palestine, December 17, 2002
NEWS: Palestinian Youth Shot Dead in Rafah / Curfew Re-Imposed on Bethlehem
Amidst Ongoing Attacks and Arrests / Heated Israeli Campaigns of Raids, Arrests,
Curfews and Oppressive Measures FEATURES: Latest Israeli Measures: Movement
Between West Bank Cities Limited to Day Busses / Jenin Refugee Camp: Patience
of the Devastated Running Out
Palestinian
welcome for London talks
BBC, December 17, 2002
Arafat will nominate senior Palestinian figures -- Palestinian leaders have
welcomed an invitation from UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to attend talks in
London next month aimed at boosting the Middle East peace process.
Assad
optimistic after Iraq talks
BBC, December 16, 2002
Talks between UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Syria's Bashar al-Assad have
been described as "realistic and constructive" by the Syrian president.
Israeli
media vents fury at Likud
BBC, December 17, 2002
Corruption allegations have surfaced against Ariel Sharon's Likud party --
The news that Israel's National Fraud Squad is investigating alleged bribery
in the Likud party during last week's internal elections has unleashed anger
across the Israeli media.
Israeli
police begin Likud graft probe
BBC, December 16, 2002
Israeli police officers are to interview officials from the ruling Likud party
in an investigation into allegations of bribery during last week's internal
party elections.
Explosion
at Israeli factory
BBC, December 17, 2002
There has been an explosion at a petro-chemical plant in the northern Israeli
city of Haifa. Emergency workers at the scene have been trying to bring a
large fire under control.
Fuel
Truck Explodes in Haifa, Israel
The Ledger, December 17, 2002
An explosion set off a large fire in a compound of petrochemical plants in
the northern port city of Haifa on Tuesday, sending a huge cloud of gray smoke
over the Mediterranean. Haifa's fire chief said he believed the blast was
caused by an accident.
Israeli
military kills three Palestinians in Gaza, eases travel restrictions in West
Bank
Gainesville Sun, December 17, 2002
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli soldiers shot and killed four Palestinians on Monday
in the Gaza Strip, at least two of them armed, and Israel eased a key travel
restriction in the West Bank.
Explosion
causes major fire at Haifa Chemicals plant
Globes, December 17, 2002
Haifa’s fire chief said the explosion may have been caused by an accident.
-- An explosion set off a large blaze at the Haifa Chemicals fertilizer plant
in northern Israel this morning, causing two injuries from smoke inhalation,
news agencies reported.
Gilboa
towns build DIY separation fence
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
Residents in the Gilboa region waited two years for a separation fence to
be built. Now, after having sent repeated entreaties to the government and
having received assorted, unfulfilled promises, they have decided to "take
the law into their own hands," and build the fence themselves.
A-G
to probe Labor vote in Druze towns
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
As the police investigation into alleged bribery in the Likud primaries went
into full swing yesterday, the attorney-general ordered yet another investigation
- this time, into allegations of irregularities and bribery in the Druze sector
during the Labor Party primaries.
U.S.
to `balance policy' with a condemnation of settlements
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The Bush administration is likely to issue a statement criticizing Jewish
settlements in the territories, Israeli officials predicted yesterday. The
statement will aim to "balance" the United States' decision to withhold release
of its "road map" proposal for resolving the Israel-Palestinian dispute until
after the national elections, the Israelis said.
For
Xmas, IDF to quit church in Bethlehem
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The IDF will be withdrawing its troops from the vicinity of the Church of
Nativity in Bethlehem, to enable Christians to celebrate Christmas out of
the shadow of Israeli forces, a committee of security officials chaired by
Dov Weislgass, the prime minister's aide, decided yesterday.
Israel
rejects Lebanese plan for Wazzani
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
Israel has turned down a Lebanese proposal to reach an agreement on the continued
pumping by the Lebanese of water from the Wazzani River. The Lebanese request
was raised by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who met yesterday
with Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz in New York.
J'lem
church leaders to protest IDF presence in Bethlehem
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The heads of churches in Jerusalem will publish Monday a letter of protest
over the IDF presence in Bethlehem and over the government's refusal to allow
Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to attend midnight mass in the
West Bank city, Army Radio quoted diplomatic sources as saying Monday.
Britain
said declining request for Netanyahu-Blair meeting
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
As Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to leave Tuesday for his first
visit to Europe since being named to his post to replace Labor's Shimon Peres
last month, British officials have so far declined an Israeli request that
Netanyahu be invited for talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israel
Radio reported.
Mofaz
to Powell: Main goal is resuming talks with Palestinians
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz opened two days of talks with top U.S. administration
officials Monday, calling for a "new and different" Palestinian leadership,
with the main goal to be bringing the Palestinians back to the negotiating
table.
Two
Israelis lightly wounded by mortar shell in Rafah
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
Two Israelis were lightly wounded Tuesday when a mortar shell landed at the
Termit station in the Rafah area, along the Israel-Egypt border. The deputy
director of the construction department in the Defense Ministry and an auditor
from the office, were taken to the hospital after receiving medical treated
at the site.
SYRIA:
Assad's trip to London deals blow to Israel's smear campaign
Inter Press Service, December 17, 2002
ABU DHABI, Dec. 17 (IPS) - The unprecedented visit by Syrian President Bashar
Al Assad to Britain is a severe slap in the face of Israel's smear campaign
to alienate Syria from the West, a United Arab Emirates (UAE) newspaper reported
today.
UN-ARAB
GROUP: Syria assails Israel for killing three UN staffers
Inter Press Service, December 17, 2002
UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 17 (IPS) - Security Council members have started consultations
about a draft resolution presented by the Arab Group in the UN. Syria has
circulated in the UN Security Council a resolution on behalf of Arab nations
condemning Israel for the killing of three United Nations staff members in
the West Bank and Gaza and destroying UN food warehouse.
Palestinian
Jihad to Answer Egyptian Plea for Ceasefire in 2 Weeks
Islam Online, December 17, 2002
CAIRO, December 16 (IslamOnline) - While an official of a Palestinian resistance
group said Monday, December 16, they would need two weeks to give an answer
to an Egyptian proposal to temporarily halt anti-Israeli operations, an Egyptian
political analyst defended the Egyptian moves as “indispensable”
for the Palestinian cause.
A
Palestinian Constitution, But No State
Islam Online, December 17, 2002
CAIRO, December 16 (IslamOnline) - Efforts to write down a Palestinian Constitution
came under fire Monday, December 16, from a leading resistance group, dubbing
the move as “pre-mature”, while the head of the Constitution Committee
defended the project as a counter measure to the U.S. roadmap for the Middle
East.
Blair
Invites Palestinian Leaders to London
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
LONDON - British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Monday, December 16, he was
inviting Palestinian leaders to London for talks, as visiting Syrian President
Bashar Al-Assad said he was “optimistic” that a U.S.-led war on
Iraq could be avoided.
Arabs
Push for Condemning Israel for Murder of Three UN Workers
Palestine Media Center, December 17, 2002
UN Inquiry Refutes Israeli Claims that People Killed in Gaza were Militants
-- Amid increasing UN concern over the safety of their staff in the occupied
Palestinian territory, Arab states are pushing for a condemnation of Israel
for the slaying of three UN workers by its soldiers.
President
Officially Asks for Arab League Help to Draft Palestinian Constitution
Palestine Media Center, December 17, 2002
President Yasser Arafat officially called Monday for Arab League Secretary
General Amr Mussa to reactivate a committee tasked with helping to draft a
Palestinian constitution.
Poll:
Bush Hasn't Made Case for Iraq War
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
LOS ANGELES (AP) - More than two-thirds of Americans believe the Bush administration
has failed to make its case that a war against Iraq is justified, according
to a poll by the Los Angeles Times published Tuesday.
Pentagon
Broadcasts Propaganda Over Iraq
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon has launched a radio propaganda war in Iraq,
broadcasting anti-Saddam Hussein messages officials say are aimed at weakening
his support among his people and his military.
Tensions
at UN over Iraq dossier
BBC, December 17, 2002
The 10 non-permanent members of the UN Security Council are to receive edited
versions of the Iraqi weapons dossier on Tuesday amid US scepticism about
Baghdad's declaration.
Iraqis
would support war to overthrow Saddam, says survey
The Independent, December 17, 2002
Secretly conducted study finds backing for US-led attack, while plans to tarnish
extremists in friendly nations are revealed -- Iraqis would support war to
overthrow Saddam, says survey Pentagon to target allies with covert propaganda.
-- Iraqis would largely welcome a US-led attack leading to the overthrow of
Saddam Hussein, according to a survey of public opinion inside Iraq.
The
papers that cried wolf
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Brian Whitaker looks at how the American media are softening up public attitudes
to war with Iraq -- Last week brought yet another terrifying headline from
an American newspaper: "US suspects al-Qaida got nerve agent from Iraqis".
Iraqi
Exiles Conference Officially Ends
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
LONDON (AP) - Fractious Iraqi exile groups agreed Tuesday on the size of a
leadership committee they hope could replace Saddam Hussein's regime in Baghdad,
though some Shiite Muslims rejected the plan as too dominated by a single
party.
Iraqi
Opposition Agrees on A Federal Post-War Iraq
Islam Online, December 17, 2002
LONDON, December 17 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Leaders of Iraqi opposition
groups, concluding four days of talks in London, agreed Tuesday, December
17, to a U.S.-sponsored deal to close ranks and form a joint body of 65 members
in anticipation of a post-war era.
Opposition
group pushes for monarchy in Iraq
Arab News, December 17, 2002
LONDON/BAGHDAD, 17 December 2002 — Disparate Iraqi opposition groups
meeting in London early yesterday extended a conference for an extra day after
failing to agree on the make-up of a committee that will articulate their
vision of a post-Saddam Hussein era.
A
piece of bad news for Saddam
Arab News, December 17, 2002
“Next year in Baghdad!” It is with this slogan of hope that the
350-plus delegates to the first ever conference of Iraqi opposition parties,
held in London this week, parted after three days of intense formal and informal
debates.
U.N.
Inspectors Search Baghdad University
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.N. inspectors fanned out on the Baghdad University
campus Tuesday, a day after their biological experts acting on a tip from
Iraq's voluminous weapons declaration searched a genetics institute on the
campus.
Powell
picks holes in Iraq's dossier
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Colin Powell, the US secretary of state, gave a hint yesterday that the White
House will reject the Iraqi weapons declaration, saying there were problems
with the 12,000-page document.
Jordan:
human shields to protect the Iraqi establishments
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
The Jordanian national committee in defense of Iraq, stemmed from the Jordanian
opposition said it had decided to form a human shield campaign and honorary
lists for Jordanian citizens who desire to join the International human shields
around the Iraqi establishments.
Ministers
favour siege of Baghdad
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Pincer movement against Iraqi capital preferred to city battle -- The British
government is opposing a military strategy in Iraq of fighting for Baghdad
street by street in favour of winning control of the more vulnerable north
and south of the country, according to Whitehall sources.
UK
gearing up for Iraq war
BBC, December 17, 2002
The UK is starting to get ready for possible war against Iraq, the Ministry
of Defence (MoD) has announced.
Iraqi
exiles find common ground
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Iraqi opposition groups meeting in London extended their talks yesterday to
try to form a united front to oppose the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Iraqis
forsake opinions for safety
BBC, December 17, 2002
It's almost impolite to ask Iraqis about
their hopes for a new year - one of those questions with too grimly obvious
an answer now.
Iraqi
exiles plan path to power
BBC, December 17, 2002
Iraqi opposition groups meeting in London have outlined a vision for the future
of Iraq if President Saddam Hussein is overthrown.
Colin
Powell interview with an Arabic newspaper
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
In an interview for the London-based newspaper al-Quds al-Arabi, the US secretary
of state, Colin Powell, has said the US wants 'peace with a disarmed Iraq'.
Here is the full text.
Nuclear
lab starts studying samples
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
The International Atomic Energy Agency's nuclear laboratory in Austria received
its first eight samples from the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq yesterday,
and began analysing them immediately.
'We'll
have blood on our hands'
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
Former Hollywood bad boy Sean Penn is the latest celebrity to join the protest
against the threat of an American attack on Iraq.
Iraq,
Iran agree on opening a border crossing for humanitarian stuffs
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
The UN said yesterday that Iraq and Iran agreed to open a border crossing
in order to permit Baghdad to import goods, according to the UN humanitarian
program "oil for food."
Conflict
over decision against Lukoil
Inter Press Service, December 16, 2002
MOSCOW, Dec 16 (IPS) - Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov sent a letter
to the Iraqi leadership today urging it to go back on a decision to cancel
the agreement with the major Russian oil producer OAO Lukoil on developing
the huge oil fields in West Qurna in Iraq and to seek mutually acceptable
solutions to the dispute.
Brits
Confirm U.S. Request to Use Base
The Guardian, December 17, 2002[
"In a discussion paper released earlier this month, the government said the
Fylingdales early warning station would help defend Europe against a missile
attack from the Middle East if the facility were part of the missile defense
system." -- LONDON (AP) - The United States has asked to use a radar complex
in northern England as part of a global missile defense shield, the British
government said Tuesday.
Bush
to Deploy Missile Defense by 2004
The Guardian, December 17, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has decided to begin deploying a limited
system to defend the nation against ballistic missiles by 2004, officials
said Tuesday.
Joyless
Christmas in Holy Land
MSNBC, December 16, 2002
BETHLEHEM, Dec. 16 — Known as the birthplace of Jesus Christ,
Bethlehem is epicenter for Christians in the holiday season. But the mood
could not be further from the traditional spirit of Christmas. After more
than two years of surging Israeli-Palestinian violence, fear and despair hang
heavy over the West Bank town.
Former
SLA commander to open restaurant in Tel Aviv
Alternative Information Center, December 17, 2002
The former commander of the South Lebanon Army (SLA), General Antoine Lahad,
is planning to open a new restaurant in Tel Aviv.
European
Council declaration on the Middle East
Alternative Information Center, December 17, 2002
Peace in the Middle East is an imperative. The European Council calls upon
the Israeli and Palestinian people to break the endless cycle of violence.
AL
seeks to contain Saddam's speech; Kuwait denies criticizing Moussa
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
The Kuwaiti government yesterday stressed the criticism addressed by Kuwaiti
parliament members to the secretary general of the Arab League (AL) Amr Moussa
do not represent Kuwait's official position, while Berlin has clarified that
there is no connection between the presence of the German forces in Kuwait
and the an attack against Iraq.
Al-Shara
- Straw meet on regional developments, bilateral issues
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
A session of talks was held yesterday in London between Syria's Foreign Minister,
Farouk Al-Shara and the British Foreign Secretary, Jack Starw at the British
Foreign Ministry on the latest regional and international developments particularly
the situation in the Middle East.
High
time for investing Arab capital in the Arab states
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
Experts unanimously agree that the setting up of the Arab Free Trade Area
(AFTA) is the only way for achieving Arab economic integration and realizing
the aspired goals of the Arab common market.
Al-Anbaa:
Israeli goods in Kuwaiti markets
Arabic News, December 17, 2002
Trade audition inspectors at the Kuwaiti ministry of commerce and industry
have discovered the existence of Israeli goods in the Kuwaiti markets.
Federal
judge dismisses university's lawsuit against Palestinian professor
Naples News, December 17, 2002
TAMPA — A federal judge threw out a University of South Florida lawsuit
Monday that was aimed at getting the court's blessing before it fired a tenured
Palestinian professor with alleged terrorist ties. The university had wanted
U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew to rule that its plan to fire computer science
professor Sami Al-Arian would not violate his constitutional rights.
Judge
won't weigh in on professor's case
Miami Herald, December 17, 2002
TAMPA - A federal judge threw out a University of South Florida lawsuit Monday
aimed at getting the court's blessing before it fired a tenured Palestinian
professor with alleged terrorist ties...A USF spokesman did not immediately
return a call Monday, but the university has said it would fire Al-Arian if
Bucklew threw out the case.
Canadian
activist Jaggi Singh says he may violate Israeli court ruling
Canoe, December 17, 2002
TORONTO (CP) -- Canadian Jaggi Singh says he is prepared to violate an Israeli
court ruling and illegally enter the West Bank or Gaza Strip if Palestinians
want him there, the activist told CTV Newsnet in an interview from Jerusalem
early Tuesday. Singh said he'll make his decision over the next few
days after consulting with Palestinian activists who invited him there, adding
he's prepared to face the consequences.
International
Solidarity Movement, December 17, 2002
1) Update on Jaggi Singh 2) Christmas card from Bethlehem 3) Holiday card
and contribution to ISM
Jaggi Singh Wins Deportation Appeal -- Last night Jaggi Singh, a Montreal-based
activist and writer, won his appeal against deportation and is now officially
allowed to stay in Israel for 7 days, until the 23rd of December. He
is now able to travel throughout Israel, but has been barred from the Palestinian
Territories by Israeli authorities, a decision, which according to Canadian
and International Law is illegal.
Mideast
'Quartet' to Discuss Middle East Peace
Voice of America/ US State Department, December 17, 2002
Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz met Secretary of State Colin Powell Monday
as the Bush administration prepares to host, on Friday, a meeting of the international
"quartet" on Middle East peace. The four parties are the United States, Russia,
the European Union, and the United Nations.
Enron
to reconsider Gaza power station
Globes, December 17, 2002
Sources inform “Globes” that the new board of directors of US
energy giant Enron, which is operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings,
will reconsider its stake in the company’s Gaza power plant. The plant,
which began operating in August 2002, is the Palestinian Authority’s
first independent power plant.
Israel
joins EU Sixth Framework Programme for R&D
Globes, December 17, 2002
Israel signed an agreement to join the EU Sixth Framework Programme for R&D
today. The agreement was initialed in Brussels in the presence of Israeli
Ambassador to the EU Oded Eran.
Cadbury
launches Israel activity
Globes, December 17, 2002
Cadbury will invest $4.5 million to penetrate the Israeli market, and will
collaborate with Israeli confectionary company Carmit.
3
Labor primary ballot boxes found, but too late to change list
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The Labor Party recently located three ballot boxes which weren't counted
in the primary election, but no changes will be made to the Labor list of
Knesset candidates because the Labor Party has already approved the list and
the deadline has passed to submit any changes to the Central Elections Commission.
EU
approves funds to monitor PA elections, support reforms
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
The European Union on Tuesday approved 7.95 million euro ($8.1 million) in
aid to help support reform of the Palestinian Authority, including preparations
for next year's election.
Background:
For Likud, could scandal spell unity government?
Ha'aretz, December 17, 2002
A scandal-shadowed Likud primary election that seemed to hand a ringing slap
to party chief Ariel Sharon might ultimately enable the prime minister to
realize one of his principle goals: the rebuilding of a unity government following
January 28 general elections.
Palestinian
Christians say they will restrict Christmas to religious observances
Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2002
Palestinian Christians said Tuesday they will restrict Christmas observances
to religious ritual this year – the first time since 1994 that Jesus'
traditional birthplace is under Israeli occupation during the holiday.
Jordanian
engineers to fix Temple Mount bulge
Jerusalem Post, December 17, 2002
A group of Jordanian engineers are due to arrive in Jerusalem next week to
repair a large bulge in the Temple Mount's southern wall, which experts believe
is in danger of collapsing, a senior Jordanian official said Monday.
Jerusalem
Chorus to Perform Christmas Concert at Israeli Checkpoint
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (PC) - The Jerusalem Chorus, a group of Palestinian and
international singers, will perform the annual Christmas concert at the Qalandya
checkpoint today, in protest of the Israeli occupation, which forbids many
of the Chorus members to travel to Bethlehem, where the concert traditionally
takes place.
Occupation
Chronicle Events in Palestine, December 17, 2002
Palestine Media Center, December 17, 2002
Mentally-ill Man Killed Near Rafah / Israeli Bulldozers Demolish 15 Homes
in Rafah / IOF Opens fire at Palestinian citizens in Nablus City, wounding
ten youths / IOF Undercover Unit Detains Activist in Jenin / Israeli Occupation
Soldiers Detain Local Fatah Activist in Bethlehem / Arab-American University
Guard Detained by IOF / IOF Raid Al-Dehesha Refugee Camp
As
the temperatures fall, winter aid to Palestinians begins to dwindle
Jordan Times, December 17, 2002
AMMAN — With the Palestinian economy in severe recession and poverty
the most common face in Palestinian households, winter's chill is doing little
to lift the gloom hanging over families living in the occupied territories.
Poster
Are You
Willing To Kill Her To Get Saddam? - Acrobat format
NoMoreVictims.org
Image Gallery
On
This Side of the Fence
Palestine Chronicle, December 16, 2002
From barbed wire fences, to concrete walls and checkpoints manned by armed
Israeli soldiers; Palestinians face many obstacle that must be overcome, many
hurdles that must be conquered. Palestine Chronicle photojournalist, Mahfouz
Abu Turk depicts the story from this side of the fence.
Map
Middle
East Turmoil
Daily action from the region
MSNBC, December 16, 2002
Christmas Card
Your
Christmas Card from Bethlehem
International Solidarity Movement, December 17, 2002
From Bob May in Bethlehem -- I thought the Israeli military curfew would be
lifted today in Bethlehem, but it wasn't. (I think this is Day 25.)
But I saw a beautiful God-given sunrise this morning, and it inspired me.
I was inspired to create a Christmas card.
This
Winter, Give the Gift of Peace and Hope...
Palestine Activist, ISM
Consider giving a gift this holiday season to an organization with a reputation
for waging peace. Make a contribution in the name of a friend or loved one
and we will email a beautiful card you can re-send to your friend indicating
the contribution to --Well!--world peace made in their honor. The International
Solidarity Movement (ISM) is a Palestinian led organization dedicated to nonviolently
resisting the Israeli occupation using methods similar to Gandhi and King.It
welcomes the help of internationals to confront the violent occupation with
sit-ins, human shield work, freedom rides, and demonstrations. Donations will
help internationals join ISM and help ISM maintain its organization.
