US-IRAN : Powell evoke a lifting of the embargo

Secretary of State Colin Powell, has been prudent in the possibility of renewing talks with Iran, but the pasrt of history of those countries demands fundamental changes in their policies. In an interview with Washington Post Mr. Powell said, “Things are still happening, and we remain opened to the possibility of a dialogue in the future” three days after the US offered much needed help to that country, following the disaster in the city of Bam, where at least 40 000 perished.

" Iran isn’t an opened country, but its government is conscious of the fact, that the rest of the world looks on and could take appropriate action” he said. Colin Powell was interviewed soon after the arrival of the first American help planes landed in Iran. The two countries broke diplomatic ties, since the American hostage crisis in 1981.

The American government acted swiftly and precociously, through its deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, offering direct help to Tehran, last year  Washington also offered help to that country through the Swiss Embassy in the Iranian capital. Soon after the publication of Mr. Powell’s interview, Iranian President Mohammad Khatami accepted US help, but rejected categorically, any renewing of dialogue, without “profound change” in the hostile attitude of the US towards the Islamic Republic.

American Ambassador in  Kaboul

US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, congratulated Afghans for adopting one of the most illuminated constitutions of the Islamic world. “A democratic Afghanistan  will serve the legitimate interests and aspirations of the Afghan people, while contributing to guarantee that terrorism will not find refuge in that country”, said US President George W. Bush. United Nations envoy lLakhdar Brahimi, estimated that it was a “moment of great emotion for everyone”.

MEETING OF PAKISTAN AND INDIAN PRIME MINISTERS 

The Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India met at a meeting organized as part of the South Asian Association Summit  for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) in Islamabad.  Two years after their countries almost went into war. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his counterpart Pakistani Zafarullah Khan Jamali, conversed for about fifteen minutes. The meeting which was classified as “true and cordial” was covered by local television station, showing images of smiles and moments of prolonged handshakes, by the two men. 

Afghanistan :  Accord on the new constitution by  Loya Jirga

Deligates of the Loya Jirga, grand assembly of notable Afgans, agreed on the texts of a new historical constitution, eliminating divergences which kept them apart for several weeks while working on a compromise. President Hamid Karzai and former King Mohammed Zaher Shah have rejoined the Loya Jirga, in order to preside the official ratification ceremony of the new fundamental law. President Karzai thanked the ethnic groups, promised to learn  “ouzbek”, and called for an end to tribal based policies. “ Today we have proved that our national unity exists. It is quite an achievement. We should respect it, and apply it”.

Vatican Ambassador assassinated

Vatican Ambassador in Burundi is dead following an attack about forty kilometers from Bujumbura. Mgr. Michael Courtney, an Irish national, was 58, and about to end a four-year mission in Burundi. During which he notably, contributed to facilitate dialogue between the authorities and rebels, according to the president and the Burundian army. “ I had much admiration for Mgr. Courtney, a man who brought tremendous help to the peace process. He was a man who love Burundi, and we morn his passing”, said the President of Burundi Domitien Ndayozeye. He was killed in an ambush near the village of Minago.

Ivory Coast President receives new Chinese Ambassador

The Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, received the new Ambassador Ma Zhixue of the Popular Republic of China in Ivory Coast, at his presidential palace in Abidjan . The Ambassador presented his credentials to the president, and expressed cordial greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao..