Marawan El-Barghouthi
165-year prison sentence

The Israeli Court has sentenced the brave Palestinian combatant Marawan El-Barghouthi 165 years, i.e. more than a century and a half.

Israel, in fact, was not prosecuting El-Barghouthi, but the whole Palestinian people. It was prosecuting the resistance, the Intifada. It was announcing to the whole world how much hatred it feels towards the Palestinian people and its leaders. Israel, the Zionist State, that fills the world with cries because of the Holocaust and the Jewish suffering at the hands of Nazism, has surpassed, in its dealings with the Arabs in general and the Palestinians in particular, all the red lines. It surpassed Aikhenvald and Auschwitz and now it holds the title of "First Slaughterer" in the whole world: A state that commits the most brutal forms of racist terrorism, genocide and ethnic cleansing, a state that performs the worst atrocities witnessed by the whole world in the modern era, a state ruled by a murderer and a war criminal. Israel has come to Palestine as an alien invader to the Arab territories, settles down in the service of the enemies of the Arabs, plants hatred and instability and pushes the whole region to explosion, and now it has the guts to sentence those who resist it to prison for more than a century and a half.

The Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization urges Human Rights and Justice Organizations to intervene immediately for the release of all Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and above all Marawan El-Barghouthi.

The Organization also calls upon the Arab States and the Arab League to officially declare their protest on this false trial and to call for the immediate release of all Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and above all Marawan El-Barghouthi.

We demand all Non-Governmental Organizations, defending democracy and freedom of all peoples, to intervene immediately and pressurize its respective governments in order to support the victims of the Israeli Holocaust against the Palestinian people, and among them Marawan El-Barghouthi.

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The 45 National Congress
of the AALA
Mr. Toshio Akiniwa
President
Japan AALA Solidarity Committee

Dear Mr. Akiniwa,
The Permanent Secretariat of Afro - Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization is happy to learn of the holding of Japan AALA's 45th National Congress on 5th - 6th June 2004.
Your Congress is meeting at a very crucial time of our history. The twenty first century did not start with a peace dividend. Rather under a hegonism of the sole super power led by the Bush administration, the world is plunged into unending wars and conflicts. The unilateralism promulgated by the" Conservatives" in the White House and the Pentagon have sidelined the role of the United Nations. A number of international treaties such as the NPT and Kyoto have been spurned with utter disrespect for humankind. The world domination for profit has become the central philosophy of the U.S. administration. U.S. bases are continued to be expanded everywhere with a view to control the energy resources. It is a new 'Roman Empire' in the making.
The result of all these developments has eroded the peace forces. The Non -aligned Movement has been very much weakened. The Palestinians continue to suffer atrocities by the genocidal policies of Israeli government, which is supported by the U.S. The situation in Iraq continue to deteriorate with daily fratricidal killing. In fact no part of the world today is free from any turmoil with international terrorism expanding its frontiers.
The peace loving people and the world including the people of United States can not remain passive spectators to the an going calamity. The civil society the world over need to consolidate their movements to defeat the forces of war and hegemony. The time has come to the Non aligned Movement to close ranks and steer a new course of action to face these challenges. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, the spirit that generated 50 years ago need to be given a new dimension by re-invigorating the Non-aligned Movement to higher level. The results of the recent Indian elections shows the strength of the forward looking forces. It was a tribute to the Bandung spirit as India was one of its strong pillars.
Your organization's effort to uphold the Non-aligned Movement is commendable. Japan AALA from its inception worked with AAPSO to realize this dream of the people.
We hope that participants at the 45th National Congress will deliberate on all issues and charter a new programme of action. We wish you all success.

Yours Sincerely

Dr.Mourad Ghaleb
President

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Bandung + 50
Dear Dr. Samir Amin
AAPSO is thankful for the document on "Laying the New Foundations for Solidarity Among Peoples of the South" Also we noted the list of number of personalities and other organizations in different countries who could be part of the movement to consolidate the spirit of Bandung.
We are in contact with a number of our national organizations specially in Asia. Some of them have positively responded to our memorandum issued on Bandung + 50. At the moment All India Peace and Solidarity Organization is constantly in touch with us and more consultations will be held with others. As India is the most important country among the initiations of the Bandung Conference in 1955, AIPSO would play a leading role.
Our Chinese friends too are in agreement with our memorandum and they too are keen to participate for a conference. AIPSO in Delhi has informed us that they too are in touch with the Chinese friends. We expect an Indian delegation from AIPSO to visit Cairo soon to have an elaborate discussion with the AAPSO Secretariat. In following such a consultation, the Permanent Secretariat will decide to send a delegation to India.
With the formation of the New Congress Party led coalition government in India, the atmosphere is very favorable the revival of Bandung spirit. The left parties have increased their representation in the Indian Parliament which is very crucial for the strength of this Congress Party led government. The left parties are taking a great interest in strengthening the Solidarity Movement born out of Bandung. The closer understanding between the Congress Party and the left on this issue is a positive one.
We shall keep you informed in all these development.
Sincerely Yours
Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain
Secretary General

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Congratulation
His Excellency Manmohan Singh,
Prime Minister of India
Prime Ministers' Secretariat
New Delhi

Your Excellency,
The permanent secretariat of Afro -Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization was much delighted in the election of Your Excellency as the new Prime Minister of India.
As an internationally renowned economist with high integrity and an impeccable service, you have held numerous positions both in India and abroad and rendered enormous contribution to developing economies.
You provided your expertise knowledge and experience in evolving a new paradigm for economic development of developing countries when you headed the South Commission as its Secretary General.
AAPSO believes that in keeping with the new situation, India under your leadership would be able to project a new economic policy and a direction which will have a tremendous impact on the countries of the south.
AAPSO takes this opportunity to congratulate your Excellency and the team of your cabinet and wish you all success.
We wish you and your family good health.

Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain
Secretary - General

Dr. Morad Ghaleb
President

***

Congratulation
His Excellency Natwar Singh
Minister of External Affairs
Foreign Ministry of India
New Delhi

Your Excellency,
The permanent secretariat of Afro -Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization was much delighted in the election of Your Excellency as the Minister of External Affairs.
Your long experience as a diplomat and in the foreign ministry, we hope that you will be able to elevate the foreign policy of India as one of the pillars of the non-aligned movement as a shining example to the world.
A few years back, AAPSO delegation was able to meet Your Excellency at the office of the Indian National Congress in Delhi and discussed on many issues of common interest. Once again we are looking forward to meet you.
We wish Your Excellency and the family good health and all success.

Nouri Abdul Razzak Hussain
Secretary - General
Dr. Morad Ghaleb
President

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Condolences
The General Secretary
Communist Party of India
AAPSO learnt with deep sorrow the passing away of Comrade E.K. Nayannar former Chief Minister of Kerala State and a political Bureau Member of communist party of India (Marxist) after a long illness.
Nayannar was a long standing veteran in the left and the communist Movement over six decades. Eloquent public speaker, he was an author, writer and a poet. He was closely connected with the peace and solidarity movement.
AAPSO expresses its deep condolences to the CPI (M) and CPI. Request kindly to convey this message to the bereaved family.

Nouri Abdul Razzak Dr. Morad Ghaleb
Secretary General President
E.A. Vidyasekera
Coordinator

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Condolences
The General Secretary
All India Peace and Solidarity Organization
AAPSO learnt with deep sorrow the passing away of Comrade E.K. Nayannar former Chief Minister of Kerala State and a political Bureau Member of communist party of India (Marxist) after a long illness.
Nayannar was a long standing veteran in the left and the communist Movement over six decades. Eloquent public speaker, he was an author, writer and a poet. He was closely connected with the peace and solidarity movement.
AAPSO expresses its deep condolences to the CPI (M) and CPI. Request kindly to convey this message to the bereaved family.

Nouri Abdul Razzak Dr. Morad Ghaleb
Secretary-General President
E.A. Vidyasekera
Coordinator

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International Conference in Support of Iraq Resistance

Message of Afro - Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization to:
the International Conference in Support of Iraq Resistance
May 15, 2004 - Paris
AAPSO is deeply concerned with the continued violence in Baghdad and other cities in Iraq . Daily explosion of car bombs killed only innocent people which is only counter productive and no way assist the forces of peace and stability active for the quick transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi people.
Aggression has to be vacated and the power to be transferred to the elected government of Iraqi people. This can only be done in an atmosphere of relative peace. The International community has the duty to mobilize the forces of peace to pressurize the occupying powers -the U.S and the U. K to have over the interim administration to the United Nations under whose auspices free and fair election could be held.
Iraqi people look to the central role of the U.N. The Arab public opinion too believe that only the U.N mandate could create an atmosphere congenial to the holding of election. Therefore AAPSO hopes that this conference will take appropriate steps to mobilize the international community in this direction.
Dr. Morad Ghaleb Nouri Abdel Razzak
President Secretary - General

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Indian Elections shows correct path

The results of the Indian Elections which concluded on 10th May 2004 correctly points to the direction which the people of developing countries should proceed.
Despite enormous propaganda, both nationally and internationally, the Indian voter could not be deceived and rightly brought about the victory of the people.
The secular and democratic parties, highlighted the need for a change in the direction of economic development for the welfare of the Indian people.
The Indian masses, the working people and the peasantry which endures the hardship, utilized the democratic election process to put an end to the further inroads to their deprivation by voting for a positive change. It was a silent revolution that the dark forces could not visualize.
AAPSO hopes that the secular and democratic forces would live up to the expectations of the Indian people by forging a broad based government by putting forward an agenda of people-centred economic development.
Emergence of the Indian National Congress Party and other democratic left and communist parties as an alternative is a welcomed development. In keeping with the aspirations of the people AAPSO hopes that they forge a viable minimum program for the well being of the common people and form an all parties government which will pay adequate attention to the basic needs of the Indian people.
Indian election has an impact on the world and especially the people of Asia, Africa and Latin America. This victory is a fitting tribute to the Bandung spirit, the fiftieth anniversary which falls next year.
AAPSO congratulates all the secular political parties for closing their ranks in the unanimous election of Srimathi Sonia Ghandhi to be the next Prime Minister of India.

Nouri Abdul Razzak Dr.Morad Ghaleb
Secretary-General President

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Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization Issued the Following Statements:

The African Union ....
Prospects and Challenges
24/5/2004

AAPSO held a seminar entitled "The African Union ..Prospects and Challenges" on 24/5/2004 on the occasion of Africa Day 25/5/2004 in the premises of the Organization.
The speakers were Dr. Sayed Foleifal and Dr Iraqi El Sherbeeni with the participation of university professors and experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NGOs and research centers.
Dr Morad Ghaleb, President of AAPSO stressed in his inaugural speech that the African continent constituted a strategic depth for Egypt from which stems the artery of life, the river Nile, which makes African affiliation a matter of life and death. He pointed out that although Africa suffered from marginalization at the political and economic level - as its share in the world market does not exceed 1 or 2% - Africa continues to enjoy importance and more stable conditions at the political and military levels.
Dr. Sayed Foleifal indicated that Africa's situation is currently more stable than it was ten years ago but continues to experience conflicts, civil wars and border disputes. These were caused by numerous factors, mainly due to the fact that Africa is passing through an agricultural tribal phase, merging old and new values, political and financial corruption, monopolization of authority and domination of nationality values.
He underlined that Africa required more good intentions and formation of councils as well as resolute and persistent efforts. Dr Iraqi El Sherbeeni said that Africa entered the third millennium burdened with an immense heritage of instability, poverty, internal and border conflicts. However, it succeeded to formulate two initiatives:
1 - The African Union initiative was endorsed in 2001 and effected in 2002 and carried out by a number of African leaders, particularly Colonel Muamar Kadhafi.
2 - The new partnership for development in Africa "NEPAD". This initiative was endorsed in several stages, the one was in Abuja meeting in October 2001 after it was approved by the OAU conference in Lusaka in July 2001. The NEPAD plan crystallized through the integration of three separate initiatives in a final formulation, as one unified African initiative (NEPAD) based on negotiation on the new relationship with advanced countries and international organizations. Such a relationship shall be founded on mutual commitments and performance criteria agreed upon by both parties. The African side shall pledge to take appropriate measures to achieve sustainable development in wide ranging areas including security and peace, democracy and human rights, full economic stability, organization of financial markets, education and health, role of women and their effective participation in development, consecration of law and order, political environment and agricultural diversity. The West and advanced countries shall bear the greater share of mobilizing external resources including: reducing outside debts, wide reforms in managing foreign development aid and linking them to mutual conditions and obligations between donors and African parties and encouraging the flow of foreign capital.
The initiative was discussed in the industrial countries' summit held in Kananaskis but was not given much importance. The issue of reducing foreign debts was disregarded as well as infrastructure projects. Only six billion dollars were allocated as assistance to African countries whose governments follow just policies as well as recognized governance criteria. However, the support for the initiative was so poor as the volume of required resources to serve NEPAD was nearly 60 billion dollars annually.
Some criticism in the seminar was directed to the NEPAD initiative for being an elite initiative and that it urges Africa to proceed on the road to capitalism and liberalism.
The participants called for enhancing the role of civil society in Africa and requested Arab countries to coordinate their policies towards Africa.

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* The "Greater Middle East" Project
30-31 May 2004

The Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization held a seminar on the "Greater Middle East" Project on the 30th and 31st of May 2004.
The seminar started with the speech of Dr Mourad Ghaleb, president of the Organization, in which he mentioned that there are several remarks on the "Greater Middle East" Project that aims at diluting the Arab identity, into a larger framework, which is the reform of the "Greater Middle east" instead of the Arab League, and more importantly the entry of Israel into this region.
The speakers in the seminar included Mr.Al-Sayed Yassin on a critical study of the "Greater Middle East" Project, Ambassador Said Kamal on the Reform initiatives in the region: Reasons for failure and factors of success, Mohamed Sayed Ahmed on the political and security dimensions of the Middle East, Dr. Saad Abdel Razzak on the Iraqi situation in the "Greater Middle East" project, Dr. Mostafa Elwi on a critical vision of the American proposals of reform, Atef El-Ghamry on democracy by force and reform initiatives, Dr Ahmed Abdel Halim and Abdel Khaleq Farouk on the "Greater Middle East Project": a single chance, multiple risks and, finally, Dr Mohamed Raouf Hamed on contemplation of the economic structure of the reform initiatives.
A large number of researchers, specialists and other interested audiences from Egypt participated in the seminar, as well as a number of Arab researchers and intellectuals. Important discussions and interventions have enriched the debate and opened several dimensions of the subject in question, the "Greater Middle East" project.
The seminar was concluded with the speech of Mr. Nouri Abdel Razzak, Secretary-General of the Organization, who thanked the participants who worked seriously for four long sessions.

***

Japan Asia Africa Latin America Solidarity Committee
(Japan AALA)

Dr. Morad Ghaleb
President, Afro-Asian Peoples' Solidarity Organization

Dear Dr. Ghaleb,
Please allow me to express my deep respect to you for precious effort for sovereignty and prosperity, peace, and toward making a just and more democratic world order.
Japan AALA is now in preparation of holding its 45th National Congress in Tokyo on the 5th-6th of June.
During the Congress we are going to stress our tasks demanding withdrawal of the U.S. forces from Iraq, reconstruction of Iraq in the framework approved by the United Nations, and return of Japanese Self-Defense Forces from Iraq, expressing our strong indignation on continued occupation and unjustified grave invasion in Palestine by Israeli authority.
The coming Japan AALA's Congress is also supposed to decide, among others, sponsoring an "International Symposium to Encourage the NAM under Revitalization Process, toward Peaceful International Order Based on the U.N. Charter, Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Bandung Conference - for Eradication of Hunger and Poverty and for Environmental Protection on the Earth" to be held in Tokyo on Nov. 26th-27th, 2005.
At the end of last year Japan AALA's delegation directly handed over to H. E. Ambassador-At-Large For NAM at the present chair country of the NAM Summit its letter of application for observer status as an organization at the NAM Summit. There His Excellency kindly affirmed support of the application and assured that our application would be put on agenda in the relevant NAM meeting.
Our Congress will also decide Japan AALA's directives including its commitment for further consolidating ties between the NAM and Japanese public wishing for a non-nuclear and non-aligned Japan.

Yours very respectfully,

Toshio Akiniwa
President
Japan Asia Africa Latin America
Solidarity Committee

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Arab Republic of Egypt
Egyptian Committee of Solidarity

The Cultural salon will be held to discuss the current political developments in the Palestinian problem on Monday, June 7th 2004, at 7 pm.

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Arab Social Forum
A better Arab world ..
is possible
27-28 May, 2004
Cairo

The open meeting of the preparatory committee for the Arab Social Forum was held on 27-28 May 2004 in Cairo with the participation of delegations from Jordan, Bahrain, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Libya and Egypt. Important discussions took place on the issues on the agenda. The participants issued a political declaration that included the following points:
Condemning the brutal aggressions committed by the Zionist State against the Palestinian people, including 1948 Palestinians and the building of the racist wall and urging to stop the normalization with Israel and bringing Zionist war criminals to Justice.
Denouncing the Anglo-American occupation of Iraq and calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops and affirming the right of the Iraqi people to resistance.
Rejecting all attempts of molesting other Arab countries, like Syria and Lebanon.
Affirming that the democratic struggle in our countries is as old as the modern history and refusing any confusion of dossiers.
The meeting issued as well a report that included the following:
The discussions underlined the following points:
1- Establishing the Arab Social Forum has become a necessity more than any time before.
2- The Arab Social Forum aims mainly at reinforcing the mobilization capacities of the Arab social movements.
3- The struggle for democracy is inextricably linked with the struggle against barbaric globalization.
4- The duties of the Arab Social Forum include the revival of the spirit of solidarity among Arab peoples in general and among the Arab social movements in particular.
5-The Arab Social Forum has to act as a link between all social forums and national, regional and international movements and organizations.
There was an agreement on the importance of linking deliberate institutional work of the Arab Social Forum and immediate start in organizing demonstrations and protests on the national and Arab levels.
The following results can be deduced of the discussions that took place:
1- The tasks, goals and nature of the Forum necessitate to not be different in quality from the mechanisms employed by parties, camps, unions, etc.
2- It is not appropriate to adopt the experiences and the conceptual frameworks of the non-Arab social movements and civil societies, without being selective to what suits Arab societies.
3- Social movements in the Arab world are still weak or few.
4- It is not useful at all to make believe that there are major contradictions between the traditional and modern social movements.
The following main tendencies could be traced through the discussion:
1- Naming the Forum "the Arab Social Forum" and that its slogan be "A better Arab world .. is possible".
2- The tasks of the Forum are shaped according to the challenges that face our peoples.
3- The continuation of the works for the preparatory committee established in Mumbai, while enlarging its membership and establishing a secretariat for it in order to coordinate the activities, facilitate dialogue and communication and activating all media and communicative channels.
4- Fixing the month of November to be the provisional date for holding the constitutive meeting of the Forum, while assigning the secretariat with the responsibility of taking the necessary actions.
5- Enlarging the membership, while following the same standards agreed upon in Mumbai, so that the preparatory committee include Mr. Galal Fairouz (Bahraini Social Forum, under establishment), Mr. Mohamed El-Saleh (Algerian Social Forum, under establishment), Eng. Rassem El-Atassi (Syrian Social Forum, under establishment), Mr. Nabil Abdel Hafeez (Yemeni Social Forum), Mrs. Emily Naffaa (Jordanian Social Forum, under establishment), Arab Lawyers' Union and the Arab Organization of Human Rights, Mr. Abdallah Abdallah Salam (Yemeni Youth Forum).
6- The finance of the Forum will depend on the contributions of the participating organizations.
7- Examining the proposals of holding the next meeting in Egypt or Algeria.
8- Constructing a website for the forum.

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"Historical Perspective of SAARC & Prospects
of South Asian Economic Union"
Request to contribute a paper
and address the Seminar on 23rd July, 04

Dear Sir,
The developments at the Twelfth SAARC Summit held in Islamabad on January 4-6,2004 have been encouraging and have generated renewed interest. The Summit helped the member states to come out of shallow regionalism, sharpened the sense of South Asian identity and proved that in this overwhelmingly globalized world there is ever increasing relevance of regional groupings to fend their own interests. However, without economic cooperation becoming the core basis of SAARC, the primary goal of eradicating poverty within the framework of sustainable development will remain elusive.
To discuss the issues the Foundation for Peace and Sustainable Development (FPSD) is organizing a National Seminar on "HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF SAARC AND PROSPECTS OF SOUTH ASIAN ECONOMIC UNION" on Friday the 23rd July 2004 at India International Center, New Delhi. The participants will include academicians, diplomats, parliamentarians, journalists and scholars of international repute.
The seminar will deliberate on the following issues:
- SAARC - A Historical Perspective.
- Formation of South Asian Economic Union - open borders and common currency.
- Vision of Prosperous South Asia-Need for Dynamic Approach Towards SAARC.
- Globalization: A South Asian Perspective.
- Promoting Tourism for Economic Prosperity in SAARC countries.
On behalf of the FPSD, I would like to request you to participate in the seminar as an honorable invitee.
I would also like to request you to contribute a paper (on any one of the issues mentioned above).
Thanking you,
Yours Sincerely,
Dr S.K.Sahni
Executive Director

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(ICC)
International Criminal Court
Roundtable
Dear Colleagues,
The upcoming National ICC Roundtable will be organized in the Kingdom of Bahrain between June 2-4, 2004, by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in cooperation with the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC). Participants from Bahrain, the Gulf, the wider Arab region and some representatives of EU countries are expected to be in attendance as well. The event is being organized with the support of the European Commission.
Sincerely,

Joydeep Sengupta
Outreach Liaison for the Middle East
Coalition for the International Criminal Court

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Come to Barcelona
"Towards a World
Without Violence"

Come to Barcelona, June 23-27, 2004 to participate in a major international conference organised by the International Peace Bureau and Fundacio per la Pau.
If you wish to come, it is time to register and book transport + lodgings.
We hope to see you there.
The program of "Towards a World without Violence" will cover the whole wide range of issues and approaches, Iraq, terrorism, Israel-Palestine, Africa, Basque situation, military spending - and the remedies, peace education, peace culture, conflict resolution, mediation, disarmament, nuclear ..... through panels, lectures, discussions, films, dance ....
Towards a World without violence A dialogue for people who want peace.

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2nd Session of NGO Consultative
Committee Meeting

Dear Mr. Hussain,
The Arab Regional Conference Ten Years After Beijing: Call for Peace, is to be held at the Headquarters of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in Beirut from 8 to 10 July 2004.
The panel of civil society organizations (2nd session of the Consultative Committee on NGOs) including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, syndicates, and political parties, on the role of women in civil society in political, economic and social development activities and affairs, will take place on Saturday 10 July 2004.
The Conference will be held under the patronage of Mrs. Andree Emile Lahoud, First Lady of Lebanon, and in the presence of Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt, who has graciously accepted to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Conference.
The Arab Regional Conference will review progress achieved in implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Arab Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women ten years after the Beijing Conference.
Heads of national machineries for women as well as high-level officials from the 22 Arab countries are invited to the Conference. Representatives from international and regional intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), donors, research institutes and academics, gender experts and eminent persons are also invited to the Conference.
Maha El-Metwally
Associate Expert

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UNESCO

Director-General's Consultation of National Commission for UNESCO of the Arab States Region on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2006-2007 (33 C/5)

Dear Dr. Gahleb,
I have the honor to invite you to the Director-General's Consultative meeting of National Commission of the Arab States Region on the Preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2006-2007 (33 C/5), to be held in Sana'a, Yemen, from 28 June to 1 July 2004.
The Main purpose of the Regional Consultative meeting is to solicit comments and proposal of National Commissions on key principles, and other issues related to the preparation of the Draft Programme and Budget for 2006-2007 (33 C/5).
I am pleased to inform you that a thematic session on the Euro-Arab Strategy and Dialogue among Civilizations will be held on the occasion of this Consultation.

The Assistant Director-General
for External Relations and Cooperation

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THE ANNUAL INFORMATION
SECURITY MEETING

"Best Practices and Solutions for Today's Global
Information Security Challenges"

You are kindly invited to attend this year's Annual Information Security Meeting, with the topic "Best Practices and Solutions for Today's Global Information Security Challenges", on 3 June, at the United Nations Headquarters. The meeting, organized by AIT Global Inc. and supported among others by the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Task Force, will bring together the United Nations diplomatic community, government officials and civil society and private sector representatives to address an issue of the most critical importance in today's world: global information security.

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UNCTAD

Expert Meeting on Free and Open Source Software

The Expert Meeting on Free and Open Source Software, convened in accordance with the decision taken by the Commission on Enterprise, Business Facilitation and Development at its eighth session, will be held from 22 to 24 September 2004. The Meeting will open at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

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The Israeli-Palestinian
Dialogue Committee

Sharon, the slaughterer, to the Hague Court of Justice

As we strongly condemn the brutal massacre of Rafah, we call upon the international community and above all the United Nations to work immediately in order to provide international protection to put an end to the atrocious crimes committed by the occupation army in negligence to the norms of humanity and to international customs, which led to dozens of martyrs, hundreds of injured and thousands of homeless after exploding their houses and destroying the infrastructure of the ruined town.
We urge all peace-loving people with live consciences everywhere to call for the trial of Sharon the slaughterer in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague, after an accusation of committing continuous war crimes against the Palestinian people, the last of it is not the Rafah massacre.

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