Full text of Chinese premier's press conference in Egypt Nov 11, 2009
I had an in depth exchange of views with Egyptian President Mubarak. We both agreed that following the establishment of strategic and cooperative relations between the two countries in 1999 and the formulation of the Implementation Outline for Deepening Strategic and Cooperative Relations Between China and Egypt in 2006, China-Egypt relations have entered a new stage or development. (Xinhuanet, China)
Wen's Egypt visit boosts civilization dialogue, co-op Nov 10, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 7, 2009 ... During his trip, the Chinese premier met separately with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Africa: China Offers Billions in Loans to Continent Nov 9, 2009
com: Africa: China Doubles Aid to Africa (Page 1 of 1). China Doubles Aid to Africa. (allAfrica.com)
China to provide $10B in loans to Africa Nov 9, 2009
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the summit's chair, said developed nations had a clear responsibility in helping developing countries, particularly in the wake of a global financial meltdown that spilled over from the Western nations where it was born. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (Florida Today)
Zimbabwe: Emulate China, Says President Nov 9, 2009
He was the first speaker following the addresses by Forum co-chairpersons President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and PM Wen. President Mugabe said China had been instrumental in supporting Zimbabwe's economic turnaround efforts, hailing its policy of non-interference in domestic political affairs. (allAfrica.com)
China pledges $10bn Africa loans Nov 9, 2009
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak inaugurated the forum, the fourth of its kind, and spoke of "peace, security and growth," and of "boosting cooperation between China and Africa.". Mr Wen also said China is planning to create environmental programmes for Africa, including 100 clean energy projects. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Chinese Premier Pledges Funds, Aid to Africa Nov 9, 2009
Chinese Primer Wen Jiabao, left, and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak chair the opening of the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Sino-African Forum in Egypt's Sharm el Sheik resort Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil) (AP). (ABC News -- Wire)
The Fourth Ministerial Conference of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum opened in Sharm el-Sheikh Sunday. Chinese premier attended the opening ceremony of the conference and delivered a speech. • Full text of Chinese premier's speech Nov 9, 2009
Your Excellency President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak. Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama will meet Netanyahu at White House Nov 9, 2009
It had the opposite effect, forcing Clinton to extend her overseas journey by a day as she rushed to Egypt in a bid to undo the damage with President Hosni Mubarak, who has played a major role in the peace process. More from msnbc. (MSNBC -- International)
Chinese premier leaves Egypt for home Nov 9, 2009
Before attending the meeting, the premier made a two-day official visit to Egypt and met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Prime Minister Ahmed Nazef. He also visited the headquarters of the Arab League (AL) in Cairo, met with Amr Mussa, head of the AL, and delivered a speech in the AL headquarters, calling the whole world to respect diversity of civilizations. (Xinhuanet, China)
4th ministerial conference of FOCAC begins in Egypt Nov 9, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and African heads of state or government attended the opening ceremony of the two-day conference, with the theme of "deepening the new type of China-Africa strategic partnership for sustainable development." ... Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak attends the fourth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on November 8, 2009. (Xinhuanet, China)
* PRC offers Africa additional trade and investment Nov 8, 2009
Speaking while on the plane to Egypt, where he is due to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak before the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation begins today, Wen said Beijing had an important role to play in Africas development. Energy cooperation is just one area where China and Africa are working together, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Chinese premier: Africa trade push is 'selfless' Nov 8, 2009
The Chinese premier, who met earlier in the day with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo, outlined a strategy for economic growth that includes traditional mainstays like increasing trade and gradually eliminating tariffs on exports from some of Africa's neediest countries. But the sharpest language was in comments about developing human resources, technology transfer agricultural ventures and developing the continent's poor infrastructure. (WCAX.com, VT)
Chinese premier arrives in Cairo Nov 7, 2009
During his visit, Wen is scheduled to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and hold talks with Nazef. He will also meet with Arab League chief Amr Mussa, and deliver a speech at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. (Xinhuanet, China)
Kufuor leaves for another tour Nov 7, 2009
In Rome, Italy, former President Kufuor will chair the second summit of the Association of First Ladies of the Non-Aligned Movement, currently headed by Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt. From Rome he will travel to Kenya and then Ethiopia on assignment for the United Nations World Food Programme as part of measures to assess and advice on the food crisis currently confronting those two countries. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Abbas frustration Nov 7, 2009
President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and King Abdullah of Jordan joined a chorus of Palestinian politicians in urging Abbas not to pronounce the peace process dead, senior Abbas aides said on condition of anonymity because the conversations were private. They felt such words could destabilize the Palestinian territories and lead to violence, the aides said. (MSNBC -- International)
Palestinian Leader Abbas Threatens to Quit Nov 6, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks during a presser with Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, not pictured, following her meeting with President Hosni Mubarak at the Presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 4, 2009. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil). (CBS News -- Health)
Clinton visits Egypt to rescue peace plan Nov 6, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday in a move to rescue shrinking Middle East peace prospects and regain the confidence of Arab nations angry that the United States has not pressed Israel harder to stop building settlements. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Clinton discusses Middle East peace process with Mubarak Nov 5, 2009
CAIRO, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who arrived in Cairo on Tuesday night, held talks on Wednesday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to discuss the latest efforts aiming at reviving stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, Nile TV reported. The talks come two days after Clinton declared siding with Israel as regards the issue of settlement and the resumption of the peace talks. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama Bid for Progress in Middle East Peace Talks Dealt Setback, Arabs Say Nov 5, 2009
Aboul Gheit said he and Mubarak were convinced after their talks with Clinton yesterday that the U.S. hasnt changed its position that Israel should freeze the building of Jewish settlements. The Palestinians say the development of Israeli communities in the West Bank is an obstacle to creating a state on the territory and are demanding a total settlement freeze as a precursor to renewing peace talks. (Bloomberg -- US)
Clinton: Israel settlement activity illegitimate Nov 5, 2009
"We do not accept the legitimacy of settlement activity and we have a very firm belief that ending all settlement activity, current and future, would be preferable," Clinton said after meeting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo. "Getting into final-status negotiations will allow us to bring an end to settlement activity," she said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
* UN to ask for probe into Gaza War Nov 5, 2009
Clinton arrived in Cairo on Tuesday for hastily convened talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak after she was roundly criticized for praising as unprecedented a pledge by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to limit settlement growth. The Israeli move falls far short of previous US demands for a complete halt to all settlement activity. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
The Palestinians reject middle-ground solutions and will not join peace talks with Israel unless the Jewish state completely halts settlement activities.• Clinton: Israeli settlement activity not legitimate Nov 5, 2009
"We do not accept the legitimacy of settlement activity and we have a very firm belief that ending all settlement activity, current and future, would be preferable," Clinton said in a press conference after her meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Clinton also stressed that Middle East peace talks must include all of the issues that includes the disputed city of Jerusalem. (Xinhuanet, China)
Clinton: Israel must stop building settlements Nov 5, 2009
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit andPresident Hosni Mubarak in Cairo onWednesday ... Clinton met for an hour with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a hastily arranged stopover in the Egyptian capital to soothe Arab concerns that Washington is backing off demands for an Israeli settlement halt. (MSNBC -- International)
Palestinians in statehood warning Nov 5, 2009
Speaking in Cairo after talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, Mrs Clinton reiterated Washington's call for an end to Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. She had earlier praised the Israeli offer to temporarily limit construction in West Bank settlements to 3,000 additional housing units. (BBC News -- Africa)
Pamela Smart gets settlement over prison photos Nov 5, 2009
She was due to meet Wednesday with President Hosni Mubarak before returning to Washington to brief President Barack Obama. Egypt and other Arab nations reacted with strong concern to remarks Clinton made in Jerusalem on Saturday. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Hillary: U.S. Wants Israel Settlement Halt 'Forever' Nov 5, 2009
Clinton met for an hour with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a hastily arranged stopover in the Egyptian capital to soothe Arab concerns that Washington is backing off demands for an Israeli settlement halt. Special: Get Sarah Palins New Book Incredible FREE Offer. (Newsmax)
Israel calls on Gulf states to aid Palestinians Nov 4, 2009
His comments came as Hillary Clinton, , extended her Middle East tour to include a hastily arranged visit with President Hosni Mubarak and other senior Egyptian government officials in Cairo on Wednesday. Her efforts to break a deadlock in the Arab-Israeli peace process became mired in controversy when she praised as "unprecedented" an Israeli proposal to restrain settlement growth in the West Bank a proposal that fell short of earlier US demands for a complete settlement freeze. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Clinton Detours to Cairo to Calm Arab Concerns, Press for Mideast Peace Nov 4, 2009
Mubarak is a very adroit reader of the parties who has a very good working relationship with Israeli Prime Minister , State Department spokesman told reporters traveling with Clinton, who arrived in Cairo yesterday after four days of intensive discussions with leaders in the region. She wants to see Mubarak face to face to discuss pushing the stalled peace process forward, Crowley said. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Egypt-Israel frictions complicate peace efforts Nov 4, 2009
But those efforts are now stalled as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rushes to Cairo Wednesday to meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, a clear sign of concern that Egyptian and Arab support for the peace efforts may be waning. Clinton, who extended her Mideast trip by a day to come to Cairo, arrives at one of the lowest ebbs in three decades of Egyptian-Israeli peace. (MSNBC -- International)
* Israels settlement offer still short, Clinton says Nov 4, 2009
In a sign of US eagerness to calm Arab concerns about the US position on settlements, Clinton extending her trip by one day to fly to Cairo to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak today, her staff announced. She had been scheduled to return to Washington yesterday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Clinton: US wants Israel settlement halt 'forever' Nov 4, 2009
Clinton spoke after talks Wednesday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a hastily arranged stopover in Cairo. She came to soothe Arab concerns that Washington is backing off demands for an Israeli settlement halt, sparked when she praised the Israeli plan in Jerusalem on Saturday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Clinton's push for Arab democracy overshadowed by Israel stance Nov 4, 2009
State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley announced Monday night that Clinton would extend her Middle East tour, originally scheduled to end Tuesday, to meet with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Wednesday in Cairo. Exactly five months before their planned visit, President Obama gave an historic speech to the Arab world in which he sought "a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world." He promised that "America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian... (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks stall Nov 4, 2009
Although she had been scheduled to return to Washington yesterday, following a weeklong trip that began in Pakistan, Clinton quickly arranged to travel here for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, whom Crowley described as a key figures in the peace process. US special envoy George Mitchell made a similar appeal Monday to Jordanian King Abdullah in Amman. (Boston Globe)
FOCAC based on mutual respect: Egyptian diplomat Nov 4, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and African heads of state or government from 49 countries are expected to attend and address the opening ceremony of the FOCAC fourth ministerial meeting. Hassan stressed the reliable partnership between China and Africa in the last decade and the willingness of both sides to enhance their future cooperation. (Xinhuanet, China)
Back on track? Nov 4, 2009
Hillary Clinton was planning to be home by now after a week-long trip, but instead she took a detour through Egypt for talks with top officials including President Hosni Mubarak, looking for help from a country that is key to any progress in the Middle East peace process. In her discussions she is expected to try to undo some of the damage done by her comments in the past few days while also looking for ways to keep some semblance of movement in the moribund Middle East peace process. (BBC News -- Americas)
Clinton seeks support for peace Nov 4, 2009
From , Clinton flies to Cairo, Egypt for a meeting with Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. Share this on. (CNN -- World)
Clinton offers aid to help boost Muslim ties... Nov 4, 2009
Clinton will travel from Morocco to Egypt for a meeting on Wednesday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak which was also expected to focus on the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process. "Obviously Egypt is a key player in Mideast peace and she thought it was important while here in the region to consult," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said. (The Drudge Report)
US firm on settlements Nov 3, 2009
A US official said later that Clinton would visit Egypt on Wednesday to meet President Hosni Mubarak as part of efforts to prelaunch the peace talks. Israel urged to do 'much more. (iAfrica.com)
Clinton urges restraint in push for Mideast peace Nov 3, 2009
After speaking, Clinton was flying to Cairo for a hastily arranged meeting with senior Egyptian government officials, including President Hosni Mubarak. She had been scheduled to fly home Tuesday but said late Monday she would be traveling instead to Cairo to continue consultations on the peace process that she began Saturday in separate talks with Israeli and Palestinian leaders. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Chinese FM stresses importance of China-Africa friendship Nov 2, 2009
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and leaders from other African countries will attend the opening ceremony. Yang said in an interview with Xinhua that the meeting is another important occasion to boost China-Africa friendship and cooperation since the Beijing Summit held in Beijing in 2006, and it is of great importance to the building of China-Africa relations in the new ages. (People's Daily Online, China)
Egypt's president backs young leaders in his party Nov 1, 2009
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak listens to one of the audience as he delivers a speech in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 during the opening of Egypt's ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) 6th annual congress ... President Hosni Mubarak did not address the issue in his opening speech to the convention ... "The party's young members ... have a clear vision for the nation's future, and propose new ideas to deal with the reality," Hosni Mubarak said. (MSNBC -- International)
Mubarak avoids talk of succession Nov 1, 2009
In the 28 years he has lead Egypt, Mr Mubarak has never named a deputy. The Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, has promised further domestic reforms at the annual conference of his ruling National Democratic Party in Cairo ... In the opening speech, Mr Mubarak laid out plans for much-needed improvements to healthcare, education and transport. (BBC News -- Africa)
Young pretender Oct 31, 2009
Ageing Mubarak keeps Egypt guessing. Public appearances by President Hosni Mubarak have become increasingly rare ... Their president, Hosni Mubarak, has been in power for 28 years and has no designated successor. (BBC News -- Africa)
The 'Headscarf Martyr' Case: A Trial of the Century for Muslims Oct 29, 2009
Following the demonstrations in Egypt, Merkel expressed her condolences to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the sidelines of the G-8 summit in Italy in July. Given the outcry over the earlier lack of publicity, Alex W.'s trial is now receiving extensive coverage in the country. (Time.com)
U.S. impeded in democracy efforts for Egypt Oct 29, 2009
U.S. administrations have walked a line between pressuring Mubarak to implement political reforms and supporting his steps against al-Qaeda-linked groups. In 2004, the administration nearly doubled annual funding for democracy promotion in Egypt, the audit shows, from $24 million to $45 million. (USA Today)
China's Wen to visit Egypt, attend China-Africa forum Oct 28, 2009
During his stay in Egypt, Wen will meet Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and hold talks with Prime Minister Nazef, Ma said. The ministerial meeting would be an important gathering after the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC in November 2006. (Xinhuanet, China)
Sudan leader says south might secede Oct 27, 2009
There is hope that Sudan may stay united if the other party is serious, Kiir told reporters after a meeting yesterday with President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt to discuss Sudan s conflicts. Kiir also accused the northern government of failing to implement fully the peace agreement including the demarcation of the oil-rich border region between the north and the south. (Boston Globe)
'He misses his mother' Oct 27, 2009
Berlin moved to deflect criticism, with Chancellor Angela Merkel expressing her condolences to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit. Thousands rallied in Dresden in Sherbini's memory. (iAfrica.com)
Alex W in court Oct 26, 2009
Berlin moved to deflect criticism, with Chancellor Angela Merkel expressing her condolences to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on the sidelines of the Group of Eight summit later that month. Thousands rallied in Dresden in Sherbini's memory. (iAfrica.com)
Are The Black Satellites NDC Or NPP? Oct 24, 2009
The Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, was also reported to have appealed to his countrymen to go to the stadium and rally behind Ghana in an African solidarity. This alone was enough demonstration that Ghana once again stood for the hope of Africa and did not let the continent down. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Abbas calls on elections on Jan. 24 Oct 24, 2009
"On the basis of the constitution, we are compelled to issue a decree on Oct. 25 to hold presidential and parliamentary elections before Jan. 24, and we will issue it," Abbas told a press conference after meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. RAMALLAH, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas slammed on Tuesday Gaza ruling Hamas movement, saying the Islamic movement made use of the UN fact-finding report on the Israeli war on Gaza last winter to evade signing a... (Xinhuanet, China)
Abbas gambles on Jan. 24 Palestinian election Oct 24, 2009
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas talks during a news conference after his meeting with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak at the Presidential palace in Cairo October 20, 2009. (REUTERS/Tarek Mostafa). (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Mitchell: Mideast talks effort isn't a failure Oct 23, 2009
Clinton talks to Mubarak; US envoy busy in Mideast ... U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on Saturday. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Bouncing back Oct 22, 2009
Ayman Nur has put himself back at the centre of opposition to President Mubarak ... Last week groups from across the political spectrum gathered at his headquarters in downtown Cairo to demand democratic reforms and oppose any moves by the ageing President Hosni Mubarak to pass on power to his son ... Although both men deny it, it is widely believed that President Mubarak, 81, is lining up his youngest son, Gamal, head of the NDP's powerful policy secretariat, to be his successor. (BBC News -- Africa)
Goldstone rejects Israel protests Oct 21, 2009
Separately, Palestinian Authority President and Fatah party leader Mahmoud Abbas has been holding talks in Cairo with Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak. It is the latest in a long-running process attempting to reach a reconciliation deal between Fatah and the other main Palestinian faction, Hamas. (BBC News -- Africa)
Government to announce attractive package for Satellites Oct 20, 2009
President Mills also expressed appreciation to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, for declaring national support for the Black Satellites, adding that the support and the presence of the African Diplomatic Corps of Ghana at the ceremony was an indication of that Africa was ready to unite. President Mills said the young men had shown that with determination, hardwork, singleness of purpose, selflessness and God's blessings, everything could be done. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
FIFA U-20 WC: Victorious Satellites present trophy to President MillsAccra, Ghana (PANA) " The victorious FIFA U-20 world champions, the Black Satellites of Ghana, on Monday presented the trophy they won in Cairo last Friday toPresident John Evans Atta Mills after they had gone on a float through the principal streets of the Ghanaian capital, Accra. 19/10/2009 Full Text... Oct 20, 2009
Accra, Ghana (PANA) " The victorious FIFA U- 20 world champions, the Black Sate llites of Ghana, on Monday presented the trophy they won in Cairo last Friday toPresident John Evans Atta Mills after they had gone on a float through the princ i pal streets of the Ghanaian capital, Accra.Tens of thousands of football fans and residents of Accra lined the streets as t he convoy of vehicles carrying the players and officials crawled along amidst th e heaping of praises on them.Captain Andre Dede... (Panapress.com)
Abbas says unaware of a U.S.-Israeli deal on settlement Oct 20, 2009
Meanwhile, Abbas said that he will head to Egypt on Tuesday to hold talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak over the inter-reconciliation and ending the current feuds with Hamas movement. Solana arrived earlier in the region, where he will hold talks with Israeli and Arab leaders over pushing ahead the stalled Middle East peace process. (Xinhuanet, China)
Shimon Peres Oct 20, 2009
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak meet on Sunday in a bid to revive peace talks with the Palestinians ahead of a possible three-way meeting later this ... ISRAEL'S Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak, were meeting yesterday, part of an attempt to revive peace talks with the Palestinians before a possible ... Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak urged Israel to halt "all settlement activity" and warned of the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Hamas stalls unity deal Oct 19, 2009
now that Hamas still has reservations about when the draft agreement should be signed," the foreign ministry spokesperson said. Hamas accused of bad faith Earlier, an Egyptian official accused Hamas of bad faith over its refusal to sign up to the unity deal on schedule. "Egypt was surprised by Hamas's procrastination when it said it could not come to Cairo on the planned date," the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper quoted the unnamed official as saying. "The delay to reconciliation and the fact... (iAfrica.com)
Egypt groups target Mubarak son Oct 16, 2009
Gamal Mubarak brushes off questions about his presidential ambitions. Opposition groups in Egypt have started a campaign to block President Hosni Mubarak from passing power to his son ... Organisers said it was a battle against the political system, rather than a campaign aimed at Gamal Mubarak. (BBC News -- Africa)
Africa: Internet to Unite Members of Parliament Oct 12, 2009
Sorour is first in line to become president of Egypt if Hosni Mubarak dies or becomes incapacitated -- a fact becoming increasingly important as Mubarak ages. Addressing the conference on Friday, PAP President Moussa Idriss Ndele told African parliamentary speakers and ambassadors based in SA that the transformation of the parliament into a legislative body needed to be done with due consideration for political sensitivities and fears raised by some AU member states that the PAP would override... (allAfrica.com)
Niqab debate Oct 11, 2009
Perhaps it comes from the Koran he holds in one hand and the hotline to President Hosni Mubarak he has in reach of the other. For some unfathomable reason, given the number of Egyptian press conferences I have attended this year (most of which run for hours with no discernible purpose), I had somehow raised my expectations that the Supreme Council might deign to answer my questions. (BBC News -- Africa)
Syria, Saudi Arabia plot peace path Oct 8, 2009
Since then, Assad has visited Saudi Arabia once, to confer with King Abdullah and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, and his Foreign Minister Walid al-Mouallem went to Riyadh ahead of the parliamentary elections in Beirut in June. The two sides decided to work for smooth and democratic elections in Lebanon, which took place and led to the victory of Saudi Arabia's proxy, the March 14 Coalition. (Asia Times Online)
