Tuesday, April 17, 2007

04/17/07

* Shin Bet reports Iran trying to recruit Israelis as spies Iran has been making concerted efforts to recruit Jewish and Arab Israelis as spies against Israel.

* UN urges help for Iraqi refugees The UN head has urged Iraq's neighbours not to close their borders to refugees, and states further afield to do more to help tackle the humanitarian crisis.

* Gates to visit Israel, calm Iran fears US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will attempt to allay Israeli fears during his short trip to Israel on Wednesday.

* EU 'does not need constitution' The British and Dutch prime ministers have said the European Union does not need a "whole new constitution", just limited changes to existing treaties.

* U.N. Moves on Sudan Peacekeeping Force The U.N. Security Council moved swiftly to start what will likely be a months-long process to deploy the first significant U.N. peacekeeping force in conflict-wracked Darfur.

* Commentary: Turkey could create new Iraqi front Turkey's military, long regarded as the protector and guarantor of the Kemalist ideal of a state based on "laïcité" asked the Ankara administration last week to approve attacks on Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq.

* Olmert welcomes Saudi peace plan Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has told the ABC's Foreign Correspondent program that he welcomes the Middle East peace plan being promoted by Saudi Arabia.

* Dollar Trades Near Record Low Vs. Euro The dollar hovered near a record low Monday against the euro after the 13-nation currency climbed to within 1 cent of its all-time high.

* JNF Not Denying It Forfeited Land to Arabs The Jewish National Fund is outraged at – but not denying – allegations that it has effectively forfeited land worth $38 million to Arab squatters.

* White House Blasts Russian Authorities for Demonstrations Breakdown The White House Monday sharply criticized Russian officials for their handling of weekend protests.

No comments: