News

Tunisian president pardons Gafsa protestors

06/11/2009

To mark the 22nd anniversary of his accession to power, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Thursday (November 5th) granted parole to dozens of prison inmates, Tunisian press reported. The freed prisoners include 60 unionists jailed for organising the 2008 Gafsa-Redeyef mining basin protests, PANA reported. In a statement saluting Ben Ali's decision, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network (REMDH) noted that many of the jailed unionists were serving sentences of up to 8 years in prison.

Maghreb experts attend Union for the Mediterranean forum

06/11/2009

Infrastructure experts from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia joined their European peers in Barcelona on Thursday (November 5th) for a Union for the Mediteranean forum, MAP reported. High-level working groups attending the Euromed forum prepared recommendations for Spain's rotating EU presidency next year. Discussions centred on Union for the Mediterranean projects in alternative energy, infrastructure, transport, management of water resources, business development and other sectors.

Spain donates surveillance aircraft to Mauritania

06/11/2009

To help Mauritania combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking, Spain donated an airplane equipped with marine surveillance technology, ANI reported on Thursday (November 5th). Spain's Guardia Civil (Civil Guard) presented the Antonov-model aircraft to Mauritanian officials on Wednesday in Nouadhibou.

Libyan tourism experts visit Tunisia's Djerba

06/11/2009

Libyan civil aviation representatives and tourism sector professionals arrived on the Tunisian island of Djerba on Thursday (November 5th) to celebrate Tunisian carrier Sevenair's new direct flights to Tripoli, InfoTunisie reported. The Libyan delegation will reportedly visit the island's health care facilities and leisure sites.

Libya boosts national fibre optic network

06/11/2009

Libyan Post Telecommunications & Information Technology Company (LPTIC) and Alcatel-Lucent on Thursday (November 5th) signed a contract adding some 2,800 kilometres to the country's 4,400-km optical fibre network. "Libya will be equipped with a state of the art network which gives the entire country a competitive advantage and enables it to continue bridging the digital divide," Libya-watanona quoted LPTIC chief Mohamed Samir Elbuni as saying.

Solar energy: Morocco's bright – and green – idea

06/11/2009

Tapping sunlight for power may allow Morocco to spark economic development, cut its reliance on foreign energy sources, and safeguard the environment.

Algerians snap up souvenirs ahead of World Cup qualifier

06/11/2009

The impending Algeria vs. Egypt match has galvanised entrepreneurs in Algeria, who are making a quick sell of souvenirs and regalia of the national team.

Somali instability worries Maghreb neighbours

05/11/2009

As radical groups in Somalia grow in power, new concerns are mounting in the Maghreb about how to keep young people from adopting extremist ideologies.

Forum for the Future examines Middle East peace, economic challenges

05/11/2009

Top government officials from G-8 and MENA states met with other international delegates in Morocco to discuss pressing regional and global issues.

RSF blast arrest of Tunisian journalist

04/11/2009

Tunisian authorities are charging Taoufik Ben Brik, a journalist and critic of the government, with committing crimes ranging from defamation to assault.
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