Jordanian legal team at International Court of Justice hearings said Israeli security barrier could push thousands of Palestinians to take refuge in Jordan.

Despite concerns expressed by UN Secretary- General Kofi Annan, Hizbollah said it has right to mine Israeli border. Israeli jets continued to violate Lebanese airspace. Following January prisoner exchange with Israel, new swap expected in coming months. Talks to focus on fate of missing Israeli pilot Ron Arad.

U.S. lifted travel restrictions on Libya as reward for continued cooperation with international weapons inspectors. IAEA report released 20 February said Libya imported enriched uranium, centrifuge parts, and bomb designs, and produced small amounts of plutonium as part of weapons program.

King Mohammed greeted enthusiastically on visit to area struck by 24 February earthquake. Authorities’ slow response to disaster had angered public. (See also Western Sahara section below.)

U.S. authorised non-essential staff to return to Kingdom despite continued terror warnings.

Damascus passed messages to Israel via Turkey offering to restart peace talks broken off 4 years ago. U.S. pressure over Iraq remained high, with Donald Rumsfeld accusing Syria 23 February of allowing militants to cross into Iraq, and with U.S. government debating whether to apply sanctions authorised by Syria Accountability Act.

In deal brokered by Qatar, POLISARIO front released 100 Moroccan prisoners of war captured in conflict over Western Sahara.

Saudi Arabia agreed to stop construction of security fence along frontier with Yemen. Fence designed to tighten border following 2003 Riyadh suicide bombings.

Human Rights Watch report claimed more than U.S.$4 billion in oil revenue disappeared from Angolan government coffers from 1997-2002, roughly equal to entire sum government spent on social programs in same period. Government rejected claims.

Defence minister dismissed after being questioned about September 2003 coup plot – replaced by head of President Campaore’s personal staff.