President Assad dismissed Israeli President Moshe Katsav’s invitation to Jerusalem for peace talks, but both sides agreed to Turkish mediation offer. David Kay, head of U.S. group searching for Iraq WMD, said some weapons and documents may have been hidden in Syria, adding to already strong U.S. pressure on Damascus for cooperation in war on terror.

UN Security Council followed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s recommendation to extend UN mission in area (MINURSO) 3 months to allow Morocco more time to consider peace plan. Plan, which calls for referendum on status of Western Sahara, already accepted by independence-seeking POLISARIO front.

Website posted statement purportedly from Yemeni branch of al Qaeda threatening to strike U.S. interests in retaliation for 2002 killing of militant leader by CIA drone plane. Despite threat, government making progress in efforts to improve security situation.

President dos Santos re-elected as head of ruling MPLA party – allowing him to run again in national elections to be held after 2004. Six Angolan workers for CARE killed by landmine 12 December.

Outlook most promising for many years as leaders of largest Hutu rebel group, FDD, worked with government to implement November peace agreement, although remaining Hutu rebel group, FNL, continued fighting. Disarmament and reintegration of FDD fighters commenced, but progressing slowly. Return of estimated 800,000 refugees in Tanzania and 300,000 internally displaced people could lead to renewed conflict if not handled properly. Vatican's ambassador to Burundi shot dead 30 December in ambush blamed on FNL. Human Rights Watch criticised immunity for fighters from prosecution for war crimes provided in peace agreement.

President Bozize sacked Prime Minister Goumba and government 11 December, and appointed new government with Goumba as vice-president. Changes made after demonstrations in capital against human rights violations by security forces and Bozize’s former fighters. Bozize also sacked number of soldiers for lack of discipline.

South Africa’s President Mbeki helped broker agreement 20 December between government and semi-autonomous islands to share power and revenue. Elections to be held around April 2004. Hundreds had protested 10 December against continuing government ban on opposition leader holding public meetings.

Security continued to deteriorate, despite some positive moves. Commercial capital Abidjan tense. Rebel leaders said 22 December they would rejoin coalition government. Government and rebels commenced pulling heavy armaments from frontline. Rebels divided – one group of fighters declared allegiance to new rebel leader, Ibrahim Coulibaly, 19 December. At least 18 killed in attack by unknown assailants on state television station 12 December, repelled by police. Pro-government protesters attempted to storm base of French peacekeepers 1 December.

New national army formed from existing government soldiers and 2 main rebel groups, RCD and MLC, in accordance with peace agreement. New troops to be deployed in eastern DRC. Donors pledged $3.9 billion for period 2004-2006.

Border tension eased. Armed forces leaders of both countries pledged to maintain military stability between their countries – agreed in principle to set up joint military commissions to prevent incidents on disputed border from escalating. Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy appointed UN special envoy to help resolve stalled peace process. But at least 50 killed in Ethiopia in clashes over land near Sudan border, with government accusing Eritrea of backing rebels who incited violence.