Mideast Report

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Iraqi President Saddam Hussein ordered Iraqis to take to the streets in a show of support for the Palestinians.

Iraqi television interrupted a quiz show Tuesday to read a letter from Saddam that said, "To affirm your unity with the heroic Palestinian people, I call upon every able bodied brother and son to stage rallies."

Egypt says embassy stays open for business

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Despite pressure from Arab states, Egypt does not intend to close down its embassy in Israel, presidential adviser Osama El-Baz told an Arabic newspaper.

He was quoted as saying that shutting down the embassy would not serve any purpose for Egypt, the Palestinians or the Arab world. Shortly after the Palestinian uprising began last September, Egypt recalled its ambassador to Israel to protest the Israeli response to Palestinian violence.

Greek Orthodox head chosen; Israel is irked

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Greek Orthodox Church in the Holy Land chose a new leader who Israel opposes.

On Monday, the church chose Metropolitan Irineos, whom Israel regards as hostile to its interests. For months, Israel had tried to block Irineos and four other candidates from succeeding the late Diodorus I, citing "security considerations" and "interests in Jerusalem."