The publication of Kalimat is suspended indefinitely, starting in 2007. The following is retained for information, research and for those who are interested in obtaining back issues or reprints. Starting in 2005, Kalimat is only published in English. Two issues are published per year, one in March and one in September. In recent years, several high quality magazines have been published in a few Arab countries and we decided to concentrate our resources on English. We will still be striving to provide access between the Arabic-speaking and the English-speaking worlds by publishing and translating. The difference now is that our Arabic translations will be published elsewhere. We believe that this could provide a wider access by exposing the works of Australian and international writers to a broader readership than what is available for Kalimat. Kalimat, by being a more focused English medium, will serve as an important outlet for the work of Arab writers to be translated and published in English. Equally important is serving a number of English writers who come from Arabic or other cultural backgrounds. The main aim, however, is that Kalimat remains a literary magazine that promotes the beauty of the written word without compromising quality. To this end, Kalimat is an international periodical of creative writing open for all, regardless of its particular focus. The first issue of Kalimat was published in March 2000. The following are excerpts from the first editorial. Kalimat is the Arabic for “words”. It is the plural of “kalima”. We believe in the power and the beauty of words. We believe that the word is the gate of cultural heritage, and that writing is the key to its permanence. Kalimat seeks to expose the beauty of words and explore their creative dimensions in poetry and prose, in any form or style. Kalimat will seek quality, without being too academic. Kalimat is produced alternately in English and Arabic. It seeks creativity in both languages, and fosters access between English-speaking and Arabic-speaking individuals and the worlds and cultures they represent. In doing so Kalimat aims at providing direct enjoyment of the written word in either languages, or in both for those who are bilingual. Those who speak one of the languages only, can have access to other ideas through translations and commentary. Kalimat’s mission is to provide a medium for cultural access and enhanced creative communications between writers from diverse communities, who are united by their quest to have their words read, heard and felt by everyone. We are very clear about what access means. A very dear friend of mine who comes from a different background, holds some contrasting views to mine. We both believe that “boundaries” are inevitable, or at least necessary or healthy. We believe that we are such good and close friends because we recognise each other’s boundaries. We are also able to cross those boundaries, move freely, enjoy their essence and move out again without undermining the integrity of the core. This is the type of access Kalimat will establish. The uniqueness and particularity of each work, individual or culture must be preserved. We would like to see more spontaneous, creative and emerging talents knocking on our door. To this end, we say that Kalimat is your words. And my word! Without you and your contributions to this exercise, it becomes null and void. Excerpts from Kalimat 1, March 2000