(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah yesterday called for "effective and constructive Arab solidarity" to address the challenges facing the region, which he said, is at a historic juncture
Addressing the preparatory ministerial meeting of the 25th Arab summit, which begins in Kuwait tomorrow, the Foreign Minister said that the responsibilities of the Arab countries and the threats facing them have multiplied
"The challenges facing everyone are urgent and serious and their impact on the Arab world today and tomorrow cannot be underestimated," said Al Attiyah
He expressed confidence in the ability and determination of the Arab nations to deal with the current problems and future challenges through effective and constructive Arab solidarity and integration. Without this the Arab nation will not have the aspired position in the international order, said Al Attiyah
On developments taking place in the Arab region, he stressed the need for a serious national dialogue in countries that are going through a period of transition
It is necessary to give priority to national interests and stability, "because the state of chaos, terrorism and instability is not in conformity with national and Arab interests." On the Palestinian issue, Al Attiyah said Israeli policies have put the entire region on the edge of danger
"We are all aware that the stalled peace negotiations were due to the intransigent positions of the Israeli government, its violation of the resolutions of the international legitimacy and the international law, implosion of the fait accompli and the intensification of settlements , especially in Jerusalem," said the Foreign Minister
He called on Israel to abide by the peace process and halt its assault on the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic and Christian sanctities, the Judaisation of East Jerusalem and the continuation of the settlement policy
"Time has come for a real Palestinian reconciliation. We must double our efforts for collective action to end the inter-Palestinian differences and support the unity of the Palestinian people," said Al Attiyah
The Foreign Minister reiterated Qatar's full and unreserved support for all Arab and international efforts to salvage Syria from the painful ordeal it has been going through, achieve security and stability in that country, avert foreign intervention in its internal affairs and maintain the unity of its territory and people. "We all have to provide forms of material and political support, maintain firm solidarity with the Syrian people, strengthen the capacity of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces and work actively to stop the killings and displacement of the innocent Syrian people," said Al Attiyah.
Dr Al Attiyah also called for using all means to urge the Security Council to shoulder its legal and ethical responsibilities in accordance with the mechanisms under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, issue a binding resolution to impose a cease-fire and begin a political transition process in Syria through which the Syrian people could enjoy freedom and dignity
He invited Kuwait's First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah to take over the presidency from Qatar, wishing him success
Sheikh Sabah hoped that the summit, held in Kuwait for the first time since the country joined the Arab League in 1961, would succeed in boosting inter-Arab economic development
The Arab foreign ministers discussed regional issues, including the Syrian crisis, the Palestinian issue, Arab solidarity with Lebanon and providing political and economic support to it
They also discussed the situation in Libya, Yemen and Somalia, asserted the sovereignty of the UAE on three islands (Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa), support for Comoros and the Djibouti -Eritrea conflict, asserting the need to respect Djibouti's unity and territorial integrity
Preparation for the Arab General Conference of International Atomic Energy Agency and Arab-African relations and European-Mediterranean Partnership were also reviewed
A draft statute of the Arab Court for Human Rights and reports and recommendations on the reform and development of the League were also discussed
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.