Arab League Council Ministerial meeting held

(Cairo) – 146th Ordinary Session of the Arab League Council at the Ministerial Level was held in Cairo. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, affirmed that the current delicate stage of the history of the Arab nation requires a serious review of the positions and decisions as well as formulating effective policies and developing plans and comprehensive strategies, based on the belief in the unity of objectives, interests and common destiny.
It also requires bolstering solidarity and unity to resolve issues within the Arab scale, including protecting countries and enhancing security and stability, as well as achieving the aspirations of the Arab peoples for a brighter and more prosperous future, the minister said in his speech.
Shaikh Khalid noted that Bahrain was keen during its chairmanship of the 145th session on making every effort to contribute to achieving those goals, pointing out that the work of this session began with an important step through consensus on the choice of Ahmed Aboul-Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, and witnessed the convening of the 27th Arab Summit (Hope Summit), capably hosted by Nouakchott. Additionally, there were numerous meetings held in the context of follow-up and interaction with all the issues and developments.
The minister expressed his hope that the regional and international efforts continue in order to resolve the Palestinian issue, and to see more movement to pressure the Israelis to stop the continued intransigence, and the increase in settlements and sieges as well as the repeated attacks on the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque, in order to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the issue, to end the occupation and to etsblishthe Palestinian independent state on the June 1967 borders with East Al Quds as its capital, according to the Arab Peace Initiative and the implementation of the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
On the Syrian situation, Shaikh Khalid affirmed that the Syrian people live a major tragedy and plight on their territory and beyond, stressing the need to continue to work to secure humanitarian access to all areas of Syria and the neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees. He also highlighted the importance of communication and continuous coordination between the United States and the Russian Federation as a right and proper way to reach a peaceful political solution to the Syrian crisis in international forums and on the Syrian territories, stressing the important and central role of the Arab League to resolve the crisis.
On relations with Iran, Shaikh Khalid said that he looked forward to the establishment of normal relations based on a commitment to good-neighbourliness and the principles of international norms and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as mutual respect over sovereignty and independence.
He demanded that Iran cease immediately its interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries, and to refrain from practices that affect national security.
The minister denounced attempts by Iran to politicize Hajj through repeated hostile remarks by senior Iranian officials, praising the great and the tireless efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to safeguard all the pilgrims and provide all means for the success of the pilgrimage season.
In relation to the Republic of Yemen, Shaikh Khalid strongly condemned the steps taken by the forces behind the coup that further strain the situation, stressing the Kingdom’s commitment and obligation to participate within the Arab Coalition for the Defense of the Legitimacy in Yemen until the legitimate government is able to extend the power of the state on the entire territory of Yemen, reactivate national institutions, stop foreign interference, ensure the return of security and stability in this brotherly country and reach a political solution, according to the Gulf initiative, the National Dialogue and Security Council Resolution 2216.
Shaikh Khalid affirmed keenness on the security, stability and unity of Libya, adding that he looked forward to the Government of National Reconciliation receiving support from all political parties and the approval of the Council of Representatives of Libya, to the convergence of all efforts to promote national reconciliation and building a modern Libyan state, and to the restoration of security and stability and the elimination of terrorist groups.
The minister pointed out that everyone is concerned by the challenge of the fight against terrorism and its consequences, and the need to take collective, decisive and realistic action.
The common endeavours should be exerted in order to eliminate terrorist groups and dry up support and funding, and not to give them the opportunity to reach their goals and their quest to destabilize security and stability as well as compromise unity and disperse the people of our nation, by broadcasting sectarian strife and distorting the Islamic religion, which is against them and their odious values.
Following his speech, Shaikh Khalid transferred the Presidency of the Arab League Council at the Ministerial Level to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, Khamis Al-Jehinawi.
The Ministerial Council issued a statement condemning the hostile statements of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The statement emphasized that the tendentious accusations, allegations and campaigns by Iran were contrary to the values and principles of Islam, which calls for compassion, love and brotherhood. They are also inconsistent with the principles of good neighbourliness policy and do not help to build a constructive relationship among Islamic countries.
The Council discussed a number of topics on Arab action, particularly the development and reform of the Arab League mechanisms, the consultations on the Palestinian issue, the developments of the situation in Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Iran’s occupation of the three Arab islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, Iran’s interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries and ways of maintaining Arab national security and counter-terrorism.
(Courtesy BNA)