May 28, 2004

(continuation) ARAB LEADERS CONFIRM IN TUNISIA THEIR REFUSAL OF REFORMS IMPOSED FROM ABROAD. IN THEIR OPENING SPEECHES THE LEADERS REAFFIRM THEIR BASIC CHOICES, THAT REFORMS ARE UNDER WAY AND THAT THEY ARE OF THEIR OWN MAKING. THE MOROCCAN KING CALLS FOR THE RE-ACTIVATION OF THE ARAB INITIATIVE. ARAFAT CALLS FOR THE RE-ACTIVATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ROADMAP WITH AN ARAB MECHANISM. THE SULTANATE OF OMAN DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR ELABORATE STUDIES ON THE IDEAS OF JOINT ARAB WORK. President Emile Lahoud, in Tunis to attend the Arab summit, stressed the importance of Arab unity at talks held this weekend so that the Arab voice would be heard globally. Speaking in Tunis, Lahoud said that the summit was doubly important because "some Arab lands are still under foreign occupation." The Lebanese president accused Israel of taking advantage of its friendship with the United States in order to deny the Palestinians their rights, adding that that the lack of Arab unity best served the interests of the enemies of the Arabs. Lahoud said that some Arab countries were "saddled with accusations that are unfounded." He called on Arab states to think about the threats that were being faced by Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Iraq and draw the conclusion that unity was indispensable. He urged the Arabs to think back about the solidarity they displayed in Beirut, during the 2002 Arab summit there. Lahoud was accompanied by Deputy Premier Issam Fares and the head of the Surete Generale, Brigadier General Jamil Sayyed. Lebanese President Emile Lahoud called on Arab þleaders to shoulder their responsibilities related to the current þsituations in Palestinian Territories and Iraq.þ In a statement handed over to reporters covering the Arab League, þ þLahoud said Arabs should handle their causes fast and wisely and speak out to þthe US in the language of facts.þ He referred to the Arab Peace initiative launched during the Arab Summit in þBeirut in 2002, which he referred to as "historic", but, he added, the Arab situation was "Confronted by US guarantees to legalize Israeli occupation and þdeprive Palestinian refugees from their right to return home, and unjust punishments against Syria." Meanwhile President Emile Lahoud lashed out at the U.S. sanctions imposed on his neighboring state Syria, describing the move as a bid by Washington to placate its Middle East ally Israel as the American presidential election was nearing. "Those American sanctions and pressures put to Syria will have no effect on Syria's stance or the policy of constructive dialogue it has pursued for years," President Lahoud told a visiting delegation of the Washington-based American Task Force For Lebanon ( ATFL ) and the U.S. Congress Personnel. Lahoud added that his country and Syria were "bound by fraternal ties and Syria has a key role in the stability and security in Lebanon." The Lebanese President held Israel's Ariel Sharon responsible for rebuffing all endeavors and initiatives submitted so far for resolving the Palestinian issue, branding latest Israeli attacks on Palestinian cities and villages as a "continued war of extermination against the Palestinians and their infrastructure." He reiterated the Arabs were still committed to just and comprehensive peace as stated by the UN Security Council resolutions, including Palestinians' right to return home and establish an independent state. On Iraq, President Lahoud said the UN should be given the task of restoring stability and peace to the country and keeping its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He saw that maintaining the status quo in Iraq would further aggravate the already tense situation there. Then King Mohammed VI delivered his speech to the 16th Arab summit. The King said: First of all, I would like to express my most sincere thanks to Tunisia and pay tribute to my distinguished brother, His Excellency President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali for his enlightened leadership as well as for the generous hospitality extended to us and the excellent arrangements made for this summit to convene in a warm and brotherly atmosphere. Our meeting is being held at a crucial time for the regional and international environment, where sweeping changes are taking place. I fully realize, Mr. President, the weight of the responsibility you will be shouldering as you take over the chairmanship from my dear brother the Sovereign of Bahrain, His Majesty King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa, who made every effort to serve the causes of our Ummah. Given the current, delicate situation, our peoples are asking: Are we going to turn this historic moment into a soul-searching opportunity? Isn't it the right time for us to prove our ability to rise to regional and international challenges, while remaining faithful to our distinctive identity? Are we going to be able to meet the demands of history in the making, at such a decisive point in time? To rise to current challenges, we must ourselves initiate a reform process in the Arab world, counting on our solidarity and on genuine international support. Such a move will be all the more relevant as it is in line with our Islamic tenets, which constitute a fundamental component of the universal set of values and principles. Indeed, the ideals inspiring us played a pioneering role in protecting man's dignity and upholding equality between humans. Furthermore, they made the quest for knowledge an imperative duty for all. They also establish an inseparable link between freedom and responsible behavior, as well as between justice, consultation, solidarity, open-mindedness, tolerance and the effort of Ijtihad. Though reform is, today, both desirable and necessary, and is in keeping with a worthy Islamic tradition, there is no ready-to-use recipe for it. Rather, reform is the fruit of instinctive interaction, combined with a willingness to make steady efforts to secure the desired changes and improvements. We must, therefore, deal with the various international initiatives regarding the Arab Islamic region in a rational way, with an open mind, and from a constructive perspective, especially as they advocate universal values which are fully in line with our Islamic precepts and principles. We must make it clear, through constructive dialogue, that we have a modern project for reform, which is of our own making, and which respects the specific characteristics and national identity of each one of our peoples. It is a project which rejects any interference or encroachment upon the right of peoples to adopt reform processes of their choosing, at the pace which suits them and as fully sovereign nations. We shall thus make a positive contribution to the emergence of a new world order, a more humane order, based on greater solidarity and justice, thereby demonstrating our commitment to unifying Arab ranks and achieving complementarity, in order to strengthen our region as an entity and take an active part in the globalization process. To achieve this objective, there is no alternative but to change the Arab League's outdated work structures. My revered Grandfather, His Majesty King Mohammed V, and my August Father, His Majesty King Hassan II, blessed be their souls, were among the first leaders to call for amending the Charter of the Arab League. Today, new developments at Arab and international levels, coupled with the challenge of achieving comprehensive development, make it even more imperative for us to upgrade the structures and mechanisms of joint Arab action, and to follow the example of major regional groupings, such as the European Union, which used economic integration as the gateway to the unity and complementarity of its members. This approach applies to other international groupings, including in Africa, where the promising NEPAD initiative has been adopted. But if we are to achieve the same objective, we must promptly rid the Arab environment of all disputes and put an end to all tension hotbeds. Furthermore, we must foster true brotherly relations, by initiating Arab economic integration gradually. This integration should be based on regional groupings, such as the Arab Maghreb Union -- notwithstanding current obstacles -- or the Gulf Co-operation Council, which turned out to be a special experience. Other examples include free trade zones, such as the one provided for under the Agadir Agreement, a promising accord which advocates partnership between government authorities, elected bodies, the private sector and NGOs from civil society, in conjunction with other partners and actors from the region. We are determined, in this respect, to boost the Barcelona process as a suitable, realistic forum for building a harmonious partnership with our neighbouring countries. It should be an open, flexible partnership, able to adjust to the requirements of new developments, namely the need to set up new mechanisms to diversify and expand such a relationship. Our forefathers relied on the unity of faith, language and culture as a solid foundation in nation-building. Today, it is our duty to provide that unity with an essential modern ingredient, namely economic integration, without which it would be impossible for Arabs to shape a common future for their nation. This is precisely the path being followed by the Kingdom of Morocco in its effort to build a modern state, governed by the rule of law and by institutions, and to make headway in the democracy-building process. Furthermore, this country seeks to consolidate human rights as a culture and as a behavior, and to instill a sense of responsibility in its citizens. For this purpose, it has revamped and upgraded its curricula and training programs. It has also improved the status of women as members of balanced, homogeneous families, and encouraged their integration in all sectors. I am strongly determined to carry on with this effort, build on our democratic achievements and implement the necessary reforms to address deficiencies and shortcomings with respect to human and social development. To this end, I intend to see to it that solidarity is enhanced and that economic liberalization, modernization and upgrading are fostered so that the economy may play an active role in a globalized world. Undertaking constructive initiatives to boost Arab structures requires, first, a determined effort to put an end to the occupation of Arab territories and to the colonial rule imposed on the Palestinian people, both practices being incompatible with democracy. Because the achievement of peace means more to us than to anyone else, we must regain control of the Arab initiative and give it fresh impetus, within the framework of the guidelines set by the Beirut Summit, after many efforts and initiatives have failed. Along the same lines, we must do all we can to recover Arab legitimate rights and show resolve in pursuing our efforts to achieve a just, global and lasting peace, in keeping with international legality resolutions and the principle of land for peace. In addition, Palestinian unity needs to be enhanced and strengthened. In this respect I call, once again, on influential international powers to devote all the attention needed to the Palestinian question, mainly by reactivating the road map and supporting goodwill initiatives. I urge them to use their good offices again to stop the spiral of violence and bring about conditions conducive to the resumption of negotiations. As Chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, I shall do everything I can to defend the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent Palestinian State, with Al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital, living side by side with the State of Israel, in peace and concord. I also wish to say that I am concerned about the current situation of the Iraqi people. However, I hope they will stay the course in order to run their own affairs and set up national, democratic institutions, which would safeguard the national unity and territorial integrity of their country, thereby making it possible, both for themselves and for all peoples of the region, to achieve progress and prosperity, in a free, safe and stable environment. Perhaps the best thing this summit can do is send strong signals to let our peoples and the world at large know that we are reaffirming our basic choices, that reforms are under way and that they are of our own making. We should pledge to respect the course of action each nation chooses for itself, engage in dialogue with others, and ensure constructive interaction between the Islamic source of reference and the universal value system. We should also vow to remain committed to global security -- in its strategic, political, economic, cultural and human dimensions -- which safeguards the sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity of each country. I wish to call for the adoption of a practical strategy to usher in a new era in inter-Arab relations, as well as in our ties with the outside world, and to enable our youth to be actively involved in the modern world and subscribe to values which are recognized as universal ideals. At the same time, we must fight backwardness, extremism and terrorism. I want, in this respect, to condemn, in the strongest terms, all forms of terrorism, which seek to undermine the comprehensive reforms we have initiated. The brutal nature of these acts only adds to my resolve to ensure strategic coordination with Morocco's neighbors and partners, as well as with the international community, to fight terrorist groups and networks and to uproot this scourge, by protecting the state and society via democracy, development, sound education and free, responsible media. It is also necessary to promote the spirit of citizenship in its modern sense, which hinges on acceptance of differences, tolerance and open-minded attitudes towards others. Such is the proper course to follow in order to rise to the challenges of our times. For my part, I am willing and determined to do my best to bring about such reforms, with the help of Almighty God, for it is to Him that we look for success." The Sultanate of Oman emphasised the need for a clear vision from the Arab summit given that it is being held in critical circumstances, politically, economically and socially. In a statement during the opening session of the summit, which began here yesterday, His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said, deputy prime minister of the council of ministers, said any effort to promote joint Arab action should start from an analysis of the regional and international situation and changes. "Any promotion should take into consideration the local context and situation," he said and drew attention to the need for elaborate studies on the ideas of joint Arab work. "The current specialised organisations of the Arab joint work is not adequate enough to achieve the appropriate goals and should be modernised rather than initiating new organisations," Sayyid Fahd said, adding that "there is a need for an optimistic vision for the future." The Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh of Yemen called on Arab counterparts to work hard for achieving Arab unity and overcome all obstacles hinder that goal. Yemen was participating in Tunisia summit, Prime minister Abdul Qader Bajammal headed the Yemeni delegation to the summit. In his speech in Arab League summit, President Saleh said that Yemen believes that unification of the Arab nation is the most important move for Arabs. He also reminded them with the Yemeni initiative to overhaul the Arab League."Yemeni initiative, has been presented on social, political and cultural reforms in Arab nation, depends on the Sana'a Declaration that represents visions of governments, parliaments and organizations of civil society in Arab world within framework of the real partnership to offer a clear vision that tackles current disturbances in all Arab countries," he said. He added that the initiative represents a transparent and honest vision which is far from political or media talk to reform the Arab work and face challenges and unify ranks."It is sad to say that the present Arab situation encourages others to attack Arab countries one by one if there is no Arab wakefulness and real solidarity and Arab active joint work, the situation would be worse than now and the risks and challenges would be increased as the world around us is unifying in time we are moving in opposite direction," he said. President Saleh said that holding the summit was "one of our concerns during previous period and we worked seriously to fasten preparations of holding the summit as soon as possible.""Unfortunately, the date of the holding summit coincided with the national day of Yemeni people that led us to stay in homeland to share our people their celebration on this occasion," he said. President Saleh expressed hope that the summit would be successful and come out with positive results that meet ambitions of Arab peoples."The summit is being held in dangerous conditions and in light of big challenges surrounding Arab nations, we need a responsible stance to stand against initiatives and proposals which are being imposed on the region," he said. Yemen, however, welcomes initiatives that "realize comprehensive reform to contribute in improving and modernizing political, social and cultural systems that meet hopes of peoples of the region," he said. President Saleh said the Yemeni unification was one of main reforms in the Arab contemporary history and that the Republic of Yemen is based on democracy, multiparty and public participation in governance. He pointed out that the honest dialogue would achieve a joint vision that serves national interests and face challenges surrounding the Arab nation. Feeling its moral obligations toward the unity of the Arab nations, Yemen offered its own initiative for overhauling the Arab League by creating a unified stance among the Arab states and setting up a EU-style Arab Union, President Saleh said." We have originally confirmed that the plan was a Yemeni contribution to the reform of the alignment between the Arab States. We left it to the Arab Governments to make use of what is practical and consider what seems unpractical now." President Saleh laid stress on making a new "turning-point of this summit." The summit must witness readiness of each Arab state to place the pan-Arab interests in the same level of significance of its domestic interests," he elaborated. Saleh said that the cynical distrusts between the Arab states have always barred the realization of the peoples' aspirations for solidarity and unity, Ba-Jammal believes. He expressed Yemen's appreciation for many countries which welcomed the initiative. Turning focus on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, President Saleh said "the ruthless Israeli state-sponsored terrorism against the Palestinian people is a grave challenge to the Arab Ummah, (Nation) and the international resolutions." The President deplored the "humiliating Arab impotence and suspicion-arousing international inadvertent of the Israeli atrocities of murdering Palestinians and bulldozing their homes." He blamed Israel for not accepting the Arab Peace Initiative which was tailored in harmony with the international resolutions to ensure a comprehensive and fair peace. "Israel rejected the initiative despite the international community's welcoming of that plan." "Therefore, this summit that sticks firmly to the Arab Peace Initiative, must offer material and morale support to the Palestinian people in order to promote their struggle to regain their rights and create their viable state with Jerusalem as its capital," he said. Perhaps the simplest forms of material support for the Palestinians should be exempting the Palestinian exports to the Arab markets from customs and taxes as Yemen does, he noted." Resistance of occupation is a legitimate right and can never be dubbed terrorism." He added: "We have to coordinate with other friendly countries to take strict stance against countries and organizations that support Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and exercise pressure on Israel to dismantle its apartheid separation barrier and comply with the Roadmap for Peace and other U.N. resolutions regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict and get international forces dispatched for the protection of the Palestinians and ending the Israeli occupation in Palestine, south of Lebanon and the (Syrian) Golan heights. He also said that peace in the region warrants, as a priority, disarming Israel from the Weapons of Mass Destruction which pose a threat to the stability and security of the region." It is regretful that efforts of the Arab states failed to prevent the invasion and occupation of Iraq which has now developed to a traumatic situation. So what concerns us now is how to support the Iraqi people to regain their sovereignty and maintain the unity of their territories." As for terrorism, he said it has no specific religion or civilization. "Terrorists, whoever they are, must be confronted and a relevant strategy must be laid down to "uproot the causes of this destructive scourge." "From our vantage point, we found that force is not the single medium for preventing this threat. There are other successful force-free approaches against it." He concluded saying: "We absolutely reject any attempts of Islamizing terror or dubbing legitimate resistance as "terror". On his part The Secretary-General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Dr. Abdelouahed Belkeziz, expressed his condemnation of the Israeli government's large-scale demolitions of homes. The objective of these actions, he explained, was to create a new fait-accompli on the ground by persisting in displacing Palestinian refugees and aggravating their suffering, which is creating an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Secretary-General emphasized that Israel's actions in the Gaza strip constitute a clear contravention of the letter and spirit of International Law and international conventions, which consider such collective punishments war crimes. The Secretary-General called on international organizations to expressly condemn these acts and appealed to the United Nations Security Council to intervene promptly to put an end to this humanitarian catastrophe, to compel Israel to abide by the laws agreed by the international community, and to speedily dispatch international forces to protect Palestinian citizens. He further called on the Quartet Committee to immediately intervene in order to avert the arbitrary destruction and killing perpetrated by Israel in blatant defiance of International Law and to ensure the implementation of the Roadmap. He also exhorted Islamic, Arab, and international humanitarian organizations to extend urgent assistance to the Palestinian people so as to alleviate their suffering in this tragedy. Dr Abdelouahed Belkeziz, has stated that the Organization rejects any military attack against Iraq. He also said that the OIC was keen on ensuring the security, sovereignty and unity of Iraq's territory, and called for a peaceful settlement of the Iraqi issue within the framework of the United Nations. The reform of the Arab league must lead to "its modernisation and democratisation for it to achieve political cohesion and productive cooperation," President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika declared. Speaking at the start of the 16th ordinary session of the Arab summit in Tunis, President Bouteflika considered that the League must be endowed with "all the necessary material, technical and human means to fulfil its mission." Fulfilling this objective, asserted the President, "requires stabilising inter-Arab relations, making the most of the virtues of solidarity and promoting vital interests." President Abdelaziz Bouteflika affirmed that Algeria, which will host the next session, is ready "to contribute to all the stages of the ongoing reforms and to see to meeting the conditions of its success." Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem stated that Algeria will host the forthcoming 17th session of the Arab summit next year.