Arab League Secretary-General: We will not remain neutral in the face of any aggression against any Arab state
Cairo, July 13 (KUNA) -- Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy affirmed on Monday that the League would not remain neutral in the face of any aggression targeting an Arab state or infringing upon its sovereignty, calling for the reform and development of the framework of joint Arab action to confront the challenges of the coming phase.
Speaking at a press conference marking the start of his tenure, Fahmy said the next phase would witness more effective Arab League action across various Arab files, based on developing mechanisms for joint work, enhancing economic cooperation, and adopting a proactive approach to regional crises.
He pointed to the League’s continued support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people, noting his desire to visit the occupied Palestinian territories as his first official trip since assuming office, but adding that the Israeli occupation’s refusal prevented this.
Regarding developments concerning Iran, Fahmy clarified that the League is maintaining continuous consultations with the foreign ministers of Arab states concerned with the Iranian file or those that have been subjected to Iranian aggression. He reiterated the League’s position supporting Arab interests and rejecting any aggression against member states.
He stressed that the League would not be a neutral party in any issue where an Arab party has been attacked, noting that any mediation role undertaken by the League requires a request from all parties and an Arab mandate that serves Arab interests.
The Secretary-General considered the agreement related to Iran “still fragile,” noting that attacks have not ceased, which necessitates dealing with developments rationally while preserving the constants of Arab national security.
He affirmed that achieving stability in Lebanon begins with the withdrawal of the occupation from Lebanese territories and the restoration of the Lebanese state’s full control over all its lands, praising the wisdom of Lebanese political leaders.
On the reform of the League, Fahmy explained that reform means continuous development, and that any institution, regardless of its level of success, needs to continue developing its tools and operational mechanisms. He noted that the reform file is among the priorities for discussion with member states, as it has sent messages to Arab leaders and foreign ministers regarding a plan to develop the League and enhance its efficiency.
He stressed the necessity of restoring the League’s pivotal role in engaging with Arab issues and taking the initiative in handling regional crises, expressing concern over the increasing intervention of regional and international parties in Arab affairs, coupled with the decline of the League’s role.
The Secretary-General said that one of the most prominent challenges facing joint Arab action is convincing the Arab citizen of its utility, which requires demonstrating the scale of Arab economic cooperation and transforming agreements and policies into tangible results that citizens feel in their daily lives.
He added that enhancing economic cooperation contributes to increasing confidence in joint Arab action, which in turn reflects on Arab political work, affirming that the common good is the foundation for the success of any collective Arab effort.
Fahmy pointed out that the League will focus in the coming phase on the economic dimension and the Arab human element as the core of development, noting that about 65 percent of the region’s population consists of youth who are looking for job opportunities and a decent life.
He affirmed that success in achieving the desired objectives depends on the existence of broad Arab consensus and support, stating that he would be “the owner of initiatives in coordination with Arab states.”
Fahmy expressed his belief in proactive diplomacy and the continuous assessment of situations before crises escalate, affirming that the space for the General Secretariat’s movement would expand as trust in its role among Arab states increases.
In response to a question about the irregular holding of Arab summits, he explained that the region is going through complex conditions and crises that limit the movement of some leaders and officials, but he acknowledged the importance of holding the summit on schedule and preparing it well to ensure outcomes that enhance joint Arab action.
He pointed out that Arab national security is facing multiple challenges, stressing the necessity of not allowing any party to interfere in Arab affairs to the detriment of Arab interests. (End) M.M./F.S.
