Tunisian Foreign Minister: Arab consensus on condemning Iranian attacks on several Arab countries
Cairo, Sept 7 (KUNA) -- Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohamed Nafati said on Monday that all Arab countries have condemned Iranian attacks targeting several Arab states, stressing that any aggression against an Arab nation affects the security and stability of the entire region.
Nafati, speaking at a joint press conference with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby at the conclusion of his chairmanship of the 166th session of the Arab League Foreign Ministers' Council, added that the meeting reaffirmed that solidarity, coordination, and the unification of Arab positions are essential to enhancing the capacity of joint Arab action to withstand pressures, act effectively, and exert influence.
He noted that Arab countries emphasized reliance on negotiation and dialogue as the optimal means to resolve disputes and establish regional relations based on good neighborliness and mutual respect.
Nafati stressed that the Palestinian issue remains at the forefront of the Arab League’s and joint Arab institutions’ concerns, as it pertains to the rights and human dignity of a people. He emphasized that the suffering of the Palestinian people cannot become normalized or accepted by the international community.
"We agreed that bringing security and stability to the region and the world is impossible without ending the Israeli occupation and realizing the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and establishing an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital," he said.
He underscored the significance of Jerusalem due to its great symbolic value for the Arab and Islamic worlds, rejecting any attempts to alter its status or impose new realities. He affirmed the rejection of all forms of displacement and attempts to change the demographic reality in Palestinian territories.
Nafati clarified that discussions emphasized support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), noting that ministers were briefed on a report by the Agency’s Commissioner-General regarding the plight of the Palestinian people in occupied territories and the need for the Agency to continue its humanitarian activities.
He considered that the responsibilities of the international community extend beyond expressing concern to fulfilling their political, humanitarian, and legal obligations, and working diligently to assist the Palestinian people.
On Arab affairs, Nafati pointed out that deliberations confirmed the continuation of Arab and international efforts to address crises in several Arab countries, such as Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen, in a manner that preserves their unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, supports their national institutions, and responds to the aspirations of their peoples.
He stated that Arab countries, with their economic and human resources and strategic location, are capable of being an active party in shaping the region’s future if they effectively utilize their potential and strengthen joint Arab action.
He affirmed that security and economic integration are fundamental factors in enhancing the Arab strategic position, calling for the conversion of available capacities into projects that boost Arab countries’ ability to confront challenges and support development opportunities.
Nafati highlighted Tunisia’s commitment, during its chairmanship of the Arab League Council, to enhancing joint Arab action across various fields, fostering dialogue and coordination, and seeking areas of agreement to strengthen a unified Arab stance and address regional challenges with a sense of responsibility.
He added that the 166th session was characterized by a spirit of consultation and exchange of views on issues preoccupying the Arab world, amid a regional and international context witnessing rapid transformations, shifts in the balance of power, and different patterns of international relations.
Nafati noted that the Foreign Ministers’ Council reaffirmed the importance of relations with regional and international organizations, such as the African Union and European entities, based on the principles of equality and mutual interest. He added that it was decided to expand international partnerships to include the Southeast Asia region and add forums with Asian countries such as China, Russia, Central Asian states, Japan, and others.
For his part, Elaraby confirmed that the 166th session meetings witnessed a "new spirit" and a serious desire to move from merely recording positions to taking practical steps. He said the meetings were marked by a high degree of seriousness given current international conditions and attempts to reshape the region through the use of force, emphasizing that "the Arab world seeks peace based on justice and international law."
He added that this atmosphere was reflected in the ministers’ discussions on Palestine, Jerusalem, Syria, Lebanon, and other Arab issues. He clarified that during the consultative meeting preceding the opening session, ministers stressed that the requirement is not to limit themselves to words, but to record principles and positions and then move to the stage of actions, particularly regarding member states whose sovereignty and security have been violated.
Elaraby explained that the League, within the framework of its responsibilities, is monitoring Israeli violations and countering them, pointing out in this regard to the specific points presented by the Palestinian Foreign Minister during the meetings regarding the situation in occupied Jerusalem.
He revealed an Arab initiative to establish a fund and an observatory to document and disseminate Israeli violations and infractions to the international public.
He noted that discussions witnessed considerable consensus on various Arab issues presented, foremost among them the Palestinian file and the situations in Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as Iranian attacks against several Arab countries.
Regarding the development and reform of the Arab League, Elaraby announced ideas including a work agenda based on three main pillars: confronting challenges, developing institutions, and achieving comprehensive development, considering them fundamental pillars for protecting Arab national security.
He affirmed that the joint Arab action system respects the sovereign decision of each state and does not replace the national role, explaining that the reform file receives continuous attention and coordination with Arab leaders and foreign ministers.
He mentioned that the most distinctive feature of this session’s work was "the success in reaching prior consensus on Council decisions," thanks to diplomatic coordination efforts between the League, member states, and the session’s presidency. (End) MM / TA B
