Beirut summit completes preparations, FMs discuss agenda, final statement
Regional, Politics, 3/26/2002

Beirut has completed its preparations to receive the Arab leaders who will be taking part in the "summit of the right and national principles." Lebanese official sources stressed that the summit's agenda includes three session, besides the opening session and the closing session which will be followed by a press conference to be held by the Lebanese foreign minister Mahmoud al-Hammoud and the secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa.

Meetings of the council of the Arab foreign ministers started in Beirut on Monday with the participation of the Syrian foreign minister Farouk al-Shara, in preparations for the Arab summit which will start its works tomorrow in Beirut.

The meetings were opened by the Lebanese minister of foreign affairs and expatriates Mahmoud Hammoud by a welcoming speech.

The Lebanese minister stressed that the Arab states want peace and they will accept no less than their unwavering rights ensured by the international legitimacy, the international law, the UN resolutions and the Human Rights International Declaration.

The Lebanese minister indicated that these Arab rights necessitate the following

1.. the pullout of the Israeli forces from the Palestinian and Syrian territories until the June 6, 1967 border line in implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and completing its withdrawal from the Lebanese territories until internationally recognized borders including the Shebaa farms in implementation of UN resolution 425.

2.. establishing the independent Palestinian state on the national Palestinian soil with Jerusalem as a capital, but free from the Israeli settlements;

3.. the return back of the Palestinian refugees to their homeland and properties and not to be settled in the countries where they are hosted.

4.. releasing all Arab detainees in the Israeli jails.

5.. Abiding Israel to pay the compensations over the damages inflicted on the Arab states because of its continued aggressions.

6.. Handing over the sites of land mines implanted by the Israeli forces in the Lebanese territories.

7.. Israel's recognition of the "land for peace" principle according to Madrid's terms of reference for 1991.

8.. Israel's suspension of its racist practices against the Arabs and continued attempt to link Arabs to terrorism and anti- Semitism.

9.. Rejecting the enlistment of the groups resisting the Israeli occupation on the lists of terrorism.

For his part, the secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa hailed Lebanon's President, people and government, noting that this important meeting is being held to finalize all preparations needed before convening the summit.

Then the opening session was closed and the closing session started at the level of heads of the delegations to discuss the draft agenda of the summit and final statement and the recommendations.

Previous Stories:
  IPU council examines breaches of law-makers human rights   (3/25/2002)
  Draft Beirut declaration affirms Arab solidarity and adherence to just peace   (3/25/2002)
  Mubarak sustains contacts   (3/25/2002)
  Maher: all issues will be tackled at the summit   (3/25/2002)
  Moussa: Arab states will not allow striking Iraq   (3/25/2002)
  Massive demonstrations in Damascus and Sanaa in support of the Palestinian Intifada   (3/25/2002)
  Arab foreign ministers hold consultations in Beirut   (3/25/2002)
  Saudi crown prince: the initiative is a test for Israel   (3/25/2002)
  Egyptian-US-Russian talks on developments in the region   (3/23/2002)
  An Arab forum coincides with Beirut's summit   (3/23/2002)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search