Francophonic summit supports peace on Madrid principles, Iraq
Regional, Politics, 10/21/2002

Beirut's declaration which was issued by the 9th Francophonic summit, concluded yesterday in Beirut called for immediate resumption of the peace process in the region on the ground of principles adopted at Madrid conference and UN security council resolutions concerned.

The declaration stressed the summit's support for the Arab peace initiative adopted unanimously during the recent Beirut Arab summit, which is considered by all its components especially the principles of the "land for peace" and the question of the Palestinian refugees as the best means to reach a just and comprehensive solution in the region.

The summit expressed full solidarity with Lebanon and its people in withstanding political, economic and social challenges and called for asserting the role played by the UN and the collective responsibility in order to reach a solution for the Iraqi crisis. It called on Iraq to honor assigned obligations and expressed satisfaction over the Iraqi official decision to accepting the unconditional return back of the UN inspectors.

The summit concentrated on the importance of pursuing democracy which requires dialogue at all social levels, and commitment to strengthening the role of Francophony for consolidating peace, democracy and human rights. Beirut's declaration also called for giving help to the African states and to support initiatives which mainly aim at strengthening peace, security, democracy and honoring human rights in Africa. It welcome the reinforcement of Rome's legislation concerning the International Criminal Court.

The declaration also stressed the need of giving interest to cultural dialogue among peoples and to recognize cultural diversity. It concentrated on focusing on the economy and its progress through solidarity which serves most vulnerable societies and peoples in order to support sustainable development of those peoples.

The final statement issued by the Francophonic summit stressed that the multi-faceted program of the Francophony will make it able to play a main role in the two coming years.

The declaration which was issued under the name of " Beirut's work program" stressed that the program is based on four basic pillars that would enable the Francophony countries to play a key role in the frames of democracy, peace and human rights and work to encourage the French language, cultural diversity, ensuring education and encouraging social and economic cooperation in the service of sustainable development and solidarity.

Beirut's wok program also called on its member states to deepen consultation and discuss matters in support of bilateral cooperation between developmental national policies with the aim of enhancing a genuine partnership.

In a press conference held in conclusion of the summit's deliberations, the French President Jacque Chirac praised the level of relations linking his country to both Syria and Lebanon. He described these relations as built on confidence and respect.

On the Iraqi issue, the French President indicated that France's position is that a proposal not to have a unilateral decision on Iraq's inspection and not to give the direct green light for a military interference operation but the issuance of two resolutions. This means one resolution on ways of inspection by the UN and if it was found out that the Iraqi authorities do not meet conditions found urgent and necessary for the inspectors, then the UN security council will meet on that afterwards.

The French President indicated the solidarity among the Francophonic states in the economic field. He said that economic globalization is a de facto and that international solidarity should be attained in this regard so as the gap between the poor and rich countries will not be widening.

Chirac commended convening the summit in Beirut. He said that this reveals Lebanon's importance, calling for vast international solidarity with Lebanon in order to rebuild it.

The Lebanese President, for his part, expressed satisfaction over the success of the summit and described it as historical. He indicated the summit's interest in the dialogue between cultures and civilizations and stressed that Lebanon is the best example for the dialogue of cultures.

The session approved to convene the 10th Francophonic summit in Burkina Faso in 2004.

Previous Stories:
  Francophonic council starts today: Middle East, Ivory Coast and terrorism, issues   (10/15/2002)
  Beirut summit final drafting of the Arab peace initiative   (3/28/2002)
  Mubarak receives La francophone Secertary General   (1/8/2002)

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