Iraqi resistance gave war a new shape, says Arab League SG
Iraq-Regional, Politics, 3/27/2003

Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa hailed the Iraqi resistance and steadfastness in the face of the Anglo-American aggression, noting that this stiff resistance had changed expectations on the course of war.

In statements following his meeting on Tuesday with Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri, Moussa said the Arab League Council meeting of foreign ministers also praised the Iraqi steadfastness and resistance against invading troops, a matter which has great impact on the Arab street.

Moussa explained that plans and expectations proved wrong because they are based on advices and viewpoints of analysts and orientalists who viewed that it is an easy war.

The Arab countries were much keen on friendship with the US and the American people, but what happened has affected these relations.

Moussa stressed that the Arab Council's stance was an expression of a clear and strong condemnation of the Anglo-American aggression, with the Arab ministers calling a spade a spade by describing what was going on in Iraq as an invasion and aggressions.

The League's Chief noted that he held contacts with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the president of the UNSC in order to activate the Arab Council's resolution on condemning the invasion of Iraq.

Moussa expressed hope that these efforts would succeed in halting war and withdrawing forces.

In this respect, Moussa said he made a lengthy phone call with the Iranian Foreign Minister.

He also contacted the Russian foreign minister prior to the meeting of the Arab League Council as well as a number of European ministers.

Responding to a question on the Turkish stance, Moussa said he received a message from Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul that his country would not enter northern Iraq.

Moussa said he will publicize the message to Arab countries.

Asked whether the Arab countries would remain committed to the embargo imposed on Iraq after the US had violated international legitimacy, Moussa said this issue is relevant to developments that could much affect any coming steps by the Arabs.

Naji Sabri, the Iraqi Foreign Minister, said the Arab League General Secretariat will hold necessary contacts with influential countries worldwide and the UNSC to activate the Arab Council's resolutions condemning the aggression and called for holding an emergency UNSC session.

On his part, Iraqi foreign minister called Arabs to use their large potential to impose the respect of the Arab states' rights and dignity whether in Palestine, Iraq or other Arab states.

"If the Security Council was unable to stop aggression on Iraq, it is the UN General Assembly's duty to adopt a recommendation in this sense," he added.

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