Qathafi, Ben Ali want summit for Maghreb union to start
Tunisia-Libya, Politics, 5/24/2003

The Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, and the Libya's Leader of the Revolution Colonel Muammar al Qathafi expressed their "deep preoccupation over terrorism phenomenon." This was expressed in a joint press statements issues in Tunis yesterday.

The statement which was issued in conclusion of a five day visit by al-Qathafi to Tunisian said the two leaders "renewed their condemnation of terrorism in all its shapes and forms." It continued they "stressed the importance to convene an international conference to fight terrorism under the auspices of the UN." They also stressed "their rejection to the attempt to mix between terrorism and between the Islamic religion and the need to make a distinction between it and the right of people to resisting occupation.

The statement continued that Ben Ali and Qathafi "dealt with regional and international issues of mutual concern." It explained they "expressed deep satisfaction over their identical view points over issues, stressing the importance on intensifying consultations and coordination at various levels between the two states.

Concerning the Lockerbie issue, the statement said the Tunisian President "renewed Tunisia's solidarity and unwavering support for Libya in its demands to immediately and definitely lift the embargo imposed on it after its responsible and positive dealing with the case and its commitment to its obligations to what is called the Lockerbie issue." The statement noted "Tunisia's care to continue its efforts at all levels especially at the level of the UN Security Council in order to ultimately close this file."

Concerning Iraq, the two leaders voiced solidarity with the brotherly people of Iraq and stressed their commitment to Iraq's independence and territorial integrity and the right of its people to self- determination and preserving national interests, according to the statement.

Bin Ali and al-Qathafi stressed the need of providing urgent aids for the Iraqi people and to work for ensuring reasons stability and security in Iraq. They also expressed their deep preoccupation concerning the critical situation the Arab nation is passing and the dangers which threaten its interests and present and future as well. They stressed the need of mobilizing efforts in withstanding these dangers through working to revitalizing joint Arab interests and boosting its establishments in compliance with regional and international changes."

Concerning the conditions in the Palestinian territories, the statement said that Ben Ali and Qathafi expressed their deep preoccupation concerning the brutal aggressions and aggressive practices conducted against the Palestinian people. They voiced "the two countries full solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate leadership in order to restore back all legitimate rights especially the right to establish their own independent state on its native soil with Jerusalem as a capital."

Concerning the Maghreb union, the statement explained they "renewed their cling to the Arab Maghreb federation in its being a strategic option and historical gain able of achieving complete solidarity and integration among its member states." They also stressed " joint care to effectively contribute into the exerted efforts in order to prepare appropriate conditions to convene the federation's summit so as to give an impetus to the joint Maghreb union, stressing the need of embarking on the system of regular Maghreb summits set for convening. Al-Qathafi on Friday concluded a "fraternal and work " visit to Tunisia lasted for five days.

Previous Stories:
  Qathafi in Tunisia   (5/20/2003)
  Libya's critical move regarding Morocco and Algeria   (4/3/2003)
  Libya, Tunisia sign memorandum of understanding   (1/11/2003)
  Qathafi: Arab League is useless because Arab leaders just talk to appease citizens about Arab unity   (11/1/2002)

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