Arab states to decide Monday Iraq's representation at the Arab League council
Egypt-Iraq, Politics, 9/6/2003

Egyptian foreign minister Ahmed Maher has denied that the Arab states had taken a final decision concerning the attendance of representatives for the interim governing council in Iraq at the next meetings of the Arab League council.

Maher said commenting on statements made by the Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal in which he stressed the attendance of representatives of the interim governing council the next meetings, as there is no united Arab stand to this effect.

It is, however, decided that the Arab foreign ministers will be meeting on Monday to discuss this issue in the framework of the preliminary meetings of the AL council which will start next Tuesday and continue for two days.

A diplomatic source at the AL said that there is a strong opportunity for Iraq's participation. News reports indicate the split of the Arab states in this regard to three camps. Certain states find it necessary to have the interim governing council represented in order to ensure Iraq's coming back to the Arab line and the Arabs to have an influence on the future of Iraq.

While the Arab states which reject participation consider that the council is not elected and recognizing it will legitimize the occupation of Iraq. This camp persists the need that the Arabs not to recognize except a government chosen by the Iraqi people.

However, the third camp, which AL sources said is "the silent majority" has not decided yet. Observers say that permitting the attendance of the Iraqi governing council the meeting of the AL next week will be understood as an Arab consent to the council and will enhance the opportunity for Iraq to occupy Iraq's seat at the UN and OPEC.

Previous Stories:
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  Grand Imam of Al- Azhar calls for conveying authority to Iraqi people   (8/28/2003)
  Maher meets with Iraqi figures   (8/25/2003)

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