US objects to Arab participation in Islamic summit in Tehran
Regional, Politics, 11/13/1997

Arab diplomatic sources stated that the USA objects to the participation of Arab countries in the Islamic Summit due to be held in Tehran and also to their boycott of the Middle East-North Africa (Mena) economic conference which will be held in Qatar.

The sources confirmed that the US Assistant Secretary of State Martin Indyk expressed his country's surprise regarding the Arab countries' decision to send high profile delegations to attend the Islamic Summit in Tehran and their decision to boycott or send low-profile delegations to the MENA conference in Qatar.

The Islamic Summit will be held between December 9-11, and 50 heads of state and Islamic governments are expected to attend. Egypt and the UAE have not confirmed their participation in that summit as yet. While Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia confirmed that they will not participate in the MENA conference in Doha. Oman has not announced its decision regarding its participation in the Conference in Doha.

The US Assistant Secretary for Near East Affairs Martin Indyk said that the US has "real concerns about Iran's long range missiles" and its latest military rebuilding efforts. Indyk also parted with the European Community's position regarding Iran as "it will not lead to their stated goals".

Indyk described Iranian efforts as trying to extend influence in the Arab world through its carrying of the Islamic mantra, and said that other Arab countries have fear of Islamic fundamentalism and that they are placating Iran for that reason. He viewed Iran as offering itself as a counterbalance to the US in the region.

Many Arab leaders have expressed concern that Iraq should be brought back into the fold for this very reason, that is as a strong counter balance to Iran, and to prevent total US domination of the region as it weakens Iran and Iraq.

Previous Stories:
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