Arab League: US Missile strikes a threat to security in Mideast
Regional-USA, Politics, 8/21/1998

The U.S. missile strikes against Sudan and Afghanistan are a "threat to security and stability" in the Middle East and do not put an end to the problem of international terrorism, said an Arab league official.

Assistant Arab League secretary general for international political affairs, Zakarya Ismail, told reporters in Cairo that the US military action threatens security and stability in the Middle East, does not settle the problem of international terrorism and does not erase the reasons for violence.

The Arab League official argued that the solution to this problem lies in the holding an international conference on terrorism as soon as possible. He deplored the fact that a pharmaceutical plant which has nothing to do with terrorism has been destroyed and that the United States continues to act in the fashion of Rambo.

The US raided on Thursday Al-Chifaa plant in Northern Khartoum, alleging it was making chemical weapons, and areas in Afghanistan, claiming they are "terrorists'" strongholds, in retaliation to the recent bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

Sudan categorically denied the allegation and called on the United Nations to set up an investigation commission, describing the attack as a "criminal act."

The Organization of African Unity (OAU) has also voiced concern over the attack against Sudan and OAU Secretary-General Salim Ahmed Salim said he was especially worried over the consequences of the US air strikes.

He deplored the fact that innocent civilians had been injured in the attack and pointed out that terrorism has actually become one of the most serious threats against peace and security, but said that struggle against terrorism must be the object of international coordination.

International terrorism requires an international response, the OAU executive said.

In Paris, the association of French-Arab solidarity "firmly" condemned the "US retaliation raids," especially the attack against Sudan.

For the association such operations, under the pretext of striking terrorist sites, can only exacerbate violence, especially in the Middle East.

Previous Stories:
  US military strikes against Afghanistan and Sudan targets in self defense   (8/20/1998)
  Sudan denies involvement in embassies attack, Arab leaders condemn the act   (8/12/1998)
  Yemeni minister: No safe havens for Bin Laden in Yemen   (5/11/1998)

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