Arab ministerial committee to lift sanctions imposed on Iraq meets shortly in Damascus
Regional-Iraq, Politics, 1/26/1999

Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa arrived on Monday in Damascus after he presided over the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers on Sunday in Cairo.

A final statement was issued in which the ministers reiterated their demand that military options against Iraq should not be resorted to, asserting that a diplomatic solution should be embarked upon in implementing UN Security Council resolutions.

The Arab ministers also demanded the lifting of the sanctions imposed on Iraq, Libya and Sudan. They stressed the unity and sovereignty of the Iraqi territories and non-intervention in the internal affairs of Iraq. The ministers also agreed to form a committee comprising of the Syrian foreign minister and several Arab countries with the basic task of lifting the economic sanctions with members of the UN Security Council.

In this respect Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid announced on Monday that the ministerial committee formed by the Arab foreign ministers in their consultation meeting will be held shortly in Damascus at the invitation of Syrian Foreign Minister Farouk al-Sharaa in his capacity as the current chairman of the Arab League council.

In a press conference he held on Sunday the Arab League chief said that the "committee will discuss the future plan with the UN Security Council in coordination with the Iraqi government in order to lift the siege imposed on Iraq."

Abdul Meguid said the committee includes the foreign ministers of Syria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria and Bahrain -- the Arab member of the UN Security Council and the AL chief.

He stated that he does not think that Iraq will oppose the committee which seeks to lift the embargo imposed on Iraq, despite the withdrawal of the Iraqi delegation and its refusal of the statement.

Previous Stories:
  Iraq discusses measures against Saudi Arabian, Kuwaiti stances   (1/26/1999)
  Syrian FM: Faithful efforts needed for Arab solidarity   (1/25/1999)
  Arab Foreign Ministers conclude their Cairo meeting   (1/25/1999)
  Iraq calls Arab states to lift embargo   (1/23/1999)

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