Arab League chief to be named through, coordination

Egypt's Foreign Minister Amr Moussa Wednesday denied differences among the Arab states on nominating a new secretary general for the Arab League (AL).

Answering a query on a possible negative impact for choosing the secretary general on preparing for the Arab summit, Moussa said that Egypt does not view differences.

"Such matters are settled through coordination and understanding among Arab countries not through public announcement or open media," he added.

The top diplomat said that the general Arab climate he witnesses is better at present and will help choose a figure who gets the consensus of all Arab states for the coming secretary general post, whether the term of Esmat Abdul Maguid is extended or another person assumes that post.

On the names of candidates nominated for the post, Moussa said that he does not know, nor will he intervene. He also said that he will not even give an opinion now, before a general Arab understanding is reached on the issues.

On whether Egypt wants to keep the post because it is the host country, Moussa said that Egypt will nominate a candidate out of its stand-point concerning a future Arab view in the new area, within the context of new Arab relations, and as part of annual Arab summits and monthly ministerial meetings.

Moussa said that such inter-Arab developments require a new approach to the Arab action that goes on a par with Arab, regional and international conditions.

Moussa said that no certain name will be excluded until President Hosni Mubarak announces the name of the Egyptian candidate.

On the role anticipated for the Arab League in the future, Moussa said that there is a necessity to activate the role of the League. He also appreciated the role played by Abdel Maguid in the past ten years.