Arab economic and social council adopts moves to fulfill Arab economic integration

The Arab League economic and social council approved on Friday a work plan for the achievement of economic integration between Arab states, to be referred to the Arab summit this March 27-28 in Amman.

Jordan's economy and trade minister, Wassef Azer, said participants adopted a package of proposals and recommendations meant to consolidate inter-Arab cooperation and create a free-trade zone, through the lifting of administrative, technical and monetary restrictions.

Arab economy and finance ministers agreed that Arab trade liberalization should enter into force in 2002, rather than 2007, and asked the council to prepare a study to speed up the reduction of customs duties in the perspective of total suppression.

Other recommendations dealt with a list on preventive procedures for the settlement of trade disputes among Arab states and the need to include services in the projected free trade area.

Meanwhile, the ministers decided to refer to the Arab foreign ministers session an Iraqi resolution asking the UN Security Council to approve an Iraqi one billion-Euros assistance to Palestine.

The officials also welcomed the holding in Morocco (Marrakesh) of the 7th conference of signatories of the United Nations convention of climatic changes next October 29 through Nov.9.

The Moroccan delegation was led by economy, finance, tourism and privatization minister, Fathallah Oualalou.