Mrs. Mubarak to open Arab women's summit conference Sunday

Egypt's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, chairperson of the Arab women's summit and the National Council for Women (NCW), will open on Sunday the Arab women's summit conferences.

The first Arab women's summit, which convened last November, decided to hold a women's summit every two years, declaring 2001 the year of Arab women and agreed to hold on this occasion a special conference.

In her address, Mrs. Mubarak will underline the importance of this exceptional summit which represents a positive step regarding women's march in the development fields.

She will officially announce the established of the Arab women's organization which will fall under the Arab League's umbrella.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mubarak in her word will highlight the necessity of supporting Palestinian women in face of siege of Israel violence.

The organization, which will be financially and administratively independent, aims at developing Arab women's capabilities and enhancing their contribution to various development fields.

The organization will group representatives from all Arab countries and non-governmental organizations.

The Arab countries will alternate the presidency of the organization according to alphabetical order.

The conference will also discuss a report prepared by the NCW on the outcome of the forums that were held in 2000 on women. The conference is organized by the NCW, the Arab League and the Lebanese Hariri Foundation.