Algeria proposes a project to amend the constitution: Arab summit on March 22nd

One Arab diplomatic source in Cairo stressed yesterday that Algeria has proposed to the general secretariat of the Arab League of a project to amend the constitution of the Arab League to be debated to the next Arab summit which will be held in Algiers in March.

The source said that the Algerian project "calls for transfer of post of the AL secretary general so as not to be always for Egypt in its capacity as the host country, the tradition currently pursued." He said that the Algerian proposal was circulated to the Arab states and will be discussed fully between the Algerian officials and the AL secretary general who will visit Algeria on January 23rd.

The source explained that the proposal includes "maintaining structures of the Arab league, organizing the convening of the AL council at the summit level and at the ministerial level, calls for electing the assistant secretary generals of the AL by the new ministerial council and verify their specializations instead of appointing them." He stressed that the Algerian officials want Algeria's summit to witness "the birth of a new charter for the Arab league on the occasion of its 6th foundation anniversary." AL sources said that the proposed date for the summit is March 22 and 23 and will be preceded by a meeting for the foreign minister of March 19 and 20. It is not known yet whether the Algerian proposal will be submitted to the special postponed session of the Arab foreign ministers on January 12 and 13 dedicated to discuss reforms of the AL and considering proposed amendments on the constitution which will be submitted to Algeria's summit.