AL against military strikes on Iraq

The Arab League warned the US against launching any new military strikes against Iraq. AL Secretary-General Esmat Abdul Meguid expressed the AL's categorical rejection of the use of military force to resolve the current crisis between Iraq and the UN. He said the use of power is unacceptable, adding that dialogue, political and diplomatic means are best for for solving such disputed issues.

Meguid said such strikes would increase the suffering of the Iraqi people, already suffering from the effects of UN sanctions, adding that the AL supports any steps to lift this embargo.

Meanwhile, the AL welcomed any Arab call or serious Arab movement for holding an Arab summit to discuss the new and dangerous situation in the Middle East under the stalemate of the peace process, commenting on the call advocated by Palestinian President Arafat to convene such a summit.