Egyptian representative at AL denies disputes over Iraqi council presidency

Egypt's permanent representative at the Arab League, Wajih Hadi, has denied the existence of any Arab disputes over Iraq's presidency of the AL council in its coming session, which was postponed until September 12 and 13.

In statements to the Kuwaiti daily al-Rai al-Am published today, Hamdi expressed his hope that this session will result in adopting decisions that enhance common Arab work, especially under the current phase the Arab world is witnessing and to open a new page in inter-Arab relations.

On the possibility of convening the AL seven-member committee concerned with discussing the lifting of sanctions imposed on Iraq, formed by the consultation meeting of the Arab foreign minister which was held in Cairo in January this year, Hadi said he is "hopeful to convene a meeting for this committee on the sidelines of the council," especially as it has not held a meeting since an agreement was reached to establish it.

Hamdi asserted Egypt's willingness to join this committee to enable it to carry out its tasks in lifting the sufferings of the Iraqi people.

Hamdi described the meetings of the AL's next session as very important concerning its timing and the topics it will discuss, especially those pertaining the Middle East peace process, the cause of Palestine and other Arab causes to be listed on the meeting's agenda.