Sirte, SPA:
Attended by Arab leaders, the Arab Summit launched yesterday was determined to send a clear warning that the Mideast peace process is doomed unless Israel freezes Jewish settlements in annexed East Jerusalem.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, who hosted last year’s summit in Doha, addressed the opening session before handing over the presidency to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Libyan President Colonel Muammar al Gaddafi emphasized in his speech the dire need of Arabs to achieve more consolidated cooperation and unity to face any challenges that may threaten the Arab Nation and its future. "No more will we need to work in accordance with Unanimity", He said "If a group of Arab States reached an agreement concerning a certain topic, they can immediately execute their agreement".
Amr Moussa, Secretary General of Arab League, on his part, asked for establishing an Arab-Neighboring States Association to include in addition to the Arab League countries, all other Arab Neighboring states. Regarding the so-called Arab-Neighboring States Association, Moussa explained that countries such as Turkey, Iran, Ethiopia, Eretria and others are strongly connected with Arab countries through mutual relationships and sensitive issues of common interest.
If the idea is approved by Arab leaders, the Arab League Council will call for a meeting to execute it, Moussa suggested. Such a decision will be a historical one, added the Arab League Secretary General.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirmed in his speech delivered at the Summit, that negotiations between Israel and Palestine should lead to the establishment of a capital for the two states and to be located in Jerusalem (Al Quds). Arab Leaders should support all efforts made in this respect, so that both direct and indirect discussions between Israel and Palestine may start, he added.
Akmal Eddine Ihsan Oglo, Secretary General of Organization of the Islamic Conference said that Israeli settlement policy is an action of challenge against International Law and United Nations' relevant decision. The Palestinian case needs more financial support, he added.
While Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, warned that burning Jerusalem means burning of all countries all over the middle east, the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas asked the International Society not to acknowledge any unilateral procedures taken by Israel in the occupied Jerusalem. Abbas also asked for International Inspectors to control hostile actions of Israel.
During the inauguration session, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Silvio Berlusconi, Italian Prime Minister, Dr. Abdulsalam Alturiky, head of United Nations General Assembly, and the Spanish Prime Minister delivered speeches.
Within its agenda, the Arab Summit is to address various topics such as the Syrian Initiative regarding the Inter-Arab disputes, the Permanent Arab Parliament, extending the transitional Arab Parliament for two years, International terrorism and means to fight, and the Yemeni initiative to activate Arab Joint Work. In addition, the Summit is to discuss launching an Arab Cultural Summit to reinforce culture of Man's rights, Climate changes and other issues regarding Arab relationships with International and regional Assemblies. It is also to throw light on ways of activating Euro-Mediterranean partnership, forums of Arab-Russian cooperation, Arab–Turkish cooperation and others.