Joint Press Conference of HRH Prince Saud Al Faisal Saudi Foreign Minister& H. E. Amr Mousa, Secretary General of LAS
After Adjourning the 19thArab Summit
Marriot Hotel, Riyadh, 10 Rabie Awal 1428H (29 March 2007)
HRH Prince Saud A-Faisal:
In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
In the beginning, I would like to thank and praise God for His benefaction and supportthat made the 19th Ordinary Session of Arab Summit a success. The Summit’s discussions were candid, objective and realistic in addressing the entire issues brought before the leaders, with the same transparency of the introductory address of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Riyadh Summit was held at a time with widened gap of crises and conflicts in the Arab region, under extremely intertwined, complicated and sensitive conditions. You may have sensed, through the Summit resolutions and Riyadh Declaration,the keenness by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Arab leaders to deal with these issues with a spirit of responsibility by formulating practical solutions that take into account current regional and international developments and conditions.
The Palestinian issue topped the talks of the summit as the first Arab cause and core of crises in the region. The Arab leaders were very satisfied with the Makkah Agreement between the Palestinian groups and resulting national unity government. This will boost, God’s willing, the Palestinian position in defending its legitimate cause. This is reflected in the Summit’s resolution which explicitly re-stressed peace as a strategic option for Arabs, and adherence to the Arab peace initiative with all its articles. Arab leaders specially noted what Arab countries decided i.e. pursuing a clear policy based on Arab peace initiative and that the Palestinian Unity Government will abide by the Arab Summits resolutions.
The summit was keen on achieving stability in Iraq and Lebanon as is expressly evident in its resolutions. By initiative of the Presidency, the sidelines of the Summit witnessed intensive activity to benefit from the presence of international guests.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques chaired a meeting between Sudan's President Omar Al-Basheir and the UN Secretary General which was attended by the Chairman of the African Union commission and the Arab League Secretary General to build confidence between Sudan and the UN to bolster Arab, African and international efforts aimed at resolving al aspects of Darfur tragedy. It was agreed to intensify and combine these efforts with the proposals package submitted by Ex-UN Secretary General, support of Abuja Agreement, and African peacekeeping force. Provided that UN will supply all logistic support to the African forces to be able to perform their duties in the province as required.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques also called for convening a meeting,on the sidelines of the summit, to address the Somali issue. Kenyan Foreign Minister; the President of IGAD, Chairman of the African Union Commission, and the UN Secretary General, OIC Secretary Generaland the Arab League Secretary General, in addition to EU'S Foreign Policy High Representative and the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister participated in the meeting. This meeting, reached an agreement on the best means to realize the convening of a Somali national reconciliation conference, and mustering African, Arab and international support to the conference to make a success in reaching Somalia’s security, stability and help in reconstruction and institutions building to enable them play their role.
Perhaps it is appropriate here to refer to the resolution regarding Arab national security which constitutes an important dimension in the structure of joint Arab action, reviving it, regaining the spirit of solidarity, resolving the existing problems and addressing the challenges facing our Arab nation.
The importance of this resolution stems from its being a link between all decisions and recommendations issued from the Arab League, an activation of its institutions and structures stated in the ِArab League Charter, Common Arab Defense Pact, Economic Cooperation, Document of Pledge, Détente and Solidarity, Arab Security and Peace Council, within political and military handling of security, economic, social, cultural and academic issues, and revivig joint Arab action.
Experience undoubtedly proved that Arab sincere effort is capable to solve Arab crises, and that foreign solutions have yielded nothing but further deepening and expansion of these crises.
Implications of these steps are ensued from their objectives aiming at employing our Arab potential in the service of our homelands, peoples and just causes, and safeguarding our cultural identity from looming threats and undermining endeavors.
It goes without saying that the summit's resolutions are dependent on presence of seriousness, credibility and sincere will to implement the agreements and conventions stipulated in the Arab League charter, resolutions, Document of Pledge, Entente and Solidarity, giving precedence to national interests above others.
On behalf of the Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques I would like to extend my thanks to their majesties, highnesses and excellencies Arab leaders participating in Riyadh summit as well as the accompanying delegations for the efforts exerted to make this gathering successful. Thanks are also extended to brother Amro Mousa , the Secretary General of the Arab League, and the staff of the General Secretariat of the Arab League, and all conference bodies for good preparation and organization, praying to God to grant us success and guide our steps to the better.
It pleases me to receive your questions:
Question: Riyadh Declaration mentioned nothing about Iraq, Somalia, Lebanon or Darfur. Immoderation and extremism came first without mentioning terrorism. What does this declaration mean without noting these major issues as well as not mentioning Arab initiative details and follow committee?
Minster Al Faisal:In fact, Riyadh Declaration cannot comprise all the issues brought before the Summit. It is not a final communiqué in other terms. ِActually, it is a declaration that expresses the view of the host country on specific items to be stressed where it was not focused upon in the past if I may say. . The declaration focused on a salient point that is known to be part of the concerns of theSummit. Riyadh declaration focused on the cultural aspect, Arab identity and preserving it to be a foundation for our joint going ahead with the challenges, we are facing. It is no exception; but an endeavor to underscore an item that received insufficient attention previously.
Question: Israeldeclared its rejection of the Arab peace initiative in anticipation of issuance of Riyadh Summit resolutions today. What is your view?
Minster Al Faisal:This is typical of Israel. This has always been Israel’s way. When Arabs declare clear, candid and transparent resolutions on their approach to peace, Israel categorically refuse it. Therefore, this attitude doesnot constitute a positive stand by a country wanting peace.
Question: The council attached importance and extreme priority to development of education and its curricula, and effective positive participation of women. What is the role of League of Arab States in countering migration of minds and qualified people abroad?
Minster Al Faisal: We are keen that Arab minds work in the interest of Arab nation. Our care for culture at essence is not only producing cultured people with no chance to work. It is supposed to create the human cadres required by the community along with creating jobs for them. That is why, in the statement of the Secretary General, he indicated the importance of the economic conference concerned with the economic issues, because at the final conclusion, if there will be no chance to work, trained and skilled cadres will leave the country.
Question: What is your reaction to recent Secretary Rice’s statements on holding a reconciliation conference between the Arabs and Israel, and that Mecca Agreement complicated things? What is your reply to Colonel Gaddafi’s statements on the dependency of Arab decision, particularly after recent Aswan meeting?
Minster Al Faisal: I am not an Arab leader, therefore, I will not respond to an Arab leader. As for the statements of Secretary Condoleezza Rice, with due respect of what she said, I think that what happened in Mecca is a positive step towards peace. Peace is not reached unless it is based on convictions. Convictions are not created unless they are built on clear vision on how to achieve interests. Unifying and specifying Palestinian demands on which the peace process will be based, is undoubtedly something else. In this case, unifying Palestinians’s visions will not delay peace but will help it. Peace is not made by an individual, it is made by a nation. If the nation is not tending to peace, it will not hit the road whatever happens. Secondly, we cannot fool any body into peace. It is not a game. Peace is supposed to be based on realities. Consequently, what happened in Mecca drove this process forward. I think that the statement on the peace process which I conveyed some of its content now, defined the peace concept to the Palestinian national government. Do not forget that it is the first Palestinian government that defines its perspective of the political way, abiding by resolutions of the Arab summits. Where is the negative part here? I see this nothing but a positive attitude towards the peace process.
Question: Your ExcellencySecretary General! Do you see this summit as disappointing in the series of previous ones, or you really see that new remarkable things took place?
Secretary General Mousa: At the end of two days’ continuous work, and may be two months of preparations of various resolutions and the reports set forth, I do not think that we will start talking about the failure in the asker’s mind. In fact, this summit will be significant and have its impact on the joint Arab action. In my own assessment and the assessment of many politicians, diplomats, and journalists whom I talked to, that there is something new, and the summitachieved its success firstly in tackling a host of issues. It stressed our positions and initiatives; the Arab initiative issued in Beirut, initiatives of Arab security, the political and social development initiative such as holding an economic development summit dependent from annual summits, and education initiatives. The movement will start immediately after the summit in reviewing; governments have to study, and Council of Arab Ministers of Education, assignments to ALESCO. This means a continuous work in developmental, economic, social, security and political fields. There was agreement on views, particularly in the closed session. For two hours, the session addressed and discussed regional security. Resolutions are there and declared. You will see the practical steps agreed and taken, the initiatives created and stressed, the steps required to be taken, the frequency of meetings required from Economic and Social Council, Arab Organization for Nuclear Energy, and ALESCO. These are very serious issues. Thus, with all honesty, frankness and objective assessment, I think this summit is a success, and will add to joint Arab action.
Question: As far as Darfur crisis is concerned, the final statement talked about an intensive support package specified by LAS and those who participated in yesterday’s meeting on Darfur. The statement did not define this package in the future? Other question on Arab peace initiative; why is there no timeframe ceiling for this initiative with regard to acceptance or rejection by the international community, particularly Israel?
Minster Al Faisal: The option in this question is if Israel does not respond positively, we will alter the initiative. This will not be the case. We have declared a clear-cut initiative that when Israel concludes its discussions and negotiations with the parties whose territories are occupied by it, Arab states will sign peace agreements with Israel. This [proposal] has no fixed time limit. If it happens this year, peace will be achieved this year. If it happens next year, peace will be achieved next year. The real question is, if you so meant, the time factor’s effect in Arab countries’ decision to commit to peace as a way to deal with the Palestinian question. This commitment is a real one, and Arab states proved their adherence to this peace. You question should be addressed to Israel: Does it see in its overlooking of the realistic and logic peace proposals that maintain its interests, it makes not only the whole region but also Israel to dangers with unfavorable consequences. Indeed, this question should be asked to Israel, not the Arab states.
Secretary General Mousa: In fact, the answer of Prince Saud is clear that there is no response from Israel on peace. The Arab’s proposal that is stressed, and the peace strategy that is pursued and still is pursued, and will be pursued, is resulting in urticaria for Israel. Actually, in my own custom, I received feedback from Israel: Israel wants only normalization and shuns other matters such as the withdrawals and negotiations on Alquds. The statements issued from Israel before, during and after the summit are all talking about normalization. Some international policies are still acting to get this normalization. It is conspicuous that the Arab position in this, is there is nothing for free. It should be. If it wants normalization, let us see what it will offer in return for normalization. So far, we are only reading negative messages that do not deserve normalization.
Secretary General Answer to Darfur question: There was a lengthy meeting on Darfur issue. The aim was to establish and facilitate work between government of the Sudan, the UN, and the African Union (AU). I think this meeting facilitated many things. The parties listened to the statement of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. All parties engaged in lengthy discussions. I feel that there are windows beginning to open. I hope we can reach concrete progress in the near future that can be assessed politically in Abuja Agreement and not only in the peace-keeping forces issue.
Interposition of Minister Al Faisal on Darfur: I believe one of the points solved in yesterday’s meeting was expediting and streamlining of relief supplies to the afflicted ones. That hasbeen a catastrophe. We hope it is in its way to solution.
Question:King Abdullah’s address yesterday on US occupation of Iraq aroused several reactions in Washington. May I have your comment on that? Is this a different or stronger message on the Saudi position on the American existence in Iraq?
Minster Al Faisal: The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has not talked about certain presence. He, howeversaid, "Iraq-under-occupation". I do not know how to define a country having soldiers not of its nationality with anything other than ‘occupation’. Did the country elect that these forces come? If it were with consent of the country, that would be another story. Any military action without invitation on the part of the concerned country is defined as occupation. In his address, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques was describing de facto situation. It is natural for him not to avoid realities for diplomatic or other reasons. He is frank and transparent in this.
Question: With regard to affirmation of Riyadh Declaration on the action to meet Arab security and defense needs. Do we understand from this that the Arab Common Defense Pact started to be put into execution, while there are more than one occupied Arab country?
Minster Al Faisal: The Arab Common Defense Pact is a clear instrument defining rights and duties of each Arab state. We are in a treaty to protect our territories and interests. Any aggression against a state is an aggression against other states. Therefore, activation of the pact and reviving its institutions is necessary to maintain the interests of Arab states. That is what happened.
Question: Your Highness! Could we say that this Arab Summit succeeded in bridging the existent gap between some Arab capitals? Your Excellency! Will be real and effective mechanisms to lift the financial blockade off the Palestinians, or we will recourse to the same cause every year mentioned in the Arab world, that transfer is unfeasible?
Minster Al Faisal: Warmth is shown in the shot photos of the meetings held. Warmth may be less description of the reality. I think all Arab states met intimately in this meeting. After the meeting there were more affinity. There was great accord. For example, yesterday’s evening session was concluded before its scheduled time. If citizens got to know the deliberations between the leaders, they would be happy. They tackled everything. They did not take time in delivering speeches or giving statements. There was a frank and transparent dialogue instead. The dialogue led to removal of all existent separators. They thought as one man, and with one nation’s concerns.
Secretary General Mousa: As sais by Price Saud disaffection and avoidance vanish. Everybody wished to turn a new leaf in the bilateral, trilateral meetings, deliberations and discussions, and the closed session. I do not say that all faults are over, but environment of the meeting between the leaders led to talking and candidness amongst them. This is a positive result. As for the blockade, the League of Arab States (LAS) during the blockade transferred more than 120 million US Dollars to the Palestinian Authority, and they received the amount. Arab states raised the amount to US Dollars 450 million in the course of the blockade. Most of the amount sent in cheques, and part in kind as equipment, foodstuff, covers, medicines, etc. Both of us suffered from the blockade. But this did not stop us transferring money and our insistence on this because they were threatened with famine due to the blockade which was a service to Israel and based on Israel’s persistence and pressure. We, however, partially managed to overcome the siege in its harshest stages. From now on, I do not believe that we will abide by it, as it is unjustified. Now, we have unity government. I seize this opportunity now to pay tribute to Norway, Spain, Sweden and other states, hoping the EU would take this trend. If a body does not want, let it stick to its position. But the world have to help the Palestinians and end this siege.