Arab denunciation of Houthis’ terrorist attacks and the importance of the Palestinian issue
Arab foreign ministers denounced the Houthi attacks launched against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They also affirmed the importance of the Palestine issue that comes first on the Arab priorities in accordance with the international references and the Arab Peace Initiative.
This actually came through the 155th regular foreign ministerial gathering of the Arab League (AL) Council that was led by Qatar and held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Cairo on Wednesday. Furthermore, Secretary-General, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, was re-nominated for a five-year second term.
Aboul Gheit affirmed during the gathering that the Arab accord on Palestine and its issue is comprehensive and complete, and does not tolerate any compromise.
He also said: As the new US administration takes over the reins of power, there is a chance to correct this path and launch a real peace process based on international law as a reference.
He informed the Arab FMs: We must prepare ourselves for a long diplomatic struggle to rally global public opinion and attract the international community to our just cause, confirming that the solution represents a real and effective key to a comprehensive and sustainable peace in the region.
About the Yemeni cause, Aboul Gheit stated that Houthis have been executing a systematic campaign of escalation in Marib since Feb. 7 to control the city and take its natural resources. He also noted that the military escalation caused the escape of thousands of civilians from the governorate that was a safe shelter for more than one million Yemeni refugees.
The senior official considered the Houthi escalation as a response to Iranian signals and desires and comes in the implementation of a reckless strategy that uses Yemen as a negotiating card. He held Houthis and those who back them responsible for Yemen falling victim to the world’s most dangerous humanitarian crisis.
Aboul Gheit also affirmed the Arab denunciation of Houthis’ terrorist missile and drone assaults on Saudi territory, stressing the kingdom’s right to defend itself. He also stated that the Iranian and Turkish interference committees were been gathered and confirmed their refusal of the interferences of neighboring countries in Arab affairs.
On his part, Qatari FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani declared that his country refuses any form of interference in another country’s affairs, indicating that each country has the right to protect its sovereignty and security.
After gathering with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, Sheikh Mohammed was quoted what he said that the two countries were keen on a return to warm ties and that the gathering was characterized by a positive spirit and optimism. He also greeted Al-Ula Declaration that was issued after the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Mohammed also said that it ended the Gulf crisis that lasted more than the years, adding that Qatar greeted this declaration based on its stable conviction that dialogue is the only way to resolve differences.
He also said: Ending the crisis and implementing the Al-Ula statement will reflect positively on bolstering Gulf and Arab relations and consolidating regional stability.
As comment on the next gathering, programmed to be held in Algeria, Aboul Gheit stated that the Algerian Foreign Minister, Sabri Boukadoum, could not attend the current gathering due to the lockdown measures. Nevertheless, he indicated that the next gathering would be held soon; affirming that all preparations have been made and the date would soon be set and circulated among Arab senior officials.
