The News from Syria :
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President al-Assad and Moratinos: Current Stage Demands Genuine Political Will to Make Decisions, Guarantee their Implementation
President Bashar al-Assad received on Wednesday Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos.
During the meeting, President al-Assad and Moratinos discussed enhancing the distinguished bilateral relations between Syria and Spain, the growing relationship with the EU, regional sitautions and peace prospects.
President al-Assad was briefed by Moratinos on the efforts to revive the peace process in the region, and underlined Syria's firm commitment to just and comprehensive peace based on international references and resolutions, hailing the Spanish role in the peace process.
The regional developments as well as the EU role in solving regional issues were also reviewed.
Moratinos stressed Syria's key role in finding positive solutions to regional problmes, expressing appreciation of its serious efforts to achieve peace.
The two sides stressed that the current stage demands genuine political will to make decisions and guarantee their implementation.
The meeting also touched upon the forthcoming visit of the Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to Syria next fall.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, Presidential Political and Media Advisor Bouthaina Shaaban, Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad, Assistant Foreign Minister Abdel Fattah Ammoura, the Spanish Ambassador in Damascus and the delegation accompanying Moratinos.
In a statement to the press, Moratinos described his meeting with President al-Assad as "very fruitful and friendly like all previous meetings," noting that they discussed bilateral issues and the good preparations for the upcoming visit of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatro to Syria in autumn, adding that preparations were also underway for Spain's imminent presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Minister Moratinos said talks dealt with the situation in the Middle East and Syria's pivotal role in achieving peace which is now more necessary than ever, noting that Syria has always been truly engaged in the peace process and that his country, as a member of the EU, supports Syrian efforts to achieve permanent peace in the region.
He added that the regional situation was also discussed, including the issue of Iraq, affirming Syria's positive role towards Iraq.
On the EU's stance on the Syrian-Iraqi crisis, Moratinos said that he was briefed on the efforts being made by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, who has a good understanding of the Syria stance and is exerting diplomatic efforts to solve the crisis.
He affirmed the need for establishing good relations between the two neighboring countries, encouraging the Turkish efforts to end the current crisis between them.
Regarding the European stance on Israeli settlements, Moratinos reiterated Spain and the EU's stance demanding complete freeze of Israeli settlement in light of the efforts of the US peace envoy George Mitchell to revive the peace process.
He pointed out that his country was looking forward to the future of the Union for the Mediterranean during Spain's presidency of the EU, adding that he invited President al-Assad to attend the Union's second summit which will be held in Barcelona in June 2010.
The mutual visits of Syrian and European officials reflect the development of bilateral relations and care for bolstering them in various fields, in addition to the mutual desire for finding solutions to regional issues and achieving just and comprehensive peace.
President al-Assad met Moratinos in January 2009, affirming the importance of the Madrid Conference in peace talks and the importance of adhering to resolutions of international legitimacy.
During his meeting with Minister al-Moallem in July, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatro expressed his country's commitment to developing and bolstering relations with Syria and supporting it in all fields, in addition to stressing Spain's care for achieving peace in the region and providing its basic requirements.
Spain and Syria are connected by good bilateral relations on political, economic and cultural levels, with agreements between the two countries on cooperation in the fields of renewable energies and encouraging Spanish companies to work in Syria, in addition to providing Spanish support for financing small and medium-sized companies in Syria.
source : Syria Online : September 13th 2009
Al-Moallem, Moratinos Discuss Regional Developments and Peace Process
Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem discussed on Tuesday with Spanish counterpart Miguel Angel Moratinos bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, standing cooperation between them and means to develop them.
The two sides also exchanged viewpoints regarding developments in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, the occupied Palestinian territories, and the peace process.
Minister al-Moallem pointed out to the obstacles placed by Israel to hinder achieving peace, stressing the need for the international community to pressure Israel to comply with the requirements of just and comprehensive peace based on resolutions of international legitimacy and the principle of land for peace.
Regarding Iraq, Minister al-Moallem affirmed Syria's commitment to the unity, independence, security and stability of Iraq, reiterating Syria's stern condemnation of the terrorist bombings that took place in Baghdad and claimed the lives of many Iraqis.
For his part, Minister Moratinos lauded Syria's stances and pivotal role in the Middle East and its efforts to achieve just and comprehensive peace, affirming that Spain supports the signing of the Syrian-European Partnership Agreement as soon as possible.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Fayssal Mikdad, Assistant Foreign Minister Abdel-Fattah Ammoura, Directors of the Foreign Media, Europe and Special Bureau departments at the Foreign Ministry, and the delegation accompanying Minister Moratinos.
source : Syria Online : September 13th 2009
President al-Assad Receives Letter from Emir of Qatar on Distinguished Relations and Arab Situation
Damascus,SANA - President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday received a letter from Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani on the brotherly distinguished relations between Syria and Qatar in addition to the Arab situation.
The letter was delivered by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Bin Jabr Al Thani.
The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.
President al-Assad met with Qatari Emir on August 20 and discussed with him the latest developments in the region.
The mutual visits between officials of the two countries reflect the constant and growing development of bilateral relations in all fields and the joint action in serving the Arab causes.
Syria and Qatar are connected by 13 cooperation agreements in the economic, trade, investment and scientific fields.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 13th 2009
Arab Transitional Parliament Regular Session Kicks Off
Damascus, (SANA) – The activities of the second regular session of the Arab Transitional Parliament kicked off on Saturday in Damascus, chaired by Speaker Dr. Houda Bin Amer.
Participants in the session discussed the draft of the permanent Arab Parliament's statute, which includes the Parliament's principles, goals, election process, membership and representation of member countries, in addition to representation of women in it, areas of specialties, and its role in supervision and legislation.
Members called for presenting the draft statute to parliaments of member countries to benefit from their experience, stressing the need to activate the Parliament's supervision role regarding the Arab League and joint Arab organizations.
They also highlighted the importance of expanding popular participation and creating a parliamentary mechanism for establishing an Arab system that meets the aspirations of the Arab people regarding economic, social and political development, respecting the law and bolstering human rights.
Members suggested adopting equal representation, with each country represented in the Parliament by four members regardless of the population of a country, adding that the Speaker term should be limited to four years and that the Secretary General should be chosen periodically and in rotation among Arab countries.
The 15th of October was assigned as the last date for members to submit written notes and suggestions to the Arab Transitional Parliament's general secretariat in order for them to be discussed by the committee in charge of drafting the statutes of the permanent Arab Parliament.
Speaker Bin Amer said that approving the statute of the permanent Arab Parliament would be the first step towards achieving its goals, particularly caring for the rights, freedom and dignity of the Arab people, achieving comprehensive development, and overcoming economic and social difficulties.
She pointed out that the Parliament was among the foremost Arab establishments in regards to defending national interests and prioritizing them, noting that it was quick to prepare the Arab National Security Strategy in accordance to the resolution issued by the 2007 Arab Summit held in Riyadh.
She also stressed the importance of communicating with relevant authorities, particularly the Arab League, to push the Parliament's projects forward, highlighting the need to reconcile viewpoints regarding the statutes.
Dr. Bin Amer expressed gratitude and appreciation to Syria and President Bashar al-Assad for his constant care and unlimited support for the Arab Parliament.
For his part, head of the Legislative, Legal and Human Rights Committee al-Tayyib al-Misbahi noted that the Committee was committed to preserving the institution of the Arab Parliament, building the permanent Arab Parliament, and benefiting from current experiences of the Transitional Parliament and other similar experiences.
The Parliament's sessions on Sunday will discuss the decisions that were taken and not yet put into action, means to implement them, developments on the Arab arena, and signing the minutes of previous sessions.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 12th 2009
First Syrian Aviation Technology Fair kicks off on September 28th
Damascus, (SANA) - The first Syrian Aviation Technology Fair and Conference kick off on the 28th of September on the new fairgrounds in Damascus with the participation of 60 airspace companies from 12 Arab and foreign countries.
The three-day fair includes air show at Damascus International Airport and parachute jumping shows by Syrian, Saudi Arabian, Jordanian and French teams.
On the sidelines of the fair, the first conference on aviation technology will be held to discuss investment in aviation, the effects of low-cost aviation on tourism, the effects of religious tourism and Hajj on activating flight destinations, as well as the effects of the global economic crisis on the aviation sector, number of passengers and aviation growth rates.
This event is organized by al-Haitham Company in cooperation with the General Establishment for Civil Aviation.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 12th 2009
Sleiman discusses with Khouri Syrian, Lebanese affairs
Beirut, (SANA)-President Michel Sleiman of Lebanon met Friday Secretary General of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council Nasri Khouri.
"During the meeting, President Sleiman was briefed by Khouri on a number of bilateral files implemented by the Council to be later approved," a statement by the Media office of the Lebanese Presidency said.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 11th 2009
President al-Assad to Visit Turkey Next Wednesday upon an Invitation from the Ruling Justice and Development Party
President Bashar al-Assad will visit Turkey next Wednesday upon an invitation by the ruling Justice and Development Party for attending an iftar banquet held in his honor.
During his visit, President al-Assad will meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discuss with him the distinguished bilateral relations between the two countries and developments in the Middle East.
President al-Assad met Premier Erdogan in Aleppo in July, with both sides expressing relief over the remarkable development in relations between the two countries and the positive effect of these relations on bolstering stability in the region.
Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited Syria in May and held talks with President al-Assad, in which they affirmed the mutual desire to develop relations between Syria and
Turkey and achieve just and comprehensive peace according to resolutions of international legitimacy and the principle of land for peace.
During his visit, President Gul described Syrian-Turkish relations as a role model for relations among countries.
The growing development of political relations between the two countries gave a tremendous boost to economic and investment cooperation, with several joint agreements in the fields of marine navigation, aviation, energy, transport, securities, tourism and industry, in addition to the Syrian-Turkish Partnership Council which resulted from the Free Trade Zone agreement which was put into effect in 2007, contributing to increasing trade exchange between the two countries to around USD 2 billion in 2008, with expectations for trade exchange to reach USD 3 billion in 2009.
source : Syria Online : September 10th 2009
Al-Moallem presides over Arab foreign ministers meetings, stresses closing the ranks, activating Arab joint action to face challenges
Cairo, (SANA) – The 132 regular session of the Arab League Ministerial Council kicked off Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo, presided by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem, in the presence of Arab foreign ministries, Secretary-General of the Arab League Amre Moussa and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
Minister al-Moallem delivered a speech at the opening session in which he said that "this session is held while the Arab situations are not as we and the Arab nation want them to be. Challenges and risks are many. So, we have to confront them by closing the ranks and activating Arab joint action".
"Israel's continued occupation and its violation of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people are on the top of the challenges we face", al-Moallem said, clarifying that the Arab stance, which calls for achieving just and comprehensive peace according to UN Security Council resolutions, Madrid Reference and the Arab peace initiative, is confronted by an Israeli stance which lacks the will to make peace and contradicts with the efforts exerted to achieve it.
The minister said "At this stage, we are facing an Israeli method based on liquidating the Palestinian issue and the continuation of building settlements and judizing al-Quds, in addition to acts of killing, confiscation, blockade and starvation...and Gaza is the greatest witness to these acts… the Israeli officials' statements and their practices uncover the truth of the absence of an Israeli partner that has the will of making peace."
Minister al-Moallem added, "The current tendency of the American Administration to engage in the peace process is a positive sign and constitutes a window of opportunity, however, at the same time, we stress that the requirements of peace are known and agreed upon in previous resolutions including ending all forms of settlement and lifting the siege imposed on the Palestinian people, particularly on Gaza."
The Minister said that investing the available opportunity in light of the US current Administration won't be by taking steps of normalizations in return for stopping or freezing the settlement because settlement activities are illegal, and Israel is obliged to freeze them".
"The Arab peace initiative is clear as it aims at making peace, based on Israel's full withdrawal from all the occupied Arab lands including the Syrian Golan and the restoration of the Palestinian rights," al-Moallem added.
"We see that benefiting from the available opportunity in light of the current movement is in clash with the Israeli anti-peace policy. This urges us to take an Arab unified stance committed to Arab active and joint solidarity," the Minister said.
He added that divisions on the Palestinian arena was "very harmful to the Palestinian issue as a whole and to the Arab stance, so it is very essential to put an end to this division, and the Palestinian national unity is needed now and at every time… Syria, for its part, has contributed to pushing the Palestinian sides to complete the reconciliation...and we are the first winners of this reconciliation because the aspired just and comprehensive peace will not be achieved except by reaching a fair settlement to the Palestinian issue, based on the establishment of a Palestinian independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, and securing the Palestinian refugees right to return."
On the situation in Iraq, al-Moallem said "Syria has repeatedly underlined its full support and care for Iraq unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as backing the political process in it… Syria considers that Iraq security and stability is part of Syria's and the Arab nation security."
The Foreign Minister added that Syria has worked for reinforcing Syrian-Iraqi relations in all fields and we felt sorrow over the terrorist explosions which took place in Baghdad on bloody Wednesday and strongly condemned them, but several days later we were astonished over accusing us of sheltering those responsible for the bombings."
"Those developments are very regrettable and serve neither the interests of Iraq nor Syria's. They also harm the Arab situation in general," al-Moallem said.
He underlined "we are open to solving this crisis based on presenting convincing documents and evidence… we, in Syria, are careful for the lives and interests of the Iraqi people and for the fraternal ties between the Iraqi and Syrian people."
As for Yemen, the Minister hoped security will prevail in this Arab country after the latest developments there, showing support to Yemen unity and stability.
Regarding Sudan, Minister al-Moallem underlined full support to Sudan and its leadership in the face of attempts that target its unity and security.
The Minister stressed the necessity of turning the Middle East into an area free of weapons of mass destruction. "Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons, is the reason behind the prevention of establishing such an area. We at the same time support the right of all countries in the peaceful use of nuclear energy."
" I conclude my speech by a genuine call for asserting the Arab solidarity and implementing what we reach of decisions and recommendations… our position, as Arabs, is subject to boosting our solidarity and unifying our word… in this regard, President Bashar al-Assad's call, before the Arab Summit of Doha to put a mechanism for managing the Arab-Arab disputes acquires special importance," the Minister added.
A quartet meeting of al-Moallem, Zebari, Davutoglu and Moussa held
A four-way meeting of Minister al-Moallem, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa was held at the HQ of the Arab League.
Talks during the meeting dealt with aspects of the current crisis between Syria and Iraq and the necessity of containing it to prevent escalating the situation, and in order to get the Syrian-Iraqi relations back to normal in the interest of the two Arab brotherly people and countries.
Minister al-Moallem expressed thanks and appreciation over the efforts exerted by Turkey and the Arab League in this regard, underlining Syria's openness to solve the current crisis, based on presenting convincing documents and evidence on those responsible for Baghdad explosions, reiterating Syria's care for the lives and interests of the Iraqi people.
In a joint press conference held with Moussa following the meeting, al-Moallem said "the four-way meeting was very important where the Syrian and Iraqi points of views were objectively explained. It aimed at focusing on the bloody explosions which took place in Baghdad and claimed the lives of innocent Iraqis.
He added that the meeting of the regular session of the Arab League Ministerial Council discussed current Arab issues and made an important accomplishment in record time, and had an in-depth and objective discussion of topics.
Al-Moallem added that Syria condemned this terrorist act as did the Arab League, pointing out that there is a misunderstanding regarding knowing the truth of what happened. He said the Syrian stance has continuously called for convincing evidence on this crime and those responsible for it. There will be security meetings between the two sides to explore that issue.
He pointed out "there is a political dimension for this meeting which was not raised before. Syria rejects politicizing the matter for any other purposes, so I say, on behalf of the Secretary General, the Arab role didn’t come late and the convening of the meeting at the AL headquarters is very important in itself."
"We agreed on stopping the propaganda campaigns, holding security meetings and accelerating the return of the ambassadors …and I informed the Secretary General and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglo of Syria's agreement on these ideas," al-Moallem said.
Al-Moallem added that the letter Iraq sent to the UN Secretary General on the international investigation into the explosions came before this four-way meeting. There is an agreement on tackling the events of August19 through the Arab role represented by the Arab League Secretary General and the Turkish mediation.
He stressed that "Syria is sure that it has nothing to do with the August 19 explosions …and as a Syrian stance I stress that internationalizing this matter is an Iraqi internal affair which we have nothing to do with at all. Going to the UN Security Council was a political decision taken by the Iraqi government, and it's their own affair….but we as an Arab public opinion say that if the Security Council wants to investigate, it has to investigate into all the crimes committed since the American occupation of Iraq in 2003 which claimed the lives of one million Iraqi martyrs".
Al-Moallem said that the Iraqi Foreign Minister "didn’t offer any evidence at all on Syria's role in the explosions which happened in Iraq, and he said more than once that Syria is not accused. There are persons in Syria, and we believe that they are political opponents who want to be engaged in the political process in Iraq but not allowed to do so. This is the difference…so we still demand an evidence. Based on this, the security meeting has a purpose. Minister Zebari didn’t offer any evidence…He talked about his government's point of view, and we explained to him our point of view and the steps we have taken regarding Iraq."
On the peace process, al-Moallem said "Peace can not be achieved from a weak position, or under Arab divisions. It can rather be achieved when the Arab nation has the will to resistance, and this is what Syria believes in. We stand by all resistance to occupation, as occupation is a continuous aggression according to the international law."
"It was made sure that the peace negotiations will not be resumed unless settlement building is stopped in all of the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem," al-Moallem added.
He went on to say that "there is an Arab unanimous stance on caring for the Arab cause, and on achieving just and comprehensive peace based on Madrid term of reference. This unified Arab stance was reflected in the Palestinian draft resolution which has been agreed upon."
Al-Moallem added "The Israeli settlement violates the international law and the international legitimacy…Therefore, it does not mean that Israel could be rewarded for stopping or freezing the settlement."
Minister al-Moallem warned against a human disaster that is likely to inflict upon the Palestinian people in Gaza Strip due to the continued unjust Israeli siege, unless the Arabs and the international community rush to support the UNRWA. He pointed out that there will be an occasion in New York to support this demand.
For his part, Mr. Moussa said "The Palestinian issue and the Arab-Israeli conflict were on the meeting agenda. Decisions were made on the basis of adopting a unified Arab stance towards the Israeli obstinacy, and the resumption of the negotiations as well as the rejection by the Arab Ministerial Council of the Israeli Government's decision to go on with settlement building in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem and holding it responsible for thwarting the peace efforts."
Moussa added that "in this framework, we agreed on holding a meeting of the Arab Follow-up Committee and the Peace Initiative Committee in New York on 22 September to study the situation in the light of current and forthcoming developments from now to that date."
He said that US President Barack Obama's call for halting Israeli settlement was a positive move.
Regarding the Syrian-Iraqi relations, Moussa said that the two sides had clear desire to avoid escalation and to contain the matter quickly. He added that both sides welcomed the efforts of the Arab league and Turkey to end the crisis and exert concerted efforts in the interests of the two brotherly countries.
He pointed out that the proposals presented by the Arab League and the Turkish Foreign Minister to contain this matter were met with positive responses, and consultation regarding it would continue. He stressed that there were no accusations directed to Syria.
On the resumption of negotiations with Israel, Moussa saw that the main obstacle to the negotiations was Israel's settlement activities and its insistence on maintaining the occupation. He indicated that the decisions of the Israeli government had dissipated the American initiative and the efforts exerted concerning the peace process.
Moussa clarified that "Judizing is part of reformation and changing the geographic and demographic nature of the occupied territories. It's part of the settlement process….and make the establishment of a Palestinian state impossible."
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 10th 2009
President al-Assad issues legislative decree No. 54 on exempting projects in eastern cities from income tax for ten years
DAMASCUS, (SANA) - President Bashar al-Assad on Thursday issued legislative decree No. 54 for 2009 on exempting projects established in the Syrian eastern cities of Deir Ezzor, Hassaka and Raqqa from the income tax for ten years.
Those projects have to be included by one of the following legislations : - Legislative decree No. 8 for 2007. - Law No.15 for 2008 on the real estate investment development. - Decision of the Higher Council of tourism No.186 for 1985.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 10th 2009
Iraqi President: Iraqi Prime Minister's stance on International Court and his accusations against Syria illegal
Baghdad, (SANA) - Iraqi President Jalal Talabani on Tuesday described the stance of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Malki over the international court and his accusations against Syria as illegal.
"This stance is illegal and the Presidential Council has not been consulted about it", Talabani added in a press statement.
In its meeting with President Talabani in the presence of the Iraqi vice-Presidents Adel Abdul-Mehdi and Tarek al-Hashimi, the Iraqi Presidential Council stressed the importance of containing the situation with Syria and boosting the cooperation between the two countries to settle the problems through dialogue and political and diplomatic channels in the interest of the two countries.
For his part, al-Hashimi hoped that Syria and Iraq would get the bilateral relations back to normal, saying "What happened should not be left for personal endeavors because it is related to the state of Iraq and its principles."
He pointed out that the Council issued a statement to refer the issue to the parliament.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 8th 2009
Ambassador Ahmad Stresses Importance of Unifying Arab Ranks
Cairo, (SANA) - Syria's Permanent Delegate to the Arab League Ambassador Youssef Ahmad stressed that Syria under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad will remain a solid basis in supporting efforts to unify the Arab ranks and coordinate effective policies that ensure effectiveness and success for common Arab action and solidarity.
The Ambassador's remarks came in his inaugural speech at the 132 session of the Arab League Council at the level of Permanent Delegates which kicked off Monday at the Cairo-based Arab League headquarters chaired by Ambassador Ahmad.
Regarding the peace process in the region, Ambassador Ahmad considered that talk on a real chance to resume this process in the light of US and international positive stances must be coupled with caution in order not to fall into the trap of broad aspirations and hopes based on unrealistic capabilities of the US administration and will, particularly under continued Israeli intransigence that is manifested each day with more Israeli arrogance, criminal excercises, fact bending and refusal of the peace references.
Ambassador Ahmad also affirmed that all Arabs want just and comprehensive peace in line with the international legitimacy resolutions, the land-for-peace principle and the Arab peace initiative in a way that guarantees the Israeli withdrawal from all the occupied Arab territories to the line of June 4th, 1967, as well as guaranteeing the legitimate rights for the Palestinian people, including right to an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital and the right to return for Palestinian refugees.
In the same context, Ambassador Ahmad urged all Palestinian factions to assume responsibilities to end division on the Palestinian arena and reach national reconciliation as a main condition and the only guarantee to confront deteriorating situations and Israeli aggression, and to shoulder peace requirements and responsibilities.
Regarding Iraq, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Syria's interest in supporting Iraq's national unity, integrity of land and people, sovereignty, independence, its Arab and Islamic identity, non-interference in its internal affairs.
He also pointed out to the agreement between the Iraqi government and the US which stipulates for the withdrawal from Iraq.
On Sudan, the Ambassador affirmed that Syria supports the unity of the country and the efforts for protecting the integrity of its land and rejecting the conspiracy targeting Sudan. Ambassador Ahmad called upon the Arab countries to consolidate the united Arab stance which ensures the Arabs' survival as countries and a Nation.
He also called on the Arabs to put an end to inter-Arab disputes as this poses a major challenge to joint Arab action and makes the Arabs the weakest side that is easy to harm in a world that only respects the strong ones.
The current session of the Arab League Council resumes deliberations until the end of the week, with Arab foreign ministers due to hold meetings September 9-10, chaired by Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem.
Means of enhancing joint Arab action in the political, economic, social, development and legal fields, in addition to permanent items related to the Palestinian cause, the Arab-Israeli conflict, Israel's hostile excercises in Jerusalem and settlements are on the agenda.
Also on the table are Israel's stealing of Arab water resources in the occupied Arab territories and the occupied Syrian Golan, solidarity with Lebanon, conditions of Iraqi deportees, refusing US unilateral sanctions on Syria and US unjust embargo on Sudan.
source : Sana - Syrian News agency : September 7th 2009