2007 Arab League Summit - Other Areas of Negotiation

Other Areas of Negotiation

The member-states at the Riyadh conference asserted that Arab states should fully tackle issues of Arab national security. Furthermore, sources and forms of political, security, economic, cultural, and social threats from both inside and outside the Arab world would be taken into consideration. Moreover, the conference:

• Decided to convene a consultative summit in the future to tackle specific issues, if necessary. Closed-door discussions would be confined to the issue of concern.
• An open expert-level task force will be formed to determine the nature of current and future risks and challenges facing the Arab ummah and forge appropriate proposals.
• The conference confirmed complete support for the Makkah Document, appreciating efforts exerted by other Arab countries, the Arab League, and Organisation of the Islamic Conference, which contributed to reaching the agreement, which resulted in the formation of a national unity government.
• Arab leaders reiterated full Arab solidarity with Lebanon and their promise to provide political and economic support to the Lebanese government in such a way that maintains Lebanese national unity as well as Lebanese security, stability and sovereignty over all its territory. Moreover, Arab leaders welcomed the seven-point plan presented by the Lebanese government, calling on the UN Secretary General and Security Council to take the Lebanese proposal, included in this plan regarding Sheba'a Farms area, into consideration when the UN Secretary General presents his proposals on this subject in accordance with Security council resolution number 1701 and 1702. Furthermore, the conference adopted a plan for supporting Lebanon during the reconstruction phase and the development of its economy presented by the economic and social council, which met in Beirut on 16-17/10/2006.
• The meeting strongly condemned international terrorism, noting that the Arab states are effectively participating in anti-terror efforts.
• Arab leaders stressed their support for the United Arab Emirates’ full sovereignty over the three islands of Greater and Lesser Tomb and Abu Musa. Moreover, it also condemned Iran’s continued occupation of these Islands.
• Leaders also underlined Libya's legitimate right to indemnifications for the damage resulting from sanctions imposed on it.
• Leaders stressed the need for the Sudanese government and the African Union to continue their efforts to establish security and stability in Darfur. The conference also called upon armed groups that failed to sign the Darfur peace agreement to renounce military escalation.
• The summit welcomed the African Union’s decision to send African troops to bolster stability in Somalia. It also called on member states to extend various forms of support to the Somali government.
• Leaders decided to convene an extra ordinary ministerial level meeting of the Arab League Council, preceded by a meeting of commitment of senior Arab officials to evaluate Arab efforts to rid the Middle East region of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
• The meetings asked the Secretary General to pursue efforts and contacts with the European Union presidency and the European commission to develop collective Arab-European relations.
• Leaders expressed keenness in enhancing relations with China.
• The council approved the general structure of the Executive program of the Arab customs union. Moreover, it also approved the continuous Arab agricultural development strategy.
• Arab leaders urged Arab states to study the enactment of laws and regulations to encourage inter-Arab tourism.