All eyes will be focused on regional challenges topped by the Gaza crisis at tomorrow’s 33rd Arab Summit in Manama.
Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, told the GDN in an exclusive interview that the conflict in Gaza constituted the most prominent issue on the table for leaders.
Ambassador Zaki said that the crisis was at the forefront of their minds and described what Palestinian civilians were enduring, under Israeli bombardment, as a ‘war crime’.
He stressed that finding ways of delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip remained a top priority at the summit table.
“What Israel is doing is a blatant violation of all international laws and norms and humanitarian logic,” he added.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a top priority at the Arab Summit.
“We need real international pressure to urgently solve the current situation that the residents of the Gaza Strip are going through.
“Resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the responsibility of the international community.
“In my opinion, what is happening in Gaza constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws and norms. It is a war crime.”
Ambassador Zaki, right, with GDN Media’s chief reporter
Ambassador Zaki is confident the summit will make strong decisions on Palestine, despite ongoing debates on other important issues.
He emphasised that the summit, held under unusual circumstances due to the conflict, aims to meet Arab public expectations.
“We are closely monitoring developments in Gaza and political moves related to the conflict, including Israeli actions in the West Bank,” he said.
“There are efforts to gain more recognition for Palestine internationally and ways to prepare for a peace conference.
“All these topics are expected to be addressed and resolved in Manama.”
Ambassador Zaki said challenges faced by Yemen, Syria and Libya were also among the issues to be raised at the summit, pointing out that these countries needed ‘economic and political rehabilitation’ to be able to overcome their crises.
“We seek support in multiple aspects for those three countries to overcome their challenges – whether political, economic, social or security,” he said.
“Bahrain will head the Arab League for a year and it is tasked with drawing up a clear workplan from which progress can be achieved through co-ordination and co-operation with all member states.
“It is a huge collaborative effort to ensure whatever steps agreed on are effective.”
Regarding the internal conflict in Sudan, Ambassador Zaki stressed that the League does not interfere in the internal affairs of member countries.
Arab Parliament Speaker Adel Al Asoomi told the GDN a blueprint for Arab parliamentary action would be drawn up from the moment the Manama Declaration is issued.
Ambassador Ahmed Al Turaifi, chief of Arab and African Affairs at the Bahraini Foreign Ministry, also highlighted that a process to implement summit decisions for the upcoming 12 months was in the preparation stage.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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