Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit has said that the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state is a major priority for the pan-Arab organisation.
Aboul Gheit also said that the lack of resolution in the Palestinian issue has been the cause of many of the problems to befall the region and the world.
During a speech before a recent symposium held by the Institute for Arab Research and Studies (IARS), he emphasised the need to use the normalisation agreements between Arab countries and Israel in the Palestinian cause’s interest.
He noted that the Arab region is surviving a hard situation in relation to its neighbouring regional powers, particularly Turkey and Iran, who have long-running imperial ambitions in the Arab region.
Aboul Gheit added that both Turkey and Iran have invaded Arab territories, and established areas of influence as part of their hegemonic aims.
“This regional bullying, unfortunately, will continue in the coming period, due to the ideological underpinnings on which the policy of the two countries is based,” he added.
The Arab League chief said that the ruling regimes in Ankara and Tehran are using “political Islam” as a pretext for interference in Arab countries.
Aboul Gheit further noted that adherence to the national state is a lifeline for the region and its states, saying, “We need to persuade our neighbours to stop using religion to achieve their national interests.”
The Secretary-General noted that the Arab region has suffered greatly during the past ten years, and that it needs to restore its position and capabilities. He stressed that the region needs a comprehensive economic revival.
An economic integration that begins with the abolition of tariffs is required between the Arab countries, Aboul Gheit said.
