Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
King, Mubarak discuss ways to unify Arab stands
CAIRO (Petra) — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday held talks here with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, focusing on the Palestinian and Iraqi situations and ways to unify Arab stands and bolster joint Arab action.On Palestine, the King and Mubarak called for crystallising an Arab and international stand in support of efforts aimed at overcoming the stalemate in the Middle East peace process. This stand, they said, is needed in light of continued Israeli actions against the Palestinian people, including the construction of the separation barrier in the West Bank and its policy of assassinating resistance leaders.
The UN General Assembly had asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to rule on the legal consequences of the 700km wall, which created widespread international condemnation and controversy. The court is expected to begin hearings on Feb. 23. Jordan would present its legal argument to the ICJ by the end of this month along with other countries.
They also highlighted the Iraqi people's right to build a unified country and elect a national government that represents all Iraqis.
The talks also covered suggestions Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Musa presented to member countries tackling ways to reform the organisation.
The two leaders expressed support for the proposals, urging that they be presented at the March Arab summit in Tunis. They said the proposals are likely to improve the quality of joint Arab action.
As a follow-up to the King's talks with Mubarak, Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher is due in Cairo soon for discussion with his Egyptian counterpart, Ahmed Maher.
Prime Minister Faisal Fayez, Royal Court Minister Samir Rifai, Muasher and Jordan's Ambassador to Cairo Hani Mulki attended yesterday's meeting.
King Abdullah left Cairo in the afternoon for a private visit to Morocco.
He is due to arrive in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday to participate in the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum, scheduled to begin today.
On Friday, King Abdullah will address the more than 2,000 political, business and academic leaders taking part in the forum, held under the theme "Partnering for Security and Prosperity."