Jordan Times
Friday, June 1, 2007
Majali calls for
revival of Arab peace plan
SAINT PETERSBURG (Petra) — The Palestinian question is the core issue affecting
regional peace and stability, Lower House Speaker Abdul Hadi Majali said on
Thursday.
Majali, president of the Inter-Arab Parliamentary Union (IAPU), made the remarks
at a ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in
Russia.
He told participants that all efforts are being exerted to revive the 2002 Arab
Peace Initiative.
The initiative, which was reaffirmed at this year’s Arab summit in Riyadh,
offers Israel full peace with Arab states in return for a withdrawal to pre-1967
borders and an “agreed” solution to the refugee issue.
The CIS, created in December 1991, unites Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
and Ukraine.
In the adopted declaration, the participants of the commonwealth declared their
interaction on the basis of sovereign equality.
During his address, Majali expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in
Iraq and the need to preserve the country’s sovereignty, free it from foreign
interference and set a timetable for the occupation forces to leave.
He also called for a unified effort to tackle terrorism and sectarianism.
Referring to the current crisis in Lebanon, Majali voiced hope that regional
initiatives would lead to a solution that preserves the country’s unity and
independence.
The Lower House speaker also reiterated the Arabs’ rejection of any attempts
that try to link terrorism to Islam, affirming that Islam is a religion of peace
and tolerance.
In addition, he briefed the participants on the role of the IAPU, noting that
the union is interested in strengthening its cooperation with different
parliamentary assemblies and bodies, including the CIS.
Highlighting the need to direct all peoples’ potentials towards development and
growth, Majali called for a halt to the arms race and weapons of mass
destruction.
The Inter-Arab Parliamentary Union, established in the wake of the October 1974
war, works to promote dialogue among Arab parliaments and enhance cooperation
among Arab countries.