Text of the final communiqué of the Arab summit in Tunis

The final communiqué of the Arab Summit in Tunis addressed a number of pressing regional issues, highlighting the need for joint Arab action to address the challenges affecting the Arab region and how to address them.

The text of the final declaration of the summit, read by Tunisian President Béji Caid Sibsi, reads as follows:

The "Tunis Declaration"
Published by the 30th Ordinary Arab Summit held in Tunis on March 31, 2019.

We are the leaders of Arab countries meeting at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Council of the League of Arab States in Tunis, Republic of Tunisia, on March 31, 2019, at the kind invitation of His Excellency President Béji Kayed Sebsi , President of the Republic of Tunisia.

– On the basis of our comprehensive and thorough assessment of the Arab-Arab relations and the current situation in our region, the serious problems facing our countries and the threats to their security, stability and development, as well as implications of the important changes in international relations in the Arab regional system.

– affirming our strong commitment to the principles and objectives of the Charter of the League of Arab States, our commitment to the universal values ​​and objectives of the United Nations Charter,
– and a commitment to our common responsibility to promote the conditions of the Arab region and strengthen solidarity between our countries.

– In the present interest of our nation and the future of future generations.

We confirm:

Firstly, what brings Arab countries and peoples together is much more than what distinguishes them, thanks to the strength of ancient cultural ties, history and common destiny, brotherhood and the unity of culture and culture. to the common interests, and to the fact that the pursuit of differences and conflicts in the region has contributed to the exhaustion of Arab energies and potentialities. It has also influenced Arab national security and its intervention in the affairs of the region.

It is also unacceptable that the status quo, which has turned the Arab region into an arena of international and regional conflicts, sectarian and sectarian conflicts and sanctuaries of terrorist organizations that threaten the security, stability and development of our countries. country, remains unacceptable.

We emphasize that achieving security and consolidating stability in the region requires intensifying efforts to put an end to all forms of tension and conflict, focusing first and foremost on the security and stability of the region. tackle the causes of weakness and dispersion and take the initiative to accelerate the conclusion of comprehensive political settlements of existing crises.

We also affirm that national and Arab reconciliation is the necessary starting point to strengthen the immunity, security and stability of the Arab region and to protect it from outside interference.

Welcoming the initiative of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Tunisia, Béji Kayed Sibsi, to select the Summit of Determination and Solidarity as the title of the 30th Arab Summit, we affirm our willingness to continue our joint efforts in accordance with a unified vision to strengthen the bonds of Arab solidarity and consolidate the elements of Arab national security. And the security and stability of the Arab peoples, and improve their social conditions, and strengthen their capacity to meet political and security, economic and cultural challenges, and to ensure their active and positive involvement in the system of international relations.

Secondly, we reaffirm the central role of the Palestinian cause in our joint Arab action and in all our actions in regional and international fora, as well as our determination to continue efforts to re-launch serious and effective negotiations according to a precise timetable that will allow to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, resolutions of international legitimacy and the proposed Arab peace initiative in 2002, as well as the principle of a two-state solution.

We affirm that the achievement of security, peace and stability in the Middle East is based on a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question and the entire Israeli-Arab conflict.

The Palestine Liberation Organization, the only and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, stands with us in its determination and struggle for the restoration of its legitimate rights, the most important of which is its right to self-determination and creation. of his independent State at the borders of 4 June, 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital, right of return in accordance with United Nations General Assembly resolution 194 and release of prisoners.

Reaffirming our commitment to provide financial support to the budget of the State of Palestine and the financial safety net to enable it to cope with the economic and financial pressures and difficulties it faces and to contribute to strengthening the tenacity of the Palestinian people, we call on the international community to continue to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) and to provide resources and financial contributions to its budget and its resources. activities to enable it to continue to provide basic services to Palestine refugees.

We call on the international community and the United Nations Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in providing the necessary protection to the Palestinian people by putting an end to Israeli attacks and systematic violations of Islamic and Christian sanctuaries, the main one being the Al-Qaeda Mosque. Aqsa, as well as Israeli plans to divide it. Including the Israeli court's decision to close the Bab al-Rahma chapel and its illegal expansionist settlement projects at the expense of the Palestinian territories, we call for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 in this regard. S.

We also reaffirm our rejection of all unilateral actions taken by Israel, as the occupying Power, to change the legal and historical situation in East Jerusalem, especially in the Islamic and Christian holy places of the Holy City, and invite the world not to recognize Jerusalem as capital and not to transfer its embassies to it. Security Nos. 476 and 478 in this regard.

We underline the importance of the historic Hashemite tutelage of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, on the Islamic and Christian holy sites of East Jerusalem, especially the Al Aqsa Mosque, and on its role principal in protecting these sites and its Arab and Islamic identity.

We also affirm the implementation of the decision of the UNESCO Executive Board issued at the 200th session of 18-10-2016 and the request of the international community to assume its responsibilities in the face of Israeli violations and violations. arbitrary measures affecting the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its followers. In its rules of administration, maintenance, maintenance and access.

We renew our rejection and condemnation of the so-called "Jewish national law" as a consecration of racist practices and the denial of the rights of the Palestinian people, in particular their right to self-determination.

Third, we reaffirm our commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Libya and reiterate our rejection of military solutions and any form of interference in their internal affairs. We call for the acceleration of the realization of a comprehensive political settlement in the framework of a consensus and an inclusive dialogue, on the basis of a political agreement and in accordance with to the path set by the UN for Libya and put an end to the suffering of the brotherly Libyan people.

Stressing our support for the plan of action presented by Mr. Ghassan Salama, United Nations emissary in Libya and adopted by the United Nations Security Council, we welcome all the measures aimed at creating conditions conducive to the implementation of different stages.

We also reiterate our gratitude for the role of Libya's neighboring countries, in particular the tripartite initiative of Tunisian President Béji Kayed Sibsi, in coordination with the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Arab Republic of Egypt, for help the Libyan parties to overcome their differences and reach a comprehensive political settlement.

We affirm our support for all efforts to eliminate terrorist organizations and eliminate the threat they pose to Libya, its neighbors and the region.

Fourthly, we reiterate our concern at the need to reach a political settlement to end the Syrian crisis, based on the Geneva process, the declarations of the international support group for Syria and relevant Security Council resolutions, thus ending the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people and achieving their aspirations to live in peace and security. Unity, sovereignty and independence of Syria.

We affirm our rejection of the military options, which further aggravate the crisis and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people. We call for an acceleration of the process of transition to a political situation common to all components of the Syrian people.

We also reaffirm the importance of the role played by the Arab countries in helping the Syrian brother people to come out of the current crisis so that Syria, as part of the Arab world, can regain its natural position on the scene. and contribute to strengthening security and stability in the region.

We affirm that the Golan Heights is a occupied Syrian territory, in accordance with international law, United Nations resolutions, the Security Council and the recognition of the international community.We reject attempts to impose a de facto and de-facto policy. Establish the sovereignty of Israel over the Golan Heights, which represents a serious violation of international resolutions and a threat to security and stability. Achieve peace in the region. We emphasize that any decision or action aimed at changing the legal and demographic status of the Golan Heights is illegal and void and has no legal effect, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967) and 497 (1981). and relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly.

We also reaffirm the unreserved support of the Arabs for Syria's right to restore the occupied Golan.

Fifth: Faced with the intensification of the crisis of Syrian asylum and displacement, as well as the continuation and worsening of the chronic Palestinian refugee crisis and the constant attempts to To undermine their legitimate right of return, we call on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to reduce the tragedy of displacement and asylum and to develop all available opportunities for radical and effective solutions. Ensure the return of displaced persons and refugees to their country of origin in accordance with applicable international law, as well as respect for the sovereignty and laws of host states and continue to provide the necessary assistance to refugees, displaced persons and among them.

Sixth, we support regional and international efforts to restore Yemen's legitimacy and end the suffering of the Yemeni brother people. We reaffirm the need for the Houthi militias to respect the truce agreement, the ceasefire, the implementation of the Stockholm agreement under the aegis of the UN in December 2018 and the continuation of negotiations for a political settlement, in line with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanisms, with the results of the National Dialogue Conference and UN Security Council Resolutions. . The list is devoid of foreign regional interference, preserves its independence and unity, and enhances security and stability in the Gulf region. We also stress the importance of increasing the humanitarian assistance provided to the Yemeni population to cope with the serious deterioration of the humanitarian, health and economic situation in Yemen.

Seventh, we appreciate Iraq's success in defeating terrorist organizations and renew our appreciation for the sacrifices made by the Iraqi people in defending the sovereignty and security of their country, as well as our commitment to the unity and territorial integrity of our country and our support for its efforts to rebuild the liberated areas.

Eighth, we affirm our determination to further develop security cooperation and security relations among our countries, to step up our efforts to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms, uproot and eliminate sources of funding by activating the Arab Convention on the Fight against Terrorism and taking legal measures to criminalize radical and extremist thinking. We also reaffirm our commitment to promote the values ​​of tolerance, moderation, democracy and human rights, and to resist all the manifestations of exclusion, marginalization and frustration that terrorist organizations and Dark currents seek to exploit, protect our peoples and the capabilities of our countries and defend their security and protection.

Ninth: we affirm our support for interreligious dialogue as a key factor in spreading and promoting the values ​​of tolerance, human solidarity, respect for difference and the fight against extremism and extremism. In this context, we welcome the meeting between Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Pope Francis during his visit to the United Arab Emirates during the month of February 2019.

Tenth: We affirm that relations of cooperation between the Arab countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran are based on the principle of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use of force or threat of recourse to force in accordance with the rules of international law and refrain from practices and actions that undermine the building of trust and threaten security and stability in the region. .

As we renew our condemnation and condemnation of the targeting of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its cities with ballistic missiles, we underline our concern for its security and stability as an essential component of the security of the region. Gulf and Arab region.

We also affirm the absolute sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates on its three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa). We support all peaceful measures and all means of recovering sovereignty over them. We call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond positively to the United Arab Emirates initiative to find a peaceful solution to this problem. Direct negotiation or recourse to the International Court of Justice, thus contributing to confidence building and enhancing security and stability in the Gulf region.

We reaffirm our total solidarity with the Government of the Sudan in its efforts to promote peace and development, preserve national sovereignty and implement the results of the national dialogue. We welcome the continued improvement of security in Darfur and support the exit strategy of UNAMID Darfur by December 2020. The President of the Republic of the Sudan must achieve food security in the Arab countries. We call on Arab countries, financial institutions and the private sector to invest in projects resulting from this initiative and to renew the call for Sudan's withdrawal from the US list of sponsoring states.

Twelfth: We affirm our continued support for the brothers of the Federal Republic of Somalia to promote security and stability, to fight against terrorism, to rebuild and strengthen national institutions, to respond to economic challenges and to implement the Plan national development plan for Somalia.

Thirteenth: we welcome the holding of presidential elections in the Republic of Comoros on 24-3-2019 in a climate of calm and impartiality, co-sponsored by the League of Arab States and the African Union, which led to the election of President Ghazali Osman. Reach the ranks of emerging countries by 2030.

Fourteenth: We welcome the positive results achieved in various Arab fora with regional spaces and gatherings. We welcome the holding of the first Arab-European summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on 24-25 February 2019. We look forward to the fifth Arab Summit. In Saudi Arabia in 2019 and hold the fifth Arab summit with the South American countries as soon as possible.

We affirm the paramount importance of comprehensive development to promote the conditions of the region, immunize Arab societies against the scourges of extremism and terrorism, reduce manifestations of exclusion and of marginalization and stress the need to further develop national strategies for comprehensive and sustainable development by investing in the capabilities of the human being and the Arab scientific community. We also emphasize the need to improve human development indicators in Arab countries and to broaden the areas of youth participation in governance and decision-making, and to support their role in achieving development. economic and social regeneration, as well as the strengthening of the role and participation of women in various aspects of public life. . We also emphasize the need to focus more efforts on supporting educational and scientific research plans and to enable Arab youth to engage in new science and technology.

In this regard, we welcome the initiative taken by the United Arab Emirates to establish the Arab Group for Space Cooperation and appreciate its role and contribution to the development of Arab cooperation in space science and its applications for development. Arab countries. We welcome the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Sovereign of Dubai, to award a satellite project to Arab scientists as the first initiative of cooperation of the Arab Space Cooperation Group and to invite interested Arab scientists to participate in this project. .

Sixteenth: We reaffirm the importance of the economic dimension and development in joint Arab action We welcome the results of the fourth session of the Summit on Economic and Social Development held in Beirut on 20 January 2019. We also highlight the urgent need to redouble efforts in our Arab homeland to promote and activate economic cooperation by investing in the benefits, potentials, natural resources, financial and human resources available in the Arab countries. We reaffirm the need to intensify efforts to increase the volume of trade and investment projects in order to create an Arab economic bloc capable of participating positively in the global economic system and contributing to the advancement of the economy. the development routes of Arab countries and the creation of jobs for Arab youth.

We reaffirm our support for the League of Arab States as an incubator for joint Arab action, and stress the need to accelerate its development and completion to make it more effective in the effectiveness of its organs. will revitalize the role of the Arab. Suitable for various crises and conflicts. In this context, we commend the tireless efforts of His Excellency the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. We also underline the importance of the Arab regional groupings represented by the Arab Maghreb Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council in promoting and supporting joint Arab action in the direction of integration and cooperation between Arab States and in interaction with other regional groupings.

In conclusion, we reiterate our sincere gratitude and our sincere thanks to the Tunisian Republic and the Tunisian people for their hospitality and the good organization of the Summit. We also express our deep gratitude to the President of Tunisia, Béji Kayed Al-Sibsi, for the valuable efforts he has made to conduct the summit meetings with wisdom and insight and to deepen consultation and coordination in a constructive and constructive dialogue. effective, making the Summit of Determination and Solidarity an important milestone in the Arab work process. And to dedicate the sincere will that brings us together to strengthen Arab solidarity and join our ranks to meet the challenges, promote the conditions of the region and consolidate our national security, contributing to the aspirations and expectations of our peoples.

Source: RT