Latest news with #ArabSummit
Middle East
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Ambassador Hossam Zaki: Towards a peaceful and stable Middle East
CAIRO, July 16 (MENA) - Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki said that throughout the Middle East, pundits and public alike are wondering how the changes that the region is witnessing may affect the fragile existing balance of power and whether they can open the door, finally, for an era of peaceful co-existence and prosperity. It is well established that the strategic weight of our region is not confined to politics or security. It also lies in its increasingly pivotal role in the global economy, Key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, serve as vital arteries of global trade and energy supplies, Zaki said in an opinion piece published by The National UAE newspaper. At the same time, many Arab Gulf states are investing heavily in emerging industries such as renewable energy and advanced technologies. It is clear that bringing peace and stability to the Middle East is no longer a regional aspiration, but a global imperative intertwined with international prosperity, he added. For the Arab League, a new strategic reality in the Middle East can only come about when a true vision for peace is implemented. The vision we have in mind is one based on the two-state solution: restoration of Palestinian rights for independence and dignity, followed by the implementation of the engagement of peace outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative, thus opening the door for an era of true peace and stability in the region, Zaki said. But regional security has been viewed differently by various parties in the region. For the Arabs, based on Arab Summit resolutions, the notion of regional security has always been based on five major pillars: namely, an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the emergence of an independent contiguous Palestine, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region, relentless combating of terrorism and the preservation of nation states, and security guarantees for all and shared interests as applicable, he added. From an Arab perspective, while all these elements are essential for reaching a viable and sustainable formula for regional security, we view this equation as a win-win for all parties. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the perspective offered by other parties in our region, such as Israel, Zaki pointed out. For years, and in particular after the 1993 Oslo accords, the concept of regional security for Israel was based primarily on achieving military and security superiority while 'postponing indefinitely' any viable solution for the Palestinian question and without producing any real vision for achieving just and comprehensive peace, Zaki said. Since October 7, 2023, it appears that 'postponing indefinitely' a solution to the Palestinian question was replaced by 'eliminating' it altogether, he added. Driven by its extreme right-wing forces and its advancement in the past two decades, such a vision is a considerable impediment for peace and prosperity in the region. Enabling those forces to continue on such a path is nothing but a recipe for continued conflict and instability. Such a zero-sum equation with no room for a win-win formula is no salvation for our region and certainly meets no aspiration for peaceful co-existence in it, Zaki said. At the same time, achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly those involving Iran. Over the past few years, several Arab countries have taken steps towards de-escalation and restoring dialogue with Tehran, aiming to establish a framework of mutual respect and non-interference, Zaki added. This approach must be preserved and reinforced, as it offers the potential to reduce tensions and prevent wider regional confrontation, he said. I acknowledge that in my numerous encounters throughout the Arab world, and in particular after witnessing the horrors committed by Israel in Gaza through 21 months of genocidal war, I often reach the unhappy conclusion that many Arabs, in particular the youth, have ceased to believe that peace will be the order of the day in our region in the foreseeable future and that it is somehow condemned to perpetual instability and turmoil. The brief moments of peace of the 1990s seem like such distant memories, Zaki added. All powerful players, in the region and outside it, should try and change such desperate views, if we are to seek a better and more prosperous future for the coming generations. To my understanding, a number of Arab countries who play a major role in the region have expressed readiness to engage in meaningful discussions on the matter, Zaki said. However, in the absence of an Israeli willingness to engage on a viable path for peace, it can be an exercise in futility. The hope remains that an active and motivated US president may intervene to tip the balance not only for the sake of morality and law, but also for shared interests and a win-for-all formula which addresses the concerns of all parties, he concluded. (MENA) M A A/R G E
Middle East
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Hossam Zaki: MidEast transformations herald new era of peaceful coexistence, shared prosperity
CAIRO, July 15 (MENA) - Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki said that throughout the Middle East, pundits and public alike are wondering how the changes that the region is witnessing may affect the fragile existing balance of power and whether they can open the door, finally, for an era of peaceful co-existence and prosperity. It is well established that the strategic weight of our region is not confined to politics or security. It also lies in its increasingly pivotal role in the global economy, Key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, serve as vital arteries of global trade and energy supplies, Zaki said in an opinion piece published by The National UAE newspaper. At the same time, many Arab Gulf states are investing heavily in emerging industries such as renewable energy and advanced technologies. It is clear that bringing peace and stability to the Middle East is no longer a regional aspiration, but a global imperative intertwined with international prosperity, he added. For the Arab League, a new strategic reality in the Middle East can only come about when a true vision for peace is implemented. The vision we have in mind is one based on the two-state solution: restoration of Palestinian rights for independence and dignity, followed by the implementation of the engagement of peace outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative, thus opening the door for an era of true peace and stability in the region, Zaki said. But regional security has been viewed differently by various parties in the region. For the Arabs, based on Arab Summit resolutions, the notion of regional security has always been based on five major pillars: namely, an end to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the emergence of an independent contiguous Palestine, respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region, relentless combating of terrorism and the preservation of nation states, and security guarantees for all and shared interests as applicable, he added. From an Arab perspective, while all these elements are essential for reaching a viable and sustainable formula for regional security, we view this equation as a win-win for all parties. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same about the perspective offered by other parties in our region, such as Israel, Zaki pointed out. For years, and in particular after the 1993 Oslo accords, the concept of regional security for Israel was based primarily on achieving military and security superiority while 'postponing indefinitely' any viable solution for the Palestinian question and without producing any real vision for achieving just and comprehensive peace, Zaki said. Since October 7, 2023, it appears that 'postponing indefinitely' a solution to the Palestinian question was replaced by 'eliminating' it altogether, he added. Driven by its extreme right-wing forces and its advancement in the past two decades, such a vision is a considerable impediment for peace and prosperity in the region. Enabling those forces to continue on such a path is nothing but a recipe for continued conflict and instability. Such a zero-sum equation with no room for a win-win formula is no salvation for our region and certainly meets no aspiration for peaceful co-existence in it, Zaki said. At the same time, achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, particularly those involving Iran. Over the past few years, several Arab countries have taken steps towards de-escalation and restoring dialogue with Tehran, aiming to establish a framework of mutual respect and non-interference, Zaki added. This approach must be preserved and reinforced, as it offers the potential to reduce tensions and prevent wider regional confrontation, he said. I acknowledge that in my numerous encounters throughout the Arab world, and in particular after witnessing the horrors committed by Israel in Gaza through 21 months of genocidal war, I often reach the unhappy conclusion that many Arabs, in particular the youth, have ceased to believe that peace will be the order of the day in our region in the foreseeable future and that it is somehow condemned to perpetual instability and turmoil. The brief moments of peace of the 1990s seem like such distant memories, Zaki added. All powerful players, in the region and outside it, should try and change such desperate views, if we are to seek a better and more prosperous future for the coming generations. To my understanding, a number of Arab countries who play a major role in the region have expressed readiness to engage in meaningful discussions on the matter, Zaki said. However, in the absence of an Israeli willingness to engage on a viable path for peace, it can be an exercise in futility. The hope remains that an active and motivated US president may intervene to tip the balance not only for the sake of morality and law, but also for shared interests and a win-for-all formula which addresses the concerns of all parties, he concluded. (MENA) M A A/R G E
MTV Lebanon
11-07-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
Egypt, China call for international efforts for reconstruction of Gaza
The remarks came as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received the premier of the State Council of China, Li Qiang, yesterday, in the presence of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, according to a statement by the presidency in Cairo. Both parties underscored the necessity of reaching a ceasefire in the Strip, ensuring the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, and the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. The top officials also expressed the urgent need to mobilise international support for the implementation of an Arab-initiated project aimed at rebuilding Gaza. The leaders stated that global support must be quickly organised for the implementation of the plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, adopted at the extraordinary session of the Arab Summit held in Cairo on March 4. The plan envisions the establishment of a 'Gaza Management Committee' to manage the Gaza Strip during a six-month transitional period.
Rudaw Net
30-06-2025
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Iraq president appoints new Federal Supreme Court chief amid judicial turmoil
Also in Iraq Turkmen Front supporters block Erbil-Kirkuk highway over Kurdish appointment Kurdish, Iraqi forces kill 'three terrorist' in Kirkuk Erbil, Baghdad edge toward oil export deal despite oil volume dispute: Sources Baghdad hotel venue for Arab Summit hit by fire A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid on Monday formally appointed Judge Munther Ibrahim Hussein as the new head of Iraq's highest judicial authority, the Federal Supreme Court. The appointment comes following the retirement of former Chief Justice Jassim al-Umairi, whose resignation was approved by Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council a day earlier. Citing a source within the presidency, the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported that President Rashid 'issued a presidential decree' appointing Judge Hussein to the top judicial post. Judge Hussein previously served as deputy head of the Federal Court of Cassation and was also a reserve member of the Federal Supreme Court. His elevation comes amid a critical transitional period for Iraq's judiciary. Former Chief Justice Umairi's resignation - officially attributed to "health reasons" - followed a wave of resignations from within the Federal Supreme Court. In mid-June, six out of nine permanent members and three reserve members of the court stepped down, reportedly in direct protest against Umairi's leadership. Speaking to Rudaw on condition of anonymity, one of the resigned judges stated in mid-June, 'The behavior of the court president [Umairi] is unacceptable to us, and we are tired of dealing with his working manners.' Importantly, the resignations occurred ahead of a highly anticipated legal session concerning the Kurdistan Region. Since early June, public servants in the Region have been pressing the court to issue an injunction that would compel the federal government to resume salary disbursements, which have been frozen since late May. Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad escalated when the federal finance ministry halted all budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including the salaries of over 1.2 million public employees. The ministry claimed the move was due to the KRG exceeding its 12.67 percent share of the 2025 federal budget. Kurdish political parties have widely condemned the suspension, labeling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. President Rashid's swift approval of Judge Hussein's appointment may be seen as an effort to stabilize the Federal Supreme Court amid ongoing legal and constitutional disputes, including the urgent matter of public servant salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
Rudaw Net
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Turkmen Front supporters block Erbil-Kirkuk highway over Kurdish appointment
Also in Iraq Kurdish, Iraqi forces kill 'three terrorist' in Kirkuk Erbil, Baghdad edge toward oil export deal despite oil volume dispute: Sources Baghdad hotel venue for Arab Summit hit by fire Nearly 400 gazelles go missing in Diyala province reserve A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Supporters of the Iraqi Turkmen Front on Monday stormed the municipality building in Prde (Altun Kupri), a disputed town in Kirkuk province, in protest of the appointment of a Kurdish woman as its new head. Some protesters, reportedly armed, broke windows and doors before security forces dispersed them. Others set fires and temporarily blocked the main Erbil-Kirkuk highway as demonstrations escalated throughout the day. The newly appointed municipality director is a Kurdish woman from the city. The demonstrators demand that one of three key positions in the town - municipality director, subdistrict administrator, or police chief - be assigned to a Turkmen representative. Protesters told Rudaw they would continue demonstrations until one of these posts is granted. In addition to Turkmen Front supporters, Turkmen members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF, or Hashd al-Shaabi) and cadres from the Badr Organization joined the protest, according to Rudaw's reporter. Among them was Ahmad Ramzi, a member of Kirkuk's provincial council representing the Turkmen Front. The Turkmen Front has reportedly been divided over how to respond to recent administrative appointments in disputed areas, with a rift between its former head Hassan Turan - who resigned in April - and Arshad al-Salihi, the current head in the Iraqi parliament and Turan's predecessor before 2021. The party is particularly active in politics in the disputed city of Kirkuk, repeatedly claiming that the city belongs to the Turkmen people. Hiwa Hussamadin contributed to this report.
