LOC22:15
19:15 GMT
KUWAIT, Jan 12 (KUNA) -- Countries participating in the Arab Economic and social development summit, due in Kuwait on January 19-20, have the right to discuss any issue they deem necessary during the high-level meeting, a Kuwaiti official said Monday.
Mohammad Abul Hassan, chairman of the Media Committee of the summit, the Arab leaders would discuss any issue they want if all approve the move.
Abul Hassan was addressing a joint news conference with minister of finance Mustafa Al-Shimali and Amiri Diwan Advisor Dr. Yusuf Al-Ibrahim.
Talking about Gaza, Abul Hassan said the conflict in the Strip has political and economic dimensions.
He said the summit would discuss all issues that would be submitted by preparatory meetings.
Al-Shimali underlined importance of private sector's role in preparing for the summit.
He said the preparatory committee has received more than 400 projects and were fine tuned to be 10 only and would be submitted to the summiteers.
The projects are electricity linkage, railway network, food security, custom union, water security, fighting against unemployment, tackling poverty, implementing the Mellinneium Development Goals (MDGs), development education and health care, said Al-Shimali.
Al-Shimali said the Arab finance ministers would be meeting on January 14, to be joined by governors of central banks to discuss the impacts of the global financial crisis on the Arab countries.
Al-Ibrahim said an Economic Forum would be held on January 17-18 to discuss the global financial meltdown, trade and investment, Arab food security, energy transportation, water, environment, scientific research, unemployment and brain drain. (end) jy.mk.bs KUNA 122215 Jan 09NNNN