KUWAIT, Jan 20 (KUNA) -- The Arab Economic Summit "In Solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza" issued important recommendations and resolutions that form the "road map" for the future of Arab economic cooperation, said Kuwait's Deputy Premier Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah on Tuesday.
In a press conference at the conclusion of the summit, Sheikh Mohammad, who is also Foreign Minister and Acting Oil Minister, said the topics on the summit's agenda were related to building the Arab human element, and the Israeli aggression in Gaza was also discussed.
He said that in light of the tense circumstances that the summit was held in, "many cast their bets that the summit would implode, but this thankfully did not happen thanks to the wisdom of the Arab leaders, headed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz who, in his speech, laid the path for Arab conciliation." Sheikh Mohammad added that the summit was "successful" and that what was needed now was to implement the resolutions and recommendations that were issued here today, adding that everyone would be meeting in Cairo in two years' time for the next summit, where they would review "the pledges we took upon ourselves, our people and the future generations." He noted that His Highness the Amir of Kuwait had described this summit as the summit for liberating people from hunger, disease and illiteracy, and was also the summit for launching inner capabilities of Arabs.
He underscored the fact that for the first time, representatives of civil societies, youth and the private sector met directly with Arab leaders, where speeches were delivered at the closing session by representatives of youth and civil societies.
Asked about assistance that would be presented for the reconstruction of Gaza, Sheikh Mohammad said the resolutions of the joint meeting of Arab finance and foreign ministers that preceded the summit resulted in tasking the World Bank and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development with estimating the damage caused by the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
He added that the Egyptian initiative for holding the international donors conference in Cairo, adding that the international community was invited to participate in the reconstruction of Gaza.
He also underscored the swift response of His Highness the Amir and donating USD 34 million to UNRWA for emergency assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza.
-- Asked about the stance toward the Israeli aggression on Gaza, Sheikh Mohammad said "Kuwait Statement" issued today called for taking legal action against Israel, not only for its crimes in Gaza, but also for all previous acts of violence against humanity and for destruction of infrastructure.
He said that there were no guarantees that Israeli would not repeat its attacks, but this did not mean leaving Palestinians without assistance and that Arabs had to stand by Gazans in their plight.
Sheikh Mohammad noted that the Arab leaders hailed the Palestinian resistance, which was an issue that could not be disputed.
Moreover, Sheikh Mohammad highlighted the initiative of His Highness the Amir for establishing a fund for small loans of USD 10,000-50,000 aimed at assisting activities of small businesspeople, companies and even housewives.
This fund would be worth USD two billion and Kuwait's contribution stands at USD 500 million, he said, adding that it would be managed by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and was the best tool for fighting poverty.
His Highness the Amir, at the inauguration of the summit yesterday, had announced the establishment of a USD two billion fund for funding small and medium enterprises, and made a USD 500 million contribution to the fund.
On his part, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the League had "no role" in the Palestinian conciliation, adding that the Palestinians alone could decide holding the elections and their outcomes.
He added that there was an Arab consensus toward Palestinian conciliation and supporting Egyptian efforts in this area, noting that all Palestinians must be aware that their division was the reason for their hardships.
Moussa said that accusing the League of being unbiased in the Palestinian conflict was unacceptable "because we are officially bias for the Palestinian cause, in words and action," reaffirming that the League was not for one side over the other.
Asked about the Arab peace initiative, Moussa said that the most important statement that was made was that of Saudi's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who said that the initiative would not remain on the table for long.
The secretary general said the legal administration of the League would be closely studying legal action against Israel because one could not stand silent with the killing of more than 1300 people, half of which were children, women and the elderly.
In response to a question over what message would be sent to the new American president, Moussa said, "We call on his to place the Middle Eastern peace issue as a priority," adding that the US had the greatest leverage as mediator.
As for the Arab situation, he said that it was "still tense and things are not what they should be," saying that this required greater effort toward Arab solidarity.
He hailed His Highness the Amir for pacifying the situation, to which he dedicated the better part if yesterday. (end) kt KUNA 201813 Jan 09NNNN