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Saudi, Egyptian leaders call on Arab countries to unite

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud meets with Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi
Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud meets with Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi
DEAD SEA, Jordan, March 29 (KUNA) -- Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi called Wednesday on Arab countries to unite and address the pressing issues facing the region, especially the Palestinian cause, Syria and Yemeni crises as well as the fight against terrorism.
In his speech at the Arab summit, King Salman said that the Palestinian question should remain the top issue that should not distract "us from the grave events taking place in our region." "Such events should not stop us from seeking a solution for the Palestinians based on international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative," King Salman said in his speech at the opening session of the Arab summit.
On Syria, the Saudi King said that "the Syrian people are still being killed and displaced, (this is situation) which requires a political solution to end this tragedy and preserve the unity of Syria and its institutions in accordance with the Geneva Declaration 1 and Security Council Resolution 2254." King Salman stressed on the need to maintain the unity, security and stability of Yemen, including the necessity to reach a political solution in accordance with the GCC initiative.
He pointed out that some of the most dangerous threats facing the Arab world are extremism and terrorism, emphasizing the need of concerted efforts to confront them by all means, stressing at the same time that interference in Arab internal affairs is a clear violation of the rules of international law and the sovereignty of states and principles of good neighborliness among countries.
For his part, President Al-Sisi said in his opening speech that the summit is taking place amid serious challenges facing the whole region, pointing out that Arabs are looking forward to the summit for a strong position that restores Arab unity, and to stand firmly in the face of all dangers, for the sake of future generations.
These threats, especially terrorism, have weakened the Arab nation and it has become necessary to confront them with a clear vision and determination to strengthen "our national security," Al-Sisi added.
The Egyptian leader pointed out that terrorism requires a "comprehensive confrontation" that begins with a military decision, as a prelude to action to improve economic and living conditions in the Arab countries, in an urgent and effective manner and to counter extremist ideologies.
As to Syria, he pointed out "Egypt has contributed and is still to various international efforts that have been made to resolve the Syrian crisis based on historic and national responsibility. He stressed his country's adherence to the political negotiation and supporting the UN-led talks in Geneva.
He also stressed Egypt's interest and keenness to restore stability in Libya, pointing out that although the Libyan parties reached a political agreement in 2015 to end the crisis, but disputes have remained on the ways and mechanisms needed for implementation.
The Egyptian leader reiterated his country's commitment to support Yemen and its legitimate institutions, in line with its keenness to provide humanitarian aid, secure and ensures free naval travel in Bab Al-Mandab Straits and in the Red Sea.
On Iraq, he expressed Egypt's full support for the Iraqi government against extremism and terrorism, praising the tireless efforts currently underway in Iraq to achieve national and social reconciliation among various components of Iraqi people.
On the Palestinian issue, the Egyptian president said that his country is constantly seeking a comprehensive and just solution to this issue based on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its responsibility for the issue and its Arab and Islamic nation.
In this regard, he stressed Egypt's commitment to continue to seek a solution to the Palestinian issue based on exerted efforts by Arab countries and the Arab Peace Initiative. (pickup previous) amm.mjb.mb.rk