CAIRO, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- EU High Commissioner for Foreign and Security Affairs Catherine Ashton stressed here Tuesday significant EU-Arab cooperation to resolve the Syrian crisis.
Ashton made the remarks during a joint news conference with Secretary General of the Arab League Nabil Al-Araby and Lebanese Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour.
She said it is important for both European and Arab sides to work together to find a way out of the Syrian crisis which causes much suffering and pain to the Syrian people.
She said they also have to cooperate for meeting Arab challenges, mainly the current situation in Syria.
Ashton emphasized there should be genuine dialogue for finding common solutions to Arab problems, saying today's meeting in Cairo arrived at tangible findings that express willingness to work together.
She added that both sides can cooperate in several domains like women, human rights, elections and renewable energy.
For his part, Nabil Al-Araby thanked the EU for helping in finding solutions to Arab issues, noting the EU acts as a counterbalance in international relations and is interested in global development and peace.
On the EU stance on Palestine's non-UN member status, he said the Arab world largely counts on European countries for supporting the Palestinians, including their non-UN member bid.
On the situation in Bahrain, Al-Arabi said: "I visited the Kingdom of Bahrain and met King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. I talked very frankly, and there is a committee on an Arab human rights court to which any Arab citizen can complain his government." "There should not be interference in matters that no-body raises for interference," he said.
Responding to a question about a recent attack on Sudan's Yarmouk weapons facility, he said such issues fall in the purview of the UN Security Council.
For his part, the Lebanese foreign minister said the Cairo meeting came amid Arab and global political and economic developments.
He said the meeting emphasized the significance of continuing joint meetings between the Arab and European sides.
He added that both sides agreed to promote and safeguard human rights, condemn all forms of instigation and reviving regional peace.
In response to a question on the EU position on Palestine's UN membership bid, Ashton said the EU members will meet soon to discuss several issues, including the Middle East peace process.
She then suddenly left the press conference hall to the surprise of everyone there as she appeared to be mad at press questions. (pickup previous) kt.mt KUNA 132328 Nov 12NNNN