Arab Summit Draft: UN Protection Forces Pending Two-State Solution

Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
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Arab Summit Draft: UN Protection Forces Pending Two-State Solution

Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)
Banner displaying flags of participating countries in the Arab Summit in Bahrain (Reuters)

An unofficial draft of the final communique for the Arab Summit in Bahrain, set to take place on Thursday, obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, includes a call by Arab nations to deploy a UN-backed international peacekeeping force in the occupied Palestinian territories until a two-state solution is achieved.

The draft emphasizes the need for a timeline for political negotiations to establish a viable Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It holds Israel responsible for damaging cities and civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

Besides strongly condemning Israeli attacks on Gaza and calling for an immediate halt to the violence, the draft statement demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, lifting the blockade, and opening crossings for humanitarian aid.

The draft also rejects any forced displacement of Palestinians and urges a quick and lasting ceasefire, protection of civilians, and release of hostages.

It suggests Arab nations gather for a UN-sponsored conference to find a political solution for Palestine, leading to a two-state agreement.

It also urges Arab foreign ministers to push for swift recognition of Palestine by engaging with Western and global counterparts.

This aims to support Palestine’s full membership in the UN and intensify efforts for recognition by all Security Council members.

The draft strongly opposes any backing for armed groups or militias working outside state boundaries and pursuing foreign agendas conflicting with Arab interests. It stresses Arab unity in defending sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions against external threats.

It reaffirms a firm stand against terrorism in all forms and supports efforts to cut off its funding sources and combat extremist organizations. The draft urges action against extremism, hate speech, and incitement, condemning such acts for their negative impact on peace and security.

It calls for promoting values of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and rejecting hatred and discrimination. Expressing concern over recent military escalation in the region, it urges all parties to avoid war risks and heightened tension.

The draft asks the UN Security Council to uphold international peace, implement resolutions for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and prevent further escalation and spread of war in the Middle East.



Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
TT

Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)

The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.

The Saudi and Iranian sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions and their continued effort to consolidate neighborly relations between their countries by respecting the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law. This includes respecting the sovereignty, independence, and security of states.

Saudi Arabia and Iran welcomed the continued positive role played by China and the importance of its support and follow-up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement that was signed in March 2023.

China underscored its readiness to continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Saudi Arabia and Iran to develop their relationship in various fields.

The three countries welcomed the continued progress in Saudi-Iranian relations and the opportunities it provides for direct communication between the two countries at all levels and sectors.

They noted the great importance of these contacts, meetings and mutual visits between high officials from the two countries, especially in light of the current regional tensions and escalation that threaten the security of the region and world.

The officials welcomed the progress of consular services between the two countries, which allowed more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj and more than 52,000 Iranians to perform the Umrah with ease and security during the first ten months of 2024.

They welcomed the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian joint Media Committee and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of Political and International Studies of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Arabia and Iran additionally expressed readiness to sign a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Along with China, they look forward to expanding cooperation among them in various fields including economic and political.

The three countries called for an immediate end to the Israeli assault against Palestine and Lebanon, condemning its attacks and violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They further called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and relief to Palestine and Lebanon, warning that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and world.

The three countries reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen in line with internationally recognized principles under the auspices of the United Nations.