Dhahran Summit to Condemn Turkish Infiltration in Syria, Iraq

A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
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Dhahran Summit to Condemn Turkish Infiltration in Syria, Iraq

A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP
A picture taken on April 12, 2018, shows a general view of the hall housing the preparatory meeting of Arab Foreign Ministers ahead of the Summit of the Arab League. GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP

The 29th Arab League summit will kick off in the Saudi city of Dhahran on Sunday amid several challenges facing the Arab world, mainly in Syria, Yemen and Palestine, in addition to Iranian and Turkish interference.

Asharq Al-Awsat received Friday a copy of the draft closing statement and draft resolutions agreed on by Arab foreign ministers following their preparatory meetings held last Thursday in Saudi Arabia ahead of the summit.

The interference of several countries, namely Iran and Turkey, in the internal affairs of some Arab countries is among those items.

Another item calls on the Arab League to reject the Turkish military operations in Syria’s Afrin and to condemn escalation in the Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta.

It also asserts respect to safeguarding the sovereignty and unity of Syrian territories.

The Arab foreign ministers confirmed their continuous support to the legitimacy of the internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi against the Iran-supported Houthi militias, with an aim to end the conflict in Yemen and reject any interference in the internal affairs of the country.

The ministers also stressed the importance of building relations with Iran based on the principle of good neighborliness and the rejection of force or threat, condemning Iranian meddling in the internal affairs of Arab states.

The closing statement of the summit is expected to reflect Arab support for Palestinians.

The foreign ministers reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains a central issue for the Arab nation, rejecting the US decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.

They also condemned Turkey’s incursion into Iraqi territories and called for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal.

Sunday’s meeting will be the first Arab League summit since Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain cut their diplomatic ties with Qatar 10 months ago and the first since President Donald Trump announced his decision to relocate the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.



GCC: Attacks on Makkah a Serious Escalation Threatening Regional Stability

Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
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GCC: Attacks on Makkah a Serious Escalation Threatening Regional Stability

Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)
Parts of the intercepted missiles fell in Wadi Al-Mughammas in Makkah. (SPA)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi on Sunday strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, describing any threat to Makkah as a serious escalation that jeopardizes regional security and stability.

His remarks followed the interception of two ballistic missiles, debris from which fell in Wadi al-Mughammas in the Makkah region. Shrapnel from the interceptions also fell in parts of Jeddah, Taif and Rabigh, according to the report.

Albudaiwi said the attacks demonstrated disregard for civilian lives and safety, stressing that Saudi Arabia’s security was integral to the security of all GCC member states.

He added that GCC member states stand united with Saudi Arabia in confronting the attacks and supported measures taken by the kingdom to protect its territory and safeguard the security of citizens and residents.

He praised the efficiency and vigilance of Saudi air defenses in intercepting the Houthi attacks and called on the international community to take a firm stance and effective measures to put an end to them.


Saudi Foreign Minister, Greek Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Foreign Minister, Greek Counterpart Discuss Regional Developments

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call from his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis, during which they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.

The call also addressed efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries and reviewed issues of mutual interest.


Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy Ballistic Missile Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Coalition: Air Defenses Destroy Ballistic Missile Launched by Houthis Toward Riyadh

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Official Spokesperson for the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen Major General Turki Al-Malki said on Sunday that air defenses intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward Riyadh.

A drone was also intercepted and destroyed in the Riyadh Region, he added.

The interceptions were preceded by an early warning from the Saudi Civil Defense.