Arab FMs Prepare Final Recommendations Ahead of Summit

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, Tunisia, November 27, 2018 (Reuters)
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, Tunisia, November 27, 2018 (Reuters)
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Arab FMs Prepare Final Recommendations Ahead of Summit

Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, Tunisia, November 27, 2018 (Reuters)
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi meets with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Carthage Palace in Tunis, Tunisia, November 27, 2018 (Reuters)

Meetings of the Arab foreign ministers will kick off on Friday in Tunis to adopt the agenda of the summit and review draft resolutions and final drafts to be submitted to Arab leaders and presidents on Sunday.

“There is a large number of items that include issues of regional crises, including the Palestinian issue, the crises of Syria, Libya and Yemen, Arab national security, and other key files,” Ambassador Khalid Al-Habas, Arab League Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The Palestinian issue is a priority as usual, and the Arab position on it is unified and strong,” he emphasized.

He added that there would be also a firm stance on the recent US resolution, which recognized the annexation of the Golan Heights to Israel. The Arab League will underline the importance of international resolutions, which stressed the Arab identity of the Golan Heights that Israel occupied in 1967, the ambassador noted.

The summit will also highlight “the total rejection of interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries related to Turkey and Iran, which will constitute an important message to countries that try to destabilize the security and stability of the region,” he added.

Habas said that the Arab Summit in Tunis would constitute a new addition to the previous Arab summits and would support the aspirations of the peoples, countries, and the Arab League to achieve security and stability and formulate firmer positions on the challenges that have plagued the region for several years.

On the visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz to Tunisia, Habas said it fell within “the context of strengthening Arab solidarity, providing support to Tunisia, and discussing all issues of common interest.”



Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
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Sudanese Army Airstrikes Kill Dozens in Darfur

Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)
Smoke rises in the sky over Khartoum following armed clashes that left dozens dead and injured (AFP)

More than 60 people have been killed and over 250 injured in airstrikes by the Sudanese military on the town of Kouma in North Darfur. This incident is being described by observers as one of the “largest massacres” of civilians since the conflict began.

Dozens more have died in separate attacks targeting the areas of Meilit, Wad Abu Saleh, and Um Duwain in Khartoum, with increasing calls for a ban on military flights by the Sudanese army.

Witnesses told Asharq Al-Awsat that the military targeted Kouma’s market on Friday morning, dropping explosive barrels that caused widespread destruction. Many victims were shopping at the bustling “Friday market,” and the death toll is expected to rise due to a lack of medical care for the injured.

The attacks are viewed as deliberate assaults on civilians, particularly since there were no Rapid Support Forces (RSF) present in the crowded market. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered throughout the area.

In Meilit, airstrikes also targeted a wedding celebration, killing about 13 people and injuring others. Activists and eyewitnesses deny the presence of the RSF in these locations, despite military claims that air operations are directed at them.

Political and human rights groups have condemned the escalating airstrikes and called for an immediate ban on military flights in Darfur.

The Civil Democratic Forces Coordination (Tagadum) stated that the Kouma market attack was a severe violation against civilians, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries.

The group expressed concern about ongoing violations against civilians in Sudan and highlighted the need for international attention to protect innocent lives. They urged the warring parties to cease hostilities and engage in negotiations to end the conflict.