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Amr Moussa Demands ‘Added Benefits’ in Exchange of Any New Normalization with Israel

Amr Moussa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 6, 2013. (AP)
Amr Moussa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 6, 2013. (AP)
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Amr Moussa Demands ‘Added Benefits’ in Exchange of Any New Normalization with Israel

Amr Moussa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 6, 2013. (AP)
Amr Moussa speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Cairo, Egypt, on Aug. 6, 2013. (AP)

Former Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa called Saturday on Arab states that may seek to follow the United Arab Emirates’ example in normalizing relations with Israel to note that the Israeli plan to annex Palestinian territories was resolved in the deal with Abu Dhabi.

“If these states proceed with such normalization or recognition of Israel, they must consider that the exchange favor the Palestinians and achieve added benefits for them,” Moussa said Saturday.

In a telephone call with Asharq Al-Awsat, he reiterated the “importance of taking the legitimate Palestinian interests into account and to establish a negotiation path that leads to a fair peaceful solution to their cause.”

Commenting on the Arab League’s move in the next phase, Moussa said he calls on the organization to prepare an Arab meeting to seriously discuss these developments.

Israel and the UAE reached a historic deal Thursday that will establish diplomatic ties, becoming the third Arab country to recognize Israel after Jordan and Egypt.

The deal was brokered by US President Donald Trump in a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Moussa’s comments came two days after White House advisor Jared Kushner confirmed to Fox News on Friday that other Arab countries are expected to sign agreements with Israel during the upcoming weeks.

Moussa said the world has changed and is witnessing the fall of some “universals and the building of new international relations that do not follow the principles of international law or UN Charter and resolutions.”

Moreover, he stressed the importance that the UAE establish its embassy to Israel in Tel Aviv, not Jerusalem.

In Ramallah, Secretary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s Executive Committee Saeb Erekat condemned Moussa’ statements, which he slammed as a violation of Arab summits and the annihilation of the 2002 Arab peace initiative.

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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Siddiq al-Mahdi: Sudanese Public Unites on Need to End War

Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), Siddiq al-Mahdi (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Siddiq al-Mahdi, Secretary-General of the Sudanese Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces (Taqaddum), stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid to Sudanese citizens suffering from the ongoing conflict.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat in Addis Ababa, al-Mahdi criticized the National Congress Party for manipulating its alliance with the military to advance its political goals.

Al-Mahdi said he would only engage in the political process if the party ends its connection with the military and security forces.

He highlighted a growing recognition of the need to end the war, noting a shift away from military solutions as a positive sign of Sudanese public opinion converging on the need for peace.

The Taqaddum official said this change has reduced support for the war and increased regional and international calls for its end.

Al-Mahdi warned that the war has caused a severe humanitarian crisis and poses threats to the region, neighboring countries, the Horn of Africa, and Red Sea security.

“The need to stop the war is now urgent, and we must act on this,” he said.

He praised international efforts, including the Paris and Cairo conferences and the UN's attempts to bring the warring sides together in Geneva for aid and protection.

Al-Mahdi also revealed that his coalition had proposed a plan to the military and Rapid Support Forces, focusing on humanitarian aid, political arrangements to end the war, and a transition to civilian democracy.

He stressed that the humanitarian situation cannot wait for the war to end.

“Providing aid and protecting citizens are urgent priorities. We need to act now to deliver aid, even before the war ends,” he said.

He noted that the best approach involves coordinating initiatives from various platforms, including Jeddah, IGAD, and its key member states Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as Bahrain, the UAE, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations.

Al-Mahdi emphasized that all these entities are working on humanitarian and peace efforts.

He stated that any alignment among mediators, conflict parties, and civil components is viewed by Taqaddum as a comprehensive process for achieving peace.