Arab FMs Reach Consensus on Arab League Summit's Agenda

Arab League Foreign Ministers meet in Algiers, Algeria (AP)
Arab League Foreign Ministers meet in Algiers, Algeria (AP)
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Arab FMs Reach Consensus on Arab League Summit's Agenda

Arab League Foreign Ministers meet in Algiers, Algeria (AP)
Arab League Foreign Ministers meet in Algiers, Algeria (AP)

A senior Arab League official said on Sunday that regional foreign ministers have approved main topics for discussion at the bloc’s upcoming summit scheduled for Tuesday in the Algerian capital.

Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League Hossam Zaki told reporters that “present tensions” were contained and that Arab foreign ministers were able to find consensus on the topics that will be discussed by Arab League leaders in their upcoming summit.

“All the issues that have been discussed have reached consensus, and we look forward to a successful summit on November 1 and 2,” said Zaki.

He said ministers reached agreement on all the proposed draft resolutions included on the agenda, and that “none of its items will be postponed.”

“Indicators show that we are heading towards a successful summit,” he affirmed, adding that Arab foreign ministers are now in agreement and that “matters are clear for the Arab League.”

Meanwhile, Zaki denied news reported by some media outlets about a “disagreement regarding some of the meeting's terms,” stressing that “all tensions were contained, and the meetings took place in an atmosphere of cordiality and respect.”

Zaki refrained from going into detail about what he labeled as “tensions.”

When asked about amendments to the Arab League Charter, Zaki said it was not currently on the summit’s agenda.

As for the Sudan Food Security Initiative, Zaki confirmed that the summit will adopt a supportive position for the North African nation, especially within the decision presented by the Arab League’s economic and social council regarding the integrated strategy for Arab food security.

Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra, for his part, said that the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers “allowed reaching consensual results, after rich and in-depth consultations.”

Arab League foreign ministers, in their meeting, discussed 19 items, the most important of which are the Palestinian cause, the Arab-Israeli conflict, support for Lebanon, and developments of the Syrian crisis.

They also addressed developments in Libya, the situation in Yemen, support for peace and development in Sudan, as well as support for Somalia and the Comoros.

Moreover, the meeting tackled Iran’s occupation of the three Emirati islands and its interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries.

The ministers also took a unified position regarding the Turkish violation of Iraqi sovereignty, the maintenance of Arab national security, and the fight against terrorism.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.