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Gulf-Arab Meeting to Focus on Syria’s Return to Arab League

Syrians walk in Damascus' al-Hamidiyah souk on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on June 7, 2016. (AFP)
Syrians walk in Damascus' al-Hamidiyah souk on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on June 7, 2016. (AFP)
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Gulf-Arab Meeting to Focus on Syria’s Return to Arab League

Syrians walk in Damascus' al-Hamidiyah souk on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on June 7, 2016. (AFP)
Syrians walk in Damascus' al-Hamidiyah souk on the second day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on June 7, 2016. (AFP)

The General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for a meeting to discuss the possibility of restoring Syria’s membership in the Arab League.

The meeting will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reported AFP.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will take part in the meeting, which will also be attended by members of the GCC, as well as Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah had spoken in March of the possibility of developing talks with Syria and its potential return to the Arab League.

“More talks with the Syrian regime may pave the way for its return to the Arab League after a ten-year isolation,” he remarked.

Saudi Arabia and Syria are holding talks about resuming consular services after these ten years. Riyadh shut its embassy in Damascus shortly after the regime brutally started to crack down on peaceful protesters.

The Arab League also suspended Syria’s membership over the crackdown.

More and more discussions are being held among Arab countries about Syria’s return.

Restoring its membership requires consensus, which has not been reached yet. Three Arab countries have not yet expressed their position on its return and the issue will be discussed on Friday.

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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.