The 14th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States (PUIC) conference taking place in Rabat, Morocco, stressed that the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem remains central to the body’s member states.
Other that Iran’s non-participation, Jordan criticized Morocco’s Habib El Malki, chair of the 14th edition of the PUIC, for not inviting Syria to the meeting.
Differences on the wording of the final communique among participating member states were prevalent, Lebanese lawmaker Qasim Abou Hashim told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Among the topics drawing hot debate between PUIC members was the humanitarian situation in Syria.
However, according to Hashim, it was finally agreed not to raise controversial issues.
At the session, Abdullah ibn Muhammad Al ash-Sheikh, chairman of the Saudi Shura Council, renewed his country's support for efforts on reaching a political solution in war-torn Yemen, so long it is aligned with the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of national dialogue, Security Council Resolution 2216 and relevant international resolutions.
Speaking on the Palestinian cause, ash-Sheikh stressed that it remained at the forefront of the Kingdom's concerns, recalling its firm position towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 demarcated borders, with East Jerusalem as a capital.
As for the fight against terrorism, the Saudi official called for intensive efforts to tackle all forms of terrorism and its linked organizations. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia has led massive international efforts to fight terrorism in all levels.
The PUIC’s final communique stressed that counterterrorism is the responsibility of all sovereign states, condemning the use of violence and extremism.
