"Peace is not the strong bullying the weak", says Al Jarwan before IPU session

Geneva: Arab Parliament Speaker Mohammed Ahmed Al Jarwan has said peace is no longer a mere logo nor a strong bulling the weak, but it is a great human goal made by those who cherish and believe in it. He added that all peoples should attain peace, being a sacred goal that ensures human dignity against the wars that represent a tragedy to human being, adding that all should embrace peace. Al Jawan was addressing the 130th General Assembly session of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), being held in Geneva. He added that the main theme of the current session held on the occasion of 125th anniversary of IPU, is (Renewing of Our Commitment to Peace and Democracy". It reflects that the IPU focuses on world peace and security as main pillars for creating an international cooperation environment that helps inculcate democracy as a mode of government so that people live in atmosphere of freedom and dignity. He said, "The Palestinian issue is central, being the Arab, Muslim nations and Christians issue till Palestine is liberated, and its people retrieve their sovereignty," Al Jarwan added that to push peace process requires will and respect to the rights and international resolutions, noting that the wavering position of Israel "hinders all attempts to bring just peace", pointing out that Israel represents a major threat to the security and peace in the region. "Palestinian women, men, youth and even children are being abducted by Israel in the West Bank, while the siege Gaza Strip, whose people are starving, is being pounded by Israel's missiles. Al Jarwan wondered, "Which peace are you talking about as the occupier expands its colonies." He hoped that the IPU would continue its support to the peace process in the Middle East to ensure just peace to the Arab-Israeli conflict by setting up the independent sovereign state in Palestine, whose capital is Jerusalem in accordance with the legitimate international resolutions. Regarding Syria, Al Jarwan said the Arab Parliament backs unity of Syria and restoration of stability, stressing that the dialogue is a sole option to resolve the crisis, rejecting any negative foreign intervention in Syria. He denounced the aggressions on the Syrian people, urging the international community to shoulder its responsibility to protect the Syrian civilians from killing and coercive displacement. Al Jarwan called for ending the occupation of the three UAE islands (Tunb Greater Tunb Lesser and Abu Mousa) by Iran through peaceful dialogue or resorting to the International Court of Justice. He called on Iran to adopt peaceful policies towards the neighbouring countries through avoiding intervention in the internal affairs of Arab countries. He said the Arab Parliament is part of efforts being exerted by the IPU to prevent the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, hoping such efforts would lead to making the Middle East free the nuclear arms, and that all the countries would be subjected to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, including Israel. Al Jarwan also said the IPU is looking forward to tackling the terrorism, which poses a major threat to international security and peace. – Emirates News Agency, WAM