Speeches of Arab delegations participating in 25th Arab Summit in Kuwait

Kuwait (KUNA): Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, highlighted in his speech at the 25th Arab Summit, some of the pressing issues in the region, most prominently the Palestinian cause and the Syrian crisis. Sheikh Tamim stressed the importance of finding a peaceful solution for the Palestinian cause, which still constitutes the most important challenge facing the nation, stressing that the disclaimer of Israel from its obligations remains an obstacle to access a peaceful settlement. At the end of his speech, the Emir of Qatar handed over the presidency of the current Arab Summit to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. In his opening speech, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah called for a sincere position to put an end to Arab disputes, stressing the importance of strengthening joint Arab action. He said that Arab countries should boost consultation among each other to pinpoint the path to a genuine common Arab action and honour the aspirations of the Arab people. His Highness the Emir said that terrorism has undermined development in the Arab countries, adding, "We (Arab countries) share the burden to confront this dangerous phenomenon. We should double our efforts and join international efforts to uproot this dangerous phenomenon regardless of its source and to rid humanity from its threats." On the situation in Syria, the Emir of Kuwait called on the UN Security Council to restore its credibility to the world in preserving international peace and security and to seek an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Syria. Regarding the Palestinian issue, His Highness Sheikh Sabah asserted that comprehensive peace will only be achieved through the establishment of a Palestinian State with Jerusalem as its capital, pointing out that the Israeli violations stand as an obstacle to achieving peace. On Iran, His Highness the Emir called on the Islamic Republic to honour its obligations to the interim agreement signed with the P5+1 on November 24th 2013 under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). His Highness congratulated the Egyptian people for their compliance with the roadmap, thus restoring security and stability. He also lauded the formation of the new government in Lebanon and congratulated Tunisians on their new constitution. His Highness the Emir also congratulated the Yemeni people for the outcome of the National Dialogue which he said will contribute to the security, development and prosperity of the people in line with the GCC initiative. Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence , Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, hailed the wisdom of His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to make the ongoing 25th Arab Summit a success. Prince Salman said that the Arab summit is held amidst harsh and critical conditions that require Arab efforts to be consolidated, in addition to a strong will and sincere commitment. The Saudi Crown Prince called for promoting Arab efforts in order to confront all attempts to destabilise security and stability in the Arab countries. He also stressed the need to provide a strong will and sincere determination, as well as the common Arab coordination, in order to ensure the strengthening of unity in the face of challenges. In the same context, Arab League Secretary-General, Dr. Nabil Al-Araby hailed the effective and influential role played by His Highness the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, in supporting joint Arab action and for Kuwait's hosting of the 3rd Arab-Africa Summit. Al-Araby added that some Arab disputes hamper reaching a comprehensive solution to Arab problems, saying that such disputes can be resolved through inter-Arab cooperation. – Emirates News Agency, WAM