Preceded UN in Establishment... Arab League, Long History and Hoped Unity

Algiers, October 27 (QNA) - The Arab League was formed on March 22, 1945, with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabi, and Syria. Yemen later joined the League on May 5, 1945. Today there are 22 member states of the Arab League. The main reason behind the formation of the Arab League was to draw closer the relations between member states and coordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries. The official founding of the Arab League was preceded by 16 meetings for the sub-political committee – recommended by Alexandria Protocol – at the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Members of the sub-political committee prepared the Charter of the Arab League according to the "Alexandria Protocol." Formation In 1942, Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa El-Nahas invited Prime Minister of Syria Jamil Mardam, and the Head of the Lebanese National Bloc Bechara El Khoury, to discuss with them in Cairo the idea of "establishing an Arab League, to strengthen the cooperation between the Arab member-states." Later, a preparatory committee convened including representatives from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Yemen in the period from Sep. 25 to Oct. 7, 1944, and decided to adopt the proposal calling for the unity of all the independent Arab countries without affecting their independence or sovereignty. By founding the Arab League, it became the first international organization after World War II – a few months before founding the United Nations. The preamble of the Arab League’s charter states that the League has as its purpose the consolidation of the relations between the member-states, and the keenness on promoting and supporting the ties between the Arab states on the basis of respecting the independence and sovereignty of these countries, and directing their efforts aimed at serving the interests of the Arab countries, securing their future, realizing their aspirations and responding to Arab public opinion in all Arab countries. Charter of the Arab League The Alexandria Protocol formed the main document upon which the Charter of League of Arab States was drawn up. The Charter was written by the political sub-committee and representatives of the Arab countries which signed Alexandria Protocol along with representatives of Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and a representative of Palestine as an observer. After completing the draft charter throughout 16 meetings held by the parties concerned in the period from Feb. 17 to March 3, 1945, the Charter was endorsed at Zaafaran Palace in Cairo on March 19, 1945 after introducing some amendments into it. The Charter of the Arab League consisted of a preamble, 20 articles, and three special annexes. The first annex was on Palestine and stated that the Council of the League should designate an Arab delegate from Palestine to participate in its work until this country enjoys actual independence. The second annex was on cooperation with Arab countries not members of the Council of the League. The third and final annex was on the appointment of Egyptian Acting foreign Minister Abdul Rahman Azzam as the first Secretary-General of the Arab League. The preamble noted that the relevant states agreed on the charter with the view of strengthening the close relations and numerous ties that bind the Arab states based on respect for independence and sovereignty to achieve the welfare of all the Arab states. The charter is comprehensive and diversified in determining areas of joint Arab action. It also allows states of the Arab League that are desirous of establishing among themselves closer collaboration and stronger bonds than those provided for in the present charter, to conclude among themselves whatever agreements they wish for this purpose. The present Charter may be amended with the approval of two-thirds of the members of the League in particular for the purpose of strengthening the ties between them, creating an Arab Court of Justice, and regulating the relations of the League with the international organizations that seek to guarantee security and peace. Two major documents complement the charter: the Joint Defense and Economic Cooperation Treaty in April 1950, and the Charter for National Economic Action issued in Nov. 1980. Objectives of the Arab League The objectives of the Arab League include consolidating relations among Arab countries; safeguarding the independence of member-states; coordinating the plans and policies among member-states; enhancing cooperation in economic, cultural, social, health and other fields; looking into the Arab states’ interests and affairs in general; in addition to cooperating with international bodies to ensure security and peace and regulate economic and social relations. The Arab League Council at the Summit level is the highest authority in the Arab League and convenes at the level of Arab Leaders (in March of each year). The Arab League may hold extraordinary summit, if need be. The ministerial-level sessions of the Council of the Arab League are held in March and September of each year. Sessions may be held at any time of the year to discuss any case relating to Joint Arab action. The Ministerial Council Preparatory Meeting is held once a year to prepare for the regular annual Arab Summit, while the sessions of the Council of the League at the level of permanent Representatives are usually held either in preparation for Ministerial meetings or when necessary. The Council, in accordance with Article III of the Charter, fulfills the following objectives: Observing the implementation of the agreements concluded by the member-states in various fields. Taking the necessary measures to deter actual or potential hostility towards any member state. Settling disputes between member States by peaceful means, i.e. through mediation or arbitration. Determining means of cooperation with international bodies in order to preserve global peace and security. The Economic and Social Council: The Council holds two sessions, one at the level of senior officials and the other at the Ministerial level. The Council participates in the arrangements for the Arab summits and the preparatory meetings for the Economic and Social Summit. The Economic and Social Council approves the establishment of any specialized Arab organization and makes sure the current organizations are thoroughly fulfilling their duties as per their charters and according to the provisions set for such purposes. The Council has two committees; economic and social. Specialized Ministerial Councils: The General Secretariat has formed specialized Ministerial Councils in all sectors to support joint Arab action such as Arab Interior Ministers Council, Arab Health Ministers Council, Arab Information Ministers Council and others. The Arab League played a significant role in shaping the school curriculums, advancing the role of women in Arab societies, promoting child welfare, encouraging sports and youths programs, preserving Arab cultural heritage, fostering cultural exchanges among member-states, as literacy campaigns were launched, and modern technical terms were translated to be used within member-states. The League encourages taking the necessary measures to fight crime and drug abuse, and to deal with labor issues, especially among Arab ex-pat workforces. The Role of the Arab League Throughout its history, the Arab League managed to achieve several roles mandated in the charter. The first role achieved by the League was safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of the member-states, as the League is considered a defensive force that enables member-states to confront any dangers, and the League played a significant role in providing all possible means to help Arab states in their struggle against colonialism. The second role achieved by the League was the cooperation between member-states in cultural, social, and health affairs to advance social progress and achieve development. The third role achieved by the league was considering the affairs and interests of the Arab countries, which is part of the League’s response to the public opinion in the whole Arab region, which was known – at the time – as providing political support for states aspiring to gain their independence and join the League. The roles of the Arab League have developed and broadened over the years, within the framework of its original articles. In order to support the Arab states politically and to defend Arab causes and interests abroad, the League had to develop its relations with foreign countries. In this regard, the Arab Leagues established Arab-international forums such as Russian- Arab Cooperation Forum, China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and others, as well as signing cooperation agreements with several regional and international organizations. The Arab League also held several of joint summits aimed at deepening international cooperation at the highest levels, such as Arab-African Summit, Arab-European Summit, Summit of South American-Arab Countries, and others. The Arab League has also expanded in establishing specialized organizations and including occupational unions under its umbrella, such as the Arab Medical Union, the Arab Lawyers Union, and others, to deepen the cooperation between Arab states at all levels, official or unofficial, political and practical. (QNA)