Jeddah Declaration rejects foreign interference in Arab affairs
3 Min Read
The Jeddah Declaration was adopted by the Arab League following the 32nd summit that was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in which Syria, led by President Bashar Al-Assad, resumed its participation.
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Leaders of Arab countries pose for a group picture ahead of the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, May 19, 2023. (Saudi Press Agency via AP)
Jeddah Declaration adopted by the Arab League as the summit concluded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reaffirms the Palestinian cause as a central Arab cause being a primary factor in maintaining regional stability.
Moreover, the Declaration condemned, in the strongest terms, the practices and violations targeting the lives, properties, and the very existence of Palestinians. Additionally, the summit demanded that the international community assume responsibility for putting an end to the occupation and repetitive aggressions and violations.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, Jeddah Declaration stressed the necessity of reaching calm in which dialogue prevails and alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people. The Declaration also underscored the importance of preventing external interference that would only further fuel the situation.
The Declaration also warmly welcomed the resumption of the Syrian government's participation in the Arab League and its affiliated organizations and agencies.
The concluding statement also hoped that Syria's participation would contribute to furthering its stability and preserving its territorial integrity while also highlighting the importance of continuing and intensifying Arab efforts to help Syria overcome its crisis.
#Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman: We are glad to have Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad present among us in the Arab League Summit.#ArabLeagueSummit #BasharalAssad https://t.co/COdmL8q33R
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 19, 2023
On the topic of Yemen, Jeddah Declaration stressed the need to support everything that guarantees its security and stability and to support international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution.
The Declaration also expressed the Arab nations' solidarity with Lebanon and urged the Lebanese parties to elect, via dialogue, a president who meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people.
Significantly, the Jeddah Declaration concluded by stressing the need for "the cessation of foreign interference in Arab internal affairs" and "the absolute rejection of support for the formation of armed groups and militias."
Arab League summit marks end of an era
On May 19, the 32nd Arab League summit kicked off in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 22 member states, five observer countries, and their respective heads of state and government are attending the pan-Arab summit.
Throughout the afternoon, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman greeted dignitaries at the commencement of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah.
Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad was among the first to arrive for the meetings, and he was greeted by the Saudi Crown Prince before shaking hands and posing for a photo.
This summit marks the return to the Arab League of Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad after his country emerged victorious against the international war against it.
One of the most scintillating moments at the summit: Al-Assad was given a warm welcome at the Arab summit.
Aboul Gheit: Jeddah Summit an opportunity to restore Arab issues
On his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed the Chinese-brokered agreement on restoring ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmad Aboul Gheit: I welcome the agreement between #SaudiArabia and #Iran.#ArabLeagueSummit https://t.co/3gAIDnWnT7
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) May 19, 2023
Aboul Gheit considered that the Jeddah summit is an opportunity to restore Arab issues that were left to others a long time ago.
Read more: Al-Assad: Syria beating heart of Arab identity, lies at Arabism core
![In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had "engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)](https://alpha-en-media.almayadeen.net/media/image/2024/12/21/b4a69f2e-8682-43e4-9d37-49482b304ab3/3.png?v=2&format=webp "In a 2021 interview with Frontline by former US special representative James Jeffrey, he says he had \"engaged with [HTS] via backchannels while serving in President Trump’s State Department. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)")
