Arab foreign ministers meet in Baghdad

The conference of Arab foreign ministers commenced, on Wednesday in Baghdad within the framework of the 23rd Arab Summit in the presence of 12 Arab foreign ministers, Arab diplomacy representatives, in addition to the Arab League Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General. At the start of the meeting, the Libyan foreign minister handed over the conference presidency to his Iraqi counterpart. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari endorsed “Iraqs' full support to the Syrian people’s legitimate demands for freedom and democracy” noting that “Iraq condemns acts of violence and killings in Syria.” He called for “an end to the bloodshed and the leading to a political solution and national dialogue,” adding that “Iraq rejects foreign intervention in Syria, in order to preserve its unity”. He also commended the efforts of the UN and Arab joint envoy to Syria,  Kofi Annan. Zebari demanded that the international community rid the Middle East of weapons of mass destruction, and to force Israel to sign the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. He also confirmed the right of countries to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in all areas. “Iraq looks forward to positive relations with its Arab neighbours, based on mutual interests and respect of sovereignty, so as to ensure non-interference in internal affairs”, he added. The Iraqi Foreign Minister demanded “the subjugation of all Israel’s nuclear facilities and activities to the safeguarding system of the International Atomic Energy Agency." In regard to the media, Zebari stressed the need to renounce the type of media that spreads hatred, division and sectarianism, which in turn has nothing to do with the freedom of expression. Following on from his message, he introduced the Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki whom he said had attended the session to deliver a welcome speech to the Arab foreign ministers before starting the conference discussions. For his part, the Iraqi Prime Minister called on Arab foreign ministers to discuss the issue of the absence of the Arab role. He stressed that "it is unacceptable for this situation to continue unabated and for the consideration of activating the Arab role,  which will need the help of additional institutions such as the Arab Court”.