Differences between Arab countries over the attitude towards the American “Greater Middle East Initiative”

publisher: وكالات Agencies

Publishing date: 2004-03-01

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Khaddam expressed his concerns, stating, “The problem lies in their proposal to combat violence, as they believe the violence in the region is solely caused by what they mentioned in the initiative, while disregarding Israel’s actions.”

On Sunday, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Amr Moussa, and Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mustafa Osman Ismail, emphasized that initiatives for reforming the Arab world should be determined by Arab nations themselves. However, during meetings held at the league’s headquarters, representatives of Arab countries revealed differences of opinion regarding the “reform initiatives” presented by Western countries.

An anonymous delegate stated, “Due to these differences among Arab countries, the league’s permanent representatives were unable to draft a resolution to be presented to the foreign ministers on Monday, regarding the American Greater Middle East Initiative.”

He further added, “Some Arab countries advocate for opening channels of dialogue with Western nations regarding these initiatives, rather than completely rejecting any reform proposals.” Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are among these countries, according to league sources.

When asked about the Greater Middle East Initiative, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher commented, “We will not wait for anyone to present us with reforms or their content.” However, he also stated, “We welcome the cooperation of those who wish to work with us on the reforms we are implementing, recognizing their importance and their alignment with our cultural, religious, and heritage requirements.”

The delegate continued, possibly referring to Israel, that “countries seeking dialogue with the proponents of reform initiatives fear that certain Middle Eastern parties may exploit the inflexible Arab positions to further their own interests.”

Sources indicated that other countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen are urging the Arab League to reject any proposals to prevent foreign intervention in the region.

In Damascus, Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam shared his thoughts on the American initiative, stating, “This initiative reminds us of the circumstances preceding World War I, when major powers sought to divide and control the region.”

He further added, “The problem lies in their proposal to combat violence. They believe that the violence in the region is solely caused by what they mentioned in the initiative, while they have forgotten what Israel is doing.”

Khaddam continued, “No one can impose anything on the Arabs. Dreams and development are national and ongoing needs for both Arabs and non-Arabs. Life cannot remain static, as inertia is fatal. Thus, the Arab people choose their path, and we do not impose our choices on them.”

The American Greater Middle East Initiative for Democratic Reform in the Arab World, including Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, received reservations from Arab countries when it was published in the United States approximately two weeks ago. Arab countries felt that they were not consulted before the initiative was put forward.

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