Arab ministers reached a middle solution for Iraq's representation issue

Arabic News.com ^ | 9/9/03

[Valin]

The Arab ministers reached after a marathon meeting in Cairo continued until today at dawn amid differences a middle solution over the question of Iraq's representation at the Arab ministerial council which starts today, stating to allow the interim governing council the Iraqi seat for one year.
In conclusion of their meeting, the ministers reached the following recommendations: "the council reviewed the situation in Iraq and its reflections on the regional and international arenas. It calls on the governing council in Iraq to occupy Iraq's seat for one years until a national government is elected and formed."

This recommendation, however, means a recognition of the governing council as a transitional authority rather than a legal recognition.
The secretary general of the Arab League Amr Moussa will inform the Iraqi delegation which is presided over by the foreign minister at the governing council Hoshiar Muhammad Zeibar of this decision.

Political Department Chairman of Palestinian Liberation Organization Farouk al-Qaddoumi told journalists "we have extended an invitation to the chairman of the Iraqi governing council to occupy Iraq's seat until a sovereign state is formed."

The Arab foreign ministers held a close door consultation meeting yesterday evening under the chairmanship of Moussa and was confined to foreign ministers of 21 Arab states and the Libyan ambassador to the AL following the Libyan foreign minister apology to take part.
An official source said that the talks dealt with the developments of conditions in Iraq concerning all its dimensions. The source explained that the points of discussions which were agreed on are the need to concentrate on Iraq's interests and that the Arab states to help the Iraqis to establishing security and stability and forming a national government and ending occupation.

The ministers also reviewed the American draft resolution proposed to the UN security council over sending international forces for peace keeping in Iraq.