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The President of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who is representing the Arab League at the South America - Arab Countries Summit, being held in Brasília, capital of Brazil, defended the need for international cooperation to promote world peace.
In his view, the first place to establish this cooperation is in the global war on terrorism.
Among the issues that demand this mutual effort, Bouteflika mentioned reform of the United Nations and the conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis.
"Our meeting is extremely important and should pay heed to the grave crises that threaten world peace and for which we should define a common course of conduct to be able to contribute to their solution," he affirmed.
With regard to the situation experienced by the Palestinians, the Arab League representative said that this represents "a denial of justice" that can no longer be tolerated. His declaration received a long round of applause from Summit participants.
"We must find a definitive solution for everyone to do his best, to get Israel to submit to international law and accept the negotiated peace," he emphasized.
Bouteflika also argued that the Palestinians have the right to have a sovereign State, with Jerusalem as its capital.
"Israel should withdraw from the occupied Arab territories," he concluded.
Iraq's Stabilization
The Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoishyar Zibari, considered positive the declaration that was approved yesterday by South American and Arab Chancellors at the preparatory meeting for the South America - Arab Countries Summit, which begins today in Brasília. According to Zibari, the document expresses "clear support for the stabilization of Iraq."
"We are in favor of the maximum help possible. In both political and economic aspects, the countries gathered here can help us build a democratic Iraq, even though they were not part of the coalition forces," Zibari remarked.
He also believes that the final pronouncement of the Summit will convey open support for the Palestinians' struggle for self-determination.
The Peruvian Vice-Chancellor, Armando Lecaros, pointed out that no country felt annoyed in dealing with political aspects of the declaration.
"All support will be provided in accordance with what international law determines," he affirmed.
Agência Brasil
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