Sudan, Jordan call for Arab League summit

KHARTOUM, April 6, 2004 (Xinhua) — Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed El-Bashir and Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein on Tuesday appealed Arab states to hold an Arab summit as soon as possible to enhance the unity of the Arab world.

The two leaders said in a joint statement Tuesday that the Arabworld is in a grave situation and faces challenges, with the security and peace in all Arab countries being threatened.

They said the Arab summit should be reconvened as soon as possible in order to unify positions, eliminate differences among Arab countries and strengthen unity.

The summit was postponed last month because of differences among Arab countries over dealing with the US-backed Greater Middle East Initiative and making peace with Israel.

During the talks, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir also focused on the Palestinian issue. They said the only way to realize the security and peace in the Palestinian region is Israeli withdrawal of its troops unconditionally and completely from its occupied Palestinian area and other Arab areas, recognition of Palestinians’ legitimate rights and establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

The two leaders urged Israel to implement the “road map” peace plan as quickly as possible.

On the Iraqi situation, they called on Iraqi parties to strive for national unity and the United Nations should play its crucial role in the political process in Iraq.

The Jordanian king arrived here Monday evening for a two-day working visit and ended his trip Tuesday.