|
Sunday, June 23, 1996
President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak on the Arab Summit Conference and Final Communique Your Excellencies and Highnesses, H.E. Secretary-General of Arab League, Members of Delegations, Allow me to voice my great appreciation for your participation in this historical Summit which we hope to be prosperous on all the peoples of our glorious nation and be the beginning of a new method of work that enables us to optimally invest our available resources to serve the supreme Arab objectives, protecting our national security, shielding our strategic interests and deepening cooperation and solidarity among our peoples in all the fields leading to a better future of security, stability and welfare for successive generations to enable them to channel their creative abilities for building glory, and achieving progress and peace. Our peoples proved throughout history their sincere belief in peace, their commitment to legitimacy and rule of the law and their adherance to a sublime humanitarian outlook for co-existence and reconciliation, regardless of any differences in religion or origin due to their firm belief that all human beings confront almost similar challenges and are doomed to the same fate. Emanating from this fact, we call upon the non-Arab nations which live with us in the region to promise to deal with us in the same manner and spirit which is based on equality among peoples, balanced rights and obligations respecting others' will and dignity and non-interference in their domestic affairs, as well as avoiding joining any alliances that would create enmity, pollarization and tension instead of seeding constructive relations of co-existence and cooperation to the effect of achieving common interests, apart from resorting to power which will only lead to more sufferings and destruction. Threats do not scare us, we only respond to forces of justice and truthfulness. We only make peace with those who are peaceful. Within this same framework, we call upon Israel to cooperate with us for resuming the steps of comprehensive just peace, realize stabilized security measures according to the framework approved and endorsed in the conference which laid the foundations of the peace process, start implementing and complying with what has already been agreed on among the different parties, resume negotiations with seriousness and good intentions so as to implement the remaining objectives without procrastination, delay, pre-condition, or obstructing peace progress, avoiding especially the building of settlements in occupied Arab territories as it conflicts with the provisions of law and the resolutions adopted by the International Community and drastically threatens the core of the peace process and casts its dark shadows on the future. Dear Brothers, Your coming to Egypt and holding this conference on its land gives honour to it. I, personally, had the pleasure to meet you and work together as one family in candidness, cordiality, mutual confidence, understanding of others' stands and conditions, insisting on achieving welfare for our nation, shielding our peoples against harm and danger, paving the way for more achievements, fruitful work and more contribution to formulating the new International Community in this crucial stage of human history. This will enhance our vision of the future of Arab joint work. This conference paid due attention to following up and reinforcing our achievements, in accordance with the aspirations of our peoples who hold great expectations on this conference. We have nothing to do except to be worthy of their trust and to be able to confront any challenges. May God guide our steps. May God's peace and mercy be upon you. I declare the session of the Conference closed. Thank you all. The Final Communique Upon the gracious invitation extended by H.E. Mr. Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, their Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses, the Kings, Presidents and Princes of Arab States held the Cairo Arab Summit Conference from 5-7 Safar 1417 A.H. / 21-23 June 1996. The Arab leaders expressed their high appreciation for the inaugural speech, delivered by H.E. President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak, the Chairman of the Summit Conference, and decided to consider the speech an official document of the Conference. In fulfilment of the hopes and aspirations of the Arab nation, and its common destiny, bonds of Arab brotherhood and in view of the current critical phase of the Middle East peace process, the Arab leaders met to consider the new developments in the region, revive, enhance and intensify joint Arab action, Arab consultations, coordination and cooperation, with a view to bringing about a revival in the Arab nation and closing Arab ranks committed themselves to consolidating Arab solidarity, as the way to realize the principles and targets of joint Arab action and mobilize the potential of the Arab nation to protect its interests, recover its usurped rights and enhance the efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Guided by their Arab responsibility, the leaders reaffirmed that in order to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East; Israel should fully withdraw from all the occupied Palestinian territories, including Arab Jerusalem, enable the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and establish their independent state with Arab Jerusalem as its capital as the Palestinian question is the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, fully withdraw from the Syrian Golan Heights to the positions of 4 Huzairan (June) 1967 and fully unconditionally withdraw from Southern Lebanon and its Western Bekaa to the internationally-recognized boundaries, in implementation of Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 425 and the principle of Land-for-Peace. On these bases (the resolutions and principles), they call for the resumption of talks on all tracks. The determination of the Arab states to uphold and continue the Middle East peace process in order to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on international legitimacy is a strategic decision. This determination requires that Israel undertakes an unequivocal reciprocal commitment, and continues the peace process so as to restore the Palestinian rights and return the Arab occupied territories as well as ensuring balanced and equal security in the region, consistent with the principles agreed upon at the Madrid Conference, and particularly, the reciprocal principle of Land-for-Peace, and the assurances given to all parties. The Arab leaders affirm that if Israel deviates from the bases or principles of the peace process, or retreats from its commitments, promises and agreements reached in the peace process or procrastinates in implementing them, this will lead to a setback to the peace process, with all the ramifications involved, leading to a resumption of tension in the region and compel all the Arab states to reconsider steps taken in the context of the peace process, vis-a-vis Israel. The Israeli government will bear sole and full responsibility for this situation. The Arab leaders, further, reaffirm their upholding of the resolutions, upon which international legitimacy is based, which stipulate non-recognition or acceptance of any situation resulting from the Israeli settlement policy in the occupied Arab territories, such a policy is illegitimate and grants no rights or commitments. They consider that the establishment of these settlements is a violation of the Geneva Convention and the Madrid prinicples and an impediment to the peace process. All Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Jerusalem, should halt and that these settlements be removed. They reassert their rejection of any changes affecting Jerusalem or its legal status. They further reaffirm that just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East can only be achieved by resolving the question of Jerusalem and settling the Palestinian refugee problem based on the right of return, international legitimacy and the relevant United Nations resolutions. In this light, and with a view to bringing the peace process on the Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian tracks to a successful conclusion, the Arab leader call on the cosponsors of the peace process, the European Union, Japan, the Non-Aligned Movement, other concerned states, the United Nations and International Organizations and Institutions to ensure that Israel remain committed to the principles of the peace process, honour all its agreement based on international legitimacy obligations under the agreements concluded in the Interim Phase and with regard to issues to be dealt with in the permanent status negotiations. The leaders also called upon them to continue providing political and economic support to the Palestinian people and their National Authority. In this connection, the Arab leaders affirmed the need to end the closure imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people. The Arab leaders affirmed their support for Lebanon which faces constant Israeli attacks against its territory, people and sovereignty. They urged the International Community to ensure an immediate and unconditional halt to these attacks, an end to the occupation and that Israel should pay compensation to Lebanon for all the damages entailed. The Arab leaders affirmed that Israel should adhere to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and place all its nuclear installation under the international inspection of the International Atomic Energy Agency. They also reiterated their call for the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of the weapons of mass destruction, foremost among which are nuclear weapons, encompassing all states in the region, including Israel. They affirmed their determination to take the necessary steps to protect the region from the dangers of these weapons and avoid an arms race, that would increase the tension and waste its resources and energy. The Arab leaders emphasize that the achievement of a just and comprehensive peace in the region is the real guarantee for the security of all states in the region. The Arab leaders emphasize the importance of consolidating a comprehensive Arab national security to confront challenges which threaten Arab sovereignty, territorial integrity and natural resources. Emanating from the close relation between the comprehensive concept of Arab national security, as an integrated idea, and the national security of each Arab country, Arab leaders affirm their determination to establish an Arab solidarity as the right way realizing the objectives of the joint Arab action, based on the respect of the fundamental pillars of Arab policy, foremost of which abiding by the principles related to the respect, independence and regional safety of each state, and their full control over their natural and economic resources; complying to the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of any state, settling bilateral relations through peaceful measures among Arab countries according to the provisions of international law respecting the principles of the UN and the agreements concluded within their framework. They affirm that if the full meaning of Arab national security is guaranteed, it would be the best means for maintaing Arab entity and interests. In respect to common interests binding the Arab states, fussion of economic and political gatherings and blocs into bigger entities is a consequence of international economic developments. The Arab leaders confirm that the potential of the Arab nation to endorse its role, and enlarge its share on the international level entails the realization of an Arab development, reactivation in the role of the Arab economic institutes and the respective decisions taken by these institutes. The leaders of the Economic and Social and Arab League Councils have, therefore, laid down and carried out strategies and integrated economic and social plans of action, thus rendering the Arab nation an opportunity to serve its highest economic interests and enable it to stand on an equal footing with other partners in the present world economic order. Keen on enhancing the role of the of Arab League, the Arab leaders affirm their determination to strengthen and activate its role, and their commitment to its Charter and its resolutions in order to secure the supreme interests of the Arab nation. In this connection, the Arab leaders emphasize the importance of honouring their financial obligations to the Arab League. Having examined Arab and regional issues: The Arab leaders express their solidarity with the sister state of Bahrain and their full support for measures taken to ensure its stability and security. They expressed their strong indignation at the interference in the internal affairs of Bahrain and declare their solidarity with it against any threat attempts emanating from any party. They call on Iran to respect the sovereignty of Bahrain, in the context of mutual respect and good neighbourliness in order to prevent sabotage aimed at Bahrain and to ensure peace and stability in the region. The Arab leaders affirm the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands, Greater Tanab, Smaller Tanab and Abou Moussa, and express their full support for all peaceful measures taken to restore its sovereignty over these islands. They call on Iran to put an end to its occupation of the three islands and halt its policy of imposing a fait accompli over these islands by force. They urge pursing peaceful means in settling the dispute on the basis of international law including the reference of the matter to the International Court of Justice. The Arab leaders entrusted the Secretary General of the Arab League with monitoring the Issue of the Iranian occupation of the three islands of United Arab Emirates and submitting a report thereon to the next Summit Conference. The Arab leaders expressed their hope for the continuation of the traditional Turkish Arab relations and common interests. In this connection, they express their concern at the Israeli-Turkish military agreement and call on Turkey to reconsider this agreement, in a way to prevent any negative bearing on the security of Arab states. The Arab leaders emphasize the need to uphold the unity of Iraq and oppose any policy or measure that affects its territorial integrity, or threatens its borders and national unity. They urge The Iraqi government to refrain from any aggressive policy that would provoke its Arab neighbours and to continue to implement all the relevant Security Council resolutions, namely the release of all Kuwaiti prisoners and detainees of other countries, the restoration of property and respect of the compensations mechanism, as the aforementioned steps would chart the right path leading to the lifting of sanctions on Iraq and create the favourable conditions for a resumption of its role in the Arab regional order. They welcome the agreement reached between Iraq and the United Nations to implement Security Council resolution 986 as a positive step towards alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Iraqi people, for which the Iraqi government bears responsibility. They call for the speedy implementation of this agreement. The Arab leaders also welcome the agreement of principles, signed by the governments of Yemen and Eritrea to refer their dispute to international arbitration, and their resumption of the peaceful relations to promote neighbourliness and serve the common interests of the two states, as this will positively reflect on the regularity and stability of international navigation in the Red Sea. The leaders express their deep concern at the human and material damages inflicted on the Libyan Arab people through the arbitrary measures imposed on them by the Security Council resolutions 748 (1992), 883 (1993). They believe that the lack of response to the efforts deployed by the Jamahiriyya, the Arab League, the Organization of African Unity, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Islamic Conference Organization have delayed a solution to the crisis and greatly increased the suffering of the Arab Libyan people. They consider the proposal submitted by the Arab League to hold a neutral and fair trial for the two suspects in the Hague, with Scottish judges and according to Scottish law, with the necessary guarantees - a proposal which won broad international support - to be a practical and appropriate one that could bring an end to the crisis. Therefore, it calls on the three Western States to adopt a positive attitude towards this proposal so as to end the crisis and alleviating the suffering of the Libyan people that have been prolonged without justification. The Arab leaders called for lifting the sanctions imposed on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriyya, as the continuation of the sanctions could lead the Arab States to consider possible ways to spare the Libyan people further harm. President Mubarak's Speech on the Anniversary of Prophet Muhammad's Birth The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Honourable Ulemas, Dear Brothers, There are certain days in history which are considered beacons that light up the path and guide those who follow it to their aspired goals. Some of these landmark days are not only everlasting but also challenge the calamities of time. No doubt, among these landmark and immortal days in history, a day in which the entire world was brightened by the birth of the Prophet of mankind and the best that ever has been, Muhammad, peace be upon him. On this day, God has given mankind one who will revive their humanity, help them to rise from their fall and guide them towards the right path, welfare and peace. Since the creation of man, prophets and their messages have consecutively appeared. Each prophet or messenger has laid down a foundation stone in the edifice of faith, and upgraded the spirit of virtue. Eventually, life became in dire need of someone who would complete the message of God to man, rectify his monotheism, improve his norms of life by a just Sharia or legislation, and set right his manners by sublime virtues. Hence, God brought about the birth of Muhammad on this blessed night for the salvation of mankind, and to receive His message, resign to His will, fulfill the responsibility of the message, thus embarking on the greatest revolution in human history. This peaceful and tolerant revolution that is complete and comprehensive. A revolution brought human beings out of darkness, redeemed them from the abyss of loss, rectified their minds by the purest creed, regulated their lives by the most exalted Sharia, corrected their behaviour by the most sublime values, thus achieving the greatest change in the history of mankind towards welfare and the right course. Hence, we do not exaggerate if we say that this birth was the beginning of true redemption and elevation of the entire world. We are happy to celebrate this day for we greatly appreciate its value, and are fully aware of the benefits of this memory, as God has said, "And remind for surely the reminder is for the benefit of the believer." As I have said on previous occasions, the best means to celebrate this munificent anniversary is to derive from it a lesson and a good example by revising the past, follow its best achievements, meditate the present with its positive and negative aspects, and lastly aspire for the future and predict its vistas and dimensions. If we meditate the past in the light of the Prophet's biography, we find that the past had witnessed radical transformations in the life of the Arabs and those around them, thanks to the values and principles of the Prophet's message. From dispersed and lacerated tribes, the Arabs became one nation. They left behind them a bedouin life of loss and backwardness and embraced a wonderful progressive civilization. They moved from an isolated and dependent society to an interrelated and independent entity which had its considerable contribution to the progress of human civilization. Islam has entrenched new values in the hearts of the faithful. These values are based on tolerance, mercy, cooperation and justice among mankind, as well as the respect for the value of work. It fights discrimination, injustice and bigotry. It refrains from extremism and eccentricity, harming others, malice and hatred. Thus the Islamic society was set up on a firm basis because values are the guarantee for a solid structure and upright behaviour. Values are the criteria for a sound social fabric. They are the element of balance between self and common interests. They form man's role on earth in making peace, spreading welfare and predicting glory and progress. Hence, the world gained from the great Islamic civilization which preserved the consequent civilizations and interacted with other cultures without fear or hesitation, taking from and adding to them, thus enriching human experience and supporting its march over the years. This is the aggregate of what we can benefit from the past as we celebrate this occasion. As for looking into the present, we find that our nation is internally suffering from certain negative phenomena that dilapidate its strength, obstruct its march, threaten its being, at a time other nations are engaged in the battle of comprehensive development as well as a scientific and technological revival. They make great achievements in the various spheres amidst ferocious competition where survival is for the fittest and strongest who is capable of keeping pace with progress and procuring the components of the science and information revolution. In this arena, there is no room for the weak and the small entities, nor for the entities that are indulged in impeding negative aspects and dispersing conflicts. Though our upright religion is based on the principles of rights and justice, stresses the non-aggression on the land and property of others, and underlines the freedom, dignity and security of all, yet we find some related to the Islamic nation are involved in the infringement on the rights of their Muslim brothers. They threaten their peace and security disregarding their rights, the brotherhood and neighbourliness which are persistent in Islam. Moreover, some who are related to Islam have in the recent years resorted to the interference in the affairs of some sisterly Arab and Islamic countries through conspiracies, sabotage and supporting terrorism, undermining security and stability in a bid to have spheres of influence outside their borders and subordinate these sisterly Islamic peoples to their hegemony. They exercise pressure, blackmail, and threats. These deviant people have forgotten that our upright religion venerates the sanctity of others' properties and life. It does not allow any one, for any reason, to terrify peaceful people, kill or cause the death of the innocent. These evil-doers have forgotten God's words which say, "kill not the soul, which God has forbidden, save by right". Also God Almighty says, "whoever slays a soul, unless it be for manslaughter or for corruption in the land, it is as though he slew all men". They have also forgotten the Prophet's saying: "Every Muslim is prohibited from killing another Muslim, usurping his property or violating his honour." The Prophet also said "He who does not save his neighbour from his evil does not enter Paradise". Thus, the Holy Quran and the Prophet's Tradition have confirmed that such forms of aggression which lead to the killing of the innocent and terrifying the peaceful are absolutely contradictory to the spirit, teachings and values of Islam. In fact, they distort its image to other non-Muslim peoples. The essence and transcendant teachings of Islam call for the respect of the human soul, preserve solidarity among the peoples of the nation, close their ranks, refrain from harm as the Prophet said "No harm and no harming", which is one of the main principles of Islam. Islam is a religion of justice and mercy and is a true application of Islamic brotherhood, which ordains compassion, cooperation, solidarity and unity among brothers of one religion. The principle of adherence to peace comes next in importance to solidarity. I mean a just, comprehensive and durable peace. Such peace is, according to Islam, the basis of relations among ourselves and among others. Muslims fighting each other runs counter to Islam. Likewise, fighting others is only allowed in self-defence against any aggression, or when there are enough evidence that aggression is imminent. Therefore, peace is in the Islamic view a firm basis while war is an exception. God Almighty says, " and fight in the way of Allah against those who fight with you, and do not exceed the limits. " Hence our upright religion calls for solidarity in order to be strong dignified, and become a power to be reckoned with. It advocates peace for the sake of security and stability. We can build, reconstruct and keep abreast of civilization and progress only in an atmosphere of peace and security. For this reason we adopt a policy of solidarity and peace, and believe it is a firm strategic line to be followed. It agrees with the values of our religion which we are keen to follow. For the sake of solidarity we work hard. We spare no effort to close ranks, and unify our stance. We thank God that during the Cairo Arab Summit, the Arab leaders succeeded to unify their stance. The Arab Summit will continue to be a landmark in Arab history. We strive to realize a just, comprehensive and durable peace so that the world may rest assured that we are not war - mongers, but rather we are defending our rights and are peace lovers. Our peace is that of the honourable and the capable and not that of the weak and incapable. In demanding the Arab rights we rely on dialogue and negotiations which are civilized means that resort to international legitimacy, law and justice. To those who jeopardise the peace process or cast doubts on our pleas for peace, we say that we insist on the peace we have chosen and started because our religion calls for it and our interests are linked to cast doubts on our intentions or make us change our position because we seek a just, comprehensive and durable peace. It is a peace confirmed by agreements, and supported by the International Community because it constitutes a course that will give each party its rights and creates the required balance between rights and commitments. It also provides the necessary protection for the legitimate interests. The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Honourable Ulemas, Brothers and Sisters, In my opinion, this is what this dear memory and lessons of the past, as well as indications of the present evoke in our souls. As for planning for the future, this memory necessitates the adherence to Islamic values in our dealings both within our Islamic family and with others equally. Such values and principles strengthen our front, unify our stance and render us capable of entering the coming century as a strong, impressive, dignified and independent entity. Our predecessors have rightly said "a drop added to a drop forms a wave, a wave to a wave forms a sea, and a sea to a sea forms an ocean." They also said "an atom plus an atom forms a pebble, and a pebble plus a pebble is a rock, and a rock plus a rock is a mountain". Peace is our means to security and stability, reconstruction, production and prosperity. Our experience is the best proof of that. Through peace we directed our efforts towards restoring what has been destroyed by war. We built new cities, redoubled the productive plants, expanded the agricultural land, increased production, provided services and started a new stage which we hope will have its fruitful impact on life in the good earth of Egypt. We have great hopes in realizing this comprehensive revival, and advancing progress until we reach a stage worthy of Egypt's conspicuous position in history compatible with the potentials which God has bestowed on the Egyptian people. The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Honourable Ulemas, Brothers and Sisters, These are my contemplations on the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's Birth. I hope it would be a brotherly message to my Muslim brothers everywhere. May this message find due response that agrees with its sincerity for the sake of a better future for our nation, a future equal to its great past. May God help and guide our endeavours. Peace be upon you. |
|
||||||||
Print this page 
Mail this page 