19TH ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT: OPENING SESSION

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 08 RIYADH 000636

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2027
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SUBJECT: 19TH ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT: OPENING SESSION

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

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SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) Summary: King Abdullah used his speech to the
opening session of the Arab League Summit in Riyadh on March
28 to criticize publicly U.S. policy in Iraq by referring to
the "illegal foreign occupation" of that country, albeit
without naming the U.S. or the Coalition Forces. The King
issued a "wake-up call" to Arab leaders to unite and overcome
"backwardness" in order to solve regional problems, as well
as to restore hope and credibility to the region. He also
called for an end to the "unjust siege" of the Palestinian
people. Arab League SYG Amr Mousa warned that the Arab world
is at an "unprecedented juncture of unrest" and the
Israeli-Arab conflict "at a crossroads that can move to
genuine peace or more turmoil." UN SYG Ban said that the
Middle East is more complex and dangerous than it has been
for some time. Malaysia and Turkey offered to help the Arab
League resolve its problems. Speakers "commended" King
Abdullah for bringing Hamas and Fatah together in order to
achieve the Mecca agreement that led to the creation of the
Palestinian National Unity Government. Several speakers
called for an end to economic and budgetary sanctions against
the Palestinian government. The Ambassador and Poloff
attended the session, along with representatives of other
diplomatic missions. END SUMMARY.

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Atmospherics
--------------


2. (C) The opening session of the 19th Arab League Summit in
Riyadh on March 28 featured addresses, in order of
appearance, by outgoing Arab League Chairman and Sudanese
President Omar Al-Beshir, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Arab League Secretary
General (SYG) Amr Mousa, United Nations (UN) SYG Ban Ki-Moon
(South Korea),President of the 61st Session of the United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Sheikha Haya bin Rashid
Al-Khalifa (Bahrain),Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf,
Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Chairman
and Kenyan President Kibaki, Malaysian Prime Minister and
current Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Chairman
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Several speakers, notably Mousa,
called for a "fair mediator" on the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, alluding to international bias in favor of Israel.
Many speakers called for ending the occupation of Palestinian
territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state
with Jerusalem as its capital. The overriding theme was the
need for unity, dialogue, and action in dispute resolution,
creating stability and security in the Arab world --
including in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Iraq,
Somalia, and Sudan.


3. (C) Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin
Abdul Aziz Al Saud opened the 19th Arab League Summit in
Riyadh's palatial King Abdul Aziz International Conference
Center. The King personally greeted the heads of Arab League
delegations and several leaders greeted him warmly with three
or more kisses to his cheeks. The King entered the cavernous
conference hall with Egyptian President Mubarak on his left
and Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh on his right. The
manner in which delegates were greeted upon arrival to the
Kingdom was also a clear statement of the Saudis' relations
with them. The Egyptian President was met personally by the
King and driven from the airport in the King's vehicle.
However, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud was greeted at the
same level as the President of Mauritania and the Emir of
Qatar, who arrived late. They were the only delegates not
greeted by a key member of the Saudi royal family. Instead,
they were greeted by Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Sattam
bin Abd al-Aziz.


4. (C) Preceding King Abdullah into the conference hall,
Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud made a
point of first greeting the already seated Syrian delegation,
which was seated one delegation away from the Saudis. When

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King Abdullah moved to the podium to give his welcoming
speech and take his place on the dais, Director of the
General Intelligence Presidency (GIP) HRH Prince Muqrin bin
Abd al-Aziz Al Saud placed a cushion in what had been the
King's seat so that the shorter Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul
Aziz Al-Saud could sit comfortably at the head of the Saudi
delegation.


5. (C) Reportedly the first Arab League meeting in Riyadh
since April 1962, Libya boycotted the Summit, and only Oman
was not represented by a head state. Oman's Deputy Prime
Minister for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahad bin
Mahmood Al-Said represented Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Lebanon
was represented by two rival delegations consisting of
Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora and President Lahoud.
During the address by UN SYG Ban, Syrian President Bashar
al-Asad first left the hall, followed by the Iranian observer
delegation. Asad only returned near the end of the address
by IGAD Chairman and Kenyan President Kibaki. The Iranian
observer delegation returned at the beginning of the address
by OIC Chairman Abdullah. Some speakers pointed out the
special significance of meeting in the KSA, calling it
"blessed soil and the land of revelation" (Al-Beshir) and " a
blessed land" (Mousa). Pakistani President Musharraf
emphasized the ties of brotherhood linking non-Arab states
with the Arab League members.

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Saudi King Abdullah's Speech
--------------


6. (C) Saudi King Abdullah questioned what the Arab League
had accomplished in its 60 plus years, including whether it
had unified Arabs politically, militarily, economically, and
psychologically. The King pointed out that the Arab world is
currently further away from unity than when the Arab League
was founded in 1945. He said that the Palestinian people
face occupation and repression and are denied the right to
independence and a state. He said that since Palestinian
leaders had met in Mecca and agreed to form the Palestinian
National Unity Government, it is essential to end the "unjust
siege" imposed on the Palestinian people as soon as possible.
He said that the peace process should be far from "compulsion
and repression" so that an independent Palestinian state can
be established. In a rare example of public criticism of
U.S. policy, he said that Iraq is under "illegal foreign
occupation," adding that continued bloodshed and "detestable
sectarianism" would lead to a "civil war." He said that
Lebanon was once a good example of coexistence and
prosperity, but is now crippled. He said sarcastically that
"Arab meekness" had paved the way for foreign intervention in
Sudan's affairs. He also noted that Somalia has endured one
civil war after another. He blamed the leaders of the Arab
nations for these problems, not the Arab League. He said
that permanent differences and the refusal to unite and cast
off "backwardness" have made the Arab nation lose hope and
confidence in the credibility of Arab leaders. He called on
Arab leaders to restore confidence, which will in turn
restore credibility, and then hope. He said that then Arabs
will never allow forces from outside the region to decide its
future, adding that only the "banner of Arabism" should fly
over Arab lands. He said that God has given Arabs dignity,
brains, and a conscience that differentiates between good,
evil, truth, and lies. He said that he is optimistic,
despite the difficulties, despair, and reasons for pessimism.
He ended his speech by calling for Arab leaders to bring
unity, dignity, and prosperity to the Arab nation.

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Guests and Observers
--------------


7. (C) In addition to representatives from 21 of the 22
Arab League states (Libya boycotted),a number of
organizations and countries were invited to attend. The
guests that addressed the assembly included: UN SYG Ban
Ki-Moon (South Korea),President of the 61st Session of the
UNGA Sheikha Haya bin Rashid Al-Khalifa (Bahrain),Pakistani
President Musharraf, IGAD Chairman and Kenyan President
Kibaki, Malaysian Prime Minister and current OIC Chairman
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, and Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In addition to almost all Ambassadors

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accredited to Riyadh, other observers included: European
Union (EU) High Commissioner Javier Solana (in lieu of German
Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier),African Union
Chairman Alfa Omer Konary, OIC SYG Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu,
Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Norwegian Foreign
Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Iranian Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri
Syed Hamid Albar, Indian Minister of State for External
Affairs E. Ahamed, and Chinese Ambassador to Egypt and
Representative to the Arab League Wu Sike. Also in
attendance were Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi
Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki, Sudanese Foreign Affairs
Minister Lam Akol, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee,
Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Spanish Foreign Affairs
Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, an unidentified
representative of Cuba, which is currently the leader of the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),and Slovenian Foreign Minister
Dimitrij Rupel.

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Palestinian Conflict
--------------


8. (C) UN SYG Ban pointed out that after more than 40
years, Arab territory continues to be occupied and the
Palestinian people are denied a state. Pakistani President
Musharraf said that the Palestinian conflict is a tragedy
that affects all Muslims, Arab and non-Arab. He said that
for 60 years, there has been no peace and the Palestinians
have suffered and been denied their rights. Musharraf said
that aggressive Israeli actions are increasing and adversely
impacting a just settlement. UN SYG Ban said that the status
quo is dangerous, emphasizing that the 2002 Arab Peace
Initiative is a clear signal that Arabs want peace. He urged
Israel to take a "fresh look" at it. He called for a
negotiated two-state solution with a secure and fully
recognized Israel and an independent Palestinian state.
However, he warned, an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement
would not be a panacea, although it could help promote
moderation and pluralism. He described the
Israeli-Palestinian dialogue is a positive sign and urged
Israel to engage Palestinian President Abbas in reaching a
final solution.


9. (C) UNGA President Al-Khalifa said that the 2002 Arab
Peace Initiative shows that Arabs want a comprehensive
solution. Malaysian Prime Minister and current OIC Chairman
Abdullah said that the OIC also supports a two-state
solution. Mousa called the Arab-Israeli conflict the core of
prevailing unrest in the region, stating that Israel has
persistently altered geography and demographics, raised
vicious circles, and imposed a "fait accompli" in the
occupied territories. He said that Israel wants the Arabs to
amend the 2002 Arab Peace Proposal, but instead called on
Israel to accept the proposal before calling for amendments.
He decried the "lopsidedness of influential world policy and
bias" towards Israel that has resulted in "paralysis of the
peace process." Malaysian Prime Minister and current OIC
Chairman Abdullah said the U.S. plays an important role, but
is perceived as favoring Israel. Therefore, the U.S. is not
considered as a fair and balanced mediator. Turkish Prime
Minister Erdogan said that the international community should
address the conflict without prejudice. Musharraf said that
the U.S. and Europe have a historic responsibility to resolve
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He said that their
inability to resolve this conflict has damaged their
principles and "moral imperative." Malaysian Prime Minister
and current OIC Chairman Abdullah said that the Arab League,
OIC, and other organizations have a duty to resolve the
problems of the Palestinian people.


10. (C) Mousa called on countries to lift the blockade of
Palestinians, which he claimed, "only serves the interests of
Israel." He commended European countries that have
recognized the Palestinian National Unity Government and
praised the presence of the Norwegian Foreign Minister.
Al-Beshir stated that the Palestinian government needs
immediate budgetary support, calling for the end of the
"unjust blockade" of Palestinian territories by Israel and
the international community in order to support the
newly-formed Palestinian National Unity Government. He added
that this blockade precludes the Palestinians from having a

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"decent and dignified life," and lifting it would alleviate
their suffering. UN SYG Ban criticized Israeli settlements
and construction of physical barriers, citing "constraints"
relating to a meaningful peace process. He described the
formation of the Palestinian National Unity Government as a
"positive sign," calling on the leaders of Hamas and Fatah to
resolve their differences and commending Palestinian
President Abbas for his unambiguous commitment to peace.
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said that Israel should be
cooperative, and both Erdogan and Musharraf spoke positively
about the Palestinian National Unity Government. Mousa,
Al-Beshir, and Musharraf all called for ending the occupation
of Palestinian territories and establishing an independent
Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

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Lebanon
--------------


11. (C) UN SYG Ban said that Lebanon is a priority and
called for a stable and independent Lebanon. He said he
supports the democratically elected government and he would
travel to Lebanon following the Summit. He said he is
pleased that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is
holding, adding that UNIFIL has been strengthened and calling
for full implementation of UN Security Council resolution

1701. Al-Beshir denounced "the unjust aggression by Israel
against Lebanon" that targeted people and infrastructure. He
said that Arab League SYG Mousa had consulted with Arab
governments before convening the extraordinary summit that
helped stopped the aggression. Al-Beshir said the Arab
League then sent a special envoy to Lebanon to end the "media
escalation" between the Lebanese government and its
opposition, and tried to bring together Lebanese Prime
Minister Fuad Siniora and Lebanese President Emile Lahoud.
Since this effort has not yet been successful, Al-Beshir
hoped that this could be accomplished during the Arab League
Summit. UN SYG Ban described Siniora as "impressive" and
urged the Lebanese to resolve their problems through dialogue
and negotiation. Malaysian Prime Minister and current OIC
Chairman Abdullah said that the Lebanese government needs to
be more inclusive. Mousa said that the Arab League and Saudi
Arabia have a "basket of proposals" for bringing harmony and
reconciliation to Lebanon, adding that the "truth of the
crime that befell Hariri" needs to be known.

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Iraq
--------------

12 (C) Pakistani President Musharraf said that Iraq is a
tragedy that affects all Muslims -- Arab and non-Arab. He
called for all to work together to ensure "fairness, justice,
and realism." Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan said that Iraq
is crucial and in turmoil. UN SYG Ban said that Iraq is
troubling, citing the daily attacks on civilians and alleging
decreasing access to essential services. Mousa said that
Iraq has been in tremendous misery since the war began in
March 2003 under "doubtful objectives." Malaysian Prime
Minister and current OIC Chairman Abdullah said there is too
much infighting in Iraq and that the sectarian and tribal
conflicts must stop. He stated that the Iraqis could govern
themselves, noting that before peace can return, they must
unite. Al-Beshir claimed that conditions have deteriorated
over the last year, citing explosions, assassinations, and
violence. Mousa said that sectarian fighting will make
everyone a victim. He said that Arabs, neighboring
countries, and the international community are responsible.
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan called for increased
cooperation and unity, describing the division of Iraq as a
disaster that would be unacceptable to all countries in the
region. UN SYG Ban commended Syria and Jordan for helping
with Iraq refugees, saying that the UN will hold a conference
in Geneva in May to address how to meet the needs of Iraqi
displaced persons and refugees. He added that the UN will
co-chair Iraqi recovery and reconciliation in order to reduce
sectarian violence and improve human rights. He said that
not only "others" have interests in Iraq, but that Arabs have
"huge" interests there.


13. (C) Al-Beshir called for national reconciliation and
support for any initiative that supports Iraq and results in

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a national accord for stability and security. He called for
adjustments to the Iraqi constitution that would benefit
citizens and lead to a just distribution of wealth, as well
as for the withdrawal of foreign forces and a timeframe for
that withdrawal. Mousa said that all concerned should admit
that Iraq needs a political solution -- not just a security
solution. Mousa and Al-Beshir cited the Committee of Iraq
that recently met in Egypt. Mousa said that the Arab League
is ready to hold another conference like those held in Cairo
in 2005 and 2006 so that Iraqi political and religious groups
can achieve a real, historic reconciliation. Mousa called
for a comprehensive understanding involving the UN, OIC, and
Iraq's neighbors so that Iraq can re-emerge on the basis of
"real democracy," not sectarianism. Turkish Prime Minister
Erdogan underlined the importance of Kirkuk. He warned that
any negative events in northern Iraq would lead to greater
difficulties in Iraq and the region.

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Iran
--------------


14. (C) There was remarkably little public discussion of
Iran in the Summit's plenary session. UN SYG Ban said that
Iran is heedless of regional and international concerns.
Musharraf said that the recent meeting between King Abdullah
and Iranian President Ahmadinejad had had a good influence on
the Gulf region, helping to prevent "a new conflict." He
said that the KSA and Iran can work together through
effective diplomacy to avert a disaster in the region.

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Sudan
--------------


15. (C) Arab League SYG Mousa warned of "ever-growing
dangers" in Sudan, and UN SYG Ban said that the fighting has
not ended and there is targeted sexual violence. He said
that all sides have abrogated human rights, adding that there
are two million displaced persons and four million people who
rely on international humanitarian assistance. Ban called
for implementation of the Abuja and Addis Ababa agreements.
Mousa called for no interference in the political life of
Sudan and said that the unity of Sudan should never be
revoked. He called for speeding up the political process in
Darfur and broadening the Abuja peace agreement. He said
that those who did not sign the Abuja peace agreement should
still abide by it. Mousa called for more support and
assistance by governments and civil society for refugee
camps, inviting Arab investment in Sudan and calling for a
development fund. Mousa said that an office had been
established in Juba to support the 2005 peace agreement,
which also addresses Southern Sudan. Mousa also cited the
Addis Ababa agreement on peacekeeping, calling for a dialogue
by the people of Darfur.

16 (C) Al-Beshir noted that the African Union signed the
Abuja Agreement in May 2006, which is a way to move forward
to peace and progress. He said that the parties have started
to implement the military, economic, and political components
of the agreement. Al-Beshir said that sanctions should not
be used to achieve reconciliation and harmony in Darfur,
claiming that UN Security Council resolution 1706 is
difficult to implement. Al-Beshir said he does not want
foreign forces in Sudan, noting that in 2006, the Africa
Peace and Security Council adopted a plan that has three
parts. He pointed out that a mission had been dispatched to
Darfur and he called for maintaining the African character of
forces in Darfur. He said that the UN should promote peace
and security. Al-Beshir asked for contributions so that the
African Union mission can continue. He specifically thanked
Egypt, Algeria, and Jordan. IGAD Chairman and Kenyan
President Kibaki pointed out that Sudan is a member of IGAD
and that January 9, 2007 marked the second anniversary of a
peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan
People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). He thanked
Al-Beshir for remaining steadfast in implementing the
agreement, although he pointed out that obstacles need to be
overcome in order to fully implement it.

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Somalia

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--------------


17. (C) Mousa warned of "ever-growing dangers" in the Horn
of Africa, while UN SYG Ban said that Somalia is in a dire
situation. Ban cited banditry, violence, and clan rivalries,
noting that one in nine Somalis is displaced. He called on
the transitional government to achieve a peaceful solution,
not a military solution. Mousa announced that the SAG hosted
a morning meeting regarding Somalia on March 28. He also
said that the Arab League backs Somali legitimacy and called
for support for President Youssef, the withdrawal of
Ethiopian forces, the reaffirmation of Somali sovereignty,
Arab investment in Somalia, and the convening of a conference
on reconstruction for Somalia. Al-Beshir called for
stability and security and requested contributions for the
Somalia Fund. He said that the Arab League secretariat had
held two sessions in 2006 (July and September) to promote a
comprehensive national reconciliation that involves all
parties in the country.


18. (C) IGAD Chairman and Kenyan President Kibaki pointed out
that Somalia is a member of IGAD, noting that the African
Union asked IGAD to restore normalcy to Somalia. Hence, in
October 2004, the Reconciliation Charter established the
Somalia's transitional federal government. He also said that
the last few months have raised concerns and that there is
now a historic opportunity to help the transitional federal
government restore peace and security. He said that on April
17, an all inclusive national reconciliation conference will
be held in Somalia that will include all Somali leaders from
all religions and clans in an effort to promote forgiveness
and tolerance. IGAD is asking the international community
and the Arab League to provide unconditional support,
especially financial support, in a timely manner. He
emphasized that this support is needed so that additional
African Union troops can be deployed. He thanked Algeria for
providing aircraft and welcomed the UN Technical Assistance
Team that will be training the Somali police and army. He
said that the UN should take over from the African Union in
the next six months.

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Nuclear Weapons
--------------


19. (C) UN SYG Ban and UNGA President Al-Khalifa called for
a region free of nuclear weapons. Al-Khalifa also called for
a region free of all weapons of mass destruction. Mousa
called for a regional nuclear-free zone and said that the
Arab League opposes any nuclear weapons, without exception,
in the Middle East. In a clear allusion to Iran and Israel,
he said that one country cannot be denied nuclear weapons and
another country allowed to have them. He said that every
country has the right to the peaceful use of nuclear
technology. Without elaborating, he said that this issue
"serves the purposes of others." Al-Khalifa called for
respect for international law, as well as national legitimacy
that includes the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy
with transparency.

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On the Margins
--------------


20. (C) The media reported that Egypt proposed that the
Arab League forge closer military and security ties,
including nuclear cooperation. Reportedly, Egypt, Syria, and
Saudi Arabia held their own summit on March 28 before the
beginning of the Arab League Summit. The media also reported
that on March 27, King Abdullah met with Syrian President
Asad, ostensibly to discuss Lebanon and other key regional
issues. Libyan leader Gaddafi reportedly claimed that the
U.S. had made the Arab League's decisions for it.

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Fighting Corruption
--------------


21. (C) Mousa urged combating corruption in the Arab world.
He said that this fight is the concern of many. He said
that regional and international organizations have shown that
corruption has an adverse impact on economic development.

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--------------
Extremism
--------------


22. (C) UN SYG Ban said that unemployment and the lack of
economic and political opportunities for youth can encourage
radicalism. He said that all people, regardless of religion
or nationality, should be free from want and fear. UNGA
President Al-Khalifa called for controlling and combating
sectarianism and fanaticism. Musharraf warned against the
rise of "extremists and obscurantists," especially in Iraq.
He said that fringe elements are maligning the Muslim culture
and religion. He said that the West campaigns to "defame and
provoke clashes with Islam." Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan
warned that the international community perceives Islam as
negative and thinks that it encourages violence, pointing
out, however, that it actually cherishes all people
regardless of religion or ethnicity.
--------------
Arab League Items
--------------


23. (C) Malaysian Prime Minister and current OIC Chairman
Abdullah said that the inability to show unity and strong
resolve only strengthens the tendency to marginalize Muslims
and perceive them as divided. Mousa commended work with the
African Union, the IGAD, China, Turkey, and Southeast Asia,
as well as outgoing Arab League chairman Al-Beshir for his
"distinctive and active manner" in shouldering with "deep
sincerity" the responsibilities to implement the Arab
League's agenda. Al-Beshir talked about Arab-African
cooperation (1977),Arab-Latin American cooperation (2005),
and Arab-Chinese cooperation (2006 - 2008). He called for
the development of joint Arab action and the ratification of
amendments to the Arab League Charter, including creation of
an Arab Peace and Security Council, an Arab Court of Justice,
and an Arab Scientific Research Council. Mousa also reminded
Arab League members of the need to ratify the decision at the
2006 Khartoum Summit to establish an Arab Peace and Security
Council. He said that this Arab Peace and Security Council
will coordinate with the UN Security Council and the African
Union Peace and Security Council. (NOTE: Reportedly, only
four members out of a required seven have ratified the Arab
Peace and Security Council agreement. The six Gulf
Cooperation Council members already have a military agreement
and have agreed to a Gulf Shield Defense Force. END NOTE).
Mousa said the Arab League supported the UAE in regaining its
three islands.


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Human development
--------------


24. (C) UN SYG Ban cited the Arab achievements to increase
literacy and life expectancy. He said that a dynamic Arab
civil society bodes well for the region. UNGA President
Al-Khalifa called for the Arab League to move from its peace
and security foundation to social and economic issues,
especially facilitating the movement of people and goods.
She called for women have "full rights at different levels,"
emphasizing that women are a pillar in the promotion of
development. She said that King Abdullah has demonstrated
the importance of women in building communities. Mousa
called for reactivation of the Arab Economic and Social
Council, modernization of the Arab League general secretary,
establishment of an Arab Free Trade Zone, increased trade
among Arab League members, and liberalization of the services
industry to include transport, tourism, sustainable
development, and the development of industries. Mousa
commended the Egyptian-Kuwaiti proposal to hold an economic
summit and called on the Arab Economic Council to prepare for
this summit. Mousa also called for open dialogue and
denounced slander against the culture and identity of the
Muslim people that sows doubts and jeopardizes security and
stability. Additionally, he called for commitment and
harmony in furthering economic and social cooperation and
addressing issues pertaining to women, children, and
families. Mousa said that Mauritania had embarked on the
path of democracy, empowerment of women, and a greater role
for civil society. Mousa said that the Arab League had done
an appraisal of education in member countries, conducted

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analytical studies, proposed reforms to modernize education,
and established an Arab Education Quality Assurance
Organization. Al-Beshir reported that in December 2006, a
seminar was held in Khartoum for the promotion of scientific
research and technology involving the Arab League and
ministries of higher education.

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COMMENT
--------------


25. (S) King Abdullah's choice of the opening session of
the Arab League summit as a venue to voice tough and rare
public criticism of U.S. policy in Iraq was both intentional
and consequential. The King was clearly playing to his Arab
League audience. He also may have been attempting to balance
Saudi criticism of Iran with a public jibe at the U.S. That
said, there can be no doubt that he was signaling the
Kingdom's intention to put more daylight between its Iraq
policy and that of the U.S. The possibility of U.S. troop
withdrawals from Iraq, widely reported and discussed in the
press here, has clearly unnerved the Saudi government (SAG),
and Abdullah's remarks may be seen as an indication that the
SAG is positioning itself for the next phase of developments
in Iraq, following a potential U.S. withdrawal.


26. (S) Some speakers equated the Arab nation with the
Islamic nation (ummah),thus reinforcing stereotypes and
undermining claims of inclusion and tolerance of all
religions and sects in the Arab world. Others appealed for
unity in the Islamic nation, pointing out that the Arab
nation is a part of a greater and more important whole.
Iran, although a major preoccupation for many of the
countries in attendance, was notable by its absence from the
summit's plenary discussions. Summit speakers, including the
King, preferred to emphasize the need for Arab unity in order
to address such regional problems as Lebanon, Iraq, Somalia,
and Sudan. Through its organization of the summit and its
agenda, Saudi Arabia has clearly demonstrated its ambition to
play a greater leadership role in the Arab world. END
COMMENT.
OBERWETTER