UN chief addresses Arab Summit

United Nations' (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon addressed on Saturday the 26th Arab Summit, currently in session in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh, according to the UN News Center.
"I thank President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the Government of Egypt for inviting me to address this Summit of the League of Arab States at this pivotal time.
I sincerely hope that under the able leadership of President Sisi we will address many challenges and issues of this region, he said.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the Emir of Kuwait for his leadership during this past year as the President of the League of Arab States, he added.
Four years ago, a generation of Arabs rose against tyranny. Last year, this effort bore fruit in Tunisia.
Tunisia became a model for the region and beyond. Yet the recent terrorist attack in Tunis highlights how extremists are targeting innocents and the fragile democratic process itself, he said.
Today, war and violence in the region, reprehensible acts of terrorism, and the seemingly endless Israeli occupation of Palestine are causing enormous suffering. The impact of all these threats transcends the Arab world. They pose a direct challenge to international peace and security, he said.
To counter these trends, we must address the root causes that fuel extremism and violence. Even when security measures are needed, reliance on military approaches alone will not solve these problems, the UN chief said
Security responses must be done in a way that protects human rights and dignity, he added.
Fighting extremism while committing abuses is not only wrong, it is counter-productive, according to Ban Ki-moon.
Wherever this is tried, we find that the appeal for extremism actually increases. Without good governance, the rule of law, respect for women’s rights and all human rights, long-term political stability will remain a mirage, he stressed.
"Nowhere are the problems of governance and radicalism more pressing than in Syria.
The Syrian people have now entered the fifth year of a war that has ripped their country to shreds.
Speaking today to the distinguished leadership of the Arab world, I confess to you my anger and my shame.
Anger at observing the Syrian government, extremist and terrorist groups and terrorists relentlessly destroy their country.
Shame at sharing in the collective failure of international and regional communities to decisively act to stop the carnage that has afflicted the Arab brothers and sisters of Syria.
The crisis risks spreading as fast as our credibility risks shrinking.
The Syrian people are being betrayed and this cannot continue.
I am instructing my Special Envoy, Staffan de Mistura, to intensify our political efforts and to consult widely with Security Council members as well as throughout the region, including with the Syrian parties themselves.
Specifically, he and his team will work to operationalize and flesh out elements in the Geneva communique.
I plead that we collectively move forward in implementing the Geneva Communique.
As we discuss how to do that, I count on your full and urgent support.
Following this Summit, I will attend the Third International Humanitarian Pledging Conference for Syria.
I thank the Emir of Kuwait for his compassionate leadership in convening that vital gathering. I also thank you for your generous contributions. I urge you to do even more to respond to the suffering and misery resulting from the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.
Lebanon remains unique in the face of the continuing impact of the Syrian conflict, including the growing threat by Daesh and others.
Yet, Lebanon continues to stand as an example of co-existence. I urge Lebanese political leaders to overcome their political differences and elect a President to fill the leadership vacuum which has stretched for over a year".
"Seven months after the end of yet another war with Israel, Gaza remains a tinderbox – and the situation is getting worse by the day.
Neither blockade nor military action has made either side safer. I call on donors to make good on the pledges they made in Cairo last October. Help bring Gaza back to life.
Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal and constitute a serious impediment to peace.
The Arab-Israeli peace process is further threatened by calls to discard or undermine the two-state solution endorsed by the international community and outlined in the visionary Arab Peace Initiative that you adopted in your 2002 summit.
Once again, I urge Israel to end what is now nearly half a century of occupation. I urge the Palestinians to overcome their divisions. And I call upon the friends and supporters of both to push for a just and lasting solution based on international law.
I know how worried all of you are about the unraveling situation in Yemen and the tremendous toll it is taking on an already suffering population.
This morning I have listened very carefully to the statements by Saudi King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Yemeni President Hadi of Yemen.
I share those deep concerns. I have repeatedly condemned the attempts by the Houthis and former president Saleh to undermine political agreements by military force.
I take note that military action has been undertaken at the request of Yemen’s sovereign and legitimate leader, President Hadi.
I also recall the Security Council Presidential Statement of March 22 that encourages Yemenis to return as quickly as possible to an inclusive political process, conducted in good faith.
Further to the west, it is crucial that we continue to encourage dialogue among the Libyan people. UN-facilitated talks between Libyan actors are continuing along multiple tracks, facilitated by my Special Representative Bernardino Leon. The preservation of Libya’s unity and territorial integrity is essential.
In Iraq, I encourage leaders to continue and deepen national reconciliation efforts. I appreciate the League’s support to the people and government of Iraq in their fight against Daesh. This support also benefits regional stability.
As for Somalia, I urge all partners to fully support the political progress in the country, while stepping up efforts to stabilize the areas recovered from Al Shabaab control.
National dialogue is also critical in Sudan and I urge that the process take place in a credible and conducive environment.
In closing, I am pleased by the ever-strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States.
This must be a year of global action for sustainable development and dignity for all. We will reach the target date of the Millennium Development Goals and have the chance to adopt a new generation of sustainable development goals in September and a meaningful, global climate agreement in December in Paris, according to Ban Ki-moon.