Arab FMs call for regional strategy to counter terrorism, ISIL

Arab Foreign Ministers meeting Cairo on Sunday condemned acts of terrorism which target security and stability in the region, threatening the territorial integrity of some Arab states.
The 142nd ministerial session today called upon the member states to draw up national and regional anti-terrorism strategies and voiced backing to arrangements taken by the Arab countries to repel terrorist attacks.
In this regard, the Arab Foreign Ministers condemned the acts of terrorism targeting Iraq, committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other armed groups. They rejected linking terrorism to any faith or nationality or civilization, calling for boosting dialogue and understanding among people, civilizations and cultures.
On Palestine, the ministerial meeting underscored the necessity of more serious work for a radical solution to the Palestinian cause, ending the Israeli occupation, which is the core of the struggle. They supported the Palestinian Authority's move seeking international protection for the Palestinian people.
In their resolution on "the Palestinian cause, the Arab-Israeli conflict and activating the peace initiative", the ministers supported efforts by the "occupied Palestine state" to have full membership in specialized agencies as well as joining the international protocols and charters.
They also urged the US and the Quartet to pressure Israel to honor its previous commitments, providing favorable conditions for a serious presumption of negotiations within a definite timetable.
Meanwhile, the ministerial meeting today stressed full commitment to Yemen's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, rejecting any foreign interference in the country's affairs.
They appreciated in the efforts by the Yemeni President, Abdrabbo Mansour Hadi to implement the outcome of the National Dialogue Conference, and his call to the political powers in the country to support him to quash attempts of escalation or undermining the ongoing political process.
In the meantime, the Arab Foreign Ministers reaffirmed UAE's sovereignty over the Abu Moussa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa islands occupied by Iran. They voiced backing to peaceful procedures by the UAE to recover sovereignty over the islands.
They also urged Tehran to respond to sincere calls to end the dispute over the islands.