DOHA, 27 May — Assistant Foreign Minister Dr. Nizar Madani said yesterday that Israel’s ongoing military campaign against unarmed Palestinian civilians would increase tension in the Middle East and endanger peace and stability around the world.
Addressing an emergency meeting of Islamic foreign ministers here, Madani reiterated the Saudi position that the Palestinian problem is an Arab and Islamic issue. “We should do our part for the success of our causes before seeking outside help,” he told the delegates.
He said the Palestinians re-launched the intifada because they were disappointed with the outcome of the peace process, which failed due to the Israeli intransigence.
Madani, who led the Kingdom’s delegation to the meeting, denounced Israel’s oppressive measures, its expansion of Jewish settlements and confiscation of Arab land as well as its violation of the sanctity of the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem.
“After 10 years of treaties (with Israel) the Palestinians have found themselves besieged by Jewish settlements,” Madani said. He said the Palestinians live in complete insecurity as their houses are being demolished by Israeli troops and their economy is being strangled.
He said the Israeli government’s aggressive measures have proved that it was distancing itself from the path of peace and dialogue and resorting to war and destruction to achieve its expansionist goals.
The Saudi minister urged Arab and Islamic countries to stand united to confront the challenges. “We have to understand that Islamic solidarity does not mean just holding conferences or issuing statements, it needs concrete action,” he said.
He said the United Nations has a responsibility to find a just and lasting solution for the Palestinian question, ending occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
