Arab League Jeddah summit’s final declaration emphasizes unity of stance on issues of security and stability

Arab League Jeddah summit’s final declaration emphasizes unity of stance on issues of security and stability
Arab leaders meet before the summit in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Updated 21 May 2023
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Arab League Jeddah summit’s final declaration emphasizes unity of stance on issues of security and stability

Arab League Jeddah summit’s final declaration emphasizes unity of stance on issues of security and stability
  • Communique addresses tensions between Israel and Palestine, conflict in Sudan, Yemen peace process
  • Says Syria’s return to the Arab League will contribute to country’s stabilization and reunification

JEDDAH: Arab League member states met on Friday in the Saudi coastal city of Jeddah for a historic summit in which, for the first time in more than a decade, representatives of all 22 nations took part.

During the summit on Friday, the organization’s 32nd, members adopted the Jeddah Declaration, which reaffirmed the Arab League’s united stance on achieving security and stability across the Arab world and beyond.

This was only the second summit, following a gathering in Algeria last November, to take place following a three-year hiatus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It covered a number of topics, including tensions between Israel and Palestine, the conflict in Sudan, the peace process in Yemen, instability in Libya, and Lebanon’s political situation.

Significantly, this was the first time Syria had been invited to participate in an Arab League Summit since its suspension from the organization in 2011.

The summit’s final communique reaffirmed “the centrality of the Palestinian cause” to Arab countries and as one of the main factors for stability in the region. It condemned all practices and violations inflicted upon the Palestinians, their lives, properties and existence.

The communique also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution, as per UN Security Council Resolution 242 and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Furthermore, it reiterated previous summit positions, including the need the need for protection of Muslim sites in Jerusalem.




The crown prince emphasized that the Palestinian cause was, and still is, the pivotal issue for all Arabs. (SPA)

The conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians has escalated since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to power late last year at the helm of a coalition government that includes far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties.

Violence has flared in the West Bank, where the Israeli army has staged repeated raids against militants that have often flared into street clashes or gun battles.

Gaza also saw five days of cross-border fire between Israel and militant groups this month that killed 33 Palestinians and two people in Israel — the worst violence since a three-day escalation in August last year killed 49 Palestinians.

Israel, meanwhile, has been shaken by its biggest domestic political crisis in decades, as sustained mass protests have broken out against plans to reform the justice system, spearheaded by Netanyahu who continues to battle corruption charges in court.

On the issue of the conflict in Sudan, meanwhile, where clashes broke out on April 15 between the army and paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces, the communique called on the warring parties to return to the negotiating table and for civilians to be protected.




The crown prince with Dafallah Al-Haj, the envoy for Sudan’s army chief. (AFP)

It rejected “foreign interference that could ignite the conflict and threaten regional security and stability,” while commending the critical steps taken during the Jeddah meetings that began on May 6 to continue talks and end the crisis.

About 1,000 people have been killed so far during the conflict, mainly in and around the capital Khartoum and in the long-troubled western region of Darfur. More than 5,000 people have been injured.

The crisis has sparked a massive displacement crisis, with more than 840,000 people displaced inside Sudan and at least 220,000 crossing borders into other countries, according to the UN. The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has said 25 million people — more than half the population of Sudan — are in need of humanitarian aid and protection.

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Syria’s Arab League membership was suspended in 2011 as a result of the regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests, which later spiraled into a 12-year civil war that has divided the nation and displaced half of its pre-war population.

The summit’s declaration stated that the return of Syria to the Arab League would contribute to the stabilization and reunification of the country, while assistance from member states would “help Syria resolve its crisis” and once again become a contributing member of the Arab world.

 

Regarding Yemen, the communique urged support for the stalled peace effort in the country. It reaffirmed international and regional efforts to reach a political solution to the crisis based on the three references in the Gulf initiative and the implementation of its mechanisms, the Yemeni national dialogue, and Security Council Resolution 2216.

The resolution stipulates that the Houthis must withdraw from all areas seized during the conflict, relinquish arms seized from military and security institutions, cease all actions falling exclusively within the authority of the legitimate government of Yemen, and fully implement previous Security Council resolutions.




Syrian President Bashar Assad at the summit. (SPA)

Last month, Mohammed Al-Jaber, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Yemen, arrived in Houthi-held Sanaa with a draft text of a peace proposal that addressed points of contention between the Yemeni government and the Houthis.

On the situation in Lebanon, the declaration expressed solidarity with the nation and called on “all Lebanese factions” to elect a president and implement reforms to pull Lebanon out of its ongoing economic crisis. The country has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2022, when Michel Aoun’s term officially ended.




The crown prince with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. (AFP)

The declaration also rejected any and all interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries or support for unauthorized and illegitimate armed groups and militias, while stressing that internal military conflicts will not resolve any issues but only exacerbate the suffering of the region’s people and hold back development.

Finally, the declaration reaffirmed the importance of sustainable development, security, stability and living in peace as inherent rights for all Arab citizens, to be achieved by concerted and integrated efforts from all member states.

It committed those members to continuing the fight against crime and corruption at all levels, and to the mobilization of capabilities to create a future based on innovation in a way that serves and enhances security, stability and well-being.


Over 260,000 Saudi students gear up for AI Olympics

The initiative aimed to raise tech awareness among students. (SPA)
The initiative aimed to raise tech awareness among students. (SPA)
Updated 35 sec ago
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Over 260,000 Saudi students gear up for AI Olympics

The initiative aimed to raise tech awareness among students. (SPA)
  • This competition will test students’ tech skills in problem-solving and AI algorithms, focusing on analyzing problems, designing learning-based algorithms, data structuring, and programming

RIYADH: The National Olympics for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, or ATHKA, achieved a record-breaking enrolment of more than 260,000 Saudi students from over 10,000 schools at intermediate and secondary levels in the Kingdom.

ATHKA, a collaboration between the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the Ministry of Education, and the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, or Mawhiba, aims to foster a generation skilled in programming and AI.

The application process starts with a qualifying test and progresses to a remote stage, featuring 30 hours of training for competition readiness. The five-day competition is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, starting April 23, 2024.

This competition will test students’ tech skills in problem-solving and AI algorithms, focusing on analyzing problems, designing learning-based algorithms, data structuring, and programming.

In April 2023, the Kingdom secured second place globally in societal awareness of AI. This achievement follows a survey demonstrating increased confidence among Saudi citizens in utilizing AI products and services.

In October, the Ministry of Education introduced the Artificial Intelligence Hour initiative, a training program for 575,000 students and 9,700 teachers in over 1,300 schools across Saudi Arabia, focusing on the concepts of AI.

The initiative aimed to raise tech awareness among students, inspiring the next generation of programmers as part of the Kingdom’s youth empowerment efforts.

Since 2019, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has elevated awareness and built human capabilities in data and AI while Mawhiba, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, trains gifted public school students in various subjects.

 

 


Riyadh Theater Festival to kick off on Wednesday

The Riyadh Theater Festival will be held between Dec. 13-24 at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University. (@MOCPerformArt)
The Riyadh Theater Festival will be held between Dec. 13-24 at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University. (@MOCPerformArt)
Updated 14 min 11 sec ago
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Riyadh Theater Festival to kick off on Wednesday

The Riyadh Theater Festival will be held between Dec. 13-24 at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University. (@MOCPerformArt)
  • The festival will take place between Dec. 13-24 at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University

RIYADH: Ten plays by Saudi theater groups will compete for 11 awards at the Riyadh Theater Festival, the Kingdom’s Theater and Performing Arts Commission has announced.

The festival will take place between Dec. 13-24 and its first session will take place at Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University where shortlisted plays will be performed, the CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission Sultan Al-Bazie said.

The plays were shortlisted according to factors including their appeal to audiences, quality, serious and creative presentation, and language used.

The awards that are up for grabs include: best actor, best actress, best theatrical script, best theatrical directing, best integrated theatrical performance, best theatrical lighting, best scenography, best theatrical make-up, best theatrical costumes, best theatrical music, and best theatrical decoration.

The festival will also celebrate the life of the late Saudi writer and playwright Mohammed Al-Othaim by putting on a play based on his vision as a director, displaying an art exhibition related to his artistic career, holding seminars and critical readings, hosting a workshop on theater arts and developing and refining the skills of playwrights, and presenting an international play.

The festival aims to refine and develop Saudi talent by helping participants to carve out successful careers and create content that inspires the audience and elevates the Saudi theatrical sector, which is considered one of the most promising sectors in the Kingdom.

The selected plays are as follows: 

  • “Sea” by the Al-Ahsa Culture and Arts Association Troupe
  • “The Forbidden” by the First Leap Club Troupe
  • “Beginnings of Abandonment” by the Close Media Ensemble
  • “Slap” by the Kalos Ensemble
  • “The Devil’s Memory” by Ruya Ensemble
  • “Light” by Taif Theater
  • “Newspaper Seller” by the Fun Box Ensemble
  • “Yellow Memory” by the Nawras Ensemble
  • “Closed Roundabout” by the Masma Theater Club
  • “The Last Shadow” by the National Theater Ensemble

Saudi National Museum to host cultural activities

Saudi National Museum to host cultural activities
Updated 11 December 2023
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Saudi National Museum to host cultural activities

Saudi National Museum to host cultural activities

RIYADH: Officials at the Saudi National Museum in Riyadh have unveiled a list of cultural activities lined up for December.

They include an event on Dec. 18 to mark World Arabic Language Day, and a meeting accompanying the “Hijrah: In the Footsteps of the Prophet” exhibition, on display since the start of the current Hijri year.

The meeting will tackle the subject of the relationship between language and the elegance of poetry, and the repercussions of Hijrah (Arabic for migration) on the literary genre in the Arabic language.

The exhibition reveals details of the most prominent journey in Islamic history, reflecting its importance in history and human civilization, and consolidating the understanding of the journey and its value for Islamic, Arab, and global history.

On Dec. 22, the museum will host a poetry event titled “Language Weaves a Shining Garment” as part of the Year of Arabic Poetry 2023 initiative. It will be attended by poet and writer Jassim Al-Sahih, and poet and novelist Sarah Al-Zein.

The event will celebrate the art of language, showcasing creativity and originality that exemplifies the distinctive garment woven by the Arabic language.

Through the events, the museum aims to combine the language of the Qur’an with the migration of the Prophet Muhammad, while also celebrating Arabic poetry.

The focus will be on acknowledging the diversity of poetry’s purposes, its cultural significance, pivotal role in Arab culture, and its capacity to articulate a wide range of human emotions.


Gulf states making strides in advancing human rights, says GCC chief

Gulf states making strides in advancing human rights, says GCC chief
Updated 11 December 2023
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Gulf states making strides in advancing human rights, says GCC chief

Gulf states making strides in advancing human rights, says GCC chief
  • Jassem Albudaiwi renewed his call to the international community to intervene to stop the Israeli assault on Gaza Strip

RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council countries have made significant strides in advancing human rights and protecting human dignity as a result of directives issued by the organization’s leaders, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said.

Albudaiwi was speaking on Human Rights Day, observed annually on Dec. 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948. This year marks the 75th anniversary of its adoption, with the theme “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.”

The GCC secretary-general renewed his call to the international community to intervene to stop the Israeli assault on Gaza Strip, saying that Israel’s actions have resulted in killings, displacement, and gross violations of international laws and conventions.

The international community should condemn this aggression and destruction, and take steps to end the crimes against humanity, and provide protection to the Palestinian people, he said.

Albudaiwi said that since the establishment of GCC in 1981, leaders of the GCC countries “have shown great interest and care for human rights issues.”

This interest has resulted in many achievements in all areas “through the enactment of legislation and laws supporting human rights.”

Article 2 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration, adopted on Dec. 9, 2014, emphasizes equality in human dignity, rights, and freedoms, stating that people should be treated equally before the law, without discrimination based on origin, sex, religion, language, color or any other factors.

Albudaiwi said that this statement is in keeping with the theme adopted this year on Human Rights Day.

He highlighted the GCC’s pride in member countries’ progress in civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, saying that they pursue an approach that integrates these rights in constitutions and legislation, supported by measures to ensure they are respected. These rights and freedoms are deeply rooted in Islamic Shariah, he added.

Albudaiwi also underlined the GCC countries’ commitment to expanding and safeguarding human rights in accordance with the directives of the GCC countries’ leaders, and with the principles outlined in the UN Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This commitment aims to achieve inclusive development within a framework of justice and equality.

The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has condemned what it describes as double standards in applying human rights norms globally in light of the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip.

The IPHRC voiced its concerns after joining worldwide events to mark Human Rights Day. The commission said that after more than two months of Israeli aggression in Gaza, and more than 17,000 civilian casualties, the international community is failing in its responsibility to act on credible accounts of war crimes being committed by Israeli forces.

The commission voiced concern about human rights violations affecting millions worldwide, and cited the deteriorating conditions for Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, persistent violence and discrimination against Muslims in India, and the continued plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris under oppressive regimes.

The IPHRC called for an end to double standards in applying human rights norms globally, and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, the rule of law, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.


Saudi project clears 733 Houthi mines in Yemen in a week

Saudi project clears 733 Houthi mines in Yemen in a week
Updated 11 December 2023
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Saudi project clears 733 Houthi mines in Yemen in a week

Saudi project clears 733 Houthi mines in Yemen in a week
  • 424,527 mines cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018

RIYADH: Project Masam, a Saudi initiative to clear land mines in Yemen, in the first week of December dismantled 733 mines planted by the Iran-backed Houthi militia.

Overseen by the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, the project’s special teams destroyed 618 unexploded ordnance, 110 anti-tank mines, four anti-personnel mines, and one explosive device.

The devices, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a significant threat to the lives of innocent people, including children, women, and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia on the orders of King Salman to help the Yemeni people, clearing routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale, and Saada.

A total of 424,527 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Algosaibi, the project’s managing director.

These include 267,958 items of unexploded ordnance, 142,223 anti-tank mines, 7,921 improvised explosive devices, and 6,425 anti-personnel mines.

The project trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Up to 5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines on their land.

Masam teams are tasked with clearing areas as an immediate humanitarian priority. They clear areas such as villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian goods and services.

The project’s contract was extended for another year in June at a cost of $33.29 million.