JEDDAH, 20 February 2004 — Saudi Arabia and Egypt yesterday rejected outside imposition of reforms in the Arab world in an apparent reference to US calls for democracy in the Middle East. They also called for a speedy withdrawal of occupation forces from Iraq.
The leaders of the two countries “affirmed that Arab states proceed on the path of development, modernization and reform in keeping with their people’s interests and values,” a joint statement said.
Arab states “do not accept that a particular pattern of reform be imposed on Arab and Islamic countries from outside,” the statement added.
The statement followed talks between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, in Riyadh.
Modernization and reform must also fulfill the people’s needs and be compatible with “their Arab identity”, said the statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.
The statement comes after US Secretary of State Colin Powell said Washington was considering a major international initiative aimed at encouraging democratic reforms in the greater Middle East and looking for ways to “institutionalize” such a project.
The Egyptian president, who left the Kingdom later in the evening, was accompanied by Information Minister Safwat Al-Sharif and Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher.
The two countries emphasized that a just solution must be found for Arab and Islamic issues, especially Palestine and Iraq, to achieve stability in the Middle East region.
“They agreed to a common position on improving the Arab situation, which they will present at the upcoming meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo,” the statement said.
The leaders of the two countries stressed the need to restart peace talks with Israel to achieve a comprehensive settlement and reduce tension.
“They also agreed to revive the Arab peace plan endorsed by the Arab summit in Beirut in 2002.”
Referring to Iraq, the two leaders emphasized that its territorial unity must be protected and its sovereignty and independence respected. They said they would not interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs.
The two countries emphasized the Iraqis’ right to self-determination and establish their own state, and called on the United Nations to play a decisive role in the interim period.
The statement urged the United Nations to pave the way for the quick withdrawal of occupation forces from Iraq.
