Arab summit calls for dialogue between regime and opposition in Syria...

34^min

Arab leaders called on both the Syrian regime and the opposition to embark on a dialogue and unite.

At the end of the Arab summit, Arab leaders accused the Syrian authorities of committing crimes against humanity in Homs.

The first Arab Summit in Baghdad for more than 22 years opened on Thursday with only nine leaders from the 22-member Arab League in attendance. The nine Arab leaders gathered in the presidential palace.

At the outset, Libyan President Mustafa Abdul Jalil transferred the summit’s presidency to Iraqi President Jalal Talibani. Abdul Jalil addressed Arab leaders saying that a stern position regarding the oppression and violence of the Syrian regime should be taken.

For his part, Talibani said that the aspirations of the Syrian people should be taken into account, underscoring the need to support Kofi Annan’s mission.

Arab League Secretary General Nabil el-Araby said that some countries were bound to be swept away by the winds of change, adding that the Syrian government was given several opportunities to respond to the efforts of the Arab League. El-Araby added that Israel is still defying the international legitimacy.

U.N. Secretary General Ban ki-Moon said that the road towards democracy is not easy, “we will help countries living through a transitional period”.

Ban added that Assad must live up to his promises through clear measures, calling on the opposition to cooperate with Annan.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Israeli transgressions in Jerusalem are similar to a genocide against Palestinians, highlighting the importance of activating the Arab initiative.

Lebanese President Michel Sleiman said that diversity in Arab countries can be considered as a source of wealth and a guarantee for stability rather than a reason for division. Sleiman voiced hope that efforts will eventually lead to a political solution that will settle the Syrian crisis.

This summit is considered to be an exceptional event that will mainly tackle the Syrian crisis. The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad is conducting his first historical visit since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait during the mandate of late Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in 1990.

It was earlier reported that a rocket or mortar round landed on the edge of the fortified Green Zone in Iraq's capital on Thursday, where the Arab League summit was taking place, a senior security source said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. A Reuters reporter at the scene also heard the blast.

Reuters/LBCI

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