Fighting terror key Arab issue, says AL

CAIRO, Nov 23, (KUNA): Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmad Abul-Gheit said Thursday that fighting terrorism is one of the key challenges and dangers currently facing the Arab world.

Abul-Gheit’s remarks were made on his behalf by his Assistant for Political Affairs Fadhel Jawad before the 33rd session of the Council of Arab Justice Ministers in Cairo.

The Council is keen on finding a mechanism to secure the implementation of Arab counter-terrorism agreements, and observe member-countries’ application of these agreements, said the Arab League chief.

The League is working on all levels to counter terrorism, he said, noting that a team of anti-terrorism experts, affiliated with Arab foreign ministers’ council, is constantly following the ongoing regional challenges to find solutions for them.

Abul-Gheit also valued the council’s recent efforts in forming a special committee, consisted of Arab judicial experts, to examine ways to criminalize the payment of ransoms, noting that such a step affirms the council’s rejection of all forms of blackmail by terrorist organizations.

He also pointed out the importance of the Arab Convention to Fight Corruption, signed jointly in December 2010 by Arab interior and justice ministers, noting that such a regional legal framework completes and boosts the UN Convention against corruption.

Abul-Gheit also mentioned the Arab Convention on Regulating Status of Refugees in the Arab Countries is of significant importance, highlighting the council’s efforts in studying and updating the convention, which aims to limit the influx of refugees to Arab countries.

He also said the Council of Arab Justice Ministers has contributed in unifying Arab legislations, commending the council’s efforts in carrying out its duties and missions in facing major challenges in the Middle East region.

Kuwaiti Justice Minister Faleh Al-Azab said Thursday it is imperative to exert concerted regional and international efforts to wipe out terrorism.

Addressing the 33rd Session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Justice, the Kuwaiti minister said the eradication of terrorism requires fighting related crimes such as money laundering and financing of terrorism.

“This matter necessitates international and regional cooperation to fight all these crimes and wipe out their root causes,” said Al-Azab, who doubles as Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs.

He briefed the ministers on a recent resolution by the Arab League to support Kuwait’s bid for membership of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) for 2019-2011.

Al-Azab, who is chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Justice Ministers, called for promoting cooperation and coordination among Arab countries in legal and judicial domains.

The Kuwaiti minister hoped that the meeting would come up with recommendations aiming at bolstering cooperation and integration among Arab societies and governments.

Arab justice ministers Thursday underlined the necessity of stepping up cooperation among Arab countries in the field of sharing information on terrorism.

The call was given in a statement issued at the wrapping-up of the 33rd session of the Council of Arab Justice Ministers in Cairo.