Arab officials to follow up on joint force plan

SHARM EL SHEIKH — Arab leaders officially approved forming a joint military rapid response force by Arab countries to preserve their stability and security when the need arises.

Participation in the joint force will be optional for member states of the Arab League. The force's main task is to address threats facing any Arab state or pan-Arab security, including those posed by terrorist organisations, the Arab leaders said in the Sharm El Sheikh Declaration at the end of the 26th Arab League Summit.

The force will be sent to any Arab country that requests intervention, according to the declaration announced by Arab League Secretary General Nabil El Araby at the end of the two-day summit, which attracted 14 heads of Arab states.

The Arab leaders tasked the Arab League to convene an inter-governmental meeting of high-ranking figures under the supervision of commanders of Arab armies in a month to look into measures and mechanisms of the joint force, according to the declaration, a copy of which was obtained by The Jordan Times.

At the planned meeting, participants will look into procedures for the military force and set the necessary budget.

The outcomes of the meeting will be discussed during another meeting to be held after three months and presented to the Joint Arab Defence Council, according to the communiqué.

Iraq was the only state to voice reservations over this resolution, according to the declaration.

The Arab leaders pledged continued efforts to prevent any external powers from sowing seeds of sedition, and causing chaos and divisions in some Arab states on geographic, religious, ethnic or sectarian grounds.  In the declaration, they called on the international community to support Arab efforts to combat terrorism and urged international cooperation in exchanging intelligence and military coordination to fight terrorist groups.

They said religious institutions should shoulder their responsibilities in countering extremist ideologies and highlighting the true values of Islam.

On the Palestinian issue, the Arab leaders reiterated their support for the cause, which they labelled as central, stressing continued Arab backing of the Palestinians until they realise their right to statehood in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

They said it was crucial to maintain the Middle East free from nuclear weapons.

They decided that next summit will be held in Morocco.