Arab leaders call for end of 'interference' in domestic affairs

DEAD SEA — Arab leaders and international community representatives on Wednesday united in calling for an end to “external interference” in regional affairs, noting that addressing this issue is a prerequisite to overcoming other challenges.

In his address at the opening session of the leaders' summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted Arab countries' need to stand united against external interferences.

"Divisions in the Arab world have opened the door to foreign intervention and manipulation, breeding instability, sectarian strife and terrorism," Guterres said, underscoring the importance of unity at this time of transition and upheaval for the region.

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud denounced external interference in Arab countries, saying it represents a clear violation of international law and the sovereignty of countries.

As for Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, he noted that international laws ban countries from interfering in other countries' domestic issues, expressing hopes for "constructive dialogues" to continue with Iran, and for Tehran to respect the principle of the "good neighbour policy".

"It is about time that we take a clear and decisive stance against external interference that seeks to enforce sectarian and ideological dominance in the region," said Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi. 

He added that "it is unfortunate to see some powers taking advantage of the unprecedented conditions our region is going through to enforce their influence and control under different names and pretexts, either political, economic or military, without having the slightest interest in the safety and unity of our people". 

"I am telling you with honesty and frankness that we must take a clear stance against this and convey a strong message that we will not allow any external power to meddle in our matters. All attempts to enforce one's dominance will be met with overwhelming and decisive stances to protect sovereign countries," Sisi underlined. 

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani said differences among Arab brothers are never "unsolvable", and must not affect cooperation. 

For her part, Federica Mogherini, high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said the EU expects freedom and independence for all countries, adding that the EU will shoulder its responsibilities towards peacemaking in the region.

Arab Parliament Speaker Meshal Sulami highlighted Iranian intervention in Arab countries' affairs as one of the biggest challenges for the region, in addition to the Israeli occupations of Palestine and parts of Syria and Lebanon, and the issue of terrorism.

He added that the Iranian threat had exceeded the occupation of three Emirati islands, to include fuelling sectarianism in Arab countries, in addition to forming and supporting armed militias that seek to destabilise regimes, and incite internal conflicts in Arab countries.