Arab League summit – Arab diplomatic representatives and LAS Italian Foreign Affairs Minister presents results to Italian Foreign Affairs Minister – Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry press release/Non-UN document

---

Minister Fini meets with the Diplomatic representatives of some of the Arab countries and of the Arab League

5 April 2005 – Minister for Foreign Affairs Gianfranco Fini met today at the Farnesina with the Diplomatic Representatives of Algeria, Egypt, Yemen, Palestinian National Authority and the Arab League , who had requested the opportunity to present the result of the Arab League Summit held in Algiers on 22-23 March, delegated by the entire Arab Diplomatic Corps accredited in Italy.

Regarding the Arab League Summit a positive common evaluation was expressed on the stance that clearly emerged in Algiers in favour of modernization and reform of the institutions of the Southern shores of the Mediterranean, for the growing openness of Arab societies and increasingly incisive participation in the fight against international terrorism. Minister Fini underlined the Italian government's commitment to supporting this process within the framework of Italy's traditional role in the intensifcation of Euro-Arab dialogue.

Referring to the main regional conflicts, the five Ambassadors stressed the will of the entire Arab world to contribute to a positive outcome of the peace process in the Middle East, the stabilization of the situation in Iraq, and the resolution of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Minister Fini recalled Italy's commitment to finding a solution to these dramatic situations and the latest projects concerning support for the institutions and cooperation approved by the Italian government on behalf of the three regions. The Delegate General for Palestine expressed particular appreciation on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas for the programme launched by Italy for the training of an initial contingent of 20 officers of the Palestinian police.

Finally, satisfaction was expressed for the position of the Arab League on behalf of a reform of the United Nations based on broader consensus and capable of ensuring greater the efficiency, democracy, and geographic representativeness of the Security Council. On this subject Minister Fini illustrated the initiative that Italy is organizing in New York for 11 April, along with a large number of countries, precisely in order to more closely examine these aspects of the reform.