The Arab League's chief is pessimistic about Sudan but optimistic about Iraq, adding that Palestinian-Israeli negotiations cannot last under present conditions. Doaa El-Bey listened in Less than two weeks before the self-rule referendum in Sudan, the secretary-general of the Arab League, Amr Moussa concluded a visit to Khartoum and Juba yesterday in the hope of ensuring that the referendum would be conducted smoothly and peacefully. Some of the 50 to 60 Arab League observers have already left to Sudan. Moussa told a press conference in Cairo before his visit that if people wanted a referendum then it should be done on time, and they should have their say on self- determination. If people vote for secession, the Arab League would keep good relations with south Sudan, Moussa added. He hinted at consultations on the possibility that south Sudan would join the Arab League in the future. As for the Palestinian issue, Moussa said it is facing major problems as the peace process has lost momentum and credibility, and in particular the power to convince the people that a settlement could be achieved one day. In the last meeting of the Arab League Follow-Up Committee to the Arab Peace Initiative, Moussa added, "we confirmed that we are not any more on the negotiations track because the present Israeli government does not want to create a Palestinian state [but rather] what is called a 'Mickey Mouse state'." Referring the issue to the Security Council is a real possibility. "How can we negotiate on a land that is eroding? Besides, if Israel declines to impose a 90-day settlement freeze, is there any hope for concessions in bigger issues like borders, refugees or Jerusalem?" asked Moussa. Given that fair resolution of the Palestinian issue is a priority for the Arab League, Moussa said that all options are open. "The principle of the sole mediator in the peace process did not work. The failure of the US to achieve [a breakthrough] caused anger in the streets as well as behind closed doors. Thus we should give [the issue] back to the international community," he said. Moussa showed sympathy for the continuing suffering of Palestinians in Gaza as a result of the blockade and because of acrimony between Fatah and Hamas. The Arab League, he added, is trying hard to bridge the dangerous rift in Palestinian ranks that is harming the Palestinian issue and benefiting the Israelis. Regarding Iraq, Moussa appeared upbeat that the country is heading towards a new horizon in which all parties are willing to accept each other, regardless of differences in religion, sect or tribe. Elections created a positive atmosphere, Moussa said. "Dividing Iraq is not one of the options on the table anymore," he added. Moussa regards Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit's visit to Iraq as a positive step that will open up a new phase of Arab engagement in Iraq. Moussa himself will visit Iraq in two weeks to meet with Iraqi top officials. On Lebanon, Moussa expressed hope that the country would overcome its internal problems and take again a regional role. As for Somalia, Moussa acknowledges that the country remains a major problem. "Whenever we take a step forward, the issue goes few steps backward. However, we are working in collaboration with the African Union [AU] to resolve problems in Somalia," he told the press. Moussa regarded the second joint Arab League-AU summit held this year in the Libyan city of Sirte as a great achievement (the first joint summit was held in Cairo 30 years ago). He noted the many fields of cooperation between the two regional organisations, especially in Sudan, Somalia and other member states. "More importantly, we are not going to wait for another 30 years to hold the third summit. We agreed to hold a summit every two years. The next summit is in Kuwait," he added. Moussa pledged that the Arab League would continue its efforts to free the region of weapons of mass destruction. "Although we suffered defeats [on this issue], we will continue to deal with the matter in honest and direct policy. We will ask each and every state in the region [to free themselves of weapons of mass destruction] and we will not accept that Israel is an exception." Though his suggestion to establish a league for neighbouring countries to Arab states is facing opposition from some Arab governments, Moussa underlined that it is still under discussion in the Arab League. "While I understand the causes for opposition, I will continue consultations and explanations until the league is established. Meanwhile, we will carry on our cooperation with neighbouring states. I see no reason why the 22 Arab states cannot cooperate with the 20 neighbouring states in the framework of the Arab League," he added. In response to allegations that the Arab League has neglected Sudan, Moussa said that the organisation does not have only one priority. "The Arab League does not place pressing issues in a mountain shape that has one summit, but rather on a plateau, on which all the issues are dealt with on an equal footing. All issues are first priority," he told the news conference. Moussa has headed the Arab League for the last 10 years. His second term in office is likely to end in May 2011. He refrained from answering questions on whether he would stay on for a third term, saying that he preferred to discuss the issue after two months. If he decides to leave, the Arab League would be hard pushed to find someone as active, charismatic and influential as Moussa.
