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Arab Foreign Ministers meet in Cairo
   CCTV.COM   2003-08-06 09:08:11   
    Foreign ministers of the Arab League have met in Cairo to discuss the issues that include Iraq and the Palestinians. Iraq's interim government, the Governing Council, did not send representatives. But the Arab League says they could deal with the Governing Council as a step toward the formation of an Iraqi government.

    A total of 13 foreign ministers were present at the meeting. But the seat for Iraq remained empty. The Arab League chief Amr Moussa said they welcome the establishment of the Iraqi Governing Council and they will work quickly to create a national government in Iraq.

    Amr Moussa, head of Arab League, said "The issue is that the Council-the transitional ruling council- is considered a step or a start that must pave the way for establishing a legitimate national government which can be recognized and communicated with. Iraq is an Arab country based on national unity and that we must work quickly to end the occupation and create an Iraqi national government."

    Bahrain currently holds the rotating Arab League presidency. Bahrain Foreign Minister Sheik Mohammed bin Mubarak said Arab countries would work to help Iraqis restore sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

    The one-day meeting was also attended by lower ranking representatives from the Palestinian Authority. Before the meeting started, the Arab League denied that sending Arab forces to Iraq would be on the agenda.


Editor: Xiao Wei  CCTV.com


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