Arab foreign ministers approve draft resolution for regional rapid response force

Arab League Secretary General Nabil El-Araby said in a press conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh that Arab foreign ministers have approved a draft resolution for the preservation of national security across the region. The agreement is for the creation of a regional rapid response force to confront the military challenges threatening peace and security of the league’s members, revealed an unnamed source.

El-Araby noted that the draft resolution had been worked on since September and was submitted to Arab leaders for discussion in their meeting this weekend.

According to Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Arab states are able to deal with these threats firmly and are up to the responsibility. “This, the 26th Arab Summit, is being held at a moment when the Arab nation is facing unprecedented challenges and threats,” he pointed out. The Arab ministers met in a special session over the Yemen crisis.

“A statement was issued showing the resolve of Arab states and the Arab League to move ahead towards adopting an effective policy and putting words into action,” added Shoukry. “The positive spirit that prevailed in the meetings of foreign ministers is the same spirit that Egypt is determined to reinforce in the Arab summit and throughout its presidency of the Arab League.”

The draft resolution also authorises Secretary General El-Araby, in coordination with host state Egypt, to invite defence ministers to discuss the details of its implementation within a month of it being adopted.