Despite the strong differences of opinion on the subject of human rights, have agreed the EU and the Arab League on a closer cooperation. At the conclusion of the first joint summit meeting in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, with an in-depth strategic partnership should be initiated in a “new Era of cooperation and coordination”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the fate of the EU depends “directly” from the fate of the Arab countries.
At the final press conference of the summit, however, on the open stage to an uproar. On the question of whether Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is aware that the EU situation in his country was with the people right do not agree, seized the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Abul Ghait, the word. “Not one of those present” have expressed dissatisfaction with the human rights situation, he said.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had to fight for then, literally the word, to clarify that this was indeed the case. “A Moment,” called Juncker. “It is not true that we have not talked about human rights.” He had mentioned the Problem already in his first speech.
Because of human rights violations in criticism
Many Arab countries, rights violations in the criticism are due to People. Under the leadership of former Army chief Al-Sisi, the summit host country, Egypt, is, for example, with a heavy Hand against his critics. Thousands of people are sitting in prison for political reasons, the freedom of speech is massively restricted.
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Al-order-Sisi has justified its policy with acts of terrorism in the country. For Europe, it was the most Important thing is to create prosperity, he said. For his country, however, to priority, to prevent a collapse as in other States in the Region. Even a single act of terrorism could transform the important for the tourist resort of Sharm el Sheikh in a Ghost town. Al-Sisi had called on the EU already at the beginning of the meeting, to strengthen the fight against Terror.
Merkel called for the human rights. Europe is interested in economic prosperity in the Region, she said on the edge of the summit. But this could only be achieved “if there are strong civil societies, when human rights are respected”.
European Council President Donald Tusk, said that as close neighbors, the EU and the Arab world had no Alternative to cooperation. Both sides agreed to regular summit. The next Meeting is, however, not take place until 2022 in Brussels.
The closing statement shall otherwise remain in General. Controversial topics are not or only marginally mentioned.
So, the EU could not enforce, for example, that the international nuclear agreement with Iran is mentioned as a contribution towards curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Especially the Sunni-ruled Gulf States not to reject, such as the USA the contract, because they trust the Shiite Iran on the way, and him an aggressive policy of blame. The agreement provides for a reduction in economy, it was agreed sanctions if Tehran ceases their nuclear program.
Syria’s membership in the Arab League since 2011
Chancellor Merkel has exposed the Arab States called on the sidelines of the summit, to urge, together with the EU on a political change in the civil war country Syria. In the face of six million Syrians had left the country in the course of the conflict, it need a “political process of change,” she said.
Syria’s membership in the Arab League has been suspended since 2011. The last was, however, kindled a discussion on the country. Europe makes Assad, for serious human rights crimes responsible and rejects an approach. Syria’s government had brought troops in recent months, large parts of the civil war the country back under control.
In Sharm el Sheikh, met around 50 kings, emirs, presidents and representatives of the government, under sharp security precautions. As the most prominent European representative of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron was away from the summit. Also, Qatar’s Emir Tamim has not appeared due to a diplomatic upset. Egypt belongs to the Arab countries, which have imposed a Blockade on the Emirate.
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Sharm al-Sheikh, Europeans and Arabs closer cooperation
Thomas Seibert
aspire to The expectations of the summit were low. Juncker saw the Meeting as such, as a message. The EU wants to strengthen its cooperation with the neighbors, about the illegal Migration combat. Merkel promised from the Meeting a stronger European Position in the global conflict with the USA, China and Russia. (dpa)
