President of Republic at Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh: “The Summit Confirms Our Determination To Redouble Efforts To Put an End to the Aggression Against the Palestinian and Lebanese Peoples.”
His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the President of the Republic and Chairman of the African Union, took part in the joint Arab-Islamic Follow-up Summit, which began on 11 November in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the presence of leaders and heads of delegation from Arab and Islamic countries.
The summit examines Israel’s continuing aggression against the Palestinian territories and the Lebanese Republic, developments in the region, and the coordination of positions
between member states.
During the summit, the President of the Republic delivered a speech in which he thanked His Majesty King Selman Ibn Abdelaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Ibn Selman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their commendable efforts on behalf of the Palestinian cause. These efforts were reflected, among other things, in their willingness to hold this summit to follow up on the results of the last session and assess developments in the overall situation in all its dimensions.
Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani reiterated his insistence on the need for an immediate ceasefire to begin implementing the two-state solution under the relevant resolutions of international legality and the Arab peace initiative, expressing his solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people in the face of the brutal aggression to which they are being subjected.
The President of the Republic declared that for him it was a question of injustice suffered by peoples, of infringement of the sanctity of holy places; and of support for brothers, questions which can under no circumstances be the subject of a compromise, he said.
Here is a translation of the full text of His Excellency’s speech:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;
Peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohamed, his family, and companions.
Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Selman bin Abdelaziz Al Saoud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
-Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses.
– Excellencies,
May Allah’s peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
First of all, I would like to extend my congratulations and sincere thanks to His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed Ibn Selman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their commendable efforts on behalf of the Palestinian cause, efforts which were reflected, among other things, in their readiness to hold this summit to follow up on the results of the last session and assess developments in the overall situation in all its dimensions.
Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses.
Vos Majestés, Excellences et Altesses.
Despite the results of our last Arab-Islamic extraordinary session on the situation in Gaza, in which we strongly called on the UN Security Council to take the necessary measures for an immediate ceasefire and the entry of aid to the stricken Palestinian people, and the initiatives taken to this end, Israel is continuing its aggression and its violations of international law and international humanitarian law and has even extended the circle of aggression to the sisterly state of Lebanon.
Pressure from the international community, as well as initiatives and efforts from Arab and Islamic countries, have so far failed to bring about a ceasefire agreement. A ceasefire and a commitment to action to enable the Palestinian people to realize their legitimate right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital are a prerequisite for lasting peace and security throughout the region, and for restoring the confidence of states and peoples in the values and principles of international political governance.
Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses.
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, while reiterating its condemnation and denunciation of the genocide and destruction perpetrated by Israel in Palestine, reaffirms its commitment to the need for an immediate ceasefire as a prelude to the implementation of the two-state solution, under the relevant resolutions of international legality and the Arab Peace Initiative.
We also affirm our full solidarity and support for the brotherly Lebanese people in the face of the brutal aggression to which they are being subjected. We call for an immediate ceasefire and express our support for all initiatives and efforts to achieve this.
The convening of this summit, which we hope will be a success, confirms the sincerity and strength of our determination to redouble our efforts to put an end to the aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples.
We can’t do otherwise, because, for all of us, it’s a question of the injustices suffered by peoples, of violating the sanctity of holy places, and of the duty to support our brothers – questions that can never be compromised,
Thank you and may peace be upon you”.