A Norwegian diplomat revealed that his country is actively seeking to enhance economic cooperation with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the fields of green energy and aquaculture, amid ongoing efforts to increase trade and investment, highlighting the deep bilateral relations.
Thomas Lid Ball, Norway’s ambassador in Riyadh, expected that the coming years would witness further advancements on all fronts.
Ball drew attention to the promising investment opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
He also emphasized the strong desire of numerous Norwegian investors to operate in the Saudi market and take advantage of the vast opportunities it offers as one of the largest markets in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ball anticipated an increase in activities and meetings between business sectors, as well as an exchange of visits by trade delegations.
This aims to explore investment opportunities in both Norway and Saudi Arabia, enhance trade and investment cooperation, and capitalize on the promising prospects available in various sectors for developing business partnerships.
Moreover, Ball highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic advancements and its favorable investment environment, emphasizing the efforts to explore significant opportunities for economic cooperation between Norway and the Kingdom.
This extends beyond the oil and gas sectors to encompass healthcare, tourism, seafood industries, aquaculture, maritime industries, renewable energy, solar energy, and water sectors.
Ball reiterated his commitment to work towards achieving development and further enhancing bilateral trade relations.
He also anticipated the entry of new Norwegian companies into the Saudi market.
Ball stated that there are significant opportunities in the Kingdom that are currently undergoing a phase of transformation and development for sustainable growth. He emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation in various industries, including the seafood sector.
The diplomat clarified that Norway has made significant strides in the aquaculture industry, producing over half of the world’s farmed Atlantic salmon.
These salmon are exported to more than 100 countries, with total Norwegian salmon sales to Saudi Arabia reaching $27 million in 2019.
Former Chairman of the Board of Nissan Carlos Ghosn said he was serious in suing the company “to compensate for the moral and physical abuse he suffered as a result of his arrest in Japan,” hinting at seeking to seize Nissan’s property in Lebanon and the world.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Ghosn denied local “political support” or an intention to work in politics.
Ghosn maintains the theory of a “conspiracy” plotted against him, which he said was prepared a year before his arrest.
“On the same day, they stripped me of everything, prevented me from accessing information, entered my house… and took all the information they wanted,” he stated.
Recounting how he was arrested in Japan on charges of not declaring money that he did not receive in the first place, he said that when the authorities discovered that the case was groundless, plots began against him.
The former Nissan CEO justifies the reason for waiting so long to file the lawsuit, by saying: “It took a long time to re-investigate what happened and go into the details… because they stripped me of everything.”
He added that he assigned a team of lawyers to collect files and evidence that back his case.
According to Ghosn, the one billion dollars, which he is requesting as compensation from Nissan, is not a large amount compared to the damage and losses he has incurred.
He stressed that the company has distorted his reputation and future, because of the accusations launched against him.
“A billion dollars is a small compensation,” he underlined.
Ghosn said, however, that he was not surprised by the skeptical questions.
“Everyone is wondering: Can Japan do such a thing? Yes, in Japan there are many good things, but on the other hand there are bad things,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat, saying that the country “does not care about human rights.”
He explained that he chose Lebanon to file a lawsuit against Nissan, as he had to resort either to a Lebanese or a Japanese court.
“There must be a relationship between the crime and the country, and the two countries are either Japan or Lebanon, and I can only file a lawsuit in Lebanon,” he remarked.
Ghosn added that he would have preferred to resort to a court in the United States, should he have this option.
“I would have asked for $10 billion. These things do not happen in America. No one can behave with another person in this way in America… A billion dollars does not affect Nissan … but $10 billion surely does.”
Ghosn stressed that if he won the case in Lebanon, he could seize Nissan’s properties in the country and elsewhere.
He explained that by virtue of international conventions, a foreign ruling can be enforceable in other countries.
“You can seize factories in America, for example, and the same applies in England, Spain, Egypt, Dubai and Brazil… The company cannot escape,” he said.
Ghosn ridiculed accusations against him of taking refuge in Lebanon “to escape justice.”
He affirmed that he came to Lebanon because he has interests, a home, and a family. He added that Lebanon was not the only country in the world that does not extradite its citizens, citing France and Brazil as an example.
“I did not run away, I fight because I have a right,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The former CEO of Nissan strongly refuses to link his current lawsuit with an Interpol red notice for his arrest at France’s request, in a case of bribery involving a French minister.
He stressed that the accusations were unfounded, saying that they were politically-driven. He also expressed confidence that the French minister would win the lawsuit.
On a different note, Ghosn said he had no intention to work in politics in Lebanon, “but I can help politicians if needed.”
He added that he was moving freely in his country, “without fear”, as he does not feel threatened, noting that he was only taking some security precautions at the request of his children.
Ghosn stressed that he was currently focusing on the lawsuit against Nissan, as well as managing his business in Lebanon, especially after his property and investments were seized by the French authorities.
“The French put their hands on all my property, but the Japanese did not lay their hands on anything. My investments are only in Lebanon,” he stated.
The advisor to the commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for political affairs, Youssef Ezzat, said that his forces partially control the general command of the Sudanese armed forces, indicating that the army commander, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, was “under house arrest”, since the start of the war in Sudan on April 15.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Hemedti’s political advisor said: “The Islamists are the ones who planned this war to achieve their goal of returning to power… This will never happen as long as the people are present and as long as there are defenders of their choices.”
On the hand, Ezzat stressed that Al-Burhan was not the RSF’s target, saying: “Al-Burhan is not the target of war… We do not target him in person, but rather his actions. He tried to monopolize power with the Islamists, by turning against his partner and the entire political process…and failed.”
He continued: “He has been under house arrest for more than two months, and he will actually be arrested later.”
According to witnesses, data and field reports, the RSF controls large parts of Khartoum.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Hemedti was injured in combat, while other reports say that he was killed.
However, Ezzat rejects these claims, saying: “Hemedti’s non-appearance in the media does not mean that he is dead. The recordings that we usually make are not to prove that he is alive or dead, but to put forward things that we deem necessary to address the public opinion and the Sudanese people.”
Ezzat also denied reports indicating that the RSF had lost its popularity and the widespread support of citizens, saying: “These are inaccurate claims.”
He stressed that there were millions of Sudanese standing behind the RSF in order to build “a unified Sudan… and the state of freedom, justice and equality.”
Shao Zheng, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Yemen, said that the Yemeni crisis was going through a sensitive and important stage that is fraught with many opportunities and challenges at the same time.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he called on the Yemeni parties to seize opportunities to achieve peace as soon as possible.
According to Zheng, challenges include lack of trust between the Yemeni parties and the worsening humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen.
The Chinese official stressed that his country has a strong desire to contribute to achieving peace in Yemen through various channels, pointing to the importance of the positive atmosphere and efforts of reconciliation witnessed in the Arab region during the last period.
Yemen enjoys opportunities and faces challenges at the same time, he said. According to him, there are three opportunities ahead. The first is that after eight years of war, the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace have become greater.
Secondly, relations between the countries of the region have become better, as China has succeeded in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran to conduct discussions in Beijing and reach an agreement to normalize relations.
The third opportunity, according to the Chinese official, is the negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, which have achieved some results in some areas.
He hoped the negotiations will bring more benefits and progress in order to lay a solid foundation for peace in the future.
However, Zheng pointed to a number of challenges facing peace in Yemen.
He said mutual trust between the different parties is still lacking and needs more time to be restored. Secondly, the process of improving relations between the countries of the region is still fragile; and third, the humanitarian and economic conditions in Yemen are worsening, and cannot be solved overnight.
Zheng emphasized that China was working to achieve peace in the world through its global security initiative, indicating that its success in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran to normalize relations was the best evidence of the implementation of this initiative.
The Chargé d’Affaires stressed that Beijing appreciated the Saudi-Omani efforts to achieve peace in the war-torn country.
Asked whether the Chinese government had any relations with the Houthis, he replied that China supports the Yemeni legitimate government, and calls on the various Yemeni parties to sit at the negotiating table as soon as possible to launch the peace talks.
Zheng pointed to the long history of economic an investment cooperation between his country and Yemen, saying that one of the most important Chinese projects was the Hodeidah-Sanaa road, which was built with the help of China.
He added that the number of giant Chinese projects in Yemen before the 2015 war reached about 100, pointing out that these companies were forced to withdraw in the wake of the war.
In this context, the official revealed that Chinese companies have a desire to participate in the reconstruction of the country.
The volume of trade exchange between the two countries is currently at $3 billion, while the volume of trade exchange between China and the Arab countries exceeds than $400 billion, he said.
Today, there are about 30,000 Yemenis living in China, most of whom are merchants, who form a bridge linking China to Yemen, he added.
Lord Tariq Ahmad, the British Minister for the Middle East, emphasized the persistent global challenge posed by ISIS, stating that it cannot be effectively addressed by a single country acting alone. He also underlined the crucial role played by Saudi Arabia in bolstering aviation security, defensive cyber security, and combating terrorism and extremism.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, on the sidelines of his participation in the International Anti-Terrorism Coalition conference held in Riyadh, Ahmad highlighted the significant roles undertaken by both the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia within the coalition. He emphasized their joint efforts, alongside international partners, to achieve the permanent defeat of ISIS.
On the Saudi-British relations and their strategic nature, Ahmad indicated that the relationship between the two kingdoms is longstanding and robust, as it has ever been, saying their bilateral ties cover a wide range of interests, including trade, investment, defense, security, energy, as well as shared concerns on regional issues.
He also stressed that the Saudi-British ties support both the Saudi Vision 2030 and the efforts aimed at boosting the growth of the British economy.
The British official emphasized that the meeting of Ministers of the International Coalition to Combat Terrorism in Riyadh served as a crucial platform to maintain pressure on ISIS, considering the ongoing harassment inflicted by the group upon communities in Iraq and Syria.
In this context, he underlined the importance of international cooperation between partners to address the threat of terrorism and preserve the safety of citizens, noting that collaboration with partners was essential to the UK’s approach to terrorism.
Asked about the regional role of Saudi Arabia, the senior UK official noted that the Kingdom was a major political, energy, diplomatic and economic power in the Middle East and beyond.
He added that its status in Islam as Custodian of the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah grants it a distinctive role within the Islamic world.
The minister also pointed to Riyadh’s hosting of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Ahmad highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering security cooperation with both regional and international partners, including the United Kingdom. This collaboration encompasses various domains such as aviation security, defensive cyber security, as well as joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
Furthermore, he conveyed his country’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s endeavors to advance interfaith understanding and facilitate dialogue.
Addressing the crisis in Sudan, the British minister conveyed the UK’s sincere appreciation for the Saudi effort to facilitate the evacuation of thousands of expatriates from different nationalities, including British nationals, from Sudan.
He further acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts, in collaboration with the United States, in brokering short-term ceasefire negotiations held in Jeddah, which aimed to provide essential humanitarian access.
In this context, Ahmad said that the UK stands in solidarity with the people of Sudan for a peaceful and democratic future. He added that his government’s immediate goal was to stop the violence and achieve protection for civilians and safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.
Moreover, the minister pointed to the UK’s participation in a new core group, led by the African Union, to facilitate the return of conflicting parties to the negotiating table.
On Yemen, Ahmad expressed his belief that a political settlement was the sole path towards attaining lasting stability in the country and effectively addressing the severe humanitarian crisis
He pointed to a golden opportunity to collectively build on the progress made over the past 15 months, underlining the need to cease all actions that undermine ongoing efforts to achieve peace, including threats posed to oil infrastructure, traders, and shipping companies.
The British minister stated that his country does not endorse the reinstatement of Damascus into the Arab League, emphasizing that the final decision lies with the members of the Arab institution.
According to Ahmad, the future Arab engagement with Syria must be conditional on fundamental changes made by Damascus and Bashar al-Assad’s regime, noting that the latter continues to detain, torture and kill innocent Syrians.
He also called for holding accountable those who have committed human rights abuses, adding that Syria must participate in the UN political process, which remains the only path to achieving a lasting and sustainable peace in the country.
On the international level, Ahmad described Russia’s war on Ukraine as an unprovoked, premeditated and barbaric attack against a sovereign state.
He noted that the United Kingdom condemned the reprehensible actions of the Russian government, which he said were a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), stated that officials in Islamic countries have confirmed the restoration of their share of this year’s Hajj season as it was before the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Taha revealed that the upcoming Hajj season will witness the participation of an impressive number of foreign pilgrims, totaling two million pilgrims hailing from 57 diverse Islamic nations.
Taha emphasized that Saudi Arabia is exerting tremendous efforts in preparation for accommodating this year’s pilgrims.
The OIC chief pointed out that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is working to strike the necessary balance between the number of pilgrims and the capacity of the holy sites.
This is being achieved through significant development projects that are underway as part of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at constructing an infrastructure capable of hosting a larger number of pilgrims.
Regarding the Makkah Route initiative, Taha described it as a pioneering program within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The initiative is making significant efforts to benefit the approximately six countries involved by streamlining the necessary procedures for Hajj completion. This includes issuing e-visas and expediting passport procedures at the departure lounge of the pilgrims’ home country airport.
Taha stated that Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, with approximately 2.5 million pilgrims performing Hajj in 2019.
The preparations and efforts required to receive and facilitate their stay are extensive, noted the OIC chief.
Taha mentioned that Saudi Arabia, following the improvement in the pandemic situation, has lifted most of the restrictions associated with the pandemic.
The Kingdom announced that it will allow the performance of the Hajj pilgrimage this year without any limitations on the number of pilgrims or their ages.
After three years of significantly reducing the number of pilgrims due to the spread of the coronavirus, the pilgrim numbers will return to their pre-pandemic levels.
A distinguished US official expressed her country’s strong and enduring bond with Saudi Arabia, thanking the Kingdom for its crucial role in important matters like the Sudanese crisis and its effective coordination in the global fight against ISIS.
Hala Ghrait, the regional spokeswoman for the US Department of State, emphasized in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia, that the notion of the US withdrawing from the region is inaccurate.
She highlighted the US’ commitment to its relationship with Saudi Arabia and the entire region.
Ghrait pointed out that the meeting between Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had highlighted the significance of bilateral relations and the cooperation and coordination between the two countries in various issues, such as Yemen, Sudan, and the defeat of ISIS.
Regarding Yemen, Ghrait emphasized the importance of achieving an intra-Yemeni political solution, urging Houthi insurgents to consider the Yemeni people and renounce violence to achieve stability in the country.
Ghrait stressed the significant cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the US in addressing the Sudanese issue, highlighting that key stakeholders remain present in Jeddah and expressing optimism for the revival of negotiations.
She further acknowledged that the sanctions implemented by the US, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and other entities, aimed to apply pressure on the parties that failed to comply with the ceasefire.
Ghrait clarified that the upcoming meeting of the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on Thursday, will focus on Syria and Iraq.
The gathering, with participation from over 30 ministers and representatives from more than 80 countries, will address issues such as funding counterterrorism efforts, fostering stability, as well as tackling the ISIS threat in Africa and Central Asia.
The spokeswoman further reiterated her country’s opposition to normalizing relations with Syria.
However, she acknowledged the US’ understanding of its regional partners’ intentions to establish direct relationships with the Syrian regime, as the goal is to exert pressure on the Syrian government.
Ghrait also affirmed that Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship between the US and the Kingdom.
She explained that his meeting yesterday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman covered numerous bilateral, regional, and international issues.
Ghrait described the military relationship between her country and Saudi Arabia as “extremely strong,” noting that the Defense Department has “very strong ties” in all areas desired by the Saudis.
There is an exchange of ideas in the technological, weapons and logistical fields, she affirmed.
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Abdulfattah Mashat affirmed that the ministry has used the same process as before the coronavirus pandemic to decide how many pilgrims will be allowed from each country.
The goal is to bring back the number of pilgrims to what it was before the pandemic. He also stressed that this season is special and that all the necessary services are ready at the holy sites.
Mashat, in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, confirmed the existence of precautionary plans to handle any health or organizational emergencies that might occur this Hajj season.
These plans are a part of Saudi Arabia’s ability to manage crowds and handle important information.
The deputy minister also disclosed that relevant authorities in the Kingdom have received many requests to participate in the “Makkah Route Initiative,” and these requests are currently under review by the Interior Ministry.
Regarding company classification, Mashat stated that this year, the categorization of service providers will be based on customer satisfaction using evaluation forms that have been developed on one of the important post-Hajj platforms.
He pointed out that opportunities have been given to several leading hospitality companies to offer their competitive services.
Mashat emphasized that companies that fall short will be held accountable, and that there are mechanisms in place to compensate pilgrims for any shortcomings they may experience.
The deputy minister asserted that this year’s Hajj season is different.
Early readiness was ensured for all services, as well as integration, coordination, and harmony among all the plans of the participating entities in the Hajj process.
According to Mashat, there is significant collaboration between the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and all relevant authorities, working together to develop a coordinated working plan through the bureau of operational follow-up and the Central Hajj Committee.
The Committee is responsible for continuous monitoring of all Hajj-related operational activities.
Mashat clarified that early preparation is a crucial part of the organization process, in line with the Ministry of Hajj’s strategy. This was evident in the various services offered to both domestic and international pilgrims.
Domestic pilgrims had access to all packages through a local platform, while international pilgrims from Europe, America, Australia, and Canada were able to access the “Nusuk Hajj” platform online in advance.
Mashat also described the Nusuk Hajj platform as one of the most important programs aimed at pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia. Launched several months ago, the platform has facilitated the issuance of over 20,000 visas for prospect pilgrims.
In a conversation about what sets apart the Hajj season 2023 from previous years, Mashat emphasized a remarkable highlight: the triumphant comeback of pilgrim numbers to their pre-pandemic levels.
While the deputy minister did not directly disclose the exact number, statistics from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) estimate that the number of pilgrims in the year 2019 exceeded 2.4 million.
At that time, the number of domestic pilgrims was approximately 634,000, including around 211,000 Saudi pilgrims and about 423,000 residents of the Kingdom with valid permits.
Regarding the Makkah Route Initiative and its significance, Mashat said: “We have received numerous requests from several countries to join the initiative, and the specialized committee, led by the Ministry of Interior, is thoroughly studying all of these requests.”
Mashat also discussed epidemics and how to deal with them.
“With the end of the (coronavirus) pandemic, there are proactive and preventive precautionary plans in place to handle any health or organizational emergencies that may arise during this season,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Mashat stressed that Saudi Arabia’s extensive experience has led to the creation of exceptional crowd management models.
The Kingdom has the ability to tackle any scenario, making its approach unparalleled worldwide.
The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen has lauded the Arab initiative on Damascus, stressing the importance of taking it into consideration along with the Moscow track and the American and European stances to move forward in finding a political solution in Syria.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Pedersen said that we are “at a very critical time,” adding that Damascus should use this opportunity to move towards a settlement.
Here is the full text of the interview:
The Arab summit will be held in Jeddah with President Bashar Assad attending for the first time since the Arab Summit in Libya in 2010. What does it mean to the UN Special Envoy to see this?
Let me start by reminding that we have now been searching for a political solution to the crisis in Syria for 12 years. We know the problems are extremely deep and that there is no easy solution, but at the same time we also know that there is a sort of an agreed international consensus that Security Council resolution 2254 should serve as a basis for finding a political solution to the crisis.
We also know that despite the fact that we have had this agreement on 2254, the political process has not really been able to deliver, let’s be frank and honest about this. We know there is obviously no short cut for a political solution to this crisis but at the same time we should welcome renewed diplomatic attention to Syria and we are seeing when it comes to the Arabs, there has been important initiatives. We saw the meeting between the four Arab foreign ministers and (Syrian) Foreign Minister (Faisal) Mikdad in Amman on May 1 and then we are seeing lots of different meetings in Moscow and the last meeting was at the foreign ministers level between the Russians, the Iranians, the Turks and the Syrian foreign ministers. Prior to that we saw meetings on Ministers of Defense levels. There are things happening, but of course what is important to remember is that after 12 years of war and conflict, we had an additional dimension with the tragedy of the earthquakes and the reality is that the situation on the ground in Syria has not changed. We are seeing a lot of important diplomatic symbolic moves but this has so far not led to any real changes for the Syrian people on the ground. And this I believe is the chance that we all need to address together.
Let me just emphasize that obviously and I said from day one that if we are to find a solution to this crisis, we need the cooperation of all actors. We need the Syrian parties, the Astana players, the Arabs and the US and Europe also to be part of this. But now the reality is that a comprehensive solution to this crisis is not possible for now. That of course should not prevent us from trying and more time. What I see increasingly is that despite this fact, status quo is not acceptable so we need to find a way to move forward. I do believe that what we see among our Arab friends and from the meetings in Moscow is indeed that there is an agreement that status quo is not acceptable. The good news here is that the Americans and the Europeans I am talking to also agree on that, so we have the consensus. Then the question becomes what does this actually mean?
All these diplomatic moves as you said in Moscow, between the Syrians and the Iranians, between the Arabs and Damascus, do they make your mandate to achieve 2254 easier?
My hope is indeed it will lead to build some confidence and build on that confidence to be able to see concrete steps being taken in Syria that can be the beginning of implementing 2254. As you know, I have suggested what I call ‘step-for-step’ approach. Based on the understanding I just explained, I have been engaging my Arab friends, the Astana players but most importantly of course the government of Damascus on this. What we are trying to do is to agree on what we call concrete mutual and reciprocal steps that could be taken to try to unlock progress and to move the political process forward. These steps, and this is extremely important, must be very viable and implemented in parallel. Obviously, the reason we want to do this is to try to build confidence and see if we can change the realities on the ground. I highlighted few issues that should be part of such process.
Give us some examples.
Obviously we all know that the file of abductees and missing persons is extremely important and then the file of building conditions for safe dignified return of refugees is of course very important and if we are discussing that, overall we need to address protection issue, to discuss conscription, housing, land and property issues and what I call signal documentation. We also need to put on the table how we can restore socio-economic conditions and this issue became even more important after the earthquakes and part of this means addressing the issue of sanctions. Obviously, what it takes to deliver is all parties participate and put the issues on the table. Here frankly speaking from the dialogues we had so far, I see there are some overlap between the different initiatives, there are complimentary things that we could be doing and there are of course also some differences which should be no surprise to anyone.
I do believe that what we have seen in Moscow and with the Arab initiative that all of this could be a ‘circuit breaker’, the beginning of a possible development and I also said that it is extremely important that the government in Damascus uses this opportunity to engage and that is of course if what we need to see this process move forward.
As you mentioned, ‘step for step’ is sort of a part of the political and diplomatic initiative and this approach has been mentioned in Amman statement, do you think that those initiatives are really willing to engage seriously with this ‘step for step’ approach or just a lip service?
I have a good dialogue with the Arab foreign ministers, I also have with foreign minister Mikdad. I think they all understand very clearly what the key challenges are when it comes to solving the Syrian conflict. The reality on the ground is still there, it is a deeply divided country, there are different entities still controlling different parts of Syria, we have an economic and humanitarian crisis and there are still the challenges of terrorism. I know of course from our friends the issue of the Captagon, all these issues are complex and it need proper understanding and proper engagements. We can work together on this, and I am hearing very positive messages from the Arab foreign ministers about their intentions to work closely with me and the UN to address these issues and after the Arab summit I am looking forward to how to develop this further.
The same of course goes for the Astana players. I am still in close contact with Russia, Iran and Türkiye and there are also overlaps between what they are discussing, what the Arabs are discussing and what we are discussing. It is important that we continue to coordinate, we share information and based on this and the understanding that no one actor can solve the crisis alone. We need all actors to be part of this, to participate. This goes for the Arabs, for the Turks, Iranians, Russians, Americans and Europeans. I see my role as being able to contribute in one way or another to bring different parties to share, to put on the table something that can move the process forward and help change the reality on the ground in Syria.
Is it true that there is a timetable that some Arab countries are expecting Damascus to take certain steps on certain issues?
Let me not talk on behalf of my Arab friends, you have to ask them about how precisely they want to move forward. We had very good discussions so far and hope to continue to deepen the dialogue and have a follow up that would enhance and strengthen the different initiatives launched.
None of us are to have any illusions that this is easy. It will take a lot of hard work but hopefully the reality on the ground, the enormous needs in Syria that have been there for a long time now but even bigger after the earthquake, that it is more important than ever that we come together and see if there is a serious interest in moving forward in a manner that is reciprocal and is very viable and can have in parallel.
There is a gap at least for now, we see Arab normalization with Damascus and the Syrian government and at the same time the western countries, the Americans and specially the Congress are moving in a different direction, trying to impose and tighten the sanctions on Syria. As UN special envoy for Syria, does this make your mission easier or more difficult?
You are absolutely right, there is still a deep division in the international community when it comes to Syria. There is no doubt about it. You are right that we are seeing lately a renewed debate brought in Washington and European capitals on how to continue engaging in this process. My impression is that they all understand and all support the concept of the ‘step for step’ process. If we can see that Damascus now really engages in this process, this will give us a renewed opportunity to move this process. A ‘step for step’ process means that all parties deliver something concrete so that we can move forward.
A source mentioned that the approach is that we offer Damascus incentives and Damascus has to offer something in return, in terms of Captagon, the return of refugees, political process and we need to see concrete steps in the upcoming four to six months. If there is no response, then the western countries will be even tougher on Damascus than now.
The western countries should answer you directly. For me, the situation is we have now had 12 years of war and conflict, things need to change and we are seeing an initiative from the Arabs, the Turks, the Astana format, this creates a real opportunity to move the process forward. We now need to see Damascus respond positively to this. If this is not happening, the reality is that the economic and social situation in Syria will continue to deteriorate and the call for political solution will be further diminished and it will be a disaster for all of us. We are indeed at a very critical time.
I notice that I am hearing positive statements from the Arabs when it comes to have new meetings for the Constitution Committee. In Amman they stated that it is important for the Constitution Committee to meet as soon as possible. I am hearing the same from the Astana players. One easy first step should be to reconvene the Constitution Committee in Geneva. That is really one first small step that should be taken. Then it will be possible for me to follow along with the follow up committee from the Arab League and discuss precisely how to move forward, in the same manner as I am having concrete discussions with Türkiye, Iran and Russia and indeed with Americans and Europeans.
This is the unique role of the United Nations, I can talk to everyone and I can bring something to the table that no one else can bring.
Some people are saying that actually the Moscow quadruple track – Iran, Russia, Syria, Türkiye – is a substitute for Astana process and that the Arab track with Damascus is a substitute for Geneva process. Some people are saying that the big victim out of these processes is the UN sponsored process, whether it is the Constitution Committee or 2254. What is your response to this?
These processes have a potential: The Arab initiative, the Moscow track. If it starts delivering, then nothing will be better and I could see that as a support to what we are trying to achieve which is to move the situation in Syria forward in a manner that we can start to see what I call a safe home and neutral environment emerging that will enable us to move forward also on the political process. As I said, all of these initiatives are important but if we really want to see a move forward, we need to have a comprehensive view both on what it requires to change when it comes to Syria, what it requires of international engagement to move forward in Syria and none of this will be easy, but there is now an opening, a possibility but this possibility must be grasped by the government in Damascus.
For you as UN special envoy what are the next steps that you are going to work on?
We are now studying very carefully what is happening on the Moscow track, the Arab initiative, the situation after the earthquake, UN coordination, and based on all this, I have been active lately in my engagement with different key interlocutors. We will try to make sure that we develop this in a manner that can enhance the possibilities of success with the Syrian parties, with the Arabs, with Moscow, with Washington and with the Europeans. It is a huge challenge but without all being interactive together the process will stall. My job is to try to prevent that of happening. So far, the messages I am receiving in particular from my Arab friends are promising.
Until now we have not seen big progress, big change on the ground, what will you tell the Syrian citizens whether they are in Damascus, Idlib, Qamishli, in Lebanon, Jordan, Frankfurt, Paris, London… How can you convince them that actually what we are seeing now will contribute to improving their situation?
After 12 years of war and conflict, the political process so far has not delivered. I understand there is a lot of skepticism and cynicism towards the possibility of seeing a real change. What we are seeing now are important symbolic political moves, but nothing has changed when it comes to the situation on the ground in Syria. What my team and I revert together with all the UN colleagues to try to achieve is that we will see a beginning of a change to this. We will see that reality on the ground is changing and if that is not happening, we are risking continued years of war and conflict, a deterioration of the economic and social foundations in Syria. People are deprived of even hope to see these necessary changes that we need to see if Syria is to return to a situation where people can live in a situation that is safe and calm, and those refugees who want to return can return to their homes and those who are displaced can return to their homes. There needs to be a healing in the Syrian society and I notice from the Arab friends that there is talk about the need for a national reconciliation. Let us hope that this can be the beginning of something new. Are we guaranteed success? Absolutely not. But we should welcome that people are trying to do something. As I said, status quo should not be acceptable.
Some of the political opposition feel that they are abandoned, are they right in this feeling?
The reality is of course that we are seeing a lot of diplomatic moves. If these moves lead to changes on the ground in a manner that will move the process forward, I am sure then it will be welcomed by everyone and this is what we need to see. As I said, I understand the skepticism and even the cynicism to whether this is possible or not. How the opposition sees this, I think you should ask them directly.
In January 2014 there was Montreux conference sponsored by the UN to implement Geneva communique, in December 2015 there was another conference in Vienna which led to 2254. Now in 2023 are we going to see something similar like a big conference in your presence to discuss a political solution in Syria?
How practical what will happen it is too early to say, but your point is a good point and it is what I have tried to reinforce through my discussion with you today and that it is for this to move forward one way or the other. All these different initiatives need to come together. I need to make sure that I have all the key actors on board, obviously the Syrian parties, the Astana players, the Arabs, the Americans and the Europeans. I can reassure you that I will do my utmost so that we will be able to move along those lines.
While all eyes will turn to Jeddah on Friday, when the Arab Summit will convene amid complex geopolitical conditions and multiple Arab crises, topped by the armed conflict in Sudan, Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti stressed that the Arab peoples were counting on the summit to come out with decisions that contain the crises and strengthen joint Arab action.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Guelleh said that the Arab Summit was being held in light of multiple and complex geopolitical changes and critical circumstances in some Arab countries.
“The most important thorny files in the Arab world will top the agenda of the summit, as well as the various geopolitical developments in the region,” he stated.
Emphasizing the centrality of Saudi Arabia in strengthening the Arab decision and unifying the ranks, the president of Djibouti noted that challenges in the Arab world were many and complex.
“Many of the brotherly countries are going through critical conditions, such as Sudan, which is witnessing a very deteriorating and dangerous situation, as well as Yemen”, he said, expressing “great optimism” for the Saudi efforts to solve the crisis, put an end to the suffering of the Yemenis, and restore security and stability in the country.
Guelleh also pointed to the continuous Israeli violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in occupied Jerusalem, denouncing “the Israeli occupation police storming and desecrating the Gate of Mercy chapel, which is an integral part of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as raising the Israeli occupation flag on the roof and walls of the Ibrahimi Mosque in the city of Hebron.”
“This is a flagrant violation of international law, the Geneva Conventions, and the resolutions of international legitimacy, and a provocation to the feelings of the Islamic nation”, the president underlined.
He added: “We hope that the current Arab summit will come out with recommendations and decisions that would contribute to resolving the crisis and the critical conditions that the Arab world is going through.”
Asked about the means to address the Sudanese file, as Djibouti is member of IGAD, Guelleh said that his country was following with great concern the developments in Sudan.
The president stressed that the IGAD group has put forward a mediation initiative to resolve the crisis, and assigned the presidents of Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan to go to Sudan. But he added that the movement of the three presidents towards Khartoum depended on a cease-fire and the commitment to the truce.
“We are ready to start effective mediation, and we hope that the IGAD initiative will contribute to finding an urgent solution to the worsening crisis since mid-April. We also salute the current mediation by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States in the Jeddah Dialogue to reach a cease-fire,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Commenting on Syria’s return to the Arab League, the president of Djibouti expressed his country’s commitment to a political solution in Syria that meets the aspirations of the people and ends their sufferings.
“Based on this, we welcome the progress towards ending the Syrian crisis, which lifts the political isolation of brotherly Syria, ends the suffering of its dear people, and fulfills their aspirations for security, stability, development and prosperity,” he stated.
Commenting on global geopolitical changes and the formation of new blocs, Guelleh said that the Arab world cannot be isolated from these developments.
“It is normal for any Arab country to cooperate with any bloc… if it sees its interest, in a manner that does not contradict joint Arab action and the constants of the international community”, he stated.
Guelleh added that his country welcomed any US-Chinese competition in Africa that falls in the interest of development.
Touching on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the rapprochement between Moscow and Beijing, the president of Djibouti warned that the negative effects of the war were not limited to a specific geographical area, but cast a shadow over the entire world and impeded economic growth.
He said in this regard: “We renew our support for international efforts aimed at ending the crisis politically, and we also hope that the parties to the conflict will accept negotiation.”
As for the recent agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran on the revival of bilateral ties, Guelleh expressed his belief that it would reflect positively on the development of the two countries, as well as the region as a whole.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Any rapprochement and cooperation between two countries of the weight and size of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran will undoubtedly contribute to laying the foundations for stability and development in the entire region, and will enhance joint Islamic action.”
Guelleh stressed that Saudi Arabia has always supported Djibouti’s development on various levels, pointing to the presence of several joint committees that seek to promote economic, security and military cooperation between the two countries.
“Based on the tremendous development that we have achieved during the past two decades in the field of ports in terms of quantity and quality, we look forward to strengthening cooperation between the two brotherly countries in the field of maritime transport, logistics services and ports”, he remarked.
He added that work was underway to launch joint projects in the field of sea and air transport, and to establish a free zone and warehouses dedicated for Saudi exports and products within the international free trade zone in Djibouti.
With the ongoing preparations for the Arab League summit in Jeddah on Friday, Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, spoke with great optimism about what he described as a “summit of renewal and change.”
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Zaki noted that the Arab foreign ministers would convene on Wednesday to put the final touches on the agenda, saying: “Everything will be ready before the summit for approval, and we will move forward with the Arab action, under the presidency of Saudi Arabia, as of May 19.”
Saudi efforts
The assistant secretary-general of the Arab League asserted that the Saudi presidency of the Arab Summit would provide a great impetus for the Arabs.
“Saudi Arabia is witnessing good and promising diplomatic and political movement, and its presidency of the Arab summit will be active and keen on Arab interests,” he stated.
The Jeddah Summit files
The Sudanese file will top the agenda of the Jeddah summit, according to Zaki, who expressed hope that efforts to stop the armed clash would be crowned with success.
“We have all followed the Saudi-American effort that culminated in reaching a truce, but we hope for more arduous work to establish a permanent cease-fire,” he said, pointing to the creation of an Arab contact group, which includes Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Arab League secretary-general.
“We expect the committee to meet at the level of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the summit, to discuss the means to move forward to achieve this goal,” he added.
In addition to Sudan, Zaki said that the Palestinian file would also be among the Arab officials’ priorities.
He emphasized other important topics, including the relations that have begun to take a new shape between the Arab states on the one hand, and some regional countries, including Iran and Türkiye, on the other.
Syria’s return to the Arab League
Zaki called for considering the return of Syria to the Arab League as the beginning of a new phase in dealing with the situation in the country.
He said: “Over the course of 12 years, the Arab League dealt with the Syrian crisis based on the fact that the government in Damascus suspended its participation in all the activities of the League. Now this stage is over.”
According to the assistant secretary-general, all countries had the impression that the Arab League was completely absent from any endeavors to help Syria rise from its crisis, and to find a political solution that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.
“The Arab side discovered that the international community, perhaps due to successive events, has begun to give less priority to the Syrian file. Of course, many things have happened, including the Ukraine war and others. This has caused the repercussions of the Syrian crisis to largely affect neighboring countries, in terms of drug trade, terrorism and refugees. Those are very pressing issues in the states neighboring Syria and other Arab countries,” the ambassador remarked.
Zaki expressed hope that the newly-established mechanism and the Arab committee that was recently formed to follow up on the Syrian file would open a new chapter in the Arab dealing with Syria and help the Syrian people overcome their crises.
Relations with Iran
According to the senior diplomat, the Arab League sees the Saudi-Iranian agreement as positive and may contribute to stability in the region if Iran’s intentions are sincere.
He continued: “If intentions are sincere and commitments are implemented, we hope that this region will witness some improvement in the relationship between the Arab countries on the one hand, and Iran on the other.”
Zaki noted that relations between the Arab world and Iran in recent history were “full of negative interference.”
“But we want to open a new page, and this agreement is like a new chapter. If intentions are sincere, we can achieve a lot for the sake of the peoples of the region,” he stated.
The role of the Arab League and its reform
Zaki tried to differentiate between repeated criticisms of the Arab League performance and calls for reform, saying that the two matters were separate.
“With regard to the presence of the Arab League in Arab files and crises, we have tried and are trying as much as possible for the flag of the Arab League to be present in all forums, and for it to have an opinion and contribution to any Arab crisis or problem,” he underlined.
The senior diplomat explained: “But how can you deal with a crisis that has been thrown at the door of the Security Council, and then say that the League has not assumed its role! If the issue was brought up to the Security Council, what can the Arab League do about it? … This is unfair.”
The assistant secretary-general said that calls for reform were “intended, to a large extent, to obstruct” the work of the Arab League.
“But tell me about the countries that do not pay their dues and contributions to the League (we do not want to name them). Does this matter fall in the interest of the Arab League or not? Does this enable it to perform the roles entrusted to it? The word reform is beautiful, sounds nice and it is used in many forums, but tell me what is the problem that we want to deal with and I will tell you whether it deserves reform or not,” Zaki stated.
He cited an example, saying that before 2005, the Arab League was constantly criticized for not voting on decisions and contenting itself with consensus.
“The Arab League adopted the voting system since 2005, that is, 18 years ago, but this system was not used once,” he remarked.
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