ARAB SOLIDARITY

“We aspire that the Arab Parliament is to be the center of radiance for Arab Joint Action, and the podium for dialogue among brethrens as far as our Nation Affairs, present as well as future ones,”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

  “The foundation of the Arab Parliament (AP) has been the embodiment of joint will by the Arab countries; this Parliament represents one of the most distinguished institution of Arab joint action, and for  which we accord special importance in support of our Arab relations, bolstering constructive dialogue and communication among our popular leaderships,”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

 “We all aspire that the Arab Parliament is but the advanced formula of our Arab joint action. We want for the Arab Parliament to get boosted with experience as well as presence in our political life as the podium for constructive dialogue among Parliamentarians, and as one of the decision-taking institutions providing  assistance and support the work of the standing institutions,”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

 “ We, further, want the Arab Parliament, which includes representatives of social and political forces at the Arab level, to embody Arabism with all of its meanings as a direct response and clear-cut sufficient answer  to the campaigns of doubts-casting, diffused by some political, cultural and information establishments, to the reality of the Nation-Arab Nation- her future, and her capacity to surmount her difficulties”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

 “We have to be the pioneering in defense of Arabism, which summarizes every basic, and which is but the main guarantee for us, individuals as well as societies, as to reach to the best, and as to have our distinguished position among nations, the position which we deserve and merit, and impose with respect upon others, and not  that position offered to us as a consolation prize in return for humiliating surrenders,”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

  “ What the Arab Solidarity suffers of several difficulties have nothing to do with the Arab popular condition; as facts have shown: the Arab Citizen, from the Ocean to the Gulf, lives the Arab concern, feels pain from the Arab wound as one body from Palestine to Iraq , the Sudan, as well as to others of our Arab countries. Such difficulties are related to the official condition, which is to a large extent in contradiction with the relation binding our people through the strong link of Arabism. This calls upon us as to exert the more of efforts to boost our Arab Citizen  confidence that we are , as states, capable of sorting our problems out without resort to a foreign side, and to design by ourselves our regional as well as international roles.”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

  “Notwithstanding all pressures and difficulties, our strong belief in all Arabs capability to restore initiative taking and impact actually the course of events, has never been shaken,”

  From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

 “ The concept of Arab National Security, which has been derived not from a vacuum, means that whatever harm to be inflicted upon one of our countries, is to be inflicted upon other countries; the risks threatening the National Arab Security are but one for all with no exception. We have remained committed to our stances; we have had to prove every time that regress was never to be imposed on Arabs as their inevitable destiny, and that resistance with all its integrated and comprehensive meaning does grant safety in the face of aggression, and secure the realization of peace, which is only for the strong; the weak, rather, have no peace, nor safety or security; they are the losers in wars and the deluded in peace.”

 From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

  “The concept of Arabism cements Arab Citizens with several and history deep-rooted links; which has been translated from mere emotions and feelings into thought and theory by national theoreticians and intellectuals,”

 From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

“The ongoing stage is a historic chance for Arabs if they were to be able to coordinate their stances, unify their efforts as to become one of the regional powers, especially in light of what they have of economic potentials, as well as of joint cultural and historic factors in facilitation of the creation of an Arab block, if to be well used. We are in the same boat; it is very clear today that the countries with no one boat are trying to manufacture this boat. It is high time as not to let our boat deserted without use, as not to miss the chance of using it, or as not to let others reach it before us.”

 From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

  “The need is dire as to build an international political world order based on understanding and dialogue among the people of the world”, underlined His Excellency the President noting that the current economic and financial crisis, with all the risks it has against modern societies, have compelled many countries to lay the bases for an new international economic order in the interest of the forthcoming generations. “

 From His Excellency Speech At the opening of the 2^nd Transitional Arab Parliament Session, (November 9, 2008)

“The Doha Agreement expressed an aspect of this solidarity as it is one of the most important agreements and solutions to a big and dangerous problem on the Arab scene. But a solution has been reached without international interference. We can call this Arab solidarity. Palestinian reconciliation, for which we made great efforts, and the visit of President Mahmoud Abbas fall in this context. Why? Because dissensions, be they in Lebanon, Palestine or elsewhere, lead to differences among the Arabs. We must therefore settle dissensions in order to defuse the crises that compromise inter-Arab relations. I am making visits, but they do not ensure Arab solidarity, which remains partial and temporary. The problems need to be resolved in a definitive manner.”

 From His Excellency Monday Morning Interview, (September 30, 2008)

"As Arabs, we may have divergent views." Inter-Arab ties can be further improved, should Arab nations be able to understand each one's circumstances, “

From His Excellency Statements during His Kuwait Visit (June 4^th, 2008)

"Kuwait makes concerted efforts with Syria to improve the inter-Arab relations but can not, of course, take part in the arrangement of the schedule of the visits,"

From His Excellency Statements during His Kuwait Visit (June 4^th, 2008)

"This dark situation should not prevent us from being optimistic, and look for the light spots to build on them," , “The Doha Agreement also stands as evidence of the ability of Arab leaders to resolve their problems,", "Arab summits will no longer have mere speeches, but will adopt practical methods with closed-door sessions to discuss the Arab nations' woes and bring views closer on those problems for solutions," , "We have a difference in views with Qatar, for example, but that did not stop us from working together to resolve the Lebanese issue, and if Egypt or Saudi Arabia believe they have problems with Syria, they should tell us where the problem is,"

From His Excellency Statements during His UAE Visit (June 3^rd, 2008)

“ The Arab participation in the Summit under these circumstances, though of all the pressures put, means that the Arab condition is not negative as we imagine. We can not say that the Arab condition is very negative when we see some Arab countries rejecting the US pressures and others’ pressures and come to the Summit; this is a very positive thing that we should never negate; we have to be realistic. As Arabs it is necessary for us to distance ourselves from lies and cheating; all the matters should be clear.”

  From His Excellency Interview given to the Qatari ‘Al-Wtan’ Daily  (April 27^th 2008)

 “ All the Arab countries, apart from the level of participation, did participate in the Summit; this is one factor for the Summit success. There has never been ‘political mines’ in the Summit is another success for the Summit. The convening of the Summit under these circumstances and pressures is a further success for the Summit.”

 From His Excellency Interview given to the Qatari ‘Al-Wtan’ Daily  (April 27^th 2008)

 “ The positive atmospheres of the Summit have made us more optimistic that any Arab tour by the Summit Presidency to make soon, might yield results. To be frank, there is no problem between Syria and Riyadh, nor between Syria and Cairo. There is a problem from the other side; they have misunderstanding for the Syrian stance. As for Syria, she has no demands from these countries. We consider that we do not have problems with them. This issue depends on them. I want to visit all Arab countries with no exception. “

 From His Excellency Interview given to the Qatari ‘Al-Wtan’ Daily  (April 27^th 2008)

  “ The problem is to characterize the relations among countries with personal features of Arab leaders , as well as the big suspicions. The problem is when n Arab party would believe that if I were not to be like him, then I stand against him; this is impossible! We, brothers within the same family, can never share the same viewpoint. How would be the case when it comes to the level of States? This is the problem of the Arab-Arab relations.”

 From His Excellency Interview given to the Qatari ‘Al-Wtan’ Daily  (April 27^th 2008)

"  The more our steadfastness and cling to our Arabism are clear, the more fierce are the campaigns against us. We, however, have decided that the resistance and forbearing are our strategic decision to which we cling.”

 From His Excellency Speech at the Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party Central Command Meeting  (April 20^th 2008)

 “ The success of the Arab Summit was the success for all Arabs and for their keenness on Arab Solidarity; as much as it was the success  for us in  Syria in securing the climate for accord and solidarity. This very success is further the success for every believer in the Arab capacity to make victory against whatever plots hatched against them; in a proof that responding to the Arab public opinion pulse is more important and enduring than turning to any foreign side to get strengthened. This is what we are to follow in the future through our presidency of Arab Summit.”

 From His Excellency Speech at the Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party Central Command Meeting  (April 20^th 2008)

 “ The Arab National Thought in which the Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party believes and takes as the guideline is the demonstration of the unity of our Arab Nation and the will of Arabs for independence and unity.  This is the only guarantee for the realization of the Arab Nation interests; particularly in this very hard phase of our history which witnesses the risks of fragmentation and dismemberment.”

  From His Excellency Speech at the Ba’ath Arab Socialist Party Central Command Meeting  (April 20^th 2008)

“What Syria has accomplished of success through her organization of the Arab Summit,  providing the appropriate conditions for Arab Accord and Solidarity among the Arab countries is the  success for all Arabs.”

  From His Excellency remarks regarding  the  20^th  Arab Summit of  Damascus ( April 2nd  2008)

 “ I reiterate that Syria is to ever remain within the heart of the Arab World and within the heart of joint Arab Action. Syria is to remain a basic pillar for the preservation of the Arab Nation Basics.”

  From His Excellency concluding remarks of the  20^th  Arab Summit of  Damascus ( March 30th 2008)

“ Welcome to Syria, who receives you with all Love, appreciations and hope that this meeting among the brethrens would be that of goodness to the Arab Nation, whose sons aspire for the realization of solidarity, dignity, and prosperity during a difficult period of its modern history. The convening of the Arab Summit in Syria in this critical phase is an honour and a great  responsibility, of which we are proud,  out of our deep faith in the importance of joint Arab Action, and its vitality for our Arab Nation, as to occupy the suitable place in the world of today. We have left no stone unturned as to prepare the appropriate conditions to make of this Summit a success; sought as to surmount many of the obstacles hindering its way; especially that we ,all, are  aware of the difficulty of this phase and the exact developments witnessed by our region. It is no exaggeration to say that we are no more on the brink of danger, but rather in its midst ; where we fell the direct consequences of the danger upon our countries and people. Every day passes without taking a decisive decision in the interest of our national interests would make of any bid as to evade the catastrophic outcomes  impossible.”

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

 “Whatever our views regarding the nature of these dangers, their causes, and ways as to encounter them, it is normal for the sons of the one family to have varied ideas regarding one issue; undoubtedly, we all are in the same boat in the face of the tidy storms; and there is no alternative for consultations, solidarity, and for joint Arab action, as to unify our ranks, restore rights and realize development for our countries. Today, we live in a world witnessing very important changes drawn by international big powers. This made several countries form regional gatherings in bolstering of their power and interests; even if there were no joint denominators  among them. Thus, it goes without saying for Arabs as to assemble and cooperate, considering that we have a natural national block possessing every success factor, not possessed by any other  block in the world, and that we are living a bulk of challenges threatening  our domestic  structure, making of some Arab countries open fields for others’ conflict through the conflict among the sons of such countries; or making of such countries the target for aggression, killing, and destruction by our enemies.”

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

 “Undoubtedly, there are obstacles facing our desires and aspirations for the realization of what we want. Though of our agreement, most of the time, on the objectives; there are some diverse visions and diverse mechanisms for dealing. This, however, is no problem when sincere dialogue exists. Our dialogue and deep conventions in the necessity for taking the initiative for adopting active stances would empower  us as to overcome the difficulties through treating them in a realistic way with brotherly frankness and with true aspiration for the Arab higher interest.”

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

 “Many summits were held during the past decades. We have achieved success in positions and phases, and have not in others. If the Arab condition is unsatisfactory for us; this is not linked to the summits themselves, as much as it is linked to the context of the Arab-Arab relations and the surrounding circumstances in the past and at present, which results were reflected on the Arab Summits. Nevertheless,  we have been able during several phases to adopt the stances reflecting the interests of the Arab Nation, once the will for that persisted.”

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

 “The Arab-Arab relations have witnessed increasing development during the recent years, especially at the economic level with the application of the Grand Free Arab Trade Agreement. Further, the direction of Arab investment towards the Arab countries  promises the more of growth. “

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

“We underline the unity of the Sudan and its stability calling for supporting the efforts of the Sudanese Government in dealing with the human conditions in Darfur and the realization of peace, the restoration of security and stability to Darfur, rejecting whatever attempts as to impose solutions or dictations under the pretext of the human condition.”

 From His Excellency Opening  Speech of  20th Arab Summit  (March29th 2008)

“ The region- the Middle East- will witness during the coming days political events which would impact seriously the future of our countries and people, if the said events were not to be handled wisely in the interest of all the parties without bias to a party at the expense of another.’’

 From H. E. sayings during the National Progressive Front Meeting,  (November 19, 2007)

" The Arab situation is still unsatisfactory and calls for concern. What is important is not what we talk about; but what we implement; not the Arab Summits, but the implementation. When it comes to the implementation, we are divided, at times if not divided, but careless for each other….Syria’s interest is to have Arab Solidarity existent at whatever extents. The Arab-Arab relations are good at the highest levels, but at other governmental or in the countries in general do not exist; or there is no follow up. The high level relation is not suffice to create good relations between two countries; there are establishments ; it is not only a personal relationship, a good personal relation can be reflected positively on relations between two countries in general…. If we were to compare the relation of any Arab country with Europe, or perhaps with Asia, we would see that it is far more better than the Arab-Arab relation… A kind of hope and optimism has to remain however."

From H. E. ’s Al Shirouq Daily Interview,  ( October 11, 2007)

 " The war of October does not only represent for us now in this phase a military issue with its military meaning. There are also those issues of Arab Solidarity; where this War has indeed demonstrated the Arab Solidarity from the ocean to the gulf. The other side of this war is the issue of the will , where we ,during many of the living moments, fell the feelings of frustration by the Arab Citizen and perhaps by the Arab Official. The War of October has expressed the how and the possibility of changing frustration which existed between the defeat of the 1967 and the War of 1973. Now what we can do is how to restore the Arab Solidarity, how to alleviate or eliminate frustration as to move forward into a phase of active work, from succumbing to the de fact into the alternating of the de facto."

“ The national work has to be the priority of  our programs and policies; the basic for our unity and self-immunity , the priority of our educational and cultural trends, in defence of our Arab forthcoming generations against isolation and extremism risks,  and as their  fortification in the face foreign interference risks, and internal division factors. We have exerted every  effort possible for the realization of the minimum limit of Arab solidarity, and will be seeking as to make of the coming stage that of the solidarity among Arabs, and of the coming Arab Summit in Damascus an important stage of the solidarity among the brethren.”

 From HE’s Second  Presidential Term Inauguration Speech , ( July 17, 2007)

“ The Summit of Riyadh was indeed that of the restoration of hope regarding  a new serious start-up   of an Arab joint action paving the way for the reactivation of Arab Solidarity, sought by the nation masses as to encounter the dangerous challenges.”

From H. E. ‘ s Speech at the Arab Summit of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,  (March 3,2007) 

“  The resolutions adopted by us  in this Summit  reflect our determination , all, as to pursue the march meeting the aspirations of our Arab Nation, mobilize all  our potentialities in the interest of our people objectives, as to surpass the condition of weakness, fortifying our national security, joint defense of our interests and of our generations future.”

 From H. E. ‘ s Speech at the Arab Summit of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,  (March 3,2007)

" I think priorities lie in existence of a unified vision upon of the Arab region's future, particularly after the latest developments that had happened in our region. I think that top priority now following Iraq issue and terrorism spreading is stability issue because all of us have become targeted; and stability is the top priority and this is connected with the political and security side.”

 From HE’s Interview with  the Kuwaiti Anba Daily ,  (October 7, 2006)

 " As Arabs if we have viewpoints this is good thing and must be respected if we didn't agree on every thing. We are humans and some disagreements remain between us but through dialogue we bridge the gap. We have to enhance dialogue and not to be a fuel for the international struggle whether Arab against Arab or Arab against others,”

 From HE’s Interview with  the Kuwaiti Anba Daily ,  (October 7, 2006)

 “We hope that all the Arabs meet with any one in the world because we expect them to talk about what achieves the Arab interests, and what the Kuwaiti foreign minister said about representing Syria at the talks was based on a general rule and there was not prior coordination.”

 From HE’s Interview with  the Kuwaiti Anba Daily ,  (October 7, 2006)

 “We should accept to have differences , and if the Arabs have identical view points there is no need for them to meet. The Arabs should sit and talk without protocol because they have the same nature and mentality.” 

From HE’s Interview with  the Kuwaiti Anba Daily ,  (October 7, 2006)

“In brief, you were the beating heart of Arabism with every sense of the word regarding the heat that will rise and the meaning which will be more powerful when we liberate the Golan by our hands, will and determination.  The destiny of Syria is to be proud of Arabism and to defend and maintain it because it is the only base for a bright and honorable future we build for our children. We have to implant in our hearts and minds that there is no place in this world but for the strong. Strength starts by the power of mind, will and faith and this is the base of resistance and the only way to achieve victory.  However, waiting for others to solve our problems, keeping faith in the international community as an alternative to the faith in our abilities, and yielding our mentality to fear and our will to others, is not only the adverse of wisdom but absolute ignorance.  “

“All Gulf states know that we have not changed our position. There is coordination between those states and us. .. We always stress that we don’t want to win a country to lose another… This is one of the basic principles in the Syrian policy which has been based on strengthening Arab solidarity … Strong relations between the peoples of Syria and Iraq – despite the long severance - give some kind of specialty to the relations between the two countries… This is also applied to the relations with Jordan,"

“The Arab  nation accommodated itself to this new abnormal situation, and what should have been a state of emergency became the normal state of affairs to the extent that any talk about Arab nationalism or Arab solidarity seems at least to some to be romantic or a waste of time.  Some even started to shed doubt on Arab common interests. Despite this deteriorating state of relations among Arab countries which  might prompt some to be pessimistic and others to be frustrated we should not  surrender to the feeling of utter hopelessness to achieve  any breakthrough in this regard. We should neither surrender to this current reality nor be satisfied with it.”

“There has to be and healing initiatives that do not  rely on the logic of gain and loss at the country level but at the national level. They should depend on the goal of collective gain that will make individual gain more certain. Such initiatives should also depend on the logic of national dignity and Arab values and  ethics. In this regard we look forward to a more effective role played by the Arab League to achieve this particular goal.”

“ We, in Syria, shall stay as we have always been, supportive of any  solidarity step that might serve the higher interest of the Arab  nation, particularly steps that might lead to the consolidation of  points of agreement among Arab countries in a way that undermines points of difference and division and paves the way for a reasonable level of productive relations among these countries at a first stage  in order to prepare for a better future for these countries at later stages. We have to do that fast because the new international situation gives the position to the stronger party. This is the fact that prompted many countries to establish different regional alliances in order to be stronger in facing international challenges and to gain an extra margin in their maneuvers. We who possess  greater factors to establish a coherent unit are called upon more than any one else in the world to pursue such a project of regional unity. “

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