Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, introduced a suggestion to convert the current Arab League to Arab Union, according to an initiative has been presented forward by Yemen years ago to the Arab League.
Saleh pointed out that the transition of the Arab League Foundation to the Union of the Arab States is an urgent national need today.
He stated at the opening of the 22nd Arab Summit in Sirte of Libya that the future of the joint Arab action depends on its reform, development and elevates it to the level that enables Arab countries to take advantage of the capabilities, potentials and to achieve the hopes and aspirations of Arab peoples. He added that the Yemeni initiative initiated from an objective stance to address the imbalances in the joint Arab action and the current and future challenges.
The proposal has been welcomed by warm applauds by the audience; however, Al-Qadhafi, the Libyan Leader and the head of the 22nd Arab summit considered Yemen's proposal as an implication of the approval, meanwhile, this issue will be discussed later.
Saleh stressed that the Yemeni unity, is a Yemeni-Arabic achievement and advanced national project, which can not be relinquished, because the alternative is to return Yemen to eras of conflicts and violence that still remain in the memories of Yemenis right in all parts of the country. Pointing out that the unification is a security and prosperity component for all the Yemeni citizens, in addition to the security and stability of the region and the world.
From our standpoint, we will continue our efforts in addressing the situation, take steps to maintain security and stability and to meet the legitimated demands of the citizens, under the constitution and the law. However, our hands will remain stretched out for all, to participate and contribute in the process of building Yemen, which is for all, Saleh said.
He listed the main challenges facing Yemen today in challenges related to the terrorist activities of Al-Qaeda, "terrorism has no religion or homeland"; today, it is a serious pest threatening the security and safety of everyone. He continued saying that Yemen has made many efforts to combat terrorism and supporting the regional and international efforts in this area. Yemeni security services have achieved many successful pre-emptive strikes, which have thwarted several terrorist plots, which were adopted by those elements that have no other aim but to kill and to spread devastation and destruction.