Arab Summit that begins Monday in Doha, Qatar, will take up as top priority the challenges of Arab reconciliation, the implications of the ICC arrest warrant against Sudan's President Omar Al-Beshir, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and moves to strengthen Palestinian unity. Most of the Arab leaders are expected to participate, including Al-Beshir. However, opinion is divided on whether Al-Beshir should attend in defiance of the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him. Al-Beshir has rejected the charges and so has the Arab League. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the call made by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, at the Kuwait Summit earlier this year would be the summit's top priority. The Arab League supports any Arab effort toward “clearing the air” between Arab countries, noting that all Arab countries highly value the Kingdom's efforts in that direction. The Doha summit is being held amidst complicated circumstances in the Arab world, which require a review of priorities, coordination and consultation as to avoid aggravating the overall crisis. Moussa will present to the Arab leaders a detailed report on the League's accomplishments last year and its vision on deal with the crises and enhancing the efforts for Arab reconciliation. Arab foreign ministers will hold a preliminary meeting on Sunday to discuss the 25-point agenda and draw up the Doha draft communiqué which will be submitted to the Arab leaders for approval. The Palestinian issue, implementation of the Arab peace initiative, Iranian occupation of the UAE islands, and ways to consolidate Arab national security are among the agenda topics. An Arab League source said two main sessions will discuss the ICC warrant against Al-Beshir and its implications – including Arab efforts in the United Nations to halt its implementation – and ways and means to bring about Arab reconciliation and restore solidarity. Sudanese sources said Khartoum will present a detailed report on the complications arising from the arrest warrant and the nature of Sudan's reaction toward it. A Qatari source, noting the important issues to be discussed, said the summit is facing up to the challenges and requires decision that meet Arab peoples' expectations.
