1. As we anticipated, a two-week
period of ceasefire by the American side is set to commence on Friday.
2. The American decision is based
on an agenda of discussion topics to be addressed during the ceasefire period;
a 10-point plan submitted by Iran, based on proposals put forward by the
Pakistani mediator.
3. The Israeli side has announced
that ceasefire does not include Lebanon, and will continue pursuing its
objectives there.
4. We are aware that this war was
initiated by the American side, with considerable incitement and support from
the Israeli side.
5. In all fairness, it should be
stated that none of the declared war’s objectives have been achieved by the
American and Israeli sides.
6. The Israeli refusal is a clear
and serious message, indicating a determination to extend its control beyond
southern Lebanon, with emerging reports suggesting potential expansion toward
the outskirts of Damascus.
7. It is imperative to state that
the Arab world, across all its peoples and components, must support Lebanon in
the face of this brutal aggression.
8. It is equally important to
emphasize that as we had anticipated, the outcome of war to date has resulted
in losses to all parties without exception, including the Israeli side, which
has been the most affected.
9. My key message today is that
we, as governments, companies, and individuals across the Arab world, must
intensify our effort and adopt practical strategies to mitigate the losses
resulting from this war and its global repercussions.
10. Waiting for the future is
ineffective; rather, we must proactively address the burdens of the past, as
well as confront the current and future challenges that face us.
11. Allow me to make an appeal
for safeguarding our countries and the Arab world. We must act immediately,
today, not tomorrow, to secure self-sufficiency in food, medicine, technology,
and education.
This is my message to my
Organization as well as my colleagues within it. Together we will strive to
implement it; ensuring the preservation of our sustainability and excellence,
and reaffirming that crises present opportunities.
The future remains open to
multiple possibilities, each of which calls for further analysis and
consideration.
Talal Abu-Ghazaleh