Ministers reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Arab world The ministers stressed their full solidarity with Lebanon RIYADH: Arab foreign ministers have reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Arab world, and the Arab identity of Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem. At their preparatory meeting for the 29th Arab League Summit, they renewed their commitment to peacefully resolving the Israeli-Arab conflict in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative. The ministers said the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move its embassy there is invalid, and a dangerous violation of international law and UN resolutions. They said East Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine, and reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt to deny or limit Palestinian sovereignty there. They strongly condemned illegal Israeli settlements throughout occupied Palestine, including East Jerusalem. The ministers stressed their full solidarity with Lebanon, its government and all its constitutional institutions that preserve national unity, security, stability and sovereignty. They highlighted the Lebanese right to liberate the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms, the Kfar Shuba Hills and the Lebanese side of the village of Ghajar. The ministers stressed their commitment to maintaining Syria’s sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and safety. They said the only possible solution to the conflict is political, based on the participation of all Syrian parties. They added that the Turkish military operation in the Syrian region of Afrin undermines ongoing efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Libya’s unity, sovereignty and safety, their rejection of outside interference, and their support for efforts by the Government of National Accord to weaken terrorist groups, extend the state’s sovereignty, protect its borders and maintain its resources. They urged a comprehensive political solution to the Libyan crisis. They expressed support for Yemen’s internationally recognized government, and its efforts to restore safety and security throughout the country, and to maintain its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The ministers rejected outside interference in Yemen’s internal affairs. They reaffirmed Emirati sovereignty over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa islands, and their support for all peaceful measures taken by the UAE to liberate them from Iranian occupation. They stressed the importance of having cooperative relationships between Arab countries and Iran based on good neighborliness. The ministers condemned Iranian interference in Arab countries’ internal affairs, considering it a violation of international law, the principle of good-neighborliness and state sovereignty. They urged Tehran to stop actions that jeopardize regional trust, security and stability. The ministers condemned all forms of criminal and terrorist activity in Arab countries and worldwide, including the use of religious, sectarian and racist slogans that can cause strife and violence. They said military and security solutions alone are not enough to defeat terrorism.