Arab interior ministers slam Iran, Hezbollah

TUNIS: The Arab Interior Ministers’ Council on Thursday condemned Iran and Hezbollah for what it described as attempts to destabilize some Arab countries.

The ministers, at their 33rd meeting held in the Tunisian capital under the patronage of President Mohamed Beji Caid Essebsi, released the “Tunis Declaration” outlining resolutions taken to tackle terrorism and address conflicts in the region.
The declaration stated that the ministers condemned terrorism in all its forms, including those directed against ethnic minorities. They called for further efforts by Arab states, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, to tackle those seeking to raise funds through extortion, threats and ransoms.
The meeting denounced Israel for what it described as state-sponsored terrorism, and urged further support for the right of Palestinians to self-determination and an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital.
The ministers decried the storming of the embassy and consulate of Saudi Arabia in Iran and the harassment suffered by Saudi diplomats and their families. They further urged the Iraqi government to do everything it can to help free Qatari citizens kidnapped in that country.
They slammed Iran for “activities to destabilize and incite sectarian strife” in Bahrain and several Arab states. They further deplored the actions of Hezbollah to do the same in some Arab countries.
The ministers stated that they fully supported actions by member states to fight Al-Qaeda and Daesh terrorists; and efforts to restore the legitimate government in Yemen in the face of these and other groups, including the Houthis.
The declaration stated that these resolutions were taken in line with the objectives and aims of the Arab League and the principles outlined in the Arab Convention on Combating Terrorism.
These include the belief that terrorism was a real threat to regional and global security and required sustained and coordinated efforts to eradicate.