We, the leaders of Arab states, meeting in the 19th session of the
Council of the League of Arab States at the summit level in Riyadh,
capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on March 28-29, 2007,
Based on the principles and aims stated in the Arab League Charter
and other Arab conventions; including the document of covenant,
accord and solidarity between Arab countries, and the document of
development and modernization in the Arab world;
Inspired by our religious and Arab values that renounce all forms
of immoderation, extremism and racism; and stressing the aims of
boosting the Arab identity, deepening its cultural bases, and
continuing its open humanistic message, while facing the challenges
and risks threatening to re-schematize the state of affairs in the
region, dissolve the common Arab identity, and undermine the
connections that bind us;
Affirming the urgent need to regain the spirit of Arab solidarity,
protect the collective Arab security, develop Arab cooperation in
the economic, social and developmental fields, commit to
seriousness and credibility in joint Arab action, and meet the
requirements of supporting the Arab League and its
institutions;
Declare our resolve to:
Act diligently to protect the Arab identity, boost its components
and bases, and strengthen our belonging to it in the hearts and
minds of children, adolescents and young men and women, since
Arabism is not a racist or ethnic concept, rather it is a unified
cultural identity, with the Arabic language as its means of
expression and of preserving its heritage, and it is a common
cultural framework based on spiritual, moral and humanistic values,
enriched by diversity and plurality, by openness to other human
cultures, and by corresponding to accelerating scientific and
technological advances, without dissolution, crumbling or losing of
character, we therefore decide:
To give the utmost priority to the development of education and its
curricula in the Arab world, so as to deepen the common Arab
identity, respond to the needs of modernization and comprehensive
development, deepen the values of dialogue and creativity, and
strengthen human-rights principles and women's effective and
positive participation;
To develop the joint Arab action in the educational, cultural and
scientific fields, through the activation of existing institutions
and offering them the requisite significance and the needed human
and financial resources, particularly concerning the advancement of
scientific research; the joint production of books, programs and
materials for children and teenagers; the launching of a broad
translation movement from and into the Arabic language; and the
promotion of the presence of the Arabic language in all fields,
including communication, mass media, internet, and science and
technology;
To spread the culture of moderation, tolerance, dialogue, and
openness; to reject all forms of terrorism and extremism, as well
as all exclusionary racist trends, hatred campaigns and endeavors
to question our humanistic values or defame our religious beliefs
and holy places; and to warn against employing sectarian plurality
for political purposes that aim at dividing our nation and its
countries and peoples, and at igniting destructive seditions and
civil strife;
Consolidate effective Arab solidarity which contains crises and
settles disputes between member states peacefully, within the
framework of activating the Arab Security and Peace Council
approved by previous Arab summits; development of dialogue with
regional neighboring countries in accordance with unified and
specified Arab positions; revival of collective Arab security
protection institutions and confirming its terms of reference
stipulated in Arab covenants; and attempting to meet Arab defense
and security needs;
Affirm the option of a just and comprehensive peace as a strategic
option for the Arab nation in accordance with the Arab peace
initiative that draws the right path for reaching a peaceful
settlement for the Arab-Israeli conflict, based on the principles
and resolutions of international legitimacy, and the land for peace
formula;
Stress the importance of freeing the region of all weapons of mass
destruction, without double standards and eclecticism; warning
against starting a dangerous and destructive race of nuclear
armament in the region; and emphasizing the right of all countries
to possess peaceful nuclear energy according to international terms
of reference, and their emanating inspection and control
regime;
The dangerous conditions witnessed by our region, where Arab land
is violated; Arab resources are wasted; and Arab identity and
culture are threatened, necessitate that we honestly and deeply
reexamine our state of affairs;
We are all, leaders, officials and citizens; parents and children,
partners in drawing our own destiny and preserving our identity,
culture, values and interests. Dangerous challenges can only
increase the resolve and faith of great nations. The Arab nation is
capable, with God's help, to achieve the security, dignity, and
prosperity it deserves when it unifies its ranks and strengthens
its joint action.
