Arab parliament speakers to prepare anti-terrorism charter

In their first conference at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Arab parliament speakers on Thursday called for new laws to combat growing terrorism in the region and agreed to prepare an anti-terror charter.

They highlighted the necessity for drafting an "Arab parliamentarian charter for fighting terrorism and extremism" and to form a mini-committee of parliament speakers to supervise the preparation of the charter, the conference concluding statement said.

The two-day conference came at a time when growing terrorism hits different parts of the Arab world, including Egypt, Libya, Syria, Iraq and Yemen over the past few years after several uprisings toppled some Arab long-time leaders.

"Arab parliament speakers assert the necessity of solidarity and union among Arab states to fight violence and terrorism to safeguard the Arab nation," said the statement.

The Arab top lawmakers urged to fulfill the requirements for the establishment of an Arab security council, an Arab court of justice and an Arab court for human rights as "basic steps to enhance the joint concept of Arab national security."

They also highlighted dialogue as a basic Arab principle and best means to resolve the challenges facing the Arab world.

During a summit in March 2015 in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh, Arab leaders agreed in principle on the formation of an Arab joint military force to combat terrorism and maintain Arab national security, yet the issue is still under discussion after the reservation of some Arab states. Endit