Manama Dialogue 2012: Intervention and Mediation – Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud

January 4, 2013

SPECIAL REPORT

[This is the third of six reports resulting from the IISS Manama Dialogue regional security summit.]

Editor’s Note:

The International Institute for Strategic Studies convened the 8th Manama Dialogue regional security summit, bringing together 30 delegations to “engage in high level international defense diplomacy on regional security issues.” The Manama Dialogues in Bahrain were launched in 2004 and have become an important opportunity for heads of state, foreign and defense ministers, other officials, military officers, specialists and others to gather to examine the critical issues of the day. The Dialogue is preceded by “Sherpa Meetings,” this year held in February and October, which lay the groundwork for the Dialogue sessions as well as providing “a unique opportunity for delegates who have high-level responsibility for foreign and security policy to engage in an off-the record, substantive exchange of ideas and information about regional security.”

The Manama Dialogue itself opened with an evening plenary session on December 7, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Bahrain, followed by two full days of plenary and special (closed) sessions. The opening session tabled “Global Views on Syria.” Subsequent plenary sessions addressed: “The U.S. and the Region”; “Priorities for Regional Security”; “Intervention and Mediation”; “The Influence of Sectarian Politics in Regional Security”; and “Middle East Security in a Global Context.”

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Saud led the Saudi delegation. Americans participating in the conference included: Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, Senator John McCain, Congressman Michael Rogers and Congressman Charles Ruppersberger. Presentations from each of these participants, as well as an interview with IISS Director General John Chipman, courtesy of The Majalla, are provided today.

Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Saud

Prince Abdulaziz’s remarks to the “Intervention and Mediation” plenary session served as a tour d’horizon of regional security concerns from the perspective of Riyadh, ranging from implications of the so-called Arab Spring to conditions vis a vis Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Iran.  He also discussed Saudi Arabia’s work in ensuring global economic stability through its role in the Group of 20 and a leader in world energy supplies.  Prince Abdulaziz described the efforts of King Abdullah to foster cultural and religious dialogue through conferences at Mecca, Madrid and the UN and the creation of the Center for Dialogue and Cultures in Vienna.  He talked about the Kingdom’s leadership in multilateral work to combat terrorism.  His wide-ranging comments also touched on the Palestinian-Israeli issue and he called on international efforts to revive the peace process as well as pursuit of a regional zone free of weapons of mass destruction.

Today we present for your consideration six reports including video presentations of plenary sessions from the Manama Dialogue and an interview with IISS chief Dr. John Chipman, and commend your attention to the IISS Manama Dialogue web site for more presentations and materials that provide background, context and insight into the Gulf security paradigm. There are links to all pertinent materials following this presentation as well as all of the SUSRIS reports today including:

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HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Abdullah Al Saud
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia
The 8th IISS Regional Security Summit - The Manama Dialogue
Third Plenary Session – Intervention and Mediation
December 8, 2012

[Prepared remarks]

Excellency Shaikh Khalid Ahmad Bin Muhammad Al Khalifa, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain; Excellency John Chipman, Director General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies; Excellences and distinguished audience. [Greeting in Arabia]

At the outset, I would like to extend to you the greetings of His Royal Highness prince Saud Al Faisal the Foreign Minister and his sincere wishes for the success of your forum along with his hopes that your discussions will produce recommendations that serve the issues pertaining to regional security. I would like also to commend the excellent organization of this dialogue and the outstanding hospitality afforded to all of us. Indeed, the important meetings of the Manama Dialogue has become a vital annual gathering that is held under circumstances and challenges that confront our region in order to address the most significant security issues that impact the area with its regional and international ramifications.

Excellences and distinguished audience

We all recognize the political, economic anad cultural challenges confronting the world and impacting the lives, stability and security of peoples which increase our awareness that “human security” that revolves around the development of individuals in the society, safeguarding their dignity and progress are guarantees for the stability and security of nations.

As such, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states has effectively contributed to the development and transformation of their societies as they gave priority to the interests and benefits of the citizen in all of their present and future development plans. The governments never hesitated to contribute to the realization of their citizen’s expectations and favorably respond to their concerns and interact with the development of regional and international challenges to protect them. The governments managed in record times to modernize their societies in the educational, scientific, economic, developmental, cultural and social spheres and avoided any confrontations that may have depleted their resources and disrupted their development processes. The Gulf States followed a sound path that protected their citizens and the region due to their regional weight and were able to contribute to the strengthening of international security and stability politically and economically.

The historic dimension, the civilization and cultural conformity, the common interests, and the peoples’ expectations have augmented cooperation and homogeneity amongst Gulf States. The initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, proposed in his speech in the latest Summit meeting of the Gulf States that was held in Riyadh stressed the necessity to move out of the stage of cooperation and into the stage of unification was in response to such expectations.

Excellences and distinguished audience

Click for larger map.

Lately, the Arab world has witnessed many changes and challenges emanating from the feelings of frustration, marginalization, the lack of ability to sustain a decent living or adaptation to existing circumstances. Movements for changed appeared and were called “the Arab Spring.” The Kingdom responded to such events from the perspective of an admonisher by calling for the empowering of reason, and the abandonment of violence, and hte fulfillment of the legitimate expectations of peoples as this will safeguard states in the region, their unity and territorial integrity as well as their resources. The Kingdom firmly believe that any changes in the region must emanate from within and must be in response to national concerns and demands and not in response to outside interference or dictates.

Within the context of changes in the international arena, and the fallouts of the global economic stagnation, the Kingdom addressed such global crisis from the stand point of its economic weight and its support and contributions to the rectification of the global economic path. The Kingdom has an important role to play through membership in the Group of 20 and the maintenance of oil market stability which not only sustained economic growth rates close to pre-crisis averages in the Arab Gulf states but also contributed to the attempts to restore stability to the global economic markets.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia realizes that relations with other states and nations must be built upon respect, mutual benefits, balanced relations, peaceful coexistence and on the basis of the complementarity and interaction of civilizations and not their clashes.

Within this perspective, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia worked hard at all levels whether within its Islamic or global domains to strengthen the culture of dialogue, tolerance and moderation. Thus, the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz was launched from Mecca in 2008 and called for the adoption of dialogue and understanding among followers of all religions and cultures. The initiative gained global blessings int he Madrid conference that was co-sponsored by His Majesty the King of Spain and later by the United Nations. Efforts were also fruitful in establishing the King Abdullah Center for Dialogue and Cultures in Vienna on 26th November 2012 with the participation of Spain and Austria. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hopes that the language of dialogue and diplomacy will prevail in resolving disputes and that it will contribute in consolidating security and peace and in limiting the spread of hatred and tendencies for conflicts and wars.

Excellences and distinguished audience

In the context of Saudi Arabia’s endeavors to sustain regional security and stability, the Kingdom along with its GCC gulf states worked diligently for the area’s wellbeing, and the security, stability, and welfare of its peoples. The recent regrettable events witnessed by the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain has proven that the unity and solidarity of the GCC states made them stand firmly beside Bahrain because of the realization that tampering with the stability and security of any Arab Gulf state is considering as tampering with the security and stability of all other Gulf states. The security and destiny of the GCC states are one and may not be divided. We reiterate our appreciation, respect and support for the efforts exerted by our brethren in Bahrain in promoting dialogue, mend the rift among citizens of Bahrain, and undertake reforms that fulfill their legitimate desires and aspirations in a way that will not allow for any interference in the Bahraini domestic affairs.

As to the affairs of Yemen who has close brotherly relations with the GCC states, the Kingdom has constantly worked hard to support Yemen in the development, economic and social spheres through continuous coordination and bilateral consultations by the different entities such as the Saudi-Yemeni coordination council which holds and annual meeting to discuss all aspects of cooperation and support to Yemen. The Kingdom also supported international efforts in developing the country through the Friends of Yemen Group.

Undoubtedly, the events witnessed by Yemen have obligated the Kingdom and other GCC states to mend the differences among the different political factions. Such efforts were finally rewarded through the signing of the GCC initiative to guarantee the peaceful transfer of power that is based upon the principles of equality, participation, and the non-exclusion of others in order to restore a Yemen that is “happy” with its security, stability and able to realize the aspirations of its people. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz affirmed during the signing of the GCC initiative in Riyadh that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue its support of Yemen in all fields and through different means and recently, in May 2012, the Kingdom hosted a conference for the Friends of Yemen in Riyadh, and also a conference for the Donors to Yemen in last September. The Kingdom succeeded in obtaining financial commitments to Yemen totaling $6.4 billion whereas its own commitment reached $3.25 billion. The Kingdom also contributed to the success of the Friends of Yemen conference that was held in New York during last September and managed to obtain financial commitments totaling $1.5 billion.

As to the affairs of Iraq, the Kingdom considers Iraq a brotherly country and a dear neighbor and an integral and original political entity of our Arab nation. The Kingdom also sincerely considers the Iraqi People as brethren without any discrimination and stand on equal footing before Iraq’s political components. The Kingdom always stresses the significance of security and stability of Iraq and considers that its security and stability is part of the security and stability of the Gulf region and the Middle East area. The Kingdom called several times for the non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq in any form or shape. We are quite confident in the ability of our brethren in Iraq to accomplish “political reconciliation” which will surly contribute to the achievement of security and stability in post American withdrawal period. The Kingdom is full of hope that Iraq will firmly decide its options that are compatible with its true Arabism and which will realize the legitimate pursuits of its political components, a matter that will have a vital and expected role in advancing the interests of the Iraqi people and the Arab nation and the safeguarding of their security and stability.

As to the situation in Syria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has great concerns and regrets for the loss of innocent lives in the country. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz has called since the beginning of the crisis and in many occasiona on the Syrian Government to resort to reason and stop the killing machine against the Syrian people, and to adopt dialogue and confidence building measures. However, the Syrian regime was not responsive to such calls.

The bitter Syrian crisis has lasted over a year and ahalf and witnessed many types and forms of Arab and international initiatives and meetings. None the less, none of these efforts bore fruits or managed to reach their objectives in putting an immediate end to the cycle of violence and killings committed by the regime against its people, or put a cessation to the sufferings of the hundreds of thousands of refugees and emigrants. This is due to the absence of a serious international will that may put a quick end to this worsening human crisis, and paves the way for the elimination of oppression of the regime in Syria, and prepares for the transfer of power in accordance with an explicit and clear international resolution from the United Nations Security Council. Therefore the Kingdom looks forward to the significance of having the international community assume its responsibility in addressing the situation and to provide the means to resolve it through utilizing all necessary measures whether political, security or humanitarian in support of the Syrian people and their aspirations. On its part, my country has welcomed the formation of the national coalition of the revolutionary and opposition forces that took place in Doha, and hopes that it will incorporate all other Syrian opposition forces inside and outside of Syria by virtue of being the legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

Excellences and distinguished audience

The Palestinian Problem has long been in the heart and conscience of the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since the days of the founder King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud and until the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz. The government and people of the Kingdom spared no effort in supporting and standing up for the Palestinian issue and the rights of the Palestinian people at all levels politically, socially, and financially without interruption.

Within this context, the application submitted by the Head of the Palestinian Authority Mr. Mahmoud Abbas to the United Nations Security General during the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly to accept full membership for the state of Palestine in the United Nations, is a long and worthy entitlement. The success of this step shall promote and support the peace process and not the opposite. Consolidating the role of international law and international legitimacy for both sides is what is lacking in the stumbling peace process. This undoubtedly will have a deep impact on the search for a comprehensive and a just peaceful resolution in accordance with international legitimacy. Utilizing arguments for stalling and for the disruption of negotiations, and to adopt policies outside international legitimacy so as to impose a new “fait accompli” in Palestinian territories through building Israeli settlements in the occupied territories will not contribute except to the destruction of Peace opportunities and the exacerbation of instability and insecurity in the region. Therefore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia calls upon the international community and the co-sponsors of peace in the Middle East in particular to assume their responsibility and exert more efforts to pressure Israel to adopt the peace option, to shy away the logic of force and arrogance, and to recognize the right of the Palestinian people in their indepedent state with East Jerusalem as their capital in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and international law.

The realization of peace and security in any area requires sincere international efforts because regional security is an integral part of international security and stability. Therefore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia supports the efforts at the global level aiming at eliminating all types and forms of weapons of mass destruction without discrimination. At the regional level, the Kingdom has adopted the call for “an area free of weapons of mass destruction” inthe Middle East whether through the League of Arab States or through the United Nations. Achieving security and stability in our region does not emanate from possessing lethal weapons but rather through realizing the security preoccupation and concerns of neighboring countries as well as their vital and security interests. As such, the keeping of an Israeli nuclear program outside international supervision undermines the peace process, contributes to more lack of confidence, and instill doubts in the intentions of the international community in terms of politicizing the issues of non proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as this would constitute a policy of “double standards.”

As to Iran’s nuclear program, it is the right of the Arab Gulf States and other neighbors of Iran to exhibit concerns with this program. Despite affirming the right of Iran in developing its program for peaceful uses, such a right must be exercised in accordance with the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and through cooperation with the agency by allowing its inspectors to visit Iranian nuclear facilities. The Kingdom hopes that Iran will respond to the diplomatic endeavors in order to find a solution to its nuclear program issues and to participate with other states in the region in advancing their economic development. Iran should refrain from meddling in the internal affairs of Gulf States so as not to make them vulnerable to foreign interventions and conflicts, and to adopt wisdom, dialogue and diplomatic solutions in confronting the challenges facing the region.

In the context of combatting terrorism from which Saudi Arabia has suffered, and through its bitter experience, the Kingdom realized that the “intellectual security” is the ideal means of confronting the basic roots of this phenomenon which transcends any religion or creed and was renounced by every culture and civilization. Efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in combatting terrorism and extremism through Al-Munasahah [counseling/advice] has proven its success and helped in drying out the sources of intellectual terrorism.

The Kingdom is aware that combatting terrorism requires the unification and support of the regional and international endeavors. Thus, the Kingdom was at the forefront of the states that signed many of the international agreements in this regard. Efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in combating terrorism at the international level has led to the signing of an agreement that established the International Center for Counter Terrorism under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz which was presented at the Counter Terrorism International Conference that was held in Riyadh in 2005.

Excellences and distinguished audience

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will steadily move forward towards what benefits regional security and stability and to what advances the area’s development as well as politically and economically. The Kingdom has a deep-rooted belief that security and development are mutually reinforcing. They are two indispensable routs that constitute a strategic option that guarantees the welfare and prosperity of the region. Additionally, collective security has become a reality in that no state can enjoy security and stability by being away from others. Therefore, the Kingdom calls upon other powers in the world to resort to reason and to adhere to international legitimacy and the equality of moral responsibility in order for the world to enjoy the desired peace and security.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my thanks and gratitude to the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain for its kind hospitality and for hosting of this important conference. My thanks are also due to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, with my ample wishes for the success of our meetings.

Source: IISS

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