Reform in Arab world viable, says UAE

The UAE wants to improve Arab solidarity and hopes the Arab summit will meet the demands of the Arab nation, said Rashid Abdullah, UAE Foreign Minister. Speaking to the Algerian News Agency, Abdullah said: “We want to see a real summit, not a summit for distracting Arab people.” He said reform in the Arab world would not be possible without reforming the Arab League. The Arab world was, and still is, under a heavy legacy left by colonisation besides international interference in its internal affairs, he said. It has also experienced many wars that has hindered it from achieving development. There have been successful experiences in the field of development in many Arab states. This means the Arab world has the foundation for development and reform and can build on this base to attain reform and development, Abdullah said. Answering a question on the UAE’s stand on democracy, he said: “Democracy is a practice by a human being who is fully aware of his rights. When a citizen finds his country does what is good for his benefit, he will definitely act as a guard to protect democracy and practice it in a better way.”