Participants of Turkish-Arab Parliamentarians Dialogue Third Meeting issue final declaration

ISTANBUL (A.A) - In a final declaration issued Friday, the participants of the Third Meeting of the Turkish-Arab Parliamentarians Dialogue said that the process of change the Arab countries were going through was a natural development taking place with the initiatives of the respective peoples. The declaration was accepted by co-chairs of the meeting, Turkish Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee's head Ambassador Volkan Bozkir and Rapporteur of the Arab Parliament Foreign Affairs, Political and National Security Committee Abd Elkader Semmari, as well as by members of the respective committees. As all peoples on the surface of the earth, the Arab peoples have the right for democracy, freedom, human rights, good management and the rule of law, the declaration underlined. A decision was taken to establish an observation mechanism within the Turkish-Arab Parliamentarians Dialogue for the implementation of decisions, the declaration stressed. "Turkish-Arab relations get their strength from deep historic, cultural and social ties. The recent developments in the region make Turkish-Arab relations more important. Turkish-Arab relations must be developed in all fields. Turkey's support to the regional peoples must continue," the declaration said. -Arab-Israeli dispute and Palestinian cause- In regard to the Arab-Israeli dispute and the Palestinian cause, the declaration said that joint works must be conducted so that the Palestinian State, within the boundaries established in 1967 and whose capital is Jerusalem, get recognized globally. Joint works must be conducted in international platforms to help prevent Israeli settlements in Jerusalem. Israel's settlements on occupied territory can not be accepted, the declaration underlined. Our common stance must continue so that Israel meets the rightful demands of Turkey over the deadly Israeli attack on Mavi Marmara aid ship that was carrying aid materials to Gaza on May 31, 2010, the declaration said. -Clearing Middle East from weapons of mass destruction- It is important for Israel to sign the Treaty on Prevention of the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, said the declaration. All states, Israel included, must be open to inspections on the weapons of mass destruction, the declaration noted. -Recent developments in region- The process of change the Arab countries were going through was a natural development taking place with the initiatives of the respective peoples, the declaration said. As all peoples on the surface of the earth, the Arab peoples have the right for democracy, freedom, human rights, good management and the rule of law, the declaration underlined. The rightful demands of the regional peoples must be met, the declaration said. Violence against the civilians can not be accepted, the declaration said. The regional countries's progress towards plural democracy must be supported, the declaration underlined. -Cyprus issue- The United Nations Secretary General's efforts for a comprehensive and permanent solution, based on equality and bi-zonality, in Cyprus must be supported, the declaration noted. The declaration called on the relevant parliamentarians to strengthen relations with the Turkish Cypriot state. -Economic issues- The declaration called on Turkey and Arab states to increase cooperation in the economic field. There are important opportunities present in investments, commerce, industry, finance, banking, tourism, energy, sustainable development, maritime and transportation, the declaration said. Those Arab countries who have not yet signed the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey should be encouraged to do so, the declaration said. Efforts should be made so that Turkey and Arabic countries sign visa liberalization agreements, the declaration stressed. -Cultural issues- Efforts to teach Arabic language in Turkey and the Turkish language in Arab countries must be supported, the declaration said. Our common historic heritage must be protected. All historic buildings must be recorded and, wherever necessary, renovations must be made, the declaration said. A joint history committee must be formed to correct the misunderstandings in our common history, the declaration said. We need to work so that other countries understand Islam as a true religion of peace, tolerance and love, the declaration said. We need to continue to support the Alliance of Civilizations initiative, co-chaired by Turkey and Spain, in order to facilitate mutual understanding between religions and cultures, the declaration also said.