In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Universe. Prayers and Salutations be upon the faithful Arab Prophet Mohammed. Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Presidents, and Princes of Arab countries, Peace, God؟s Mercy and Blessings be upon you. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Jordan, and to express, on behalf of the people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, our pride in you, brothers and leaders who enjoy our full respect and appreciation. This is the third Arab summit that Jordan hosts and we are proud to have this privilege once again. It is also my pleasure to welcome Their Excellencies Mr. Kofi Annan, the secretary general of the United Nations, Mr. Abdelouhed Belkaziz, the secretary general of the Islamic Conference Organisation, and Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the secretary general of the African Unity Organisation. Jordan holds nothing dearer than its pride in belonging to the Arab Nation. It cherishes its commitment to serve Arab causes and to mobilise its resources towards building a future that befits the Nation؟s history and contributions to humanity and world civilisation. Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Most previous Arab summits were held to reach unified positions on issues that had necessitated their convening. Consequently, they were of a reactive nature, governed by special circumstances. They were not proactive summits predicated on a comprehensive vision and initiative. This summit, however, is held in implementation of the resolution of the Cairo Arab summit to convene on an annual basis. I recognise the important role His Excellency President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak played in the success of that summit. As such, this summit institutionalises a new approach to joint Arab action. This approach is based on a continuous process of coordination and consultation, regardless of passing differences and prevailing circumstances. It probably only meets the minimum aspirations and expectations of the Arab people who yearn for an efficient Arab Order. The Arab people seek solidarity and a framework of co-operation that can build on common denominators and areas of agreement, resolve contentious issues and give priority to common Arab interests. World developments present many challenges and have led to the emergence of economic blocs that seek to direct globalism to serve their interests. This requires us to work together. It makes it imperative that we become an integrated group capable of coping with these developments with confidence, awareness and greater ability. Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Our Nation has for decades, and particularly for the last ten years, suffered from differences and conflicts. It has suffered from the absence of Arab solidarity and regression in joint Arab action. Accordingly, others, both near and far, have dealt with us with disregard. This situation allowed the weak and the strong alike to deal with us from a position of strength. Arab citizens have thus become bitter and frustrated, with no confidence in themselves or in their future. It is time we turned that page and overcame our differences. It is time we opened a new page in joint Arab action with open hearts and clear consciences. This new chapter should reflect our brotherhood, sacred bonds and common interests. Our Nation is facing enormous challenges. We have to rise to those challenges and meet the expectations and aspirations of our people. The Palestinian people have been suffering tremendously for over half a century. They have struggled in defence of their rights and for their occupied land with all possible means. The blood of their martyrs has been spilt on every part of their dear land. Today, they are moving closer to realising their dream of liberating their land and regaining their legitimate rights. We have to stand by them. We have to provide them with every possible support and assistance that will enable them to regain their full rights and establish their independent state on their national soil, with Jerusalem as its capi