Arab World: Revolutions Without Resolutions

By Olga Denisova

If the Arab League mission succeeds in Syria there will be no need to pass resolutions against the country, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated after meeting his Egyptian counterpart Muhammad Amr.

Both diplomats share the stances on a number of problems in the Arab world. Moscow and Cairo believe that the region has been longing for changes and the people are craving reforms. However, reforms should have been implemented via a national dialogue, without external interference.

Egypt was one of the first countries engulfed by an the Arab Spring revolution and it’s now seeing parliamentary elections taking place. The new parliament is due to begin its work on January 23.

Syria is still in a grip of 9-month long anti-government protests. The Arab League has sent in its observers to find those responsible for the numerous civilian deaths –either the government troops or the domestic and foreign mercenaries.

Sergey Lavrov believes that the country doesn’t need any sanctions if the Arab League mission succeeds

“If the mission solves the problems in Syria and prompts a dialogue that will involve all the parties concerned, this will pave the way for the resolution of the conflict. Russia would be happy to see that no UN resolutions are imposed against Syria.”

Another burning issue on the Middle East agenda is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict whose settlement is currently at a standstill. Moscow and Cairo are very concerned about the situation, Lavrov said.

“Russia and Egypt agree that the Middle East Peace Quartet and the Arab League should do their best to resume direct talks between the parties. Moscow has praised Egypt’s efforts to promote Palestinian reconciliation which has already borne fruit.”

Russia’s Foreign Minister also mentioned the Russian-Egyptian strategic relations. Russia and Egypt are economic and trade partners and Russia greatly contributes to Egypt’s tourism industry. Although Russia’s tourist officials banned selling tours to volatile Egypt during last year’s unrest . They lifted the ban on April 1.

Mr Amr assured Russians that Egyptian resorts are safe again. About 10 mln Egyptians work in the hospitality industry and this fact has to be seriously heeded by whichever party wins the parliamentary elections.

Some of the politicians have already pledged not to interfere in the tourism industry.