This came in an opening address by Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Minister of Health and Chairman of the Federal Environmental Agency (FEA), in the meeting of the Council of the Arab Environment Ministers, which began at the Arab League in Cairo on Wednesday.

“We are meeting here today while the Arab world witnesses many challenges which surround us from all corners. Each topic in our agenda today represents an environmental challenge to us. The war in Iraq and the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories require us to take immediate action,” Mr Midfa, who chairs the meeting, noted.

He went on to say: “The Arab world today witnesses rapid developments on all fronts including political, social, economic and environmental levels which are expected to have grave repercussions on our daily life today and the life of the future generations. We should pay utmost attention to these developments and make use of them in the interest of our nations and our greater Arab nation. This, however, will only be possible through concerted efforts.

“Today, it is not possible for any single state to defend itself and protect its interests even if the cause is a just one. Therefore, it should seek to join a bloc through which it can achieve those interests and we are confident that the Arab countries have the capabilities to form a bloc that would act as a lobby to protect their interests and achieve their goals.”

Environment ministers attended the 16th session of the Council from Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Yemen and the UAE.

Senior environmental officials from other Arab countries are also taking part in the meeting.

On top of the meeting’s agenda is a Palestinian request related to the role of the Arab Commission for Atomic Energy in facing possible environmental threats imposed by the Israeli Dimona Nuclear reactor.

They will also discuss issues relating to the environment in the occupied Palestinian lands as well as Iraq.

The sessions discuss, among other topics, a UN proposal on strategic plan to support technology and build capabilities in the Arab region and the final draft of energy and sustainable development document.

Elaborating on the situation in Iraq and Palestine, Mr Midfa said: “The war in Iraq and its dangerous effects on this brotherly country require us to act seriously and chalk out mechanisms to help it in getting rid of those effects and rehabilitate its environment. The same applies to the occupied Palestinian territories and other occupied territories in the Arab world which are continuously exposed to systematic destruction by the Israeli occupation,” Mr Midfa said.

The UAE made a proposal to host a joint meeting comprising Arab ministers of environment and tourism in Dubai in February 2006 on the sidelines of an international conference and exhibition on sustainable tourism environment to be organised by the Zayed International Prize for Environment.