Security conference urges stronger transborder partnerships

DEAD SEA – The rapid transformations in the region, accompanied by the rise in radicalism, are “transnational” in nature, a reality that requires stronger trans-border partnerships, according to participants at a high-profile security conference. 

On the shores of the Dead Sea, representatives of 63 nations are discussing security opportunities and roadblocks in the region, engaging in a cross-dimensional dialogue consistent with the spirit of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), according to organisers.

The two-day 2015 OSCE Mediterranean Conference, held under the title “Common Security in the Mediterranean Region – Challenges and Opportunities”, provides a venue for deeper understanding of the security realities in region.    

Touching on the significant timing of the event, whose 2008 edition was also hosted by the Kingdom, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh said in his remarks that the challenges facing the region today have become “more complex and, as always, interconnected”.  

“Today, our region is plagued with protracted conflicts that were left to fester and become so dangerous that our collective security is being tested,” he said at the opening ceremony. 

The main source of tension in our region and a root cause of many of its problems, according to Judeh, is the “prolonged” Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 

“Recent escalations by Israeli authorities, in Jerusalem, especially at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and tragic civilian deaths on both sides stoke a religious war that holds dangerous repercussions for all of us, and is infuriating the emotions of more than 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world,” said the minister. 

He reiterated that the only way to address the conflicts is through the realisation of the two-state solution, which leads to establishing a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, within the 1967 lines and based on serious negotiations that address final status issues.

Judeh added that “when it comes to threats of radicalisation, terrorism and extremism, we are on the frontline… those threats respect no borders.” 

He also underlined that accepting, hosting and dealing with refugees and alleviating their suffering is the collective responsibility of the international community. 

 “I would like to stress the fact that there is no space for fatigue when it comes to supporting refugees,” he said, noting that he is aware of the fact that countries suffer from donor and refugee fatigue, but the issue remains a global and international challenge.

“We should draw attention to the horrific images of Syrian refugees… on the beaches of Europe; we should bring attention to the millions of refugees in Syria’s neighbouring countries waiting for the international community and organisations to stand up to their responsibilities,” said Judeh. 

He also stressed Jordan’s full support for the Iraqi government and its efforts to fight terrorism.

In his opening address, German Minister of Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier said all European and Middle Eastern countries are affected by the repercussions of the regional crises, noting that Germany alone will be hosting around one million refugees by the end of this year, the vast majority of whom are from Syria and its neighbours.

“This region needs common principles and processes with small steps to recover from the crisis,” he said.

Roksanda Nincic, state secretary of Serbia’s foreign ministry, called for finding a solution to the humanitarian situation of Syrian refugees who attempt to reach Europe and escape the destruction in their home countries by crossing the Mediterranean Sea.   

The OSCE conference runs until October 21.