Summary of Ambassador Hussein Hassouna’s Views on the Future of U.S.-Arab Relations

(A Conversation at Al-Hewar Center with Dr. Hussain Hassouna, Arab League Ambassador to the United States, about "U.S.-Arab Relations - The Road Ahead." Moderated by Dr. Alma Abdul-Hadi Jadallah - 3/19/08)

At a well attended debate held recently at Al-Hewar Center in Northern Virginia on the subject of the future of United States-Arab relations, Dr. Hussein Hassouna, Ambassador of the Arab League in Washington DC., stated that the Arab world is following with great interest the current Presidential race in the United States, in view of its potential implications for United States policy in the Middle East. The Arab world, he added, looks forward to developing relations of close cooperation with the new American administration on the basis of common interests and mutual respect.

Ambassador Hassouna called upon the coming administration to support the cause of peace and justice among nations. He expects that administration to play a leading active role, as an honest broker, in the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict. In order to succeed however, those efforts should be implemented starting from the early days of the administration rather than in its final year. In relation to its dealings with other nations, he urged the new administration to adopt a policy of dialogue and negotiation instead of confrontation and coercion.

Ambassador Hassouna further called upon the future administration to express its support for the United Nations and ensure the implementation of all its resolutions, without discrimination. He emphasized the need to respect international law and accede to international conventions so as to be a model for other nations. This would in turn contribute to improving the United States’ image and restoring its standing in the world at large.

The Ambassador concluded by pointing to the need for more dialogue and interaction between the Arab and American peoples in the coming era. He referred to some major upcoming U.S.- Arab events in Washington that would fulfill that goal, including a U.S.-Arab economic forum in May 2008, and an Arab cultural festival in February of next year. Those joint events, he asserted, offer a golden opportunity for the American public to learn more about the Arab world, its economic potential and business opportunities, and its great civilization and rich culture. Such initiatives would eventually contribute to strengthening ties and promoting better understanding between the Arab and American peoples.

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*Ambassador Hussein Hassouna is a former Ambassador and Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt. In addition to his present position in Washington, he is also a member of The United Nations International Law Commission.

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