Royal Controversy at Arab Summit

Arab leaders gathered in Doha, Qatar Monday for their annual summit. It is a time where the leaders discuss issues concerning them and their people.

But this summit had two controversies swirling around it. One was the acceptance of Sudan President Omar al-Bashir by the leaders, despite him being wanted by the International Criminal Court. The second was Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi condemning Saudi King Abdullah.

When Bashir stepped off the plane in Doha, he was welcomed by Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani. The Emir shook Bashir’s hand and kissed his cheek. The two leaders later had coffee together.

Even U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon was present for the Arab Summit.

“Sudan is a member of the United Nations while the International Criminal Court is an independent judicial body, which does not prevent the United Nations from dealing with Sudan,” a UN official explained to the AFP.

President Bashir is wanted by the ICC for encouraging the atrocities in Darfur. During the summit itself, leaders voiced support for him.

Bashir thanked the summit, saying the warrant issued against him “targets Sudan’s national unity” and promised action to solve Sudan’s problems. “We will try to do all we can to realize peace in all Sudan,” he said.

But one notable Arab leader did not receive full support, and that was King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. He was blasted by Libya’s Muammar Gadhafi, who called him a “British product and American ally.”

When the Qatari emir tried to quiet him, the Libyan leader and current Africa Union chairman insisted he be allowed to speak.

“I am an international leader, the dean of the Arab rulers, the king of kings of Africa and the imam (leader) of Muslims, and my international status does not allow me to descend to a lower level,” Gadhafi said.

Gadhafi, who is known for his unpredictable behavior, then got up and walked out of the summit hall. A Libyan delegate said he went to an Islamic museum in Doha for a tour.