5 leaders suggest Arab peacekeeping role

Five Arab leaders meeting in Libya recommended Monday that Arab nations to prepare a military force to take part in peacekeeping missions, according to a statement at the end of the meeting.

The one-day mini-summit also recommended holding two full Arab League summits every year. Issues would be discussed and recommendations would be made at the first one, and decisions would be made at the second, the statement said.

Another recommendation was establishing an executive council of heads of government to supervise implementing Arab summit resolutions, as well as other councils for economic and trade ministers.

Monday's mini-summit in the Libyan capital of Tripoli was attended by the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Yemen and host Libya as well as Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League.

The Arab League was set up in 1945 to promote cooperation among member states, but the Cairo-based organization has drawn criticism for its perceived ineffectiveness.

Moussa was named to oversee the newly established executive council and work on issues related to defense, foreign affairs, security, energy, economy, education, agriculture and water.

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