London-based newspaper Al-Hayathas said that Egypt is seeking approval on its proposal to form a ‘counter-terrorism unified Arab military unit’ during the summit it will host in March.
The newspaper quoted informed Egyptian sources on Wednesday as saying that talks are in progress between officials from Egypt and pro-Egypt Gulf countries to form an Arab military unit that can swiftly intervene under joint leadership.
Talks, according to the sources, discuss areas of deployment, plans and agreements on joint military training to face terrorism endangering region.
These efforts are being supported by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, the sources said. Cairo will propose the formation of the troops in accordance with the joint Arab defense agreement during the summit.
The sources did not rule out potential Arab disputes over the formation of the troops. In the event Egypt does not get approval, a core group of interested countries will form their own force, allowing for others to join at a later date.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
