Arab ministers have agreed to hold an Arab League summit this month in Tunisia, despite differences over Iraq, Israel and US reform demands that forced the organisation to postpone a meeting in March, Tunisia's foreign minister announced.
"The council of ministers has agreed to the Tunisian suggestion that the summit be held on May 22nd and 23rd," Mr Habib ben Yahia said at a news conference.
Mr Ben Yahia acknowledged that there had been differences during the Arab League foreign ministers' three days of discussions. "The agenda is fat, and it required many days to sort it out," he said.
The March meeting was postponed at the last minute because of differences among member states about the conflict in Iraq, peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians, and an American proposal for political and social reform in the Middle East.
Since the cancelation of the March summit, the situation in the Middle East has become even more complicated, with mounting violence in Iraq, a controversy over US soldiers' humiliation of Iraqi prisoners and increasing skepticism about Washington's intentions in the region.
"We have to sail a boat in a very rough ocean," Mr Moussa said. "We are in a position not be envied."
Mr Ben Yahia said that since the summit was "only 10 days away," he hoped that "the decisions there would be for the benefit of the Arabs."
"You all spoke of many difficulties and disagreements," he told reporters. "Of course, the difference of opinions requires discussion to come up with a good resolution."