MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean, affirmed that the world is witnessing a pivotal phase in which regional and international crises are increasingly intertwined in an unprecedented manner, stressing that the current international system is facing a real challenge in achieving justice and stability amid escalating conflicts and their far-reaching consequences across the globe.
Speaking during his participation in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul and the International Parliament Conference in Türkiye, Abou El-Enein explained that what is taking place in the Middle East is no longer a limited regional issue, but one that has direct repercussions on the global economy, energy and food security, as well as profound impacts on public opinion and international stability, stressing that these consequences may reach every home and family worldwide.
He emphasized that stability cannot be built at the expense of justice, and that any attempt to separate security from the rights of peoples is doomed to fail, as rights remain a legitimate foundation that cannot be overlooked, noting that respect for international humanitarian law is a cornerstone for protecting and sustaining the international system.
He added that the current phase requires a serious pause to draw lessons and reassess mechanisms for addressing international crises, calling for new visions and bold practical steps that enhance the role of national and international parliaments in addressing major issues, through activating parliamentary diplomacy tools and strengthening cooperation between legislative institutions.
Abou El-Enein warned against the dangers of undermining international humanitarian law, stressing that doing so weakens the legitimacy of the international system, particularly amid the targeting of civilians and infrastructure and the imposition of forms of collective punishment and coercive measures. He further stressed the necessity of respecting state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and rejecting the use of force as a means of resolving disputes.
He called for a comprehensive and sustainable cessation of wars and escalation in all conflict zones, directing an urgent appeal to world leaders to take immediate action, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, and to launch a serious political process under the auspices of the United Nations, with the participation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and regional organizations, in a manner that ensures a just, comprehensive, and lasting settlement.
Abou El-Enein praised international and regional efforts to de-escalate tensions, commending the mediation roles played by Egypt, Türkiye, and Pakistan, as well as the responsible positions of several Arab states characterized by wisdom and restraint, affirming that political and diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path to achieving peace and stability in the region and the world.
He concluded by stressing that parliamentary diplomacy has become the first line of defense in confronting international crises, calling for its strengthening in the coming phase to help build a more balanced and just international system that responds to the aspirations of peoples for peace, development, and stability.
