Middle East Common Market

Aims and Prospects

The Middle East Common Market (hereinafter: the Union) is the second step in bringing peace, security and prosperity to the Middle East region, following the Israel-Palestine-Jordan Confederation. The ultimate goal of the Union is "an ever stronger economic ties between the countries of the Middle East"; the objective is to promote economic and social progress which is balanced and sustainable and assert the Middle Eastern identity on the international scene.

Fundamental Rights

Respect for the fundamental rights of all people, whether nationals or non-nationals, is an essential feature of any democracy. The Union and its Member states are therefore required to respect them. Actions may be brought before the Union courts to enforce compliance by the Middle Eastern institutions. The Union may impose suitable political and economic sanctions on Member states that seriously and systematically flout fundamental rights. A State that is applying to join the Union will not be admitted if it does not guarantee enjoyment of these rights.

The Union may take decisions specifically designed to combat discrimination based on sex, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation. This rule does not amount to a direct ban on discrimination but provides the Union with the possibility to act.

Respect for the status enjoyed in the Member states by churches, synagogues and mosques, religious associations, philosophical and non-confessional organizations must be guaranteed by the Union institutions.

The needs of persons with a disability must be taken into account in the arrangements for completing the single market.

Determination

The potential Member states must be determined to lay the foundations of an ever stronger economic ties between the countries of the Middle East, resolved to ensure the economic and social progress of their countries by common action to eliminate the barriers, which currently divide the region. The essential objective of their governments' efforts should be the constant improvement of the living and working conditions of their peoples, recognizing that the removal of existing obstacles calls for concerted action in order to guarantee steady expansion, balanced trade and fair competition. The governments should affirm their willingness to contribute, by means of a common commercial policy, to the progressive abolition of restrictions on international trade. The countries should cooperate in pooling their resources to preserve and strengthen peace and liberty, calling upon the other peoples of the Middle East who share their ideal to join in their efforts.