Leaders and representatives from 21 Arab countries wrapped up the 20th Arab League (AL) summit on Sunday and adopted Damascus Declaration on a series of key Arab issues read out by AL Secretary General Amr Moussa.

Damascus Declaration underlines commitment to boosting Arab solidarity in protecting Arab security and overcoming inter-Arab differences through serious dialogue.

It also expresses favor of Arab higher interests above any differences and Arab willingness to stand together against political and economic pressures put on any Arab country.

Moussa also announced that Qatar will be the host of the Arab summit next year.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed Damascus' role in maintaining the principles of Arab nations.

Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani also gave a brief speech, saying after consultation with the AL and Somalia, the oil- rich Gulf country would host the next summit in view of the situation in the Eastern African country.

The two-day Damascus summit, starting from midday Saturday at the Ummayad Palace in the southern suburb of Damascus, brought together only 11 Arab leaders, including President Bashar al-Assad of the host Syria.

Lebanon announced on Tuesday to shun the summit, urging the Arabs to tackle Lebanon's months-long political deadlock.

Pro-Western Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan also decided to send only low-key delegations to the gathering in a snub to Damascus over its alleged role in blocking a Lebanese presidential election.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2008)