The Arab League withdrew a speaking invitation to the pro-Palestinian Swedish foreign minister when they realized she would discuss democracy and human rights.

The Arab League disinvited Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström from a meeting in Egypt when it became clear that she intended to use the opportunity to speak about freedom, democracy and human rights.

The snub could complicate military relations between Sweden and Saudi Arabia.

Wallström was invited to Cairo as a guest of honor following her successful initiative to make Sweden the first European Union country to recognize a Palestinian state. After she published her intended remarks, however, Saudi Arabia pushed to cancel the invitation. “The explanation we have been given is that Sweden has highlighted the situation for democracy and human rights, and that is why they do not want me to speak,” Wallström told the TT news agency.

In January, Wallström criticized Saudi Arabia for sentencing blogger Raif Badawi to 1,000 lashes.

Wallström’s speech would have included this paragraph: “Human rights are a priority in Swedish foreign policy. Freedom of association, assembly, religion and expression are not only fundamental rights and important tools in the creation of vibrant societies. They are indispensable in the fight against extremism and radicalization. So is a vibrant civil society.”

Swedes Debating Renewal of MoU with Saudi Arabia

Sweden is currently deliberating whether to renew a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation with Saudi Arabia in May. The ruling Social Democratic party is split in opinion, while their junior partner, the Green Party, is opposed, citing lack of democracy in Saudi Arabia. Sweden’s business community is concerned that ending military cooperation will harm the country’s reputation as a trade partner.

Wallström spoke in favor of renewing the memorandum on Friday, saying, “We have a very extensive trade with Saudi Arabia and economic ties and opportunities we all are anxious to retain.”

The Arab League is currently drafting a UN resolution calling for Israel to relinquish territories it had liberated in the 1967 war, including the Golan Heights and the Shebaa Farms, which are disputed between Lebanon and Syria.

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