The General Conference of the Arab Writers Union has unanimously elected Emirati poet Habib Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, as its secretary-general for a three-year term.

Abdul Rahim Alam, President of the Moroccan Writers Union, was elected first deputy to the secretary-general.

Announcing the results of the election at a press conference today, Secretary-General of the Arab Writers Union, Mohammed Salmawi, said, 'We are confident that Al Sayegh will be the trusted person who will push the Union forward and enrich its experiment.' Al Sayegh thanked his predecessor Salmawi for the tireless efforts he had made during his term to advance the causes of Arab writers. He also thanked his fellow writers for the confidence they vested in him, while describing his responsibility as 'heavy'.

Al Sayegh dedicated his victory to the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and noted that the mission will provide the UAE with an opportunity to lead the Arab cultural movement in the next three years.

He affirmed that he and his fellow writers would always back major Arab issues, notably the Palestinian Cause and other evolving questions, at this delicate juncture of Arab history. He said he was optimistic about the future.

While congratulating Al Sayegh for winning the important Arab cultural position, the Emirates News Agency (WAM), said the landmark victory came in recognition of the Emirates Writers Union's efforts to enrich the cultural landscape within the UAE and the Arab World and for Al Sayegh's tireless efforts throughout his life in the service of arts and literature. WAM wishes Al Sayegh success in his new post.

Abu Dhabi is hosting the 26th General Conference of the Arab Writers Union, which was opened by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, on Friday, and will last for six days