Download treaty establishing the arab maghreb union

TREATY ESTABLISHING THE ARAB MAGHREB UNION
The Arab Maghreb Union Treaty was adopted in Marrakech in 1989. This document has been
translated from the French version. Available at www.maghrebarabe.org. See also
www.dfa.gov.za/for-relations/multilateral/amu.htm
[The leaders of the member states]
Having faith in the solid links that unite the people of the Arab Maghreb and that are founded on a communal
history, religion and language;
Responding to the profound and firm aspirations of these people and their leaders to establish a Union that
further reinforces these existing ties between them and advances the possibility of reuniting all possible
means to orient ourselves towards a greater integration;
Conscious of the effects that would result from such an integration, and the possibility of an Arab Maghreb
Union that could attain a certain significance that would permit it to contribute effectively to a global balance,
to consolidate peaceful relations at the centre of the international community and to consolidate international
peace and security;
Considering that the traditions of the Arab Maghreb Union necessitate tangible realisations and the setting
up of common regulations which would concretise an effective solidarity between its members and increase
their economic and social development;
Expressing their sincere determination to work towards an Arab Maghreb Union which would be an avenue
for the realisation of complete Arab unity and a point of departure for a larger union, encompassing other
Arab and African states;
HAVE RESOLVED THE FOLLOWING:
Article 1
A Union called the Arab Maghreb Union is constituted by virtue of this Treaty.
Article 2
The Union aims to:

Reinforce the fraternal links that unite the member states and their peoples;

Realise the progress and prosperity of member societies and the defence of their rights;

Contribute to the preservation of a peace founded on justice and equality;

Pursue a common political policy in different domains;

Work towards the progressive realisation of the free movement of persons, services, goods and
capital.
Article 3
The common political policy mentioned in the preceding article has as its goal to put into effect the following
objectives:

On the international level, the realisation of a straight forward diplomatic cooperation founded on
dialogue;

In the area of defence, the safeguarding of the independence of each member state;

In the area of the economy, the realisation of industrial, agricultural, commercial, and social
development of member states and the bringing together of all necessary means to this effect, notably,
by establishing common projects and expanding on global and sectoral programs;

In the area of culture, the establishment of cooperation aimed at developing teaching at different
levels, that would preserve the spiritual and moral values inspired by the generous teachings of Islam,
and to safeguard the national Arab identity whilst endowing itself with the necessary means to realise
these objectives, notably for the exchange of teachers and students, and the creation of universities
and cultural institutions, as well as institutes of Maghreb research.
…
Article 13
The Union is equipped with a Judicial Authority composed of two judges from each member state, who are
designated for a period of six years, of which half are renewed every three year period. This Authority elects
it president from amongst its members for a period of one year. The aforementioned Authority has as its
competence to rule on disagreements relative to the interpretation and application of the Treaty and
agreements concluded under the framework of the Union, that it then submits to the Presidential Council or
one of the state parties in the dispute, conforming with the framework of the present Treaty. Its judgments
are binding and final. The aforementioned Authority prepares its own statute and submits it for the approval
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of the Presidential Council. This statute forms an integral part of the present Treaty. The Presidential Council
sets up the Judicial Authority and fixes its budget.
Article 14
Any aggression against one member state is considered as aggression against the other member states.
Article 15
Member states undertake to never allow on their respective territories any activity or organisation which
threatens the security, territorial integrity or political system of one of the member states. They agree equally
to abstain from forming a part of any pact, military or political alliance, which is directed against the political
independence or territorial unity of another member state.
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