A new pan-Arab parliament formed by the Arab League is meeting for the first time in Cairo on Tuesday.
The assembly consists of 88 members of parliament, four from each of the 22 Arab League members. However, it will have no legislative power, AFP reported.
The temporary parliament, which will serve a maximum of seven years, is an effort by the Arab League to revive its influence in the region, reform its structure and improve its image.
Its creation was decided on last March at the Arab Summit in Algiers.
The Cairo-based Arab League consists of 21 states and one authority. It is often criticized for being a toothless tiger, as its decisions are not binding.
Members hope a permanent assembly will eventually be based in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will take part in the new parliament’s opening session.
Kuwait and Oman have presented candidates for Speaker of the new parliament.