Amid concern over security and terrorism in the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Tuesday asked Iran to fulfil international requirements in making the region and the Gulf area free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and nuclear weapons. It also decided to establish a centre to combat terror.
The Abu Dhabi Declaration, issued at the end of a two-day GCC meeting, welcomed international efforts, especially the current 5+1 talks, to attend to the Iranian nuclear issue and expressed the hope that Tehran would work positively.
Terming “good step” the 5+1 move, the GCC felt that Iran should fulfil its obligations towards the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and stressed on the right of all countries in the region to pursue nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
The declaration noted, “The GCC monitored with grave concern the developments in the [Iranian] dossier and reiterated its firm position on the importance of compliance with principles of the international legitimacy, resolution of disputes through peaceful means and making the Middle East region, including the Gulf area, free of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons.”
“We have been encouraging all, including Iran, that diplomacy is the right way forward. The GCC upholds Iran's right to peaceful nuclear programme...'' United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said at a media conference at the end of the summit.
The declaration also asked Iran to promote good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs, settlement of disputes through peaceful means and refrain from using or threatening to use force in that respect. It asked Iran to settle the territorial issue of three islands — Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Moussa — with the UAE through dialogue or the International Court of Justice.
On terrorism, the statement expressed the GCC's criticism of violence and terror-related extremism and its support for any regional and international effort to combat terror.
Information sharing
While praising the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in frustrating terrorists, the GCC said the centre to combat terror would share information and experience in counter-terrorism and also monitor the movement of organisations and terrorists to foil their nefarious plans.
On Palestine, it said a permanent settlement was possible only with complete withdrawal of all Israeli settlements and establishing an independent Palestine state.
On regional issues, the six-member GCC decided to have a common market, permitting all Gulf companies to open branches in each other's countries, beginning early next year. It also reviewed the progress of mechanism for Customs Union, work on the subsequent phases of power grid and hopes to have plans, designs and project for railway network in place by the next GCC summit.
