Editor’s Note:
The Gulf Cooperation Council, an association of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Oman, held the 132nd session of its ministerial council, a meeting of the states’ foreign ministers, in Jeddah on August 30, 2014. The ministers faced a long list of challenges to their individual and joint interests. Today we provide for your consideration a report on the Council’s session and the communique it issued.
GCC Foreign Minister’s Start 132nd Ministerial Council
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Press Agency
August 30, 2014
Jeddah, Dhu-AlQa’dah 4, 1435, Aug 30, 2014, SPA — The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States started here today 132nd ministerial council under chairmanship of Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with presence of GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
The 132nd GCC Ministerial session in Jeddah, Aug 30, 2014. (SPA)
Speaking at the 132th session of GCC Foreign Ministers Council, Sheikh Khalid reiterated GCC’s full interest in ironing out pan-Gulf differences and preserving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) achievements.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister also applauded GCC states’ eagerness to forge ahead with their blessed joint march.
The GCC states are eyeing greater cohesion and cooperation to translate their leaders’ vision of reaching the highest level of coherence, coordination and integration, he said.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid also hailed Custodian of the Two holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Saud’s speech on August 1, in which he stressed the need to act against those who try to hijack Islam and present it to the world as a religion of extremism, hatred and terrorism. He praised the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques’ USD 100 million donation to the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.
He cautioned that the GCC states are facing ‘unprecedented growth of the scourge of terrorism through groups acting under the guise Islam while they are far from its tolerant humanitarian message.’ The Kuwaiti top diplomat expressed strong condemnation of the practices of those extremist groups.
He welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution No. 2170 which asked the world countries to act to suppress the flow of foreign fighters, financing and other support to ‘criminal’ extremist groups.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid also hailed Custodian of the Two holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Saud’s speech on August 1, in which he stressed the need to act against those who try to hijack Islam and present it to the world as a religion of extremism, hatred and terrorism. He praised the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques’ USD 100 million donation to the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.
Commenting on the recent developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Kuwaiti Minister welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached on August 26 between Palestinians and Israel.
He acclaimed Egypt’s efforts to broker the agreement and end the confrontation.
‘Such efforts represent Egypt’s historic role as the main advocate of the Palestinian cause,’ he said.
He renewed the call for the international community to put into effect the United Nations resolutions relevant to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and to provide international protection for the helpless Palestinian people, lift the tight Israeli siege imposed on Gaza Strip.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid underlined the need for mobilizing international efforts to press Israel to resume the final status negotiations with the aim of reaching an agreement on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On the recent developments in Iraq, the Foreign Minister said the GCC is deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation in many areas of this country.
He stressed the importance of Iraqi national unity and territorial integrity. He also called for an inclusive policy to embrace all Iraqis.
He reiterated congratulations to Iraq’s new President Dr. Fuad Massoum; new Prime Minister Dr. Haider Abadi, and new National Assembly Speaker Dr. Salem Al-Jubouri.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid wished Iraqi leaders’ success in forming the new government and in restoring security and stability in their country.
He expressed GCC ‘deep sorrow’ to the continuation of the cycle of violence in Syria and welcomed the decision of the UN Security Council No. 2165 for opening new crossings for the delivery of aid to the Syrian people.
Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid wished success for new the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Syria Staffan de Mistura.
The Kuwaiti minister emphasized the importance of continuing work to reach a political solution to end the crisis and preserve Syria’s territorial unity.
He called for intensifying efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Syrian areas and to Syrian refugees abroad.
On Yemen, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid said that the GCC states have been working over the past years to retain security and stability in Yemen and to meet the aspirations of its people in development and prosperity.
He noted high hopes are pinned on the national dialogue to ensure the success of the power transition process based from the Gulf initiative and its mechanisms.
‘We, in the GCC, still deeply concerned as raging infighting and the deterioration of the security situation hampers efforts exerted to restore calm and build a securer and brighter future for Yemen,’ he said.
The Minister voiced the GCC full support for Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi and his government in their quest to apply outcome of the national dialogue and their fight against all forms of violence and terrorism, led by some groups.
Regarding GCC relations with Iran, he underscored the need to address outstanding issues and to reach an international agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Amid the appalling crises, wide-scale destruction, massive human losses and damaging of properties, the GCC reiterate its stance of doing all in power to maintain the stability of the region, the Minister said.
Commenting on the developments in Libya, the Kuwait top diplomat called on all parties to support the constitutional institutions elected the people.
He hoped success for Libyan parliament’s plan to stop the violence and complete the political process.
‘In this context, I would like to highlight the recent UN Security Council resolution No. 2174 on Libya which provides a ground for stopping those who threaten peace, security and stability in Libya; calls for an immediate ceasefire to pave the way for a comprehensive political dialogue; and express support to the ongoing political process in Libya and all efforts exerted to preserve its unity and territorial integrity,’ he said.
In the meantime, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid, on behalf of the GCC foreign ministers, congratulated the Sultanate of Oman of the successfully medical examinations for Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said. He wished Sultan Qaboos everlasting wellbeing to fully complete the process of construction and development in the Sultanate of Oman.
–SPA
132nd GCC Ministerial Council Issues Final Communique
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Press Agency
August 30, 2014
Jeddah, Dhu-AlQa’dah 4, 1435, Aug 30, 2014, SPA — The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States concluded here today 132nd GCC Ministerial Council under chairmanship of Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah with presence of GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
The ministerial council issued the final communiquأ© as follows:
‘The GCC Ministerial Council held here today 132nd GCC ministerial session under chairmanship of Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who is also the chairman of the current ministerial council, with participation of the GCC Foreign Ministers and GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani.
The ministerial council congratulated Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, on the occasion of naming State of Kuwait as an International Humanitarian Center and naming Kuwaiti Emir as Humanitarian Leader.
The council reviewed the latest developments of the joint action. The GCC Foreign Ministers discussed a number of regional and international issues as follows:
Joint Action:
The ministerial council was briefed on a report of the Secretariat General regarding progress of work in the GCC railway project. The council also was briefed on the Secretariat General’s report regarding what have been done to the water linkage.
Combating Terrorism:
1 / The ministerial council appreciated the Kingdom’s USD 100 million donation to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center in addition to its previous support with USD 10 million for its establishment, urging other countries to follow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards the center to combat terrorism globally and at all levels.
2 / The ministerial council welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution no. 2170 dated on 15, August, 2014 under Chapter VII which condemns spread of serious violations of human rights committed by terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria, particularly Daash Victory Front organizations, and imposes sanctions on individuals associated with these groups.
3 / GCC reiterated on firm stances to renounce terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, whatever its motives and justifications and whatever its source. The GCC council emphasized that tolerance and coexistence between nations and peoples are foundations of domestic and foreign policy, stressing its stance against terrorist threats facing the region and the world in order to ensure security, stability and peace. The GCC also confirmed its commitment to fight the terrorist groups’ thought where Islam is innocent of this thought.
4 / The council confirmed to intensify efforts for regional and international cooperation in order to combat terrorist acts and to bring the perpetrators of such acts to justice.
Political Aspect:
Iranian Occupation of Three UAE Islands:
5 / The GCC Ministerial Council reiterated its firm stance rejecting a continuation of the Iranian occupation of the three United Arab Emirates islands, the Greater Tunb, the Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which has been emphasized in all previous statements, and the council stressed, in this regard, the following:
- Supporting the UAE sovereignty over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelve and economic exclusive zones of these three islands, as indivisible parts of the United Arab Emirates.
- Considering any decisions, practices or acts committed by Iran on these islands as null and void and not affecting any historical and legal realities which support the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates on these three islands.
- Calling upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to the endeavors of the United Arab Emirates to solve the issue through either direct negotiations or to resort to the International Court of Justice.
Relations with Iran:
6 / The council reiterated the importance of cooperation relations between the GCC countries and Iran, based on respecting the sovereignty of countries in the region, non interference in their internal affairs, principles of good neighborhood and refrain from use or threat of force.
Iranian Nuclear Program:
7 / The Ministerial Council expressed hope that the prolonging of negotiations between the group of countries (5+1) and Iran up to 24th November could lead to reaching a comprehensive agreement between the two parties in order to end fears and suspicions over Iran’s nuclear program.
8 / The Ministerial Council asserts importance of making the Arabian Gulf Region and the Middle East a zone free of Weapons of Mass Destruction, including nuclear weapons.
Current Arab Situation:
Syria:
9 / The GCC Ministerial Council stressed the firm positions of the GCC countries to preserve Syria’s independence, sovereignty and integrity of its national territory, reiterating the implementation of Geneva Accord I (June 2012) aims to achieve a peaceful transition of power in Syria, and the Ministerial Council expressed its wishes for a successful mission of UN official Staffan de Mistura as new UN mediator on Syria crisis.
10/ The Ministerial Council expressed its severe pain due to the continuation of Assad’s regime in the killings and destruction, and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria, and welcomed the Security Council resolution No. 2165 dated 14/07/2014 regarding humanitarian aid, demanding the removal of all obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid for all the affected civilians.
11 / The Ministerial Council welcomed the results of the meeting of foreign ministers of the Arab countries who are members of the International Contact Group, concerned with the Syrian crisis, which was held in the city of Jeddah on 24/08/2014.
Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip:
12 / The GCC Ministerial Council also welcomed the agreement struck between the Palestinian and Israeli sides for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, appreciating the pivotal role played by the Arab Republic of Egypt, praising the efforts exerted internationally and regionally in this context, demanding to comply fully with the terms of the agreement and calling for a rapid introduction of humanitarian and relief aid to the Gaza Strip.
The Council expressed the hope that this agreement would lead to an accord to end the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people and meet their legitimate aspirations in order to promote peace and stability in the region. The GCC Ministerial Council also held Israel responsibility for the heinous war crimes against the Palestinian people, and massive destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.
Current Arab Situation:
On Yemen’s Affairs:
13 / The GCC Ministerial Council welcomed the invitation of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi of the Republic of Yemen for all Yemeni political and social forces to achieve national alignment and reconciliation, based on a commitment to the foundations and outputs of the national dialogue, stressing the need to complete the transition phase, in accordance with the GCC’s initiative and its executive mechanism, to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Yemeni people and preserve the unity of Yemen, its security and stability.
14 / The Council was briefed by Yemeni Foreign Minister, Jamal Abdullah Al-Sallal, on the latest developments in Yemen. The Council also expressed its deep concern about the tensions taking place in the vicinity of the capital, Sana’a, by the Houthis group and its insistence on the escalation of anti-peaceful transition, warning of its serious repercussions and considering that an escalation out of the national consensus, affecting the prestige of the Yemeni State and threatening the security and stability of Yemen. The GCC Ministerial Council called for a national responsibility and avoiding the policy of incitement, sit-ins, provocation of unrest, violence and factional demands.
15 / The Ministerial Council welcomed the presidential statement issued by the UN Security Council on August 29, 2014 AD, in which it showed a deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in Yemen, due to the actions carried out by the Houthis and their supporters in order to undermine the peaceful transition process based on the GCC’s initiative and to destabilize the security and stability of Yemen .
16 / The GCC Council expressed its thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the eighth meeting of the Friends of Yemen to be held in New York on September 24, 2014 AD, on the sidelines of the meetings of United Nations General Assembly.
17 / The GCC Ministerial Council also welcomed the appointment of the candidate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Saleh bin Abdulaziz Al-Quenieir, as a representative of the Secretary General of the GCC to Yemen, wishing him success in his work.
Iraqi Affair:
18 / The GCC Ministerial Council expressed once again its congratulation for the Iraqi leadership, hoping that the formation of the new Iraqi government would contribute to promoting national unity, and the participation of all spectrums of the Iraqi society in the political, security and development process, thus contributing to the security and stability of Iraq and its sovereignty, and to restore its natural status in its world Arab.
19 / The Council reiterated its support of UN Security Council Resolution 2013/2107, which decided unanimously to refer the file of prisoners, missing persons and the return of Kuwaiti property to the United Nations Mission UNAMI to follow up on this file, hoping that the Iraqi government would continue its efforts and cooperation with the State of Kuwait and the international community in this regard.
Libyan Affair:
20 / The GCC Ministerial Council also expressed its concern over the deteriorating security and military situation in Libya due to recent clashes, resulting in loss of lives and property, and their impact on the security of Libya, its stability and future, stressing the need to stop the violence and support of the legitimacy in Libya by supporting the constitutional institutions, especially the elected House of Representatives, which expressed the will of the Libyan people through free and fair elections, paving the way to enhance security, stability and development in Libya.
Nominations:
21 / The Ministerial Council welcomed the appointment of the candidate of the Sultanate of Oman, Mohammed bin Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Ghilani, Head of the GCC Mission to the United Nations in Vienna, wishing him success in his duties.
Issued in the city of Jeddah
On Saturday, Dhu-AlQa’dah 4, 1435, corresponding to Aug 30, 2014.
–SPA
Read more on this topic:
Gulf states condemn Islamic State jihadists – Arab News – Aug 30, 2014
Gulf Fractures: Dissent in the GCC – SUSRIS Special Section – Compilation of articles, interviews and more
ON SUSRIS:
GCC Union or Lack of Unity: A Conversation with Amb Richard Lebaron - SUSRIS Interview - Mar 10, 2014
Commentary | Qatar Rift a Major Test for GCC Unity – Al Maeena – SUSRIS – Mar 10, 2014
Joint Statement on Diplomatic Action on Qatar – SUSRIS – Mar 6, 2014
What’s Behind the GCC Fracture? – Dr. Theodore Karasik – SUSRIS – Mar 6, 2014
IN THE MEDIA:
GCC at a Crossroads – Osama Al Sharif – Arab News – Mar 12, 2014
Qatar defends foreign policy in face of Gulf anger – Reuters – Mar 10, 2014
No one allowed to politicize Islam: KSA – Saudi Gazette – Mar 10, 2014
Saudi Arabia Walks Tightrope with Shift in Syria, Regional Policies – WPR – Mar 10, 2014
GCC Censured by GCC Allies – Press Summary – MEPC – Mar 10, 2014 ***
Doha’s embrace of the Brotherhood is miguided – GulfNews.com – Mar 10, 2014
Saudi, UAE journalists resign from Qatar jobs – Arab News – Mar 10, 2014
Spurning Gulf Arab pressure, Qatar says foreign policy ‘non-negotiable’ – Reuters – Mar 10, 2014
Emir of Qatar faces his first test – FT.com Mar 9, 2014
Saudi and Emirati experts quit Qatari media outlets – Saudi Gazette – Mar 9, 2014
Commentary | Qatar’s ‘small state syndrome’ – Saudi Gazette – Mar 9, 2014
Rift deepens between Qatar and its powerful Arab neighbors – Washington Post – Mar 8, 2014
Egyptian envoy ‘will not return to Qatar’ – Arab News – Mar 8, 2014
Rift with Qatar has little effect on Tadawul – Arab News – Mar 7, 2014
Qatar pays for breach of its security pledge – Saudi Gazette – Mar 7, 2014
Editorial: Qatar should honor pledges – Arab News – Mar 7, 2014
Qatar ‘meddling’ widens gulf between GC states – Arab News – Mar 6, 2014
Qatar ‘meddling’ widens gulf between GCC states – Arab News – Mar 6, 2014
Saudi-Qatar tensions divide GCC – Madawi Al-Rasheed – Al-Monitor – Mar 6, 2014
Saudi, UAE, Bahrain withdraw Qatar envoys – AlJazeera – Mar 6, 2014
Saudi, Bahrain, UAE recall envoys to Qatar – Al Arabiya – Mar 6, 2014
Qatar pays for breach of its security pledge – Saudi Gazette – Mar 6, 2014
The GCC Falls Out – Web Arab News Digest – Mar 6, 2014
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain withdraw envoys from Qatar – CNN – Mar 5, 2014
Gulf ambassadors pulled from Qatar over ‘interference’ – BBC – Mar 5, 2014
KSA, Bahrain, UAE recall ambassadors from Qatar – Arab News – Mar 5, 2014
Kuwait’s emir could heal Gulf rift with Qatar – Reuters – Mar 5, 2014
Gulf ambassadors pulled from Qatar over ‘interference’ – BBC News – Mar 5, 2014
How Qatar Lost the Middle East – FP Dispatch – Mar 5, 2014
Qatar stock market plummets 3% as Gulf ambassadors withdrawn – Al Arabiya – Mar 5, 2014
Decision on Gulf union before next GCC summit – Gulf News – Mar 5, 2014
Saudi, Bahrain, UAE recall envoys to Qatar – Saudi Gazette – Mar 5, 2014
Gulf Arabs in Crisis – Simon Henderson – Washington Institute – Mar 5, 2014
Gulf Allies Recall Envoys from Qatar after Security Row – Bloomberg – Mar 5, 2014
3 States Recall Their Envoys From Qatar – NYTimes – Mar 5, 2014
Gulf trio pull Qatar ambassadors – why now? – Dr. Theodore Karasik – Al Arabiya – Mar 5, 2014
Saudi Threat To Close Qatar Border Has US Dollar Implications – EuropeNews – Feb 28, 2014
The Gulf security pact: Another GCC dilemma – Joseph Kechichian – AlJazeera – Feb 24, 2014
Egypt summons Qatar envoy amid MB row – Al Arabiya – Jan 4, 2014
GCC Summit Will Gauge Regional Confidence in U.S. Policy – Simon Henderson – Washington Institute – Dec 9, 2013
Egypt crisis: Fall of Morsi challenges Qatar’s new emir – BBC – Jul 5, 2013
Gulf states at odds over Syria war – BBC – Jul 1, 2013