GCC keen to build balanced ties with Iran; Mohammed, Salman hold talks

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, led the UAE delegation to the 5th GCC Consultative Summit, which concluded in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The Summit was chaired by The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. It was attended by French President Francois Hollande as a guest of honour. The UAE high-profile delegation included Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy National Security Advisor; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs; Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of Protocols and Hospitality Department in Dubai, and Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Al Dhahiri, UAE Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

GCC keen to build balanced ties with Iran

The GCC leaders confirmed the GCC keenness to build balanced relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran that could contribute to strengthening the regional security and stability. They expressed their aspirations to see normal relations with Iran be re-established based on mutual respect of the principles of good neighbourliness and respect for the sovereignty of the states, and take serious steps to rebuild trust and adherence to the principles of international law and the United Nations and to prevent interference in the internal affairs of countries in the region, and to refrain from the use of threat or force.

The GCC leaders expressed hope that the initial framework agreement which has been reached between Iran and the Group (5 +1) would pave the way for a comprehensive final agreement on the Iranian peaceful nuclear programme, hoping that the agreement would ensure harmony and meet all the international standards, including standards relating to the security and safety of nuclear facilities and full supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency in addition to address all concerns and environmental implications. 

The GCC leaders look forward that the agreement could contribute to resolving outstanding issues with Iran, among others, backing the UAE's right and absolute sovereignty over the three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa in addition to territorial waters, air territory, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of the islands, being integral parts of the United Arab Emirates.

They expressed rejection of the continued occupation by the Islamic Republic of Iran to the islands, all decisions. The GCC leaders also reject Iran's practices and actions over the three islands. They considered them null and void as they do not change any of the historical and legal facts, which confirm, the UAE's sovereignty over the three islands.

The GCC leaders called upon the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to the efforts of the UAE to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or refer it to the International Court of Justice.

Aid to Yemen

In order to speed-up the delivery of aid to the people of Yemen, GCC leaders welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's decision regarding establishment of a unified centre in Riyadh aiming to coordinate all efforts to provide assistance by the United Nations and relevant humanitarian organisations as well as the states wishing to provide assistance to the Yemeni people, including enabling the United Nations to deliver aid ordered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The GCC leaders reiterated their determination to continue efforts to support development in the Republic of Yemen and completion of taking steps and measures towards strengthening integration and partnership between the GCC and Yemen, stressing the GCC support for all efforts to complete the political process in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism and outputs of the National Comprehensive Dialogue and the Security Council's relevant resolutions and to enhance security and stability in Yemen.

Regarding the Palestinian cause, GCC leaders confirmed that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace cannot be achieved without the full withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, and establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative. They condemned the repeated brutal attacks carried out by the Israeli occupation authorities and Israeli extremists against the unarmed Palestinian citizens, religious shrines and places of worship.

Syrian crisis

As far as Syrian crisis is concerned, the GCC leaders expressed deep concern over the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria as a result of a continuation of Al-Assad regime in killing, destruction and using of heavy weapons, and poisonous gas which resulted in the killing of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, and displacement of millions of Syrian people.

They emphasised the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with Geneva 1 Statement on 12, June, 2012 in order to ensure the security and stability to Syria and the unity of its territory as well as meet aspirations of the Syrian people. They stressed the need for concerted international efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to all affected civilians and support all efforts to assist and protect the Syrian displaced people and refugees.

The GCC leaders expressed their support of the Iraqi government's efforts for national reconciliation to combat Isil terrorist organisation and to achieve full participation of all components of the Iraqi people through the full implementation of the reforms program which was agreed upon during last summer.

The GCC leaders expressed concern about increasing acts of violence and terrorism which threaten security, stability and unity in Libya. They reiterated their support for the elected parliament and legitimate government, expressing their support for the United Nations efforts for resumption of national comprehensive dialogue among the components of the Libyan society, calling upon all spectra of the Libyan people to assume national responsibilities and continue dialogue to find a solution to end the state of division.

The GCC leaders stressed the need to deal with dangerous terrorist phenomenon and extremist terrorism movements, lauding the efforts of all member states in this regard at all levels. They also praised ability of the GCC security agencies in eradication of this dangerous phenomenon, stressing a need and importance of cooperation among all countries of the world to fight against the phenomenon of terrorism. They stressed the GCC commitment to continue the participation in the international coalition to combat Isil.

They thanked the King of Saudi Arabia, government, people of Saudi Arabia and officials.
 

GCC states welcomed the proposed Riyadh conference for all Yemeni parties: Al-Zayani

The GCC Secretary-General Abdul Latif Al-Zayani delivered the inaugural speech in which he hailed Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders and the French President. He paid rich tributes to the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, citing his valuable service to the religion, country, Arab and Muslim nation, adding that "Our solace is King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud."

Welcoming the French President, Al Zayani referred to the pivotal role of France in ensuring stability in the region and his positive stance towards "our regional issues."

"We are looking forward to strengthening the bonds between our countries with France in all fields,"  Al Zayani added.

"This summit is being convened today amid a difficult situation and critical challenges being experienced by our region. They require us to redouble efforts so as to preserve the gains of our peoples and countries and ward off risks to the Arab region posed by external ambitions, which are aimed at expanding influence and hegemony through destabilisation of the region's security and stability and sowing sectarian strife, as well as creating a fertile environment for extremism and terrorism," he said.

Al Zayani noted that the Arab coalition's action came in response to the appeal from the legitimate authority in Yemen, made out of a desire for self-defence, following the refusal of coup leaders to comply with the GCC's and international appeals to spare the dear people of Yemen from sliding into chaos and infighting.

As the Operation Decisive Storm achieved its purposes, he continued, "We are looking forward to Operation Restore Hope to bring together all Yemeni parties to a dialogue in accordance with the GCC initiative, its executive mechanism and the outputs of the Yemeni national dialogue, and through full compliance with UN Security Council resolution No. (2216). Operation Restore Hope also seeks to accelerate the implementation of the resolution so that the people of Yemen enjoy security and stability."

He added that the GCC states welcomed the proposed Riyadh conference for all Yemeni parties wishing to restore Yemen's security and stability under the umbrella of the GCC initiative.

Al Zayani stressed that the GCC backs humanitarian and relief efforts in Yemen. "We declare the establishment of humanitarian relief centre, which will be based in Riyadh," he said, hoping that the UN would participate actively in the efforts of the centre by coordinating all humanitarian and relief work for the people of Yemen in collaboration with the sponsors of the GCC initiative."

"Regarding the current situation experienced by the people of Yemen, we have issued our directives to correct illegal residency status of Yemenis in Saudi Arabia by allowing them to work in order to ease the burden on them, and enable them to earn a living with dignity. We will continue to support the sisterly country of Yemen with all possible ways until it overcomes the crisis and resumes its active role in the Arab world," he added.

Al Zayani said the GCC urges the international community, especially the group of 5+1, to shoulder its serious responsibility by setting strict rules to ensure preservation of the region's security and stability, and "to prevent an arms race in the region, which would only be at the expense of development process and prosperity of the people of the region."

He added that the summit hopes to meet the aspirations of the region to be more coherent and integrated so as to enhance the GCC joint action and achieve the goals of the GCC in ensuring integration and unity.

Mohammed bin Rashid returns home

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has returned to the UAE after leading the UAE delegation to the 15th consultative summit of the leaders of the member-countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which concluded earlier on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
 

French President thanks leaders

French President thanked the King of Saudi Arabia and the Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders and delegations for inviting him to attend the summit as a guest of honour of the 15th GCC Consultative Summit.

Hollande said, "Thank you for giving me this honour to address the consultative summit. I would like to take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud."

He added that when the GCC was set up in 1981, it was to tackle the danger posed by the Iraq-Iran war. "Today you are facing new challenges related to the terrorist groups such as Daesh and Al-Qaeda, as well as other challenges in a number of neighbouring countries, including Yemen."

The French President said the King of Saudi Arabia "reminded us about risks posed by ambitions of some countries, which interfere in others' affairs." To deal with these crisis, he continued, "You launched a number of initiatives regarding Syria and a declaration to form the Arab Force."  

He noted that France backs Operation Decisive Storm, which has been turned into Operation Restore Hope in order to restore stability to Yemen, adding that ensuring the security of neighbouring countries bolsters the safety and security of the region. "There are threats facing the GCC and France. Therefore, I would like to reiterate France's commitment to stand by your side and support you not only as a friend and ally, but because defending your interests also means we defend ourselves."

The French president said France agrees with Saudi Arabia to strengthen the defence ties between the two countries, adding that yesterday in Qatar, similar issues were touched upon. He underscored that France is a trustworthy ally.

He said that France did not spare any effort to bring together the moderate Syrian opposition for the sake of Syria's future and peace.

Hollande said, "We are partners and will remain partners," citing the fact of existing Iraqi alliance to combat Daesh terrorist group.

Furthermore, "we call for reconciliation among all the Iraqi parties. And we also work to reach a peace deal in Libya under the sponsorship of the UN to restore stability there."

He added that France backs the legitimacy in Yemen in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution No. 2216, noting that it has to be implemented  to back the legitimate President of Yemen and achieve reconciliation there. Hollande welcomed the Saudi proposal to host a conference on Yemen.   

On Iran, Hollande said the ongoing talks about the Iranian nuclear issue "deserve our care and vigilance. France does so. And we want a strong, sustainable and viable agreement. Iran should undertake that it will not access nuclear weapons. The Lausanne agreement is only an interim agreement and just a step on the road, which is still long. We want to have a full and complete transparency."

About the sanctions on Iran, the French President said, "We support the lifting of sanctions gradually, and we must remain attentive to the actions of Iran. The deal, which we will reach, should not  cause or lead to the destabilisation of countries in this region. The arms embargo on Iran must be kept in place. We want to judge Iran by its actions and not words."
 

GCC, France reiterate commitment to strategic partnership

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and France on Tuesday reiterated commitment to their strategic partnership and agreed on intensifying political consultations and cooperation in various domains including on nuclear non-proliferation, the fight against international terrorism and the protection of the sovereignty, stability and  territorial integrity of states in the Middle East from foreign interference.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the 15th GCC consultative meeting which also attended by French President Francois Hollande, both sides lauded the close views on ways of securing stability in the Middle East.

The French leader reiterated his country's commitment to a strategic partnership with the GCC countries to ensure technology transfer, young people training, enhancing mutual investments and strengthening security and defense cooperation.

The two sides agreed on cooperation for the success of the 21th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to be held in Paris between November 30 and December 11, 2015.

They described the meeting as a starting point for the outstanding partnership between the two sides. They stressed the need for respecting independence, territorial integrity and safety of borders and national sovereignty against foreign interference.

They noted that the meeting tackled the required measures to restore regional stability and counter the growing terrorism threats and foreign interference in domestic affairs of the regional countries.

The leaders of the GCC and France firmly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and the acts being perpetrated by terrorist organisations such as Daesh, Al-Qaeda and their affiliates in the Middle East and around the world, to destablise states.

They expressed full determination to defeat terrorism and take all necessary steps to dry up the resources of terrorist organisations. With regard to the Iranian nuclear deal, both sides agreed to do whatever necessary to avoid nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and to encourage strong and viable agreement between the P5 +1 group and Iran.

They encouraged Iran to take brave moves to reassure the international community about the peacefulness of its nuclear programme and to show a desire to have neighborliness relations with regional countries. On the Yemeni issue, the leaders voiced support to the legitimate government efforts to achieve an inclusive political agreement to restore peace and stability.

They welcomed the appointment of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmad and expressed support to his efforts to mediate a peaceful solution to the crisis in accordance with the GCC initiative, output of the national dialogue, and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. On Iraq, the two sides lauded the Iraqi government's efforts to reach a national reconciliation and rid Iraq of the threat of Daesh.

On Syria, they threw their weight behind the efforts to end the suffering of the Syrian people through a process of political transition based on the statement of Geneva. They called for providing assistance to Syrian people in the face of violence of Bashar Al­Assad's regime and Daesh and to help achieve Syria people's aspirations of inclusive democracy.

On the Arab-Israeli conflict, the GCC and French leaders agreed to push for peaceful settlement through demanding the UN Security Council to set a time frame for negotiations and to urge the international community to help reach an agreement within the framework of the Arab peace initiative. 

On Libya, the two sides affirmed the support of the elected parliament and urged all Libyans to shoulder their national responsibilities and continue dialogue to find a solution to end the state of division and to support the UN special envoy's efforts to reach a reconciliation agreement.

On Lebanon, they voiced support to Lebanon's sovereignty, unity and stability and appealed to the parties concerned to accelerate the election of a new president for the republic.

They also expressed keenness to contribute to the stability and development of Egypt.
 

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.