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December 24, 2004 |
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THE CONCLUSION OF THE SESSION OF THE 25TH GCC SUPREME COUNCIL. THE FINAL STATEMENT CONDEMNS THE TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST THE AMERICAN CONSULATE IN JEDDAH AND LAUDS THE EFFORTS OF THE SAUDI SECURITY FORCES. PRINCE SULTAN: THE GULF REGION NEEDS TO UNITE AND STRENGTHEN ITS PRESENCE IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY. THE GCC COUNCIL CONDEMNS THE EXPLOSIONS AND THE KILLING OF CIVILIANS IN IRAQ AND THE AGGRESSIVE ISRAELI PRACTICES AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE. THE LEADERS EXPRESS THEIR HOPES THAT PRESIDENT BUSH GIVES UTMOST PRIORITY TO THE MIDDLE EAST'S ISSUE AND LIVES UP TO COMMITMENTS AND PLEDGES TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT PALESTINIAN STATE. The leaders of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded their 25th session of the Supreme Council held under the chairmanship of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain. On behalf of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General led the Saudi delegation to the two-day Summit . The GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Ibn Hamad Al-Atiyyah read the final communiqué. It said that the Supreme Council reviewed the achievements of joint cooperation in all fields since its previous summit and comprehensively discussed political and security issues at regional and international arenas in light of the developments in the Gulf region and the world. The leaders approved a number of unified laws in agricultural and industrial fields including the unified industrial organization. The council was briefed on the agreements for setting up free trade zones and framework conventions for economic cooperation between GCC member states and other countries and international groups. The council approved the creation of a medal to be granted to servicemen of Peninsula Shield Force, expressing its satisfaction over the military cooperation among member states in various fields and the efforts and achievements in the field of security cooperation. The leaders renewed their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, affirming their stands on combating the phenomenon of terrorism, cutting off its finances and tackling its causes and motives locally, regionally and internationally. They also called for differentiation between terrorism and the legitimate rights of people in resisting occupation in accordance with the international legitimate resolutions. In this regard, the GCC Supreme Council condemned the recent terrorist attack on the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which led to the killing of innocent people, expressing its condolences to the families of the victims. The Council praised the capabilities of Saudi security forces in dealing with the terrorist incidence and ending it rapidly and efficiently. The leaders expressed their full support for and solidarity with the Kingdom in its efforts and all measures taken to maintain security and stability and to eradicate the deviant group which takes terrorist and criminal acts as a course rejected by all religions and human and moral principles. They emphasized that Islam is a religion based on justice, mercy and tolerance and it forbids any attack on innocent people. With regard to information cooperation, the Supreme Council issued its directives to adopt the mechanisms proposed by the ministers of information to implement the perspectives of the Consultative Commission on information issues approved by the Council in its 22nd session held in Muscat, Oman. As for Iran's occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates, the leaders renewed their support for the UAE's sovereignty over the islands, their territorial waters, air space, continental shelf and the economic zone. The Council expressed its regret over not achieving any result from contacts with Iran, stressing continual consideration of all peaceful means. It demanded that Iran positively respond to the UAE's endeavors and the world community to solve the issue peacefully or refer it to the International Court of Justice. Regarding the situation in Iraq, the Council renewed its full solidarity with the brotherly Iraqi people in their current suffering and rejected every way that might partition Iraq. The leaders stressed the necessity of maintaining Iraq's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, calling for non-intervention in its internal affairs. The leaders hoped that the U.S. Administration effectively works with the United Nations and the world community to enable all groups of the Iraqi people to take part in the political process represented by holding elections. The Council renewed its call for the United Nations to cooperate with the Iraqi interim government to find a final solution to returning Kuwait's properties and the national archives. On the Palestinian issue, the Council emphasized the importance of exploiting the appropriate circumstances and available opportunities to serve the just cause of the Palestinian people and to enable them to regain their legitimate rights including the setting up of their independent state with Al-Quds as its capital. The leaders expressed their hopes that U.S. President George W. Bush in his second presidential term gives an utmost priority to the Middle East's issue and lives up to commitments and pledges to set up a viable Palestinian state which peacefully coexists with Israel. The Council looks forward to continual efforts of the International Quartet Committee to go ahead with the peace process in the Middle East in accordance with the principles and requirements of the Road Map and the Arab Peace Initiative. The Council called on Israel to fully withdraw from all Arab occupied territories in Palestine, the Syrian Golan Heights and Shabaa farms, south Lebanon. The leaders demanded that the Middle East, including the Gulf region, be free from all weapons of mass destruction, press Israel to join the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and subject all its nuclear facilities to the inspection system of the International Agency of Atomic Energy. In regard to development and modernization, the Council emphasized the necessity that they should come out from the region itself taking into consideration the political, economic, cultural and religious characteristics and circumstances of the region's countries and that the fruits of the development and modernization should be gradual and improve the chances of stability, security and prosperity in the region. The Council noted that the 26th summit will be held in the United Arab Emirates. A statement, entitled "Manama Declaration" was issued at the conclusion of the 25th session of the Supreme Council of leaders of GCC states. The Manama Declaration said that the GCC session stems from ties of brotherliness which hold the member states together and reflects their profound understanding of the challenges facing them collectively at the political, economic, social and security spheres. In confirmation of the fact that GCC states are an inseparable part of the world, in terms of economy and security, the GCC states work towards the continuation of comprehensive modernisation to keep pace with the requirements of the age within the framework of a uniform strategy to achieve the aspirations of their peoples, said the declaration. Working in line with the resolutions approved by leaders of Arab countries during their 23rd meeting in Tunisia in May 2004, which expressed the will of Arab states to achieve comprehensive renaissance, the GCC leaders reiterate their conviction that the essence of democracy is not to be imported, but originates from a national entity which is deep-rooted in the heritage and history of GCC states, said the Manama Declaration. The GCC Supreme Council welcomes Bahrain's hosting the forthcoming meeting of Future Forum of Middle East, Africa and G8 countries at the end of 2005 within the framework of cooperation which reinforces the concept of renovation and reform and fosters a GCC, Arab and world partnership of equality which enriches dialogue and achieves national objectives of security, stability and prosperity of the Arab Gulf region and the Middle East. Meanwhile the GCC leaders have decided to renew the term of office of Abdul Rahman Ibn Hamad Al-Atiyyah as the GCC Secretary General for a period of three years effective April 1, 2005. The GCC Leaders ended their 25th Summit, which was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Hamad bin Eisa Al-Khalifah, the Bahraini King. The Saudi delegation to the Summit was led by Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, headed for Manama, Bahrain, to lead the delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the 25th summit meeting of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council. He was seen off at Riyadh Airbase by Prince Mohammed Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jalawi, Prince Fahd Ibn Mohammed Ibn Abdul Aziz, Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor Riyadh region, and other princes and senior military and civil officials. Prince Sultan is accompanied by an official delegation including Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, Prince Misha'al Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Foreign Ministry, Dr Ghazi Al-Quseibi, the Minister of Labour, and a number of senior officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, Defense and Aviation Minister and Inspector General, was welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by King Hamad bin Eisa Al-Khalifah of Bahrain, and a number of senior officials. Prince Sultan is accompanied by an official delegation including Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, Prince Misha'al Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Plenipotentiary Minister at the Foreign Ministry, Dr Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, the Minister of Labour, and a number of senior officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, said he is honored to represent the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz in participating, together with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, in the 25th session of the GCC Supreme Council. In remarks to the press upon arrival in Manama, Prince Sultan said he is pleased to convey the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, and to the Bahraini government and people. He thanked the Bahraini monarch, government and people for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. He said he is honored on behalf of King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah to take part in the GCC 25th summit which is called Zayed summit, in recognition of the historic achievements of late President of the United Arab Emirates. He said this conference is being held in critical regional and international circumstances in which we are in pressing need of unity, expressing confidence that the wisdom of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and other GCC leaders will become a strong impetus for the continuation of the march of the GCC to achieve its noble goals and satisfy its peoples. Prince Sultan wished the summit every success for the benefit of the Arab and Islamic countries, peoples and nations. Meanwhile the Kingdom Saudi Arabia called on the leaders of member states of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to strengthen their ties and unite their voices. "We meet under one roof in Manama in disturbing regional and international circumstances," said Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and minister of defense and aviation, who is heading the Kingdom's delegation to the 25th GCC summit, which was opened by Bahrain's King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. "We trust that Bahrain's king will aim to achieve that goal, the goal of unity - it is an international need," Prince Sultan said. "The Bahraini leader is wise in his decisions and the region needs a strong push to continue its goals. The Gulf region needs to strengthen its presence in the international community. The GCC was set up to achieve certain goals of the citizens and that project should continue. The leaders will continue to achieve the goals set by the citizens. We are heading toward reforms and development," Prince Sultan said. Prince Sultan said that the "Zayed Summit" will continue to serve the late president's goals and dreams. King Hamad declared on Saturday that the 25th GCC summit would be called the "Zayed Summit" in honor of the late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahayan. The GCC is made up of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received at his guest residence Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Kuwait's Prime Minister and leader of the Arab Gulf country's delegation to the summit, and his accompanying delegation. During the reception, they reviewed the agenda of the summit and the distinguished relations of cooperation between the two countries in all fields. The meeting was also attended by Prince Sultan's official accompanying delegation. Prince Sultan also received at his guest residence Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar and leader of his country's delegation to the summit, and his accompanying delegation. During the reception, they reviewed the agenda of the summit and the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. The meeting was also attended by Prince Sultan's official accompanying delegation. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General received at his guest residence Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and leader of his country's delegation to the summit, and the accompanying delegation. During the reception, they reviewed the agenda of the summit and the prospects of bilateral cooperation between the two brotherly countries. The meeting was also attended by Prince Sultan's official accompanying delegation. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, received at his guest residence General Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Later, he also received at his guest residence each of Bahrain's Chairman of Shoura Council Dr. Faisal Al Musawi and Speaker of the House of Representatives Khalifa Ibn Ahmed Al Dhahrani. During the two audiences, bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries in different fields were reviewed. The meeting was also attended by Prince Sultan's official accompanying delegation. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, visited separately Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifah, Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah Al-Thani and Kuwaiti Premier Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Prince Sultan discussed with them issues on the agenda of the Summit, Saudi Arabia's relations with Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar as well as the latest developments at Arab, Islamic and international arenas. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, returned to Riyadh from Manama after having representing the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz in leading the Saudi delegation to the 25th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)'s Supreme Council. Prince Sultan was received at Riyadh air base by Prince Abdul Rahman Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Mit'eb Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Mohammed Ibn Saad Ibn Abdul Aziz; Prince Khalid Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for Military Affairs; Prince Saud Ibn Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Sultan Ibn Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Secretary General of the Higher Commission for Tourism; Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs; Prince Turki Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information; a number of princes; ministers; and senior armed forces officers. Prince Sultan was accompanied by his official delegation. In an arrival statement, Prince Sultan expressed hope that the outcome of the summit which wrapped up in Manama would be crowned by benefiting the peoples of the Arab Gulf region. In response to a question on exaggerating what was called unilateral signing of agreements, he said the summit's communiqué will suffice. Everything is okay, he added. Prince Sultan left Manama for Riyadh. He was seen off at Bahrain International Airport by Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain; other sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. On the other hand Sultan Qaboos gave a press statement as he arrived in Manama to participate in the 25th GCC summit. Sultan Qaboos expressed delight to join other GCC leaders in their deliberations and hailed the achievements made by the member states. "We would like to express our delight to participate, along with other GCC leaders, in the 25th GCC summit under the presidency of King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa. "The march of the council has witnessed some significant achievements which enhanced our joint action, and we are looking forward to the realisation of many more accomplishments in all potential areas of co-operation in the benefit of our peoples. "We are certain that King Hamad's presidency of the summit will lead to the fruitful results which we aspire for. "We pray to the Almighty God to bless our joint efforts and make our endeavours a success," he added. Later, the GCC leaders began their 25th summit, named Zayed Summit, under the presidency of King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of Bahrain. Sultan Qaboos headed the Sultanate delegation to the summit. At the outset of the meeting, King Hamad delivered a speech, welcoming the GCC leaders. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber al Ahmad al Sabah, for the efforts he made during his presidency of the previous session. Paying homage to Sheikh Zayed, King Hamad said, "In this summit, we are remembering with gratitude the late United Arab Emirates President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, whose memory will remain with us throughout the GCC march." King Hamad added that the prominent leader, Sheikh Zayed, unified his people in an exemplary and historic success of its kind and participated in creating this forward-looking GCC body whose first founding meeting was held under his presidency." King Hamad expressed the confidence that Sheikh Zayed's successor, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, will continue within the GCC joint march for further progress and development. King Hamad affirmed that the message of the GCC states to the world is a message of openness, peace and constructive partnership. The GCC leaders' continuous keenness on annually convening the summit reflects their high sense of responsibility and sincere desire to achieve the aspirations of their peoples for further co-operation, co-ordination and integration, said King Hamad. He added that, as the world speaks of development and reformation, "we feel proud of the strong basis laid by our states in education, culture, modernisation and comprehensive development." The Bahraini King underlined that the member states are continuing their gradual development approach which emanates from their will to have further reforms which the people of the region are looking forward to, towards the enhancement of 'our joint entity.' King Hamad thanked members of the Ministerial Council, committees, the GCC Secretary-General and his aides, and all members of the Secretariat General, for their efforts in preparing the summit's agenda. Later, Abdul Rahman bin Hamad al Attiyah, Secretary-General of the GCC, announced the conclusion of the opening session and the commencement of a closed-door session for the GCC leaders. GCC leaders held a closed-door session during which they listened to a comprehensive report by Abdul-Rahman Ibn Hamad al Attiyah, Secretary-General of the GCC, on the activities, decisions and achievements accomplished by the council in the past period. King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa of Bahrain hosted a dinner at Ritz Carlton hotel in honour of the leaders of GCC states on the occasion of the convening of the 25th summit of the GCC Supreme Council (Zayed Summit). The dinner was attended by Shaikh Khalifa bin Sulman al Khalifa, Prime Minister of Bahrain, Shaikh Sulman bin Hamad al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force, Abdul-Rahman bin Hamad al Attiyah, Secretary General of the Gulf Co-operation Council, delegations accompanying the leaders and GCC ambassadors and senior dignitaries. |
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