GCC urges full adherence to Gaza ceasefire

JEDDAH, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Saturday called for full commitment to the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian factions in Gaza Strip, urging fast delivery of relief aid to the Gazans.
The final statement of the 132nd session of the GCC Foreign Ministers Council, held here under the chairmanship of Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement would put end to the sufferings of the Palestinian people and meet their legitimate expectations, and "promote peace in the region." The statement held Israel responsible for the horrible crimes against the Palestinian people and the vast destruction of Gaza infrastructure.
It also valued Egypt's pivotal role in the Gaza crisis, and lauded regional and international efforts in that context.
Meanwhile, the GCC Foreign Ministers stressed the necessity of intensifying regional and international cooperation for countering acts of terrorism, and bringing perpetrators to justice. They welcomed the recent UNSC resolution, taken under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, condemning the severe violations of human rights at the hand of armed groups such as the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria and Iraq. They renewed the GCC rejection of all forms of terrorism.
On developments in Syria, they underlined the GCC "steady" stance regarding Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, calling for the implementation of the Geneva 1 agreement for a peaceful transition of power in the country.
As for Iraq, the GCC Foreign Ministers Council hoped the formation of a new government would enhance national unity and let all Iraqis take part in the politics, security and development in their country.
It reaffirmed support to the UNSC 2107/2013 on the situation between Iraq and Kuwait, which referred the file of the missing Kuwaitis and POWs, as well as the missing Kuwaiti property in Iraq to the UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI). They hoped Baghdad would boost cooperation with Kuwait and the international community in that regard.
On Iran, the statement underscored the importance of cooperation with Tehran, based on mutual respect of sovereignty of the region's states, and the principles of good neighborliness and refraining from interference in internal affairs or the use or threat of power.
It renewed rejection of Iran's occupation of the three UAE islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Moussa, urging settlement of the matter through direct negotiations or referring it to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The GCC Council hoped that the coming round of negotiations between Iran and the 5+1 on November 24, would lead to a comprehensive agreement that could end the fears of Tehran's nuclear program. They stressed the necessity of making of the region free of weapons of mass destruction. As for Yemen, the GCC ministers expressed deep worry over tension in Sanaa by the Houthis threatening the peaceful transition of power in the country. They welcomed the call by the Yemeni President Abd-Rabbo Mansour Hadi for all the political and social powers there to work for national reconciliation based on the GCC Initiative.
The FMs also welcomed the UNSC resolution on the situation in Yemen.
The UNSC on Friday expressed "grave concern about the deterioration of the security situation in Yemen in light of the action taken by the Houthis, led by Abdul Malik al Houthi, and those who support them, to undermine the political transition and the security of Yemen." The GCC Council expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the eighth meeting of the Friends of Yemen in New York on September 24, 2014, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It also welcomed the designation of Saudi candidate Saleh Bin Abdul Aziz Al Gunaieer, as the Representative of the GCC Secretary General of the GCC to Yemen, wishing him success in his work.
On Libya, the Council expressed concern over the deteriorating of the security and military situation in the country, due to current clashes, and the resulting loss of life and property.
It stressed the need to put an end to violence and support legitimacy in Libya, through the constitutional institutions, especially the Council of Representatives-elect that has expressed the will of the Libyan people through free and fair elections, as a prelude to enhancing security, stability and development in the country. (pick up previous) nh.msa