(Roundup by Samie Al-Dulaimi)
CAIRO, Jan 10 (KUNA) -- Arab states expressed their full backing of Saudi Arabia, in its feud with Iran, as Riyadh warned of "additional steps" if Tehran were to "continue committing violations and hostility." Emergency talks held in Cairo, aimed at discussing an Arab response to two separate attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran, resulted in a call for a "concerted Arab stance against Iran's meddling in the internal affairs of Arab nations," by Arab League chief Nabil Al-Araby.
Arab ministers agreed that the 1961 Vienna agreement on diplomatic relations, the 1963 Vienna agreement on Consulate relations and international law compel host nations to protect diplomatic missions.
They blamed the Iranian government for "hostile statements" made against Riyadh, in the wake of the execution of a Saudi-born Iranian-educated cleric, as being "the direct cause" of the attack on Saudi Arabia's diplomatic missions - including its embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad.
They also expressed support of Saudi Arabia's measures to crack down on terrorists and those undermining the security of the Kingdom, while praising the independence of the Saudi judiciary.
The talks came after Riyadh severed its diplomatic relations with Tehran - in a move that was mirrored across several other Arab states - following the attacks sparked by what Riyadh deems were "provocative statements" that encouraged the onslaught.
"The Arab world cannot tolerate acts that spark civil discord," Al-Araby said. "Iran has shown willingness to foment unrest amongst Arab nations," he added.
Addressing the talks, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said that his country would "resolutely respond to Iran's interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries" and that it would take "additional steps if Iran continues committing violations and hostilities against Saudi Arabia." Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has already carried out steps on the multilateral scale at the UN Security Council and the Arab foreign ministerial meeting. It has also called for an urgent meeting of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations - which include Iran - to discuss Tehran's "interference in the Kingdom's internal affairs." "Saudi Arabia severed relations with Iran not because of the recent attacks on its embassy and consulate. This step was taken due to many stances by Tehran against the Kingdom over three decades.
"We saw that Iran supports sectarianism and tries to recruit some Arab nationals to commit acts against their own countries, as well as it (Iran's) support of militias in their violent acts in these countries," he said.
"If Iran seeks a positive role in the region, it should deal with its neighboring countries in line with principles of good neighborliness, and non-interference in their internal affairs.
"The Kingdom has responded to Iran's acts. (But) we didn't recruit anybody against it," he said, adding that his nation had no dispute with the Iranian people.
Reiterating his nation's stance, he said the attacks on the missions "clearly reflect Iran's policy in the Arab region, which is based on meddling in Arab affairs, fomenting sectarian and communal strife and disrupting regional security and stability.
"These recent aggressions come following Iran's hostile statements against Saudi Arabia, and their violation of international treaties and conventions that require countries to protect each other's diplomatic missions," he underlined.
This is why, he said "the Arab League has a responsibility to stand against Iran's interference in Arab affairs with a view to protecting and safeguarding the Arab region's security and stability.
Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (which had downgraded Tehran's diplomatic representation) and Bahrain (which had followed suit in severing ties) all reiterated their expressions of solidarity with Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah referred to the matter as having "high-threatening and high-risk repercussions on the region's security and stability." Similarly at ministerial talks two weeks ago, he said there was "solidarity and consensus on backing Iraq's unity and sovereignty on its territories," noting to the discussions held following Turkey's military deployment on Iraqi soil.
"This makes it inevitable for Arab countries to take the same stance, namely supporting Saudi decisions and measures, out of commitment to regional and international laws and charters, including the Arab League's," he told fellow Arab ministers.
Meanwhile, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said his as well as other "Arab nations stand firm and united against any form of Iranian interference in its internal affairs.
"All efforts taken by Saudi Arabia are justified measures to combat terrorism in all of its manifestations," Al-Nahyan said.
Referring to the execution of the cleric, found guilty of terrorism, he said that Saudi Arabia's use of capital punishment against those convicted of crimes is a "basic right of its judicial system." He also referred to Iran's failure to safeguard Saudi Arabia's diplomatic staff and institutions.
"Our message as an Arab nation remains to be one of peace and cooperation. The Arab world seeks normal and equal ties with nations that respect sovereignty and steer away from extremism," he concluded, calling into question Tehran's sincerity in upholding such ties. (end) kt.sd