US commitment to Gulf security "solid" - Clinton

DOHA, Jan 12 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated US commitment to Gulf security on Wednesday, describing it as solid, unwavering and continuous.
In a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani after meeting her Gulf counterparts, Clinton said that issues discussed were related to Gulf stability and security, in addition to Iran.
She said the US would continue to work closely with the international community towards a settlement that would bare Iran the responsibility of the peacefulness of its nuclear program.
The G5+1 are to hold a meeting in Istanbul next month with Iran, focusing on practical steps Iran should take to fulfill what it is required of from the international community, she noted.
On Lebanon, she said its people deserved justice and stability and that she was delighted over the recent meeting between US President Barack Obama and Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, after 11 Lebanese ministers quit their positions earlier.
The US is discussing a solution to the issue with relevant Lebanese sides, she added.
She also noted to the need for Lebanese issues to be solved from within.
On Sudan, she referred to the role of Qatar, explaining her country shared its commitment towards arriving at a settlement between Darfur parties and the Sudan government.
She said the US would support the international court ruling on the assassination of Rafiq Hariri, describing the Lebanese opposition as a move aimed to destabilize the independence of Lebanon.
She also denied accusations made that the US aimed to ruin the Saudi-Syrian initiative to end the crisis in Lebanon, explaining that the US instead, supports Saudi Arabia in its plans to reach common ground with Syria on supporting Syria's stability and sovereignty.
For his part, Sheikh Hamad said that the meeting of GCC foreign ministers and Clinton, discussed bilateral relations.
Qatar places as a priority the stability of Lebanon, he added. (pickup previous) ma.sd KUNA 130113 Jan 11NNNN