Full Iran cooperation on N-deal urged
Agreement signed to strengthen knowledge economy
KUWAIT CITY, Nov 27: Gulf Arab states called on Iran on Wednesday to fully cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog in implementing a landmark deal with major powers.
Foreign ministers of the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states, which include leading supporters of the rebels in Syria, also urged quick action to end the conflict and expressed hope that a peace conference planned for January will help lead to a settlement.
In a joint statement issued after a one-day meeting in Kuwait City, the ministers called on Iran to “fully cooperate” with International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors in implementing the agreement it reached with six major powers on Sunday.
“We express our comfort at this deal, hoping that it will be a prelude for a comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear file,” the ministers said, referring to the interim nature of the deal reached at the weekend.
Under the agreement, which lasts for six months while negotiators bid for a lasting settlement, Iran undertook to curb parts of its nuclear programme in return for some relief from Western sanctions.
The foreign ministers also signed an agreement Wednesday to strengthen knowledge economy in the region.
Details
The foreign ministers of Morocco and Jordan also took part in the session. Speaking to the press after the meeting, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad AlSabah, who is also the chair of the summit, said there will be another meeting of foreign ministers soon to finalize the finer details of the summit.
The last time Kuwait hosted the GCC Summit was in 2009, when common currency, GCC power grid and Iran were the key topics.
However, the recent nuclear deal signed by Iran seemed to have given a sense of relief to the leaders. Kuwait’s deputy premier Kuwait said his country welcomes the deal signed.
“We hope a more comprehensive and long-term agreement will soon be reached to safeguard the region from further conflicts, because this issue threatens the security of our region.”
On the topic of Syria, Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled said we are keen to do anything that’s possible to bring about an amicable end to the raging conflict in Syria and give the people of the country peace and stability.
The GCC countries are looking forward to hold a second
donors’ conference for the benefit of the Syrian people to provide humanitarian assistance as the crisis has not shown any letup.
To a question on relations with Jordan and Morocco, the deputy premier said both these countries are of great significance to the region. “Our relations are very important. We are exploring areas where we can strengthen our relations with these countries.”
When asked about the situation in Yemen, Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled replied the GCC countries will continue to help Yemen, and the GCC initiatives are finding widespread support in the country, as the people are keen to see a smooth and easy political solution. “We are optimistic about the situation in Yemen.”
At the preparatory session, Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled stressed the importance of cooperation not just between the GCC states, but also Jordan and Morocco.
He hailed the joint action march between GCC members and Jordan and Morocco.
The Moroccan Delegate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Imbarka Buaida, who attended the session, expressed gratitude for the invitation to the session, “which underlines the strong bond between the countries based on common values.”
The preparatory session for the summit was held at Bayan Palace and was attended by the Secretary-General of the GCC Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Saudi