Kuwait News Agency
KUWAIT, Dec 27 (KUNA) — The Arab Gulf region witnessed major events at various levels. The Arab and Muslim nations were deeply distressed with demise, on October 22, of Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, who was the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was succeeded by Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz.
Winds of change, blown by the “Arab Spring” events, reached the Gulf region, where GCC states proposed an initiative, with international backing, to establish a consensus government comprising various forces from across the political spectrum. Meanwhile, in Bahrain, the national conciliation dialogue was launched, affirming the democratic approach, adopted by the sagacious government.
These winds spilled over to Oman where Sultan Qaboos decreed election of chairman of the Consultative Council — instead of being appointed. The Sultanate also witnessed other measures for administrative reforms. In Iraq, the natives became totally in charge of their homeland, following withdrawal of the American forces that had spearheaded an allied military campaign that ousted the former Baath regime of the executed dictator, Saddam Hussein.
Prosperity was visible at various levels in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The latter declared planned establishment of the first Shura (consultative) Council by 2013.
As to Iran, it proceeded with its nuclear program, despite mounting international curbs, repeatedly defied will of the super powers through flagrant breach of diplomatic norms.
In the meantime, the GCC member states celebrated the 30th anniversary of founding the council, and Dr. Abdul-Latif Al-Zayani, of Bahrain, took office as the GCC Secretary General.
The GCC made several achievements, namely persuading Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign the Gulf initiative to resolve the Yemeni crisis. The council support for Bahrain at the political, economic and military levels depicted solidarity and unity of the member states. Meanwhile, the GCC welcomed requests by Jordan and Morocco to join the bloc. On May 24, The GCC Secretariat-General celebrated the 30th anniversary of establishing the council, under sponsorship of Riyadh region Amir, Prince Salman Bin Abdul-Aziz, and the Secretariat flag was hoisted on the occasion.
Meetings of GCC leaders: On May 10, GCC leaders held the 13th consultative summit in Riyadh and welcomed request by Jordan and Morocco to join the council.
On June 9, The GCC states declared regulations for the labor market during the 28th session of the Labor Council during the annual conference of the International Labor Organization.
On July 11, The GCC Secretariat-General denied delaying full implementation of terms of the custom union or existence of hurdles obstructing facing completion of the custom federation.
On December 19, top leaders of the GCC countries held the 32nd session of the Supreme Council of the GCC in Riyadh. They welcomed a proposal made by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia of establishing “a single entity” among the regional states.
Moreover, they discussed various political issues, agreed on examining arenas of cooperation with Jordan and Morocco and decided to establish a Gulf fund for development.
At the economic level, the GCC leaders examined achievements that had been made for greater cooperation and integration.
They also approved a plan for combating epidemics, adopted joint health standards and backed Qatar’s hosting of the 2020 Olympic games. Furthermore, the leaders agreed on employing retirees, backed all efforts against terrorism, implementing agreements for aiding Gaza, expressed alarm at Iranian intervention in internal affairs of the council states, Iran’s nuclear efforts and condemned Israel’s plans to build settlements in Jerusalem.
On Syria, they called on the Damascus government implement the Arab protocol of cooperation and backed Kuwait’s Mubarak Al-Kabeer port project. As to Yemen, they praised the warring parties’ signing of the Gulf initiative and welcomed formation of an interim government in Libya. GCC Foreign ministers’ meetings: KUWAIT — On January 12, GCC foreign ministers held a consultative meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on sidelines of the Future Forum, that was hosted by Doha, addressing means of cooperation with the United States. The conferees expressed alarm at turbulent conditions in Lebanon.
On January 12, The GCC ministers during their consultative meeting Doha expressed alarm at the deteriorating conditions in Lebanon, in shadow of collapse of the government of Saad Al-Hariri.
On February 17, The GCC ministerial council held its 30th extraordinary session in the Bahraini capital, Manama, affirming solidarity in face of any threat targeting any of the council member states. The ministers re-affirmed backing for Bahrain and rejected any external intervention in its domestic affairs.
On March 7, The GCC foreign ministers held their 118th session in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was followed up in Riyadh on March 10, under chairmanship of UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nuhayyan. The ministers issued several resolutions regarding various issues, such as establishing the Gulf Development Program and allocation of USD 20 billion for supporting development in Bahrain and Oman, for a period of time extending for 10 years.
On April 3, The GCC ministerial council held its 31st extraordinary session at headquarters of the GCC Secretariat-General. The council condemned Iran’s intervention in domestic affairs of Kuwait and Bahrain, Iranian “hostile rhetoric” against Saudi Arabia. As to Yemen, they agreed on holding contacts with the government and the opposition in a bid to settle the crisis.
On April 10, The GCC ministerial council held its 32nd special session in Riyadh, calling on the Yemeni government and opposition to holding conciliation dialogue under auspices of the GCC. The dialogue aimed at restoring stability in Yemen, meeting people’s aspiration for reforms, ensuring peaceful shift of powers and compelling the warring parties to cease violence and all forms of vengeance.
According to the GCC initiative, President Ali Abdullah Saleh should shift powers to his deputy, a national government be formed for managing the nation, enacting a new constitution and holding elections.
On May 1, The GCC ministerial council declared, at end of the 35th extraordinary session, held in Riyadh, that the GCC chief would travel to Sanaa to pursue contacts with the Yemeni parties in a new bid to reach a settlement to the crisis.
On May 22, The GCC ministers, at their 63rd session, declared suspension of the Gulf initiative for Yemen “for lack of adequate conditions to sign it,” and re-affirmed support for the Yemeni people.
On June 14, The ministerial council, at its 119th session held in Jeddah, hailed Bahrain’s decision to lift “the state of national safety” and call for comprehensive and unconditional national dialogue. The ministers also affirmed the GCC commitment to bolstering the state security and sovereignty.
