Gulf states welcomes Iraq's government
Gulf-Regional, Politics, 6/7/2004

The Gulf Co-operation Council GCC welcomed on Saturday the new Iraqi government while Kuwait has announced it will exchange diplomatic recognition with Baghdad as soon as the UN Security Council admits the legitimacy of Eyad Allawi government.

In their final statement, the GCC foreign ministers urged Washington to reconsider its decision to impose sanctions on Syria and to use " positive dialogue " to settle differences.

Afer a one day meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates considered that choosing Ghazi Elyawer a President and forming a government under the chairmanship of Eyad Allawi is an " important step towards authority transfer to the Iraqis and the formation of the elections committee expected to be completed by the beginning of 2005."

The GCC stressed the " importance of the UN pivotal role" and urged the UN Security Council to "work for preservig Iraq's unity and restoring its sovereignty and independence as soon as possible, taking into account representing all groups and holding all Iraqis responsible before the law." It condemned the " inhuman practices by the occupation forces against the Iraqi prisoners " and the " terrorist operations taking place in Iraq."

The Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Muhammad al-Sabah who presided over the meeting said that his country will restoe back diplomatic relations with Iraq immediately after the issuance of a decision from the Security Council confirming the legitimacy of the Iraqi government. He added that Kuwait will then reopen its diplomatic mission in Baghdad.

The Kuwaiti minister said that the minister agreed to a recommendation for re-participation of Iraq in the Gulf football tournament. The GCC also condemned the " terrorist operations which took place in Saudi Arabia."

Previous Stories:
  Gulf states discusses reforming the Arab league   (3/1/2004)
  Gulf summits denounces terrorism, presses ahead with economic unity   (12/23/2003)
  Gulf states to discuss US threats against Iraq   (8/24/2002)

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