GCC Foreign ministers conclude deliberations

The foreign ministers of the Gulf co-operation council GCC have concluded works of their preliminary ministerial council in its 81st session held in Muscat on Tuesday evening.

The ministerial meeting was limited to one session began by a welcoming speech delivered by Oman's foreign minister Youssef Bin Alawi in which he explained the conditions of convening this session which he described as very critical and sensitive conditions as a result of the terrorist attacks took place on September 11 at New York and Washington.

The Omani foreign minister stressed that international relations amid these conditions have underwent important changes, noting that yesterday's alliances are not like those of today and benefits and interests are now built on different grounds used to be yesterday.

The Omani minister also stressed that the efforts of the GCC will continue to work for achieving stability and peace, supporting the Palestinian people in their struggle until the Palestinian state is founded with Jerusalem as a capital.

Youssef Bin Alawi condemned the policy pursued by the Israeli government, noting that this policy constitutes a grave danger on peace and stability in the Middle east and that the international community is called upon to make more efforts to end the Israeli practices in the Palestinian territories, to end Israel's occupation to the Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese territories.

The council approved the nomination of the Qatari minister Abdul Rahman al-Ateyah for the post of the new GCC secretary general in succession of the Saudi Jamil Hujeilan whose term of office will end with the convening of the GCC 22nd summit in Muscat in December this year.