Gulf states supports Iraq's independence, Lebanon's unity

Leaders of the Gulf cooperation council (GCC) states expressed in their consultation summit which was held on Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, their support for the political process in Iraq and the independence of this country.

They renewed their commitment to fighting terrorism and the care to maintain "Lebanon's security, stability and prosperity." The GCC secretary general Abdul Rahman al-Ateyah said in conclusion of the works of the summit that the Gulf leaders in the GCC discussed the continued insecure conditions in Iraq and expressed the GCC support for the political process aiming at preserving its independence and territorial integrity and non interference in its internal affairs." Al-Ateyah added in a statement circulated after the summit which lasted for two hours that the leaders called other sides "to resort to the same inclination" in remarks to the armed groups which stand behind the acts of violence in Iraq.

The announcement underlined the "importance of fighting terrorism, this destructive phenomenon" by all means," calling on the international community "to effectively cooperate to overcome this destructive behavior." On the Palestinian issue, the leaders stressed "support for the efforts of the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas aiming at resuming negotiations leading to the establishment of the independent Palestinian state.

The GCC leaders also called on the Lebanese people to "unify their ranks" stressing their care to maintain "Lebanon's security, independence and prosperity."