GCC, EU discuss issues on Iran, Iraq, ME peace

During the one-day meeting held in London on Wednesday between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, the two sides discussed several issues of mutual concern including Iraq, Iran and the Middle East peace process.

The European Union was represented by British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, whose country is currently presiding over the EU, Luxembourg's foreign minister Jacques Boese and the Foreign minister of Austria, and the GCC side by representatives of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal on Wednesday stressed that the continuing stalemate on the peace process does not serve any body's interest rather constitutes a grave threat to the region as a whole. Following a meeting with his British counterpart Robin Cook, al-Faisal called for a response to the US initiative during the meeting to be held between the Israelis and the Palestinians in London on May 4

He also said he hoped his talks with Cook would help promote bilateral relations between the two countries and between Europe and the Arab Gulf states.