Gulf states summit ratify customs union

The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council states concluded their 20th summit in Riyadh today, as the summit agreed to start implementing the customs union among their countries starting from the year 2005.

Gulf News Agency said the Gulf states has established three classifications for goods: duty-free goods; basic goods, which will carry a 5.5% tariff; and other goods, which will carry a 7.5% tariff.

The leaders discussed several issues, the most important of which are supporting cooperation between the Gulf states, the Gulf states stance toward Iraq, the issue of the three Gulf islands occupied by Iran and claimed by the United Arab Emirates, and the peace process in the Middle East.

An easing in tensions between Gulf states and Iraq was noticed, but they blamed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein for what is happing to him and to his people, emphasizing that the Gulf states are working on easing the suffering of the Iraqi people.

They also expressed their support for the Palestinian negotiators and the importance of Israel's implementation of all international legitimacy resolutions and agreements signed during the peace process.

They also emphasized that Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine.