HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, and the other leaders of the member countries at their summit meeting held in Dir’iyah Palace in Riyadh. French President Francois Hollande attended the meeting.
QNA
Riyadh
GCC leaders yesterday reviewed the latest developments in Yemen, praising the objectives and outcomes of the Operation Decisive Storm and the start of the Operation Renewal of Hope which came in response to the appeal of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi for strengthening the legitimacy and resuming the political process in the country.
In a statement following their 15th consultative meeting in Riyadh, the GCC leaders praised the Security Council Resolution No 2216 and called for its implementation “completely and accurately” in order to help restore security and stability in Yemen and the region.
They hailed President Hadi’s decision to hold a conference under the umbrella of GCC general secretariat in Riyadh on May 17 with the participation of all Yemeni parties and components that support legitimacy and the country’s security and stability.
They also welcomed the decision to appoint Khalid Bahah as Yemeni vice president and Major General Mohamed Ali al-Maqdeshi as chief of staff.
The GCC leaders stressed their support for the urgent measures taken by the Yemeni government to address the difficult and dangerous humanitarian situation caused by the irresponsible practices of the militias of the Houthis and of former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
They called upon the international community to accelerate providing more humanitarian aid to Yemen.
They welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision, taken in co-ordination with the coalition countries, to create safe havens at specific times for the distribution of humanitarian aid, which comes in line with Security Council Resolution No 2216 with emphasis on not being exploited by the Houthi militias and their allies to achieve gains on the ground.
To ensure the quick delivery of aid to the Yemeni people, the GCC leaders welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to establish a unified centre in Riyadh, aiming to co-ordinate all aid efforts between the UN and relevant humanitarian organisations as well as the states wishing to provide assistance.
The GCC leaders reiterated their determination to continue efforts to support development in Yemen and completion of taking steps towards strengthening integration and partnership between the GCC and Yemen.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the GCC leaders confirmed that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace could not be achieved without the full withdrawal of Israel from all Arab territories occupied in 1967 and establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative.
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The GCC leaders expressed “deep concern” over the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria as a result of Assad regime’s continuous killings, destruction and use of heavy weapons and poisonous gas, which resulted in the killing of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and the injury and displacement of millions.
They emphasised the need for a political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with Geneva 1 Statement in June 2012.
The GCC leaders expressed their support of the Iraqi government’s efforts for national reconciliation to combat the Daesh (Islamic State) group and achieve full participation of all components of the Iraqi people through the full implementation of the reforms programme which was agreed upon last summer.
They expressed concern about increasing acts of violence and terrorism in Libya, which threaten security, stability and unity in the country.
They reiterated their support for the UN efforts to resume the national comprehensive dialogue among components of the Libyan society, and calling upon all factions of the Libyan people to assume national responsibilities and continue dialogue to find a solution to end the state of division.
The GCC leaders stressed the need to firmly deal with the dangerous phenomenon of terrorism and extremist groups, lauding the efforts of all member states in this regard at all levels.
They reiterated their keenness to build balanced relations with Iran that contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.
They expressed hope that the initial framework deal which has been reached between Iran and the Group of 5 +1 to pave the way for a final agreement that ensures the peacefulness of Iran’s nuclear programme.
The GCC leaders said they hoped the agreement could contribute to resolving the outstanding issues with Iran, stressing their stances regarding the UAE’s right and absolute sovereignty over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa in addition to territorial waters, air territory, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of the islands as an integral part of the UAE.
They expressed rejection of Iran’s continued occupation of the islands as well as its decisions, practices and actions over the three islands.
The leaders welcomed the participation of French President Francois Hollande in the Riyadh meeting, hailing the co-ordination, co-operation and common stances between the two sides regarding major issues in the region and the world.
They said they looked forward to meeting US President Barack Obama this month, hoping that the talks would contribute to strengthening close relations with America.
