GCC Consultative Meeting issues final communiqué

RIYADH, 6th May, 2015 (WAM)--The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Member States concluded here today their 15th Consultative Meeting under the Chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The GCC leaders welcomed the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, remembering with pride efforts and initiatives launched by late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, appealing to Allah Almighty to bestow His Mercy on his soul. The GCC leaders congratulated Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed of Oman on his return to Oman safely. The GCC leaders also welcomed the participation of President Francois Hollande of the French Republic in this consultative meeting, lauding existing coordination and cooperation among the GCC countries and France and their identical visions regarding important issues in the region and world. The GCC leaders also looked forward to meeting with US President Barack Obama on 13-14, April, 2015 in the United States, wishing that the talks contribute to strengthening close relations with the United States in light of current developments and events and to enhance the security and stability of the region. The GCC leaders reviewed the latest developments in Yemen, lauding the objectives and outcomes of the Operation Decisive Storm and that start of Operation Restore of Hope in response to the request of Yemeni President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in order to strengthen the legitimacy and resume the political process in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, output of the National Comprehensive Dialogue and the Security Council's relevant resolutions. The GCC leaders praised the Security Council resolution No. 2216 which was issued under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and called for its implementation completely and accurately in order to contribute to the return of security and stability in Yemen and the region. They also welcomed the decision of the United Nations Secretary General to appoint Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed as new special envoy of United Nations to the Republic of Yemen. The GCC leaders welcomed the decision of President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi to hold a conference under the umbrella of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh on 17, May, 2015, with the participation of all Yemeni parties and components supporting the legitimacy and Yemen's security and stability. They also welcomed the decision appointing Eng. Khalid Bahah as Yemeni Vice President and Major General Mohammad Ali Al-Maqdeshi as Chief of Staff. The GCC leaders stressed their support of the urgent measures taken by the Yemeni government to address the difficult and dangerous humanitarian situation caused by the irresponsible practices of the Houthi militias and militias of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. In this context, they lauded the generous support worth US$274 million by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Yemen as well as the urgent humanitarian aid provided by the GCC countries. They called upon the international community to accelerate providing more humanitarian aid to Yemen. The GCC leaders reviewed the latest developments in Yemen, lauding the objectives and outcomes of the Operation Decisive Storm and that start of Operation Restore Hope in response to the request of Yemeni President in order to strengthen the legitimacy and resume the political process in accordance with the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, output of the National Comprehensive Dialogue and the Security Council's relevant resolutions. The GCC leaders stressed their support of the urgent measures taken by the Yemeni government to address the difficult and serious humanitarian situation caused by the irresponsible practices of the Houthi militias and militias of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. In this context, they lauded the generous support worth US$274 million by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Yemen as well as the urgent humanitarian aid provided by the GCC countries. They called upon the international community to accelerate providing more humanitarian aid to Yemen. The GCC leaders welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's decision in coordination with the coalition countries, within the framework of continuation of enhancing its positive humanitarian efforts inside the Yemeni territory regarding creation of safe havens at specific times for distributing humanitarian aid which comes in line with Security Council resolution No. 2216 with emphasis on not being exploited by Houthi militias and their allies to achieve gains on the ground, otherwise it will lead to resumption of air operations over these areas. French President thanked the King of Saudi Arabia and the Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders and delegations for inviting him to attend the summit as a guest of honour of the 15th GCC Consultative Summit. Hollande said, "Thank you for giving me this honour to address the consultative summit. I would like to take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud." He added that when the GCC was set up in 1981, it was to tackle the danger posed by the Iraq-Iran war. "Today you are facing new challenges related to the terrorist groups such as Daesh (ISIL) and al-Qaeda, as well as other challenges in a number of neighbouring countries, including Yemen." The French President said the King of Saudi Arabia "reminded us about risks posed by ambitions of some countries, which interfere in others' affairs." To deal with these crisis, he continued, "You launched a number of initiatives regarding Syria and a declaration to form the Arab Force." He noted that France backs Operation Decisive Storm, which has been turned into Operation Restore Hope in order to restore stability to Yemen, adding that ensuring the security of neighbouring countries bolsters the safety and security of the region. "There are threats facing the GCC and France. Therefore, I would like to reiterate France's commitment to stand by your side and support you not only as a friend and ally, but because defending your interests also means we defend ourselves." The French president said France agrees with Saudi Arabia to strengthen the defence ties between the two countries, adding that yesterday in Qatar, similar issues were touched upon. He underscored that France is a trustworthy ally. He said that France did not spare any effort to bring together the moderate Syrian opposition for the sake of Syria's future and peace. Hollande said, "We are partners and will remain partners," citing the fact of existing Iraqi alliance to combat Daesh terrorist group. Furthermore, "we call for reconciliation among all the Iraqi parties. And we also work to reach a peace deal in Libya under the sponsorship of the UN to restore stability there." He added that France backs the legitimacy in Yemen in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution No. 2216, noting that it has to be implemented to back the legitimate President of Yemen and achieve reconciliation there. Hollande welcomed the Saudi proposal to host a conference on Yemen. On Iran, Hollande said the ongoing talks about the Iranian nuclear issue "deserve our care and vigilance. France does so. And we want a strong, sustainable and viable agreement. Iran should undertake that it will not access nuclear weapons. The Lausanne agreement is only an interim agreement and just a step on the road, which is still long. We want to have a full and complete transparency." About the sanctions on Iran, the French President said, "We support the lifting of sanctions gradually, and we must remain attentive to the actions of Iran. The deal, which we will reach, should not cause or lead to the destabilisation of countries in this region. The arms embargo on Iran must be kept in place. We want to judge Iran by its actions and not words." - Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395280186960.html http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395280190524.html