DUBAI: Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called for solving the Iranian nuclear crisis through peaceful means and hoped Tehran would positively react to international efforts, while reaffirming the group's backing to the Palestinian Authority (PA) to returning to direct talks with the Israelis on condition of halting settlement activities. At the same time the United Arab Emirates also announced on the same day that they would begin sanctions against Iran. In a draft final communique, the leaders said they were following with concern the developments of the Iranian nuclear file, reiterating importance of solving conflicts peacefully and clearing the Middle East from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and nuclear arms, including the Arabian Gulf region. They welcomed international efforts, namely those by the P5+1 group (UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany) to addressing the Iranian nuclear file peacefully. The GCC leaders affirmed the rights of the regional countries to using the nuclear energy for peaceful methods within regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They said the IAEA safeguards and inspections should be implemented on all regional countries including Israel, which should join the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to allow inspection of its nuclear facilities. They, however, reaffirmed commitment to good neighborly principles and non-interference of internal affairs as well as solving disputes via peaceful means. The leaders, meanwhile, blamed the Israeli government for the cessation of direct talks with the Palestinians, which were launched by US President Barack Obama in Washington on September 2. The Israelis are to blame for the halt of negotiations due to their “illegitimate” settlement policies and their “dangerous” consequences. The draft communique, reaffirmed support to the PA position which called for importance of returning to the direct negotiations but on condition that Israel cease settlement activities including in occupied East Jerusalem in line with international law. The leaders asserted support for the establishment of the independent and viable Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions, land-for-peace principle and the Arab peace initiative. BM
