Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said here Thursday that GCC member states have no expansionist interests, special goals, or agendas to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. However, they are capable of protecting their peoples against terror plots, Prince Saud, who is Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said during a joint press conference following the 121st meeting of the 32nd session of the GCC ministerial council. About the Syrian dossier and its transfer to the UN, Prince Saud said: “We don't want to internationalize the issue. We want an Arab solution. We raised views which we think are in the interest of Syria and will put an end to bloodshed. These ideas include meeting with different sects in order to reach a political solution. I think we have worked out a solution that will save the country from any foreign intervention and will also save it from the danger of disintegration and economic collapse. But regrettably there has been no response. If Syria fails to deal with the problem, undoubtedly this will lead to the internationalization of the issue.” About the situation in Egypt, he said this was an internal Egyptian matter. Earlier in his keynote speech at the opening of the 121st Preparatory Meeting for the 32nd Session of the GCC Supreme Council, Prince Saud called for new cooperation and boosting the ongoing coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council countries in the wake of the Arab Spring. He said that the causes and motives of uprising in some countries of the region should be studied. “There is an urgent need for cooperation to preserve our region's security and stability and to ensure a natural growth and studied development away from any foreign dictates or intervention,” he said. Prince Saud said the Arab Spring coincides with the continuing crises that “have become, unfortunately, part of the reality of this region”. The Middle East peace process has stalled because of Israel's intransigent policies and its refusal to comply with international legitimacy, he said. Iran is continuing to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries of the region. Its quest to develop nuclear capabilities, enabling it in the future to have nuclear weapons, is a clear threat to the security and stability of the region, the Saudi foreign minister told the gathering. He said the GCC is able to maintain the gains and accomplishments it has achieved since its establishment in 1981, and to contribute to reinforcing solidarity and unity among its member states. The GCC has exerted great efforts to resolve the crises in Yemen, Syria and Libya, he said, citing the signing Wednesday night of the GCC initiative to settle the current situation in Yemen as a relevant example. He also applauded Bahrain's fact-finding committee report on recent events in the Kingdom of Bahrain as reliable and transparent.
