ABU DHABI: Kuwait has called for a peaceful resolution to the standoff over Iran's disputed nuclear program as the leaders of six Gulf Arab countries opened two days of talks here Monday. The annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit here coincides with the start in Geneva of a new round of nuclear talks between Iran and world powers. Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, said the six GCC nations – Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain – wanted to see an end to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program through “dialogue, peaceful means and adherence to the principles of international legitimacy.” The six nations, he told the summit, wanted to see “a peaceful settlement of this file that ensures the stability and security of the area.” King's cable King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, who is receiving treatment in New York, in a telegram sent to GCC leaders said that despite his absence, he senses their great task and responsibility “which finds its root in our religion, Arabism and the interest of Arab and Muslim nations.” “While we are looking forward to achieving the aspirations and goals of our nations, I am present with you with my soul, sharing the hope and goals of our historic responsibility,” the King said. On behalf of King Abdullah, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, is leading the Saudi delegation to the summit. Sheikh Al-Sabah congratulated King Abdullah on his successful surgery this week. He also spoke about the Kingdom's efforts to uproot terrorism. He said the GCC countries have been following the Kingdom's great work to fight terrorism and noted that because of these efforts a number of cells have been dismantled. He stressed the unlimited GCC support to the Kingdom and international community in efforts to combat terrorism. The Kuwaiti leader also expressed his regret over the faltering peace process in the Middle East because of Israeli stubbornness and arrogance. On Lebanon, Emir Al-Sabah called upon all the factions to work together to defuse the tension and maintain the country's stability, security and peace. The GCC leaders will also look into long elusive issues like monetary union as well as greater cooperation in economic planning. The threat from an increasingly active Al-Qaeda in Yemen is also high on the summit's agenda. Al-Qaeda in Yemen is blamed for a series of attempted terror attacks in the United States over the past year in addition to a failed attempt on the life of a Saudi counterterrorism official. Earlier on his arrival here, Prince Naif said: “I have the honor, on behalf of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to participate in the GCC summit,” he said. Describing the gathering as “being held in extremely critical conditions”, Prince Naif urged “intense effort” to achieve the wishes of King Abdullah and other GCC leaders for the “GCC progress and integration”. “We pray to Allah Almighty to crown our efforts with great success for the benefit of our peoples and nations, as well as Arab and Islamic nations,” he said.
