known principles of respect of international legitimacy and resolution of conflicts peacefully and also renewed its call on the importance of reaching a peaceful solution to this crisis. The Supreme Council also reiterated its call for making the Middle East region, including the Gulf region, free from all weapons of mass destruction while recognizing the right of countries in the region to possess expertise in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and making this right available for all countries in the region within the relevant international conventions. On Iraq, the leaders affirmed the firm positions of the GCC countries on the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty and independence of Iraq, preserving its Arab and Islamic identity, rejecting any calls for dividing the country, and non-interfering in its internal affairs. They also stressed that achieving the security and stability in Iraq requires a political and security solution that tackles the causes of the crisis and uproots sectarian sedition and terrorism and achieves national reconciliation. The leaders expressed support for all efforts in this regard. On the Palestinian issue, the leaders reaffirmed the adherence of the Gulf States to the Arab Peace initiative as a basis for a just and comprehensive solution to the various aspects of Arab - Israeli conflict on all tracks in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. --More
