WASHINGTON: Bahrain last night called for a concerted global effort for a stable Middle East. The region is at a critical juncture and needs a balanced and integrated response by all parties in a spirit of accommodation, compromise and dialogue, Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul
Ghaffar said.
The security of the Gulf region is inherently tied to global socio-economic development as oil and gas are two sources of power, influence, welfare and lifeline of the Gulf, he said.
He was making a speech on Gulf Security - A Regional Context, Imperatives and Options at the Council of Foreign Relations in Washington.
Dr Abdul Ghaffar quoted from His Majesty King Hamad's address at the Second Gulf Dialogue in December 2005 where the King said that for the world to be free, it had to be secure and stable.
The Minister also referred to the King's statement that comprehensive stability in the region was the best way to ensure global energy supplies.
Security in the region can be achieved when all sides put aside armed and political conflicts and focus on socio-economic development.
Turning to Iraq, he said its fragmentation would result in an open civil war. He said primary security challenges centre on the future of stability of Iraq.
