14 December 2008: Gulf Daily News
THE new US administration will adopt a clear approach towards issues in the Middle East, especially the Palestinian crisis, GCC secretary-general Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah hoped yesterday. This year's Manama Dialogue is different from previous editions because of the new US administration and the ideas circulated by some of its officials, including Defence Secretary Robert Gates, on Iraq and current issues, Mr Al Attiyah said.
On expansion of the GCC to include Iraq, Mr Al Attiya said that the country was not ready for this move because of the current situation.
What matters now is the stability and prosperity of Iraq and it should be free from foreign intervention, division and sectarianism, he said.
Even in normal conditions, the bylaw of the council has clearly defined the criteria for membership, he said.
Mr Al Attiyah said the GCC has always underscored the importance of ending the occupation in Iraq and blocking foreign intervention in its internal affairs.
He said the GCC looked forward to seeing a safe, stable and prosperous Iraq with an Arab identity within the framework of the Arab League.
Mr Al Attiyah said piracy was an international crime and hence co-operation based on a UN Security Council resolution was needed.
