Riyadh to be headquarters of GCC Monetary Council 3 Riyadh

The Secretary General of the GCC cast light on the strategic railway
project linking the GCC countries on which the leaders were briefed.

He revealed that, upon a proposal submitted by the Sultanate of Oman,
the current president of the GCC, the leaders decided to invite the
private sector in the GCC member states to take part in economic
decision-making.

In support of a proposal submitted by the State of Qatar to activate
the role of the GCC member countries in the political, military,
security and economic aspects, the leaders have instructed the
authorities concerned that a ministerial committee and other
specialized committees to be formed to follow-up and support this
proposal according to a specific timetable and present their findings
to the forthcoming Kuwait GCC summit.

He confirmed that negotiations between the GCC and European Union
have been suspended until the EU responds to the GCC proposals,
particularly as regards exports fees.

On the impact of the international financial crisis on the economies
of the GCC countries, Al-Atiyyah said "the economies of our countries
are immune as certain measures have been taken by the GCC states,
contributing to alleviating the repercussions of this crisis".

On the political affairs, the GCC Secretary General reiterated the
welcome of the GCC of any dialogue among the world countries,
particularly between the United States and Iran, provided that it
would not be at the expense of the Arab countries in general and the
GCC countries in particular.

We do reject any nuclear program challenging the international
standards and nuclear non-proliferation treaties. However, we support
Iran's right to possess peaceful nuclear energy, he stated.

Al-Atiyyah, confirmed that the GCC member states reject that the
region be converted to a field for disputes and race to posses
nuclear weapons and blackmail of other countries.
--SPA