Global slump dominates summit opening remarks

Muscat: The Gaza issue was conspicuous by its absence in the opening speech of Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed in which he called for joint efforts to tackle the global financial crisis while welcoming the leaders to the 29th GCC Summit here on Monday.

Before the meeting, GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

"We as GCC have always backed the Palestinian cause and there's no doubt that Gaza massacre will take precedence over all other matters as we deliberate for two days," he told Gulf News.

But, there was no mention of the Israeli raids on Gaza where more than 300 people have died although most expected Gaza to take precedence over the other issues. "Gaza will feature prominently in the discussions among the leaders for two days and it will feature in the final communique," said a political analyst,who asked not to be named.

Focus

With the focus on the current financial crisis, Sultan Qaboos said that this should be based on a balanced economy, stable financial markets and the international banks. "This requires finding a basis for the stability of oil prices that will not put a burden on consumers, meet the development requirements of developing countries and at the same time will not harm producing countries by preserving their development plans. We look forward to cooperation from all to realising this future vision," he said.

"The current world financial situation necessitates joint efforts with other countries to tackle and correct this situation in order to restore the economic and social programmes and guarantee the continuation of international trade and cooperation among nations," the Omani leader said in his opening remarks.

He also underlined the importance of working with the international parties concerned to tackle the financial crisis.

Welcoming the heads of state as well as the other guests for the Summit, he said: "It gives us great pleasure to welcome you in your homeland, the Sultan-ate of Oman, as dear guests on this blessed day that, with God's permission, will witness the opening of the 29th Summit. We pray to the Almighty to guide us to achieve more benefits and prosperity for all of us.

"We thank God for the achievements made so far during the blessed march of the Gulf Cooperation Council in various fields, and for the security, stability and welfare of all citizens, semi-integration of economic activities and freedom of the private sector which enables it to take part in the comprehensive development of our states," he further said.

Determined

"We are determined - with God's assistance and guidance - to preserve the achievements made by our states for the benefits of our citizens," Qaboos said.

"And we will work for the implementation of more strategic comprehensive development programmes in their national and collective contexts."

At the end of his speech, the Omani leader commended the efforts of Shaikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, in successfully steering the work of the previous session, and following up on the implementation of its resolutions and the decisions of the Ministerial Committees during the period of his chairmanship.

Oman was to stage the 28th Summit in 2007 but Qatar stepped in ahead of Oman after the Sultanate was hit by tropical cyclone Gonu in 2007.