Khalifa urges action by GCC legislatures

Abu Dhabi:  President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the legislative councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries play a vital role in developments in all fields.

Shaikh Khalifa further said more efforts must be made for coordination among the GCC's legislatures to boost progress in their countries.

The remarks came during a meeting with Speakers of the GCC's legislative councils in Al Mushrif Palace yesterday in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region.

Earlier, the speakers held a meeting at the Emirates Palace under the chairmanship of Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC).

The parliamentarians sought more influence regionally and internationally through what they called "parliamentary diplomacy".

They agreed upon the agenda of their meetings to review implementation of resolutions sanctioned by the heads of state of the GCC members.

They also agreed that the heads of the GCC parliamentarians give a speech to the Summit.

They also agreed on a visit to the European Parliament, but did not fix a date.

The GCC's parliamentarians supported the UAE's right to its three islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa, the territorial water, air space and the economic zone of the islands.

They called anew on Iran to respond to good offices that lead to returning the islands to the UAE.

Global terrorism

They expressed deep concern over "the international terrorism and its growing threats", and supported the efforts made by the GCC countries to defend their lands and protect security of their people.

The parliamentarians also voiced the hope that Yemen succeed in its effort to uproot terrorism, so that Yemenis enjoy security and stability.

They fully backed the GCC countries in peaceful use of nuclear power and making the Middle East a nuclear-free zone.

The parliamentarians also expressed deep concern at the growing hostility against Islam and Muslims in the West, demanding that the United Nations, all international organisations and Western governments take necessary measures to stop discrimination against Islam and Muslims.

They condemned Israel's unilateral policies and attempts to impose the status quo through altering the geographic and demographic conditions of the occupied Palestinian territories.

Cooperation

Briefing on summit

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday received Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Shaikh Khalifa was briefed by Al Attiyah, prior to the 31st summit that will take place in the UAE in December, on the preparations taken and efforts made to support the joint GCC work for broadening the prospects of cooperation. Shaikh Khalifa affirmed the UAE's keenness in supporting the GCC's march in all fields, and expressed his wishes for the summit's success.

He also expressed his wish for the summit to reach proposals and decisions that will meet the aspirations of GCC nationals, as well as accomplishing more achievements within the framework of a single vision and a shared fate between the GCC countries.

Al Attiyah said he was certain that the Abu Dhabi summit will be a turning point in the GCC states' future march.

He added that Shaikh Khalifa's vision for the coming summit will be a great support for its work and success, which works for the good of all GCC nationals. Al Attiyah pointed out that the ministerial council and committees have prepared important dossiers for discussion.

— S.S.