GCC's nuclear programme will be a role model - Saud

Riyadh: The Saudi foreign minister has said that the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) nuclear programme will be a model that can be adopted by others.

At a joint press conference with the visiting Italian counterpart Massimo D'Alema in Riyadh yesterday, Prince Saud Al Faisal said the GCC states decided to enter into this vital industry because of its potential for peaceful uses.

He said the GCC states would build a nuclear industry under strict controls and with peaceful intentions. It would be an example for anyone who wants to adopt the technology but without any intention for developing nuclear weapons.

He said Saudi Arabia and Italy have vowed to work together to solve the problems engulfing the region.

They called for the restoration of peace and security in Iraq and Lebanon. The two countries underlined that peace in the Middle East will not prevail before the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Prince Saud expressed hope that Italy will continue to play a positive role during its Security Council membership on 2007-08.

When asked about the cabinet reshuffle, Prince Saud said he was looking forward to it.

D'Alema said it was in the interests of both Saudi Arabia and Italy that security and stability in Iraq is achieved. On Lebanon, he expressed his country's political, military and economic support for the government of Fouad Siniora.

He said he agreed with Prince Saud that the key for peace and stability in the Middle East is the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He appealed to the Israeli government to alleviate the sufferings of the Palestinians.