GCC FMs meet on Gaza, Iraq

The Foreign Ministers of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states reiterated the call for lifting the blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza Strip as early as possible.
During their meeting in Jeddah city, southwest Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, the ministers discussed the latest developments of the situations in the Middle East region, according to a statement by the GCC Secretariat.
They highlighted the need for more concerted efforts to stop the bloodshed in several parts of the region particularly in Gaza Strip and Iraq in order to promote security and stability in the region.
They stated support to the call, issued by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz on Friday, August 2, for combating terrorism which threatens regional and international security, the statement noted.
In the meantime, the ministers strongly denounced the state terrorism and the despicable crimes committed by the Israeli forces against the civilian population in Gaza Strip.
They expressed outright rejection of all Israeli justifications in this regard, and stated full support to the brotherly people of Palestine and the National Authority in their efforts to halt the bloodshed and prevent recurrence of Israel's brutal crimes against civilians, the statement affirmed.
Welcoming the humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, they underscored the need of a durable agreement that could ensure implementation of Israel's commitments without maneuvering or procrastination, lifting the stifling siege on Gaza, and bringing to normal the ordinary life of the Gazans.
The ministers appreciated the Egyptian mediation that aims to reach a durable truce in Gaza and end the suffering of the Palestinian people, it went on.
Regarding Iraq, they welcomed the election of Fouad Ma'soum as head of state and Saleem Al-Jabouri as parliament speaker, and the designation of Haider Al-Abadi as prime minister.
The ministers voiced hope that the men will be able for reactive the constitutional institutions, form a more capable government and meet the aspirations of the brotherly people of Iraq.
They reiterated the respect of the GCC states for Iraq's unity, sovereignty and territorial safety, stressing the importance of non-interference in the domestic affairs of Iraq, the statement added.