Gulf states underline central role of UN in rebuilding Iraq

RIYADH (AFP) Apr 15, 2003
The Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday underlined the role of the United Nations in rebuilding Iraq, and called for an immediate end to the anarchy seen since the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime.

"No one can imagine that this task (of rebuilding Iraq) can be completed without real participation by the United Nations," Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani said in an opening speech to a meeting of all six Gulf Arab foreign ministers in Riyadh.

"The future of the new and unified Iraq can only be brought about by providing the appropriate conditions to enable the Iraqi people to practice their right in managing their country," added Sheikh Hamad, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the GCC.

"We call on all concerned parties in Iraq to immediately and decisively intervene to put an end to the anarchy and looting, and restore peace and stability as a fundamental priority."

The Iraqi war will have repercussions for the region, Sheikh Hamad said. "We must work to unify our position and formulate that in a joint policy to achieve peace and stability in this strategic region of the world."

The foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates went into a closed-door session after the opening address.

SPACE.WIRE