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 The Final Communiqué of The 30th Session

Unofficial Translation

 The Closing Statement of the Thirtieth Session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)
 Kuwait-State of Kuwait
 27-28 Dhul Hijja 1430AH/ 14-15 December 2009AD

 In response to the gracious invitation extended by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, the Supreme Council convened its 30th session in Kuwait City on Monday and Tuesday, 27-28 Dhul Hijja 1430 AH/14-15 December 2009 AD. The meeting was presided over by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait and the Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, in the presence of Their Majesties and Highnesses:

 His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahayan,
 President of the State of the United Arab Emirates(UAE);

 His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al-Khalifa,
 King of the Kingdom of Bahrain;

 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;

 His Highness Al-Syed Fahad Bin Mahmood Al-Saeed
 Deputy Prime Minister for the Affairs of the Council of Ministers of the Sultanate of Oman;

 His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani,
 Amir of the State of Qatar;

 H.E. Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, the GCC Secretary-General also participated in the meeting.

 The Council congratulated His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait—may God protect him—on his assuming the chairmanship of the current session of the Supreme Council. It praised the sublime speech of His Highness which articulated a purposeful vision, a keen desire to activate the cooperation process between the GCC States in all fields and to further expand and reinforce this process in the coming period, by the Grace of God.

 The Council also expressed its appreciation of the tremendous, sincere, and genuine efforts made by the His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed Al-Muazzam—may God protect him—Sultan of Oman and Chairman of previous session of the Supreme Council, and by his prudent Government, as well as the dear Omani people, during His Majesty’s Chairmanship of the 29th session of the GCC Supreme Council, towards the keen follow-up on the implementation of the Supreme Council resolutions, the crucial steps taken and achievements made to push forward the cooperation process to a more advanced stage, lifting it to broader horizons, and bringing further prosperity for the people of the GCC States.

 The Supreme Council congratulated His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates-may God protect him—on the occasion of his reelection as the President of the State, and on the occasion of the 38th National Day, wishing the United Arab Emirates and its brotherly people constant progress, advancement and prosperity.

 The Supreme Council also congratulated the His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Eisa Al-Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain—May God Protect Him—on the occasion of the 38th National Day, and on the occasion of the completion of 10 years of His Majesty’s reign, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain and its brotherly people constant progress, advancement and prosperity.

 Likewise, the Supreme Council congratulated His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar—may God protect him—on the occasion of the National Day, wishing the State of Qatar and its brotherly people constant progress, advancement, and prosperity.

 Similarly, the Supreme Council expressed happiness on the safe return of his Royal Highness Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Premiere, Minister of Defense and Aviation, and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to the soil of the country hale and hearty after recuperating from the illness, entreating the almighty God to grant His Highness lasting health and complete recovery.

 The Council assured the support of GCC States to the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of Saudi Arabia—may God protect him—in confronting the aggressions and transgressions of the armed infiltrators on its territories, in violation of the border, and in contravention of the neighbor’s rights. The Council expressed its complete solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and absolute backing of its right to defend its territories and the security of its people. It affirmed that any infringement upon the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shall be deemed as the infringement on the security and stability all GCC States.

 The Council also expressed its complete support to the integrity, security, and stability of Yemen.

 The Supreme Council expressed condolence and commiseration on the fatalities and injuries caused by the flash floods which were accompanied by rains of mercy that fell in Jeddah city and other regions. The Council supplicated to the almighty God to suffuse the dead in his infinite mercy and to grant the injured quick recovery, and to give fortitude and solace to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Jeddah.

 The Supreme Council lauded the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, the Chairman of the GCC Supreme Council, and the Chairman of the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, towards implementing the resolutions of the Economic Summit held in Kuwait last January. In particular, the Council highly values the contribution of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, in support of the initiative of the Chairman of the Arab Economic Summit on encouraging the private Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Arab world.

 The Council extolled the constant efforts of being made by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, Chairman of the current Arab Summit, in making successful the Arab joint process, and His Highness’s active role in deepening the cooperation and harmony between the Arab countries.

 The Council also extolled His Highness’s speech in the opening session of the World Summit on Food Security held in Rome, Italy, in which he likened the starvation and poverty that afflict one billion and a hundred million people around the world to being more dangerous than the nuclear weapons.

 The Supreme Council reviewed the outcomes and recommendation submitted by the Ministerial Council with regard to the vision of the State of Qatar, and the proposals contained therein aimed at enhancing and stimulating the joint process. The Supreme Council directed the Ministerial Committees and the Secretariat-General to implement the contents of the vision, according to relevance.
 The Supreme Council affirmed the importance of the ideas and views contained in the vision of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the advancement of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and decided to entrust the Ministerial Council with the study of the ideas and views contained therein, in order to implement them within a specific timeframe, provided that the Ministerial Council submits a report on the outcomes of its works to the next Consultative Meeting of the of the GCC Supreme Council.

 The Supreme Council studied the effects of the global economic crisis, and hailed the efforts being made by the GCC States to put an end to this crisis, expressing confidence in the strength of the economies of the Member States and in the ability of these economies to overcome this crisis due to the soundness and effectiveness of the relevant policies and procedures prevalent in the Members States. The Supreme Council appreciated the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the G20 Summit, and in coordinating the efforts to bring about financial stability, the stability of energy prices, and working towards extricating the international economy form the global financial crisis.

 Stemming from the keenness of the leaders of the GCC States to strengthen the joint process and to advance it to broader and more inclusive horizons, the Supreme Council explored the recommendations and follow-up reports submitted by the Ministerial Council, as well as the achievements of the joint process in all fields since the convening of the previous Summit. It also discussed the development of the political, economic, regional and international issues in light of the rapidly unfolding events, and took appropriate decisions pertaining to them as follows:


 First: Areas of Joint Cooperation:

 The Ministerial Council perused the report of the Ministerial Committee concerned with the follow-up on the decisions pertaining to the joint process, and expressed satisfaction at the progress made with regard to implementing the decisions of the joint process, and looked forward to the implementation of the remaining decisions in this connection.


 In the Field of Economy

 The Supreme Council examined the progress report in the area of the Customs Union, the GCC Common Market, the Monetary Union, and the infrastructure integration projects in the GCC States, the most important among them being the electricity grid project, and the feasibility study for the GCC railways. The Supreme Council expressed satisfaction at the achievements made and issued directives pertaining to them.

 Within the framework of discussing the recommendations submitted pertaining to the proposals contained in the vision of the State of Qatar about activating the role of the GCC, the Supreme Council directed the Ministerial Committees to activate Article V of the Economic Agreement concerning the strengthening of the investment environment, as well the activation of the Article XII concerning the undertaking of joint venture projects, and increasing mutual investment that would contribute to the realization of integration between the GCC States in all fields. In this connection, the Council decided that the Financial and Economic Committee should look into the proposal presented by the State of Qatar about the establishment of the GCC Joint Development Bank in its next meeting in light of the clarifications and information provided by the State of Qatar about the proposed bank in light of the study which the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee has assigned the Secretariat-General to undertake. Moreover, the Supreme Council authorized the Ministerial Council to approve the cost of the economic feasibility studies of the joint ventures which shall be chosen by the Financial and Economic Committee in the fields of education and health.
 The Supreme Council blessed the ratifications by the Member States parties to the Monetary Union and ordered the establishment of the Monetary Council, and entrusted its governing board with intensifying efforts to perform the functions delegated to it by virtue of the agreement, including the fixing of the timetable for the issuance of the unified currency and putting it for circulation.
 In connection with th
 e GCC railway project, the Supreme Council assigned the competent Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat-General to complete the detailed studies of the project, and to study the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority to oversee the implementation of the whole project, and to coordinate between the Member States to harmonize the GCC Railways with the national railways network of the GCC States.

 It authorized the Ministerial Council to approve the required amounts to cover the cost of these studies, emphasizing the need to intensify efforts to complete this vital project at the earliest time possible in line with the top global standards in existence.


 GCC Common Market

 The Supreme Council expressed satisfaction at the achievements made towards the implementation of its decisions pertaining to the GCC Common Market, and gave its consent to equality of treatment between the citizens of the GCC States in the field of technical education.


 Relations with the Countries and Economic Blocs

 The Supreme Council welcomed the signing last May of the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC States and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which includes Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It also welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations with New Zealand and the initialing of the Free Trade Agreement with it last October, as these two agreements would bring good returns in relations with these countries.

 The Council also expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the strategic dialogue between the GCC States and the ASEAN countries which was held in Bahrain last June, as well as the outcome of the strategic dialogue with the Republic of Turkey, which was held in Istanbul last July.

 The Supreme Council considered the report on setting into motion the Cooperation Agreement between the GCC States and the European Union, and expressed the desire of the GCC States to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in a manner that would serve the joint interests.


 Military Cooperation and Combined Defense

 The Supreme Council considered the progress of the various fields of military cooperation, and looked into the practical steps taken in those fields. It endorsed the defense strategy of the GCC States, development of the abilities of the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces of the GCC States, and the Joint Military Projects. The Supreme Council emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among its members in the prevention of arms smuggling to the GCC States.

 The Council examined the decisions and recommendations made by the Joint Defense Council in its 9th ordinary session held in Muscat last November, and approved those decisions and recommendations.


 Security Cooperation and Coordination

 The Supreme Council discussed the progress of security coordination and cooperation in light of the conclusions of the 28th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior, which was held in Muscat last October. It expressed satisfaction at the achievements made in this connection, something that will reflect positively on the societies of the GCC States and on their protection. The Council stressed upon the need to intensify the exchange of information between the different security departments of the GCC Member States.

 Likewise the Supreme Council welcomed the signing of the Security Agreement by the State of Qatar, and looked forward to the signing and the ratification of this agreement and other agreements related to security by the remaining Member States.


 Terrorism

 The Supreme Council expressed its unwavering stand against the phenomenon of terrorism and the danger it poses to the human societies, and on the importance of combating terrorism, terror financing, and the extremist ideas leading to it. It also underlined the importance of intensifying collective international efforts to confront terrorism and information exchange, and to prevent the use of territories of countries for the purpose of preparing, planning, inciting, and committing terrorist acts. The Supreme Council stressed upon the recommendations of the World Counterterrorism Conference which was held in Riyadh in 2005, and which adopted the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for the establishment of a World Counterterrorism Center to strengthen the global efforts in this regard.

 The Supreme Council underlined its unwavering stands on rejecting terrorism in all its forms and images, reiterating its denouncement of the terrorist activities, and its consequences in terms of killing of the innocents, and the destruction of property. It asserted the importance of confronting it collectively and internationally. The Council called towards reinforcing international cooperation in the field of counterterrorism through intensification of information exchange, and by not allowing the misuse of the territories of the countries for preparing, planning and inciting to commit terrorist activities. It also called towards the extradition of elements involved in terrorist activities.


 Sea Piracy

 In relation to the prevention of sea piracy, the Supreme Council expressed its concern at the continued acts of sea piracy in the international waterways of the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and other areas. The Council stressed the need for intensifying regional coordination to confront these criminal acts, as well as to arrest and to bring to justice the perpetrators of these crimes in accordance with the relevant international and local laws as they are the perpetrators of international crime.

 The Supreme Council lauded the efforts of the Armed Naval Forces of the GCC States in combating sea piracy towards protecting the waterways, and joining the Arab Task Force under the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Council expressed satisfaction at the efforts of the Naval Forces of the Kingdom of Bahrain in participating with the International Task Force (CTF 150).


 Legal Affairs

 The Supreme Council approved the recommendations submitted by Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Justice. These recommendations are aimed at strengthening the joint cooperation process in the field of justice. In this context, the Supreme Council approved the implementation of the Muscat Document on the Unified Law on the Registration of Real Estate in the GCC States (Amended), and Its Explanatory Note thereof as a Model Law for four years.


 Human and Environmental Affairs

 Education

 The Supreme Council perused the follow-up report on education, and expressed satisfaction at the steps taken to implement the decisions made by it, and at the development endeavors being made by the Member States for the advancement of General and Higher Education.


 Culture

 The Supreme Council approved the general framework of the implementation programs and activities for the provisions of the Cultural Strategy of the GCC States.

 The Supreme Council blessed the conferral of Ibn Sina Gold Medal by UNESCO to His Royal Highness Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in recognition of the efforts being made by His Highness in supporting culture, human heritage, UNESCO activities, development of education, and the establishment of the Arab Center for World Heritage in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

 Scientific and Technological Cooperation

 The Supreme Council praised the efforts made towards the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in the GCC States, and emphasized the importance of continuing those efforts.

 Environent

 The Supreme Council deliberated on the global environmental situation, affirming that the GCC States are taking great interest in making successful the Framework Convention for UN Climate Change Conference(COP15) and the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol being held at Copenhagen, Denmark, from 7 to 18 December 2009, emanating from the principle of collective responsibility, and based on the belief that potential effects of climate change entail international movement and solidarity within the framework of sustainable development. The Council expressed its support for the efforts of the international community towards achieving the desired results.

 In this context, the Supreme Council renewed its appreciation of the Sultanate of Oman for its efforts towards supporting the joint process in the field of environment by the dedication of a Prize by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Seed Al-Muazzam to the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector of GCC Secretariat, considering the importance of this sector at the level of the joint process. The Supreme Council approved the following guides and manuals:

 1. Model Guide for Formulating the National Plan to Respond to Nuclear Radiation Emergencies in the GCC States.
 2. Model Guide for Setting Procedure for Levels for Radionuclides Present in Food, Water, or Produce.
 3. Guide for Licensing and Registering in the Field of Radiation in the GCC States.
 4. Model Inspection Manual for Ascertaining the Safety of the Radiation Practices in the field of Prevention in the GCC States.
 5. Training Programs Manual for the Staff working in the field of Radiation Protection.

 In line with the global efforts for the protecting the environment, the Supreme Council congratulated the State of the United Arab Emirates on its elections as the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

 The Supreme Council appreciated the donation by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of USD 300 million, as well as USD 150 million each by the United Arab Emirates, the State of Kuwait, and the State of Qatar for the establishment of a fund for energy, environment, and climate change research, which was announced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the third OPEC Summit held in Riyadh on 17-18 November 2007.


 Joint Municipal Process

 The Supreme Council approved the following guides:
 1. The Model Guide on the Urban Observatories, prepared by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
 2. The Model Guide on Municipal Fees and Ways to collect them, prepared by the Kingdom of Bahrain.
 The Supreme Council perused the follow-up note on the steps that have been taken within the framework of the implementation of recommendations issued by the Satellite TV Forum and the ethical and moral challenges facing the GCC Youth. It passed the directive to form a permanent coordination committee with the aim of planning and coordinating joint cooperation in the field of satellite TV and Youth, and entrusted the competent Ministerial Committees with the follow-up on implementation conclusions reached by it.


 Dialogue between Followers of Different Civilizations, Religions, and Cultures

 The Supreme Council renews its emphasis on the importance of conducting dialogue between the followers of different civilizations, religions, and cultures, and on the keenness to build bridges of convergence between the peoples and civilizations, and this is what was embodied by the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud—may God protect him—for dialogue between the followers of different civilizations, religions, and cultures. This was also emphasized by numerous conferences that have been held as part of this initiative; but unfortunately, we were surprised by the results of the referendum on banning the minarets in the Swiss Federation, and the inclination of some countries to support this tendency, which indicates an unacceptable approach and discrimination against Islam and Muslims. This will undermine the efforts to strengthen dialogue and convergence between different civilizations and cultures. In this context, the Supreme Council calls the Swiss Federation and the international community to intensify efforts to ensure the religious rights and the protection of the places of worship.


 Consultative Commission of the Supreme Council

 The Supreme Council considered the views of the Consultative Commission of the Supreme Council on the topics that have been completed, which are as follows:
 1. Evaluation of the GCC Process;
 2. A Study of the Global Financial Crisis and its Effects on the GCC States, and the Measures that May be Taken.
 3. A Study of the Food and Water Security of the GCC States.

 It decided to approve these studies and to refer them to the competent Ministerial committees to activate and enhance the joint process between the GCC States, in the light of those studies.

 The Supreme Council noted the growing role of the Consultative Commission of the Supreme Council and the sincere efforts of its members in enriching the cooperation process by presenting positive views on the topics assigned to it. In this context, the Supreme Council decided to assign the Consultative Commission with the study of a number of topics during its 13th session, as follows:
 1) Development of the production of the agricultural yields of high economic value endemic agriculture like dates, and raising the contribution of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries in the GDP.
 2) Greenhouse Effect and the Climate Change.
 3) Welfare of Persons with Special Needs and the Prevention of Disability.

 These studies are to be submitted to the Supreme Council in its 31st Session.

 Legislative, Shoura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils

 The Supreme Council expressed satisfaction at the conclusions reached by the third ordinary meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Heads of the Legislative, Shoura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC States, held in Kuwait in the beginning of this December, and at the efforts being made by these Councils, the views submitted by them with a view to bolstering the joint process.


 Cooperation with the Republic of Yemen

 The Supreme Council perused the Secretary-General’s report on the tracks of cooperation between the GCC States and the Republic of Yemen in relation to the funding by the GCC States of the development projects in Yemen, and urged the donor countries and organizations to quickly fulfill the pledges that they had made at the Donors’ conference in London. The Council approved the accession of Yemen to Committee of the Heads of Postal Agencies.


 Second: In the Political Sphere

 The Occupied Emirates Islands and the Relations with Iran:

 In relation to the continued occupation by the Islamic Republic of Iran of the three islands: the Greater and the Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, which belong to the State of United Arab Emirates, the Supreme Council stated its unwavering and well-known stand, which have been reiterated in all the previous statements, as follows:

• Supporting the right of the State of the UAE to regain sovereignty over her three islands: the Greater and the Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, and over the territorial waters, the airspace, the continental shelf, and the economic zone of the three islands, as they are an integral part of the State of the United Arab Emirates.
• Expressing disappointment that the repeated contacts with the Islamic Republic of Iran have not yielded any positive outcomes that would actively contribute to the resolution of the issue, and lead to the security and stability of the region.
• Continuing to look into all peaceful means that would lead to the restoration of UAE's right on the three islands.
• Urging the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to the efforts of the UAE and the international community in solving the issue by peaceful means or taking recourse to the International Court of Justice.

 The Council demanded that Iran abide by the basic pillars of promoting good neighborly ties, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs.


 The Iranian Nuclear Dossier

 The Supreme Council reiterated its stable position on the importance of following the international legality, and it emphasized its stance aimed at rendering the Middle East region free from nuclear arms.

 The Supreme council hailed the international efforts aimed at solving the Iranian Nuclear crisis through diplomatic means, and expressed hope that all concerned sides would reach a political settlement that would eliminate the fears and doubts on the nature of this dossier, bring about peace and stability in the region, guarantee the right of the countries of the region to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes within the framework of the relevant international agreements, and in line with the standards and procedures set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency and under its supervision, and implementation of these standards on all countries of the region without exception, including Israel.


 Arab Reconciliation

 The Supreme Council praised the gracious and wise initiative launched by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, during the Arab Economic and Social Development Forum held in Kuwait in January 2009, for Arab reconciliation. The initiative expressed the extent of his desire to bring about unity and solidarity between the Arab countries.

 The Palestinian Issue and the Middle East Peace Process
 The Supreme Council considered the development of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the developments pertaining to the peace process, and the crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli military machine, as well as the tyrannical blockade of and the collective punishment imposed on the Gaza Strip. The Supreme Council called the active international parties to put an immediate end to this situation, and to implement the UNSC resolution 1860 which has called for lifting the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people in Gaza, and to open the crossings. The Supreme Council welcomed the decision, in this context, the adoption by the UN General Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council of the Goldstone Report on the grievous violations of the human and international law and the principles of human rights by committing war crimes against the Palestinians in Gaza. The Supreme Council demanded that the perpetrators of these crimes be held to account, compensation be paid to the victims, and those responsible for these crimes be pursued and be referred to the International Courts. Simultaneously, it urged the Security Council to shoulder their complete responsibility, in its capacity as the institution responsible for maintaining world security and stability.

 In this connection, the Supreme Council expressed support for the decision of the Arab League Council pertaining to holding the special session of the International Security Council to announce the establishment of a Palestinian State on its territories occupied in 1967. The Supreme Council condemned the unilateral Israeli policies, and the attempts to impose the fait accompli, by altering the geographic and demographic situation of the occupied Palestinian territories, the ongoing judaization of East Jerusalem, intensification of the settlement policy, and the expansion of the existing settlements. The Council appealed to the international community to fulfill its responsibility towards putting an immediate end to the settlement activities, razing down the racist wall, preventing Israel from infringing upon the status of Holy Jerusalem, and protecting the Islamic and Christian sacred places.
 The Council asserted that the achievement of comprehensive fair and lasting peace depends on the Israeli withdrawal from all Arab Territories occupied in Palestine in 1967, the Occupied Syrian Golan Heights, Shebaa Farms in Lebanon, the Alghajar village according to the UNSC resolutions 425 and 426.

 The Supreme Council considers the statement of the European Union rejecting any change to the boundaries of the sixth of June 1967 as a first step towards the assuming of responsibility by the international community. The Council reiterated the Palestinian right to have the Holy Jerusalem as capital within the framework of the establishment of an independent, contiguous, and viable Palestinian State in line with the principles of international legality, UN resolutions, the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The Supreme Council emphasized the importance of respecting all the legitimate Palestinian institutions including the elected Legislative Council. The Supreme Council called all Palestinian factions towards unity, unison of voice, and formation of a national unity Palestinian government, in an effort to forge Palestinian unity, and to empower the Palestinian people to recover their usurped rights, and to establish their independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital.


 Iraq

 The Supreme Council condemned the recent explosions targeting the Iraqi cities, hoping that security and stability will be achieved for Iraq and its people. The Council reiterated its unwavering stand regarding the respect for the unity of Iraq, its sovereignty, independence, and regional security, as well as non-interference in its internal affairs, and the preservation of its Arab and Islamic identity. It also stressed that the achievement of security and stability calls for expediting the realization of the Iraqi national reconciliation to make the comprehensive political process successful which must include all Iraqis without exception or discrimination.

 The Supreme Council stressed upon the need for Iraq to implement all relevant UNSC resolutions, and urged the United Nations and other related organizations to continue their efforts to conclude the two issues of ascertaining the fate of the remaining prisoners and the missing citizens of the State of Kuwait or the citizens of other countries, and the return of the assets and the national archives of the State of Kuwait.


 Lebanon

 The Supreme Council renewed its full support to the implementation of the all the provisions of the Doha Agreement between the Lebanese factions which was reached under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and its fruition in the successful election of the deputies. The Supreme Council welcomed the formation of the Lebanese government under the leadership of the Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri. The Council expressed hope that this will contribute towards supporting and strengthening national unity, achieving security, stability, and prosperity in Lebanon. It noted the efforts made by the Lebanese sides towards reaching the agreement to form the government. It renewed its stand in support of Lebanon and its people in all that would contribute to the reinforcement of its security and stability. The Supreme Council reaffirmed the importance the Taif Agreement between the Lebanese sides.


 Sudan

 The Council praised the efforts being made to solve the Darfur problem, as well as other efforts in reaching a peaceful negotiated solution. The Council also expressed its solidarity with the Republic of Sudan and non-acceptance of the measures taken by the International Criminal Court within the framework of the conflict in Darfur.

 In this context, the Supreme Council acknowledged the good efforts made by the State of Qatar within the framework of the Arab Ministerial Committee and in coordination with the African joint mediator of the African Union and the United Nations for arranging and sponsoring peace talks in Doha between the Sudanese government and the armed movements. The Council looks forward to the success of these negotiations and hopes for the realization of the desired Sudanese concord. It hailed the Doha declaration issued by the meeting of sections of the Darfur Civil Society which was held in Doha last November. This declaration contains principles that affirm that Darfur is an integral part of one and unified Sudan, and that Darfur is a political issue which cannot be solved except through serious dialogue between the sons of the same soil. The Council expressed support for the efforts of the State of Qatar aimed at reaching just and lasting peace in Darfur.


 Somalia

 The Supreme Council expressed regret at the continued deterioration of the situation in Somalia and condemned the terrorist operation that targeted students, officials and civilians in a hotel in the capital Mogadishu in early December, and renewed its call for all Somali parties to stop violence and to give up all the actions that create obstacles in the way of national reconciliation efforts. It reiterated its support for the agreement reached in Djibouti on June 9, 2008 and the legitimate government led by Sheikh Sharif Ahmed.

 The Council urged all Somali parties to abide by the agreements and commitments that have been signed in the city of Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, aimed at putting an end to human suffering and to provide security, stability and prosperity for the Somali people.

 In conclusion, the Supreme Council expressed its deep appreciation of and gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait—may God protect and take care of him—Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, and his prudent government and the people of dear Kuwait for the warm welcome and generous hospitality and the sincere fraternal sentiments with which his brothers Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC States were greeted. The leaders also noted the importance attached by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait to this meeting, the gracious patronage given by him, and the wise management of this meeting, which had the greatest impact on reaching important outcomes and decisions.

 The GCC Leaders expressed their confidence that the State of Kuwait would during presidency of this session push forward the blessed march towards greater achievements, and take it to wider and more comprehensive horizons in light of the rapid developments in local, regional and international spheres in order to achieve security, stability and prosperity for the peoples of the GCC and the region.

 The Supreme Council decided to appoint the Kingdom of Bahrain's candidate for the post of the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf for a period of three years with effect from 1st April 2011, as a successor to His Excellency Mr. Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah the current Secretary-General whose tenure expires at the end of March 2011.

 The Supreme Council welcomed the gracious inviation extended by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan—may God protect him—President of the of the State of the United Arab Emirates to hold the next the 31st session of the Supreme Council in the States of the United Arab Emirates in 2010.

 Issued At Kuwait City
 28 Dhul Hijja 1430AH
 15 December 2009AD