[06/March/2010]

RIYADH, March 6 (Saba) -- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdul-Rahman Al-Attiah on Saturday condemned in strong terms continuous "Israeli crimes" targeting Islamic sanctities in the occupied Palestinian territories, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Al-Attiah, in a statement, said the latest of these crimes was the Israeli troops' bursting into the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, describing the action as barbaric and "renounced by all religions." Israel's Government elusive methods and erroneous policies toward the Palestinian people in a manner that manifests itself as a state above the law signals disregard of international laws and covenants, the chief of the six-state council said, affirming that such a "policy of deviation" poses a threat to international security and peace and undoubtedly proves that the Israeli Government lacks the desire to seek peace in the region and threatens to put the Middle East in serious dangers.

He called on the United Nations Security Council to act rapidly to halt "such ugly acts that touch sentiments of the Muslims and all nations of the globe," affirming the unwavering support of the GCC states for the rights of the Palestinian people namely aspired establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the resolutions of the international legitimacy and the Arab peace initiative.
The UN has issued a series of resolutions affirming the Palestinians' rights. The Arab initiative, a copy of a Saudi plan, was officially declared at an Arab summit held in Beirut in 2002. It essentially calls for establishment of an independent state for the Palestinians.

The GCC, founded in the early 80s, comprises Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

Saba