The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Abdulrahman bin Hamad Alatiyyah described statements issued at a joint press conference by U.S. president George Bush and Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon as regrettable and a serious change [in policy] as they disregard the resolutions of international legitimacy and signed agreements.
In a press statement, Alatiyyah said today that, as the world community was looking forward to balanced and fair stances to reach a comprehensive solution for the Palestinian issue, it was taken by surprise with a policy that would encourage the extremist Israeli government to commit more brutal practices against the Palestinian people and continue its breach of the international law. He reiterated that ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian and Arab territories it has illegally occupied since 1967 and enabling the
Palestinian people to attain their right of establishing their independent state on their national territory with Al Quds [Jerusalem] as its capital, according to the international legitimacy resolutions which have been confirmed by the Arab peace initiative and the road map, is the only way for achieving comprehensive, permanent and just peace in the region.
Alatiyyah expressed hope that the United States will re-consider its attitude as it is a partner and sponsor of the peace process in the Middle East to evade the negative impact that would result from undermining the chances for peace and stability in the region. Concluding his statement, the GCC Secretary General urged the world community and the United Nations to shoulder their responsibility in protecting the firm and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
