- Title: SAUDI ARABIA: GCC foreign ministers meet to discuss concerns over Iran
- Date: 4th March 2013
- Summary: RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (MARCH 3 ,2013) (REUTERS) BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINSTER SHEIKH KHALED BIN AHMED AL KHALIFA AND GCC SECRETARY ENTERING CONFERENCE ROOM GCC LOGO ON WALL NEWS CONFERENCE IN PROGRESS (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic), SHEIKH KHALED BIN AHMED AL KHALIFA, BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINSTER, SAYING: "The nuclear file is a major international issue, of interest to the world. But we (Bahrain) are suffering from other things, other than the Iranian nuclear file. We are suffering from interference, we are suffering from training and we are suffering from arming (of groups), we are suffering from many things." VARIOUS OF REPORTERS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic), SHEIKH KHALED BIN AHMED AL KHALIFA, BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINSTER, SAYING: "We are in a very sensitive region, which is of interest to the whole world. Any step towards any dispute with Iran in this regard, we have to take into account the interests of our allies and friends in the world. So, we are standing ready to defend our countries, we are not afraid. We in the GCC are not afraid of anyone, neither the Islamic Republic nor anyone else." MAN LISTENING SECURITY OFFICER (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic), SHEIKH KHALED B IN AHMED AL KHALIFA, BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINSTER, SAYING: "The report includes compelling evidence, photographs and many things linking what we have found in the kingdom of Bahrain in terms of intervention, with Iranian activities in the region and with groups that follow Iran, such as Hezbollah and others in the region." GCC LOGO BAHRAINI FOREIGN MINSTER THANKING REPORTERS AND LEAVING
- Embargoed: 19th March 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Saudi Arabia
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA9C9G3A3LBPERXEDFTPONM9FU1
- Story Text: Gulf Arab foreign ministers held a GCC meeting in Riyadh on Sunday (March 3) as John Kerry made his first visit to the region as U.S. Secretary of State.
The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Oman gathered to discuss their concerns over Iran, as world powers continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the Islamic Republic's nuclear programme.
But Bahrain's foreign minister said it was not just the nuclear issue that his country was concerned about.
"The nuclear file is a major international issue, of interest to the world. But we (Bahrain) are suffering from other things, other than the Iranian nuclear file. We are suffering from interference, we are suffering from training and we are suffering from arming (of groups), we are suffering from many things," said Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa.
Arab popular uprisings since 2011 have kindled increased strife between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, that Sunni-ruled Gulf states with restive Shi'ite communities blame on incitement from regional Shi'ite power Iran. Iran denies the accusation.
The United States and many of its allies also suspect Iran may be using its civil nuclear programme as a cover to develop atomic weapons. But Iran says its programme is solely for peaceful purposes, such as generating electricity and making medical isotopes.
As western officials say Tehran has yet to take concrete steps to ease their fears about its atomic ambitions, Gulf Arab governments fear any confrontation with Iran could have serious consequences for them.
"We are in a very sensitive region, which is of interest to the whole world. Any step towards any dispute with Iran in this regard, we have to take into account the interests of our allies and friends in the world. So, we are standing ready to defend our countries, we are not afraid. We in the GCC are not afraid of anyone, neither the Islamic Republic nor anyone else," said al-Khalifa.
On the issue of the ongoing unrest in Bahrain, the foreign minister said a Bahrain government report submitted to the GCC provided what he said were clear signs of Iranian 'interference' in the kingdom.
"The report includes compelling evidence, photographs and many things linking what we have found in the kingdom of Bahrain in terms of intervention, with Iranian activities in the region and with groups that follow Iran, such as Hezbollah and others in the region," said al-Khalifa.
The GCC routinely accuses Iran of interfering in the region, primarily in Bahrain where the Sunni-dominated government has been struggling since 2011 to suppress pro-democracy agitation led mainly by the kingdom's Shi'ites.
Iran denies trying to stir trouble in Bahrain or to subvert any of its other wealthy Gulf Arab neighbours. Tehran also says it regards the Gulf as its geo-political backyard and that it has a legitimate right to advance its interests there. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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