Riyadh-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

18-19 Dhul-Qaa’da 1427 AH/ 9 – 10 December 2006 AD

“Jaber Summit”

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

The Supreme Council expressed grief and condolence on the sad demise of the late His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait(May Allah encompass him with His abundant Mercy and Pleasure). His Highness departed to the vicinity of his Lord after a life filled with monumental works and grand achievements, and a journey full of genuine contributions and sincere, persistent, and benign endeavors that were good for the State of Kuwait, its progress, well-being and the prosperity of its people. The Council presented sincere condolences and consolation to the Sate of Kuwait—leadership, government, and people—and the Arab and the Islamic communities at this momentous loss. The Supreme Council also expressed genuine regard for the role of the deceased in aiding the progress of the GCC, his outstanding contribution in its inception, his efforts in the service of the Arab and the Islamic causes and the peace of the region and the world.

The Supreme Council welcomed His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who—May Allah Preserve Him—personifies the uninterrupted reign of Kuwait’s course of development, contributions, and glory for the people of Kuwait. His Majesty also embodies the sustained support to the progress of the GCC, achievement of its political goals, maintenance of security of the GCC States, and reinforcement of the foundations of the GCC, along with his brothers the leaders of the GCC States, with a view to consolidating stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

The Supreme Council reviewed the paper presented by the State of Kuwait on the current regional and global challenges. It praised the proposals, suggestions, and ideas contained in the paper, and directed the Secretariat-General to study the paper, and to present a definitive plan containing specific programs and a timetable for their implementation in the next session of the Supreme Council.

The Supreme Council reviewed the achievements made in the course of the combined action in all fields since the convening of the previous summit. The Supreme Council conducted a comprehensive assessment of the regional and international political and security issues in light of the momentous events and speedy developments occurring in the region and the world.

Stemming from the keen desire of the Heads of GCC States to reinforce the cooperation process, and in order to raise this process to a broader and a more inclusive horizon, the Supreme Council examined the recommendations and follow-up reports submitted by the Ministerial Council, and took appropriate decisions accordingly as follows:

The Supreme Council took cognizance of the progress of the GCC States in the in the   Economic Sphere by perusing the reports submitted before it by the competent Ministerial Committees and the Secretariat-General.

The Supreme Council examined the functioning of the Customs Union, and the measures that have been taken to fulfill its prerequisites. It considered the positive effects of the implementation of the Customs Union on the flow of goods, as well as the big increase posted in the commercial exchange between the Member States. The Supreme Council approved the Unified Guide on the Control Procedures for Food Imports through the customs windows from countries outside the GCC Customs Union. This was one of the prerequisites of the Customs Union.

The Supreme Council looked into the measures taken to implement the Single GCC Market and the progress made by the Member States on the issue in the year 2006, particularly the progress made in the field of engaging in economic activities, and the implementation of the Supreme Council resolutions related to the Single GCC Market. The Supreme Council endorsed the agreement (which was undertaken upon authorization from the Supreme Council) reached by the Finance and Economics Committee to permit the GCC citizens to engage in the following economic activities in all GCC States:  insurance services; follow-up of government departments; and transportation. The Council directed the relevant committees to speedily fulfill all the remaining requirements for launching the Common Gulf Market before the end of the year 2007.

With regard to the implementation of the timetable for starting the Monetary Union of the GCC and the release of a common currency, the Supreme Council considered the report of the Secretariat-General on the steps that have been taken in this connection, and  entrusted the Finance and Economics Committee, and the Committee of the Governors of the Monetary Agencies and Central Banks with the completion of research on how to calculate the standards for converging the economic performance and the percentages related to it. The Council authorized the Finance Ministers to reach an agreement on it, and directed the relevant committees to intensify efforts to complete the remaining steps and to reach an agreement on the regulations and documentation necessary for the establishment of the Monetary Union and the launch of the single GCC currency in accordance with the timetable referred to.             

The Supreme Council approved the GCC Trademark Law (regulation) as a compulsory law. This law shall govern the trademarks that can be registered, the registration procedures, and the period for which the trademarks would be protected, as well as the procedures to cancel trademarks and transfer of ownership.

The Supreme Council perused the report on the smart card project and the status of its progress in all the Member States. The Supreme Council approved the use of the smart card for movement between Member States, and directed the relevant Ministerial Committees to adopt measures necessary for its implementation.

The Supreme Council followed up the progress made on the detailed feasibility study of the GCC water grid project, and underscored its strategic importance. The Council also followed up the economic feasibility study on the construction of the railways network interlinking the GCC States. The Council directed the competent Ministerial Committees to follow-up these two vital studies, and to submit their recommendations quickly on the two studies to the Supreme Council.

The Supreme Council examined the report of the Secretary-General on the cooperation between the GCC and the Republic of Yemen, and the results of the joint meetings, which were held between the two sides this year. These meetings resulted in the convening of the Donors’ Conference    (Yemen Consultative Group Meeting) which was sponsored by the GCC and held in London on 15-16 November 2006. The Donors’ Conference succeeded in mobilizing most of the resources necessary to finance Yemen’s need in the near term. The conference laid the necessary foundation for coordination and consultation for reinforcing the partnership between the Republic of Yemen and the donor community, at the forefront of which are the GCC States.

Concerning the Relations of the GCC States with Other Countries and International Blocs, the Ministerial Council looked into the developments that have occurred in this regard in 2006. The Council also looked into the progress of the negotiations aimed at establishing Free Trade Areas between the GCC States and a number of countries and economic groupings. The Council expressed satisfaction at the progress made in these negotiations.        

In the of field of Human and Environmental Affairs, the Supreme Council considered the follow-up report presented by the Secretariat-General on steps taken by the GCC States to implement the Unified GCC Law on extending the insurance coverage to GCC citizens working in GCC Member States other than their own. The Council appreciated the efforts made in this regard.

Emanating from the strong desire of the Supreme Council to protect the environment from pollution; and in order to preserve the natural resources of the of the GCC States, the Council emphasized the importance of accelerating the completion of “amenities to receive ship waste,” upon States where the implementation of such projects are still underway. This is in order to declare the Gulf region a special marine region. The Council underscored the importance of accession of GCC Member States that have not yet acceded to the MAR-POL agreement to accede to the agreement in order to protect the marine environment.    

Owing to the keen desire of the GCC States to achieve the goals of integrated health care, and in order to procure safe and effective medicine at suitable prices, the Supreme Council agreed to unify the medicine import prices for the private sector in terms of a single currency in the GCC States.

The Supreme Council also perused the report of the Secretariat-General on the follow-up of measures related to the comprehensive development of education, and the Joint Plan for Developing the Public Education Curricula. The Council approved the financial budgets required for the implementation of certain courses in the GCC Universities.

In the field of Legal Affairs, the Supreme Council undertook the following:

1. The Council approved the proposed mechanism for the convening of the periodic meetings of Shoura, Parliamentary, National, and Umma Councils under the GCC umbrella.   

2. The Council approved the Manama document on the Unified GCC Law on Civil Procedures (Procedures) in its amended form as a guiding law for a period of four years.

3. It approved the Abu Dhabi document on the Unified Law to Prevent Human Trafficking, as guiding law for a period of four years.

4. The Council extended the enforceability of the Muscat Document on the Unified GCC Law for real estate registration as a guiding law until a review has been undertaken.

In the Military Sphere, the Supreme Council examined the results of the fifth periodic meeting of the Joint Defense Council. The Supreme Council endorsed the study submitted by the Joint Defense Council. The study springs from the proposal of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques which called for furthering the advancement of the Dira' Al-Jazeerah Forces. It aims to strengthen and develop the force and to increase its combat capability. The Supreme Council entrusted the Secretariat-General with following-up the completion of the studies and the adoption of regulations related to it. The Supreme Council also endorsed the remaining decisions related to the progress of military cooperation in the various fields, foremost of those are concerned with the sustainability and development of military projects and joint periodic exercises.

In the field of Security Cooperation and Coordination, the Supreme Council reviewed the course of security coordination and cooperation in light of the resolutions of the 25^th meeting of GCC Ministers of Interior, and examined the mechanisms and procedures that were adopted in the meeting with a view to strengthening security coordination and cooperation between the Member States. The Council expressed satisfaction at the measures taken in this field to safeguard the development, stability, and prosperity being enjoyed by the peoples of the GCC States. The Council also expressed satisfaction at the intensification of communication and contacts, stressing the importance of completing the movement course for the GCC citizens between the Member States.

In the field of Counter-Terrorism, the Supreme Council asserted the firm position of the GCC States on this dangerous and devastating epidemic. The GCC States reject terrorism in all its forms and shapes, irrespective of its sources or the causes put forth in its favor. It noted that that terrorism is an international crime, and the act of preventing it and dealing with it entails regional and international coordination and cooperation, which should be guided by the fact that terrorism is phenomenon of intellectual extremism. Terrorism has no religion or identity. The Council affirmed that it is everyone's duty to combat the fountainheads of deviant takfiri thought (charging others with infidelity) intellectually, socially, and culturally. Such thought has distorted Islam and has harmed nations. In this regard, the Supreme Council blessed the decision by the Interior Ministers of GCC States to form a permanent committee to combat terrorism.

Concerning the functioning of the Consultative Commission of the Supreme Council, the Supreme Council considered the views of the Consultative Commission on Economic Nationalization and Its Role in Deepening Gulf Nationalization; and the Importance of Economic Partnership in Strengthening the Ties of the GCC States with Neighboring Countries. The Council endorsed these studies, and decided to refer them to the Finance and Economics Committee and to other relevant Ministerial Committees so as to evolve mechanisms, and to propose necessary legislations to activate and implement these studies, and to eliminate the hindrances that impede the execution of the resolutions issued in this respect. Likewise, the Council stressed upon the relevant bodies in the Member States to execute the resolutions passed, and to eradicate constraints that hinder the GCC citizens from benefiting from these decisions. This is in implementation of provisions of Article 3 of the Economic Agreement between the GCC States, which states that the natural citizens and entities of the GCC States should be treated at par with citizens of other Member States without discrimination or differentiation in all economic fields.

Further, the Supreme Council ordered the Commission to persist with evaluating the views that have been implemented, assess the extent to which the resolutions related to the Commission have been implemented by the Member States, and to submit a report on the matter before the Supreme Council. The Council assigned the Consultative Commission to study the strengthening of the proper work environment for the private sector wherewith to ensure that Gulf corporations and investments are treated on equal terms with national investments and corporations in the GCC States. The Commission was directed to submit its outlook on the matter before the Supreme Council during its 28^th session.

After conducting a thorough assessment of the joint cooperation process in all fields, the Supreme Council expressed satisfaction at the achievements and looked forward to more, appreciating the endeavors of the various Ministerial Committees. At the same time, the Supreme Council reaffirmed its determination and strong desire to support the blessed GCC march culminating into the attainment of the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC States. The Supreme Council exhorted the Ministerial Committees and other concerned bodies to expedite the execution of the issued resolutions, by adopting necessary legislations and measures. It called for the elimination of the administrative and bureaucratic obstacles so as to actualize the yearning of the peoples of the region for joint projects, comprehensive development, and the deepening of the Gulf nationalization and for translating them into tangible reality. This should be embodied not merely in the feeling of cultural and civilizational affiliations, but also in the exchange of tangible benefits, promotion of shared interests, and day-to-day transactions between the people of the region, wherewith to instill the conviction in every citizen that the GCC is a living reality, and an indispensable necessity. 

In this context, the Council welcomed the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman to open the border points: Ar-Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) entry point on the Saudi side, and Ramlat Khaliya entry point on the Omani side, with a view to facilitating the movement of people and goods. The opening of the entry points would strengthen contacts, and advance the interests of the two brotherly States.

In the Political Arena, the Supreme Council discussed the situations in their totality, deliberating on major political, regional, Arab, and international issues, and expressing the standpoint of the GCC States with respect to those issues as following:

Concerning Iran, the Council discussed 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 United Arab Emirates, the Supreme Council stated its unwavering and  well-known stand:

•Supporting the right of the State of the UAE to regain sovereignty over her three islands, which are 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 repeated contacts with the Islamic Republic of Iran have not yielded any outcomes that would actively contribute to the resolution of the issue, outcomes that could lead to the security and stability of the region.

•Continue looking 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.

•Iranian Nuclear Crisis: In line with the commitment of the GCC States to their firm principle of respecting the international law, and to resolving conflicts through peaceful means, the GCC States reiterated their call towards peaceful resolution of this crisis. The Council urged Iran to continue with the international dialogue, and to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

•The Supreme Council further demanded that Israel accede to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and subject all its nuclear installations to the international system of inspection by the International Agency for Atomic Energy. The Council urged the international community to mount pressure on Israel to compel Israel to heed to the demands of the international community.

•The Supreme Council renewed its appeals to render the Middle East, including the Gulf region, free from the weapons of mass destruction, while at the same time, recognizing the right of countries of the region to own expertise in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, and that should be available to all within the framework of  relevant international treaties.

•The Supreme Council ordered the undertaking of a joint GCC study to evolve a joint program in the field of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in accordance with international standards and regulations.

Iraq

The Supreme Council expressed anguish at the deterioration of situation in Iraq, which is witnessing bloody events, whose mode and acuteness are growing in intensity. Growing with it are the sufferings of the brotherly Iraqi people. The Council considered the results of the emergency meeting of Ministerial Committee on Iraq, which was held in Cairo on 5/12/2006. The Council clarified the position of the GCC on the situation in Iraq as follows:

•Respecting the unity, sovereignty, and identity of Iraq; rejecting calls for its partition and division; reaffirming the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of Iraq by any side aiming to influence the internal situation in Iraq with a view to achieving goals that do not serve the national unity of Iraq, or extending political and cultural influence in Iraq thereby laying the foundation for division and sectarianism leading to the destabilization of the region.

•Considering that national reconciliation is the key to the solution in Iraq, and that effecting reconciliation between the various sectarian and ethnic groups of the Iraqi people constitutes the fundamental prerequisite for achieving stability in Iraq.

•Condemning the terrorist and criminal acts, as well as the acts of sectarian killings and violence, forced displacement, and the loss of thousands of Iraqi lives. The Council expressed grave concern at the lack of security and supported the Iraqi government in thwarting such acts. It demanded the immediate dissolution of armed militias, and an end to illegal armed demonstrations that contribute in aggravating the sharpness of tension in Iraq.

•Welcoming the pronouncements of the Holy Mecca declaration made on 20/10/2006.

•Asserting that Iraq's security and stability cannot be achieved except through cooperation between all its people irrespective of their sectarian, ethnic, or religious affiliations, emphasizing the need for converging their efforts so that Iraqi interests supersede all other considerations, thus preserving the unity of the Iraqi people and integrity of the Iraqi territories.

•Affirming the need to safeguard the prevailing social balance, the interwoven social fabric, kinship ties, and fraternity that unite the various sects and clans in different regions of Iraq.

•Urging the United Nations to carry on with its efforts to resolve matters that remain unresolved, namely the return of national archives of Kuwait, and the establishment of the fate of the missing and the prisoners of Kuwait and other countries.   

•Affirming that Iraq must implement all its obligations in accordance with the relevant international documents and resolutions, and it should establish its relations with other countries based on good neighborliness so as to realize security and stability in the region.

The Supreme Council reviewed the development of events in the Palestinian Territories and the Middle East Peace Process, and clarified the position of the GCC in this connection in the following manner:

•The Supreme Council reiterated strong condemnation and denunciation of the continued Israeli attacks on the Palestinian people, and the most savage massacres of the Palestinian people by Israel, the latest of those massacres being committed in Beit Hanoun. The victims of the Beit Hanoun massacre were innocent civilians—children, old people, and women.

•The Supreme Council affirmed the solidarity of the GCC States with their Palestinian brothers, calling on the international community to respond quickly to put an end to the repeated Israeli attacks. The Council emphasized the need to convene an international conference to put an end to Israel's acts of tyranny and crime. It also underlined the need to activate the peace process in accordance with the Arab peace initiative, the roadmap, and resolutions of international legality.

•In this context, the Supreme Council welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution that condemned with overwhelming majority the massacre committed by Israel in Beit Hanoun. The Council also welcomed the resolution of the Human Rights Council related to the rights of the Palestinian people convened on  15^th November. It demanded Israel to release the taxation dues of the Palestinian authorities and urged the international community to end the sanctions and sufferings imposed on the Palestinian people. It also demanded the release all Palestinian prisoners held in the jails of the Israeli occupiers

•Likewise the Supreme Council, called on the Palestinian leaders towards making further efforts for national reconciliation, and to accelerate the pace of forming the national unity government that gives priority to unifying the Palestinian ranks, thereby enabling the Palestinian people to realize internal peace and security.

•The Supreme Council further reiterated that just, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East cannot be realized except by the establishment of a viable Palestinian State, with the Holy Jerusalem as its capital, and by the Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Syrian Arab Golan to the line of 4 June 1967 as well from the Sheba'a farms in Southern Lebanon.

•In this connection, the Supreme Council welcomed the ceasefire between the Palestinians and the Israelis, considering it an important step in the right direction, towards dialogue and resumption of the peace process. The Council stressed upon the importance of abiding by this agreement by all parties. It hoped that the agreement would help in putting an end to violence and counter-violence, realizing stability, forming the national unity Palestinian government, and in lifting the oppressive sanctions imposed on the Palestinian people.

•The Council concluded that the absence of a fair solution to the Palestinian issue, and the enormous sufferings that the Palestinian people are subjected to—sufferings that have crossed all bounds—are the real causes of the aggravation of the numerous conflicts in the Middle East. The Council appealed the international community to accord highest priority to finding a just solution to this problem in accordance with the rules of international legality. Temporary solutions or partial settlements are no longer sufficient or acceptable if this region is to enjoy security and stability. 

The Supreme Council examined the development of Unfortunate Events in Lebanon, and stated the position of the GCC States in this connection as follows:

•The Council strongly condemned the return to the cycle of violence, and political assassinations in Lebanon with the assassination of Lebanon’s Minister of Industry Pierre Gemayel. The Council expressed condolences to the family of deceased, the Lebanese government, and the brotherly people of Lebanon.

•The Council affirmed that continuation of such terrorist acts will deepen the political crisis, aggravate the sharpness of  differences between the different Lebanese political factions and forces, and create opportunities for those who harbor    ill will against brotherly Lebanon.

•The GCC States would persist in supporting Lebanon politically, and economically, including in reconstruction efforts. It welcomed the Paris 3 Conference, which is to be held in next year to support Lebanon.

•The Council emphasized the need for all Lebanese people to work towards unifying the Lebanese ranks, reinforcing security and stability, showing commitment to constitutional and legal bodies, giving primacy to reconciliation, wisdom and the language of dialogue, in order to overcome the prevailing conditions. If such a situation continues then it will infringe upon Lebanon’s stability and national unity, and the independence of its political decision.

•The Council expressed hope that the truth would be revealed, and those who have committed these terrorist acts would be brought to justice. The Council called on all sides to cooperate in this regard.

Concerning Sudan, the Supreme Council reviewed the development of the situation in Sudan and stated the following:

•Expressing regret at the continuation of humanitarian suffering in the Darfur region.

•The Supreme Council urged the government and the Sudanese groups to resort to dialogue, and to give priority to the higher interests of the brotherly Sudan.

•In this context, the Supreme Council called the international community towards expending utmost efforts to extend all possible help and support to Sudan, so that a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis in Darfur may be found, specially because the Sudanese government has taken a number of positive steps in this direction.

•In this connection, the Supreme Council appreciated the endeavors of the  Arab League, the African Union, and the United Nations in their attempts to come out with a solution that would avoid diplomatic and economic confrontation with the international community.

With regard to the Situation in Somalia, the Supreme Council reviewed the ongoing developments, the continuation of conflicts and cycle of clashes between the Somali government and Islamic Courts. The Council called the various sides in Somalia to take recourse to negotiations and dialogue, so the brothers in Somalia would reach a reconciliatory solution that would end their differences, bringing security and stability, preventing further divisions and sufferings.

The Supreme Council expressed thanks and appreciation to Brigadier Ali Bin Salem Al-Moammari for his efforts during his tenure as the Asst. Secretary-General of Military Affairs at the Secretariat-General in the past six years, which witnessed the establishment of the Joint GCC Defense Council, as well as the evolution of new military cooperation regulations and mechanisms between the Member States.

The Council welcomed the appointment of Brigadier-General Khalifa Bin Humaid Saad Al-Kaabi of the UAE Armed Forces as the new Asst. Secretary-General for the Military-Affairs at the Secretariat-General.

The Supreme Council congratulated H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General designate of the United Nations, wishing His Excellency good luck and success in achieving the higher goals of the Organization, and the aspirations of the peoples of the world for security and stability.

Similarly, the Supreme Council lauded the efforts made by H.E. Kofi Annan during his tenure as the Secretary-General of the UNO, and the tremendous role he played in achieving the higher goals of the international organization, and in actualizing the yearning of the peoples of the world for security, stability, and prosperity.

In the end, the Supreme Council expressed immense appreciation and gratitude for the sincere and genuine efforts made by the His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, President of the UAE and his prudent government during His Highness’s Chairmanship of the 26^th  session of the Supreme Council and the achievements made during the session towards pushing forward the blessed process of joint action of the GCC to broader horizons, thus brining progress and prosperity for the people of the region.

The Supreme Council also expressed  immense appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  and Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, his Government and generous people for the hospitality and the sincere feelings of fraternity with which the leaders of the Council were received. The leaders of the GCC states lauded the kind care and attention accorded  by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  and Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, and the wisdom with which  his Majesty managed the meeting. This had a great impact on arriving at important decisions and resolutions. The GCC leaders expressed confidence that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques , would make valuable contributions to the blessed process of co-operation, thus promoting it to newer horizons in light of the demands of the current circumstances at the local, regional, and international levels, thereby realizing security, stability, and prosperity for the peoples of the GCC States.

In appreciation of the endeavors of H.E. Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Supreme Council decided to extend tenure of His Excellency the Secretary-General for three years with effect from April 2008, wishing His Excellency continued luck and success. 

The Supreme Council looks forward to meeting in its 28th session, God willing, in the Sultanate of Oman in the month of Dhul Qaada/ Dhul Hijja 1428  AH corresponding to December 2007 AD in response to the gracious invitation of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed, Sultan of Oman..

Issue at Riyadh

19 Dhul Qada 1427 AH

10 December 2006 AD