(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Council has stressed its firm stance against terrorist threats to the region and the world.
The GCC member states are committed to countering "thoughts upon which terrorist groups are based and feed, which have nothing to do with Islam," a statement by the bloc's Foreign Ministers 134th session held in Riyadh on Thursday said.
"Tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are bases for the GCC domestic and foreign policies," the statement noted, calling for joining forces to face extremism and terrorism "with resolute and firmness." The GCC welcomed in that respect the UNSC resolution 2199 issued last February for drying up the financing of terrorism and tightening control over under the control of terrorists' areas.
It also condemned the brutal acts committed by terrorist organizations, including the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against innocent people, and emphasized that escalation of violence and terrorist attacks poses a threat to the regional and international security and stability.
The Council strongly condemned the publication of any abusive cartoons against Prophet Mohammad as a flagrant expression of hatred and a form of racial discrimination. It also denounced the "false accusations" by the Swedish Foreign Minister against Saudi Arabia, considering this "an unacceptable interference in the Kingdom's affairs that runs against international norms and conventions." Meanwhile, the GCC stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation with Tehran on principles of good neighborly, no interference in internal affairs or use of power as well as respect to the sovereignty of countries of the region.
It also confirmed rejection of Iran's occupation of the three UAE's islands Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
On Yemen, the ministerial council stressed commitment by the member states to the country's security, stability and legitimacy represented by President Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. It urged completion of the political process in the country in line with the GC Initiative and the outcome of the National Dialogue.
It also urged all the Yemeni powers to respond to Hadi's call and attend a proposed Riyadh conference on Yemen. It welcomed Hadi's move to Aden to assume his constitutional powers, which confirmed legitimacy.
Referring to Iraq, the statement underlined support to the country's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, backing efforts by the international coalition to fight terrorism there.
It also condemned the "extremist and terrorist" groups that destroyed antiquities at the National Museum in Mosul as against human civilization, urging decisive measures in that respect.
The GCC Foreign Ministers reiterated support to the UN Security Council resolution 2107/2013, which decided unanimously to refer the file of prisoners and missing persons and the return of Kuwaiti property to UN Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) to follow up this matter.
They expressed hope the Iraqi government would continue efforts and cooperation with the State of Kuwait and the international community in this regard.
On Syria, the GCC expressed hope that efforts on all levels would lead to a political settlement for the Syrian crisis and the formation of a transitional government with executive powers in line with Geneva I.
Referring to Palestine, the statement stressed that comprehensive, just and everlasting peace would not be realized but through a full withdrawal of the Israelis from all the Arab territories sized in 1067.
The GCC expressed deep concern over the rising acts of violence and terrorism that threaten Libya's security and stability. It renewed support to the elected parliament and legitimate government, as well as UN efforts to resume a national dialogue for all components of the Libyan people.
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