JEDDAH/ABU DHABI: The 31st meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) Supreme Council will convene today amid a number of security, political and economic challenges affecting the Arab world, topped by the continuous blockade and aggression against the Palestinian people by Israel. Other topics on the agenda include developments in Lebanon and Iraq, the future of Iran and GCC relations and Tehran's occupation of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) three islands. Leaders at the two-day summit will also discuss a recommendation to allow companies to open branches in each member state and have the same protection and benefits as local companies. This proposal is part of broader discussions taking place on GCC economic integration, said Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al-Attiya, Secretary General of the GCC. If implemented, it will help expand the joint market and ease the transfer of commodities and services between GCC countries. Al-Attiya said the GCC Secretariat General is working with member countries to overcome obstacles in their respective government and private sectors. Other key aspects of economic integration are a free trade zone, and the Customs Union that was announced in January 2003. The joint GCC market includes a number of areas defined by the economic treaty, including transportation, residency, work in government and private sectors, social insurance and pension benefits, practice of handicrafts, investment and services activities, owning real estate, transfer of capital, buying and selling shares, setting up companies, and benefiting from education, health and social services, he said. He said the Supreme Council has approved extending insurance and pension benefits to GCC citizens in whichever member country they work. This will ease the movement of labor between member countries, Al-Attiya added. Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the UAE has completed all preparations to host the GCC leaders, and is keen to ensure the Abu Dhabi summit is a success. He said the region is going through sensitive and complicated political changes; and communication, consultation and coordination is necessary, taking into account regional and international conditions. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emir of the UAE, delivers the opening speech today. Al-Attiya, then delivers a speech reviewing the council's accomplishments over previous years. Diplomatic sources said the final Abu Dhabi Declaration will welcome US President Barack Obama's efforts to support the peace progress in the Mideast, and the US administration's commitment to establish an independent Palestinian state in any final peace treaty between the Israelis and Palestinians. The sources added the declaration will also include condemnation of Israel's abusive actions towards the Palestinian people. The sources did not rule out the declaration containing support for the Palestinian Authority seeking UN recognition of the Palestinian state, with Al-Quds as its capital. The summit will also announce the GCC's continued support of Lebanon's political, security and economic stability; and resolution of differences through dialogue. The declaration is expected to laud the historic visit of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to Lebanon, in support of national reconciliation and internal stability in Lebanon.
