Reuters:
Iran’s nuclear deal should bring stability and “good neighborliness” rather than interference, Gulf Arab states told U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday as they began talks on the merits of its historic accord with world powers.
Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiyah, welcoming Kerry to Qatar for the talks with the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said the alliance wanted to spare the region “from any dangers and threats from nuclear weapons”.
This should be done by authorizing the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in line with international rules, he said, speaking for the GCC as host of the meeting.
“We look forward with hope to the nuclear agreement … leading to the preservation of security and stability in the region, and we emphasize the importance of cooperation withIran based on principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs and solving disputes peacefully.”
Most Gulf Arab states are worried that Iran’s July 14 accord with the United States and other powers will hasten detente between Tehran and Washington and embolden the Islamic republic to support paramilitary allies in the region.
Last month, six world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program, which the West suspects was aimed at developing an atomic bomb but which Tehran says is for peaceful energy only.
Speaking in Egypt on Sunday, Kerry said the United States had labeled Iran the world’s number-one state sponsor of terror, but this was precisely why it was so important to ensure Tehran did not obtain a nuclear weapon…
