1/31/2012
Ashton says EU ties with GCC extremely important
BRUSSELS, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton met Here Tuesday the visiting Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr Abdul-Latif Al-Zayani and discussed relations between the two regional blocs and other regional issues. "The EU's relations with the Gulf countries are extremely important - since
I took office I have been determined to intensify our dialogue and cooperation on many matters of common interest," she stressed in a statement after the meeting.
The two sides shared "grave concern about the situation in Syria, where the regime continues its outrageous campaign of repression against the Syrian people," noted the statement.
Ashton repeated the EU's call for an immediate end to violence, and underlined the EU's support to the Arab League's efforts to halt the crisis. "We urge all members of the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities and take urgent steps to end the crackdown," she said.
On Yemen, Ashton commended the Gulf Cooperation Council for its leadership and sustained efforts and agreed that the international community must continue to cooperate very closely to help Yemen tackle its many challenges.
She also informed the GCC chief of the recent EU decision to impose additional sanctions against Iran. "We call on Iran to suspend its sensitive nuclear activities and abide by its international obligations. I reiterated that the door remains open for meaningful negotiations, and confirmed that the EU will continue its dual-track approach," she said.
The meeting also discussed the Middle East Peace Process, Libya, the situation in the Gulf region, and EU-GCC relations.
For his part, Dr Al Zayani informed Ashton of the decision taken recently by the GCC to move towards closer cooperation among its six members.
"I welcome this regional integration process and expressed my readiness to provide support and expertise to the GCC in their work," added Ashton.
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