Gulf Arabs to discuss US attacks, Middle East
( 2001-09-20 11:03 ) (7 )

Gulf Arab foreign ministers will meet on Sunday to discuss efforts to eradicate "terrorism" after the attacks on the United States and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the United Arab Emirates news agency reported on Wednesday.

"The ministers will discuss current international developments in the wake of the criminal attacks to which the United States has been subjected, and the efforts exerted to combat terrorism," the official agency quoted sources as saying.

The unidentified sources said they expect the ministers, who will meet in the Saudi capital, "to tackle the Israeli terrorism against the Palestinian people in the light of the call by (UAE) President Sheikh Zaid bin Sultan al-Nahayan," it added.

Sheikh Zaid urged NATO members on Sunday to seek a just and lasting peace in the Middle East along with their efforts to combat "terrorism".

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan bin Zaid al-Nahyan has said efforts to combat guerrilla attacks hinged on finding a solution to the conflict between fellow Arab Palestinians and Israelis.

Gulf Arab states have pledged to support their key Western ally, the United States, in its drive to fight "terrorism" but did not specify the depth of the role the oil-rich states would play in such an effort.

Despite their reliance on the United States for security in a region that suffers sharp power imbalances, the sheikhdoms have often criticised Washington for its perceived support to Israel in the face of the one-year-old Palestinian uprising.

Bahrain has called for the meeting of the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council political, economic and military alliance that also encompasses Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

The meeting comes while US officials drum up support for the creation of a global coalition to fight terrorism following the suicide attacks that killed an estimated 5,000 people.