U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Statement at the UNGA, 09/11

09/12/00

Text: U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council Statement at the UNGA

(Iraq's non-compliance to UN resolutions noted in statement)

United Nations - The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States expressed in a joint statement their "deep concern that Iraq remains in clear violation of its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions."

"Iraq's failure to comply with its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions is totally unacceptable," notes the statement.

The statement also calls upon Iraq to take full advantage of the UN oil-for-food program to relieve the suffering of the Iraqi people caused by the regime of Saddam Hussein. The foreign ministers met in New York during the 55th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Following is the text of the joint statement.
(begin text)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
(New York, New York)
September 11, 2000

U.S.-GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL STATEMENT

Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States met at the ministerial level in New York on September 11, in conjunction with the 55th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This meeting was conducted within the framework of regular senior consultations about issues of common concern.

The United States and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council expressed their deep concern that Iraq remains in clear violation of its obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions. For both the United States and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq's failure to comply with its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions is totally unacceptable.

The participants in today's meeting also agreed on the need to relieve the plight of the Iraqi people, who are suffering under Saddam Hussein's regime, and they urged the Government of Iraq to take full advantage of the UN oil-for-food program. The US and Gulf Cooperation Council members call on the Government of Iraq to adhere to all Security Council resolutions, including full cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross concerning the remaining prisoners and detainees from Kuwait and other countries.

Both sides pledged to cooperate fully in the search for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338 and the principle of land for peace. The Gulf Cooperation Council expressed its full support for the peace process efforts exerted by the United States and its full support for the parties as they make the difficult decisions needed to reach agreement.

At the same time, the two sides underscored the importance of resuming negotiations on the Syrian track of the peace process as soon as possible in an effort to achieve a comprehensive peace that also includes Lebanon.

Both sides agreed on the importance of supporting and enhancing the United Nation's ability to fulfill its primary mandate under the Charter to maintain international peace and security.

They agreed that maintaining the capability of the UN will require significant institutional and managerial reform, particularly initiatives designed to ensure budget discipline and to encourage effective utilization of available resources.

The two sides agreed on the necessity and urgency of adopting a system of equitable and sustainable financing for both the regular and peacekeeping budgets.

Both sides will work to promote consensus among the UN membership by the end of 2000 on revisions to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping scales of assessment. They are in favor of measures to broaden the UN's base of contributions and lessen the Organization's excessive dependence upon a single contributor, with a view to establishing a stable, up-to-date and equitable financial foundation for the UN. In this context they believe that steps are needed to adjust the UN's peacekeeping scale of assessment methodology to better reflect the current economic circumstances of all Member States. In the context of agreement on steps to update the assessment scales, including especially the peacekeeping scale, the Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council are prepared voluntarily to assume more financial responsibility, within the capacity and circumstances of each country.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and security in the Gulf region. They called upon Iran to respond positively to calls for a peaceful resolution to the disputed three islands -- the Greater Tumb, the Lesser Tumb, and Abu Musa -- in accordance with international law and good neighborly relations, either through direct and serious negotiations or by referring to the International Court of Justice. In this context the U.S. side expressed its support for the work of the Tripartite Committee set by the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Both parties strongly condemned all acts of terrorism, which they view as inconsistent with religious values and civilized principles and which constitutes a threat to innocent lives and property. They emphasized the necessity to take any and all actions to impede terrorism and that concerted international efforts constitute the most effective way to combat terrorism. They denounced those who furnish terrorists with facilities, sanctuaries, and logistics.

The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council agreed to continue regular consultations at the level of senior advisors to the Ministers on the many issues of common concern, in addition to the regular ministerial meeting on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly.

(end text)