Iran’s nuclear deal should bring stability and “good neighborliness”, Persian Gulf Arab states told US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday as they began talks on the merits of the historic accord with world powers.
Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid al-Attiyah, welcoming Kerry to Qatar for the talks with the six countries of the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council, said the alliance wanted to spare the region “from any dangers and threats from nuclear weapons,” Reuters reported.
This should be done by authorizing the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in line with international rules, he said, speaking for the (P)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 with Iran based on principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in internal affairs and solving disputes peacefully.”
Iran says its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes and believes the nuclear settlement has paved the way for increased regional cooperation to help defuse tensions. Last month in Vienna, six world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for temporary curbs on its nuclear program.
Speaking in Egypt on Sunday, Kerry said, “There can be absolutely no question that if the Vienna plan is fully implemented, it will make Egypt and all the countries of this region safer than they otherwise would be or were.”
