GCC FMs and US discuss Strategic Cooperation

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

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The statement included the following points regarding the strategic cooperation between the two sides:

Commitment of both sides in the light of the challenges facing the region to promote political, military, security and economic cooperation between them in order to maintain peace, security, stability and prosperity in the Gulf region and the Middle East and to face the threats against the territory of the GCC countries and maritime security in the Gulf region.

The two sides expressed their deep concern over the continuing Iranian intervention in the internal affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council and called on Iran to respect international principles in this area.

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US, GCC agree to boost trade, investment ties

Source: Saudi Gazette (Read full story)

The United States Thursday said it has signed a framework agreement with Saudi Arabia and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to explore ways to boost trade and investment with the region. Total two-way trade between the United States and the GCC totaled almost $100 billion last year, with the US running about a $24 billion trade deficit. “This important trade and investment agreement will help to grow and strengthen our economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is a key strategic US partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region,” US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in a statement.

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Qatar calls for Arab intervention in Syria

Source: Gulf Times (Read full story)

HH the Emir urges all countries that believe in the cause of the Syrian people to provide “all sorts of support” to Syrians until they gain legitimate rights. Arab nations should intervene in Syria given the UN Security Council’s failure to stop the civil war in the country, HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said yesterday.

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Is aid good for Yemen?

Source: The Guardian (Read full story)

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The Yemeni government, and the international community, seem to view aid as essential to Yemen’s future development. Yet there is an ongoing debate among Yemenis about just how beneficial aid is proving to be. The debate is pitched in familiar terms – is aid good for the country in the long-term? How can aid organisations overcome the problems posed by corrupt institutions and inefficient bureaucracies?

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UAE calls to establish nuclear arms-free Middle East

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

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It was the first time that an IRRS Mission was held at such an early stage in a country embarking on a nuclear programme. This highlights the advancement of the UAE as a model for nuclear new-comers, the representative said.

Al Kaabi said the UAE has also joined the protocol to amend the Vienna convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage as well as the Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention, further demonstrating the country’s responsible approach.

The UAE is keen on sharing its experience with other member states embarking on a nuclear power programme by providing feedback on its best practices, guiding principles, lessons learned and challenges.

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Opposition sees participation of 30,000 in protest march – Big night on Sept 24

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

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The Majority Bloc is set to meet on Saturday to evaluate the latest developments on the political front, and will discuss multiple topics as part of its agenda, including Monday’s demonstration as well as a proposal aimed at criminalizing hate speech that was announced recently. In the meantime, the National Front for the Protection of the Constitution held a press conference on Monday where they sent messages to the Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and to the Supreme Judicial Council with regard to the Cabinet challenging electoral laws.

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US shuts consular services in Yemen

Source: Gulf Times (Read full story)

The US embassy in Yemen has suspended all consular services for two weeks, the mission said in a statement on its website, after four people were killed in violent anti-American protests in Sanaa.
The statement, published on Saturday, said the embassy will be “closed for all consular services through September 29”, warning citizens of the “potential” for protests near the mission. An angry mob of protesters tried to storm the embassy grounds and clashed with security forces on Thursday, leaving four dead.
In response, the US ordered the deployment of a Marines anti-terrorism unit to Yemen to help protect the embassy, a move that was condemned by the Yemeni parliament.

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What’s behind anti-US protests in Yemen?

Source: Global Post (read full story)

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Frustration with the US has been building up for some time now, and probably has very little to do with the film controversy. They’re incredibly angry with the US over civilian deaths in drone strikes and how the State Department handled the uprising, supporting a settlement that granted former president Ali Abdullah Saleh immunity from prosecution.

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