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Most Gulf states seeks security ties with Iran

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, May 9, 2001

WASHINGTON The United States and its Gulf Arab allies are quietly discussing future relations with Iran.

The discussions are taking place as most Gulf Cooperation Council states are expressing interest in improving relations with Iran in all spheres. This includes security cooperation.

Last month, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed a security cooperation agreement that does not include military issues. Arab diplomatic sources said other members of the GCC are interested in a similar accord.

The future of both Arab and U.S. relations with Iran are being discussed during the current visit by Bahrain Emir Hamid Ben Issa Al Khalifa. The emir met President George Bush on Monday in wake of the signing of a series of agreements between Bahrain and Iran.

"I'm sure that America will do a great thing and move forward in all fields for the stability and security mainly of my region, the Gulf region," the emir said. We have a long relationship that has lasted more than a 100 and something years and I think we'll keep this."

In August, the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act expires and the administration appears divided over whether to renew the law in its current form. Some officials said Washington must ease sanctions to allow U.S. companies to win contracts for the development of Iranian and Libyan oil reserves.

Currently, the sources said, virtually all GCC countries with the exception of the United Arab Emirates are interested in improving relations with Iran. The UAE, which has a long-running territorial dispute with Iran, wants to limit such relations to economic ties.

Kuwaiti Emir Jabber Ahmad Al Sabah discounted any GCC rapproachment with Iran without the UAE's approval. But the emir said he supports an improvement in relations between Teheran and Washington, terming this as important to Gulf Arab as well as to Kuwaiti security.

At the same time, Israel has urged the United States to maintain sanctions on Iran and stop the European Union from offering loans to Teheran. The issue was raised during a meeting on Monday between Israeli Finance Minister Silvan Shalom and U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

Wednesday, May 9, 2001

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