Gulf nations plan expansion of regional force

ABU DHABI — The Gulf Cooperation Council has made progress on a series of proposals to expand its regional force.

GCC sources said the six-member council discussed the Jezira Shield regional force. Officials said the GCC wants to expand the force from the current 5,000 to as many a 22,000 soldiers.

Gulf Arab nations discussed a series of plans that would allow for the expansion of the regional force. The sources said the proposals would be submitted for approval to GCC leaders during the next summit in 2002.

The sources said no formal decisions were taken during the brief session in Manama. But the sources said GCC leaders were urged to ratify a regional defense pact signed in Manama in December. So far, three out of six GCC states have ratified the pact that obligates Gulf Arab countries to defend against outside threats to any of its members.

UAE military chief Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who attended the summit, said the meeting stressed cooperation and coordination for Gulf security and stability.

Officials also discussed other proposals meant to bolster ties among GCC members. These included a free trade zone and the establishment of power links.

In a related development, Saudi Arabia is preparing to complete a military exercise in the northwest region of the kingdom. The "Sudden Lightning" exercise will be overseen by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz and contains advanced weaponry being deployed by the kingdom.