Manama-SANA: The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned the attacks launched by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, calling for their designation as a terrorist group and the cessation of any support enabling them to possess missiles and drones, while simultaneously affirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen.
Condemnation of Ongoing Attacks
The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that this came in the final statement of the 168th session of the Ministerial Council, held in the Bahraini capital Manama on Sunday. The statement strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on Saudi Arabia, including targeting the Two Holy Mosques and their surrounding areas, attacking civilian airports and vital facilities, and the resulting casualties and injuries among civilians, considering this a violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
Support for Yemen's Sovereignty
The Council affirmed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its support for the measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its security and interests, and called for the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions related to Yemen and the Houthi rebellion, particularly Resolution 2216 of 2015 issued under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, and Resolution 2722 of 2024 concerning attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
The Council called on the UN and the international community to ensure strict implementation of the arms embargo on the Houthi militia as stipulated in relevant resolutions, and to halt all forms of support enabling them to possess missiles and drones. It also called for designating the Houthi militia as a terrorist group and treating it in accordance with how the international system deals with terrorist groups threatening security, peace, development, and prosperity.
Yemen's Unity and Sovereignty
The Council reiterated its affirmation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Yemen, and its support for efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Yemeni crisis through dialogue and understanding, based on the three references consisting of the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue in Yemen, the Gulf Initiative, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for peace, security, and stability.
Condemnation of Iranian Attacks
In this context, the Council condemned the continuation of Iranian attacks with missiles and drones on GCC states and Jordan, either directly or through Tehran's proxies in the region, noting that these targeted civilian facilities, service sites, residential areas, and diplomatic missions, causing significant material damage and posing a threat to the security and safety of civilians.
The Council called for the immediate and unconditional cessation of all attacks, provocations, and threats, emphasizing that the Straits of Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab, and the Red Sea represent vital waterways for the global economy, and that ensuring their security and freedom of navigation is a shared international responsibility.
It warned that closing these waterways or obstructing navigation therein, targeting commercial ships and their crews, laying mines, or imposing illegal fees and restrictions on passage, constitutes a threat to international peace and security, and exposes global energy, food, and pharmaceutical supplies and trade movements to serious risks.
Appeals to Return to Dialogue
The Council called for a return to dialogue and diplomacy to overcome the current crisis and preserve the security and stability of the region, expressing support for mediation efforts and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by regional, brotherly, and friendly countries to reach a political solution that prevents the escalation of tensions and undermines security and stability.
Earlier today, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Buaidi called for effective international action to halt Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia and hold those responsible accountable. He also condemned Iranian attacks on GCC states, calling on Tehran to comply with international law and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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