Gulf Nations Agree To Activate Riyadh Deal

The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday agreed to press ahead with implementing an agreement they signed last November, which obliges its signatories not to intervene in the affairs of other member states.



After a meeting at a Saudi airbase, the foreign ministers agreed to stay away from backing organizations or individuals that threaten the security and stability of GCC member states as well as refrain from supporting what they called "hostile" media, a joint statement said following the meeting.



The new deal apparently ends months of tension between Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain on one hand and Qatar on the other.



The three countries had earlier recalled their ambassadors from Qatar, accusing Doha of interfering in their own affairs.



The GCC foreign ministers also agreed that none of the actions of council member countries should affect the security or stability of any of the member states or harm its sovereignty.



It is not clear, however, whether the new deal will pave the way for the return of the ambassadors of the three countries to Doha.



By Ahmed al-Masri



englishnews@aa.com.tr - Doha