GCC to Deploy Joint Defence Force in Kuwait

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, February 09, 2003

GCC to Deploy Joint Defence Force in Kuwait

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreed in an emergency session in the Saudi Red Sea city of Jeddah Saturday to deploy its joint defence force, Peninsula Shield, in Kuwait to face a looming regional war.

The Kuwaiti official KUNA news agency quoted Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah as saying the move "is a precautionary measure aimed at facing expected security repercussions in the region."

Foreign and defence ministers of the GCC Defence Council held the emergency meeting to work out a common stance in light of a looming US-led war against Iraq.

Describing the emergency meeting as "distinguished and very fruitful," Al-Sabah underscored the close coordination and cooperation among GCC member states.

He expressed deep gratitude to his counterparts of the other Gulf monarchies for the positive response to the Kuwaiti request ofdeploying joint forces on the Kuwaiti territory.

He said he hoped to see "the flag of the Peninsula Force" being hoisted on the national territories as soon as possible to face possible regional developments, hinting at a possible US-led war against Iraq.

Peninsula Shield, created in 1986, is headquartered in Hafr Al-Baten in Saudi Arabia. Its size enlarged from the original 4,000 troops to 22,000 troops at the moment, and was equipped with advanced weaponry.

The six Gulf states have signed joint defence pacts which committo defend any member state victim of an external threat or danger.

The GCC is a regional political and economic ally established in1981, which groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Egypt, Kuwait Urge Iraq to Fully Cooperate with UN Inspectors

Gunman Shot Dead US Civilian Near Kuwait City

Kuwait Says Saddam Will Pay High Price for Attacks

Chinese FM Calls for Political Settlement of Iraq issue ( 6 Messages)

Jiangsu Ranks Second in China's Provincial Economies ( 2 Messages)

Bush Vows to Disarm Iraq by Force if Necessary ( 22 Messages)

Spring festival vs.Christmas in the eyes of Chinese youth ( 3 Messages)

Saddam Says Iraq Ready to "Defeat" US Troops ( 19 Messages)