KUWAIT CITY — The ongoing aggression by the so-called “Zionist entity” in Gaza, the ethnic cleansing of its people, and the bombardment of hospitals and places of worship amount to genocide, said National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun.
“The Zionist entity is blatantly using genocide to displace Palestinians and force them from Gaza,” he said during the National Assembly’s opening session, calling for a resolute stance against those indifferent to the bloodshed of innocents.
During the 17th meeting of the GCC heads of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils in Qatar, Al-Saadoun stressed the importance of adhering to international legitimacy resolutions to challenge the actions of the “Zionist entity.”
He made it clear, “Our stance on the Palestinian issue is unwavering. The Palestinian people’s right to resist, including the right to reclaim their land and confront the Zionist entity, will remain steadfast, irrespective of any alternate interpretations suggested in the statement.”
He conveyed hope for greater unity and effectiveness in addressing Arab causes, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue, meetings, and adherence to international resolutions related to the Palestinian cause, which he termed “our only weapon in this fight.”
Al-Saadoun reiterated the National Assembly’s unwavering position, consistent with the sentiments expressed in his earlier address.
He had previously called for increased unity among Gulf Arab states to meet the challenges of current regional events, deeming it vital for the realization of shared ambitions.
The Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation was comprised of MPs Hamad Al-Matar, Fahad Jamea, Shuaib Shaaban, and Dawood Maraie, with Secretary Mohammad Al-Mahan, Treasurer Hamad Al-Ubaid, among others in attendance.
At the meeting in Doha, chaired by Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, Speaker of the Shura Council, the GCC parliament speakers issued a final statement. They condemned the killings, demolitions, forced displacements, and the oppressive and unjust siege conducted by the occupying forces to obliterate the Palestinian people in Gaza and other occupied territories. The statement emphasized their solidarity with the Palestinian people and support for their rightful cause and the restoration of their legitimate rights.
These goals include the establishment of their independent state in line with international legitimacy resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, the two-state solution principle, the right of return for refugees, the release of prisoners, and just compensation for prisoners and refugees.
The statement also emphasized the need to enhance coordination mechanisms and unify the GCC countries’ positions on issues discussed in international parliamentary forums to advance the GCC’s collective goals and interests.
The Gulf legislative councils’ heads agreed to adopt the topic “Cultural Diversity and the Challenges of Change: The Role of Gulf Legislative Councils in Preserving Gulf Identity” as the common theme for 2024. This topic will be explored within the councils’ work. They also commended the outcomes of the seminar “The Role of Gulf Legislative Councils in Consolidating Inter-Investment and Supporting National Economies,” hosted by the Shura Council in the Sultanate of Oman as part of the previous year’s Gulf theme.
The final statement reaffirmed the speakers’ commitment to bolstering cooperation and coordination among member states, striving to achieve the aspirations and objectives that support concerted Gulf action, with a focus on issues pertinent to the Gulf citizens’ concerns.
Additionally, the speakers made several decisions, notably reviewing the actions taken to strengthen ties and facilitate visits between the GCC legislative bodies, the European Parliament, and the Latin American and Caribbean Group.
The assembly extended congratulations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful GCC and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit hosted in Riyadh. They also commended the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates for the successful conduct of their Shura Council and Federal National Council elections, respectively.
The final statement underscored the Gulf legislative councils’ support for the United Arab Emirates’ declaration of 2023 as the year of sustainability, themed “Today for Tomorrow,” coinciding with its hosting of the COP 28 summit from November 30 to December 12.
Additionally, the statement celebrated the Kingdom of Morocco’s selection to host the 2030 World Cup, expressing best wishes to the nation and its people for a successful organization of the global event.