Zero tolerance on unjust foreign media attacks: GCC

RIYADH: The GCC plans to develop a strategy to deal with attacks from abroad, which it said were aimed at undermining its unity and developmental efforts, said Abdullatif Al-Zayani, bloc’s secretary-general. He said the GCC was determined to prevent these forces operating in international media from derailing political, social and economic efforts in the region.
Al-Zayani’s comments were contained in a speech read out at a seminar in Riyadh on Tuesday. He said the participants at the seminar would discuss setting up a dedicated team to deal with these smear tactics at regional and international forums, in conjunction with civil society and human rights organizations.
Al-Zayani said it was strange that there were people criticizing the Gulf countries when many international conventions have been reflected in legislation adopted in the region. Many conventions were based on Islamic law, he said.
He said the governing systems adopted by the GCC countries, led by kings and emirs, have brought about considerable economic growth, and entrenched social, and political rights.
He said policies adopted by the GCC policies were formed in cooperation with many civil society organizations, including human rights bodies, which respected local customs and traditions.
He said respect for human rights has been reflected by recent measures including the formation of the Arab Court for Human Rights in Bahrain in 2014, the GCC Declaration of Human Rights in December 2014, and GCC Permanent Human Rights Commission set up in Geneva.
He said the GCC countries were determined to ensure peace and stability in the region, a decent life for citizens, and respect for their Islamic and Arab identity.

— With inputs from Sharif Taha