Leaders of the US-allied Gulf Cooperation Council have pushed for combating international terrorism and negotiated resolution of the row over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The GCC denounced violence and terror-related extremism and underlined the need for regional and international effort for combating terrorism.

The council in a statement issued at the conclusion of the two-day GCC Summit in Abu Dhabi Tuesday, called on the international community to back the GCC proposal to establish a World Counter-terrorism Center to strengthen global efforts in this regard.

It also welcomed efforts, especially those made by the P5+1, to find a peaceful resolution of the row linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.

“The GCC monitored with grave concern the developments in the dossier and reiterated its firm position on the importance of compliance with principles of the international legitimacy, resolution of disputes through peaceful means and making the Middle East region, including the Gulf area, free of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons,” the statment said.

It asked Iran to commit itself to the basic principles of promoting good neighborly ties, mutual respect, non-interference in the internal affairs, settlement of disputes through peaceful means and refrain from using or threatening to use the force.

The GCC leaders also affirmed the rights of the regional countries to using the nuclear energy for peaceful methods within regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. GCC leaders also passed a resolution allowing GCC companies to open branches in member countries.

It also reiterated the GCC’s stand on the UAE’s sovereignty over three islands which it said are occupied by Iran.