Reform push to preserve GCC unity...

ACTIVISTS from across the GCC have joined forces to fight corruption and protect human rights in a bid to prevent degradation of Arab society. The Council of People's Union of Arabian Gulf has also urged Gulf countries to strengthen their political mechanisms to push through reforms and prevent foreign intervention. It has pledged to mobilise the region's society politically and protect the rights of the people of Ahwaz, who are Iran's ethnic Arabs. The council was founded in London last week and has elected Kuwaiti Faisal Bourmiya secretary-general and Bahraini Faisal Fulad international relations under-secretary. Other members include Saudi Abdulaziz Al Bakr, Omani Hashim Aqeel, Kuwaiti Bender Saleh Al Sabii and Ahwazi Ali Al Ahwaz. The move was an important step towards comprehensive reforms in the GCC which could prevent further separatism in the community, said Mr Fulad. "We will also work towards fighting corruption, mobilise society politically and protecting human rights," said Mr Fulad, who is also Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society secretary-general. "It is important we include the people of the Awhaz region, who have been fighting for honour and freedom against Iran's expansionist ambitions." The council, headquartered in Kuwait, was set up after a meeting between several leading non-governmental organisations in the region. "The people in the GCC are co-operating with each government striving to protect democracy and political and economic reforms," Mr Fulad told the GDN. "We will focus on the main political and economic challenges of the region and mobilisation of civil society to demand reforms on the way to political and economic unity of the GCC," he added. Mr Fulad said the council had studied the potential of the main political players in the region and how they could contribute to the unity of the Gulf countries. Intervention Council members also aim to mobilise the people of the region, including Ahwazis, to call for further reforms and prevent violations of human rights. "We are now calling upon member states to review and reinforce their reformist position that would allow GCC governments to develop their economies and strengthen their political mechanisms to reach national objectives and prevent foreign intervention," he said. "This would ultimately lead to a full-scale unity of the GCC countries and the Arabs of Ahwaz." Mr Fulad said the council was committed to the Arabic and Islamic identity of the region's people and states. "We strive to benefit from national heritage and modern achievements and work on the principle of no violence in all our activities," Mr Fulad added. "The council is open for all entities of our society and we will co-operate with all political, social, civil or religious bodies that share its main goals." mandeep@gdn.com.bh http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=324821