December 16, 2001	Sunday	Ramazan 30, 1422

RIYADH, Dec 15: The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are set to discuss international terrorism, reconstruction in Afghanistan as well as joint economic and defence pacts.

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz will lead the Kingdom’s delegation to the 22nd summit conference of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, to be held in Muscat, on Dec 30-31.

The conference will focus on expediting the implementation of previous GCC agreements on security and economic cooperation and the joint defence pact signed by the six member states.

The summit was also expected to explore means for facilitating the movement of Gulf nationals, the nationalization of labour in their respective countries and review the recommendations submitted by the advisory commission of the GCC supreme council, it was reported.

On the political side, sources said that the GCC would concentrate on issues of combating terrorism, the consequences of Afghan war as well as the current situation in the Middle East and Gulf.

The GCC leaders, sources said, would warn the United States against any extension of ‘war against terrorism’ beyond Afghanistan.