Yemen to Gradually Join GCC [Archives:2002/02/Local News]

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreed in its latest summit in Muscat to accept Yemen in 4 GCC’s institutions as a preliminary step for a phased full membership, a process which might take several years.
“The Council appreciates the important role the Republic of Yemen is playing in the Arab peninsula, as well as its role in maintaining security and stability in the region,” the final communiqué of the meeting said. The 4 bodies Yemen has gained access to are: The GCC’s Health Ministers Council, GCC Education Office, GCC Labor & Social Affairs Ministers Council and the Arab Gulf Football Cup.
The GCC countries hope that these steps will develop and promote relations among the states of the Arab peninsula.
Yemen’s request to join the GCC was rejected on several occasions due to objections of some Gulf countries. Some sources noted that chances of Yemen to join the GCC are now much better after it resolved its border dispute with Saudi Arabia.

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