GCC Secretary-General Warns of Threats Posed by Armed Groups to the Sovereignty and Stability of States
New York, September 21 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi warned today, Monday, of the existence of armed groups operating outside the framework of state institutions, representing a challenge that threatens the sovereignty of states, the independence of their national decision-making, their ability to enforce the law, and their capacity to protect their borders and citizens.
This statement was made in a speech delivered by Al-Budaiwi at a seminar titled "Challenges Related to Armed Groups Outside the State," organized by the GCC Secretariat General in New York on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with the participation of several ministers and senior officials from sister countries.
Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the GCC states' position on this issue is clear and firm, emphasizing that "there is no sovereignty with dual armed forces, and no stability with military decisions outside state institutions." He clarified that the danger of this phenomenon is compounded when armed groups possess weapons and resources independently or are linked to external entities that provide them with funding, arms, and training. He noted that the region has witnessed the use of missiles and drones by armed groups, threatening neighboring countries and international navigation.
He added that the weakness of state institutions and their declining ability to extend their authority over their entire territories create security and political vacuums that armed groups may exploit to expand their influence and contest the state's jurisdiction and national decision-making.
Al-Budaiwi pointed out that the GCC states base their position on the UN Charter and resolutions of international legitimacy, which underscore the necessity of extending state authority and monopolizing weapons within legitimate state institutions. He recalled the Gulf role in supporting political solutions and strengthening state institutions, citing the Taif Agreement of 1989 and the Gulf Initiative and its implementation mechanism in Yemen in 2011.
He continued that GCC states continue to support the efforts of regional countries, including Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, to extend the rule of law and monopolize weapons within the state, alongside supporting recovery and development efforts and addressing the humanitarian impacts of conflicts.
Al-Budaiwi called on the international community to bear its responsibilities in halting the flow of weapons, funding, training, and military technologies to armed groups, and to hold supporting states and entities accountable. He urged strict implementation of arms embargo resolutions and tightened monitoring of the transfer of missiles, drones, and their components. He also encouraged supporting governments in strengthening the capacities of their military, security, and judicial institutions, and linking disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs with development and reconstruction. He affirmed that GCC states will remain a pillar of support for regional countries in regaining their full sovereignty and an active partner for the UN and the international community in safeguarding regional and international peace and security.
The Secretary-General considered that organizing the seminar reflects the GCC states' interest in addressing this challenge and enhancing regional and international security and stability. He emphasized that investing in peace does not end with resolving conflicts after they erupt, but begins with building a strong state with institutions capable of protecting its citizens, enforcing the law, and providing security, justice, and opportunities. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.
