Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary general Abdellatif Zayani attends a GCC summit on December 6, 2016.

:: The Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, expressed his condemnation of what he called the “irresponsible media attacks carried out by some Qatari news outlets toward the GCC, describing it as an unjust campaign that exceeded all customs, values and media professionalism”.

Al-Zayani expressed his deep surprise at the attempt by some Qatari media to hold his position as GCC Secretary-General as responsible for resolving the Gulf crisis.

“Although officials in the Qatari government and the Qatari media are fully aware that the solution of the crisis and the end of its repercussions are in the hands of their Majesties and Highnesses and no one else, which is not the responsibility and duties of the Secretary-General, who receives and executes the decisions, directives and orders of the Supreme Council and the Ministerial Council only, committed to the provisions of the Statute of the Cooperation Council,” a statement from Zayani’s office read.

Al-Zayani expressed his disapproval of what some journalists in Qatar are attempting as they try to link the crisis with his Bahraini nationality and his well-known position in the Gulf kingdom. He affirmed his full commitment to discharge his responsibilities, tasks and duties assigned by the Supreme Council to preserve the cohesion of the GCC system and its achievements and its regional and international standing.

“But at the same time, he remains a noble son of the Kingdom of Bahrain, faithful to its distinguished leaders, who maintain its patriotism,” the statement added.

“Al-Zayani called on the Qatari media to stop using its current ways that harm, proves unbeneficial, separates and blocks the paths to repairing the inter-brotherly relations. It hinders the good mediation efforts undertaken by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Amir of the State of Kuwait known for his wisdom, loyalty and love toward the countries and peoples of the GCC,” the statement added.