Qatar, Kuwait welcome deal on Iran nuclear programNovember 25, 2013 - 13:29 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Gulf Arab countries Qatar and Kuwait have came out in favor of Iran's agreement with world powers over its nuclear program, saying they hoped it would help to preserve stability and security in the region, Reuters reported. Iran's Arab neighbors are deeply uneasy about Tehran's diplomatic rehabilitation and have done little to hide their skepticism as talks progressed on the nuclear deal in recent weeks, but at least in public many have now given their support. Iran's only two Arab friends - Iraq and Syria - were quick to praise the deal on Sunday, as was the Palestinian Authority which welcomed it for putting pressure on Israel. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain also spoke out in support. Qatar said the agreement was "an important step towards safeguarding peace and stability in the region", according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry posted on its website late on Sunday, Nov 24. "The State of Qatar calls for making the Middle East a nuclear weapon-free zone," the ministry said. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled al-Jarallah said he hoped the agreement "would pave the way for a permanent accord that would defuse tension, and preserves the stability and security of the region," according to state news agency KUNA. Saudi Arabia and Oman are yet to make an official comment on the deal. All Arab countries apart from Syria and Iraq are ruled by Sunni Muslims who look with suspicion at Shi'ite power Iran and have been alarmed by the prospect of any rapprochement with the West that would benefit Tehran. They worry that the deal, under which Iran is being given relief from sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear program, signals a thaw in the 30 years of hostility between Tehran and Washington which will give Iran more regional clout. Related links: Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Moscow warns Armenia against leaving Russian-led defense bloc Armenia could ruin its military ties with Russia if it continues drifting towards the West, according to a senior official in Moscow. |