Co-operation in Persian Gulf Region

The most important reason why security plans in Persian Gulf region are inefficient is that they are “imposed”. World big powers are thinking about their own benefits rather than security in the region even though this endangers the whole region. Therefore, such plans are not in compliance with conditions of the region and are only providing security for those powers.

It is clear that common factors between the countries of the region such as cultural, historical, religious and geographical factors and also relationships between the people of the countries and economical benefits outweigh the differences between them and paves the path to more co-operations to provide security.

The very special situation of Persian Gulf obliges countries around it including the six members of co-operation council, Iran and Iraq to make efforts in order to preserve stability and avoid any unfavorable situation and interact within a defined framework.

This framework has to be defined based on benefits and rights of all the countries of the region. Islamic Republic of Iran has always brought up the subject of public co-operations in the region and expressed preparation to sit at the negotiation table with all the mentioned countries in order to find a suitable course of action.

Co-operations can be based on article 8 of 598 resolution of U.N. Security Council and could be defined from international point of view. This plan has been made to provide security for Persian Gulf with respect to legitimate rights of all parties and paying enough attention to all aspects of the issue and in 8 articles.

According to this plan, the security of the region should not be looked at as a political-security issue. Common social, historical and social factors between the nations of the region, economic and commercial co-operations in regional and international issues can help formation of an efficient regional security system in Persian Gulf.

Another item of the plan is full participation of all members and if only one of the countries of the region won’t participate or their demands or benefits are neglected, the plan will be a failure.

The first step to take in this way is to enter the co-operation phase with emphasis on reducing tension and building trust between the countries noting that economic co-operations and joint economic plans are crucially important.

A free trade contract, simplification of passenger and tourist transit between the countries and military co-operations in issues such as fighting terrorism and organized crimes are also some other items of this plan.

Presence of foreign military forces has always caused tension in the region. Co-operations between the countries of the region have to be based on trusting own forces to settle security and stability in the region and gradually put an end to presence of foreign troops. There is no doubt that planning a sustainable security system in the region has so many difficulties, most important of which is the contrast between benefits of non-regional powers and those of the countries of the region.

Events happening in Palestine, Lebanon and Afghanistan have great effects on the security of the region. This issue also needs an approach based on humanity and rights of the nations of the region.

Security of Persian Gulf is the consequence of interaction between the countries of the region and influential international players.

It is clear that legitimate international benefits are seen in this interaction and the countries of the region have a clear perception and responsible behavior towards transfer of oil and energy mutual effects of international and regional security.

President emphasized that: “We are of the opinion that given the items of this plan are agreed, the basis of a sustainable security plan is prepared.”

The security plan of Persian Gulf is not only a plan but also a process that has to be initiated together and in unanimous agreement. Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought a unanimous security system with a regional structure and full participation of all the countries of the region and signed security agreements and contracts with other countries are proof to the claim.

President’s visits to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and recently to U.A.E. and Oman pursued the purpose of improving regional unity.

In these visits the issue of security of Persian Gulf was discussed with these countries and Islamic Republic of Iran’s positive attitude towards expansion of co-operations with the countries of the region was emphasized.