ABU DHABI [MENL] -- Gulf Cooperation Council states are bolstering security
cooperation and coordination to prevent the prospect of sabotage prior or
during any U.S.-led war against Iraq.Gulf defense sources said Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have been the most
active in initiating meetings with the other four GCC states to bolster
security cooperation. The sources said GCC countries are concerned that Al
Qaida agents or those sent by Iraq could be planning a major attack in a
Gulf Arab state over the next few weeks in an effort to divert any planned
U.S. war against Baghdad.The talks among GCC countries have focused on increasing border control
and intelligence exchange, the sources said. The concern is said to focus on
insurgency infiltration from such countries as Iraq and Yemen. Saudi
Interior Minister Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz said Saudi authorities have
received several fugitives from Yemen.The GCC is also working to unify entry regulations by foreigners to the
region. The regulations will also apply to nationals from each of the six
member states, who will no longer face restrictions in visiting countries
within the GCC.
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