An historic blueprint for Middle East peace was unveiled in Bahrain on Monday. The Manama Declaration was issued following the '6+2+1' talks between the six GCC states, Egypt, Jordan and the US.

It was declared during a one-day visit to Bahrain by US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice.

The declaration condemns extremism and terrorism and commits the signatories to working together to ensure stability, peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Dr Rice held meetings with foreign ministers from each of the GCC countries, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

They discussed Gulf security, the Arab-Israeli peace process, political developments in Lebanon and the situation in Iraq.

She later declared the talks a success at a joint press conference with foreign minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Khalid said it was the first time the countries had agreed to such a sweeping declaration of principles for bringing peace to the region.

He said Bahrain was close to appointing an ambassador in Iraq, following security assurances by Iraqi government officials.

'We are now in the process of choosing our ambassador and we are in discussions with our brothers in Iraq about this,' he said.

Dr Rice said discussions had been candid, far-ranging and created a firm foundation for further co-operation.

She said it was agreed that Iraq should be a regular participant in the '6+2+1' meetings.

'I think that's a very good step forward for the reintegration of Iraq into regional affairs,' said Dr Rice.-TradeArabia News Service