The GCC leaders rallied behind Bahrain in confronting the acts of terror targeting its security and stability at the 31st GCC Summit final communique in Abu Dhabi.

They voiced their full support for the measures taken by Bahraini authorities to thwart terror acts.

The leaders also backed Bahrain's steps to combat all forms of incitement and acts of sabotage that aim to subvert national security and stability, target innocent lives and terrorise citizens and expatriates.

They also lauded Bahrain's security bodies for their readiness and competence in smashing the terror network.

They also welcomed His Majesty King Hamad's patronage of the forthcoming First GCC Olympic Games. The debut sport tournament is scheduled to open in Bahrain on April 16.

The Gulf leaders threw their support behind the Palestinian Authority's refusal to negotiate with Israel in the absence of a settlement freeze, emphasising that any settlement freeze should include Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

They underlined their support for 'the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state' and 'opposition to a partial settlement or in stages' of the conflict.

They 'denounced the Israeli project for making occupied Al Quds the capital of the Jewish people' and urged the international community to 'compel Israel to end its practices aimed at 'Judaising' east Jerusalem.'

The communique said the leaders were monitoring with 'utmost concern' developments in Iran's disputed nuclear programme and are calling on their neighbour to respond to efforts to settle the dispute peacefully.

They said they wanted the dispute over its nuclear programme to be resolved through 'peaceful means' and make the Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction.-TradeArabia News Service