The Minister of Foreign Affairs said, "I assert our permanent quest to build relationships dominated by the principles of mutual respect and cooperation with neighboring countries, notably Iran, which, unfortunately, acts in a manner indifferent to these principles. Iranian interference in the internal affairs of GCC States is still going on, while Iran continues to develop its nuclear program, ignoring the demands of the world and its legitimate concerns of its pursuit to develop such a lethal weapon, and create a serious threat to the security and stability at the regional and international levels". He indicated that with the support of the right of Iran and other countries of the region in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, this must be done under the supervision and control of International Atomic Energy Agency, and according to its regulations, which will help to defuse the crisis and build confidence between Iran and its neighbors in the Gulf on one hand and the international community on the other hand. Prince Saud Al-Faisal reaffirmed the Kingdom's support for ongoing efforts to make the Middle East free from all weapons of mass destruction, pointing out that Israel's constant refusal to join Non-Proliferation Treaty and keeping its nuclear programs outside the international control are considered as ones of the key obstacles to achieve this legitimate goal for the peoples of the region and the world. He explained that the Arab region is witnessing profound changes which have never been seen before this time, which requires that all should stand in a responsible manner for maintaining the region's countries, their territorial integrity, and civil peace, without overlooking the legitimate demands of the peoples of the region, adding that in view of the great importance of the Arab Gulf Region linking to its strategic location and large reserves of oil and gas, which are the most important sources of energy in the world, these challenges and threats facing the Arab Gulf region form undoubtedly threats to security and stability. --More 14:47 LOCAL TIME 11:47 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/949261