The Ministerial Council welcomed the new Lebanese government and confirmed the GCC states' keenness to support the brotherly Lebanese people politically and economically as well as Lebanon's security and stability. It expressed hope that all national factions would agree on what is good for preserving Lebanon's integrity, cohesion and prosperity. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated Israeli threats and attacks against Lebanon's sovereignty and independence. It expressed its sorrow and condolences for Iraq and its people over the collapse of "Al-Emma" bridge in Iraq that led to the death of Hundreds of Iraqis. It also expressed sorrow and condolences over the loss of lives and property caused by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana state in the United States. The Council expressed its readiness to stand by the United States in this natural disaster in the light of the friendly ties between the GCC states and the U.S.--SPA1415 Local Time 1115 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/287716