The Ministers noted that full implementation of the JCPOA and full compliance with all provisions of the UN SC resolution 2231(2015) will contribute to building confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. The two sides underlined the essential and independent role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in verifying Iran’s compliance with its obligations under the JCPOA, through an effective mechanism for inspection and surveillance. The Ministers reiterated the importance of establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and all other weapons of mass destruction. They appreciated the proactive role of the Russian Federation in promoting this goal. In this regard, the two sides welcomed the informal meeting on the Conference on Establishing a Middle East WMD-Free Zone: Devising the Next Steps held on May 23, 2016 in Moscow. In its turn the Russian Federation underlined readiness as a co-sponsor of the resolution on the Middle East adopted by the 1995 NPT Review Conference to undertake all necessary efforts aimed at its implementation. The Ministers also stressed the right of all nations to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. They underlined the need to address all environmental concerns of regional countries, including in the field of nuclear safety. The Russian Federation noted the GCC’s deep concern over the continued launching of ballistic missiles in the Gulf region. The Ministers reaffirmed the need to preserve the unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Syria, and the importance of reaching a political solution to the crisis that preserves the lives of Syrians and leads to cessation of hostilities on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) and the agreements adopted by the International Syria Support Group. The Ministers of the meeting emphasized the need for a prompt end to the armed conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic on the international legal basis consisting of UNSC Resolutions 2254 and 2268, statements of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and the Geneva Communiqué of June 30, 2012. They emphasized the need for nationwide cessation of hostilities, disassociation of the moderate opposition from the so called ISIS (Da’esh), Jabhat al-Nusra and any other organizations designated as terrorist groups by the UN Security Council, as well as for an effective combat against them. The Ministers welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Ceasefire Task Force Co-Chairs, the Russian Federation and the United States to facilitate solidifying of the cessation of hostilities. The Ministers stressed the necessity of access of humanitarian aid to the civil population of all parts of the country in accordance with international humanitarian law, and resumption of the intra-Syrian talks in Geneva. They supported the diplomatic efforts of the ISSG, co-chaired by the Russian Federation and the United States, to help bring an end to the conflict in Syria. The Ministers also expressed their deep concern for the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons. The ministers supported UN efforts, international organizations, and countries including Russia and the GCC member states, to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Syrian people. They urged the international community to continue providing support and assistance to refugees in neighboring countries of Syria. The Ministers welcomed the cessation of hostilities in Yemen, pledged to support it, and urged all Yemeni parties to abide by it, expressing their continued strong support for the UN envoy, Ismail Ould Sheikh Ahmed. They also emphasized the importance of progress in talks convening in Kuwait and urged all parties to make the difficult decisions necessary to achieve a durable and inclusive political settlement of the conflict, according to the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015), the GCC Initiative and its implementation mechanism and Yemen’s National Dialogue outcomes. The Ministers stressed the need for unimpeded, timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people, and noted with appreciation the efforts of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief center. The Ministers affirmed their full commitment to safeguard the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen, and respect for its sovereignty and independence, to reject interference in its internal affairs, to stand by the Yemeni people and their aspirations for freedom, democracy and social justice. They also expressed deep concern about dire humanitarian and economic situation in Yemen, called upon all Yemeni parties to facilitate urgent measures to further ensure safe humanitarian access and assistance operations and called on the international community to contribute to the humanitarian appeal for Yemen in 2016. --More 21:29 LOCAL TIME 18:29 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w