GULF "BIG SIX" CONVENE OVER SECURITY

APPREHENSION OVER the effects of the Iraqi Iranian war has prompted six Gulf states to form a Council of Gulf Co-operation which is intended to formulate defensive strategies to protect their own oil installations from a similar occurrence. Speaking in London recently, UAE Oil Minister Dr Mana al-Otaiba stated that his country, together with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, will develop a three point strategy which will improve land, sea and air defence systems, perimeter defence and early warning systems - the group will improve existing systems to a sophisticated level, stockpile vital equipment and spares and place strategic systems underground - thirdly possible new routes for oil pipelines will come under discussion in order to by-pass the vulnerable sea route through the Straits of Hormuz in the Gulf.