US, Gulf states to deepen military ties: White House

CAMP DAVID: The United States and its Gulf allies on Thursday agreed to deepen their military partnership and jointly counter external threats, in the face of Iran’s growing role in the region.

Addressing reporters after a Camp David summit with six Gulf leaders, US President Barack Obama said: "I am reaffirming our ironclad commitment to the security of our Gulf partners.

"As we´ve declared in our joint statement, the United States is prepared to work jointly with GCC member states to deter and confront an external threat to any GCC state´s territorial integrity that is inconsistent with the UN charter," he said.

In the statement, the leaders said they agreed "to enhance their work to improve security cooperation, especially on fast-tracking arms transfers, as well as on counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber security, and ballistic missile defense."

And the statement specifically named Iran, a traditional foe of both Washington and the Sunni-led Gulf Arab monarchies, as one of the threats they would work together to deter.

"The United States and GCC member states oppose and will work together to counter Iran´s destabilising activities in the region," the statement said.

Obama called the summit to reassure nervous Gulf allies that the United States is not turning its back on them even as it is trying to forge a deal with Tehran to limit Iran´s nuclear program.

"But I want to be very clear," he added. "The purpose of security cooperation is not to perpetuate any long-term confrontation with Iran or even to marginalise Iran."

‘Two-state solution vital to Israel’s security’

The United States still believes Israel´s long-term security is best served by reaching an agreement to live alongside a recognised Palestinian state, President Barack Obama said Thursday.

Obama was speaking shortly after Israel´s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed a new right-wing ruling coalition seen as likely to further strain already damaged ties with the Palestinians.

"I continue to believe a two-state solution is absolutely vital for not only peace between Israelis and Palestinians, but for the long-term security of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state," Obama told a Camp David news conference.

The traditionally close alliance between the United States and Israel has been damaged by disagreement over the peace process with the Palestinians and by the perception of personal animus between Obama and Netanyahu.

While both sides continue to pay public tribute to the relationship, the new Israeli government appears unlikely to make the kind of concessions needed to restart the moribund negotiations.

Obama insisted, however, that a two-state solution remains the only available option for bringing the simmering conflict to an end.

"I know that a government has been formed that contains some folks who don´t necessarily believe in that premise, but that continues to be my premise," he said.

Noting that he was speaking at Camp David, Obama referred back to a 1978 deal negotiated at the same US presidential retreat that brought peace between Israel and Egypt.

"Israel is better off for it. I think the same would be true if we get a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians," he said.

"That prospect seems distant now, but I think it´s always important for us to keep in mind what´s right and what´s possible."