PM writes to UAE on N-tests

India has had strong and friendly ties with the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council 8212; UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. But the GCC countries are also members of the Organisation of Islamic Conference OIC which has expressed solidarity with Pakistan.

However the GCC countries have not yet officially taken a stand so far on the nuclear tests probably because Gulf Arab countries are angry with the United States for adopting double standards on the issue of sanctions against Iraq and Israel. Washington has been fiercely pursuing the continuation of sanctions against Iraq though the Iraqipeople have faced immense hardship but do not show the same vigour in punishing Israel which is also violator of UN resolutions. Vajpayee has sent letters to heads of states to share Indian perceptions of security threats and India8217;s position.