Gulf states hit back at 9/11 Saudi lawsuit legislation

Dubai - The legislation runs against the principles of international law and sets a dangerous precedent for foreign relations, the bloc said.

Gulf Cooperation Council countries expressed "deep concern" on Monday over a bill passed by the US Congress that would allow families of September 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia over the attacks.

The head of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Abdullatif Al Zayani, said in a statement that the legislation runs against the principles of international law and sets a dangerous precedent for foreign relations.

The US House of Representatives approved the legislation last Friday, following earlier passage by the Senate. The White House has signaled President Barack Obama would veto the proposed law over concerns that it could open the US up to similar lawsuits from other countries.

The United Arab Emirates issued its own statement echoing the Gulf bloc's concerns on Monday.

"This law is not equal with the foundations and principles of relations among states, and represents a clear violation given its negative repercussions and dangerous precedents," said Shaikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

In its own statement, Qatar said the 9/11 legislation "violates international law, particularly the principle of sovereign equality between states."