New GCC chief appointed

MUSCAT, Oman, Dec. 31 -- The Gulf Cooperation Council on Monday appointed Abdul Rahman ibn Hamad al-Attiya as secretary-general for the six-member organization.

Al-Attiya, a Qatari state minister, replaces Jamil al-Hujailan, the current GCC secretary-general tenure was to expire at the end of next March. He was appointed at the end of the GCC 22nd summit meeting in Muscat, Oman.

Al-Attiya promised to pursue efforts for promoting GCC activities and consolidate coordination among the six Gulf countries. The GCC includes Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.NEWLN: Content: 11002000