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ISLANDS ISSUE - ABU MUSA AND GREATER & LESSER TUNBS
GCC throws its weight behind UAE's peaceful drive to settle islands' issue
posted on 12/05/2010
 Riyadh - The GCC leaders reiterated today their support for the UAE's right to its three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb, occupied by Iran. At the end of the 12th GCC consultative summit in Riyadh, the GCC leaders threw their weight behind all peaceful measures the UAE is taking to restore its full sovereignty over its three islands.
They called on Iran to respond positively to the UAE's efforts aimed at settling the issue either through direct negotiations or recourse to the International Court of Justice. Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE delegation to the one-day summit which was chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Turkey can broker UAE-Iran talks on islands issue, says senior Turkish official
posted on 11/05/2010
 Istanbul - Turkey can act as an intermediary in talks between the UAE and Iran over the issue of the three islands Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb, according to Bahaeddine Jabaji, Advisor to the President of Turkey. "Turkey should play a role in resolving this long-standing issue", he said urging for solidarity among Muslim countries who all share one religion and one civilization.
He further stressed Turkey's interest in furthering and expanding relations with the UAE and other Muslim countries. Speaking on the second extraordinary meeting of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-member states (PUOICM) which has kicked off today in Istanbul and is set to warn against the threats of Israeli settlement plans in Jerusalem to international peace, the Turkish senior official also stressed the need for a unified cooperative position by Muslim countries if they are to lobby for international pressures on Israel or for that matter to resort to the use of power as yet another option towards a solution in the region.
He also noted that Turkish-Israeli relations are now at their lowest as a result of the measures taken by the Israeli occupation against Palestinians and Jerusalem City. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Islands issue will always mar relations with Iran, says UAE Foreign Minister
posted on 21/04/2010
 UAE Foreign Minister H.H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan has stressed that the issue of the three UAE's islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, still under Iranian occupation, will always be a "negative factor" in bilateral relations between the two countries and "painful thing for all the UAE nationals." The Minister was answering questions by members of the Federal National Council, FNC, during its session yesterday t discuss the Foreign Ministry's policies.
"Occupation of any Arab land is occupation and is not a misunderstanding. Israeli occupation of Golan Heights, Southern Lebanon, West Bank or Gaza is called occupation and no Arab land is dearer than another," Sheikh Abdullah said.
"It would be self-lie, for any Emarati, including me, to pretend that they are less sensitive about the fact that a part of the UAE is occupied than about another occupied Arab land." Sheikh Abdullah said he was not holding comparisons between Israel and Iran, "however, occupation is occupation and is unlawful, according to Arab traditions, Islam and the international community." "Iran takes an adamant position on the issue of the three islands rejecting all the initiatives put forward by the UAE to reach a solution either through direct dialogue or international arbitration, Sheikh Abdullah added.
The Minister called on the UAE nationals to "think differently to help their brothers who live on the Islands and Abu Musa Island in particular "because it is almost impossible to maintain contact with them under the Iranian occupation which does allow Israel does not allow assistance, building materials and other services into the islands." He further blamed the local media for not highlighting the conditions of those UAE nationals on the three said Islands. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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AIPU supports UAE over its islands occupied by Iran
posted on 25/02/2010
The Interim Arab Parliamentary Union (IAPU) has reiterated its support to UAE's sovereignty over its islands - Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa - occupied by Iran, and their territorial waters and airspace as they constitute the integral part of the United Arab Emirates.
This came in a letter received by Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC) HE Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair yesterday from Dr. Huda Fathi Ben Amer, Speaker of the Arab Parliament.
The letter said that the Interim Arab Parliament at its second regular session, held at Arab League headquarters in Cairo from 23 to 28 last December, had discussed the issue of the three islands, and expressed regret for the lack of progress in contacts with Iran in order to reach a solution, which will contribute to the strengthening of security and stability in the region.
The letter spelt out AIPU's support to the efforts of the UAE to end the Iranian occupation of these islands through direct negotiations or recourse to the International Court of Justice. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Sweden announces support to UAE's stance on resolving the dispute over its islands occupied by Iran
posted on 23/02/2010
 Swedish Parliament Speaker Per Westerberg announced in Abu Dhabi yesterday that his country supports UAE's approach on resolving the conflict with the Islamic Republic of Iran over the three UAE islands occupied by Iran, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa.
Addressing a joint press conference with the Speaker of UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) HE Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair this afternoon at FNC House in Abu Dhabi, the Swedish official also spoke about other issues including Iranian nuclear file and the economic sanctions mooted by the West on Iran.
He pointed to the diversity of opinions prevailing in the Swedish Parliament on this issue and made it clear that he "personally don't favour these sanctions, which will not work".
Westerberg said that the UAE's approach that advocates direct dialogue with Iran on the islands, or the referral of the case to the International Court of Justice is the best way to reach a solution acceptable by both parties.
The Swedish official also addressed issues of peace in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Iraq and emphasised the Palestinian issue.
He called on the Arabs and the Israelis to read their respective histories derive lessons from it and work to make peace, security and stability that will benefit families, children and future generations in general.
Sterverg pointed to the role played by his country in keeping peace in a number of countries around the world through the participation in the international forces.
He pointed out that his country is living in peace since nearly two hundred years and that its goal is to see security and stability prevail in all countries of the world.
The best way to do achieve that is to engage in direct dialogue between the conflicting parties, Sterverg said.
He also stressed his country's interest in peace and friendship among nations and the dialogue between the West and Islam.
Addressing the press conference, Speaker Al Ghurair said that the FNC had requested Sweden to support UAE in resolving the Islands issue and to enhance economic relations between UAE and Sweden.
He added that the bilateral ties can be bolstered through signing of trade and investment agreements and establishment of political relations. Al Ghurair said that over 250 Swedish firms are operation in the UAE.
Per Westerberg is on a five-day visit to UAE leading a delegation and will hold talks with a number of senior officials in UAE. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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They call it misunderstanding... we call it occupation, says Sheikh Abdullah
posted on 24/12/2009
 Manama - Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said that UAE and Iran enjoy "historic and progressive" relations. Yet, the differences on the UAE's occupied islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa still exist
"They call the issue a misunderstanding and we call it occupation. However, we should not view Iran's continuous occupation of the UAE islands as a barrier for developing economic ties between the two countries. We even hope that such ties will reach a level through which we can resolve the dispute, not the other way around," Sheikh Abdullah said while addressing a joint press conference with his Bahraini counterpart Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa at the end of the UAE-Bahraini joint committee meeting today.
On the economic situation in the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah said: "needless to say, the global financial crisis that hit the American and European economies has impacted other economies of the world. The UAE was no exception, but in a positive way. The challenges were a good lesson and a wakeup call for us to develop our systems and programmes and to reconsider some ideas and projects. It was also a strong response to those who voiced concern about resilience of the UAE economy and cohesion of its federation." "The crisis is painful for the sceptics who questioned the political, economic and social experience of the UAE. For us it was beneficial. For others, it was a good lesson to know about the UAE." Fielding a question on the GCC Central Bank, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE was interested to see a vital and strong cooperation among the GCC countries.
"The UAE is the only GCC member state that does not host any of the Council's organisations. The UAE was the first country to ask for hosting the GCC Central Bank's headquarters. Besides, it is one of the largest GCC economies in terms of association with the international banks. The UAE decided not to derail that initiative though it was able to. Instead, it opted for distancing itself. We wish that institution all the best, but we will not be part of it." Sheikh Abdullah highlighted UAE's initiatives in the field of renewable energy.
He said that the UAE and Bahrain were partners in that field and that they were exploring investment opportunities in renewable energy. "It important to work on bilateral and multilateral levels to confront threats of carbon emissions."
Sheikh Abdullah said the GCC countries have clearly voiced their interest in the stability of Yemen. They also pledged their full support to the action taken by Saudi Arabia to secure its borders. He condemned the Huthis rebellion and renewed UAE's solidarity with Yemen. He also referred to the US$750 million recently earmarked by the UAE as a grant for Yemen. Asked about Gulf security, Sheikh Abdullah said the foreign presence in the region was in no way demeaning to its countries.
"Today's concept of sovereignty is different from that adopted 100 years ago. The world has become a small village and we have to understand and to welcome presence of our partners in the region in the same way we accept GCC partnerships with different world organisations. The sensitivity of this issue is equally felt by the American citizens when a Gulf entity seeks to invest in their country. If they stand by us in the security side, we stand by them in the financial and economic side," he said.
Sheikh Khalid thanked the UAE for its supportive stands with Bahrain in all fields. He added that the two countries share identical views on the "threats posed at our countries such as international terrorism, the path of Iranian nuclear dossier, the situation in Yemen, Iraq and Palestine, and the Middle East peace process." Sheikh Khalid said the media had incorrectly depicted the financial crisis in the UAE as a failure story.
"It is in fact a story of success and hard work to build a modern state with strong economy. All countries of the world have somehow been affected by the global crisis. After all, the road is not all always paved as others think." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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AIPU renews support to UAE's right on isles
posted on 19/10/2009
Rabat - The Executive Committee of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) has renewed its support to the UAE's legitimate right of regaining its three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, occupied by Iran.
In the final communiqué at the end of its meeting yesterday, the committee urged Iran to respond positively to UAE's proposals of resolving the issue through direct negotiations or by referring it to the International court of Justice.
The communiqué called on all Arab parliaments and councils to raise the issue of UAE islands when in contact with Iran, or during regional and international parliamentary conferences.
The UAE delegation to the meeting included members Dr Abdul Rahim Abdul Latif Al Shaheen, member of the Federal national Council, Dr Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the FNC, and Ali Obaid Salem Al Yaleeli, a researcher at the FNC. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Tunisia backs UAE's rights to isles
posted on 06/10/2009
Tunis - The Tunisian Foreign Ministry affirmed yesterday its support for the UAE's stances towards its three islands of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which have been occupied by Iran since more than three decades.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdelwaheb Abdallah told WAM that his country fully stands with the UAE in regards to its three occupied islands whether in international forums, Arab League or regional gatherings and meetings.
"Tunisia backs the UAE position and considers the islands are Emirati land and should be returned to the UAE..... this is a quite clear matter to Tunisia and there is no doubt about it,” he underlined. He said his country is continuously throwing its weight behind the UAE's rights to island in international gatherings. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Foreign Ministers back UAE right over islands
posted on 03/09/2009
Foreign ministers from the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf have renewed a call to Iran to enter into direct talks with the UAE over its three occupied islands.
At a meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday, the ministers also said referring the long-standing issue to the International Court of Justice could also help find a solution to the sovereignty issue over Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, and their territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and
economic zone.
The ministers, according to WAM, urged Iran to positively respond to the UAE's endeavours and peaceful initiatives to settle the issue and restore its right to the three islands.
The Gulf Ministers expressed regret over the absence of any positive outcome from contacts with Tehran over the issue.
A solution would promote regional peace stability, according to the final communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 112th Session of the Ministerial Council and the Joint Meeting for the Gulf Cooperation Council of
Foreign Ministers.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Oman's Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, Youssef bin Alawi Abdullah.
The UAE delegation to the meeting was led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE renews call to Iran for peaceful settlement of island's issue
posted on 16/07/2009
 Sharm El Sheikh - The UAE renewed yesterday its call to Iran to accept its peaceful initiative to settle the issue of the UAE three islands - Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa - occupied by Iran in 1971 either by peaceful direct bilateral negotiations and or referring the case to the International Court of Justice.
The UAE told the NAM gathering that the world needs international solidarity for peace and development more than any time before.
In an address distributed at the 15th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit here today, the UAE stressed that 'Enhancement of NAM's mettle to address international challenges requires member states to adhere to its principles it stands for including respect of sovereignty of states and right of peoples to self-determination, non-interference into other states' internal affairs and settlement of disputes through peaceful means.
UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is represented at the summit by H. H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Fujairah.
"We in the UAE will join forces with the international community to confront the crisis and we will meet our national commitments and development programmes. The UAE welcomed outcome of a UN conference on the impact of the global financial and economic crisis on development held in New York from June 24-26 and backed calls for restructuring the world financial and trade systems to address the crunch and subject financial markets under sound supervision and control. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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FNC succeeds in raising the issue of UAE's three occupied Islands in the British Parliament
posted on 11/06/2009
 Speaker of UAE's Federal National Council (FNC) HE Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair hailed yesterday, the British parliament's debate on the occupation of UAE's three islands -Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa by Iran.
In an appearance made by Labour MP John Grogan yesterday, the issue was extensively discussed at the British Parliament for the first time in 38 years. As Grogan himself put it, 'the last time the issue was raised in the House was when Edward Heath was Prime Minister in 1971'.
Shedding light on his discussions with FNC Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, the British MP said: 'During those parliamentary discussions, we ranged over a large number of different topics. The historical links between our two nations are of course very close'.
'The delegation from the Federal National Council was keen to impress on the UK Parliament the importance of the islands and the part that they play in political debate in both the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf', Grogan told the British Parliament yesterday.
During his own visit to UAE, Grogan had held several meetings with FNC members on various issues including that of the three occupied Islands.
Grogan, in a long speech before the House of Commons, narrated the history of the three Islands of UAE occupied by Iran.
'Having researched some of the history, I decided that it was about time that the subject got another little airing', said Grogan in prelude to his representation.
Responding to the participation by the MPs in the debate Grogan concluded: 'Having studied their history, I agree that the UAE has a strong case for claiming the islands'.
Participating in the debate, Conservative MP Nicholas Winterton described it as critical and on a matter of great principle.
'The United Kingdom Government should make it extremely clear to the Government of the UAE that we will support them in every possible way in seeking about to bring a peaceful conclusion', Winterton stressed.
Parliamentary Undersecretary and Labour MP Ivan Lewis said that Grogan has raised an incredibly important issue in the parliament.
'The Foreign Office and the Government are concerned by the continuing dispute between the UAE and Iran over the over the islands of Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb. As previous Ministers have made clear, we support a peaceful settlement of the dispute by means in accordance with international law. That might be through direct bilateral discussions or undertaken through international mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice. The United Kingdom, the Gulf Co-operation Council and the European Union are concerned about the lack of progress'.
Commenting on the active debate of the issue in the British parliament Al Ghurair said today that FNC's continued parliamentary diplomacy could bring the issue before the regional and international communities and drum up their support in the favour of the UAE stance.
UAE always held the stance of solving the issue by peaceful means, either through bilateral negotiations or resorting to the international court of justice, Al Ghurair noted.
Alluding to the visit by FNC delegation to UK earlier in January this year, Al Ghurair said that the discussions had a great role in bringing the issue for extensive debate by the British House of Commons.
After meeting with FNC Speaker Al Ghurair, who led the delegation to UK, Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, said her country's government and parliament supported the UAE's position on the issue of its three islands, Abu Musa and the Tunbs, which are still under the Iranian occupation.
The United Kingdom, she remarked at that time, also supported the UAE's efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the issue through negotiations between the two countries or for that matter by referring it to the International Court of Justice. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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GCC foreign ministers back UAE right to isles
posted on 09/06/2009
Riyadh - The GCC foreign ministers have reiterated their support for the UAE right over its three islands, occupied by Iran and urged the latter to respond to UAE efforts aimed at settling the issue through direct negotiations or referring the case to the International Court of Justice.
"The GCC foreign ministers' council renews its support to the UAE sovereignty over its three islands - Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa - and over their territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and economic zone as an integral of the UAE," said a statement issued in Riyadh today at the end of the 111th meeting of the GCC foreign ministers' council.
The statement expressed its regret that contacts with Iran to reach a solution to the issue had not produced any positive results that would contribute to enhancing regional security and stability.
The statement also called for considering peaceful means which will help the UAE restore its right to its three islands. It also urged Iran to respond to UAE efforts aimed at settling the issue through direct negotiations or referring the case to the International Court of Justice. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Turkey offers to raise UAE isles' issue with Iran
posted on 28/04/2009
 Speaker of Turkish Parliament Koksal Toptan yesterday offered to raise the issue of the UAE three islands, occupied by Iran, with the Iranian politicians during a visit he will pay to Tehran in the next six months.
The Turkish offer was floated during a session of talks today between Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Koksal Toptan and visiting Speaker of the Federal National Council Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair.
Toptan said he would urge the Iranians to expedite efforts for settling the issue without mixing up any other papers.
He said that the US lenient approach which emerged after the recent trip to President Barack Obama to Turkey towards the Middle East especially Iran would bode well for the course of the issues of islands between the UAE and Iran. He expressed hope that all would back the UAE stance. "Our heart is with the UAE and we call for achieving what the UAE is adopting as the region was exhausted by rows and disputes....... the door should not be opened again for another problems that jeopardize its stability and security,” he added.
For his part the Speaker of the FNC reiterated the UAE's firm stance towards settling the issue either by direct negotiations or referring the case to the International Court of Justice.
He said the Turkey has good relations with Iran and other countries in the region as well with Europe and the US and could play a vital role in the region.
"The UAE is always seeking to maintain good relations with its neighbours and develop economic, trade and cultural relations with Iran and other countries,” he said.
Al Ghurair has earlier expressed the UAE's satisfaction at Turkey's role in promoting regional stability and security. He further noted that Arabs and Muslims have increasing confidence in Turkey's looking eastward, expressing hopes that it could join the European Union to become represent Arab and Muslim nations and properly present their causes to the Europeans.
He placed emphasis on rapprochement between Turkey and Arabs in general and the United Arab Emirates in particular; noting the trade between the two countries can boost friendship and reduce disputes, if any.
This policy, he remarked, enabled Turkey to overcome many disputes with some neighbouring countries. Al Ghurair further called on Turkish businesses and entrepreneurs to forge partnerships with UAE counterparts and tap investment opportunities offered by the UAE economy.
He stressed that the UAE will give priority to Turkish companies willing to invest in the UAE.
Stressing that each country has its peculiarity regarding democracy and parliamentary work, The UAE FNC Speaker rejects foreign dictations on policy and policy-making.
For his part, Koksal expressed hopes that other nations in the regions would follow the UAE's model of economic development which he said was built on sincerity, interest in security and stability as well as clear view of the future.
"Turkey and the UAE are models for democracy and development", Koksal said adding that trade between the two countries reached USUS$ 9 billion.
Expressing hopes that al-Ghurair current visit to Turkey would further boost exchange between the UAE and Turkey, Koksal said "over 70% of 445 members of Turkish parliament are members in the UAE-Turkish Friendship Committee." "Turkey's joining the European Union will not compromise its religion, traditions and national heritage to which it clings", he remarked adding that Ankara reaches out to Europe despite past disputes because it believes that intercultural dialogue will enrich reciprocal interaction.
Earlier, al-Ghurair and FNC members accompanying him visited the mausoleum of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. They also visited Ataturk's museum and exhibition.
The delegation which arrived on Sunday to Ankara comprises FNC members Abdullah Bin Nasser al-Mansouri, Dr. Abdul Rahim al-Shaheen, Dr. Obaid Ali al-Muhairi and FNC Secretary General Mohammed Salim al-Mazrouei. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Iran's plea in UAE islands case unconvincing: Attiya
posted on 21/04/2009
 Riyadh - The UAE's three islands of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are part and parcel of the UAE territory and the Gulf will remain an Arab water channel, GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Al Attiya affirmed yesterday.
Al Attiya was reacting to allegations made by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hassan Qashqavi yesterday that the islands, occupied by Iran, are like the 'Gulf belonging to Iran forever'.
The GCC official said:' 'These provocative terms repeat baseless claims and that these islands belong to the UAE and the Gulf will remain an Arab water channel whether they like it or not .....these allegations are untrue and have no base in history, geography or the international law.
"These islands are UAE territory occupied by Iran and replaying such allegations will serve neither relations between countries of the region nor the desire to enhance regional security and stability,' Al Attiyah stressed.
"The argument of the occupier, Iran, in this case is weak to the degree that it refuses direct negotiations between the two sides or refers the case to the International Court of Justice, he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE FM: Arab States' positions on UAE islands issue firm and unequivocal
posted on 01/04/2009
UAE Foreign Minister H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan stressed that the collective position by Arab states on supporting the UAE on its inalienable right to sovereignty over the three island Lesser Tunb, Greater Tunb and Abu Musa occupied by Iran is "firm and has not budged."
In an interview with Abu Dhabi TV Channel, Sheikh Abdullah expressed hopes that "our brothers in Tehran will be convinced that the UAE's right to its islands is firm and that there is no backing away from it, neither by us nor by the international community."
He further stressed that "the persistence of this issue which disturbs the air is not in our interest nor is it in the interest of Iran." In yet another interview with Arabic satellite TV network Aljazeera on the sidelines of the 21st Arab Summit in Doha, Sheikh Abdullah expressed gladness at the reconciliation which was made by Libya and Saudi Arabia.
"I believe that everybody is happy about the fact that the Summit has come up with this reconciliation", he remarked noting that it will benefit all parties including the United Arab Emirates and the support extended to its positions and to its calls on Iran to end its occupation of the three islands.
"The Arab states continue to back the UAE's right to and sovereignty on its three islands", he stressed adding that his country's position on the issue is "firm and unequivocal." "Any intra-Arab reconciliation would yield stronger Pan-Arab solidarity", he remarked.
On the outcome of the Doha Summit, the Minister said that "actions are more important than the final communiqué ", adding that there are indications towards stronger joint action and more reconciliations "to ultimately reach a real Pan-Arab solidarity ... and to back each other so we do not have to wait help from others on our crucial issues."
He also said the situation in Arab countries has significantly improved compared to last year. "But aspirations and hopes are no doubt bigger." The pre-mature conclusion of the Arab Summit is proof to the "great rapprochement among Arab leaders." – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Arab Parliament backs UAE's policy on islands
posted on 23/03/2009
The Arab Parliament yesterday expressed its support for the UAE's full right to its three islands, occupied by Iran, and the peaceful efforts the UAE is taking to restore its islands of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.
In a statement it issued today, the Arab Parliament condemned remarks made by Iranian officials in regards to the sovereignty of the UAE islands.
The Arab Parliament is holding its first ordinary session in Damascus.
The statement demanded Iran to materialise its intention to improve relations with Arab countries by taking tangible steps and show Iran's political goodwill towards Arab countries which should start with ending its occupation of the three islands and accepting direct negotiation or refer the issue to the International Court of Justice. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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UAE: Occupied islands obstacle in GCC relations with Iran
posted on 18/03/2009
Iran's occupation of the UAE's three islands of Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb represent a major hurdle in way of smooth relations between Iran and the GCC countries, says Mohammed Salem Al Suwaidi, UAE's ambassador to Belgium.
Heading the UAE delegation to the GCC-EU political dialogue, currently held in Brussels, Al Suwaidi said in a speech that the GCC countries share historic relations that are rooted in geography, culture, religion and trade.
"The GCC countries are eager to strengthen these relations in a way that will contribute in achieving joint interests and enhancing peace and stability, but the road to this is hindered by Iran's occupation of the UAE's three islands," Al Suwaidi said.
"Despite UAE, GCC and the international community's repeated call for a peaceful solution to the issue of UAE's islands under Iranian occupation, either through direct dialogue or by referring it to the International Court of Justice, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not responded positively to these calls." Al Suwaidi also expressed concern of the countries of the region over Iran's nuclear programme. He stressed the GCC countries' firm stand on making the Middle East a region free of the weapons of mass destruction.
He praised the EU's stance on Iran's nuclear dossier and expressed the hope that they will continue to explain the danger of the situation in the region under Iran's armament programme and the need for a peaceful solution to the crisis by urging Iran to continue cooperation with the international community and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Al Suwaidi also underlined the GCC countries' respect for the sovereignty and independence of the nations and their rejection to Iran's interference in the internal affairs of some countries of the region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Arab parliamentarians renew support to UAE on occupied isles issue
posted on 10/03/2009
 The 15th conference of the Arab Parliamentary Union, APU, which concluded yesterday in Muscat, voiced a strong support to the UAE right to regain its occupied islands of Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meetings, the APU re-affirmed support to the UAE's peaceful measures to regain sovereignty over the three islands. It also condemned the "irresponsible" statements made by Iran, urging it to translate its desire for rapprochement with Arab countries into "tangible steps that start with ending occupation of the islands and responding to UAE's calls for ending the occupation, accepting direct negotiations or referring the dispute to the International Court of Justice."
The APU also welcomed the outcome of the Arab foreign ministers' meeting with their South American counterparts, held recently in Cairo, which called on Iran to respond positively to UAE's proposals for peaceful settlement of the issue. It also urged the Arab parliaments to raise the islands issue in different gatherings.
The Communiqué endorsed a UAE proposal to strengthen intra-Arab relations and separate them from political differences.
It contained a number of recommendations and decisions in support of the Arab issues, including the Palestinian struggle as the pivotal Arab cause, rejection to the ICC's warrant of arrest against the Sudanese President, Arab solidarity, and other issues.
The APU conference was held under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed al Isa'ee, Chairman of Oman's Majlis A'shura.
The UAE delegation to the conference was led by the FNC Speaker Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Damascus is in favour of UAE's approach for peaceful settlement of isles' issue
posted on 10/03/2009
Syria is standing behind the UAE in its efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the issue of its three islands, occupied by Iran, Syrian President Bashar Al Asad said.
'Syria's stance towards the issue of the three islands is clear: we are with the UAE and in favour of its stance which underlines the need for reaching a peaceful solution,' the Syrian head of state affirmed in an interview with the Arabic daily Al Khaleej.
He said Syria could use its good ties with Iran, the UAE and other Arab countries to help iron out points of differences and misunderstanding,' he added.
'We always say there should be a peaceful solution through dialogue,' he stressed. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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GCC parliaments back UAE's rights to isles
posted on 09/03/2009
 Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) HE Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair affirmed yesterday that Arab countries expressed their support for the UAE's right to restore sovereignty over its three islands, occupied by Iran.
'What is demanded is to urge Iran to find sincere, true solutions and dragging its feet in reaching that settlement of the UAE islands of Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa,' Al Ghurair said in a statement at the end of the coordinating meeting of the GCC parliaments hosted by Muscat on Saturday.
The meeting aimed at unifying and coordinating stances towards the agenda of the 15th conference of the Arab Inter-parliamentary Union (AIPU). – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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The escalation by Iran against the UAE is neither understandable nor justified: Gargash
posted on 01/02/2009
 Iran's escalation (of a war of words) against the UAE is neither understandable nor justified, according to UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Anwar Gargash.
He said he viewed the escalation as perhaps being related to the internal situation in Iran and the forthcoming Iranian elections.
"This kind of escalation does not, in anyway, serve the existing relations between the two countries," Gargash said in an interview with the Dubai-based "Al-Arabiya" Satellite TV Channel which was aired on Friday.
The minister reiterated the UAE's 37 years old long-standing stance on its three occupied islands: the need to deal with the issue through bilateral negotiations or through international arbitration.
He pointed out that UAE's absence from the Doha Summit was due to the lack of a quorum. He firmly rejected Iran's claim that Iranians are being mistreated at UAE airports, and that the Shiite clerics are being harassed in the UAE. He said those allegations are totally unfounded.
"We sincerely hope we could start to solve the issues which obstruct the growing and flourishing relations between us without the need to start new ones," Gargash added.– Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Iran urged to stop 'irresponsible and hostile' allegations against UAE
posted on 30/01/2009
Riyadh - H.E. Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, the Gulf Cooperation Council's Secretary General has reiterated the Council's firm stand in support of the UAE's right of sovereignty over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, occupied by Iran.
Al Attiyah urged Iran to respond positively to the UAE's sincere calls to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or by referring it to the International Court of Justice.
He also called on Iran to "stop making irresponsible and hostile allegations that lead to destabilising the atmosphere of trust and negatively affect Iran's relations with the countries of the region." - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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WAM and DPA discuss cooperation
posted on 30/01/2009
The Emirates News Agency (WAM) and the Deutsche Press-Agentur (DPA) discussed in Abu Dhabi last Wednesday the prospects of mutual cooperation.
WAM's Director General Ibrahim Al Abed and DPA's Director Michael Segbers met during the latter's visit to WAM's premises and discussed different aspects of media cooperation between the two agencies, including exchange of news and photographs. Also discussed was ways on which WAM can benefit from a DPA project aimed at newspapers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. As part of the project, the DPA will provide these papers with news and photo services daily. The DPA can also transmit WAM news to these papers on daily basis, said Segbers.
Hailing the advanced facilities of WAM, Segbers said the two agencies were keen to bolster bilateral cooperation in areas of training and news flow. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Baroness Hayman: UK supports UAE on islands issue
posted on 29/01/2009
Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom, said her country's government and parliament supported the UAE's position on the issue of its three islands, Abu Musa and the Tunbs, which are still under the Iranian occupation.
The United Kingdom, she remarked, also supports the UAE's efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the issue through negotiations between the two countries or for that matter by referring it to the International Court of Justice.
Baroness Hayman's remarks came at a meeting in London on Tuesday with Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair who is leading a delegation from FNC on a current visit to the UK.
Al Ghurair said the meeting discussed the need for lenient requirements by UK's higher education system to facilitate admission of UAE students to UK universities and institutes. Currently, he said, UAE students have to spend one mandatory pre-college year as a pre-requisite.
The meeting also discussed the need to make entry to UK easier for UAE businessmen and investors. He said Baroness Hyaman promised to consider the two Earlier, FNC Speaker also held meetings with Chairman of the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs in the British Parliament MP Mike Gapes and Member Select Committee on Business and Enterprise Julie Kirkbride.
Gapes and Kirkbride stressed the need for seeking diplomatic and peaceful means to solve the issue of the three UAE islands. – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Italy renews support to UAE stand on isles
posted on 19/01/2009
 Speaker of the Italian Parliament Gianfranco Fini has renewed his country's firm stand on the issue of UAE's three islands occupied by Iran.
"The islands belong to the UAE and the issue should be resolved via direct negotiations or international arbitration," Fini said during a joint press conference with Federal National Council's Speaker Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, held yesterday following a round of talks.
Fini praised his country's "special relations" with the UAE and expressed the hope that the ties will further be enhanced in all fields.
Earlier, Al Ghurair and Fini discussed during their talks a number of proposals aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries in parliamentary issues. Al Ghurair gave a presentation on the federal system in the UAE and the constitutional amendments introduced recently.
He urged Italy to utilize its participation in the Sharm Al Shaikh summit to work towards easing suffering of the Palestinians in Gaza and to devise a mechanism to ensure that violence does not flare up again in Gaza. "We hope that the ceasefire in Gaza will be a precursor for a consensus by the summits for the peace and security of the people of Palestine and Israel," he said.
Al Ghurair reiterated the Palestinian people's right in setting up their independent state, as well as Israel's right to exist. "It is necessary to send aid to Gaza, to resume dialogue, to maintain Palestinian unity and that Iran should not interfere in the Palestinian issue. It is also important that Arabs should unify their view so Europe can help in the efforts to achieve peace." – Emirates News Agency, WAM
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Annuario EAU 2008 completo in inglese e francese (in formato pdf). Informazioni complete e aggiornate su tutti gli aspetti degli EAU.
