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* US President Bill Clinton yesterday received here HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who began a three-day official visit to the USA. Sheikh Khalifa conveyed to Clinton the greetings of President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and his wishes for a further progress for the UAE-US friendship and co-operation. Clinton asked Sheikh Khalifa to convey his greetings and wishes for good health and happiness to Sheikh Zayed and more progress and development for the UAE people. Welcoming Sheikh Khalifa at the White House, Clinton said that Sheikh Khalifa was the first high-level UAE official to visit Washington, and expressed the hope that his visit would mark a turning point in the friendship and co-operation between the two countries. They reviewed relations between the two countries, developments in the Gulf region and the Middle East peace process. The meeting was attended by the UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed al Nahyan, Director of the President's Office Sheikh Dhiyab bin Zayed al Nahyan, Minister of Information and Culture Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the USA Mohammed Hussein al Sha'ali and Director of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research Dr. Jamal Sanad al Suweidi. Also attending on the US side were Vice President Al Gore, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Defence Secretary William Cohen and the National Security Advisor. Sheikh Khalifa and Gore held an extended round of talks. They discussed ways of strengthening co-operation between the two countries in the economic, trade, investment, security and cultural fields. They also reviewed the current situation in the Gulf and the importance of enhancing security and stability in this strategic and vital area of the world. Other topics included the Middle East peace process and the US efforts aimed at achieving a progress in the light of the US proposal related to the implementation of the second stage of the Israeli redeployment in the occupied West Bank. Gore praised President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and described him as a wise leader working for the welfare of his people and country. The US Vice President also praised the foreign policy of the UAE under the leadership of President Sheikh Zayed and the role it plays in preserving security and stability in the Gulf. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Mohammed Hussein and Dr. al Suweidi. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM) * In a joint statement yesterday, the Governments of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, and the United States, US, stressed the necessity for "tangible progress" to be made in the Middle East peace process, and added that this should have the aim of reaching a lasting peace based upon United Nations, UN, resolutions which call on Israel to withdraw from the territory it occupied in the 1967 June War. The statement was issued in both Abu Dhabi and Washington following meetings between HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, US President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. Sheikh Khalifa commenced a three day official visit to Washington yesterday. During the talks, the statement said, "both sides emphasised that there is an urgent need to achieve tangible progress in the Arab-Israeli peace process, with the aim of concluding a lasting, comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East on the basis of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the principle of land for peace, and of making progress on the Syrian/Lebanese track, as well as the necessity that both sides (the Israelis and Palestinians) fulfil all their commitments in accordance with the Oslo Accords." The UN resolutions cited in the statement call on Israel to withdraw from the land it seized in 1967. In comments on other political issues, the statement said that the two sides continued their position of seeking a peaceful resolution to the Iranian occupation of the islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb "either through bilateral relations or through the International Court of Justice." They expressed the hope that the new Iranian leadership "would contribute to the achievement of security and stability in the region," but also agreed that the Iranian Government "has to prove by deeds that it has abandoned policies which involve the use of threats." On Iraq, the statement said, "both Governments express their sympathy for the Iraqi people and call upon Iraq to abide fully by all resolutions passed by the UN Security Council." "Both emphasised that the Iraqi government is responsible for the suffering of the Iraqi people," it added. Announcing the agreement by the UAE to purchase 80 F-16 fighter aircraft >from the United States (see separate story), the statement said that "as a result of this, the United Arab Emirates will be able to achieve an effective defence capability that must be taken into account, as well as the formation of a conventional deterrent capability of quality and excellence." (The 'Emirates News') * The Governments of the UAE and the US announced yesterday that the UAE is to purchase a total of 80 F-16 fighter planes from the USA. The announcement was contained in a joint communique issued by the two Governments following talks in Washington between HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and US President Bill Clinton. The full text of the communiqué follows: "A Joint Statement by the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America on the occasion of the visit of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Washington, 12 May 1998. At the invitation of American President Bill Clinton, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is paying an official visit to the American capital, Washington, during the period 12-14 May 1998. HH Sheikh Khalifa met with President Clinton in the Oval Office on the first day of the visit. HH Sheikh Khalifa conveyed during the meeting the greetings of HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and those of the people of the UAE to President Clinton and the American people. HH Sheikh Khalifa then had a separate meeting with American Vice President Mr. Al Gore, who hosted a working lunch in his honour. It is planned that HH Sheikh Khalifa will meet later with some other senior officials in the (American) Administration and the Congress. For sure, the bilateral relations between the UAE and the US are strong relations, and they have become significantly more extensive at the present time to include constructive and joint co-operation in the commercial, educational and security fields. These close links have become an effective factor in the safeguarding of the security and stability in the Arabian Gulf region. Over the past decades, the two sides have established strong economic ties as a result of a number of initiatives by both governments and the private sector in both countries. There are thousands of Americans residing in and working in the UAE, thousands of UAE citizens are studying in the US and thousands more visit every year. The UAE has become the second largest Gulf market for the US, while the number of American companies doing business in the UAE or using it as a main centre is increasing steadily, due to the availability of an excellent infrastructure and an environment favourable to commercial activity. The regional environment in the Gulf area has experienced a number of threats over the course of the last three decades and the strategic consultations between the UAE and the US remain an essential factor in preserving the national interests of both countries. The signing of the 1994 Defence Co-operation Agreement between the two sides is considered to be an indication of the strength of their relationship. The two sides have agreed on the necessity of encouraging co-operation in the fields of commerce, investment, economy and culture, and in this regard it has also been recognised that there is a need to conclude joint agreements to cover these fields. The two sides discussed the current developments in Iran, and both expressed the hope that the new Iranian leadership would contribute to the achievement of security and stability in the region. At the same time, they also agreed that the new Iranian Government has to prove by deeds that it has abandoned policies which involve the use of threats. On the important issue, yet to be resolved, of the continuation of the Iranian occupation of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunb, the UAE and the US continue to affirm their call for a peaceful resolution to this issue, either through bilateral discussions or through the International Court of Justice. Both Governments express their deep sympathy for the Iraqi people, and call upon Iraq to abide fully by all resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council. Both sides agreed on the necessity for the implementation of the Security Council resolutions and both emphasised that the Iraqi Government is responsible for the suffering of the Iraqi people. On the topic of peace in the Middle East, both sides emphasised that there is an urgent need to achieve tangible progress in the Arab-Israeli peace process, with the aim of concluding a lasting, comprehensive and just peace in the Middle East on the basis of United Nations Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the principle of land for peace, and of making progress on the Syrian/Lebanese track, as well as the necessity that both sides (the Israelis and the Palestinians) fulfil all their commitments in accordance with the Oslo Accords. The UAE side stressed the importance of the issue of Jerusalem as an essential element in the final stage negotiations and expressed its concern at the policies being adopted by the Israeli Government with regard to the peace process and the rights of the Palestinian people. HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan and Al Gore announced today a deal under which the United Arab Emirates will procure from the United States 80 F-16 fighter planes, this being considered to be an important step in supporting the defence capabilities of the UAE. As a result of this, the United Arab Emirates will be able to achieve an effective defence capability that must be taken into account as well as the formation of a conventional deterrent capability of quality and excellence. The deal provides the two countries with an additional factor that will contribute to the achievement of stability in the overall strategic balance in the region, and it will also enable both of them to enhance and strengthen the close existing security relationship between them. President Clinton conveyed his sincere greetings to His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and extended his best wishes for his good health and a long life." (The Emirates News Agency, WAM) * Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan yesterday informed US President Bill Clinton at a meeting in the White House of the UAE's intention to purchase 80 F-16 fighter-bomber jets from Lockheed Martin. US Vice President Al Gore immediately recognised the importance of the deal to the American defence aviation industry. "Some 30,000 Americans will have the opportunity to work as the result of the (forthcoming) contract," he said, in a statement carried by WAM. The contract for the total programme, expected to be signed later this year, is valued at $7.0 billion (Dh 25.7 billion), including weapons and support, according to Lockheed Martin. Senior UAE officials told Reuters the deal was not expected to be signed for several months while the two sides discussed UAE weaponry and electronic systems requirements. They put the value of the deal at $6.0 billion (Dh 22.0 billion). "The deal will be signed after everything is cleared to meet our operational requirements," a senior UAE military official said. "We have to receive a document of details of all specifications, not just verbal promises." In addition to a request for top-of-the-line electronic warfare and other systems, the UAE wants the F-16s fitted with extra fuel tanks to avoid the need for aerial refueling. It wants them armed with weapons like High-Speed Anti-Radar Missiles and Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in the year 2002, Lockheed Martin said. The UAE decision ends an extensive evaluation process that originally included the F-16, the McDonnell Douglas F-15, the Eurofighter consortium's EF-2000 and Dassault Aviation's Rafale. The UAE is the launch customer for the newest version of the F-16, the Block 60, which incorporates a number of new systems and technologies for the multi-role fighter mission. "The development of new features that make up the Block 60 will ensure the F-16 remains the world's most capable multi-role fighter until the next-generation Joint Strike Fighter enters service," said Dain Hancock, President of Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems, in a statement to 'Emirates News' from Forth Worth, Texas. The upgrade package consists of a range of modern systems including conformal tanks for greater range, new cockpit displays, an internal sensor suite, a new mission computer and other advanced features including a new agile beam radar, he said. Lockheed Martin Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vance Coffman welcomed the UAE decision, saying: "This is outstanding news for Lockheed Martin and the worldwide F-16 community. It also strengthens the value, strategically important friendship that has long existed between the US and the UAE." UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan told Reuters that the new aircraft would be manned by UAE pilots. "We have no manpower problem and we have the pilots to fly the new aircraft. We have a 10-year, long-lead programme to prepare our military personnel to operate and maintain our equipment," he told Reuters correspondent Ashraf Fouad in an interview in the US capital. "Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force will provide the training, but we, UAE nationals, will support our new planes," he stressed. (The Emirates News, Agencies)
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