UAE for peaceful resolution of all issues with Iran

UAE for peaceful resolution of all issues with Iran Staff Reporter / 25 June 2013 The UAE is for long-lasting and effective confidence-building measures (CBMs) and peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with its neighbour Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Monday. The ministry statement said the UAE also continues to contribute to the international efforts aimed at securing global peace and prosperity. “Despite the long-running dispute with Iran on the question of the three occupied UAE islands of Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs and worries about Iran’s nuclear programme, the UAE has kept open all channels of constructive engagement that could result in a mechanism for confidence-building measures and the peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues,” the statement added. However, the ministry affirmed that while continuing to demand the restoration of the UAE’s full sovereignty over the three islands, the country remains committed to its proposal that the issue should be settled either through direct, serious negotiations or by referral to the International Court of Justice. About Syria, the ministry said the UAE was concerned about the appalling and dangerous conflict there. “As has been noted by the Foreign Minister, the UAE supports the emergence of a non-sectarian government in the country which will protect the rights of its various communities. With regards to the current and escalating civil conflict, the UAE has provided substantial support for refugees in neighbouring countries, while participating in the Friends of Syria group, supporting Arab and international initiatives to bring the bloodshed to an end and in the work of the Task Force entrusted with future reconstruction of the Syrian economy,” the policy statement added. The UAE is one of the major contributors to humanitarian assistance and development projects in Palestine, as well as to the direct budget of the Palestinian Authority. Overall, the UAE has provided over $3 billion in aid to the Palestinians, including development funds for infrastructure, housing, hospital and school projects. In addition, the country donated $174 million towards reconstruction in Gaza. Aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan About peace efforts in Afghanistan, the statement said the UAE continues to contribute constructively to the international efforts aimed at stabilising war-torn country. “Besides the active role played by units of the UAE Armed Forces in supporting the Afghan Governments to restore the security, the UAE has also provided Dh5.5 billion in aid to Afghanistan, mainly devoted to infrastructure: road-building, schools, mosques and hospitals,” the ministry said in the statement. The UAE is the only Arab country performing humanitarian activities on the ground in Afghanistan. The country also emphasises the importance of achieving harmony, building confidence and strengthening cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours, particularly Pakistan. Given Pakistan’s proximity to the Gulf region, the UAE has continued to affirm the importance of that country’s stability. The Project to Assist Pakistan is carrying out 28 development and humanitarian projects worth $54.5 million in South Waziristan province, including schools and colleges. Beyond the region, the UAE’s foreign policy continues to adapt to accommodate the evolving changes in the global community. As part of its pragmatic approach, the UAE is building bilateral and multilateral relations with both industrialised and developing countries, while strengthening ties both with its traditional allies in the West and with those in South and East Asia. Referring to the country’s nuclear energy policy, the ministry statement said the country’s quest for nuclear energy also witnessed intense diplomatic efforts to develop cooperation mechanisms to guarantee a credible and comprehensive civilian programme. news@khaleejtimes.com   Taylor Scott International