Iran big obstacle to regional peace

The UAE has called for a zero-tolerance policy towards parties and groups who fund and support terrorism, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said while addressing the 72nd session of the UN General assembly in New York.

Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE's foreign policy is guided by principles consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and international law: a spirit of partnership, support for the rule of law, good-neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.

"These principles lead us to support a stronger role for the United Nations and its reform so that it can fulfil its mandate to maintain international peace and security and to bring about development and prosperity," he added.

"The UAE works hard and responsibly, both within its neighbourhood and beyond it, to promote the stability and development of Arab countries and tackle the destruction which our region's wars have left in their wake. Despite serious regional and international efforts, our region continues to suffer from crises, " the minister said.

Sheikh Abdullah said that as an international community, progress had been made in confronting security and humanitarian threats; however, more can be done to restore stability in the Arab world.

He referred to the historic Riyadh summit and its outcome that demonstrated the Arab and Islamic world stand against terrorism and its ideological roots.

"We believe that the elimination of this threat from our Arab region is within our reach."

The liberation of ancient Arab cities with a rich history, such as Mosul in Iraq and Mukalla in Yemen from the grip of terrorist organisations is proof of this."

Sheikh Abdullah said that collective action must be undertaken to identify countries that support and finance terrorism and hold them accountable.

"This is why the UAE has taken measures in tandem with its close allies Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, aimed at stopping Qatar's support for extremism and terrorism, and forcing it to abandon policies which have destabilised our region." "We are committed to protecting our national interests, the security of the Arabian Gulf, and the stability of our region. Some parties in our region are making alliances with organisations that seek to undermine peace and security in the Arab region."

Sheikh Abdullah said: "The common factor in all crises suffered in the region and the real obstacle to any concrete progress in resolving it remains the hostile and expansionist policy of Iran in the region. That policy is one of interference in the internal affairs of other states and of arming and supporting terrorist groups, such as the Houthis and Hezbollah."

"Iran has not only committed blatant violations of the principles of sovereignty but also continues to exploit the crises in the Arab world to undermine regional security by inciting and fuelling conflicts. Iran must realise that peaceful co-existence based on respect for sovereignty in the region is the best basis for a harmonious relationship with the states of the Arabian Gulf," he said.

He also reaffirmed the UAE's firm position and its legitimate right to sovereignty over its three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, which are occupied by Iran in violation of the provisions of International Law and the Charter of the UN.

Speaking on Iran's nuclear agreement, he said that two years have passed "with no sign of change in its hostile behaviour in the region or any desire to abandon its nuclear ambitions."

Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE views the provocative behaviour of North Korea as a part of the destructive efforts of such states to pursue their nuclear ambitions and threaten global security and stability. "We reiterate the need for the UN to assume its responsibilities especially with regard to the recent violence and ethnic cleansing committed against the Rohingya in Myanmar. The UAE condemns the acts of violence and punishment committed against the Rohingya and affirms that it will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and support efforts taken to reduce their suffering," he added.

Source: Khaleej Times