UAE concerned over regional extremism, terrorism and sectarianism

The UAE expressed grave concern at all forms of extremism, terrorism and sectarian divisions in the Middle East region, which have become a serious threat to international peace and security.
Terrorism, apart from being a violation of human rights, threatens the integrity of countries, undermines their social fabric, destroys their security and development achievements, and erodes their cultural heritage, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said in a speech before the 69th UN General Assembly session.
He condemned the "criminal acts" committed by the terrorist organizations, which include indiscriminate killings, mass executions, kidnappings and intimidation of innocent women and children.
"The UAE denounced the brutal methods used by such groups in the name of Islam, as Islam rejects such crimes, which are inconsistent with the moderate approach of Islam and the principles of peaceful coexistence among all people," he added.
With the increased incidents of terrorism and extremism in the region, most notably perpetrated by Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL), he said, the international community must be aware that the threats posed by these terrorist and extremist groups are expanding beyond the region to threaten the rest of the civilized world.
The UAE official said several countries in the region such as Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Libya, and the States of the African Sahel, were suffering from terrorist and rejectionists groups, which have exploited the unstable conditions in these countries and created an environment they believe will guarantee them steady funding, logistical support, training and recruitment.
On Libya, Sheikh Abdullah expressed concern about the deteriorating security conditions and their repercussions on stability of neighboring countries.
He strongly opposed acts committed by terrorist groups, which have undermined the democratically-elected institutions in Libya.
Sheikh Abdullah, meanwhile, rejected the continued Iranian occupation of the three UAE islands - Greater and Lesser Tons and Abu Moussa - and emphasized that all actions and measures carried out by the Iranian authorities were contrary to international law and to all norms and all common human values.
He pointed out that Iran has recently hoisted the Iranian flag on the part of Abu Moussa Island.
"My country strongly protests this action and considers it a flagrant violation of the Memorandum of Understanding devoid of any legal effect on the island," he affirmed.
The UAE, however, welcomed the ongoing negotiations between the P5+l group and Iran aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement on Iran's nuclear program, and affirmed that in order to avoid emergence of an arms race in the region, a final and strict agreement must be reached to prevent the region from further tension and instability.
Sheikh Abdullah expressed disappointment at the lack of tangible outcomes resulting from the peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel.
He meanwhile emphasized that "the stability of our region depends on the stability of Egypt," and regretted statements of some countries, which he did not name, and their unacceptable questioning of the legitimacy of the Egyptian government.