Obama backs UAE on islands

The US on Wednesday backed the UAE over the three UAE islands occupied by Iran, as President Barack Obama met General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The two leaders met for lunch at the White House and issued a joint call for a peaceful resolution of the status of the islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, occupied by Iran.

A joint US and UAE statement issued after the meeting, which was closed to the Press, said Obama and Gen Shaikh Mohammed “called for a peaceful resolution of the islands’ status”.

The US “strongly supports the UAE’s initiative to resolve the issue through direct negotiations, the International Court of Justice, or another appropriate international forum,” the statement said.

Obama and Gen Shaikh Mohammed also called on Iran to meet its international nuclear obligations and backed UN envoy Kofi Annan’s tattered plan designed to end bloodshed in Syria, calling for a political transition there.

“Noting the profound changes taking place in other countries in the Middle East, they called on governments and citizens alike to avoid violence, advance tolerance, and protect human rights — particularly the rights of women,” the statement said. “They highlighted the importance of reforms that support accountable governance, increase civic participation, and promote economic opportunities, especially for young people.”

“The President and Crown Prince discussed the importance of protecting critical shipping lanes against threats of aggression, terrorism, and piracy.

“The President congratulated the Crown Prince on the announcement of the opening of a new 1.5 million (barrels per day) oil pipeline that crosses the UAE.”

• UAE