Gargash hits out at Iran's intransigence on UAE islands

Dubai - The UAE Minister said the illegal occupation of the three islands does not legitimise Iran's sovereignty.

UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash has slammed the excessive exuberance displayed by the Iranian representative at the recent Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's foreign ministers meeting held in Abu Dhabi on its occupation of three UAE islands - The Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa. 
In a series of tweets sent out on Monday, the UAE Minister said Iran has been embarrassing itself at every international forum by its patently illegal defence of its occupation of the three islands in Arabian Gulf.
Stating the UAE is committed to a peaceful resolution of the issue through dialogue and arbitration, Dr Anwar Gargash said the illegal occupation of the three islands does not legitimise Iran's sovereignty. Imposing facts on the ground through sheer force is not the way to solve the claims over disputed lands, he added.
At the OIC meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, called on Iran to stop spreading chaos in the region. "We reiterate our demands to our neighbour Iran to review its policy and to stop interference in the affairs of states," Sheikh Abdullah said.
Adel Al Jubeir, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, speaking at the OIC meeting, also backed the UAE's sovereignty over the three islands. 
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE