Israel accord opened possibilities of peace in the region, says UAE

New York - Sheikh Abdullah announces UAE's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the historic peace accord signed between the UAE and Israel, supported by American efforts, has opened wide horizons for achieving a comprehensive peace in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah indicated that resolving crises, especially in the Arab region, requires taking a unified international stance that rejects breaches of sovereignty and the interference in the internal affairs of the states.
Sheikh Abdullah made these comments in his virtual address to the UN General Assembly during the General Debate of the 75th session of the body in New York where he also announced the UAE's candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the term 2022-2023.
Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the UAE's commitment to following the same principles upon which it was founded; which are to maintain international peace and security in cooperation with members of the UN Security Council.
Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the importance of adhering to the principles of the Charter of the UN, which continues to be at the core of the UAE's foreign policy, especially in its endeavour to restore stability to the Middle East.
Sovereignty over three islands
He also affirmed the UAE's firm position and its legal right regarding its sovereignty over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, occupied by Iran in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter. He noted that all historical documents confirm the UAE's historic legal claim of those islands, which have been under Arab rule since ancient times.
Stressing the need for international unity, the UAE's top diplomat said: "Despite the mounting global threats, the UAE believes that we can transform unprecedented challenges into great opportunities by uniting our efforts and building international institutions capable of coping with current and emerging challenges. These past months have proven that confronting international threats requires taking collective action and wise leadership to forge a coordinated international response to address the implications of these threats".
Drawing attention to the expansionist ambitions of some states in the Middle East region, the UAE foreign minister called upon the international community to end the interference in the internal affairs of states and to hold accountable those who finance it.
"These warnings stemmed from our reality and experience. The tensions in Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq and other states are all related to blatant interference in Arab affairs made by states that incite strife and discord, or that have historical delusions of restoring their domination and colonial rule over the Arab region and the Horn of Africa," the minister added.
Referring to the Yemen situation, Sheikh Abdullah reiterated the UAE's principled commitment to find a political solution to the festering problem.
Call for Libyan ceasefire
Calling for an immediate ceasefire in Libya, the Sheikh Abdullah expressed deep concern regarding Turkey's military interference in Libya which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, undermined efforts to reach a peaceful solution, and destabilised the entire region.
Stressing the need to restore peace in Syria and Iraq, the Foreign Minister said the process requires continuing the efforts to rebuild liberated areas, strengthen the rule of law in these areas, and protect communities against extremism and terrorism.
Speaking about the Palestinian issue, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE remains committed to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with the relevant international resolutions and added the UAE has made persistent efforts using all available diplomatic channels to affirm total rejection of the annexation of Palestinian territory.
Referring to the humanitarian record of the UAE, Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE has been at the forefront responding to the impacts of the pandemic by providing assistance, supporting international institutions, and sending aid to communities around the world.
Speaking on the fight against the coronavirus, he said the UAE was committed to applying strict preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus and drew attention to the largest possible number of tests conducted by the country.
"The advanced digital infrastructure in the UAE facilitated the resumption of work and remote study," he said.
Announcing the UAE's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period 2022-2023, Sheikh Abdullah said: "We recognise the significant responsibility associated with membership on the Security Council and the extensive challenges the Council faces, and we affirm that the UAE will work towards solving the important issues confronting states with resolve and determination."