ABU DHABI // Iran’s objection to a speech delivered by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed at the UN General Assembly does not change any facts, Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said on Sunday.
On Saturday, Sheikh Abdullah, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, delivered a statement in New York in which he reiterated the UAE's sovereignty over three islands – Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa – that are occupied by Iran.
He also criticised Iran for undermining the security of the region by interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours.
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› Read the full speech here: Sheikh Abdullah renews UAE's call for Iran to return occupied islands in UN speech
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“The Shah’s regime occupied the three UAE islands and this occupation continues to date,” Dr Gargash said on Twitter.
“There is consensus between all states of this region that Iran’s regional policy is one of the key causes of instability in the Arab world where Tehran is alone in believing otherwise.”
He said the routine and unconvincing denial of these facts by Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs has caused neighbouring countries to suffer from its interference, the state news agency Wam reported.
Dr Gargash said acknowledging the occupation would be half of the solution.
newsdesk@thenational.ae