GCC ministers urge Iran’s leader to hand back UAE islands

The GGC has reiterated its rejection of Iran's occupation of the three UAE islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. Also condemned a July attack on the UAE's embassy compound in Libya.

Foreign ministers from the GCC countries have called on Iran’s newly elected president to end the country’s occupation of three UAE islands, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa.

Ministers from each of the six countries met this week in Jeddah, where they repeated their support for UAE sovereignty of the islands, and their territorial waters and airspace.

They said cooperating with Iran had produced no result in the dispute and urged the country to negotiate directly with the UAE or refer the case to the International Court of Justice.

The ministers said resolving the issue would aid stability and security in the region.

Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, represented the UAE at the meeting.

The ministers said they hoped Hassan Rouhani’s presidency would be constructive for the region and bring the GCC and Iran closer.

They said they sought to build a relationship with Iran based on non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respect for each others’ borders, and by refraining from the threat of force.

Ministers repeated their condemnation of a July terrorist attack on the UAE embassy compound in Tripoli, Libya, saying it was crucial to protect diplomatic missions and engage in joint international counter-terrorism operations.