AIPU affirms UAE's sovereignty over three occupied Islands

Abu Dhabi, April 14, 2013 (WAM) - The 19th Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union (AIPU) Conference has stressed the UAE's full sovereignty over its three Islands Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa, occupied by Iran. It also supported all the measures and peaceful means taken by the UAE to restore its sovereignty over the islands. In the final statement of the conference, held in Kuwait, the IPU slammed the Iranian government's continuous occupation for the three UAE islands and violating the sovereignty of the UAE, pointing out that "this threatens security and stability in the region and of the international peace and security as well". The statement also expressed concern at continuing Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the GCC states and violating their sovereignty and independence, calling on Iran to stop these practices and stick to the principles of good-neighborhood, laws, international conventions and norms. The conference urged Iran to resolve differences in amicable methods and direct talks and not resort to threats or force so as to ensure to security and stability of the region, particularly the security and stability of Bahrain. It called on the Arab parliaments to enact legislation to promote democracy and human rights and freedoms. The final statement tackled other issues regarding the current situation in the Arab Region. – Emirates News Agency, WAM