US and France back UAE over islands

Abu Dhabi, April 19, 2012 (WAM) - The United States, France and the Arab Group at the United Nations expressed their solidarity with the UAE on the issue of its islands occupied by Iran according to a report by "Gulf News." The US called on Tuesday for a peaceful resolution of the issue between the UAE and Iran over the islands of Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, saying the recent visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to Abu Musa only complicated the situation. "The United States reiterates its support for a peaceful resolution between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran over the Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and the Lesser Tunb islands," said State Department spokesman Mark Toner in a statement. France criticised the visit by Ahmadinejad to the island last week, saying that it clashed with the UAE efforts to find a solution to the issue. Bernard Valero, the foreign ministry spokesman, told the Kuwait News Agency Iran should play a constructive role in efforts to reach a peaceful and fair settlement to the issue in accordance with the international law and the United Nations Charter. Arab Group condemns In a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the Arab Group at the United Nations condemned Ahmadinejad's visit to the UAE island which is occupied by Iran since 1971. They have also called to put an end to the Iranian occupation of the three UAE islands. The letter stated that the visit is a flagrant violation of the principles of UN Charter and norms of the international law. Ahmadinejad's visit to the island sparked condemnation from the UAE, Arab countries and the recall of UAE's ambassador from Iran. Ahmadinejad has warned that Iran would respond with force to any threats to its territorial integrity. – Gulf News