Bahrain backs UAE’s claims over islands occupied by Iran

Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain yesterday affirmed the right of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to restore its sovereignty over their three islands occupied by Iran.

This came as the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to United Nations (UN) in New York, Ambassador Jamal Faris Al Ruwaie, was speaking during a general panel discussion on the Special Political Issues and Decolonization Committee (4th Committee).

Bahrain’s envoy to the UN called on Iran to respond to the efforts of the UAE to resolve the issue through negotiation or the International Court of Justice.

The dispute is over the islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa.

He also reiterated support to efforts aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue following the two-state solution, resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

On this note, Al Ruwaie hailed the crucial role of the UN in addressing international and regional problems and finding appropriate solutions to settle them.

Al Ruwaie further renewed the support of Bahrain for the efforts of Morocco to find a political solution to the issue of the Moroccan Sahara.

The Bahraini envoy also told the session participants to take steps to achieve the Declaration on Granting Independence to Colonial Countries and the implementation of UN resolutions in this regard.

In this regard, the Ambassador highlighted Bahrain’s vision; under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as a strategic option to achieve peace and stability process in the Middle East.

He pointed out the recent signing of a joint historic statement between Bahrain and Israel on establishing diplomatic relations, in addition to several deals between the ministries of the two states and other areas of cooperation.