UAE again demands end to occupation of three UAE islands – News

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy delivers country address at UN General Assembly

Ten thousand

The UAE has again called for an end to the Iranian occupation of the country’s three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, speaks at the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.

“History and international law attest to the UAE’s sovereignty over these three islands. Whether through direct negotiations or through the International Court of Justice, we will not stop our legitimate claims to these islands,” she said.

She also highlighted the UAE’s “firm position”, calling for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on agreed international references. “We also welcome the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement from this podium in support of the two-state solution,” she added.

The UAE looks forward to advancing political efforts in the region and overcoming obstacles on the road to peace.

“However, this should be accompanied by a strengthening of the international community’s efforts to oppose interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries. Such interference in Arab affairs undermines all efforts aimed at resolving conflicts and encourages extremism and terrorism, blatantly encroaching on countries in the region sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,” Al Hashemy said.

She called for a firm international stand against terrorism in all its forms.

The world has seen an increase in the flow of weapons to conflict zones and an increase in the participation of people of different ethnic backgrounds in terrorism. “This was further escalated when terrorists used missiles and drones to launch cross-border attacks, reflecting the evolving nature of terrorism.”

These developments require preventing conflict zones from becoming safe havens for terrorists, while continually updating “Our Strategy”.

“This threat was exemplified by the vicious and aggressive attacks by terrorist Houthi militias against our capital, Abu Dhabi, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia earlier this year. At a time when other terrorist groups are seeking to develop their capabilities and restructure their ranks, this approach poses a direct threat to what has been achieved through international cooperation in warfare. Terrorism,” she said.

The minister referred to the devastation caused by floods, heat waves and droughts, “all of which have exacerbated humanitarian crises and security threats, especially in areas most vulnerable to climate change”.

“The fate of our planet is at stake, forcing us to forge partnerships and promote joint action, while strengthening our commitment to supporting climate action by promoting renewable energy, appropriate financing and assisting developing countries to build resilience.”

She called for investment in renewable energy, which means investing in economic resources, international peace and security.

“In this regard, we must use the opportunity to develop practical, logical and well-thought-out solutions to the climate crisis. The UNFCCC 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) to be held in the Arab Republic of Egypt in November is an excellent Opportunity. While we urge all member states to actively participate in this session, the UAE is preparing to host COP28 next year. We are working hard to build partnerships, ensure inclusiveness and focus on areas where meaningful outcomes can be achieved.”