FNC Speaker calls on European Parliament to adopt clear stance on occupied islands

BRUSSELS, 28th April, 2016 (WAM) – Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of the Federal National Council, FNC, has called on Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, EP, to adopt a clear position regarding Iran's occupation of the three UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa, requesting him to call for an end to the occupation through the use of peaceful means and direct negotiations, or else refer the dispute to the international Court of Justice in order to establish security and stability in the region. Dr. Al Qubaisi made these comments during a recent visit to Brussels, where she met with a number of European Union officials. The FNC Speaker also stressed the importance of requesting Iran to stop interfering in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East, respect the sovereignty of neighbouring states and not meddle with their internal affairs, adhere to international conventions and treaties, stop embracing and harbouring terrorist groups and igniting sectarian strife, and refrain from supporting terrorist militias. Al Qubaisi went on to point out that the UAE, through its participation in Arab and international alliances to fight terrorism, is working towards establishing peace and eliminating threats to regional peace and security. During the meeting, the two sides also reviewed the latest developments in the Gulf and Arab region, particularly Syrian refugees and the UAE’s efforts to provide humanitarian and relief assistance to the Syrian people. Al Qubaisi said that the UAE was among the first to provide assistance to countries hosting the Syrian refugees by providing food and medical aid, and building adequate camps to house thousands of refugees, pointing out that in the last four years, the UAE had provided more than US$137 million in aid for Syrian refugees. Martin Schulz, said he supports the UAE's position and its calls for stability and peace in the Arab and Middle East region, commending the active global role it plays in this matter and for its support of the Syrian people. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395294778357.html