UAE prepared to defend itself against security threats

Abu Dhabi, July 4, 2008 (WAM) - The country will continue working to protect
its natural resources, including oil, from security threats which have
become a heavy burden on the global economy, said Lieutenant-General Hamad
Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces according to a
report in 'Khaleej Times.'

In a keynote speech at the first Gulf Naval Commanders Conference held in
the capital yesterday, Al Rumaithi said although the country is an advocate
for peace, this does not mean that it will not be prepared to defend itself
against external security threats.

Focused on the importance of creating a secure GCC network for ensuring
maritime security, and combating threats in the waters surrounding GCC
countries, the conference featured navy commanders from the UAE, Kuwait, the
US, the UK and France.

Answering a question about geopolitical tension with neighbouring countries,
Rear Admiral Ahmed Mohammed Al Teneji, Commander of the UAE Navy, said Iran
is an ally and does not pose a maritime threat.

"Iran is a neighbouring country; we are joined by many interests. Ensuring
the security of the Gulf is a collective project that includes Iran, and the
country does not perceive any current threat from Iran. But we are also
prepared to defend ourselves," he said.

As the commander of the US Naval Forces Central Command, Vice-Admiral Kevin
Cosgriff, Commander, US 5th Fleet, said by helping secure the waters of the
region, his job is to help provide security and enable economic prosperity.
"The world's oceans have always served as a vital link among people and
provided a way to transport goods. Today is no different. Approximately 90
per cent of the world's commerce travels are undertaken by the sea routes,
and thus clearly the importance of keeping oceans safe and open for peaceful
purposes by all is important, if not vital, to the global system," he said

Major-General Al Mullah, Commander of the Kuwaiti Navy, said the region
needs to develop naval training, missions, capabilities such as deterrence
by naval presence, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and
disaster response to combat the current challenges.

"The threat of the Arabian Gulf security as we witnessed in the last five
years is mainly that of Islamic extremist organisations such as Al Qaeda
which have carried out different attacks against naval and commercial ships
as well as suicide attacks against maritime targets and infrastructure such
as the attack against the US ships and the French tanker Limburg in the Gulf
of Eden.

"Other threats to the Arabian Gulf include piracy, illegal trafficking of
people, drugs, weapons, and other dangerous illegal materials such as
weapons of mass destruction," he added.

The event was organised by the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military
Analysis (INEGMA) and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research
(ECSSR).