The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a statement denouncing in the strongest possible terms the visit paid by Iran's Shura Council delegation to the three occupied UAE Islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa. According to WAM, the statement said, "This is a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its territory. It undermines all efforts to find a peaceful solution to this issue through bilateral negotiations or through recourse to the International Court of Justice". The UAE ministry noted that the visits of Iranian officials to the UAE occupied islands from time to time do not change the historical and legal facts on the ground, or deny the existing facts that the Islands are occupied by Iran. "The UAE has historical relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is keen on strengthening the relations through removing all impediments", the statement said, noting that the continued occupation of the three UAE islands by Iran would affect the security and stability needed in the region. The statement underlines the fact that the UAE repeats its calls on the Iranian government to cease continuous provocative violations and uncalled for tension by resorting to settlement of the conflict through international law mechanisms, so as to pave way for better relations in the region.
