whether they are used in wars and intimidation between states or in case they fall in the hands of terror groups. Effective non-proliferation of these destructive weapons requires abandoning double standards. We therefore emphasize the importance of making the whole Middle East, including the Gulf region, free from nuclear weapons. Israel is the only country in the region which is known to possess weapons of mass destruction but is not subjected to any form of monitoring. While we support the rights of all countries to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including acquiring knowledge and nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, we call on Iran and all the countries of the Middle East to strictly respect their obligations under current international conventions and treaties that include specific safeguards to all nuclear programs. We hope that Iran cooperates positively with international efforts that aim to ensure a peaceful and swift end to the Iranian nuclear issue, and to spare the region from futile arm races and serious environmental dangers. In view of the eagerness of the Kingdom and other members of the Gulf Cooperation Council to sustain and develop their relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, we hope that the government of Iran responds positively to the repeated calls by the United Arab Emirates to peacefully resolve the issue of the occupied islands belonging to the UAE. --More
