The Bahraini House of Representatives firmly condemned the provocative visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last Wednesday to the UAE Island of Abu Musa, which has been occupied by Iran since 1971, describing the visit as a flagrant violation of the UAE's sovereignty, the principles of the United Nations Charter and the International Law. According to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the Bahraini parliament described the Iranian move as an attempt to thwart the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, and undermine regional security and stability. In a statement issued today, the House of Representatives criticized Iran's continuous interference in the GCC countries' affairs in disrespect of the territorial sovereignty and independence of their countries, declaring its firm support for the UAE's bid to restore full sovereignty over the occupied islands. The council called on Iran to take steps to show good intentions towards the Arab League-backed UAE's initiative to solve the issue peacefully and through direct negotiations or resort to the International Justice Tribunal to ensure a just and durable solution and enhance friendly and cooperative relations between Iran and the Arab States.
