Tehran aims for ‘Arab chaos’

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, has accused Iran of trying to push Arab states into “a descent into chaos”.

The UAE and the region, he said, should stand together to resist foreign interference in the domestic affairs of Arab countries.

Dr Gargash restated the UAE’s commitment to resolving the crisis in Yemen, where Houthi rebels backed by Iran seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2015. The UAE is part of the Saudi-led coalition to restore the country’s legitimate government.

“Iran is at the top of this list, and its accomplices, in its persistence to back extremist groups and the training and equipping of terrorists and militias. And insisting on promoting sectarianism in hoping the Arab nations descend into chaos,” he said.

At a meeting of foreign minis-

ters of the Arab League nations in Egypt yesterday, Dr Gargash also raised the subject of Qatar and the need for Doha to commit to making as much effort as its neighbours to maintain regional security.

“With all the wars we are witnessing, we need all countries to stop drawing backing from sources that do not want peace,” he said.

The problem must be solved through diplomacy and mediation must begin with Qatar adhering to the 13 demands made by the so-called quartet – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt.

Dr Gargash also said Doha had to be more transparent in its efforts to resolve the crisis and stop trying to destabilise the region.

“Since the four countries took action and Qatar got caught up in its crisis, politically, dealings have become easier in Libya, Syria, in Yemen. This leads to the conclusion that there was support, financing, to make the situation worse,” he said.

Dr Gargash said dialogue was the only way forward, but only when Doha shows an honest and transparent desire to negotiate.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar came close to resolving the crisis when the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim, spoke with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on Friday.

But Saudi Arabia called for the talks to be suspended after the ministry of foreign affairs said Doha was not serious about resolving the crisis.

The issue appears to be a dispute over protocol – specifically over how Qatar failed to mention that it had initiated the phone call.

The UAE also restated its grievances towards Iran’s occupation of two of its islands, the Lesser and Greater Tunbs, saying Iran must return to the negotiating table.

Dr Gargash said countering terrorism while keeping stability should be the main goal for the region’s governments.

On Syria and Iraq and the fight against ISIL, he said the Arab League was ready to support internationally recognised solutions.

With all the wars we are witnessing, we need all countries to stop drawing backing from sources that do not want peace DR ANWAR GARGASH Minister of State for Foreign Affairs