Meddling by Iran poses a major threat
ABDULLAH SAYS ‘DANGEROUS’ SITUATION HAS DEVELOPED DUE TO IRANIAN AGGRESSION
‘Dangerous’ situation has developed in the region due to Iranian aggression, UAE tells UN General Assembly |
The UAE has called for pursuing a comprehensive approach that addresses the different dimensions of the threats in the region.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told the General Debate of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday that an “increasingly dangerous” situation had developed through the unprecedented level of Iranian aggression in the region and the rise of armed terrorist groups.
Shaikh Abdullah listed four challenges faced by the region: the first is foreign interference in the Arab world, particularly Iran, which has “reached an unprecedented level. We could not afford to remain mere spectators when these threats reached Yemen and the brotherly nation of Saudi Arabia, which continues to be subjected to a barrage of Iranian [made] ballistic missiles.”
“The second challenge the region is facing is the spread of extremism and terrorism and the exploitation of modern technology by extremist and terrorist groups to disseminate their dangerous ideologies,” he added.
The third challenge was the prolonged crises in the region, while the deterioration of economic, social, and humanitarian conditions was the fourth big challenge that the region is facing, Shaikh Abdullah noted.
The Foreign Minister blamed Al Houthis’ failure to attend peace talks in Geneva for the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen, despite the UAE aid efforts.
Terror supporter
Condemning Iran’s support to terrorist groups in the Arab world, Shaikh Abdullah said, “We cannot continue to rely on other states to solve issues in our country.”
As well as obstructing humanitarian assistance, Al Houthis are receiving arms from Iran, planting landmines and recruiting children to fight, Shaikh Abdullah said.
He reiterated the vital role of the United Nations in “supporting political processes, strengthening dialogue, and building confidence among governments to maintain international peace and security, especially in light of the worrying uncertainty that currently defines the international order.”
Shaikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE demand for its legitimate right to sovereignty over its three islands: Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Mousa, which Iran has been occupying for 47 years in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.
He stressed the role the country is playing in counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and pioneering Artificial Intelligence and space technologies.