Bahrain criticises Ahmadinejad's visit to Abu Mousa

Manama: Bahrain on Thursday slammed the visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the island of Abu Mousa, saying that it was a violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a breach of bilateral accords for peace and security in the region.

At a meeting to review the latest local and regional developments, Prime Minister Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa expressed full solidarity with the UAE on its sovereignty over its territories, including the three islands of Abu Mousa, the Lesser Tunb and the Greater Tunb.

Bahrain condemns any action that constitutes a violation of the UAE sovereignty and could undermine efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to the Iranian occupation of the islands, Prince Khalifa said.

The prime minister said that Bahrain fully supported the UAE in its drive to maintain sovereignty over its territories and urged all parties to engage in confidence-building measures and to put an end to any action that could disrupt relations between countries in the region.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are always ready to extend their hands to whoever is keen on common interests, Prince Khalifa said in remarks published by Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa, the foreign minister, said that Bahrain strongly condemned the visit to the island and saw it as a blatant violation of the UAE's sovereignty over its territories.

The minister said that Manama commended the policy of self-restraint adopted by the UAE in addressing the issue of the occupation of its islands while it strives to maintain stability in the Arabian Gulf.

Shaikh Khalid said that Bahrain was following with great interest the implications of the visit.

Bahrain is keen on security and stability in the area as well as on good neighbourly relations, mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, the minister said, BNA reported.

Shaikh Khalid called on Iran to refrain from engaging in activities and making statements that could disrupt relations in the Gulf and hinder the continuation of cooperation and coordination.

"Iran should respond to the calls by the UAE to put an end to the issue of the occupation of the three islands either through direct negotiations or by taking the matter to the International Court of Justice in The Hague," he said.