Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Saudi Shura member calls for unified position to counter Iran
A member of the Saudi Shura Council has called for a strong unified Arab position to counter Iran's aggressive designs in the Arab region, according to a report in Elaph, an electronic newspaper, on Sunday.
- Gulf News Report
- Published: 23:28 August 24, 2008
Dubai: A member of the Saudi Shura Council has called for a strong unified Arab position to counter Iran's aggressive designs in the Arab region, according to a report in Elaph, an electronic newspaper, on Sunday.
Dr. Mohammad Al Zalfa unleashed an unprecedented barrage of criticism at Iran and its aggressive policies against Arabs, referring to its occupation of the UAE's three islands of Abu Mousa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
"Iran and Israel are two sides of the same coin since both are still occupying Arab territories," said Dr Al Zalfa.
He unleashed a strong attack against Iran, accusing it of playing the same strategy as Israel in the region.
"Iran's occupation of the UAE islands stands as evidence that it has no respect for its neighbours and their rights," Dr. Al Zalfa said.
He added that Iran rejected the UAE's call to resolve the issue of the occupied islands by peaceful means or international arbitration, reiterating the UAE's right to regain its occupied islands.
Provocative statements
Al Zalfa also described statements by Iranian officials as provocative, referring to a statement by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister who said the region will remain in crisis as long as monarchies remain in the Gulf .
He also said the only way to solve the crisis is to remove the ruling regimes in the Gulf.
Lately, Tehran reiterated that Abu Mousa is an integral part of Iran, and misunderstanding about the island can be solved through talks between the UAE and Iran and the 1971 memorandum of understanding.
Al Zalfa criticised some Arab countries for not looking at Iran the same way they look at Israel, as he sees both countries as occupiers.
He strongly condemned Iran for its "hidden agenda" pointing to its involvement in Iraq and other areas in the region.
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