Riyadh: The GCC (Gulf Cooperaion Council) Ministerial Council has renewed its support for the sovereign right of the UAE over its three Islands occupied by Iran, besides the UAE sovereign rights over its territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of the three islands.
The GCC Foreign Ministers, last night concluded the 114th session of the Ministerial Council in Riyadh.
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, headed the UAE delegation that took part in the meetings held under the chairmanship of Shaikh Mohammad Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, Kuwait's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The council in its statement regretted the failure of contacts with Iran to produce positive results towards resolving the issue of the islands, thus contributing to strengthening security and stability in the region by peaceful means. It called on Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or through the International Court of Justice.
The council condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud Al Mabhouh in Dubai, which constituted a violation of UAE sovereignty and security as well as a violation of international law.
The council decided to support UAE's re-nomination for the membership of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of the third category from 2010 to 2013. It decided to support UAE re-nomination for membership of the Governing Council of the International Telecommunication Union and support its candidate for the membership of the Radio Regulations Board from 2010 to 2014.
On Iran's nuclear programme, the council reaffirmed its firm position on the importance of adhering to the principles of international legitimacy.
