Iraq pullout 'timetable' necessary

Seoul: The UAE expressed hope the United States would leave Iraq according to a clearly set timetable and called for a peaceful resolution to Iran's controversial nuclear issue.

“What is happening in the Gulf, especially the situation in Iraq and the Iranian nuclear programme, worries us but must not stop us from implementing our economic plans,'' His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai told journalists in Seoul on Tuesday, the last day of his two-day visit to South Korea.

“We hope that the US forces would leave Iraq within a defined timetable,'' he said.

He added the Iranian standoff with the US over the nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully. He added that Iran says its nuclear programme is “only peaceful energy.''

Shaikh Mohammad, who leaves Seoul later on Tuesday, met earlier with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun. They discussed means to expand bilateral ties. The UAE Vice President is also due to meet with Korean Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook.

Four agreements are to be signed today.