Khalifa: UAE not to be used for Iran attack

Dubai: The UAE will not allow the use of its territory in any military strike on Iran, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in statements published yesterday.
But he urged Tehran to show flexibility and avoid regional tensions.

"We have informed the Iranian brothers in a message carried recently by the foreign minister that we are not party to its conflict with the United States and will not allow our territories to be used for any military, security or intelligence activities against it," the President told the Arabic daily Al Hayat.

"The UAE is an independent and sovereign state that rejects the use of its territories to attack any country, especially if it is a neighbour and Muslim," he added, urging the United States and other Western nations to use diplomatic means and refrain from using military options.

Shaikh Khalifa yesterday arrived in Riyadh leading a high-ranking delegation to the 19th Arab Summit, which begins today.

He was seen off at Abu Dhabi by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Present challenges

"We realise the present dangers and challenges under which the summit is being held," Shaikh Khalifa said upon his arrival in the Saudi capital. "But we are confident that other Arab leaders share our keenness to make this summit an important junction in the joint Arab action."

The Arab world is in dire need to exert all efforts to bring about real solidarity. "Past experiences proved that our strength lies in our solidarity in the face of dangers," added the President.

The summit will debate challenges facing the Arab world and also discuss the Arab peace initiative.

- With additional inputs from WAM