UK condemns Iran President's visit to UAE island

London Britain slammed on Thursday the recent visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad to the disputed island of Abu Musa as ''highly unfortunate''.

 A Foreign Office spokesperson said:'' The United Kingdom supports a peaceful settlement to the conflict between the UAE and

the Islamic Republic of Iran over Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb islands acceptable to both parties, in accordance with international law'.

In a terse statement, carried by KUNA, the spokesperson affirmed that this should be either through direct negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice.

The UK said it '' valued the measured approach ''taken by the UAE over the issue''.

''The recent visit by Iranian President Ahmedinejad to Abu Musa Island was ''highly'' unfortunate and only serves to make matters worse,'' Britain underscored.