People behind Al Mabhouh killing will be brought to justice — Abdullah

Dubai: European envoys were invited on Sunday by the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to discuss the case of the murder of a Hamas official in Dubai as the government voiced "deep concern" that passports of close allies were used to carry out an assassination on its soil.

"We fully intend that those responsible are brought to account for their actions," said Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, referring to the assassination of Hamas commander Mahmoud Al Mabhouh on January 19.

In a statement carried by Emirates news agency WAM, the government expressed its concern that the passports used by the assassins to enter Dubai were of those countries whose citizens enjoy preferential visa waivers to the UAE.

The operation is widely believed to be the work of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

"Like all civilised nations, we abide by these principles and we will deal with this criminal act within the international framework expected of civilised nations," Shaikh Abdullah said.

Global threat

The statement by Shaikh Abdullah followed a meeting between Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and EU ambassadors, WAM said, without specifying which ambassadors were called in.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of the European countries in continuing the investigation and cooperation with the UAE "until the culprits behind this crime are brought to justice".

"The abuse of passports poses a global threat, affecting both countries' national security as well as the personal security of travellers.

"The UAE is grateful for the cooperation it has received and will continue to do everything to protect its long-held position as a hospitable country that provides stability and security for its citizens as well as the residents, visiting tourists and the thriving business community within the bounds of UAE law," said Shaikh Abdullah.

The Foreign Ministry has been closely co-coordinating with all relevant government entities, including police and security services, in order to thoroughly investigate the assassination and ascertain complete details and profiles of the perpetrators, reported WAM.

Dubai Police chief Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim said earlier that new security procedures would be introduced to "control entry to the country" but added that they "would not be noticeable".

There have been conflicting reports as to whether any of those involved in the operation used diplomatic passports to enter the country.

UAE media reported earlier that information yet to be revealed points to the use of diplomatic passports but a security source who asked not to be named denied those reports in an interview with Gulf News.

Eleven suspects have so far been revealed, but more are believed to be known to the police.