Iraq told to abide by UN resolutions

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called upon Iraq to fully abide by all the UN resolutions to help prevent another crisis in the region.

Delivering a speech at the inauguration of the 15th Legislative Chapter of Abu Dhabi's National Consultative Council, Sheikh Sultan yesterday touched upon a number of regional and international issues.

Sheikh Sultan inaugurated the council on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

He opened the council under his capacity as Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, which is the higher legislative body of the emirate chaired by Sheikh Khalifa.

In his speech, Sheikh Sultan spoke about the strengthening of relations within the GCC framework, the continued Israeli brutalities against innocent Pales-tinian people, international terrorism and the Iraqi issue.

Referring to Iraq, the Deputy Prime Minister said the Iraqi people have been suffering from international sanctions for years.

"It is time that Iraq fully abides by all the UN resolutions so that international sanctions are lifted on the country. Iraq should comply with the international legitimacy to prevent Iraqi people suffering from the continued sanctions."

Appealing for global peace, Sheikh Sultan also elaborated on the fears of looming wars and clash of civilisations in the world.

"The world today is witnessing signs of division, which threaten wars and unlimited disasters. The world is also going through clash of civilisations. Now we hear of endless wars as if humanity is going back despite the achievements which have been made."

Referring to the problems in the Middle East and Palestine, Sheikh Sultan reaffirmed UAE's firm stance that Israel should strictly heed to the international resolutions.

Condemning Zionist oppression against the Palestinian women and children, Sheikh Sultan said: "Israel should put an end to state terrorism to abide by the UN resolutions, and destroy its weapons of mass destruction. Israel should also pull out from all the Occupied Arab Territories and allow the Palestinians to set up their own independent state with Jerusalem as its capital."

Talking about relations within the GCC, Arab and Muslim countries, Sheikh Sultan said the current developments demand further cooperation and unity for the prosperity of the people.

"We, in the GCC, Arab and Muslim countries should further strengthen our relations and intensify cooperation to protect our interests. We are also required to extend our cooperation with the rest of the international community, particularly friendly countries."

The Deputy Prime Minister also said the regional, Arab and Muslim countries also need to stand united and protest and condemn Israeli terrorism and fight for humanity.

"We believe in peace and stability in the entire world. We believe in peaceful coexistence and freedom."

The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the desire of the UAE to boost fraternal relations with the other GCC member countries and the Arab and Muslim world, and enhance cooperation with friendly countries.

He also conveyed greetings from Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa to the speaker and members of the council.

He said the wise leadership of Sheikh Zayed and his directives have contributed greatly to the process of the development of the UAE and its prosperity.

He concluded by wishing the council success in discharging its duties and shouldering its responsibilities.

He thanked Sheikh Khalifa for his support to the council and said that he has derived his visions from Sheikh Zayed's wise leadership and guidance.

"On this occasion, I would like to wish you success in discharging your duties and shouldering your responsibilities. I also pray to Allah to help us all to achieve what is in the best interest of our dear nation."