FNC urges Iran to leave islands peacefully

The Federal National Council (FNC) has called on Iran to end its occupation of three UAE islands peacefully. In a unique statement marking the 29th anniversary of the Iranian occupation of the islands, the FNC reaffirmed the UAE's right to sovereignty over the islands.

The FNC said it was making this special statement, the first of its kind, to highlight Iran's continued occupation of the islands of Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa.

The anniversary is marked on November 30, and this year it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan. The statement, which stressed the UAE's legitimate rights to the Islands, emphasised the UAE's refusal to give up any of its territory.

"The UAE people will not relinquish an inch of their land no matter how long the occupation continues," the FNC said. The occupation, according to the FNC, clashes with all GCC peaceful bids to end the dispute and the UAE's consistent calls to bring an end to the issue in accordance with international laws, historic ties, friendship and joint interests.

The FNC supports the UAE government's stand on the islands and the peaceful efforts it has made to bring an end to the dispute.