Mohammad wants lead role for UN

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday received UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The UN chief is here to receive the Zayed International Prize for Environment.

They reviewed regional and international issues, including the Middle East peace process, the situation in Iraq and other issues related to peace and stability in the region.

Shaikh Mohammad called on global powers to let the United Nations assume a leading role in encouraging dialogue between nations in order to preserve peace and world stability.

Shaikh Mohammad stressed the need to settle conflicts and resolve problems peacefully and not to resort to violent means, arms race and policies promoting double standards. It will ensure justice and freedom to all nations.

End occupation

He also referred to the importance of intensifying international cooperation and adopting an efficient mechanism to implement international resolutions related to the freedom and independence of nations.

"Justice and ending occupations are the only way for one world free of unconventional weapons, poverty, injustice and ignorance," Shaikh Mohammad said. Annan praised the UAE for its political, economic and humanitarian stands at both regional and international levels.

"The UAE's balanced stances reflects the wise vision of its leadership regarding just issues in various parts of the world," Annan said. Annan spoke of the UAE's support for issues of freedom, independence, peace and stability in the world, as well as its unlimited humanitarian assistance, and financial support to the UN organisations.

He thanked Shaikh Mohammad for establishing the Zayed International Environment Prize, considering it an international achievement that is highly valued amid UN circles. "The prize encourages and contributes to the protection of environment and public health, not at the regional level, but also at the international level.

"It also reflects Shaikh Mohammad's noble humanitarian feelings towards humanity and human life," Annan said.

Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday received Nane Annan, wife of UN chief Kofi Annan.

They discussed humanitarian and international issues, and the UN's role in relief operations.

Nane praised Princess Haya for her humanitarian efforts in supporting the World Food Programme as its Goodwill Ambassador, and her visits to disaster-stricken people.

Princess Haya will leave today for Turin in Italy, to meet Chairman of the International Olympic Committee Jacques Rogge to discuss sport-related issues.