UAE official Iran is a neighbor we have to coexist with
United Arab Emirates, Military, 3/16/2000

United Arab Emirates Army chief of staff Sheikh Muhammad Bin Zayed al-Nahyan has denied news that his country was pressured to sign the deal with the USA to buy 80 warplanes.

He added, "Nobody can impose anything on the UAE," adding in a statement to journalists who accompanied him on a plane on Tuesday returning to Abu Dhabi following a visit to Kosovo, that, "UAE policy stems from its people and political leadership."

He stressed replying to a question on the volume of the deal that it is large for the UAE, he said, "This volume came at the special perspective of the UAE to preserve its security and stability, and I do not think that there are limits for defining the size (of the deal) for any country." He asserted that the UAE is "a sovereign state that wants to protect its national resources," saying that Iran always debates the issue of taking part in the security of the Gulf region.

He added that the plane deal with the USA will contribute to ensuring the safety of the Arab Gulf region and Arab security. He commented that, "Iran will be always a neighbor with whom we have to coexist. I think that what is missing between us is a true real language of understanding."

He expressed his optimism that the defense agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council member states will come to light very soon and an agreement will be reached over the border issues between the UAE and "our brothers and neighbors."

Previous Stories:
  UAE, France conduct joint exercises   (2/3/2000)
  French military Gulf 2000 exercises in the Emirates   (1/29/2000)
  The approach of selling 80 US jet fighters to United Arab Emirates   (11/15/1999)

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