UAE calls on Tehran to settle their disputes

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday urged Iran to respond to the calls to settle their disputes over three Gulf islands.

In statements issued by the UAE Gulf News daily, the UAE's deputy premier, Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed al-Nahyan, said that a positive response from the Iranian side concerning disputes over the islands would strengthen stability in the region.

Asked about the deal signed this week between the UAE and the USA to buy 80 US jets (F-16), the UAE official said that his "country seeks to buy advanced technology in the area of defense in order to protect its territories and achievements."

The UAE calls for sovereignty over Abu Mousa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb islands, situated at the entrance of the straits of Hormuz, which facilitiate one fifth of the world's oil exports.