Annan not to mediate between Iran, UAE expresses hope for bilateral solution

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's spokesman yesterday stated that Annan has not offered mediation between the United Arab Emirates and Iran in the two countries' dispute over sovereignty over three Gulf islands, Greater and Lesser Tunb and Abu Mousa. The statement added that Annan hopes the two states will resume bilateral talks on the issue and that the two can reach a mutually-acceptable solution to the dispute.