AL efforts to settle disputes between UAE and Iran

The general secretariat of the Arab League has expressed its readiness to exert peaceful efforts to settle the disputes over the islands under dispute between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.

In a statement to the al-Khaleej daily issued in Sharjah on Tuesday, Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdul Meguid said the three UAE islands Lesser Tanb, Greater Tanb and Abu Mousa are "islands occupied by Iran since the era under the Shah, and this problem should be sorted out through resorting to peaceful solutions between the two neighboring states or by resorting to the International Court of Justice."

The AL chief urged Iran to respond to the UAE proposal to submit the case to the International Court of Justice.

Concerning the Middle East peace process, the AL chief told the paper, "We are still expectant and wait for what will result following the formation of Barak government." He added that it is early to judge Barak's policy.

Concerning convening an Arab summit, Abdul Meguid said that contacts are still continuing in this respect among Arab leaders, adding that he hopes, the prevailing atmospheres will help the participation of all Arab states to ensure the success of the summit, which is expected to be convened following the formation of Barak's government.