Oman: Gulf-Iranian rapprochement is positive for settling Emirates-Iran islands disputes

Omani Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Youssef Bin Alawi has said that consolidation of Gulf - Iranian rapprochement does not obstruct settling the conflict between the United Arab Emirates and Iran over the islands, rather "backs such a settlement."

In a statement to the London-based al-Hayat daily Bin Alawi stressed that Oman seeks to take part in an atmosphere which will be conducive to a proper framework for understanding between the UAE and Iran. He continued that the Gulf Cooperation Council will seek to find a framework for settling the question of the islands, in light of the desire expressed by both Iran and the UAE to find a solution for this question.

Bin Alawi, on the other hand, expressed his optimism over achieving a progress in the Middle East peace process. He added that he finds that Israeli Prime Minister-elect Ehud Barak is strong enough to make him capable of taking a decision for making peace, adding that the "US has also a strong will to give Middle East peace a push forward."