07 July, 2010

UAE and Iran arguing

"July 7 (Bloomberg) -- Iran may bar trips to the United Arab Emirates after the U.A.E.’s envoy to the U.S. said his country supports military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“I hope the government of the U.A.E. will correct this viewpoint,” said Kazem Jalali, the spokesman for the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, according to the state-run Mehr news agency. The U.A.E. should clarify whether the ambassador’s “foul” comments are government policy, he said.
Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba said an attack on Iran may be necessary if sanctions fail to halt the country’s nuclear program, and said the U.A.E. would be willing to weather a domestic backlash against such military action, the Washington Times reported yesterday, citing remarks the U.A.E. diplomat made at an event in Aspen, Colorado.
Jalali said tours to the U.A.E. may be suspended “to guard the reputation of the Iranian people,” as Iranians visiting the country are not being treated well. He said spending by Iranian tourists has helped prevent a worse economic crisis in the U.A.E. and especially Dubai."

More here: Iran MP Slams U.A.E. Envoy Remarks, Says Tours May Be Suspended (Business Week)

4 comments:

Lirun said...

certainly an interesting development..

Anonymous said...

Yousef al-Otaiba is a very inexperienced ambassador. I believe what he expressed is his personal view

TechSlice said...

Why wouldn't he see Iran as a threat. They aren't exactly the best of friends.

Saif said...

It would be very sad if this turns out to be the UAE's policy. As a local and as a muslim, I don't believe it's in our best interests if anymore wars are waged in Arab and Islamic countries. Even if they aren't the best of friends.

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