30th Anniversary of UAE National Day
30th Anniversary of UAE National Day
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On Dec. 2 this year, the federation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked the 30th anniversary of its national day. The reports on this page reveal in brief the past, present and future of the federation. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Since its creation on Dec. 2, 1971, the UAE -- under the wise leadership of President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan -- has adopted a balanced foreign policy that is characterized by moderation and support of human rights and justice.
This policy is based on dialogue with brotherly and friendly nations, respect of international laws and conventions, compliance with United Nations' charters, noninterference in other countries' internal affairs, observing good neighborliness, respecting other countries sovereignty over their own territories and dealing with disputes through peaceful means.
This was clearly expressed by Sheikh Zayed when he said: "As heads of states, we should deal with each other on the basis of tolerance, forgiveness and dialogue, not confrontation, war and destruction. Small countries should do what they can to support the cause of human rights and justice, even if that clashes with the superpowers' point of view."
The UAE president has never ceased to defend just causes worldwide, including the rights of Palestinian and Iraqi peoples. The UAE would have not reached its respected status worldwide during the past 29 years had it not been for the profound belief in extending the hand of friendship and co-operation to all countries of the world and working hard to instill the spirit of forgiveness and noble human values so the world can enjoy security, stability and co-existence between its peoples.
Such values are embodied when Sheikh Zayed noted that "the pillars of our policy are to do what pleases Allah the Almighty. Our foreign relations are strictly dependent on mutual respect with all countries".
Since its creation up to the present day, the UAE has never deviated from the principles it follows in foreign policy. This is evident in its distinctive relationship with all Arab, Islamic and friendly countries.
Since his accession as Ruler of Abu Dhabi on Aug. 6, 1966, Sheikh Zayed begun building a sound foreign policy for the federal body he was envisaging, a dream that came true five years latter.
Reflecting on his deep belief in unity as the best source of strength, Sheikh Zayed said: "Our belief in national, GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council), Arab and Islamic unity is unshakable and beyond any doubt. We do have all the elements (for such a unity) including a common destiny, goal, language, heritage and faith.
"People accuse me of being a unionist, a charge that I do not deny, but I do not impose it on others."
Based on his infinite belief in unity, Sheikh Zayed worked hard with his brothers, leaders of the fellow Arab Gulf countries, to form the GCC, which was launched on May 25, 1981 in Abu Dhabi.
"The GCC is an important step to enhance joint co-operation between the Arab Gulf countries to fulfill aspirations of their peoples. We do believe that any co-operation between the Gulf countries is for the benefit of the Arab nation in general and the Arab League in particular," he said.
The GCC foreign policy, according to Sheikh Zayed, is based on two parallel tracks, as Arab and Islamic countries are considered brotherly according to the teachings of Islam.
"On the other track," he continued, "we base our relations on the grounds that we are part of this vast world and we respect its people the same way they respect us."
As part of his sincere and courageous stance, President Sheikh Zayed also strongly condemned the terrible and criminal acts that took place in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11 this year.
In a telephone conversation with U.S. President George Bush on Sept. 17, Sheikh Zayed reaffirmed to the American president the country's consistent policy of opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, saying that "terrorism is repugnant to Islam and to other divinely-revealed religions" and that it was "a mortal enemy of humanity as a whole".
Sheikh Zayed also told his American counterpart that terrorism required solidarity in the international community, so as to eradicate terrorism wherever it is found. He also reaffirmed the readiness of the UAE to co-operate in fighting terrorism, in accordance with its long-stated policy on this matter.
The UAE president, in conclusion, emphasized that international solidarity against terrorism should be firmly grounded in basic principles, with no question of double standards. He added that the United States and the international community should also work, at the same time, to bring an end to the Israeli terrorist acts in the occupied Palestinian territories, so that people around the world did not perceive any element of injustice.
Sheikh Zayed also believes that there should be a strong international alliance that worked, in parallel, to exert real and sincere efforts to bring about a just and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict.
"The Arabs and the Islamic world cannot accept what is happening in the occupied Palestinian territories - the daily killings, deportations and destruction. All of this is politically and morally unacceptable.
"We request all leaders to work in full frankness on the two tasks in parallel and at the same time, thus working toward achieving a just and lasting solution to the Middle East conflict, based upon the application of international legitimacy and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination, to an end of occupation, and to establishing their own independent state on their territory with Jerusalem as its capital." Sheikh Zayed said.
"There will be no permanent peace unless this is done," he concluded.
The UAE has also raised the issue of global economic integration, saying it poses daunting challenges to development in the new millennium as it affected the socio-economic structure. The country has stressed that a transparent political leadership is needed to deal with both the opportunities and dangers of economic globalization.
Currently, the UAE enjoys full diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level with 143 countries. The UAE broke diplomatic ties with the ruling Taliban of Afghanistan on Sept. 22 after it rejected international efforts to combat terrorism.
This year, the number of resident embassies in Abu Dhabi reached 69, compared to just three, namely Britain, Pakistan and the United States, in 1971, while the number of consulates in Dubai reached 52. There are also 35 non-resident embassies.
In Indonesia, UAE Ambassador Mohammed Sultan Alsowaidi, who has been posted here since October 1997, said he was particularly happy to have been posted to this vast country.
"These four years have given me the privilege to learn a lot about the Indonesian people, the significant events in their history and struggle, and their varied, unique and interesting cultures, customs and traditions.
I am sure that the excellent bilateral and cordial relations which so happily exist between the UAE and Indonesia, will always be maintained and further strengthened for a long to come, for the benefit of the two nations," he said.