A dispute over islands

In the history of nations, there were always differences on borders and on views about joint issues. Through negotiations, everything could be settled. However, if the matter involves the occupation of one country by another -- in violation of all international norms, human principles, good neighborly policy and the teachings of religion -- this means that a tyrant country has ignored all the principles and relies on power at a time when the power of the gun has vanished under the umbrella of joint interest and common economic problems. The outstanding issues should be solved through reason, instead of negative propaganda and provocations, which lead to more tension.

In his statement to the Middle East Broadcasting Corporation, the Iranian president claimed that the issue of the occupied (United Arab Emirates') islands should not be discussed and that this issue had already been settled before the (Iranian Islamic) revolution. During Iran's revolution, which was carried out under the slogan of "combating injustice", goodwill should have been demonstrated and the islands should have been returned to their owners.

Rafsanjani said his country was ready to negotiate the matter of the occupied islands. The UAE was the first to call for such direct talks. We have negotiated in a brotherly atmosphere, but the negotiations failed. But if we agree to negotiate again and fail to reach a solution, will Iran accept international arbitration? That is our question, following the Iranian president's call for negotiations.

-- Al-ittihad, Abu Dhabi