A dispute over islands

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