2009-12-24 10:02:56
WAM Abu Dhabi, Dec 24th, 2009 (WAM) -- UAE's relations with Egypt have only strengthened with time. The latest visit of Egyptian President Hosni Muabark has reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and developing these relations, commented a UAE paper.

"This particular visit follows some interesting developments in the Middle East, especially on the Israel-Palestine front. Here, Egypt's role will be instrumental as has been in the past in working out future modalities. The UAE regard the Palestine issue as crucial to regional peace and stability", said Dubai-based English language Khaleej Times in its today's editorial.

That is why, after the meeting with President Mubarak, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation of Egypt's efforts to achieve reconciliation between various groups.

"Cairo's mediation in brokering dialogue between disparate Palestinian factions and facilitating resumption of peace talks with Israel are especially noteworthy. UAE itself prefers reconciliation and resolution of contentious disputes through dialogue. Its commendable position on the islands dispute with Iran is a poignant reminder of how wisely it has handled a very difficult issue. By maintaining relations with Iran and calling for a peaceful resolution through negotiations, the UAE has shown exemplary restraint and political maturity. It only reflects positively on the leadership's sagacious foresight in building bridges and not upsetting regional stability", the paper noted.

Similarly, the Palestine-Israel dispute has been a major worry for the regional Gulf States. The UAE, in particular, has been deeply involved with the Palestinian cause. The commitment to the Palestinian people both economic and political made by the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has been reiterated in letter and spirit by his successor. The UAE's commitment and stand on the issue is internationally well known. While it continues to support the ongoing efforts at reconciliation, the UAE leadership has called for a greater regional and international push to achieve the long-sought-for resolution, it added.

"There has been widespread disappointment in the region following a U-turn by the Obama administration on pushing Israel to take the necessary first steps. The governments in the Gulf and Middle East, in fact, were very supportive of Washington's initial stand. While these states are hoping that US President Barack Obama will resume efforts at persuading Israel to drop its hard-line stance, they also understand the need to step up regional pressure", the paper observed.

"The lack of efforts at integrating a regional political strategy has been a major drawback in building pressure on Israel. Several Arab and Gulf fora have called for speedy and just resolution to the Mid-east conflict and plans like the Saudi roadmap have been widely appreciated. However, regional efforts have fallen short of what may have been a more effective process. It can only be achieved with a joint commitment and strategising on part of the regional states", it concluded.

WAM/AM