UAE FM EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT IRAN'S NUCLEAR

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001716 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR T - U/S RJOSEPH AND PNCNERNEY, ACTING A/S ISN RADEMAKER, PM - A/S HILLEN STATE ALSO FOR NEA/IR AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/25/2011 TAGS: PREL KPAO KU AE IR SUBJECT: UAE FM EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM; URGES PEACEFUL SOLUTION REF: ABU DHABI 1422 Classified By: DCM MARTIN R. QUINN, REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (U) Speaking at a press conference in Kuwait April 25, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan expressed concern about Iran's nuclear program, while urging a peaceful resolution, as reported today by the Arabic dailies "Al Khaleej" and the semi-official "Al Ittihad," as well as the English daily "Gulf News." Sheikh Abdullah, who was in Kuwait for a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Sabah, said that the Iran nuclear program is a source of concern to all of Iran's neighbors, just as it is at the regional and international levels, but this concern "should not push us toward any other options other than peaceful ones." He further emphasized the importance of discussing the various peaceful options with Iran, and added that Iran should respond to the Gulf region's requirements and consider the "vulnerability" of this region so that the states of the region are able to continue their economic development programs. ¶2. (U) Addressing the issue of the disputed islands occupied by Iran militarily, Sheikh Abdullah said that he saw little hope of ending this situation since there was no reassurance from the Iranian side. He added that this issue was one of the principal obstacles between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Iran. ¶3. (U) Sheikh Abdullah also responded to a question about Hamas, saying that it was not important that Hamas failed to include Kuwait among the countries that supported it financially. He said states like the UAE help out, but don't wait for a thank you from any party. "It is our duty to support the Palestinian people. And for that we don't (want them) to thank us," he told reporters. ¶4. (C) Comment: Sheikh Abdullah's comments about Iran at the press conference in Kuwait were in keeping with the UAEG's policy of not wanting to provoke Iran, and generally reflected the position he advocated during his discussion April 8 in Abu Dhabi with Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Robert Joseph (reftel). SISON