Abu Dhabi, 15 April 2012 (WAM) - Minister of State for Foreign Affairs dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash today summoned Iranian Ambassador Dr Mohammed Ali Fayaz and handed over to him a letter of protest in condemnation of the visit made by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the UAE's occupied Island of Abu Musa.

Gargash described Ahmadinejad's visit as a serious precedent, a violation of the UAE's sovereignty and a breach of the agreement between the two countries to create a mechanism for resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations.

"The visit of the Iranian President will not change the historic and legal facts. It will have no effect whatsoever on the UAE'ssovereignty over the Islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa," he added.

The letter of protest said the visit had undermined the diplomatic efforts that led to an agreement for peaceful solution through bilateral negotiations. It further said that the UAE has committed to the agreement in order to create the right environment for a joint solution that could lead to enhancing security and stability in the Arabian Gulf.

That approach emanates from the UAE's firm belief that peaceful solutions must prevail.

Gargash reiterated UAE's sovereignty over the three Islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa and called on Iran to end its occupation of the islands and to heed UAE's legitimate demand for a peaceful and just solution through bilateral negotiation or by referral to the International Court of Justice.

WAM/MAB