(P)GCC Urged to Stop Anti-Iran Claims

Iran said the (Persian) Gulf Cooperation Council needs to stop leveling groundless allegations against Tehran, saying such claims would not change the reality about the Islamic Republic's sovereignty over its three islands in the Persian Gulf.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi made the statement in reaction to the final declaration of the 37th annual summit of the (P)GCC, comprising Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain, in the Bahraini capital of Manama, Press TV reported.

"The islands of the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa are an inseparable part of the Iranian territory. Repetition of baseless claims will have no impact on our country's territorial integrity and its sovereignty over these islands," Qasemi stressed.

"Instead of rehashing repeated and baseless accusations, the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council must stop interfering in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic, including efforts by certain members to create sectarian and religious strife."

The islands of the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa have always been part of Iran historically, the proof of which can be found in and corroborated by countless historical, legal and geographical documents in Iran and other parts of the world. However, the UAE has repeatedly laid baseless claims to the islands.

Qasemi also dismissed as groundless claims by the (P)GCC declaration about Iran's interference in the internal affairs of regional countries.

  Regrettable State

"The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," he said.

In their declaration, the (P)GCC states called on Iran to change its regional policies, condemning what they described as Iran's "interference" in the internal affairs of the council member states.

The Iranian spokesperson pointed to bogus claims made in a letter by 10 Arab countries to the UN General Assembly and said "it is regrettable that instead of using the capacity of regional and international circles and organizations to promote stability and security, these states are misusing such a position to create tension and weaken mutual relations".

Qasemi said Iran reserves the right to "respond to these baseless remarks in international circles in line with laws and regulations".

In addition, Qasemi dismissed claims by the (P)GCC states about Iran's attempts to politicize the haj rituals and criticized Saudi Arabia for stonewalling the dispatch of Iranian pilgrims to Mecca this year.

He emphasized that Riyadh is making such moves for political gains.

The spokesman also rejected (P)GCC's unfounded claims about Iran's interference in the internal affairs of these countries, particularly in Bahrain, urged the council to heed the existing facts in that country, such as the suppression of its people and human rights violations, and compel the tiny Persian Gulf country to pursue the path of national reconciliation.

Qasemi again emphasized the necessity of establishing a Middle East region free of weapons of mass destruction and nuclear arms.