The Sultanate called for the removal of all illegal and illegitimate Israeli settlements. This will help achieve peaceful coexistence and positive co-operation between Arab states and Israel, and contribute to a great extent towards opening up new horizons of co-operation and development in the region and the whole world. This came in the Sultanate’s speech delivered by Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdallah, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, before the 64th session of the UN General Assembly in New York yesterday.
He called upon Israel to participate in peace by seizing the historical opportunity to establish a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East that would achieve security and peaceful coexistence among the states and peoples of the region. The Sultanate welcomed the recent positive developments in Iraq. It hopes that such developments would continue in order to achieve security and stability, contribute to the success of comprehensive national reconciliation efforts, help establish positive relations with neighbouring countries and restore Iraq its role as an effective regional player at all levels.
The Sultanate welcomed the continued co-operation between Iran, the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency. In this respect, "we see some positive signs leading towards a diplomatic solution." He also expressed regret that the western media, from time to time, address issues that are harmful to religions and religious symbols that affect people’s beliefs, including Islam and Muslims. He considered this as contrary to efforts to spread the culture of peace, brotherhood and understanding among different religions and civilisations. He said, in line with the wise directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, who encourages openness and dialogue between different cultures, the Sultanate of Oman participated in conferences related to this matter.
