SHARJAH, 26 February 2005 — Dubai Department of Economic Development Director-General and Emaar Properties Chairman Mohammed Al-Abbar has said that his recent visit to the occupied Palestinian territories stemmed from his nationalistic sense of responsibility and in line with the humanitarian spirit of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement that clarified his position amid criticism that he was planning to deal with Israel despite the unresolved Palestinian problem, Abbar said: “The visit comes as result of the need to extend a helping hand to the Palestinian people who have been suffering from Israeli occupation for the past five decades.”
“My visit to the Palestinian territories, which was a personal one, comes within the framework of visits conducted by the aid and humanitarian visits by Emirati and Arab organizations,” said Abbar, who visited the West Bank last week.
Abbar reaffirmed his opposition to any form of normalization with Israel until a just and comprehensive peace is achieved between the Arabs and Israel.
“I am committed to the Palestinian cause, which is in line with the declared position of the UAE which continuously calls for ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, including Jerusalem,” he affirmed.
He said reports in the media about his visit to the West Bank and an offer he allegedly made to buy Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip were inaccurate. He also denied meeting Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. He said: “I am firm on the position that these settlements are built on Palestinian lands. Hence buying or selling these lands would be in contradiction with international law.”
However, Abbar said nothing about reported meetings in Jerusalem with Sharon’s deputy, Shimon Peres, and Ilan Cohen, director general of Sharon’s office.
