November 5, 2004

KING FAHD, CROWN PRINCE ABDULLAH AND PRINCE SULTAN OFFER THEIR CONDOLENCES TO THE EMIRATES LEADERSHIP, AND THE CROWN PRINCE REPRESENTS THE KINGDOM IN THE FUNERALS. THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES PAYS ITS FINAL TRIBUT TO ITS FOUNDER SHEIKH ZAYED IBN SULTAN AL-NAHYAN. LEADERS OF THE ARAB AND ISLAMIC COUNTRIES AND THE WORLD TAKE PART IN THE FUNERALS. THE SUPREME COUNCIL DECIDES UNANIMOUSLY TO ELECT SHEIKH KHALIFA IBN ZAYED AL NAHYAN AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. The United Arab Emirates paid final tribute to its founding father, Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan who passed away last Tuesday night. Sheikh Maktoum Ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler, the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, sons and grandsons of Sheikh Zayed and world leaders gathered at the Sultan Ibn Zayed Mosque to pray over the body of the late President, which was shrouded in the UAE flag. The body was then carried over the shoulders of mourners in an awesome procession before it was put in a car, which made its way along the Arabian Gulf and Sa'ada streets to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque near the Maqta' bridge at the entrance of Abu Dhabi city. The presidents and rulers who attended the funeral were Sultan Qaboos Ibn Saeed of Oman, King Hamad Ibn Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, King Abdulla II of Jordan, Crowm Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard. The body of UAE President Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al-Nahayan was laid to rest in a solemn ceremony in Abu Dhabi attended by Arab and world leaders paying tribute to the man who turned a coastal desert country into a prosperous modern state. Crown Prince Abdullah represented Saudi Arabia at the funeral. Other Saudi dignitaries present were: Prince Miteb, minister of municipal and rural affairs, Interior Minister Prince Naif, Riyadh Governor Prince Salman, Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, Madinah Governor Prince Muqrin, Prince Faisal Ibn Abdullah, assistant director of intelligence, Eastern Province Governor Prince Muhammad Ibn Fahd, and several other members of the royal family. Prince Abdullah conveyed the condolences of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, the Saudi government and people and himself to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Zayed, deputy crown prince of Abu Dhabi, other sons of Sheikh Zayed and the Al-Nahayan family. Among those present in Abu Dhabi to pay homage to Sheikh Zayed were Jordanian King Abdallah, Lebanese President Emile Lahoud, Syrian President Bashar Assad, Sultan Qaboos of Oman, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Iraqi President Ghazi Al-Yawar, Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Bahraini King Hamad ibn Isa Al-Khalifa, Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, Qatari Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al-Thani, and Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Arif. Also attending were former Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas and Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi's son Saif Al-Islam. The Muslim leaders among those present attended the funeral prayers at the Sultan Ibn Zayed Mosque in the UAE capital. They were later joined by the non-Muslim leaders, including Britain's Prince Charles and Prince Andrew and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, to offer condolences to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed, who succeeded his father as ruler of UAE and Abu Dhabi, and other sons of the late president. Thousands of Emiratis and expatriates offered prayers outside the mosque and throughout the seven emirates that make up the UAE. The body was buried at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also in Abu Dhabi. Thousands crowded the streets to watch the funeral procession. Many of them were weeping expatriates who have lived here for decades and remember the generosity of Sheikh Zayed, who died the age of 86 after a prolonged illness. Most businesses remained closed throughout the UAE, where the government has declared a 40-day mourning, an eight-day closure of all state ministries and departments and a three-day mourning for the private sector. Schools were given an extended holiday until Nov. 20, including a five-day holiday for Eid Al-Fitr. Tributes for the late leader continued to pour in yesterday. Saudi Interior Minister Prince Naif told Al-Arabiya television: "Sheikh Zayed was rare among his kind. He made great contributions to his country and the Muslim and Arab world." US Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a condolence statement: "Sheikh Zayed was a model of generosity, wisdom and leadership. The whole world knew him as a man of development, justice and civilization." Britain's Foreign Secretary Jack Straw was "deeply saddened" by the death of Sheikh Zayed, who "led his country with vision, wisdom and skill," Straw's spokesman said. "His legacy to his country, to the region, and to relations with the UK cannot be overstated," the spokesman said. European foreign policy chief Javier Solana said: "Sheikh Zayed initiated a policy of economic and political modernization, which has led to a remarkable economic progress during the last decades." French President Jacques Chirac said, "Sheikh Zayed's achievements are incredible...He was the dynamic force behind the political, economic and social development of the UAE ...He worked tirelessly to ensure the regional character of the UAE federation." Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan al-Nayahan, has died and a smooth transfer of power took place. The state said the flag would be flown at half-mast for 40 days. Government offices will close for eight days and private firms for three days starting Wednesday. Millions in the UAE grieved for the loss of a ruler who made the country one of the Arab development successes. "Our father has died," sobbed Farah Seif in Dubai emirate. Born in 1948, Sheikh Khalifa plays a big role in running the UAE. He heads Abu Dhabi's Supreme Petroleum Council, which drafts oil policy, and is deputy supreme commander of UAE armed forces. Sheikh Zayed's death caused sorrow among his people who held him in high esteem and in the Arab world where his traditional bedouin generosity and diplomacy won him a prominent place. Mostly, he tried to avoid confrontation in foreign policy. "The death of Sheikh Zayed is a loss for all the Arab world because he displayed wisdom, courage and support at difficult times," Yemeni Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi told Reuters. "Today we lost the sage of the Arab world," Kuwait Energy Minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahd al-Sabah said. "He called for justice and through it tried to unite the Arab nation." Bahrain said its government sector would close for three days starting Tuesday and Oman said government offices would remain shut for three days starting Wednesday. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah offered condolences by telephone. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said Sheikh Zayed was "a true Arab leader with faith in Arab nationalism". Witnesses said police in Abu Dhabi ordered shops and public places, that usually stay open late into the night during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, to close in mourning. Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, was elected unanimously this evening by the UAE Supreme Council as the new President of the United Arab Emirates. A statement issued by the Office of the President said: "The Supreme Council of Rulers of the United Arab Emirates met at Bateen Palace, Abu Dhabi. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Maktoum Ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and was attended by the Supreme Council members and Rulers of the Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Dr. Sheikh Sultan Ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saqr Ibn Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ra's al-Khaimah, Sheikh Hamad Ibn Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, Sheikh Humaid Ibn Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, and Sheikh Rashid Ibn Ahmed Al Mu'alla, Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain." "The Supreme Council decided unanimously to elect Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the United Arab Emirates, to succeed the late Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan, in accordance with Article 51 of the UAE Constitution." "The Supreme Council members emphasised their keen desire to be loyal to the principles of leadership and the values of justice and right laid down by Sheikh Zayed." The Supreme Council also expressed its full confidence that the people of the United Arab Emirates will continue to be the guardians of the UAE federation and of its achievements at all levels." "President Sheikh Khalifa expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence shown in him by his colleagues and brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates. He stressed that he was determined to continue to adhere to, and to work in accordance with, the guidelines laid down by the founder of the UAE federation, in co-operation and co-ordination with his colleagues, the members of the Supreme Council, so as to continue to foster the progress of the federation and of all that will contribute to its stability and prosperity, as well as to the welfare of its people." "The Supreme Council pledged that it would continue to follow the path laid down by Sheikh Zayed. It expressed its hopes for the success of President Sheikh Khalifa, and its hopes that he might enjoy the support of Almighty God in the post he has now assumed." The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz made a telephone call to President Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Abu Dhabi Governor, extending his condolences on the sad demise of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan. During the call, the Monarch prayed to Almighty Allah to bless the soul of the deceased. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz made a telephone call to Sheikh Lieutenant General Mohammed Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan , Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, extending his condolences on the sad demise of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan. During the call, the Monarch prayed to Almighty Allah to bless the soul of the deceased. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz has sent a cable of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, on the sad demise of the President of the UAE Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan. In the cable, the monarch expressed his deep sorrow over Sheikh Zayed's death and extended his condolences to Sheikh Khalifa, his brothers and family, praying to Almighty Allah to bless the soul of the deceased and reside him in paradise. Similar cables of condolences were also sent to Sheikh Khalifa by Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, left Jeddah for Abu Dhabi. Crown Prince Abdullah participated in the funeral prayers of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al-Nahyan, the President of the Untied Arab Emirates (UAE), who passed away on Tuesday. He also conveyed the condolences of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz and the condolences of the Saudi Government and People to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Heir Apparent of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, the family of Al-Nahyan as well as to Rulers and People of the UAE. He was seen off at Al-Safa Palace here by a number of officials. At King Abdul Aziz International Airport of Jeddah he was seen off by Prince Khalid Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz and other princes and senior officials. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, arrived in the UAE. He was welcomed at the airport by a number of senior officials and Saudi ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dr. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Ibn Muammar. The Crown Prince was accompanied by Prince Miteb Ibn Abdul Aziz, Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs; Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz,Minister of Interior; Prince Salman Ibn Abdul Aziz,, Governor of Riyadh Region; Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz,, Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz,, Governor of Madinah Region; a number of princes and officials. The Crown Prince along with kings, presidents, emirs, princes and groups of worshippers performed funeral prayers for Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan, President of the UAE and later attended his burial. Following the burial of Sheikh Zayed, Crown Prince Abdullah conveyed the condolences of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Ibn Abdul Aziz,, his Crown Prince, and the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan, Abu Dhabi Governor ; Sheikh Lieutenant General Mohammed Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, sons of Sheikh Zayed, his family, governors of UAE, its government and people on the sad demise of Sheikh Zayed. Later, Crown Prince Abdullah and the accompanying delegation left Abu Dhabi International Airport for Jeddah. At the airport, the Crown Prince was seen off by a number of officials and the Saudi Ambassador to the UAE. Crown Prince Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah en route to Makkah coming from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). At King Abdul Aziz International Airport, the Crown Prince was received by Prince Khalid Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz, a number of princes and officials. Later the Crown Prince arrived at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah where he was received by Prince Al-Waleed Ibn Talal Ibn Abdul Aziz and a number of officials. Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, left the Kingdom for the United Arab Emirates, to extend his condolences to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Governor of Abu-Dhabi, on the sad demise of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan who passed away last Tuesday. Prince Sultan was seen off by a number of princes and senior civil and military officials. He was also accompanied by a number of princes. Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Governor of Abu-Dhabi, received Prince Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who extended his condolences on the sad demise of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan who passed away last Tuesday to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan; Sheikh Maktoum Ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister and Governor of Dubai; Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Rashid Al Maktoum, Heir Apparent of Dubai and Minister of Defense of the UAE; Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan, Heir Apparent of Abu-Dhabi; sons of late Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahayan, governors of the other Emirates. Prince Sultan arrived earlier in Abu-Dhabi coming from Jeddah. He was received at Abu-Dhabi airport by Sheikh Hamdan Ibn Mubarak, the Minister of Works and Housing and Chief of Civil Aviation; Sheikh Ziab Ibn Zayed Al Nahayan; Dr. Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Almua'mar , the Saudi Ambassador to the UAE; Colonel Ali Al Mohayya, the Saudi Military Attaché in Abu-Dhabi; and a number of officials. Prince Sultan was also accompanied by a number of princes. World leaders mourn Sheikh Zayed a statement issued in Cairo by the office of President Hosni Mubarak called Sheikh Zayed "a very dear friend, a leader and the best of men" and announced a three-day period of mourning. It said he had "dedicated his life to his country and had sacrificed himself for his nation," a reference to the Arab world. The statement also said that Egypt shares the grief and sorrow of the death of Sheikh Zayed, who the Egyptian TV described as "the dearest of all men". Egypt has announced three days of mourning, while the radios and TVs have also cancelled all musical programmes on their schedules. The Secretary General of the Arab League Amr Mussa characterised Sheikh Zayed as a "noble knight, whose life was a unique example of unstinting generosity, marked by his responsible, measured and wise leadership." The Political Adviser to the Egyptian President Osama Al Baz, said on Sheikh Zayed "He was a spirit of frankness, wholeheartedly and sincerely committed to Arab cause. He has a vision for the Arab world as a whole. He worked to resolve disagreement among Arabs. He believed that the Arab blood is more important and precious than Arab oil... His opinions have deep insight and reflects a great amount of vision." Algeria declared a three-day official mourning and said its President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika was in Abu Dhabi to offer condolences to the UAE leaders on the death of Sheikh Zayed. A statement said that flags would fly at half mast in government departments and its diplomatic missions abroad. The statement paid tributes to the late UAE President for his firm stances towards Arab and Muslim causes. A report in ABC online from Australia, referred to Sheikh Zayed's death and said that he had ruled the UAE as President since the birth of the federation in 1971. "He was genuinely loved by his people for using oil money to turn his desert country green," the report said. The report said: "He played a key part in creating the UAE on December 2, 1971, following Britain's pullout from the Gulf. That was five years after he had been proclaimed ruler of Abu Dhabi, which became the wealthiest emirate of the federation. His first five-year mandate has been systematically renewed since, the report added. The Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Jabir al-Ahmad al-Sabah sent on Tuesday [2 October] a cable of condolences to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan on the demise of late President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed Ibn -Sultan Al Nahyan, the Kuwaiti news agency Kuna reported. In his cable, Kuwait's Emir expressed the condolences of Kuwait, leadership and people to the UAE state and people for the demise of a great Arab leader who ruled his country with wisdom and firmness since its first stages of progress until reaching this prominent status of comprehensive advancement in all fields. The Emir also voiced deep regret for missing a brother and leader whom he appreciates for his sincerity and affection for all people of the GCC. He was reminded of the positions of the late leader on the State of Kuwait and its people during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a position that would remain ingrained in the memory of the Kuwait leadership and people. The Emir ordered flags to fly half mast in the State of Kuwait for three days. President of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan, said in a statement that he is saddened by the death of the Sheikh Zayed, founding father of the United Arab Emirates. Karzai expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan al-Nahyan and to the people of the United Arab Emirates. " Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan al-Nahyan was a friend of Afghanistan and his efforts to help the Afghan people will always be remembered", the President said this morning. The Afghan people are grateful to the United Arab Emirates for their assistance to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, he said. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in a statement at the demise of His Highness Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan AI Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates said: "I learned with deep sorrow the passing of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan AI Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. I would like to extend on behalf of the Government and the people of Japan, my sincere condolences to the members of AI Nahyan family, the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates. In Islamabad, Pakistani President, Pervez Musharraf, said that "the government and people of Pakistan have lost a great friend, who is always committed to strengthening of relations between the two countries and has been showing great interest in developing the social sector in Pakistan." President Musharraf, who made the statement to the press before he emplaned to Abu Dhabi to attend the burial ceremony of Sheikh Zayed, said that "the Islamic world and the international community recognise and appreciate his wise leadership." In Paris, French President Jacques Chirac has expressed "deep sorrow and emotion" over the death of Sheikh Zayed, who the French President described as a "man of peace and vision", "The work accomplished by Sheikh Zayed is huge," the president wrote in a message sent to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan, "Man of peace and vision, he kept promoting the virtues of compromise, reason and dialogue in a region troubled by crises and conflicts. His name will remain closely associated with the cause of peace and development in the Middle East to which he devoted his life," Jacques Chirac added in his message which was made public by his press office In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Wednesday he was "saddened" by the death of Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan al-Nahyan. "Sheikh Zayed led his country and people to independence and had a lead role in creating the federation (of the) United Arab Emirates," he said of Sheikh Zayed. "He initiated a policy of economic and political modernization, which has led to a remarkable economic progress during the last decades," he added. British Prime Minister, Tony Blair has also expressed grief on the death of Sheikh Zayed. In a written message he sent to the Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Prime Minister Blair said: "Please accept my sincerest condolences on the death of your father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan. Our two countries have benefited incalculably over the years from his wise advice and long experience. His wisdom, skill and devotion to the service of the state were a lesson to us all." "I offer Your Highness my sincerest good wishes on your assumption of the duties of Ruler of Abu Dhabi. I look forward to continuing and developing the excellent relations which exist between our two countries. Queen Elizabeth II has also sent a message of condolences to Sheikh Khalifa Ibn Zayed Al Nahyan on the death of Sheikh Zayed. In the message, Queen Elizabeth said: "It is my sad duty to extend, on behalf of the British people and my family, my sincere condolences on the death of your distinguished father, Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan, who served your country with such dedication and dignity over many years. I am sure that the prosperity of the United Arab Emirates today will be widely seen as a testimony to Sheikh Zayed's wisdom, skill and devotion to the service of the state. I wish Your Highness health, happiness and success as you assume your solemn duties as Ruler of Abu Dhabi and I look forward to continuing the very close ties which so happily exist between your family and my own. With my deepest sympathy and respect." Also the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, arrived in Abu Dhabi at the head of a delegation to offer condolences on the death of late President Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al-Nahyan was born in 1918, the youngest of four sons of Sheikh Sultan Ibn Zayed Al-Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. He was named after his famous grandfather, Zayed the Great, who ruled the emirate from 1855 to 1909. A quick glance at the high position which the UAE under Sheikh Zayed Ibn Sultan Al Nahyan has occupied in the international community will clearly demonstrate the extent of success achieved by Zayed's prudent foreign policy. This policy calls for accessibility to the outside world through three channels: first, the Gulf, second, the Arabs and, third, the rest of the world. In pursuing its foreign relations, the UAE has based its policy on the principles of equality, justice and the right of all peoples to determine their own destiny. Gulf interrelationships occupy Zayed's mind and soul. His ultimate aim is to realise the long-cherished unity of all Gulf states. If this all-embracing unity of Gulf states has not, as yet, been realised from a political point of view, it could, however, be achieved from the economic aspect. Economy and politics are two horses drawing the same cart. In Sheikh Zayed's own words: "The strength of the Gulf lies in its economic unity which represents the real challenge before the Gulf man to assert his true position. Economic power is the true yardstick of Gulf autonomy. It would compensate the region for its previous backwardness and would drive it towards progress and prosperity." As regards the Gulf, Sheikh Zayed's intensive moves have been based on ties of kinship, creed, neighbourhood and common interests. These interests are not merely intertwined, but are, in fact, one and the same. Sheikh Zayed's moves over the past few years have concentrated on coordinating efforts among Gulf states for confronting international challenges and safeguarding the interests of peoples of the Gulf, in addition to protecting the region's security, and saving it from any conflicts among foreign powers. By doing so, Sheikh Zayed would be warding off any danger in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf Foremost among Sheikh Zayed's moves were his numerous visits and meetings with his brethren the Rulers and Heads of State in the Gulf and his eagerness to resolve any casual problem that may impair relationships among Gulf peoples. His style in dealing with these problems has always been a true Arab style, inspired by his profound belief in Arabism and Islam. It is the conviction of Sheikh Zayed that his country is part of the Arab nation and is tied to its peoples with strong bonds of kinship, language, history, cultural heritage and common aspirations. This explains why his moves have been of an all-embracing nature and continuous for the sake of preserving Arab unity in the face of all challenges. Sheikh Zayed's Arab policy has not been one of simple contentment with the membership of the League of Arab States. In his never-ceasing endeavours, Sheikh Zayed paid repeated visits to and arranged meetings with Arab heads of state. In his opinion, his policy has been successful in promoting mutual understanding, reconciling divergent views and dispelling anything that might hamper Arab solidarity. As a matter of fact, Sheikh Zayed's visits have been instrumental in extending bridges of friendly relationships with all Arab states, prompted by his exalted principle that the UAE should always shun involvement in any coercion among brethren. This has won him a privileged position among his brethren, the Arab kings and presidents. They are well aware that Sheikh Zayed's permanent role is one of using good offices aimed solely at Arab solidarity, security and peoples' welfare. Zayed has consistently focused on those issues which have direct bearing on Arab causes and which crop up in the course of his talks with Arab leaders and senior officials and foreigners whom he received in Abu Dhabi. Frequent visits to Abu Dhabi were paid by dignitaries. In all his talks, Zayed proposed to secure more political gains for the Arabs and to win more support for the Arabs' just cause. As the primary Arab cause, Palestine has occupied a place of endearment in the heart of Sheikh Zayed who has devoted himself to its service. Not content with the substantial backing provided by the UAE under his directives to both PLO and the Confrontation States, Zayed thought it was his duty to use his personal weight in both Arab and international arenas in order to clarify the Arab right and the aggressive nature of Israel. Analysing the Palestine question and explaining its dimensions, Sheikh Zayed said: "Arab states neither want nor seek war. Israel, on the other hand, harbours the desire and lust for war. The proof lies in its perpetual pursuance of its aggressive policy and its persistence on establishing more settlements in Arab territories. The Arab World would never resort to arms except for self-defence." Voicing his opinion on the prospective solution of the Palestine problem Zayed went on to say: "The pivot of the UAE's policy is that a just and durable peace is imperative in the Middle East, provided it is based on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Arab lands and the restitution of the rights of the Palestinians, especially their right to return to their homes, establish their independent state and restore their rightful sovereignty over their national soil." Since the Arab nation's freedom will remain incomplete and wanting as long as some Arab territories are still under occupation, Sheikh Zayed pledged that he always would be in the centre of any Arab battle for Palestine, saying that the UAE is a principal party to the conflict. Any moral or financial backing extended by him to the Palestinian Revolution is an obligation prompted by his faith in the common destiny of the whole Arab nation. Together with his brothers, kings, princes and presidents of member states of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council Zayed announced that ensuring stability in the Gulf is compatible with the establishment of peace in the Middle East a fact indicating the necessity of realising a just solution to the Palestine issue, securing all the Palestinian people's legitimate rights. Sheikh Zayed's greatest contribution to the Arab world has been his resolute efforts to bring about peace, solidarity and unity among the Arab nations. The stand adopted by Sheikh Zayed in the October War is still the talk of the world. He said: "Arab petroleum is not more precious than Arab blood." On the issue of terrorism, Sheikh Zayed said: "Terrorism is the enemy of all humanity ... We support international legitimacy in every action and measure that it takes to combat terrorism and eradicate it and to close the way for terrorists ... Terrorism is an international phenomenon that has no religion or race." Sheikh Zayed believes terrorism has no place in Islam. He stressed that Islam is a civilising religion that gives mankind dignity. It is the religion of tolerance and forgiveness, and not of war, of dialogue and understanding. On the issue of terrorism, Sheikh Zayed said: "Terrorism is the enemy of all humanity ... We support international legitimacy in every action and measure that it takes to combat terrorism and eradicate it and to close the way for terrorists ... Terrorism is an international phenomenon that has no religion or race."