Minister briefs EU envoys in UAE on Mabhouh case

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash, has called in EU ambassadors resident in the UAE to brief them on the developments in the case of Mahmoud Al Mabhouh's assassination in Dubai and to seek their continued co-operation and support in the ongoing investigation.

This latest development comes as part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' diplomatic response to the criminal act perpetrated on UAE soil on January 19, 2010. The UAE is deeply concerned by the fact that passports of close allies, whose nationals currently enjoy preferential visa waivers, were illegally used to commit this crime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the importance of these countries continuing intensive investigation and co-operation with the UAE until the culprits behind this crime are brought to justice.

The Foreign Ministry has been closely co-ordinating with all relevant government entities, including police and security services, to thoroughly investigate the assassination and ascertain details and profiles of the perpetrators. The investigation is ongoing and all details will be shared with the UAE's partners.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, is in close contact with the European governments concerned and expressed his appreciation and thanks to the UK, Ireland, France and Germany as well as Austria for their efforts and support.

The UAE has also urged these EU countries to build on the positive steps they are already taking to strengthen procedures preventing the abuse of passports. Sheikh Abdullah said: "The abuse of passports poses a global threat, affecting both countries' national security as well as the personal security of travellers. The UAE is grateful for the co-operation it has received and will continue to do everything to protect its long-held position as a hospitable country that provides stability and security for its citizens as well as th residents, tourists and the business community."

Keep up with the latest business news from the region with the Emirates Business 24|7 daily newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please click here.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.