“Despite the progress made over the past seven decades, the United Nations must now play a greater role in addressing the grave security challenges that risk threatening its achievements,” he said.

Indeed, the challenges facing the Middle East today, particularly extremism, terrorism, interference in the internal affairs of States and non-respect for the sovereignty of States, demonstrate that the Organization has not yet fulfilled its primary objective of maintaining international peace and security.

As such, said that it is incumbent on all Member States to commit to the principles of the UN Charter, most importantly its principles of sovereignty and non-interference, the promotion of dialogue and moderation, and playing an active and responsible role with regard to regional and international issues, to overcome these challenges.

The Minister reported on the alarming rise of tension and violence around the Middle East region resulting from the terrorist acts being carried out in the name of Islam.

He said, “Since the Second World War, the world has not witnessed such an escalation in brutal and shocking terrorist crimes carried out by extremist organizations, most notably Da’esh [also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levan, or ISIL], Al-Qaida, Hizbollah, Ansar-Allah, and other groups, who exploit religion for political purposes.”

He said the UAE condemns the brutal methods used by these groups and organizations in the name of Islam. They have no connection with the tolerant teachings of Islam, which calls for peaceful coexistence and acceptance of others.

Regarding Yemen, the Minister said that UAE’s participation in the Coalition supporting the legitimate government is in response to a request by the President of Yemen to provide necessary support to efforts to confront terrorism and extremism.

“We seek, with the international community, to restore the political process in Yemen in accordance with the agreed parameters, most importantly the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and its implementation mechanism. To achieve this goal, it is important to ensure full compliance with the Security Council resolution 2216, which was adopted after consultations with relevant states in the region,” he said calling for international support.

Al Nahyan expressed concern regarding the inability of the international community to reach a political settlement to the Syrian crisis and put an end to the violence and systematic mass atrocities committed by the Syrian regime against its own people.

“The crisis has also created serious humanitarian consequences which have affected neighbouring countries and led to a political and security vacuum exploited by terrorist organizations, especially Da’esh and Al-Nusra Front, which spread their extremist ideas and destructive messages in the region.

Therefore, the Security Council must fulfil its principal mandate and reach a consensus on a settlement for the Syrian crisis to ensure a political transition and the formation of a new Government, which encompasses all components of the Syrian society,” he asserted.

He went on to say that Palestinian-Israeli issue remains at the core of conflict in the region, and one of the main threats to its security and stability, a sentiment shared by most Middle Eastern leaders at the annual General Debate this year.

UN Photo/Kim Haughton