TEHRAN, Jan. 27 (Mehr News Agency) -- Majlis lawmakers on Tuesday protested over the Iranian Foreign Ministry's inaction on the United Arab Emirates' expansionistic policy and its interference in Iran's internal affairs.

There have been repeated claims by the UAE over the ownership of three Iranian islands, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa. International documents indicate the islands were historically owned by Iran but temporarily fell under British control in 1903.

Iranian islands

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki attended Tuesday's Majlis session to respond to a question by MP Daryoush Qanbari, who represents Ilam, about the Foreign Ministry's "unjustifiable" inaction.

Qanbari stated that every country's foreign policy seeks to safeguard its territorial integrity, which is the national interest that is of the utmost importance and important enough for countries to establish defense ministries to do the job if the foreign ministry fails to do so.

He noted that the UAE's false claims are in line with Saddam Hussein's legacy, adding, "Through such actions, the UAE is seeking to endanger Iran's territorial integrity."

Although the UAE was only established less than 40 years ago, it is now citing historical issues, he pointed out.

Iran's general policies with regard to the Iranian islands are transparent and the Islamic Republic wants good relations with its neighbors, but the Foreign Ministry has not made full use of its capabilities in regard to the UAE's fabrications, he stated.

An Iranian foreign policy of compromise, silence, and inaction toward the UAE's claims is not acceptable, he insisted.

Mottaki said Iran has warned the UAE to stop following these policies for its own good.

The fact that UAE officials have never made such claims in their meetings with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials over the past three and a half years shows that the move is just a publicity stunt, he added.

Mottaki said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always addressed issues clearly and the Foreign Ministry will not hesitate to defend national interests.

At the end of the session, Qanbari said he was not convinced by Mottaki's replies, and the Majlis, based on its new bylaw, put Mottaki's answers to a vote.

Some 113 MPs voted that Mottaki's remarks were not convincing.

According to the new Majlis bylaw, if Mottaki fails to convince lawmakers on two more occasions, it will pave the way for his impeachment.

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