President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has expressed his hope that the United States under President-elect Barack Obama would play a proactive role in achieving a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East and also work to reinforce security and stability in the Gulf region.

Speaking to the London-based Al Hayat Arabic daily, Sheikh Khalifa said that the UAE's demand to regain its right over the three occupied islands does not negate the possibility of cooperation with Iran.

On the issue of the Iranian nuclear standoff, Sheikh Khalifa reiterated the UAE position which calls for a nuke-free Middle East.

The onus, he said, is on Iran to assure the International community that its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Sheikh Khalifa added that any establishment of a security order in the Gulf with Iran as a member must be preceded by conformity of views on the Gulf security and stability.

Asked about the possibility of war between the United States and Iran over the issue of nuclear standoff, Sheikh Khalifa said:"Any military conflict in the Gulf region will be opposed by the UAE because we stand for peaceful settlement of disputes. As for the Iranian nuclear programme, it has become an international issue which is well beyond the Gulf region."

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