TEHRAN // Iran rejected Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders' accusation of interference in their affairs, accusing them of parroting "baseless" US charges against Iran while ignoring American "espionage" against Iran.
"In this statement, some fabricated and undocumented claims made by American officials have been pointed to," state television quoted a foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, as saying in reference to US charges of an assassination plot against the Saudi ambassador in Washington. "However, it was expected that the US espionage activities against the Islamic republic of Iran be condemned."
This month Tehran displayed a CIA reconnaissance drone it said it had shot down in Iranian airspace. It later paraded an American-Iranian, Amir Mirzai Hekmati, and said he was sent to Iran to infiltrate the intelligence ministry.
On Tuesday, the GCC called on Iran to "stop interfering in the internal affairs" of its member states.
Mr Mehmanparast said that Iran "emphasises good neighbourly relations, mutual respect and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations".
"Violent military response to people not only does not solve ... problems but will spread instability and insecurity in the region," he said.
Relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia deteriorated sharply after Saudi-led troops intervened in Bahrain in March to back a crackdown on pro-reform protests led by the kingdom's Shiite majority.
They worsened further when US justice officials announced in October that they had foiled what they said was an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador.
The GCC also called on Iran to "fully cooperate" with the International Atomic Energy Agency and work to resolve regional conflicts "peacefully", adding that the bloc remained committed to a Middle East "free of weapons of mass destruction".
Mr Mehmanparast "utterly rejected" any concerns regarding Tehran's "peaceful nuclear activities, since they are being conducted within the UN atomic watchdog's framework".
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh100,000 (estimate)
Engine 2.4L four-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 184bhp at 6,400rpm
Torque 237Nm at 3,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.4L/100km
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 592bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Price: Dh980,000
On sale: now
THE BIO
Age: 30
Favourite book: The Power of Habit
Favourite quote: "The world is full of good people, if you cannot find one, be one"
Favourite exercise: The snatch
Favourite colour: Blue
How to donate
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The specs: 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio
Price, base: Dh198,300
Engine: 2.0L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 280hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7L / 100km
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
Race card:
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh195,000 1,400m.
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m.
8.15pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,200m.
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 1,600m.
9.20pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m.
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 2,000m.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
