- Sun Oct 05, 2014 4:05 pm
#47533
The UAE's official news agency carried a statement from Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash calling Biden's comments "far from the truth." The UAE Foreign Ministry said it was astonished by the remarks.
The UAE is a key Arab partner in the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group and has targeted its fighters in airstrikes in Syria. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Jordan also have carried out airstrikes against the group in Iraq and Syria, while Qatar has provided logistical support.
Gargash said the American vice president "gave a negative and inaccurate impression" about the UAE's support in confronting the Islamic State group and terrorism. He said Biden's statement ignored the political and practical steps taken by the UAE, as well as its position against terrorism financing.
Vice President Joe Biden on Sunday called the crown prince of the United Arab Emirates to clarify his remarks and apologize. It was the second time in two days that Biden had to call a key partner in President Barack Obama's coalition to walk back comments.
