Page 19 - MEOG Week 47

MEOG NEWS IN BRIEF MEOG

POLICY “It gives Iranian hardliners the excuse to tune with the growing demand for marine
speed again toward the bomb without a united fuel products. We are planning to launch
Incoming US secretary of international coalition to oppose them or an additional two marine stations next year.
More details will be shared closer to date.
inspectors to expose them,” Blinken said.
state in favour of Iran deal it forces us to sanction the latter to stop them Dubai benefits from its strategic geopolitical
“Or if Iran and Europe stick with the deal
position and the forward-thinking vision of
Tony Blinken, on November 23 nominated from doing business with the former. Either His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
by US President-elect Joe Biden to serve way we lose.” Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister
as his secretary of state in his incoming During the Barack Obama years, Blinken, and Ruler of Dubai.”
administration, is an outspoken proponent of seen as an establishment centrist, served in According to Al Falasi, marine transport
the nuclear deal with Iran abandoned by US key positions including national security plays a key role in the economy of Dubai
President Donald Trump. adviser to then-vice president Biden, deputy owing to the growth of free zones, logistics,
Speaking to the Aspen Institute earlier national security adviser and deputy secretary trade, travel and tourism sector.
this year, Blinken said Biden would of state. Blinken was also part of the Obama “We are absolutely positive about the
recommit to the deal, also known as the Joint team that brokered the nuclear deal which growth of the sector, especially with Dubai
Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), saw Iran scale back its nuclear programme in having ranked as one of the world’s top 10
and deploy diplomacy to address the broader exchange for the lifting of sanctions against its maritime capitals in 2019, and the tremendous
issues with Iran. economy. potential for growth in this sector. With the
“[Biden] would seek to build on the As regards Iran’s arch rival Saudi growth in domestic tourism, especially in
nuclear deal to make it longer and stronger Arabia, Blinken is on record as saying: “We the marine-leisure sector, and the rise of
if Iran returns to strict compliance,” Blinken would review the US relationship with marine station requirements, ENOC Group
said. the government of Saudi Arabia, to which has opened a new marine station in Umm
“And then we would be in a position to President Trump has basically given a blank Suqeim. This station will serve to the rising
use our renewed commitment to diplomacy check to pursue a disastrous set of policies, demand for fuel of our marine customers.”
to work with our allies to strengthen and including the war in Yemen, but also the Another new marine station, he continued,
lengthen it, but also we’d be in a much better murder of [dissident journalist] Jamal will be located at Dubai Harbour, an
position to effectively push back against Iran’s Khashoggi [and] the crackdown on dissent at integrated lifestyle development set by the
destabilising activities.” home.” Arabian Gulf with one of the region’s largest
Further criticising Trump’s decision to berthing facilities, highlighting the need for
unilaterally exit the JCPOA in favour of using BNE meeting marine fuel requirements. The station
“maximum pressure” sanctions in an attempt will be operational next month.
at securing big concessions from Tehran on “With the launch of our two marine
its nuclear and ballistic missile development COMPANIES stations, we will have six marine stations
programmes and roles in Middle East Affairs, across the UAE. ENOC Group already
Blinken said: “The bottom line, by walking ENOC eyes expansion in operates marine service stations in Dubai
away from diplomacy, by acting erratically, International Marine Club, Fujairah, Dubai
President Trump has made conflict more marine sector Abra, and Hamriyah Market. Our aim is
likely, and the nuclear programme is actually to help support the UAE government and
now advancing instead of being stopped.” ENOC Group is seeking new horizons and showcase the nation as a global hub for
In 2018, according to Middle East Eye, avenues for expansion opportunities, revealed innovation and technology. We go great
Blinken berated the Trump administration for its CEO Saif Humaid Al Falasi. length to ensure international standards of
nixing US participation in the JCPOA, saying In an interview with the Emirates News technology and sustainability.”
that withdrawal from the pact put Washington Agency, WAM, Al Falasi said: “We are looking The marine station in Umm Sequim
on a “collision course” not only with Iran but to further expand into the marine sector is equipped with underground fuel tanks,
also with its own allies. by launching additional marine stations in double fuel dispensers and two-reel hoses.

Week 47 25•November•2020 www. NEWSBASE .com P19