'Armed Forces a Symbol of National Unity': Gen shaikh Mohammed.

Summary: The 6th of May 2009 marks the 33rd anniversary of the unification of the UAE Armed Forces, an event that is both glorious and dear to all our hearts.

This central event in our national development, which occurred five years after the formation of the UAE Federation, in essence represented the second launch of our young state, founded 
 in 1971. Based on this historic decision, the land, naval and air forces were unified under a single command, namely the General Command of the Armed Forces. The historic decision to unify the UAE Armed Forces was the result of a determination to remove all barriers that might hinder the complete interaction, communication and integration between state institutions.

The decision stemmed from the state's continuous effort to reinforce its federal structure and enhance its security and stability. The symbolic significance of unification lies in its role as the starting point in an important, qualitative transition aimed at achieving the people's hopes and aspirations with regard to the integration of the armed forces under a single banner and a single command, thus positioning the UAE Armed Forces as a steadfast, impenetrable shield protecting both the homeland and its citizens.

Furthermore, it is an event that contributed significantly to the expansion and development of our Armed Forces in terms of the number of troops, as well as their preparation, organisation, arming and training.

On this great occasion we must not overlook the fact that this pivotal step in the unification process, which took place in 1976, came about under the guidance, endorsement and determined efforts of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may he rest in peace - and the late Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum - may God bless his soul - together with their brothers, Their Highnesses the members of the Federation's Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates. Such efforts were also indicative of a widespread commitment to bolstering the foundations of unity that are shared by all in the UAE. The decision to unify the UAE Armed Forces, which followed a number of important preparatory measures that guaranteed its success, illustrates the prudent and incremental nature of internal and external UAE policies. The UAE is founded on the principles of centrism and moderation, and has always taken care to avoid rushed, uncalculated decisions in order to mitigate negative results.

The decision to unify our Armed Forces represented a new starting point in the history of the federal state.

Today, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, development has been achieved at all levels. In light of His Highness' wise vision and astute direction, the UAE Armed Forces continue to achieve great progress by employing the latest military technologies, recognising that development and modernisation cannot be accomplished in the absence of modern science and technology.

On this anniversary, we can be proud of the high technical expertise attained by our Armed Forces, the secret to which lies in the ability to possess and exploit the latest technologies available. We should also pride ourselves in our Armed Forces' great achievements, not only in embodying the strong foundations of our national security, but also in the external context, through their humanitarian participation in the Arab Deterrent Force in Lebanon; their efforts to bring hope to the people of Somalia; and their leading role in peacekeeping and relief operations, including reconstruction efforts in Kosovo, within the scope of the United Nations' peacekeeping role.

For full text visit www.khaleejtimes.com

Copyright 2009 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved.

Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company