London: Britain has described the recent visit by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad to the disputed island of Abu Musa as "highly unfortunate".

"The United Kingdom supports a peaceful settlement to the conflict between the UAE and the Islamic Republic of Iran over Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunb islands acceptable to both parties, in accordance with international law," said a British foreign office spokesperson. This should be either through direct negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice, reported Kuwait News Agency citing the spokesperson`s statement Thursday. Britain said it valued the measured approach "taken by the UAE over the issue".
IANS