Abu Dhabi, June 2 (IANS/WAM): The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to nominate itself for membership of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for a four-year term beginning 2012, a top official has said.

Congratulating the elected and re-elected countries to the human rights body, Obaid Salem Al Za'abi, UAE's permanent representative to the UN European headquarters, said: "I'm pleased to announce that the UAE has decided to nominate itself for membership of the council for the term 2012-2015 out of its belief in the important role of human rights in building and developing societies."

Al Za'abi also lauded the statement delivered by Navi Pillay, UN high commissioner for human rights, at the fourteenth regular session of the HRC, saying it contributes in presenting issues of common interest and enriches debate about them.

He also expressed his gratitude to Pillay for adopting transparency and cooperation that allows all members to share their views and exchange consultations which will iron out differences and lead to enhancement of human rights.

The UAE supported the statement issued by the Islamic group in condemning the inhuman aggression committed by the Israeli troops against the humanitarian aid convoy for Gaza as a flagrant violation of the international law, he said.