Rumors have suggested that Im hurriedly traveled to the UAE early last month to mitigate its concerns about the possible impact of Moon's nuclear phase-out policy on the 2009 deal, under which South Korea is currently building four reactors there. But Moon's office dismissed the allegations, saying Im's trip was to improve bilateral ties and encourage a South Korean military contingent stationed there.

"I think the Moon government will properly manage (the situation) as it has vowed to do so," Lee said.

The former president also said Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, the chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, who is to visit Seoul early this year, is an "influential figure."

Asked whether the chairman's visit is instrumental to addressing the alleged uneasy situation, Lee said, "Nobody can guess."

Lee is in discord with the incumbent government, as the prosecution is looking into suspicions that DAS, an auto parts maker has run a secret fund worth 12 billion won ($11 million) under dozens of borrowed names. Lee is alleged to be the real owner of the company. (Yonhap)