Kuwaits sovereignty reaffirmed by Gulf countries following Iraqs boundary changes

Gulf Countries Express Support for Kuwait Amidst Maritime Dispute

Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have pledged their support for Kuwait’s sovereignty following Iraq’s submission of updated maritime coordinates to the United Nations. The move was met with a protest from Kuwait, which claimed that the updates infringed upon its territorial rights.

Iraq stated that it had submitted the new coordinates based on the lowest low-water line used to measure its territorial sea. However, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disputed this claim, stating that the filing asserted claims over maritime zones and fixed features, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij.

Oman called on Iraq to consider the principles of good neighbourliness and international law in its relations with Kuwait. Qatar expressed solidarity with Kuwait, urging adherence to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Saudi Arabia stated that it was following developments with great concern, as the updated coordinates included parts of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone.

Riyadh reiterated its support for Kuwait’s sovereignty over its maritime zones and watersheds, calling for Iraq to abide by UN Security Council resolutions and respect international law. Bahrain and the UAE also issued statements expressing their support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and adherence to international conventions.

The border between Iraq and Kuwait was demarcated by the UN in 1993, but a maritime border agreement was reached in 2012. However, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ruled that the parliament’s ratification of this agreement was invalid in 2023. Kuwait has insisted on completing the demarcation of its maritime border with Iraq according to international laws and conventions.

The Gulf Cooperation Council supports Kuwait’s position on this matter. The dispute highlights the need for dialogue and cooperation between the countries involved.

Source: Al Jazeera