Bahrain unsatisfied with Qatari proposals over islands conflict
Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/20/2000

Bahrain on Friday accused Qatar of submitting a separate request to the International court of Justice and of ignoring the good offices made to find an amicable solution for the border disputes between the two states.

"The State of Bahrain expresses its disappointment and regrets at this situation especially when both States are beginning a new and very promising era for the people of both brotherly States. Since the unilateral application submitted by the State of Qatar against the State of Bahrain in the ICJ is considered a challenge to the Saudi mediation and not responding to the good offices of HH Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the State of Bahrain has had no choice but to set aside the work of the Joint High Committee," the Bahrain Tribune today quoted a foreign ministry statement as saying.

The statement added that Bahrain finds itself obliged to put side works of the joint higher committee which is assigned to settle the conflict amicably and will wait for the decision of the international court of justice.

The Bahraini spokesman indicated that Manama exerted great efforts in order to reach a fraternal solution for the conflict and will wait for what the International Court of Justice will do.

Bahrain's spokesman indicated that Manama has exerted great effort in order to reach a fraternal solution for all border issue through the work of the higher committee and a proposal were submitted to this effect, noting it is regrettable that so far Manama has not got a positive reply from Qatar.

Worthy mentioning both Manama and Doha decided in December 1999 during the visit held by the ruler of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani of Bahrain to withdraw back this case from the International Court of Justice if they agree on an amicable solution.

Doha called for having back the islands of Hawar and Fashat al-Dibble situated in the Gulf and are under the command of Bahrain, while Manama calls for having back al-Zabara district situated in the coast of Qatar. However, the conflict had almost reached an armed confrontation between the two states in 1986.

Previous Stories:
  France says Qatari initiative on Iraq helpfull   (5/17/2000)
  Saudi crown prince arrives in Qatar today   (5/1/2000)
  On relations between Bahrain and Qatar   (4/26/2000)
  Bahrain's crown prince in Qatar   (4/25/2000)

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