On the border disputes between Qatar, Bahrain
Qatar-Bahrain, Politics, 5/22/2000

Qatar on Sunday expressed regret and surprise over the decision taken by Bahrain to stop the work of the joint higher committee on cooperation between the two states. The joint higher committee was discussing a long-time joint border disputes.

Qatar's news agency quoted a statement from Qatar's foreign ministry saying that Qatar " hopes that having the International Court for Justice considering the border issue will not lead to the escalation of relations between the two countries." The statement stressed that Doha has a sincere desire and great care to strengthen relations with Bahrain and hopes the continuation of debating the conflict at the International Court for Justice will not affect these objectives of strengthening relations.

The statement added that the request Qatar had submitted to the International Court for Justice, in contradiction to the statement of Bahrain's foreign ministry, is not considered a violation to the Saudi mediation or non compliance with the good offices made by President of the United Arab Emirates UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan al-Nahyan.

The statement continued that Doha has not violated any agreement with Bahrain in its persistence to submit the border case to the International Court for Justice in the Hague. It added the two sides agreed to continue submitting the case to that court while continuing efforts to reach a settlement outside the context of the law. A Saudi official statement said on Sunday that Saudi Arabia is not pleased and feels regret and concern over the collapse of the talks and the statement called on the two sides to work seriously to prevent the escalation of the situation.

On Friday, Bahrain announced it will suspend talks with Qatar over the long-run disputes concerning Hawar island, saying Doha has not reply the Bahrain's proposals to settle this issue.

Qatar had separately submitted the case to the court in the Hague in 1991 and it is expected to have hearing sessions held on May 29.

Previous Stories:
  Bahrain unsatisfied with Qatari proposals over islands conflict   (5/20/2000)
  On relations between Bahrain and Qatar   (4/26/2000)
  Bahrain's crown prince in Qatar   (4/25/2000)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search