Bahrain: we will not give up an inch of our lands
Bahrain-Qatar, Politics, 5/31/2000

Bahrain's Prime Minister Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa announced on Tuesday that his country will not give up one inch of its lands, on the eve of the beginning of the sessions of the International court for Justice to consider the border disputes between his country and Qatar.

He said " Qatar wants to share us our land and country." He stressed Bahrain's unwavering stand " as a prince, people and government" not to give up an inch of the soil of the homeland.

In a speech he delivered before the consultation council he expressed his confidence that " Justice can be only a confirmation to an inherited right proven historically and legally."

Sheikh Khaleifa did not mean by his statement that al-Manama will refuse the decision of the International court of Justice if it is not convenient to it. He said that this " dispute was submitted to the International Court of Justice, according to a separate request from Qatar against Bahrain." He continued "we hope the court's decision will be helpful to establishing friendly and peaceful relations between the two sisterly countries."

Doha asks for Hawar and Fashet al-Dubble islands which are under Bahrain's control, while al-Manama calls for restoring back al-Zabara area on the Qatari coast.

On Monday, representatives for both Qatar and Bahrain started in the Hague five weeks of oral sessions before the international court for justice would issue its final decision on the border disputes during a period of time estimated between 4 to 6 weeks.

On another development, Sheikh Khaleifa said that women in Bahrain will get into the legislative field through taking part in the Bahrain's Shoura council which includes 30 appointed members and which will be elected as from the year 2001.

Sheikh Khaleifa Bin Salman al-Khaleifa announced " the next Shoura council in Bahrain will witness the participation of Bahrain's women in its membership, in an appreciation for its great efforts in the society and as a culmination of her efforts in the past and at present, over her remarkable achievements."

He stressed in a speech he delivered in conclusion of the 8th ordinary session of the council which was established in 1992 that Bahrain decided to make elections as a way for establishing the next Shoura council ( Parliament), noting that this point will be an extra point for strengthening the democratic process in the country."

Previous Stories:
  Court trial begins for border and islands sovereignty disputes between Qatar and Bahrain; Background   (5/29/2000)
  Emir of Qatar's visit to Bahrain did not end border disputes   (5/25/2000)
  Arab common market: Border hostilities an impediment to trade, part 4   (6/26/1999)

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