Qatar to accept international arbitration in dispute with Bahrain
Qatar-Regional, Politics, 12/31/1998

Qatari Foreign Minister Shiekh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber al-Thani announced his that country will accept the decision submitted to the International Court of Justice concerning a border dispute with Bahrain.

Replying to a question on a Bahraini assertion that the conflict over Hawar Island was sorted out but there is still the question of al-Zabara island, the Qatari minister said that "Doha seeks friendly and good relations with Manama," noting the case is now at the hands of the International Court of Justice.

In an interview with a Qatari satellite station on Monday night and in reply to a question on the Israeli trade office in Doha, Sheikh Hamad said, "We still have hope that there will be a peaceful solution. There is no alternative," he commented, "If a result is not attained in having peace then we will close this office."

He indicated the good level of understanding between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. "We have (Qatar and the UAE) discovered but very late that we were dragged into a dirty conspiracy," in remarks to the failed coup attempt in Qatar, as some of the convicted persons fled to the UAE.

The Qatari minister urged to positively view the presence of foreign troops in the Gulf region. On whether the Iraqi regime constitutes a threat, Sheikh Hamad said, "Militarily speaking no, but on the political level there is still a strong Iraq. A matter which creates balance between several countries in the region."

Replying to a question no changing the Iraqi government, the Qatari minister said, "This is the very right of the Iraqi people."

Previous Stories:
  Qatari FM: Damascus Declaration countries did not include approve of strikes on Iraq   (12/21/1998)
  Qatar and Bahrain leaders met together and with UN chief   (12/8/1998)
  Bahrain protests Qatari decision over disputed Hawar Islands   (10/15/1998)

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