Bahraini protest Qatari decision over disputed Hawar Islands

Bahrain announced that the recent decision of Qatar's Ministry of Interior to designate Zubarah region and the Hawar Islands as electoral areas for the municipal central council in Qatar is a glaring violation of the sovereignty of Bahrain, the unity of its territories and its regional waters.

Zubarah region and the Hawar Islands are both part of a sovereignty dispute between Bahrain and Qatar that is being heard by the International Court of Justice. Qatar is currently undergoing preperations for its first municipal election.

Official sources in the Bahraini Ministry of Interior confirmed that Manama protested against these actions, considering them null and void.

They said it completely contradicts the recent declarations released by Doha concerning Qatar's desire to rectify atmospheres and improve relations between the two countries.