Qatar persists on international arbitration over border disputes with Bahrain

Qatar has once again asserted its persistence on resorting to international arbitration in its border disputes with Bahrain.

AFP quoted Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jasem Bin Jaber al-Thani as saying to the al-Jazira satellite station that Qatar is proceeding in the case submitted before the International Court of Justice over the "Hawar" islands and is ruling out any delay in studying this case.

The Qatari minister stressed in his statement to the al-Jazira satellite station, issued by the Qatari dailies on Thursday, that "Qatar welcomes any mediation in this respect," adding that such mediation does not mean it is dropping the case from the International Court of Justice.

The Qatari minister added that the choice of the court is the "most secure and correct," adding, "We have pursued amicable solutions for years but we did not reach a solution." He stated that Qatar will submit to the court the evidence which proves its claims and demands.

Qatar calls for restoring the islands of Hawar and Fachit al-Deble in the Gulf that are controlled by Bahrain. For its part, Bahrain calls for having part of al-Zabara district on the Qatari coast.