Gulf countries back Kuwait's sovereignty after Iraq draws new boundaries

"Gulf countries have pledged support for Kuwait's sovereignty after Iraq submitted new maritime coordinates and an updated map to the United Nations. Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates backed Kuwait after the emirate summoned Iraq's charge d'affaires on Saturday to protest Baghdad's move, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. list of 3 itemsend of list Iraq said it made the updates based on the lowest low-water line used to measure its territorial sea."

"Iraq said it made the updates based on the lowest low-water line used to measure its territorial sea. Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the filing asserted claims over maritime zones and fixed maritime features, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij. The ministry emphasised that these areas are not disputed and remain under Kuwait's complete sovereign authority. On Monday, Oman called on Iraq to take into consideration the course of its historical and fraternal relations with the State of Kuwait"

"Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday that it was in full solidarity with Kuwait and Iraq's submission infringes upon its sovereignty, urging adherence to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, said it is following developments with great concern, considering that Iraq's coordinates include parts of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone, whose natural resources are shared by the kingdom and Kuwait, according to existing agreements."

Iraq submitted updated maritime coordinates and a map to the United Nations asserting claims over maritime zones and features, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij. Iraq said the updates were based on the lowest low-water line used to measure its territorial sea. Kuwait summoned Iraq's charge d'affaires and affirmed that the areas are not disputed and remain under Kuwait's complete sovereign authority. Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE pledged support for Kuwait's sovereignty and urged adherence to international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Saudi Arabia warned the coordinates include parts of the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone and called for dialogue and compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Read at www.aljazeera.com