Kuwait’s Prime Minister Criticizes Iraqi Ruling on Navigation in Khor Abdullah Waterway
Kuwait’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, has criticized an Iraqi ruling on regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway between the two states, describing it as containing “historical fallacies.” The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Tensions have been escalating between Kuwait and Iraq since the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that an agreement regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway was unconstitutional. The court argued that the law ratifying the accord should have been approved by two-thirds of parliament.
The land border between Kuwait and Iraq was demarcated by the United Nations in 1993 after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. However, the maritime boundaries were not fully addressed in the agreement, leaving it up to the two oil-producing nations to resolve. In 2012, an agreement was reached between Kuwait and Iraq, which was later ratified by their respective legislative bodies in 2013.
During the meeting, Sheikh Ahmad called for the complete demarcation of Kuwaiti-Iraqi maritime borders in accordance with international law. This echoes a call made by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States on Wednesday. The GCC countries and the United States emphasized the importance of respecting and implementing bilateral agreements that are in the interest of both nations.
In response to Sheikh Ahmad’s comments, Iraqi parliament speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi met with a delegation from the Kuwaiti national assembly. During the meeting, Al-Halbousi emphasized “the importance of respecting and implementing bilateral agreements that are in the interest of the two brotherly peoples.” However, the statement did not specifically mention the Khor Abdullah waterway.
The dispute over the Khor Abdullah waterway is significant for both Kuwait and Iraq. The waterway is a vital route for maritime trade and transportation of goods, particularly for Kuwait, which heavily relies on its oil exports. Any disruption or uncertainty in the navigation of the waterway could have serious economic consequences for both nations.
The ruling by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court has raised concerns about the stability and predictability of the bilateral relationship between Kuwait and Iraq. It is essential for both countries to find a resolution to this issue through diplomatic means. The complete demarcation of maritime borders in accordance with international law would provide clarity and stability for both nations.
The involvement of the GCC countries and the United States in calling for the demarcation of maritime borders highlights the regional and international importance of resolving this dispute. The support from these influential actors could potentially facilitate negotiations between Kuwait and Iraq and encourage a peaceful resolution.
It is crucial for Kuwait and Iraq to prioritize dialogue and cooperation to address this issue effectively. By engaging in constructive discussions, both nations can find a mutually beneficial solution that respects their sovereignty and promotes regional stability.
In conclusion, the Iraqi ruling on regulating navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway has sparked tensions between Kuwait and Iraq. Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah criticized the ruling, calling for urgent measures to address it. The complete demarcation of maritime borders in accordance with international law is crucial for resolving this dispute and ensuring stability in the region. The involvement of the GCC countries and the United States highlights the significance of finding a peaceful resolution through diplomatic means. Dialogue and cooperation between Kuwait and Iraq are essential to reach a mutually beneficial solution.