Iraq Deposits Controversial Maritime Maps, Kuwait Condemns “Violation of Sovereignty”
The Iraqi government has announced depositing official documents with the United Nations containing new maritime maps and coordinates. This move has sparked official Kuwaiti objections, which consider it a violation of Kuwait’s maritime sovereignty and water elevations.
Iraq’s Position on Maritime Maps
Foreign Minister’s Statements
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein commented on the documents deposited with the United Nations (UN), confirming they include specific maritime areas. He explained that the coordinates covered the maritime area referenced in official documents.
Nature of the Areas Included
The Iraqi documents defined what it described as “the submerged divided zone adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided zone.” This step comes within the framework of demarcating Iraq’s maritime borders according to the official vision.
Kuwaiti Official Response
Condemnation of Sovereignty Violation
The Kuwaiti government condemned the officially submitted documents, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty over its maritime areas.” It affirmed that these maps infringe on the country’s established maritime rights.
Legal Demands
The Kuwaiti statement indicated that the Iraqi documents violate Kuwait’s water elevations. It renewed its emphasis on the necessity of respecting bilateral agreements and international law in border demarcation.
Background of the Border Dispute
Scope of the Disputed Area
The disputes center on the maritime area located at the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab and the territorial waters adjacent to the shared border. This area has witnessed repeated historical disputes between the two countries.
International Legal Framework
The frameworks for resolving maritime disputes in the region date back to previous international agreements and UN protocols. Kuwait insists on applying these agreements as they are without modification.
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