GCC calls on Iraq to complete border demarcation with Kuwait
the flags of GCC countries. Photo: North Press Agency
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during its 157th session held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, confirmed its rejection of any violation that affects Kuwait’s sovereignty.
The Gulf Ministerial Council called on Iraq not to violate international resolutions and agreements, most notably Security Council Resolution No. 833 regarding the demarcation of the borders between the two countries.
The GCC called on Iraq to also abide by the agreement regulating maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah concluded between Iraq and Kuwait, urging Baghdad to complete the demarcation of the maritime borders with Kuwait.
The Council stressed its total rejection of any violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, indicating that Kuwait preserves its right to respond through legal channels.
The GCC step comes a few days after Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court annulled the ratification of the maritime navigation agreement with Kuwait.
The Federal Supreme Court clarified that the ratification of international treaties and agreements, according to the Iraqi constitution, should be regulated by a law enacted by a two-thirds majority in the Iraqi Parliament; thus, the ratification law of the agreement regulating navigation in Khor Abdullah is unconstitutional.
The Khor Abdallah is an estuary located in southern Iraq and northern Kuwait.
The border between both countries divides the lower part of the estuary, but adjacent to the port of Umm Qasr, the estuary becomes entirely Iraqi.
The foreign ministers of Iraq and Kuwait met last July in Baghdad, where they emphasized the need to resolve border issues.
Both officials said at that time that their countries would work towards reaching a definitive agreement on the demarcation of their land in addition to the contested maritime area of the Arabian Gulf.