News / Persian Gulf

Qatar urges UN to stop violation of territorial waters by Bahraini vessels

Saturday, 02 January 2021 9:37 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 02 January 2021 9:37 AM ]

This file picture shows a military vessel belonging to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF). (Photo via Twitter)

Qatar has protested at the violation of its territorial waters by Bahraini military vessels, calling on the United Nations to put an end to such acts and adopt appropriate measures to maintain international peace and security.

Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, in two identical letters addressed to the rotating President of the Security Council Jerry Matthews Matjila and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, stated that the latest violation of Qatari territorial waters took place on November 25 last year, condemning the “dangerous and illegal” acts.

She noted that the Bahraini vessels entered Qatar’s maritime territory without any permission in a move which represents a violation of Doha's sovereignty and a threat to the Persian Gulf kingdom’s security.

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The diplomat went on to say that such an infringement, together with the violation of Qatari airspace on December 9 last year, exacerbates tensions in the region and shows Manama’s disregard for its obligations under the international law.

Al Thani pointed out that Bahrain is trying to invent pretexts to destabilize and increase tensions in the region, stating that such a practice threatens regional and global peace and security.

She said Qatar is abiding by its commitments and is exercising its sovereign rights.

The Qatari diplomat highlighted that Doha stands committed to the principle of good neighborliness, exhibits restraint in the face of provocative acts, rejects any violation of its sovereignty, and reserves the right to take all necessary legal measures to defend its borders and airspace in line with international regulations.

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Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Egypt severed diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, 2017, accusing Doha of meddling in regional affairs and supporting “terrorism.”

Qatar has rejected the allegations and said it was targeted because it followed an independent foreign policy.

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