Saudi Arabia is concerned about Iraqi coordinates near the divided zone with Kuwait
Saudi Arabia is concerned about Iraqi border adjustments
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia expressed its deep concern and close monitoring of the lists of coordinates and maps submitted by the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations, which included unilateral modifications affecting the maritime border with the State of Kuwait and the shared areas between the Kingdom and Kuwait. In an official statement, the Kingdom affirmed that these Iraqi measures encompass large parts of the submerged area of the Divided Zone adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone, over which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait possess exclusive sovereign rights to exploit natural resources.
Historical background of the divided region
The divided zone traces its origins to the 1922 Uqair Protocol, which established a neutral zone of approximately 5,770 square kilometers between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to prevent conflicts between the region's Bedouin tribes. In 1965, the two countries agreed to administratively divide the zone, with each annexing half of it to its territory, while continuing to share the revenues from natural resources, particularly oil, equally. This zone, including its offshore extension (the submerged area), is a historical example of close cooperation between the two countries, and any third-party claims to it would violate the established bilateral agreements.
Regional and international importance of the conflict
This issue is of paramount importance both regionally and internationally. Regionally, this Iraqi move could strain relations with its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) neighbors at a time when the region is striving to enhance stability and economic cooperation. It also raises questions about Iraq's commitment to international agreements and UN resolutions that delineated its borders, specifically Security Council Resolution 833 of 1993, which definitively established the land and maritime borders between Iraq and Kuwait following the Second Gulf War. Internationally, this action represents a test of the credibility of international law and the UN's ability to enforce its resolutions concerning the sovereign borders of states.
Saudi Arabia affirms sovereign rights
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the Kingdom's categorical rejection of any claims by any other party to rights in the submerged area divided or within its designated boundaries between the Kingdom and Kuwait. It affirmed that these Iraqi coordinates also violate Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime zones, including reefs such as Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij. The Kingdom reiterated its call for Iraq to abide by international agreements and respect Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging the prioritization of dialogue and wisdom and the resolution of disputes in accordance with the principles of international law and good neighborliness to ensure regional stability and security.
