Bahrain calls for talks with Qatar to secure ‘lasting agreement’

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has emphasised the importance of restoring mutual fishing rights with Qatar in line with fair practice observed and respected by seafarers of successive generations.

To settle the dispute and secure a lasting agreement that benefits the fishermen and citizens of both countries, the Kingdom will seek bilateral negotiations with Qatar.

This was emphasised by the Cabinet during yesterday’s weekly meeting, held remotely and chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The historic practice of Qatar permitting Bahrainis to fish on the Qatar-UAE border in return for Bahrain permitting Qataris to fish on the Bahrain-Saudi border forms the basis of observed practice for generations.

The position adopted by the Cabinet strengthens efforts to enhance Gulf cooperation and has the support of the Kingdom’s Council of Representatives.

The Shura Council also praised the Bahraini steps in conducting direct negotiations with Qatar to reach an agreement.

It commended the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to task the relevant authorities to compensate the Bahraini fishermen who were affected by the measures taken by the Qatari authorities.

In line with royal directives, the Cabinet also issued instructions to relevant entities in the Kingdom to compensate fishermen affected by the actions taken by Qatari authorities against them.

Bahrain has strongly condemned the Qatari authorities’ provocative practices, in breach of all international laws and conventions, citing the recent interception of two Bahraini Coast Guard vessels taking part in a maritime exercise “Al Manaa’’, north of Fasht Al Dibal, by patrol vessels of the Qatari Coast and Border Security, in violation of the Law of the Sea and international conventions.

Meanwhile, the Professional Fishermen Society yesterday extended sincere thanks to HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for their support to Bahraini fishermen, through compensating them and making amends for their damage caused by the Qatar authorities’ violations and reckless practices against them and their livelihoods.

The group expressed its appreciation for the efforts exerted by the royal leadership to solve the fishermen’s problems, and enhance areas of cooperation with them, in line with the community partnership principle.

It hailed HM the King’s constant directives to the relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Interior, to remove all obstacles facing Bahraini fishermen, citing the daily efforts of the Coast Guards’ Commander and personnel to prevent crimes and protect Bahraini fishermen at the sea.