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Kuwait affirms keenness on good ties with Iraq
Politics 8/7/2011 5:53:00 PM
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah
KUWAIT, Aug 7 (KUNA) -- Kuwait is keen on maintaining good neighborliness ties with Iraq and clarifying all facts related to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port venture, the Foreign Ministry affirmed on Sunday.
Khaled Al-Jarallah, the ministry undersecretary, in a statement to journalists after a presentation about the phases of the mega project, said it was held in reaction to the "media commotion" about the project, which would not serve the distinctive ties between the State of Kuwait "and the brothers in Iraq on the basis of our keenness on maintaining good neighborliness relations with the brothers in Iraq and clarifying matters to them." Kuwaiti officials have presented the diplomats in the country with technical explanation on various aspects of the project related to its location, its prospected effects on navigation, the environment, in addition to some related economic aspects, Al-Jarallah stated.
He indicated that the Kuwaiti-Iraqi commission meeting, on May 28, during which the Kuwaiti side explained to the Iraqi counterparts some dimensions of the major venture, and a field inspection of the project location by the Iraqis resulted in clarifying the situation in the eyes of the Iraqis.
He indicated at the Iraqis' desire to send in a delegation of technicians to gather further information and facts related to the venture, expressing readiness to cooperate with the visitors and inform them about any issues they may inquire about.
"We are certain that when we meet the Iraqi brothers and explain details of the project, we will able to fold this chapter and close this file," the senior foreign ministry official added.
Both Kuwait and Iraq need ports in the region, he said, noting that Kuwait needs to build such a port as much as the Iraqis need Faw Port. "We have taken the stance on the basis of an approach for integration, and not competition, with our brothers in Iraq," he pointed out.
Reacting to Iraq's warning that it would resort to the United Nations in case Kuwait proceeded with the execution of the venture, the ministry undersecretary said, "We have a long path ahead of referring the issue to the United Nations," stressing that this file could be folded through diplomatic dialogue, understanding and transparency.
He denied existence of intransigence on the Iraqi side on the issue, but added that the Iraqis were seeking certain answers, affirming the readiness to do so on the basis of good neighborliness relations and shifting these ties "from a dark to a bright phase." Al-Jarallah re-affirmed that the venture would neither affect the navigation, nor the waters in the region.
He ruled out resorting to the "military option," as raised by some quarters in Iraq, however, he stressed that Kuwait was ready for all the options.
About reports that the Iraqis would not do business with the planned Kuwaiti port, Al-Jarallah noted that such a desire was expressed before the Iraqis were given accurate information about the venture. "Boycotting the port will not serve the interests of Iraq and Kuwait," he added.
The official indicated at the necessity of cooperation between the authorities at the Iraqi and Kuwaiti harbors in the region, and cautioned that "such a negative approach would not serve development in the region." On the issues of dealing with the Syrian ambassador in light of the events in his country, he said that dealing with the diplomat is governed with well-known treaties.
Asked about intention to take legal action against those who have threatened the Syrian ambassador, he emphasized that the authorities would act on the basis of relevant laws.
On prospected action by the GCC toward the events in Syria, Al-Jarallah said he could not speak for sure regarding such an eventual action. (end) hrz.abd.rk
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Politics 8/7/2011 5:53:00 PM
Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah
KUWAIT, Aug 7 (KUNA) -- Kuwait is keen on maintaining good neighborliness ties with Iraq and clarifying all facts related to the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port venture, the Foreign Ministry affirmed on Sunday.
Khaled Al-Jarallah, the ministry undersecretary, in a statement to journalists after a presentation about the phases of the mega project, said it was held in reaction to the "media commotion" about the project, which would not serve the distinctive ties between the State of Kuwait "and the brothers in Iraq on the basis of our keenness on maintaining good neighborliness relations with the brothers in Iraq and clarifying matters to them." Kuwaiti officials have presented the diplomats in the country with technical explanation on various aspects of the project related to its location, its prospected effects on navigation, the environment, in addition to some related economic aspects, Al-Jarallah stated.
He indicated that the Kuwaiti-Iraqi commission meeting, on May 28, during which the Kuwaiti side explained to the Iraqi counterparts some dimensions of the major venture, and a field inspection of the project location by the Iraqis resulted in clarifying the situation in the eyes of the Iraqis.
He indicated at the Iraqis' desire to send in a delegation of technicians to gather further information and facts related to the venture, expressing readiness to cooperate with the visitors and inform them about any issues they may inquire about.
"We are certain that when we meet the Iraqi brothers and explain details of the project, we will able to fold this chapter and close this file," the senior foreign ministry official added.
Both Kuwait and Iraq need ports in the region, he said, noting that Kuwait needs to build such a port as much as the Iraqis need Faw Port. "We have taken the stance on the basis of an approach for integration, and not competition, with our brothers in Iraq," he pointed out.
Reacting to Iraq's warning that it would resort to the United Nations in case Kuwait proceeded with the execution of the venture, the ministry undersecretary said, "We have a long path ahead of referring the issue to the United Nations," stressing that this file could be folded through diplomatic dialogue, understanding and transparency.
He denied existence of intransigence on the Iraqi side on the issue, but added that the Iraqis were seeking certain answers, affirming the readiness to do so on the basis of good neighborliness relations and shifting these ties "from a dark to a bright phase." Al-Jarallah re-affirmed that the venture would neither affect the navigation, nor the waters in the region.
He ruled out resorting to the "military option," as raised by some quarters in Iraq, however, he stressed that Kuwait was ready for all the options.
About reports that the Iraqis would not do business with the planned Kuwaiti port, Al-Jarallah noted that such a desire was expressed before the Iraqis were given accurate information about the venture. "Boycotting the port will not serve the interests of Iraq and Kuwait," he added.
The official indicated at the necessity of cooperation between the authorities at the Iraqi and Kuwaiti harbors in the region, and cautioned that "such a negative approach would not serve development in the region." On the issues of dealing with the Syrian ambassador in light of the events in his country, he said that dealing with the diplomat is governed with well-known treaties.
Asked about intention to take legal action against those who have threatened the Syrian ambassador, he emphasized that the authorities would act on the basis of relevant laws.
On prospected action by the GCC toward the events in Syria, Al-Jarallah said he could not speak for sure regarding such an eventual action. (end) hrz.abd.rk
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