The Supreme Council emphasized the importance of Iraq’s respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, commitment to bilateral and international agreements, and all relevant United Nations resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution 833 (1993) concerning demarcation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi land and sea borders. The Council called upon Iraq to earnestly work toward completing the maritime border demarcation beyond Maritime Marker 162 between the two countries. Additionally, it urged the Iraqi government to adhere to the Maritime Navigation Agreement in Khawr Abd Allah, signed between Kuwait and Iraq on Apr. 29, 2012, which entered into force on Dec. 5, 2013, after approval by both Kuwaiti and Iraqi parliaments and joint submission to the United Nations on Dec. 18, 2013.
The Supreme Council also expressed complete rejection of the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter, rejected historical fallacies within the ruling, considered any unilateral decisions, practices, or actions by Iraq related to the Khawr Abd Allah Agreement null and void. Furthermore, it rejected Iraq’s unilateral action to annul the 2008 Security Exchange Protocol and its associated map, integral to the Joint Plan for ensuring navigation safety in Khawr Abd Allah, signed by both parties on Dec. 28, 2014, which outlined clear procedures for amendments and cancellations.
Moreover, the Supreme Council reaffirmed support for UN Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013), which mandated the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to enhance, support, and facilitate efforts related to the search for missing Kuwaitis, third-country nationals, and determining their fate or repatriating their remains within the framework of the Tripartite Committee and its Subsidiary Technical Committee, established under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross. It stressed the importance of ongoing Security Council monitoring of the file concerning the issue of missing Kuwaitis and third-country nationals through periodic reports provided by the UN Secretary-General on the latest developments in this ongoing humanitarian issue. The Council called upon Iraq and the United Nations to exert maximum efforts to achieve a final resolution to all these outstanding issues and files.
Regarding the Syrian situation, the Supreme Council reiterated its firm commitment to preserving the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic, rejecting regional interference in its internal affairs. It supported UN efforts towards a political solution in Syria, aligned with Security Council Resolution 2254, and backed the efforts of UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen. Additionally, it supported efforts to care for Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons, facilitating their safe and voluntary return to Syria according to international standards. It opposed any attempts to create demographic changes in Syria. The Council welcomed the statement from the Ministerial Communication Committee regarding the Syrian crisis, issued on Aug. 15, 2023, emphasizing the importance of resolving the Syrian crisis and addressing its political, security, and humanitarian consequences, the return of abductees and missing persons, and combating drugs, in line with the commitments outlined in the May 1, 2023, Oman statement. The Council also looked forward to the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee’s work.
Additionally, the Supreme Council welcomed the UN and Syrian government’s announcement of reaching an agreement on Aug. 7, 2023, to deliver humanitarian aid through Bab Al Hawa for six months, emphasizing the importance of continued humanitarian aid delivery and alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people.
Concerning Lebanon, the Supreme Council affirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s consistent positions supporting the Lebanese people, sovereignty, security, and stability, as well as the Lebanese Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding its borders and countering extremist and terrorist threats. It stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic structural reforms to overcome Lebanon’s political and economic crisis, preventing it from becoming a hub for terrorists, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities threatening regional security and stability. The Council emphasized the importance of the Lebanese government’s control over all Lebanese territories, including the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement to exercise its full sovereignty, ensuring no weapons without the Lebanese government’s consent and no authority other than its own.
Moreover, the Council welcomed the joint statement issued during the second meeting of the Quintet Group for Lebanon on Jul. 17, 2023, involving Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and France. It emphasized the need to expedite the presidential elections and implement necessary economic reforms for the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities toward its citizens. It praised the efforts of Lebanon’s friends and partners in restoring and enhancing trust and cooperation between Lebanon and the GCC countries and their support for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces in maintaining Lebanon’s security.
Concerning Libya, the Supreme Council reiterated its consistent positions and decisions on the Libyan crisis, emphasizing the commitment to safeguarding the interests of the Libyan people, achieving security, stability, and development in Libya, ensuring its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and ending foreign interference in its internal affairs. It called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territories, supported UN efforts to reach a political solution, hold elections, and unify state institutions to fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people and establish security and stability.
The Council extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims and the government and people of Libya following the floods in the Libyan city of Derna.
Additionally, the Supreme Council welcomed the consensus reached by the Joint Committee (6+6) formed from the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State during their meetings in the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco on June 6-7, 2023, regarding laws governing the election of the head of state and parliament, considering it a positive and constructive step towards presidential and parliamentary elections.
The Council also expressed concern about the recurring armed clashes in Libyan territories, endangering the security and safety of the Libyan people and undermining the country’s stability. It reaffirmed the support of GCC countries for Libya and the political process, along with relevant Security Council resolutions, to preserve its security, stability, and sovereignty. It urged all parties in Libya to halt the conflict, ensuring de-escalation and preserving lives, advocating for wisdom, reason, and political dialogue to resolve differences in the interest of Libya, achieving its highest interests in development and prosperity. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency
