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Kuwait Rejects Iranian ‘Claims, Measures’ Regarding Durra Gas Field

The Durra gas field is located within the maritime areas of Kuwait (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Durra gas field is located within the maritime areas of Kuwait (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Kuwait Rejects Iranian ‘Claims, Measures’ Regarding Durra Gas Field

The Durra gas field is located within the maritime areas of Kuwait (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Durra gas field is located within the maritime areas of Kuwait (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Kuwait has officially declared its rejection of Iranian “claims and measures” planned for the rich offshore “Durra” gas field

Kuwait Oil Minister Saad Al-Barrak said his country “categorically and totally” rejected Iranian procedures and claims on the Durra offshore gas field in the neutral zone connecting Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Only Kuwait and Saudi Arabia own “exclusive rights” to the field, the minister said in a statement.

Kuwait was “surprised” by Tehran’s plans and intentions, which “contravene the basic principles of international relations”, the minister underlined.

The Arab Gulf country’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that the maritime area where the Durra gas field is located falls within Kuwait’s territorial waters.

The natural resources in this area are jointly shared between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with both countries having exclusive rights to the natural resources in the Durra field, affirmed the ministry.

A source at the ministry stated on Monday that Kuwait has re-invited the Iranian side to initiate talks for demarcating maritime borders.

On March 21, 2022, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to develop the Durra field, aiming to exploit its rich gas reserves for daily production of one billion standard cubic feet of natural gas and 84,000 barrels of condensates, which will be shared between the two countries.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, inked the deal with his Kuwaiti counterpart.

The two agreed on setting up Al-Khafji Joint Operations Co., a joint venture (JV) between Aramco Gulf Operations Co. and Kuwait Gulf Oil Co. (KGOC).

They also agreed to select a consultant to conduct the engineering studies necessary to develop the field, as per the best techniques and topnotch technologies and practices that take into account safety, health and environmental preservation, as well as the development of the most efficient and effective engineering designs in terms of capital and operations.

For its part, Iran claimed that the document signed between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to develop the Durra gas field was “illegal” since Tehran also has a share in the field and must be included in any action to operate and develop the field.

 

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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
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Qatar Considers Shura Council Appointments Instead of Elections

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (QNA)

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has directed the referral of proposed constitutional amendments, including the return to appointing members of the Shura Council, to the Council for consideration.

Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's fourth ordinary session on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said: “Based on my responsibility and duty towards my country and my people for the good of the present and the future, I considered that these amendments fulfill the supreme interest of the state and promote the values of justice and equality in rights and duties among members of Qatari society.”

“I have directed that the draft constitutional and legislative amendments, including a return to the system for appointing members of the Shura Council, are to be referred to your esteemed Council for necessary action in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.

“The Council of Ministers will take necessary measures on proposed amendments to laws and other legislative instruments in accordance with the law,” he said, reminding that the Shura Council is not a representative parliament in a democratic system, and its status and powers will not be affected whether its members are chosen by election or appointment.

The proposed amendments will be put to a public vote and will shift from an electoral system back to appointments.

Sheikh Tamim added that “there are many ways to consult with the Qatari people” and acknowledged that competition among Shura Council candidates occurs within families and tribes, affecting local traditions and social cohesion.

On October 1, 2021, Qatar conducted its first legislative elections since the Shura Council was established in 1972.

The Shura Council is the country’s legislative body. It discusses matters referred by the cabinet, including proposed laws and state policies, reviews the national budget, and asks ministers questions for clarification.

The Council can also make recommendations to the government on public policies. However, it does not have authority over defense, security, economic, or investment matters.