Manama Condemns Qatar’s Interception of Bahraini Vessels

The vessels that were intercepted by Qatar. (BNA)
The vessels that were intercepted by Qatar. (BNA)
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Manama Condemns Qatar’s Interception of Bahraini Vessels

The vessels that were intercepted by Qatar. (BNA)
The vessels that were intercepted by Qatar. (BNA)

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior reiterated on Monday its categorical rejection of “any insults to its staff or threats to their safety”, vowing it will take the steps it deems appropriate to protect the kingdom’s security and stability.

In a statement, the ministry clarified the incident that occurred on November 25 when Qatari patrols intercepted two Bahraini vessels on their way home from a maritime exercise in violation of the Law of the Sea and international conventions.

Three Qatari Coast and Border Security patrols had intercepted two Bahraini Coast Guard vessels that were making their way back following the end of their mission in "Al Manaa" maritime exercise.

The incident targeting the two Bahraini vessels started with the response of the two vessels, then their interception, clarified the ministry in a statement carried by the Bahrain news agency (BNA).

“The Qataris detained the vessels, threatened to use weapons and prevented the Bahraini crews from contacting the operations room, without regard to their affiliation to the Bahraini Coast Guard as an official entity,” it revealed.

“The Qatari boats did not carry any flag or identification as required by international norms, while the two Bahraini vessels carried the flag of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the logo of the Ministry of Interior,” it went on to say.

The Ministry of Interior commended “the level of discipline, professionalism and self-restraint displayed by the captains of the Bahraini vessels in dealing with the hostile actions of the Qataris.”

“The actions taken by the Qatari patrols are in blatant violation of the conventions and treaties related to the international Law of the Sea,” it continued.

“No country has the right to intercept by a force a Coast Guard ship or vessel, especially since the incident occurred in the territorial waters of Bahrain,” it added.

The ministry noted that last week’s incident was just one of many that have been provoked by Qatar over the years.

Between 2010 and 2020, about 650 boats and 2,153 people were arrested, breaking that harmony that has existed for more than 200 years during the times of pearl diving and fishing, it revealed.

“Qatar has persisted in detaining Bahraini fishing boats for long periods and prosecuting those on board, negatively impacting the livelihoods of citizens and in violation of the fishing profession that they inherited from their forefathers. Such provocative practices have deprived them of their livelihood and source of income,” it stated.

Qatar bears legal responsibility for all violations against Bahrain, it said, adding that it will take the steps it deems appropriate to protect the security and stability of the kingdom.



MWL Slams Israeli PM for Entering Occupied Palestinian Land During Settlement Visit

MWL Slams Israeli PM for Entering Occupied Palestinian Land During Settlement Visit
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MWL Slams Israeli PM for Entering Occupied Palestinian Land During Settlement Visit

MWL Slams Israeli PM for Entering Occupied Palestinian Land During Settlement Visit

The Muslim World League (MWL) strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent entry of occupied Palestinian land when he visited a settlement. It also condemned his provocative remarks about the Palestinian state.
These actions represent a continuation of the Israeli government’s policy of provocation and disregard for international legitimacy, as well as a deliberate effort to undermine prospects for ending the conflict and achieving lasting peace, said the MWL.
In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa called on all nations to take swift action to support the Palestinian people.

He emphasized the need to seize the historic opportunity to end the devastating Gaza conflict by implementing the two-state solution and establishing peace in the region.

This support aligns with the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, sponsored and chaired by Saudi Arabia in partnership with France.

It responds to the catastrophic situation in the Palestinian territories and the ongoing violations committed by an extremist Israeli government whose actions have dangerously escalated, posing a serious threat to the region and the international community, added Al-Issa.