Latest news with #Iraq-Kuwait
Shafaq News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's judiciary shaken: Judges' resignation threatens elections
Shafaq News/ Iraq's judiciary is facing paralysis after the mass resignation of Federal Supreme Court judges deepened a constitutional crisis tied to the annulment of the Khor Abdullah maritime agreement with Kuwait—threatening the country's ability to certify elections and uphold legal continuity. The crisis erupted after nine judges, including all six permanent members, stepped down in protest over what insiders described as mounting political interference, casting doubt over the November 11 parliamentary elections, which cannot proceed without the court's formal ratification of results. 'The judiciary's ability to function is now in question,' a senior judicial official told Shafaq News, warning of broader repercussions across Iraq's legal and constitutional systems. Other insiders cited dissatisfaction with court administration as a contributing factor, further complicating efforts to stabilize the institution. Parliamentarian Amer Abduljabbar, head of the Al-Faw Zakho Gathering, criticized the government's role in the standoff, warning of external interference in the appeals submitted by the presidency and cabinet to reverse the court's ruling. 'It is deeply troubling that the President and Prime Minister are contesting a ruling issued by the court—not Parliament—despite their constitutional responsibilities,' Abduljabbar said, adding that 96 lawmakers have signed a petition urging the executive to withdraw its challenge. He further accused Kuwait of orchestrating diplomatic pressure through the Gulf Cooperation Council and Russia to undermine the decision. 'The timing and coordination raise serious concerns about foreign influence,' he noted. Basra-based organizations, including maritime unions and tribal leaders, issued a joint statement backing the judiciary. 'We reject any attempt to compromise Iraq's sovereignty over Khor Abdullah. The court must stand firm and fulfill its constitutional mandate,' the statement read. The Federal Supreme Court had ruled on September 4, 2023, that Law No. 42 of 2013—ratifying the Iraq-Kuwait maritime agreement—was unconstitutional for failing to secure a two-thirds parliamentary majority, as required under Article 61/4 of the Iraqi constitution. While the presidency and cabinet maintain that the agreement merely organized maritime navigation and did not alter borders, legal experts argue the ruling reinforced Iraq's jurisdiction beyond border marker 162 and reaffirmed the need for proper legislative procedures.
Arab Times
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Single GCC Tourist Visa by the End of This Year
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 3: The longstanding Iraq-Kuwait border dispute returned to the spotlight during a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, as the Council reiterated calls for Iraq to resolve key pending issues and respect international agreements. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi expressed optimism that a unified Gulf visa system could be finalized before the end of the year. However, much of the diplomatic focus centered on Iraq, with Kuwait's Foreign Minister and current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya, calling for tangible progress from Baghdad on the unresolved files of prisoners, missing persons, and seized Kuwaiti property. Speaking to the press following the ministerial session, Al-Yahya underscored the need for continued UN Security Council oversight, including the appointment of a senior coordinator to carry forward efforts following the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). 'The Council reaffirmed Iraq's obligation to respect Kuwait's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime borders under international resolutions,' Al-Yahya said. He noted the Council's firm rejection of any violation of Kuwaiti territory, including land, islands, highlands, and maritime areas. He further emphasized Kuwait's commitment to the outcomes of the 47th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on May 6, particularly concerning maritime border demarcation beyond Marker 162. Al-Yahya urged Iraq to honor existing agreements on maritime navigation in the strategically vital Khor Abdullah waterway. Kuwaiti-Syrian Relations Also in Focus In a separate diplomatic development, Foreign Minister Al-Yahya confirmed that recent talks between Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. The Amir reaffirmed Kuwait's support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity, Al-Yahya noted, adding that President Al-Shara met with members of the Syrian expatriate community and private sector representatives during his visit. Looking ahead, the foreign minister said additional meetings are expected between Syrian and Kuwaiti counterparts, both at the governmental and civil society levels. Regarding the potential reopening of Kuwait's embassy in Damascus, Al-Yahya stated that the process is underway, though the timeline is tied to Kuwait's internal administrative procedures and not related to any political considerations with Syria. He confirmed that the matter is progressing and expected to be finalized soon.
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
To the land of multiple flags ... Iraq will return to its senses ... We are patiently waiting
ANYONE observing the Iraqi media will notice the frequent media campaigns launched by mouthpieces that are known for their anti-Kuwaiti sentiments. The noise ebbs and flows from time to time, depending on the interests of those running them. At times, these campaigns are nothing more than baseless noise, while at other times, they aim to create false heroes through social media. Regardless of the motive, these campaigns harm Iraq and its people in the end. It is well known that since 2003, Iraq has become a land of multiple flags, each with its own financial and political sponsors. None of these flags truly represent Iraq. They are reminiscent of the Baath Party's attempt to monopolize the representation of Iraqis during its rule. Saddam Hussein was the dictator who dragged this once-great country through one hell after another. Then came the American occupation, leaving Iraqis vulnerable to the fangs of two monsters: terrorism and sectarian gangs. Despite this, there are still those who seek to turn back the clock. So, we say: If Saddam Hussein's reckless adventure, represented by the brutal invasion of Kuwait, has revived among some weak-minded individuals the desire to adopt the King Ghazi and later Abdul Karim Qasim's slogan that Kuwait was part of Iraq, then these people are only harming their own country. They should have realized on February 26, 1991, that adopting such an assertion brought nothing but great misfortune upon their people. I would like to assure those who still dream of realizing this illusion that they can never nullify international agreements, UN resolutions, or the Iraq-Kuwait border demarcation treaty. They seem unaware that all of these agreements fall under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, making them impossible to undo. These individuals should understand that the eternal relationship between the Kuwaiti and Iraqi peoples is far greater than the noise of their media campaigns. Kuwait has stood by Iraq at every stage, both government and people, even during the most difficult moments. Therefore, these voices will not harm Kuwait. It is true that the Iraqi government cannot curb the unbridled freedom of the media. I also emphasize that the official Iraqi decision has nothing to do with what is circulating on social media and in the media. However, at the same time, I affirm that no one can change a single letter in these relevant agreements. These individuals do not have the power to build a wall between Kuwait and Iraq, similar to what the United States did with Mexico or Israel with the West Bank and the Lebanese border. In Kuwait, we understand that these media outlets are controlled by those outside Iraq's borders who seek to achieve their dubious interests at the expense of the Iraqi people. Media propaganda will not alter the facts on the ground and will have no impact on Kuwait. The geographical reality will remain unchanged. This is what both the Iraqi presidents and prime ministers relied on in their appeal of the Federal Supreme Court's ruling, as they recognize that good neighborliness is one of the foundational principles of the new Iraqi state. Therefore, any attempt to revive the border issue between Iraq and Kuwait is a suspicious act that conceals malicious intentions, which certainly do not represent the Iraqi people. Unfortunately, and with great bitterness, we must acknowledge that some are trying to exploit this for regional interests aimed at undermining Iraqi national security, attempting to disrupt relations between Kuwait and Iraq, and divert attention from a matter that has been settled for a long time. Here, we must emphasize once again: The failed experience of the 'Qasr Al-Zohour' radio station, the propaganda of Abdul Karim Qasim, Saddam's Fedayeen, or the so-called Al-Quds Army, will not be repeated. So, we say, be patient, and may God be the most helpful. Anyone familiar with the nature of relations between Kuwait and Iraq during King Faisal's reign will understand the significance of Kuwait's immediate assistance to Iraq after its liberation from Saddam's Ba'athist regime. They will also realize that those beautiful cities on the Iraqi border near Kuwait were built with Kuwaiti funds to stimulate trade between the two countries. Moreover, they will realize that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and Al-Faw Port complement each other, and that Kuwait aims to transform the northern region into an integrated economic zone, including factories, commercial, and service institutions that will benefit Iraq more than Kuwait. On this basis, the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with all Kuwaiti rulers, sought to build strong relations based on cooperation between the two countries and peoples. Kuwait believes that stable economic security and extensive trade exchange are the paths to prosperity, not the propaganda and nonsense spread by those with sick minds or those who raise sectarian banners. Therefore, it is not in anyone's interest to allow these suspicious voices to continuously stir up uproar with justifications that have no connection to the truth. The danger of these mouthpieces lies in their ability to drown out the voice of reason and create openings for those with regional agendas to disturb the cordial relations between the two countries and peoples, while also sowing discord among Iraqis themselves. The rational people in these media arms, if they exist, should learn from the experiences in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. I urge them to always remember how Iran's boasting about occupying four Arab capitals ended. Soon, the people of Iraq will ask, 'Where have these mouthpieces gone?' I have avoided discussing this issue in the past and endured the pain of silence. But the uproar has reached a point where remaining silent is no longer an option. Perhaps, we will find rational voices who will tell these individuals 'Enough is enough'. They must wake up from their intoxication of stupidity and realize that the true loser from their actions is Iraq, not Kuwait. I hope they carefully read the memoirs of the Iraqi President and Prime Minister, as they encapsulate wisdom spoken at the right time and place.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq court takes up Kuwait sea border case
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Federal Supreme Court accepted a legal challenge against a Cabinet-approved maritime map, with the plaintiff alleging it amounts to a concession of Iraqi territorial waters to Kuwait, an MP announced. MP Saud Saadon Al-Saadi, a member of Iraq's Integrity Committee, said the Federal Supreme Court had accepted his appeal against Cabinet Decision No. 266. Filed under Article 93(3) of the constitution, the challenge claimed the decision contradicts previous binding court rulings and represents a serious breach of national sovereignty. Yesterday, Kuwaiti media reported that Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had filed separate appeals urging the court to reverse its 2023 ruling and reinstate the agreement. The 2023 ruling annulled Law No. 42 of 2013—legislation ratifying the Iraq-Kuwait agreement on the regulation of maritime navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway—on the grounds that it was not passed with the required two-thirds parliamentary majority, as stipulated in Article 61(4) of the Iraqi constitution. The bilateral maritime agreement, signed in 2013 and ratified in line with UN Security Council Resolution 833 (1993), was intended to finalize the demarcation of the Iraq-Kuwait maritime boundary following the 1990 Gulf War. It divided the Khor Abdullah waterway—located at the northern tip of the Arabian Gulf—between Iraq's Al-Faw Peninsula and Kuwait's Bubiyan and Warba islands, including key coordinates and navigation channels. Several Iraqi political figures accused former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and parliament of compromising Iraq's maritime access by dividing the waterway along a midline rather than the thalweg, or deepest navigable channel—a move they say weakens Iraq's control over its strategic ports.
Shafaq News
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
President Barzani at MSC2025: Meetings with European Commission President, Kuwait PM
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held two separate high-level meetings with the European Commission President and the Kuwaiti Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference (MSC2025). During his meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Barzani expressed appreciation for the European Union's continued support for the Kurdistan Region, with both sides emphasizing the importance of expanding cooperation between the EU, Iraq, and Kurdistan across various sectors. I am delighted to meet with President of the European Commission @vonderleyen in Munich. I expressed my appreciation to the EU and its member states' for their continued support to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. We discussed current challenges facing the Middle East, and ways to… — Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) February 14, 2025 The President later met with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, where they reaffirmed the deep historical ties between Kuwait and the Kurdistan Region and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. I am pleased to meet with Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait. We discussed regional developments and opportunities to strengthen Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's relations with Kuwait. — Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) February 14, 2025 According to a statement from Barzani's office, both leaders addressed Iraq-Kuwait relations, political dynamics in Iraq and Kurdistan, Erbil-Baghdad ties, and regional developments, including Syria. The discussions noted the importance of 'maintaining security and stability while ensuring that regional countries remain insulated from crises and tensions.' Regarding Syria, both leaders emphasized the necessity of securing stability, protecting the rights of all communities, and continuing the fight against terrorism, particularly the ongoing threat posed by ISIS.
