Bahrain awaits verdict on islands row with Qatar

Days before the International Court of Justice is expected to issue a verdict in the border dispute between Bahrain and Qatar speculation is rife that sovereignty over Hawar Islands and a large portion of the disputed islands will remain under Manama. The verdict is to be issued by The Hague-based ICJ on March 16.

Citing European diplomats, local English daily Bahrain Tribune said yesterday that "the ICJ judgement on the maritime delimitations and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar will confirm Bahrain's sovereignty over Hawar Islands and a large portion of the disputed islands on the basis of the country being an archipelago and Qatar's sovereignty over Zubarah.

Citing London-based Arabic daily Al Sharq Al Awsat, the daily said that the judgement would largely be in favour of Bahrain, with the Court recognising the historic legitimacy of the Al Khalifa rule over Hawar Islands.

According to Bahrain Tribune "diplomats who are well acquainted with the case had stated that the judgement would be based on the uti possidetis principle which was prominently highlighted by the Tunisian Counsel Fethi Kemicha during his oral pleadings for Bahrain last June. "The uti possidetis and the respect of the borders inherited from colonial powers are the framework of the judgement on the case," said the diplomat. The case between Bahrain and Qatar, initiated by Qatar on July 8, 1991, is the longest in the history of the court.

The ICJ hearing began on May 29 last year. Qatar presented its oral arguments on May 30 and 31 and on June 5 and June 6, while Bahrain submitted its arguments on June 8, 9, 13, 14 and 15. Qatar presented its arguments in the second round on June 20, 21 and 22 while Bahrain's arguments were presented on June 27, 28 and 29. One ad hoc judge each was appointed by both Bahrain and Qatar since the court did not include a judge from their countries.