Kuwait Ambassador to Iraq: Kuwait opposed to any discussion regarding Port Mubarak; Iraq Foreign Minster says port belongs to Kuwait, not Iraq

Mubarak Port Belongs To Kuwait, Not Iraq: Zebari
We Are Against Any Discussion Of Port: Al-Momen

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 21: Mubarak Port belongs to Kuwait and its construction will not have any effect on Iraq in the future, so the latter should not oppose the implementation of the project, reports Al-Jarida daily quoting Iraqi Foreign Affairs Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

It seems the Mubarak Port project remains the major point of contention between some personalities in Iraq and Kuwait as reflected in the interview of Zebari with Baghdad TV Thursday.

Zebari contended any act of objection to the project is tantamount to interference in the internal affairs of Kuwait and provocation of its citizens.

He pointed out it is wrong for anybody to insinuate that the project is within the Iraqi territory, clarifying he has not received any monetary inducement from Kuwait. He also revealed his plan to sue those who made such baseless allegations.

Reminding Iraqis that the GCC countries stood firm by Iraq during its war with Iran, Zebari asserted the dictatorial regime of the late Saddam Hussain would not have been removed if not for the assistance of Kuwait.

He said the compensation owed to Kuwait is a serious impediment to Iraq, disclosing the country is trying to close this file on time to dodge stipulations of Chapter Seven of the United Nations Security Council Charter imposed on Iraq after the entrance of its forces to Kuwait in 1990.

It can be recalled that Kuwait has insisted on keeping Iraq under this chapter, while creating justifications to foil any attempt by the Iraqi side to be excluded from it.

Meanwhile, Annahar daily has quoted Kuwaiti Ambas-sador to Iraq Ali Al-Momen as saying that Kuwait is totally against the proposed discussion on the construction of the port.

He stressed Kuwait will not accept requests for dialogue on the issue. He was quick to add though that clarifications by the Iraqi side are welcome, especially since law number 833, which governs the operation of Khour Abdullah between the countries for mutual benefit, remains in effect.

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