Iran Refutes Kuwait’s Stance on Arash Field, Trio Islands
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson dismissed the “interfering” opinions of Kuwait about Iran’s three islands in the Persian Gulf and about the Arash oil and gas field, reminding the Arab state that one-sided claims would not entitle it to any right.
In a statement on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani brushed aside the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti emir’s visit to the United Arab Emirates regarding the three Iranian islands of the Lesser Tunb, the Greater Tunb and Abu Musa as well as Kuwait’s claim to the Arash gas field.
Kanaani rejected the interfering clauses of the Kuwaiti emir's statement, saying Iran has stressed times and again that the three islands -the Lesser Tunb, the Greater Tunb and Abu Musa- are integral and eternal parts of the Iranian soil.
He added that referring to the islands in the statement or repeated statements at other meetings have no political and legal value and are considered interference in Iran's internal affairs, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
The Islamic Republic of Iran never regards its territorial integrity as negotiable, the spokesman underlined.
As for the repetition of Kuwait's claim on the Arash field in that statement, Kanaani noted, “We have said many times that making unilateral claims in such statements does not create any rights for the claimant.”
He pointed to the previous talks between Iran and Kuwait, saying technical and legal negotiations are the best and most appropriate way to deal with the issue.
Based on its historical rights and records of bilateral negotiations with Kuwait, Iran is ready to continue talks with the Kuwaiti government over a framework that would entail respect for mutual interests, he added.
Tehran believes that a fair agreement on the Arash gas field can be reached only by creating a positive and constructive atmosphere and respecting the common rights and interests, the spokesman underscored.
