New York / Information Office / March 09

The State of Qatar informed the UN Security Council and the UN Secretary-General of three air violations of Qatar's sovereignty committed by the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This came in a message by HE the Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Security Council president for March Karel van Oosterom.

The message said that a UAE military transport aircraft violated the airspace of Qatar on Sunday, 14 January. Another UAE C-130 military transport aircraft violated Qatari airspace on Sunday, 25 February. On Wednesday, 28 February, a Bahraini military aircraft entered into the exclusive economic zone of the State of Qatar.

It added that the aircraft was flying over Qatar's exclusive economic zone without prior diplomatic authorization from the authorities concerned in Qatar. An immediate flight order was issued for a warning aircraft cabin, prompting the Bahraini aircraft to leave the country's exclusive economic zone.

The message said that the continued air violations by the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain and their violations of Qatari sovereignty are serious breach and flagrant violations of international law. The State of Qatar warned against the continued attempts by the two countries to ignite incidents that would increase tension in the region and without regard to Qatar's security and stability.

The Government of the State of Qatar called upon the Security Council and the United Nations to take the necessary measures under the Charter of the United Nations to maintain international peace and security.

In conclusion, the message said that the Government of the State of Qatar affirms its commitment to exercise the highest degree of restraint, abide by the Charter of the United Nations and promote good-neighborly relations. It strongly condemns and rejects any breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reserves the full right to respond to any violations in line with its sovereign right, in accordance with the provisions of international law. It reaffirms that it will take the necessary measures to defend its borders, airspace and sea and its national security, in accordance with international laws and regulations.